As we mature into our seventh year, we are excited to expand our board of directors and are grateful for this group of leaders' willing volunteerism.
Their experiences, devotion to caring for vulnerable children, and passion for non-profit work and serving their community will help us continue making a difference in this arena.
As educators and business experts, foster and adoptive advocates, non-profit, financial, and ministry professionals, we trust their guidance as we continue to passionately pursue our mission.
David Tanney | Board President
A graduate of Penn State University and an Edward Jones financial advisor, it is important to David to invest time in understanding the goals and dreams of the individuals and families he is working with. Whether planning for retirement, saving for college for children or grandchildren, or just trying to protect the financial future of the ones you care for the most, he is focused on working together to develop specific strategies to help his clients achieve their goals.
As a retired US Marine and former Recon Marine, he served in Okinawa, Japan, and deployed for two years in the Asian Pacific. David was fortunate enough to be selected for Army Ranger School where he met some of the most talented individuals of his life. After five years, David finished his enlistment and returned home. As a financial advisor, he is very passionate about serving veterans and their families for the sacrifices that they have made.
When he is not working, you might find David pursuing his passions for running, scuba diving, classic cars, visiting family, and attending Penn State football games.
Knowing the importance of a stable, safe place to call home, David is honored to serve on the board of directors for Dwell, and do his part to bring hope and healing to kids that come from hard places and to the families that love them.
Emilie Ertel | Board Vice President
Emilie is a dedicated professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management from Misericordia University. In 2009, she earned her MBA, showcasing her commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Emilie is the Business Manager of McCormick Law Firm, where she has worked for over ten years.
A Williamsport native, Emilie enjoys giving back to the community that raised her. She is involved in various organizations, including Dwell, the West Branch Human Resource Society where she serves as the Vice President of Membership, and the Williamsport Women’s Tennis League board. Emilie was involved with Leadership Lycoming for many years, coordinating community projects and volunteer opportunities. Emilie also has a passion for teaching children through sports. She has coached soccer at various levels for over a decade.
Emilie resides in Williamsport with her husband and daughter. She brings a unique blend of skills and passion for the cause to her role as a member of the Dwell board.
Sam Ryder | Board Treasurer
Sam is a Business Banker with First National Bank. In this role, Sam manages a portfolio of existing client relationships and works to develop new business opportunities throughout the Susquehanna Valley.
Sam is a graduate of Shippensburg University where he earned a degree in Business Management. He went on to complete his MBA at Pennsylvania State University. Sam is a graduate and current board member of Leadership Susquehanna Valley . He is active in his church, Lewisburg Alliance Church, serving as small group leader, volunteer and past elder. He was treasurer of the board of directors for Susquehanna Valley CASA – Voices for Children for nine years. He serves as a board member for the Susquehanna Valley chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He is also an adjunct professor and a member of the business advisory committee at the Pennsylvania College of Technology. Sam is passionate about financial literacy and serves as a volunteer for Pennsylvania Council on Financial Literacy and as a facilitator of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University.
Sam will celebrate his 25th wedding anniversary with his wife, Sharon this year. They are the parents to Bryce (college freshman) and Brady (high school sophomore). In his spare time Sam runs marathons and plays golf (poorly).
Dr. Raphael Mnkandhla, PhD | Board Member
Since 2015 Raphael has served as the Lead pastor of City Church in Williamsport. He was born and raised in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Prior to replanting City Church he served as the Youth and Associate Pastor at City Chapel in Grand Prairie, TX, Youth Pastor at Fellowship of Joy in Grand Prairie, TX, a missionary with YWAM in several countries, and Student Evangelist with Scripture Union Zimbabwe. He received a B.A. in Church Ministries from Southwestern Assemblies of God University, a Masters in Theological and Biblical Studies from Criswell College and a Ph.D in Ministry at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. His passion is to inspire and motivate gospel change that affects every sphere of life.
Raphael is married to Heidi, and together they raise their 6 children; four sons, Judah, Cooper, Liam, and DeJahn, and two daughters Ellie and Aliyah. Having fostered and adopted three of their children, Raphael has been a champion for the cause of orphans and children in foster care for countless years.
Ang Ward | Board Secretary
Angela Ward has been a dedicated member of the Williamsport community for 18 years, bringing leadership and a passion for service to both her professional and volunteer endeavors.
She is the Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager at Jersey Shore State Bank’s Loyalsock office. With over 21 years of experience in the banking industry—11 of which have been at Jersey Shore State Bank—she has built a strong foundation in financial services, leadership, and community engagement.
Beyond her career, Angela is deeply involved in community service. She has volunteered with youth sports programs, local church groups, and various nonprofits, dedicating her time and leadership to causes that support families and strengthen the community. She is also active in her church, serving as the Hospitality Leader at Common Places Church in Newberry.
Angela is the proud mother of her daughter, Ciara, who serves in the Army National Guard. She also enjoys spending time with her French bulldog, Willow.
Whether through her career, volunteer efforts, or family, Angela is committed to making a positive impact on those around her.
LaTricia Scutching I Board Member
LaTricia is a graduate of Pennsylvania College of Technology where she received her B.S. in Human Services with a Minor in Psychology.
In addition to serving on the Dwell board, LaTricia is also a board member for Lycoming County United Way and an active member of the Junior League of Williamsport.
When asked why she wanted to join the Dwell family as a board member, LaTricia shared, “Well, my favorite song Beyoncé has written is “I Was Here”. Her lyrics state “I just want them to know, that I gave my all, did my best, brought someone some happiness, left this world a little better just because, I was here”. Whenever I dedicate myself to something or someone, I am full-heartedly committed. My mission in life is to help others help themselves. I want to be a part of the solution, whatever that may be.”
Lisa Cramer | Board Member
A transplant from Baltimore, Lisa has lived in Williamsport with her husband, Matthew, and three children, Ben, Jon, and Madison, since 2000.
Lisa is a First United Methodist Church member and attends BSF in Montoursville. She earned a degree in PR and Advertising from Flagler College. Lisa has been a member of the Williamsport Junior League, sat on the advisory board of Diakon Family Life Services, served on the board of the Williamsport Education Foundation, ran admissions, and was president of West Branch School in Newberry.
When not volunteering at the Hillman Cancer Center’s infusion center, Lisa enjoys traveling with her family and crafting.