Alumni News
Whether they've continued on in the field of television or video, or gone on to other things in the communications field, here's a place to see where the alumni of the PTHS Media program have gone and what they are up to...
If you are (or know of someone who is) an alumnus of the program, please e-mail us with an update of what you're up to, work that you've done, accomplishments, let us know if we can publish your info & e-mail, etc.
Jessica Cline (2006)
Promotions Manager, NewsRadio 1020 KDKA. Graduated from Muskingum College with a BA in Journalism.
Jessica's LinkedIn Page
Kyle Blackman (2006)
Has worked as a camera loader and utility on various TV series and motion pictures, including "Pan Am", "The Beautfiul Life: TBL", "Royal Pains", "Damages", "Mercy", "Step-Up 3D", and "Mr. Popper's Penguins". Graduated from Full Sail University. (2006 Sy Lerner Award Winner)
Kyle's IMDb Page
Ryan Boni (1992)
Public Access Director, Peters Township Community Television. Freelance camera operator for Pittsburgh Pirate baseball games, Pittsburgh Penguins hockey games, high school football and many other sports, corporate and music productions. Has worked for MSG, MASN, CSN, WGN, SportsNet LA, NFL Network, ESPN, MLB Network, TSN, CBC, Fox Sports 1, SPEED Channel, all of the local stations, and many others. Graduated from Robert Morris College with a degree in Communication Management.
Ryan's LinkedIn Page
Emily Ann Brandstetter (2007)
Script Coordinator, TV Land/BET/Nick@Nite. Graduated from Syracuse University majoring in Television Radio Film. (2007 Sy Lerner Award Winner)
Emily's LinkedIn Page
Stephen Brooks (2004)
Producer/Editor, Sherer Video Productions in Pittsburgh. Graduated with a B.A. in Mass Communications from Calvin College.
Stephen's LinkedIn Page
Grant Burkhardt (2008)
Podcast Host & Producer, "The Middle". Graduated with a BS in Broadcast Journalism from Ohio University.
Grant's LinkedIn Page
Colleen Cavolo (2010)
Freelance Editor and Sound Designer, currently working for Yummy Plants Community. Graduated with a B.A. in Cinema and Digital Arts from Point Park University.
Colleen's LinkedIn Page
Melissa Clawges (2011)
Corporate Communications Assistant at United Talent Agency in Los Angeles, CA . Graduated with a B.S. in TV-Radio-Film/Marketing Management from Syracuse University.
Melissa's LinkedIn Page
Alecia Connlain (2003)
Director of Marketing, The Renfrew Center in Philadelphia. Graduated from Towson University. (2003 Sy Lerner Award Winner)
Alecia's LinkedIn Page
Kevin Corrigan (2011)
Projection Assistant and Videographer, Redford Photography. Graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Video Production from Ohio University. (2011 Sy Lerner Award Winner)
Kevin's LinkedIn Page
Alexis Costa (2002)
Global Media Manager, Fossil Group, Inc. in Dallas. Graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Advertising and Psychology from Syracuse University.
Alexis's LinkedIn Page
Jill DiBiase (2004)
Editor at Utopic in Chicago. Jill has edited numerous shorts and two feature-length films, "Close Quarters" and "Open Tables". Graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a degree in Film and Video: Editing. (2004 Sy Lerner Award Winner)
Jill's LinkedIn Page
Jill's web page
Jill's IMDb Page
Nicole Ducouer (1999)
Morning Anchor at WXII 12 News in Greensboro, North Carolina. Nicole was a reporter for 3 years at WDTV, before becoming a reporter at WXII in 2006 (she was promoted to morning anchor in 2007.) Graduated from West Viriginia University with a degree in Journalism.
Nicole's LinkedIn Page
Nicole's profile on WXII's web page
Matt Earley (2003)
Senior Account Manager, Saatchi & Saatchi X in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Graduated with a BA in Corporate Communications from Robert Morris University.
Matt's LinkedIn Page
Alexandra Egan (2008)
Account Executive, KDKA-TV. Graduated from John Carroll University with a degree in Communications.
Alexandra's LinkedIn Page
Elizabeth Egan (2011)
Social Media Coordinator, Dick's Sporting Goods. Graduated from John Carroll University with a BA in Communication and Media Studies.
Elizabeth's LinkedIn Page
Kelly Eltschlager (2004)
Sr Analyst, Finance & Strategic Planning, Pop Media Group in Los Angeles. Has also worked in the finance departments of Different Drummer, CBS Films, and Summit Entertainment. Graduated with a BA in Communication: Electronic Media & Journalism from Waynesburg University. (2004 Sy Lerner Award Winner)
Kelly's LinkedIn Page
Kaleigh Fitzgerald (2010)
Office Production Assistant, Legendary Pictures for the pilot "Downward Dog". Kaleigh has been a PA or Office Production Assistant for episodes of "Hoarders" (Lifetime), "Banshee" (HBO), "American Ninja Warrior" (NBC), "Godfather of Pittsburgh" (A&E), "Undercover Boss" (CBS), and was an Office Production Assistant on the feature film "Love the Coopers". Graduated from Point Park University with a BA in Cinema Digital Arts and Screenwriting.
Kaleigh's LinkedIn Page
Hannah Foster (2014)
Production Assistant, Upper Cut Studios, Supply and Demand and Phenomenon Post. Attending the University of Pittsburgh for Communication and Media Studies (anticipated graduation in 2018). (2014 Sy Lerner Award Winner)
Hannah's LinkedIn Page
Keith Froelich (1998)
Video Media Teacher, Upper St. Clair High School. Graduated from Ohio University with degrees in Video Production and Language Arts Education. (1998 Sy Lerner Award Winner)
Keith's page on the USC web site
Christopher Galiszewski (2004)
Digital Content Manager, Hickory Daily Record (Hickory, NC), Staff Writer, profootballspot.com and Contributing Writer, Pittsburgh Sports Report. Graduated with a BA in Journalism from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Chris's LinkedIn Page
Shalynn Betza (2010)
Account Executive, Froggy 104.3 & Pickle 92.1. Graduated from Clarion University with a degree in UGRD Arts & Sciences, Communication: Broadcasting BS. (2010 Sy Lerner Award Winner)
Shalynn's LinkedIn Page
Ben Glicksman (2007)
Assistant Producer, Sports Illustrated. Graduated from Northwest University with a BS in Journalism, Psychology, and Integrated Marketing Communications.
Ben's LinkedIn Page
Rob Griffith (2008)
Creative Director, Fulcrum Pittsburgh, LLC . Graduated with a BA in Communications/Electronic Media from Waynesburg University.
Rob's LinkedIn Page
Brittany Grzejka (2011)
Promotions Assistant, CBS Radio in Pittsburgh. Also film editor and editing intern, The Hunter Group. Graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Cinematography and Film/Video Production from Penn State University.
Brittany's LinkedIn Page
Julie (Hartz) Winch (2005)
Social Media Director, Emory University in Atlanta. Was previously Assignment Editor/Producer at CNN Wire Affiliate Services and at CNN Newsource. Graduated with a BS in Broadcast Journalism from Ohio University.
Julie's LinkedIn Page
Andy Hughes (2009)
Producer, Pittsburgh Penguins Radio Network and Founder, Writer and Radio Show Host of The PensNation. Graduated with a BA in Radio and Television from California University of Pennsylvania.
Andy's LinkedIn Page
The PensNation web site
Danielle Hume (2011)
Sports Production Assistant, Penn State Public Media, WPSU. Graduated from Penn State University with degree in Telecommunications.
Danielle's LinkedIn Page
Adam Kalidonis (2002)
Camera Operator and Webmaster for Joe's Wildside Adventures TV show. Graduated from Robert Morris University with BA in Media Arts. (2002 Sy Lerner Award Winner)
Adam's LinkedIn Page
Sophia Yianni Kamouyerou (2012)
Theatrical Services Technician for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment in Orlando, FL. Formerly was an Audio Technician at The Walt Disney Company. Graduated from Full Sail University with degree in Recording Arts.
Sophia's LinkedIn Page
Laura (Karras) McClure (2010)
Assistant Account Executive for Gatesman+Dave, a marketing communications agency in Pittsburgh. Graduated from Penn State University with degree in Marketing. (2010 Sy Lerner Award Winner)
Laura's LinkedIn Page
Kristin Keeling (2004)
Worked as a reporter and news anchor for WCHS-TV in Charleston, WV and WDTV in Weston, WV. Graduated from West Virginia University with degree in Broadcast Journalism.
Brandon Kelly (2001)
Editor, National Endowment for the Arts in Los Angeles. Has also worked as a Director of Photography, Director, Editor, Motion Graphics Artist, Digital Artist, Camera Operator, Producer and Compositor for Elite Daily, FOX Sports, TiER1 Performance Solutions, Wrecking Crew Media, and many others. Graduated with a BA in Film and Television from Penn State University. (2001 Sy Lerner Award Winner)
Brandon's LinkedIn Page
Carolyn Klasnick (2005)
Co-Owner and Executive Producer, Post Script Productions, LLC in Pittsburgh. Graduated with a BA in Broadcast Communications from Elon University.
Carolyn's LinkedIn Page
Post Script Productions web site
Cait Knoll (2005)
Producer, The Drive, Time Inc., in New York. Previously Producer, Skrtach TV, and Multimedia Producer/Editor, MLB Advanced Media. Graduated with a BA in Broadcast Journalism from Penn State University.
Cait's LinkedIn Page
Ryan Kramzer (2004)
Filmmaker, Upside Collective in Schenectady, NY. Graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a BA in Film/Cinema/Video Studies.
Christen Kuhl (2002)
Executive Assistant, Wray Ward Creative Marketing Communications in Charlotte, NC. Graduated from Ohio University with a BS in Radio, Television and Digital Communication and Communication: Management Specialization.
Christen's LinkedIn Page
Jonathan Makrinos (2007)
Owner, Jerky Bear Productions in Los Angeles. Also works as a Freelance Videographer for Wind Production and a Freelance Videographer/Editor for Conscious Leadership Connection. Graduated with a BA in Filmmaking / Photography from Columbia College Chicago.
Jonathan's LinkedIn Page
Jerky Bear Productions web site
Mike Mannion (2008)
Sales Assistant, NBCUniversal, Inc. in New York. Graduated with a BA in Film Studies & Communications from the University of Pittsburgh.
Michael's LinkedIn Page
Tressa McCune (2003)
Owner, Tressa McCune Photography. Product Coordinator, Professional Graphic Communications. Graduated with a BA in Communication from Geneva College.
Tressa's LinkedIn Page
Cody McDevitt (2003)
Reporter, Daily American and a Freelance Journalist in Pittsburgh. Graduated with a BS in Journalism from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a Masters Degree in Journalism from Point Park University.
Cody's LinkedIn Page
Dan McKosky (1997)
Video Production Teacher, Seneca Valley High School. Graduated from Ohio University. (1997 Sy Lerner Award Winner)
Dan's Page at Seneca Valley HS
Melissa Moretti (2005)
Associate Producer, Disney ABC Television Group in New York. Was previously Tape Coordinator, Production Assistant and Audience Coordinator for "The View" at Disney ABC Television Group. Graduated with a BA in Media Arts - Television/Video Production from Robert Morris University.
Melissa's LinkedIn Page
Matt Muetzel (2005)
Product Manager, PNC. Graduated from Grove City College with BA in Political Science and from West Virginia University with an MS in Integrated Marketing Communications. (2005 Sy Lerner Award Winner)
Matt's LinkedIn Page
Emily (Norton) Patterson (2007)
Client Support Specialist, Mindset Digital. Graduated from Ohio University with a BS in Communication, Media Management. (2007 Sy Lerner Award Winner)
Emily's LinkedIn Page
Chris Obarski (2004)
Sports Reporter/Anchor at WITN-TV in Greenville, NC. Previously was reporter, anchor and/or intern at KVRR-TV, WBIR-TV, WEIU-TV, and KSDK-TV. Graduated from University of Tennessee-Knoxville with a BS in Communication, Journalism (Sports Concentration).
Chris's LinkedIn Page
Ally Oleynik (2008)
Producer at Animal VFX in Pittsburgh. Previously was Brand Ambassador (Yelp), Production Associate (2012 Summer Olympics, NBCUniversal), Production Assistant ("The Dark Knight Rises", Warner Bros.), and Production Assistant (Wimbledon Championships, NBCUniversal). Graduated from Ithaca College with a BS in Television-Radio, Writing.
Alexandra's LinkedIn Page
Taylor Piedmonte (2007)
Working as an actor in Los Angeles, CA. Has appeared in "Coffee Shop Kings", "Offspring", "The Scrapper", "Somewhere in Between", "Mimesis", "The Scrapper", "Rolling" and on the TV series "The Marriage Counselor" and "Devious Maids". Graduated with a B.A. in Theatre from Aquinas College.
Taylor's IMDb Page
Justin Pinto (2000)
Co-host of the extremely popular TV show and internet sensation, "Inside Media Weekly". Also a Math Teacher at Peters Township High School. Graduated with a B.A. in Secondary Education - Mathematics from California University of Pennsylvania.
Inside Media Weekly web site
Desiree Pollard (1994)
Writer, Pittsburgh Autism & Parenting Examiner, and Owner, DLP Consulting. Graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. (1994 Sy Lerner Award Winner)
Desiree's LinkedIn Page
Cory Popovich (2005)
Product Manager, Nettwerk Music Group. Graduated with a Public Relations Degree from the University of Southern California in 2009. (2005 Sy Lerner Award Winner)
Cory's LinkedIn Page
Nettwerk Music Group's web page
Garrett Rooney (2005)
Commercial Production Coordinator, AICP TV commercials in New York. Graduated with a BFA in Film & TV Production from New York University. (2005 Sy Lerner Award Winner)
Garrett's LinkedIn Page
Megan Ruffing (2004)
Photographer, Wylie Images. Graduated with BS in Commercial Photography, Business from Ohio University. (2004 Sy Lerner Award Winner)
Megan's LinkedIn Page
Wylie Images's web page
Laura Ruzicka (2005)
Digital Media Supervisor, MARC USA. Graduated with a Bachelor's Degrees in Advertising and Psychology from Penn State University.
Laura's LinkedIn Page
Adam Salandra (2002)
Working as a freelance writer, actor, and comedian in Los Angeles, CA. Also is Weekend Editor/Staff Writer at MTV Networks/Logo. Graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from Ohio University.
Adam's LinkedIn Page
Adam's YouTube Channel
Adam's web site
Lauren Salandra (2005)
Working as a actress, casting assistant and camera operator in Los Angeles, CA. She has various television series, commercials and film shorts. Graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Video Production/Media Arts & Studies from Ohio University.
Lauren's IMDb Page
Lauren's YouTube Channel
Lauren's web site
Christopher Schuck (2009)
TV/Digital Media Editor, Comcast Spotlight, and Video Director/Editor, E-Motion Pictures. Graduated with a BA in Film, Television from Penn State University. (2009 Sy Lerner Award Winner)
Christopher's LinkedIn Page
Brittany Kandybowicz (2002)
Director, Global Ad Operations & Sales Compliance, Spotify. Graduated with a BA in Communications from Elon University and an MBA in Business from Liberty University. (2002 Sy Lerner Award Winner)
Brittany's LinkedIn Page
Steve Sentner (1997)
Marketing Campaigns Manager, Highmark. Graduated with degrees in Sociology and Marketing from Duke University. (1997 Sy Lerner Award Winner)
Steve's LinkedIn Page
Hannah Squeglia (2013)
Multimedia Associate Producer, Miss Universe Organization. Attending Ohio University for Communication, Integrated Media (anticipated graduation in 2017). (2013 Sy Lerner Award Winner)
Hannah's LinkedIn Page
Joseph "Jes" Stockhausen (2008)
Freelance Cinematographer, Director, Photographer. Previously Photographer/Video Producer, Oakley. Graduated with a BSBA in Marketing from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Jes's LinkedIn Page
Rachel Sunday (2010)
Senior Social Media Manager, Ecommerce, Pottery Barn Kids in San Francisco. Formerly Marketing Manager, Peaceable Kingdom. Graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Sport and Fitness Administration/Management from Saint Mary's College of California.
Rachel's LinkedIn Page
Elle Walker (1998)
Co-Founder, What's Up Moms (the #1 parenting channel on YouTube with over 2.6 million subscribers and over 15 million views per month) and YouTube Content Creator, WhatUpELLE. Graduated with a BS, Science, Technology & Society from Stanford. (1998 Sy Lerner Award Winner)
Elle's LinkedIn Page
What'sUpMoms' YouTube Channel
What's Up Moms' web site
Ashley Wilson (2011)
Creative Partner, Brilliant. Formerly Owner, Everest & Co., Media Marketing Coordinator, Universal Music Group in Nashville. Graduated with BA in Cinematography and Film/Video Production from Loyola Marymount University and a BBA in Music Business from Belmont University.
Ashley's LinkedIn Page
Mike Wolenski (2003)
Director, WIAT-TV (CBS 42) in Birmingham, AL. Before that he was a Weekend Director at WYTV-TV in Youngstown, OH. Graduated with Broadcast Communication degree from Westminister College. (2003 Sy Lerner Award Winner)
Eric Yeckley (2011)