The Guidance Center (TGC) held its Annual Board Meeting on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the agency’s Community and Training Center on W. Washington Street in Bradford. Board Chairman Mr. Shane Oschman welcomed attendees, extended holiday greetings, and expressed appreciation for the continued support of The Guidance Center.
The meeting opened with a festive performance by the STEPS Singers, who shared a selection of Christmas songs. Executive Director Dr. Denise Bean then set the tone for the evening by expressing heartfelt gratitude and encouraging participants to carry this practice of gratitude into both their professional and personal lives.
Senior staff members presented the agency’s annual report, highlighting significant accomplishments from the past year. Among these achievements were McKean County’s receipt of a $3 million award to establish an Emergency Behavioral Health Crisis Walk-in Center at The Guidance Center; recognition of the agency as an Exemplary Business at the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards; and the STEPS Drop-in Center Wellness Center celebrating its first anniversary. Staff also noted the expanded use of the Community and Training Center, which has become a valuable resource for TGC and other organizations throughout the community.
During the meeting, Holly Franzen was honored as The Guidance Center’s Great Coworker. Nominated by several colleagues, Franzen has dedicated more than 25 years of service to supporting individuals and families through The Guidance Center.
Updates were also shared from the Psychiatric Services Department, which experienced notable growth and transition over the past year. Dr. DeanAnn Farris started providing psychiatric services in January 2025, in June 2025, TGC welcomed Dr. Nichole Harrison followed in July 2025 by the return of Dr. Alexander Welge, who also assumed the role of Medical Director. Their appointments mark an important period of growth and stability for the agency’s psychiatric services.
Board leadership updates included the reappointment of Mr. Sal Luzzi and Rev. Rob Klouw to their fifth terms, and Captain Ray Douglass and Mrs. Christy Clark-Ruffner to their second terms. Mr. Shane Oschman will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board. Additional board officers are Rev. Rob Klouw, Vice Chair; Mrs. Christy Rufner, Secretary and Mr. Sal Luzzi, Treasurer.
The Board also approved the appointment of two new members, Mr. Peter Griffin and Mr. Christopher Gabriel, whose terms will begin in January 2026.
The evening concluded with formal recognition of the service of two long-standing board members, Mr. Jim Keltz and the Honorable Stacy Wallace, each of whom completed 12 years of dedicated service on The Guidance Center’s Board of Directors.
For more information on The Guidance Center please visit the website at https://www.guidancecenter.net/ or call 814-362-6535.
Pictured are Board Chairman Shane Oschman, The Guidance Center’s ‘Great Coworker’ awardee Holly Franzen, and Board Member Jim Keltz.
