Nan is a native of the garden state and grew up in Southern New Jersey. She has a Bachelor’s of Science from Rutgers University School of Business and was a project coordinator at NFL Films for 11 seasons. Nan then pursued her passion for food, working as a chef and manager in Philadelphia area restaurants, shops, and caterers. 

Moving to the Johnstown area in 2017, she developed a love for the people as well as the natural beauty. Her love of food is something she loves to share. Nan believes that good, healthy food should not be an unattainable resource.

In her current position as Local Food Systems Coordinator, Nan is responsible for collaborating with food system partners and programs in Cambria County. This entails developing and implementing projects that focus on building strong vibrant food systems characterized by local food production and access to healthy foods for everyone.



In her free time, she can be found officiating softball games, cheering for Philadelphia sports teams, or simply enjoying the many festivals and events the region has to offer.

A team of Johnstown leaders and organizations has launched a new “Quality Affordable Housing Task Force”. The goal is to move forward on effective approaches to addressing the challenges of affordable housing in the context of persistent and concentrated poverty, blight, public safety and crime concerns, and the need for more market rate and workforce housing residents in the downtown and key neighborhoods.

The Conemaugh Health System, United Way of the Laurel Highlands, 1889 Foundation, and 1889 Jefferson Center for Population Health have finalized the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), a comprehensive plan which will provide a rich foundation for improving and promoting the health of each community in Cambria and Somerset counties.

The following Significant Health Needs were identified as priorities and action plans will be developed for these areas in collaboration with community partners, to focus efforts from 2022-2025:

1.    Mental/Behavioral Health

2.    Access to Social Determinant of Health

Needs/Healthcare

3.    Obesity/Healthy Living

4.    Substance Use

5.    Socioeconomics/Job Training

6.    Early Childhood

7.    Violence/Abuse/Safety

50 years ago, National Nutrition Month^® became an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. March is a time to learn more about developing healthy habits, like making informed food choices by eating healthy food and making a point to include physical activity into your daily routine.

The 2022 report includes a Food Environment Index Score, which includes access to healthy foods and food insecurity on a scale of 1 (worst) and 10 (best). Pennsylvania’s index score is 8.4 out of 10 and the United States’ score is 7.8 out of 10. Locally, Cambria County’s score is 7.6 out of 10 and Somerset County’s score is 8.0 out of 10.

Wellness Wednesdays brings resources to Johnstown Housing Authority communities

The 1889 Jefferson Center for Population Health (CPH) and the Cambria County Drug Coalition (CCDC) are joining forces to bring resource information to individuals living in the Johnstown Housing Authority communities with “Wellness Wednesdays”. 

Organizations are invited to attend these events to provide information on resources available to help address their health and human service needs.  

The events are open to the public.

If your organization would like to be a part of these new events, contact allison.byers@jefferson.edu.

Cambria and Somerset County housing resource list updated

A Housing Symposium was held in November 2021, as a forum for agencies to share information on housing assistance programs available in Cambria and Somerset Counties. As an outgrowth of that Symposium, Housing Resource Sheets were developed for social service agencies and individuals to navigate housing resources in our community. The documents have been updated with the most recent information provided by agencies. Please share with your agencies, coworkers and anyone else who could benefit from this information.