Students and families from the Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 Early Intervention Program enjoyed a morning of fun, movement, and connection at the annual “Family Fun Day” at Wind Gap Park on May 29th.

Hosted in partnership with Team Northampton Special Olympics for more than 30 years, this beloved event celebrates inclusion through play and creates lasting memories for everyone involved.

Students at Freemansburg Elementary, Bethlehem Area SD, participated in the "Day in the Life" experience, a collaborative effort between CIU 20 and Freemansburg staff designed to foster understanding, empathy, and inclusion.

Through hands-on stations focused on sensory processing, communication, vision, and adapted physical education, students had the opportunity to learn more about the many ways people experience the world around them.

We're proud of all the students and staff for embracing the activities with open minds and open hearts. Experiences like these help build a stronger, more inclusive school community where everyone belongs.

Special thanks are extended to the CIU 20 teachers and service providers, as well as the Freemansburg Elementary staff, for their collaboration and dedication in making this impactful day possible.

Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 proudly congratulates the Class of 2026 for their perseverance, resilience, and determination. Recognition ceremonies were held to celebrate the accomplishments of young adults graduating from various CIU 20 programs and initiatives. The following are highlights from these special celebrations.

On May 28, graduating students from special education classrooms in Northampton and Monroe counties were honored for their achievements during a recognition ceremony held at Colonial Academy in Wind Gap.

Graduates also had the opportunity to participate in commencement ceremonies within their home school districts.

Ms. Kasey Kinney, Director of Special Education; Dr. Jackie Bartek, Assistant to the Executive Director for Student Services; and Dr. Christopher Wolfel, Executive Director, presided over the ceremony.

Each graduate received a certificate of participation from CIU 20, and representatives from all ten school districts were present to award district diplomas.

In early June, Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 proudly celebrated the accomplishments of students who completed their Project SEARCH internships at Kalahari Resort in the Poconos and Wind Creek Bethlehem. CIU 20 is committed to preparing students for life beyond high school, and Project SEARCH plays a vital role in that mission.

Kalahari Resort (Poconos) Graduates

Wind Creek (Bethlehem) Graduates

Project SEARCH is a one-year immersive training program designed for young adults with disabilities. It provides students with hands-on work experiences, real-world skill-building opportunities, and the support they need to pursue competitive employment within their communities. Congratulations to our Project SEARCH graduates as they take the next steps toward independence and meaningful employment.

L to R: Dr. Chris Wolfel, CIU 20 Executive Director; Mr. Ross Szabo, Keynote Speaker, Dr. Michelle Bozzini, CIU 20 Director of Professional Learning & Curriculum; Dr. Carrie Rowe, PA Secretary of Education.

The annual CIU 20 Summer Administrative Workshop (SAW) was held on June 18, 2026 on the campus of Northampton Community College in Bethlehem. This year's theme was "Amplifying Our Voice: Elevating the Stories that Shape our Schools" and marked the 52nd year of CIU 20 providing an annual large-scale regional professional development event that features a mix of national and regional presenters.

The opening keynote was Ross Szabo, an award-winning speaker, author, and mental health advocate who has spent more than two decades helping schools, organizations, and communities build healthier conversations around mental wellness.

Dr. Carrie Rowe, Pennsylvania's Secretary of Education, provided the mid-day keynote address.

Principal Panel (L to R): Jessica Diana, Assistant Principal, Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts; Daniel Gonzalez, Principal, Easton Area School District; Tim McCutchan, Principal, Pleasant Valley School District; Jennifer Moriarty, Principal, Delaware Valley School District; Dr. Todd VanNortwick, CIU 20 Supervisor of Professional Learning and Auxiliary Services 

Creating a Supportive Learning Environment for Youth with Challenging Behaviors. Facilitated by: Candice Charlton Bjorheim, MS, BCBA, LBS Resolve Management Assistant for Behavioral Consultation; Courtney Fenner, M.A., M.S. Professional Learning, Training and Consulting Staff

The day featured breakout sessions with strands and topics geared toward various types of administrative roles. The SAW Planning Committee is led by Dr. Michelle Bozzini, CIU 20 Director of Professional Learning & Curriculum, and is comprised of regional administrators. Ms. Tracy Piazza, Superintendent, Easton Area SD, served as this year's Committee Chair.

Thanks to the following sponsors for supporting the conference and keeping the registration costs low for our member districts: McClure Company, Fraser, Renaissance, King Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul LLC, College Board, GHR Education, EDULINK, American Fidelity, IXL Learning, Dex and Co, Imagine Learning, LinkIt!, Innovamat, and Heggerty.

The CIU 20 leadership team expresses sincere appreciation to the dedicated staff members who retired this year. Their work has left a meaningful and lasting impact on the students, families, and colleagues they served throughout their careers. We are truly grateful for their commitment and professionalism, and we wish them all the very best as they begin this next chapter.

Julianne Anglestein, Associate Teacher, 18 years at IU, 18 years total

Laura Biddulph, Physical Therapist Assistant, 20 years at IU, 20 years total

Sherry Casella, Secretary, 20 years at IU, 20 years total

Karen Castaldo, Associate Teacher, 28 years at IU, 28 years total

Donna Corkins, Secretary, 20 years at IU, 20 years total

Christine Cunningham, Associate Teacher, 3 years at IU, 3 years total

Ken Diefenderfer, Custodian, 25 years at IU, 25 years total

Connie Fogge, Associate Teacher, 25 years at IU, 25 years total

Anthony Francomacaro, Mechanic, 3 years at IU, 3 years total

Sandra Gerencher, Teacher, 18 years at IU, 21 years total

Melonie Giacoletto, Monitor, 13 years at IU, 20 years total

Randy Gold, Van Driver, 2 years at IU, 2 years total

Lenore Groller, Associate Teacher, 6 years at IU, 13 years total

Randy Herzon, Mental Health Treatment Specialist, 20 years at IU, 20 years total

Suzanne Holup, Associate Teacher, 14 years at IU, 14 years total

Ann Marie Kinney, Teacher, 11 years at IU, 23 years total

Kelly Krauss, Teacher, 34 years at IU, 34 years total

Stefan Krywonis, Monitor, 6 years at IU, 6 years total

Bonnie Kutzera, Associate Teacher, 28 years at IU, 28 years total

Suzanne Maguire, Monitor, 23 years at IU, 23 years total

Colleen Marvin, COTA, 23 years at IU, 23 years total

Susanne McDevitt, Van Driver, 6 years at IU, 6 years total

Jean Morgano, Psychologist, 22 years at IU, 22 years total

Roberta Ohl, Mental Health Worker, 27 years at IU, 27 years total

Patricia Pollick, Associate Teacher, 9 years at IU, 18 years total

Debra Pysher, Mental Health Treatment Specialist, 28 years at IU, 28 years total

Christal Reinsmith, Monitor, 11 years at IU, 12 years total

Elaine Souders, Van Driver, 39 years at IU, 39 years total

Donna Stamets, Monitor, 21 years at IU, 21 years total

Michele Stem, Associate Teacher, 23 years at IU, 23 years total

Michelle Strohl, Bus Driver, 29 years at IU, 29 years total

Sharon Thourot, Teacher, 1 year at IU, 12 years total

Robert Torres, Assoc. Specialist/Sign Language Interpreter, 20 years at IU, 20 years total

Louise Vacaro, COTA, 16 years at IU, 16 years total

Daniel Welker, Associate Teacher, 3 years at IU, 3 years total

Donna Whitman, Transition Coach, 25 years at IU, 25 years total

Candy Wingate, Teacher, 25 years at IU, 25 years total