Meet the instructors

Marcus Atkinson, CEO
In 2019, Marcus S. Atkinson, Principal at M. Atkinson & Associates Consulting, and Founder/CEO of The Publix Voice Media LLC, joined The Erie Community Foundation Board of Trustees.  A native of Erie and a graduate of Strong Vincent, Mr. Atkinson spent over a decade in Atlanta, GA, where he earned a degree in Business from Clayton State University.  There he immersed himself in political and community organization, learning the necessity of bridging disparaging gaps that exist in communities between local government, school districts and businesses.  As a result, he brings his experience and expertise to his current roles in supporting businesses and organizations within and outside the community.  Most recently he served as executive director of ServErie.  In service to Erie, Mr. Atkinson also serves board chair for MLK Jr. Memorial Center, a member of The UPMC Hamot Board of Corporators, and board member for Crime Victim Center (CVC) and Erie Center For Arts and Technology (ECAT).
Joe Haas, MS, LPC
Joe is the CEO of Catholic Charities Counseling and Adoption Services and a PA Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).  In his current position, Joe is also the HIPAA Privacy & Security officer and serves as the Facility Director for the agency’s Outpatient Drug & Alcohol program.  Prior to joining CCCAS, Joe worked at Family Services of NWPA for 18 years- beginning as a therapist in the Family-Based Mental Health in-home program, moving to supervision of other in-home programs before assuming the role of Chief Information Officer.  Joe is a graduate of Allegheny College and received his Master’s Degree from Gannon University.
​Gregory A. Krausz, MA, CAADC, LPC
A Licensed Professional Counselor and CAADC Greg is the Director of Mid Atlantic Rehabilitation Services (MARS) in Bethlehem, PA, Owner of Monocacy Counseling Associates, Adjunct Faculty member at Moravian Theological Seminary, and a Consultant/Trainer with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of PA. He is a member of First Baptist Church in Bethlehem, PA and a graduate of Moravian Theological Seminary in 2002 with a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Counseling. He has been a counselor, and program director in the addiction and mental health counseling field for the past 25 years. He was awarded the 2016 Bishop Kortz award for excellence in the field of Pastoral Counseling from Moravian Theological Seminary.
Bernard M. Lucas, M.Ed., CAC
Helping others has always been a driving force in Bernie Lucas’ life and it played a major role in guiding his career path.  Providing youth with opportunities to learn more about themselves guided his work at Harborcreek Youth Services, as a teacher, unit director, and therapist.  During his professional career he earned his Master of Education and certificates in Guidance and Counseling, Special Education, Drug and Alcohol Counseling, and Problem Gambling.  He has worked with adolescents and adults and has addressed various issues, including substance abuse, sexual offending, trauma, and other mental health problems.  Bernie currently works as a drug and alcohol counselor for Catholic Charities Counseling and Adoption Services in Erie, PA and facilitates Suboxone support groups.  He continues to be thankful for having opportunities to be of service to others.  
Betsy Martellucci, MA, LPC, CAADC
Betsy Martellucci is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor  who has been practicing in Pennsylvania for the last 25 years.  She received a Master's degree in Counseling and Human Services from Lehigh University in 1998.  She has an array of experience in community mental health, drug and alcohol and private practice settings.  Ms. Martellucci currently holds the position of Clinical Director of Mid-Atlantic Rehabilitation Services (MARS), an outpatient drug and alcohol provider in Bethlehem, PA.
Vincent H. Mercuri, M.Ed., LPC, C.A.C.
Vince is presently employed as the Executive Director of The Open Door Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Center, Indiana Pennsylvania.  Since his hire in August 2003 he has become a vital part of the community.  He currently serves, in a leadership capacity, on various local and state committees/boards.  Vince has been employed in the field of treating chemical dependency, mental illness, and related issues for thirty plus years.  Prior to his current position, he held management and clinical positions at Great Lakes Behavioral Research Institute, Pyramid Healthcare and St. Francis Medical Center.  Also an experienced educator for drug and alcohol counseling, Vince has developed curriculum and taught at various colleges and universities from 1990-2000, including Robert Morris College and Penn State University.  Vince is recognized on a state and national level, having been acknowledged by the National Association of Mental Health Program Directors and the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors for developing a model program for the treatment of co-occurring mental health/substance abuse disorders.  He also won the Ellen O’Brien Gaiser Community Award in 1997.  Vince has been interviewed and featured on many television programs, radio shows, and newspaper articles regarding today’s social issues and related problems.
Michael Palladini, RPh, MBA, CAC
Michael is a registered pharmacist who has over 30 years of work experience in pharmacy and addiction treatment. He has worked in the retail, hospital, and long-term care areas of the pharmacy industry. He has developed and instructed in pharmacy technician programs, has been involved in numerous committees to address prescription drug abuse, and community relations to improve substance abuse treatment. He is currently working as a clinical educator for a nonprofit company in the areas of pain management and opioid use disorder. Michael has been a certified trainer for the PA Certification Board and the PA Dept of Drug and Alcohol Programs for many years. He has authored one book, as well as numerous presentations and training material. Michael received his BA in Psychology from Penn State University, BS in pharmacy from the Medical College of Virginia, and his MBA from Robert Morris University. He received his certification in addiction counseling from the PA Certification Board. 
Michael Plasha, E-RYT 500, RPYT
Michael is first and foremost a Yoga, Ayurvedic and Meditation Educator.  Plasha Yoga began in 1982, where he offered free yoga classes in his living room, eventually moving to a physical location in Erie, Pennsylvania.  As the director, he has continued to integrate classical principles with current scientific research to provide an effective and sustainable mind, body, and spirit practice for all phases of life.  For over 40 years, Michael has aspired to share meditation and Yoga to help reduce suffering and support conscious awareness, self-growth, optimum health, peace of mind, loving kindness, and environmental values.  Michael is also an Addiction, Trauma and Chronic Disease Specialist, providing mindfulness and stress management presentations and training to Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, hospitals, and schools.  
​Keith Walach, MS, CAC
With a B.A. in Criminal Justice and a M.S. in Counseling Psychology from Gannon University, Keith has excelled in the counseling field for the past 35 years.  He is Licensed Professional Counselor since 2003 and a Certified Alcohol and Addictions Counselor since 1992.  Keith has worked in substance abuse counseling at Crossroads, Gateway, GECAC, and the Erie County Prison; currently, he is a counselor in the intensive outpatient program for Glenbeigh, which is a Cleveland Clinic Affiliate.  Working with individuals who struggle with substance abuse or mental illness has been a great calling for Keith, which led him into other related positions with Deerfield Halfway House, Northwest Beacon Employee Assistance Program, Center for Personal and Family Growth, and Liberty House.  Since 2006, Keith has been an instructor for Preferred Systems.