Aaron's Acres

Meet our Supervisory Staff

Risa Paskoff, Director
"I am the director of Aaron’s Acres and have been with the organization since it first began in 1998. I have my master’s degree in social work. When I was younger, my dream was to create programs for children who have special needs—I am now living out that dream and it feels wonderful! Prior to Aaron’s Acres, I was affiliated with Roseville Pediatrics in Lancaster, PA as a psychotherapist treating children, adolescents and their families. I am also involved with my congregation working on social action committees. I live with my husband, and 2 sons in Lancaster. When I am not working, I spend my time with family, friends, exercising and reading."

Judy Shenk, Assistant Director
"I am a retired educator with 32 years of teaching experience at both the elementary and middle school levels. While teaching, I belonged to our local, state and national educational organizations, working on state committees and serving as the president of our local organization. I have been involved with Aaron’s Acres since the summer of 2004. Meeting our parents and helping to grow the program has been some of the most rewarding work I have done. Every day is different and time spent at camp and respite is amazing."

Deb Mudrick, Administrative Director
"I joined the staff of Aaron's Acres in Fall 2007 and I'm honored to be part of such a wonderful organization. My family has been involved with Aaron's Acres on a variety of levels over the years. My son was an Aaron's Acres camp "buddy", my entire family has participated in the Volley For Kids fundraiser, and I have served on the Volley For Kids committee. My professional background is in music, and after spending many years following that path I'm now enjoying a new one. In addition to my administrative role with Aaron's Acres, I also serve as their webmaster. I am also on the support staff at Hempfield High School. I live in Landisville with my husband and two sons and enjoy singing, playing guitar, video editing, and anything having to do with computers!"

Within Aaron’s Acres, there is a site supervisor who directs the staff and oversees all facets of each program at the various locations. The site supervisors are:

Laura Yates, Site Supervisor (Lancaster Respite and Harrisburg Camp)
"I have been with Aaron's Acres for 4 years now, and I am honored that you share your children with us each month! When I'm not busy with Aaron's Acres, I am a K-2 life skills teacher for the Central Dauphin School District. I am the elementary Special Olympics Coordinator and the elementary Life Skills department chair. I am involved with the Council for Exceptional Children, National Association for the Education of Young Children, Alpha Delta Kappa, Capital Reading Council, and Central Dauphin Education Association. I have a B.S. in Psychology and a Master's in Special Education. I am married to "Mr. Matt" and have three wonderful little Brussels Griffon named Bailey, Brewster, and Bojangles who are always getting into trouble. For fun, I like to go shopping, go to the movies, watch reality television, and play cards with friends."

Jennifer Shade , Site Supervisor (Reading Respite)
“My name is Jennifer Shade and I have been a part of Aaron’s Acres for 5 years. I entered the program as a group leader and have taken on the position of site supervisor for the 2007-2008 program. I am a graduate of Alvernia College with a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and Elementary Education. I have been teaching Autistic Support for two years and currently work for the Lancaster-Lebanon IU 13. I plan to begin my graduate studies at Eastern Mennonite University this summer. I am married and have a daughter named Kendall. I enjoy reading, swimming, racecars, and spending time with my family and friends. I am very proud to be a part of Aaron’s Acres and look forward to many more years of being a part of both the Respite and Summer Camp programs. Each session is a great adventure for myself and the kids. Each adventure together is fun, rewarding, and memorable. Aaron’s Acres is a great place for all of us to learn and have fun and I am grateful to be a part of this program."

Meghan Malloy, Site Supervisor (Ephrata Respite and Reading Camp)
“My name is Meghan Malloy and this is my ninth year working with the Aaron's Acres camp and respite care programs (working now at the Ephrata respite program and the Reading summer camp). I have been teaching sixth grade special education at Manheim Township for six years. I am 2 classes away from completing my Master's Degree from Penn State in Teaching and Curriculum along with a Reading Specialist certificate. I love to travel and I spend a lot of time in the summer visiting new places. Training for half marathons and short daily runs keeps me in shape and outdoors most of the year. I have also taken up Irish dance lessons again which I have put on hold since I was in elementary school! I am enjoying my third year in my house in Lititz not far from my family and friends."

Lisa Rohde, Site Supervisor (Lancaster Camp)
"My name is Lisa Rohde. I am a special education teacher with IU 13. I have had the opportunity to work with students in Physical Support, Multiple Support, and Life Skills Support classes. This is my 23rd year of teaching and I have been with Aaron’s Acres since it’s inception. I enjoy reading and gardening and I love animals."