aspire (uh-spahyuhr) v.
1. To rise up; soar; mount; tower.
2. To long, aim, or seek ambitiously
3. To have a great ambition or ultimate goal; desire strongly

THE ASPIRE TEAM

Staff

Behnam Bakhshandeh
Executive Director

Behnam Bakhshandeh is a dynamic author, speaker, executive coach and trainer with almost two decades of hands-on experience working with individuals and organizations. He known among his friends, family and clients to be a patient, compassionate and a no-nonsense individual who loves to make a difference in all aspects of his life as well as the lives of others.

In his career, Behnam has personally worked with more than 50,000 participants. He is an accomplished business manager and business development professional, known for producing extraordinary results in record time. He is a passionate, visionary leader who produces results.

Behnam and his team members have helped countless businesses and tens of thousands of individuals achieve their goals and transform their thinking to a much more effective way that allow them to have access to fulfillment, success and peace of mind.

Board Of Directors

Ken Patton
President & Chair

Ken has been in the Graphic Arts Industry for 40 years, a business owner for the last 24 of those years, committed to serving his clients with full service print and marketing solutions, including Proctor & Gamble, Cargill, Ingersoll Rand, Carrizo Oil, Primeco Education to name a few. Ken is presently serving is third term as the Mayor of Laceyville (a community in Northeastern Pennsylvania). He has taken on running an effective police force, along with overseeing the general well being of the community. Proud father of a daughter, she and her husband are on their own life path, no grandchildren yet. Currently resides in Laceyville with his life partner, Astrid who is a manager in the food industry.

Ken leads by expressing his life’s belief; with integrity, communication, and education, and the willingness to listen, all things are possible.

Dawn Ellinwood-Denslow
Vice Chair and Secretary

Dawn Ellinwood is a passionate, adventurous and courageous individual.
Dawn’s background includes being a senior coach, a successful Salon owner, an educator and manager for L’Oreal Professionnelle, a Platform artist for international hair companies as well as a hair color designer for some of today’s top movies and TV shows. Dawn’s contagious passion, dedication and motivation are evident in her coaching skills. As a living example of what is available through coaching Dawn has recreated her marriage, built a successful clientele, is a founding member of an orphanage in Likii Village, Kenya, completed the Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon and excelled in all aspects of her life. Dawn lives in Carlsbad CA with her wonderful husband Kipp and her two beautiful daughters Bereket and Genet.

Kipp Denslow
Treasurer

Kipp Denslow has owned his own landscaping company for several years. Kipp has always been committed to making a difference in the lives of others and in his community. Kipp became involved with ASPIRE from the very beginning, when it was just a dream to make a difference. He is excited to be part of a program that will allow young adults to overcome any obstacles and live a fantastic life. He and his wife Dawn have recently adopted two beautiful little girls from Ethiopia.

Lori-Pfahl
Board Member

Lori Pfahl is currently the Director of the Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce. She is committed to making a difference in herself and her community.  Her vision is to have students receive a great education, return to their communities, and become the strength needed for the economic development of a community. She is a partner with several organizations, but her passion to fulfill her vision comes with her involvement with advising and developing the Greater Carbondale Chamber Youth Board and is a Board of Director of the Carbondale YMCA.   Lori and her loving husband Kenny own and operate a trucking company. They reside in Forest City, Pennsylvania.

Margaret McClellan
Board Member

Margaret McClellan has been working in the hair industry for the past 22 years serving as a Master Stylist in the industry. She is currently working with Sexy Hair Concepts as an educator her passion is to make a difference and share her vision for the upcoming stylist in the industry. Having been involved in coaching and personal development for the past 4 years Margaret has been able to share her passions and create a vision that she stands behind. Margaret looks forward to working with the other members of the board in sharing her vision of making a difference and contributing to the lives of others where there may be opportunity and possibility.

Lee-Anne-Pugliese
Board Member

Lee Anne Pugliese has been employed for the past 12 years for CMC Hospital in Scranton Pennsylvania working among the most caring professionals in the Occupational Therapy Department.  She volunteers her time when and where ever she can in her community.  She holds an associate degree in Medical Office Administration and is enrolling this fall into an early education program at Marywood University.  She is inspired by young adults and is committed to making a difference their lives.  Lee Anne lives in Carbondale, PA and is the mother to 3 dynamic children who she enjoys life to the fullest with.

MaryJo-Paul
Board Member

Mary Jo has resided in Laceyville, PA. since 1980. She loves being with her family and friends. Mary Jo is the office manager at L.B. Printery. She strives to maintain a good sense of humor and to treat everyone with respect, understanding and compassion which are her keys to a successful business and personal life.

Advisory to the Board

Cindy Gillen

Cindy’s vision for her life is love, fun, and passion, inspired by possibility and abundance, empowering family, partnerships, and communities…causing unity. She is currently serving as Executive Director of ASPIRE, having completed her 7 year tenure as President and Executive Director of the Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce. As Chamber President since 2001, she acquired a building and the grant monies to restore the 1903 structure.  She initiated, spearheaded and raised funds through community investors to partner in creating a vision, known as the Strategic Plan.  She’s been involved with many organizations in a development capacity for the last 25 years. Cindy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Fine Arts from Marywood University. She is the mother of three children, Nicole, Jonathan, and Emilie.