Management Team
Michelle Reefer
Chief Executive Officer
L. Michelle Reefer joined the PWAC team in July 2015 when she was appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer, the position that she maintains today. Prior to her tenure at PWAC, Michelle spent 30 years working in social services in areas that include mental health, juvenile offenders, autism services, and ID services. She has overseen residential and case management programs in New York and Pennsylvania and is well versed in the regulations that guide our programs. Since Michelle’s appointment as CEO, PWAC has added two programs: Small Group Employment in 2016 and the Adult Achievement Center in 2017. The number of staff has more than doubled and the number of clients and employees served has grown substantially.
Michelle obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Thiel College in Greenville, PA and a Master of Arts degree in Special Education from Seton Hill University in Greensburg, PA.
Michelle currently volunteers as a member of the Alumni Board of Directors at her alma mater, Thiel College. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, walking, playing with her three Goldendoodle dogs, Apollo, Jack, and Dutch, and spending time with her husband, Mike, and their blended family of nine children (Luke, Eli, Hannah, Greta, Jeremiah, Jim, Josh, Lexi, and Logan), and four grandchildren (Tinsley, Calliope, Kassia, and Connor).
“I feel blessed to lead the PWAC team!” said Michelle. “Each day is a new adventure and chance to serve. Teamwork makes the dream work!”
Kim Smith
Chief Fiscal Officer
Kim Smith joined the PWAC team in March 2015 as the Fiscal Officer. She was then promoted to the position of Chief Fiscal Officer in 2019. In this role, Kim provides financial management to all aspects of the organization, including processing all staff and employee payroll, accounts payable and receivable, financial statements, financial reporting, and more. Prior to her work at PWAC, Kim obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and then went on to serve as a staff accountant for nearly 10 years.
“I truly enjoy that each day at PWAC is different than the last and that the employees have a natural ability to cheer you up when you are having a bad day,” said Kim.
In her free time, Kim enjoys camping in Erie with her husband, Shawn, and their children, Tori and Dakota. She also enjoys jazzercising with her “jazzgirls”, boating, playing cards and reading.
Jennifer Goughler
Vice President of Administration and Development
Jenn Goughler joined the PWAC team in August 2017 as the Director of Administration and Development. She was promoted to the position of Vice President of Administration and Development in May 2019. Jenn came to PWAC with more than 20 years of experience working with individuals who have been diagnosed with disabilities.
In 2000, Jenn obtained a certification as a Medication Administration Trainer and, in 2017, became a Pennsylvania State Certified Investigator.
“I’ve always known that I wanted to work in this field. From the time that I was a child, I have watched my mom and stepdad work with individuals who have been diagnosed with disabilities and I have always felt strongly about making sure that those individuals are given the same opportunities, able to have the same experiences, and share in the same happy moments that we all experience. I also feel very passionately because I have members of my family who have been diagnosed with disabilities.”
In her free time, Jenn enjoys spending time with her husband, Bogie, and their children, Jacklynn, Brenden, and Alexis. Jenn also enjoys shopping, especially on Black Friday, and likes going to yard sales and on vacation.
Bogie Goughler
Vice President of Production and Community Based Services
Bogie Goughler joined the PWAC team in February 2018 as the Director of Community Based Services. He was then promoted to the position of Vice President of Production and Community Based Services in July 2019. In this role, Bogie connects businesses with PWAC’s services to find employment positions for our individuals with disability out in the community. Bogie came to PWAC with more than 20 years of experience as a supervisor working with individuals diagnosed with disabilities.
“I truly love what I do for a living. To know that I am making a difference in so many peoples’ lives is such a special feeling. I love to see the smile on our employees' faces when they open their paycheck and know that I had something to do with it. We have a great team here at PWAC and that makes it easier to get up in the mornings to come to work. I know that even if I am not having the best of days, they will be there to pick me up. Always remember, teamwork makes the dreamwork!”
In his free time, Bogie has volunteered his time coaching his son’s baseball team and supporting the Relay for Life. Bogie is an avid golfer, hunter and fisherman. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Jennifer, and their children, Jacklynn, Brenden, and Alexis.
Kim Savoie
Vice President for Programs and Compliance
Kim C. Savoie joined the PWAC team in August 2016 when she accepted the position of Vice President of Programs and Compliance, the position that she maintains today. In this role, Kim ensures that all aspects of programming are implemented according to regulations and to the benefit of those we serve. Kim personally meets with all individuals and families prior to enrollment at PWAC to ensure a successful fit.
Prior to her tenure at PWAC, Kim spent nearly 40 years working with individuals who have been diagnosed with a developmental disability or a dual diagnosis (ID and Mental Health). Kim provided direct care in Group Homes and Vocational Programs. She then went on to assume a management role in 1988 and has experience in Massachusetts, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. She enjoys leading teams in successful ventures that promote the improvement of individuals’ quality of life.
“Life itself cannot give you joy, unless you really will it. Life just gives you time and space-it’s up to you to fill it,” believes Kim.
In her free time, Kim enjoys spending time with her husband, Andre’ and their children, Zachary, Ryan and Shannon. She enjoys planting flowers and canoe floating in the summer, cooking, baking, and watching Steelers’ football.
Kim Leone
Director of Benefits and Finance
Kim Leone joined the PWAC team in October 2018 as the Administrative Assistant. Over time and after a number of advancements, Kim was promoted to the position of Director of Administration in March 2020. Her title was changed to Director of Benefits and Finance in 2022. In this position, Kim provides oversight to the van drivers and aides. She assists the VP of Administration and Development with staff training activities, orientation and HR duties, and she assists the CFO with invoicing, verifying payroll for employees and accounts payable/receivable. Prior to her work at PWAC, Kim obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech and Hearing Science from Thiel College. She then went on to work for Highmark for nearly 25 years.
Kim lives by the following thought, “I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do,” Hellen Keller.
In her free time, Kim volunteers in the Special Education CCD at Most Holy Name Church. She also enjoys spending time with her husband, Rob, and her nieces and nephews. Kim also enjoys reading and watching true crime stories.
Christin Pierce
Director of Community Based Services
Christin Pierce joined the PWAC team in November 2017 as the Manager of Small Group Employment. She was then promoted to the position of Director of Community Based Services in July 2019. In this role, Christin supervises all Small Group Employment staff and employees, works with the VP of Production and Community Based Services to locate work for Small Group Employment, volunteer opportunities/integrated community activities for the Community Participation Support program, and ensures that staffing patterns/ratios are adhered to for all Community Based Services.
Christin came to the PWAC team with more than 15 years of experience in working with individuals who have been diagnosed with an intellectual or developmental disability. In 2008, Christin obtained a certification as a Medication Administration Trainer and, in 2012, became a Pennsylvania State Certified Investigator.
Christin’s philosophy for life is, “Every cloud has a silver lining.”
In her free time, Christin enjoys spending time with her husband, Joe and their daughters, Haylee and Laykin. Together the family enjoys attending concerts, spending time at the pool, sitting around a campfire and having family/friend game nights.
Jennifer Wingard
Director of Compliance
Jen Wingard joined the PWAC team in December 2023 as the Director of Compliance. She works closely with Kim Savoie, Vice President for Programs and Compliance, to ensure that our programs comply with all state regulations for the benefit and safety of the individuals we serve.
Jen earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and a minor in sociology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. In the past, Jen has worked in mental health, worked with families involved with Child and Youth Services and/or the Juvenile Probation Office, and most recently worked with survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
In her free time, Jen enjoys traveling, watching her son play sports, and hanging out with her family and friends. She is married to her husband, Bill, and they have two children: Maddie and Cole.
When asked what she likes about working for PWAC, she said, “I enjoy that each day is a little different and that everyone always has a smile on their face. It is great to be part of something that is fostering inclusive work environments and making positive impacts. I value the opportunity to contribute to the empowerment and growth of individuals with disabilities.”
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Bob Reesman
Director of Operations
Robert (Bob) E. Reesman joined the PWAC team in March 2011 as a Laborer. After many years and several advancements, Bob was promoted to the position of Director of Operations in July 2019. Prior to joining the PWAC team, Bob earned an Associate degree in Diesel Technology from Rosedale Technical College. He then went on to work for Eljer for more than 30 years, until the plant’s closure.
In his free time, Bob enjoys spending time with his three children and three grandchildren. Bob also enjoys being outdoors, hunting and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Pam Cromie
Director of the Adult Achievement Center - Kittanning
Pam Cromie joined the PWAC team in December 2018 as the Director of the Adult Achievement Center in Kittanning. In this role, Pam provides direct oversight to the staff and activities at AAC Kittanning. Pam came to PWAC with more than 15 years of experience working with individuals who have been diagnosed with disabilities.
In 2015, Pam obtained a certification as a Medication Administration Trainer.
Pam lives by the following thought: “God grant me the SERENITY to accept the things I cannot change, the COURAGE to change the things I can and the WISDOM to know the difference.”
In her free time, Pam enjoys spending time with her children and attending their sporting events. In the summer, she and her family enjoy biking and fishing.
Maria Emili
Director/Program Specialist of the
Adult Achievement Center - Leechburg
Maria joined the PWAC team in April 2024 as the Director and Program Specialist of the Adult Achievement Center in Leechburg. In this role, Maria oversees the staff, activities, and program operation of AAC Leechburg.
Maria previously worked for more than twenty years in the service industry in a variety of positions, but most recently, she was Director of Dining Services for a senior living facility with more than 250 clients. She has previously served as many as 500.
Maria loves to cook and frequently prepares meals for her friends and family. When she’s not cooking, she can be found singing with her band, The Knockoffs, in the New Kensington/Apollo/Oakmont area.
When asked what she likes about working for PWAC, she said, “I love helping people and seeing them thrive. I love to bring my own talents to the table to teach new and enriching skills.”
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