Paul J. Garchar, Jr. - Executive Director

Education:   

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work
Youngstown State University 1988

Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology
Youngstown State University 1989

Master’s Degree in Health & Human Services Administration YSU 1999

Licensure:

Licensed Social Worker in the State of Ohio

Biography:

Paul has been the Executive Director of Potential Development Program since January 2001.  Paul’s previous work experience includes the Easter Seal Society, Alzheimer’s Association and Help Hotline Crisis Center.

While with the Potential Development Program, Paul has been instrumental in expanding the preschool program to a full day program, establishing a partnership with the MYCAP Head Start program and establishing a non public chartered school for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Paul is an active member of the Youngstown Rotary, Family and Children First Councils (Mahoning and Trumbull), United Way Directors Association and the Association for Fundraising Professionals.

Paul is married to Gina Marie and they reside in Struthers with their four children.
 

Melissa Jupp - Service Coordinator

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work
Youngstown State University 2002

Licensure:

Licensed Social Worker in the State of Ohio

Biography:

Melissa has been the social worker at the Potential Development Program since July 2004, where she is responsible for parent education and support services. Melissa's previous work experience includes Mahoning County Children Services and Easter Seals of Mahoning County.

Melissa is a member of the Downtown Kiwanis.

Melissa is married to Bill and they reside in Boardman with their daughter.
 

Lynn M. Robinson - Project Coordinator

Education:

Master of Science in Education Administration
Youngstown State University 2002

Master of Science in Early Childhood Special Education
Youngstown State University 2000

Bachelor of Science in Pre-Kindergarten Education
Youngstown State University 1998

Associate of Science in Pre-Kindergarten Education
Youngstown State University 1996

Licensure:

Teaching Pre-Kindergarten Education

Elementary Principalship

Education Administration

Biography:

Lynn has been the Program Coordinator at the Potential Development Program since September 2005, where she is responsible for the operation of the special needs preschool. Lynn's, previous work experience includes Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership, Head Start as the Disabilities Manager. Her teaching experience includes Trumbull Community Action Program, Head Start and Trumbull County Educational Service Center Public Preschool.

Lynn is married to Philip and they reside in Weathersfield Township with their son and daughter.
 

Marilyn Fielding - Special Education Coordinator

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Special Education
Youngstown State University

Masters Degree in Special Education
Youngstown State University

Licensure:

Certified Special Education K-12
Certified Elementary Education 1-8
Certified Early Childhood

Biography:

Marilyn has worked at Potential Development since October 1990. First as a lead teacher and more recently as Special Education Coordinator where she is responsible for curriculum and programming for the School for Autism. Marilyn's previous work experience includes Leonard Kirtz School and Youngstown City Schools.

Marilyn is a member of the Autism Society. Marilyn is married to Ben. They have three grown children and six grandchildren. They reside in Brookfield.
 

Carole Prokop - Bookkeeper

Education:

30 Years experience in accounting

Associates Degree in Graphic Design
Pittsburgh Art Institute

Licensure:

Biography:

Carole has been with Potential Development Program for 10 years. She is responsible for payroll, A/P, A/R, billing, general ledger and non-profit operations.

Carole is a member of ASPCA of America and volunteers with humane societies helping stray and abused animals.

She is married with two grown children residing in Boardman.