Meet Our Staff
Ryan Gill:
Ryan grew up in Northeast Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree from Penn State University and his masters degree from Wilkes University. With over two decades of teaching experience, Ryan has dedicated his working life to helping students learn and grow. Ryan now lives in State College with his wife, two children, his cat, Tofu and dog, Pepper Potts. In his free time, he loves being outdoors with his family and friends, tailgating at Penn State football games, camping, biking, skiing and playing guitar. Ryan is the fifth teacher/coordinator of the LifeLink PSU program, a role he is honored to have. His goal is to continue to teach, learn, and make a positive impact on his students' lives every day.
Peyton Stark:
Peyton was born and raised in State College. He attended both his undergrad and graduate school at Clarion University. Peyton has been part of the State College School District as an employee ever since he started out as a job coach in 2015. Peyton has loved becoming part of the LifeLink PSU Program as he gets to work with amazing students and staff that make each and every day special. When not teaching, Peyton enjoys watching movies, spending time with friends and family, and cheering on the Denver Nuggets.
Deb Becker:
Deb has lived in the State College area for almost 35 years. She moved to State College not long after college, where she met her husband. She has two sons who both now live in the Philadelphia area. Deb went to Shippensburg University where she earned a degree in Elementary Education. This is her seventh year working with the LifeLink program, her third year as a full time Special Ed. Para with the program. Her favorite part about LifeLink is seeing the students gain self confidence and independence throughout their time at LifeLink. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and spending time outdoors.
Dawn Foster:
Dawn has lived in State College for almost 40 years. She is in her ninth year working for SCASD as a Special Education Paraprofessional. She enjoys building connections with the students and helping them grow their sense of independence. Dawn lives in State College with her husband and five children, two dogs and two cats. She enjoys hiking, crocheting, reading and gardening, but would prefer to be walking in the waves of a beach!
Melissa Farrell Kauffman:Melissa has been with her wonderful husband Patrick for over 20 years. They have three amazing, grown children and three beautiful grandchildren. She has lived in Happy Valley all her life…”WE ARE”
Working in the SCASD as a Para Educator for 25 years and as the LifeLink Apartment supervisor for the past 10 years has been a pleasure. When she is not in the classroom or at the apartment, she often provides respite in her home for many students she has come to know and love. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her beautiful grandchildren, boating, traveling, hiking, baking, swimming, gardening, and walking her dog. She fills her days with fun and smiles by doing what she loves most: spending time with her family and friends and working at a job she couldn’t love more!
