LEHMAN, Pa. — Penka Farina has been hired as education program specialist in the Department of Continuing Education at Penn State Wilkes-Barre.
In that role, Farina will identify needs and develop educational programming and related materials. As education program specialist, she will develop and maintain relationships with academic units, organizations, industry and agencies to determine their programming needs.
“We welcome Penka and the knowledge she brings to Penn State Wilkes-Barre,” said Director of Continuing Education Jane Ashton. “Her experience in education – particularly continuing education – will be a real asset to our campus as we strive to meet the needs of local employers and organizations in the programs we offer.”
Penka Farina
Farina has more than 30 years of experience in the education field in the United States and abroad. She co-founded and managed a private language school in Bulgaria for more than 16 years. Most recently, she spent 13 years as continuing education coordinator at Luzerne County Community College, where she created and marketed various community outreach initiatives, managed program and workshop development, coordinated programs and workshops, and provided counseling and guidance to students. Throughout her career, Farina has taught English as a second language at several colleges and as a volunteer working with immigrants and refugees.
She co-founded Private Language School A.L.I.S. in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, where she also served as administrative director, general manager and teacher during a 16-year time period. At the Private Language School, Farina managed 15 educators and structured all curriculum materials and syllabi, among other responsibilities.
Farina holds a master of education and bachelor’s degree in education, both from St. Kliment Ohridski University in Sofia, Bulgaria. She is a graduate of Leadership Lackawanna and a member of numerous professional organizations, including American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence, Pennsylvania Association for Adult Continuing Education, University Professional & Continuing Education Association and Pennsylvania Association for Adult Continuing Education.
To contact Farina, call 570-675-9102 or email [email protected].