The Center for Safe Schools employs a diverse and well-qualified staff to respond to the more than 250 requests for technical assistance it receives each month. Center staff have backgrounds in law, social services, and education. Staff conduct research, consult with national experts and receive training to remain current on issues related to school safety and violence prevention.

Center for Safe Schools Staff

Lynn Cromley, Director

Stephanie Acri, Coordinator
Stephanie has over 30 years experience in the education field which includes 18 years as a principal and administrator in public and private schools in Pennsylvania. Prior to her administrative positions, Stephanie worked as a teacher and librarian. Stephanie obtained her BS in Elementary Education/Library Science from Shippensburg University and her Masters in Educational Administration from Temple University.

Mary Dolan, Coordinator
Prior to joining the Safe Schools team in October 2001, Mary worked as a Pennsylvania public school counselor in grades K-12 with a special focus on dropout prevention and safe schools initiatives. Paired with practical perspective and expertise in comprehensive safe schools planning, Mary provides pertinent safe schools information and training to schools state-wide.  

Leah Galkowski, Coordinator
Leah is a graduate of Penn State University with a Bachelor Degree in Administration of Justice with a minor in Spanish. She was previously employed by the Department of Public Welfare in the Office of Children Youth and Families as a program specialist. Prior to that Leah held several positions within the York County Children & Youth Agency. She was an intake investigator, Emergency Services Supervisor and supervisor of a satellite office.

Michelle Gwinn, Coordinator
Michelle received her Bachelors Degree in English Education from Messiah College. She taught at the pre-kindergarten and elementary levels for four years in private schools before joining the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General as a Civil Rights Investigator. During her 10 years with the Attorney General's office, she provided technical assistance to schools and communities across the Commonwealth as they dealt with intergroup tensions and demographic change.

Lynda Long, MSW, Coordinator
Lynda has over 23 years experience in human services, with over 8 years of experience with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America national office in the program development division. She has also worked in the fields of child welfare, mental health/mental retardation and Head Start. Lynda obtained her BSW from Shippensburg University, and her MSW from Temple University.