Norma Norris
President
Norma Norris, Reality Tour developer and Executive Director of CANDLE, Inc., has been a civic leader throughout the years Norma and her husband Charles raised their three sons in Butler, PA. In an effort to preserve the integrity of her community when heroin first appeared in early 2000, Norma created the parent/child drug prevention program called Reality Tour. In the research phase, dozens of community members were interviewed – both adults and youth. It became increasingly apparent that there was an urgent need to get parents and their children on the same page by educating them at the same time. A comment from a college freshman she interviewed would become the spark for action. Norma asked this young man how he kept from getting involved with drugs when his best friend did. His answer, “Because I could always see beyond the next 10 minutes.” would become the catalyst for Reality Tour. Norma left her 20 year career in radio in 2004 to start the nonprofit CANDLE, Inc. that oversees Reality Tour.
Lexie Elliott
Vice President
Lexie Elliott, M.A.
Co-Executive Director, CANDLE, Inc. | Vice President
Lexie Elliott has been a driving force behind CANDLE, Inc. and Reality Tour since 2008, serving in numerous roles including AmeriCorps member, staff, volunteer, and Board member since 2012. In 2026, she was named Co-Executive Director, reflecting her leadership and deep commitment to the organization’s mission.
Lexie plays a central role in supporting Reality Tour Directors across replicated sites, while also managing a Butler County program location and working closely with schools to ensure strong student and family participation. She is known for her ability to connect with families and guide them through the Reality Tour experience.
Professionally, Lexie serves as Assistant Director in the Office of First-Year Orientation & Family Engagement at Carnegie Mellon University, where she coordinates programming and communications to support and engage families while also contributing to orientation programs.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology–Criminal Justice from Westminster College and a Master of Arts in Student Affairs and Higher Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Lexie lives in Pittsburgh with her husband, Bob Martzolf, and remains deeply committed to strengthening families and advancing prevention efforts through Reality Tour.
Aaron Bonus
Treasurer
Aaron Bonus is an accountant at Bonus Accounting based in Butler, PA. His board member service at CANDLE, Inc. began in 2016 when Aaron became acquainted with CANDLE, Inc. in a professional capacity and decided to explore the impact of the nonprofit in drug prevention. He has dedicated his talents in other capacities such as IT to allow the organization to perform at peak levels and engage current technology. As the father of two young children, Aaron understands how drug prevention now can aid his family and community. Aaron is a graduate of Slippery Rock University.
Tara Maziarz Myers
Board Member & Secretary
Tara Maziarz Myers brings a strong background in communications and nonprofit work. A graduate of Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, she first joined CANDLE, Inc. in 2013 as Public Relations Coordinator, helping lead key initiatives including a drug prevention summit and community outreach programs.
Her professional experience includes work in higher education with Point Park University, supporting the School of Communication and Center for Media Innovation.
Even with a full and evolving family life, Tara’s passion for prevention remains strong. She manages one of the Butler County Reality Tour sites and plays a key role in building relationships with local schools, continuing to expand the program’s reach and impact.
Tara and her husband, Ben Meyers, welcomed their son Conrad in 2025.
Darren Norris
Legacy Board Member
Darren Norris brings both professional and personal insight to Reality Tour. As Norma Norris’ son, he has shared how his own high school experiences shaped a defining perspective: “I could always see beyond the next 10 minutes.” That mindset has become a guiding phrase within the program.
Darren served as Operations Manager for CANDLE, Inc. for a decade, helping build key systems and supporting evaluation and strategic planning for Reality Tour.
A lifelong martial artist, Darren has trained in Tae Kwon Do for over 20 years. He and his wife, Brianne, now teach more than 200 students in Pittsburgh, instilling discipline, respect, and resilience.
Family remains central in their lives, with much of their time focused on their children, Roman and Juno, and their active hockey schedules.
Steve Gilliland
Member
**Steve [Last Name]** brings decades of experience supporting youth and families. During his 38-year career in residential treatment, he served as Facility Director of an inpatient non-hospital drug and alcohol rehabilitation program, where he partnered with CANDLE, Inc. to engage adolescents as speakers for Reality Tour—an experience that supported both recovery and personal growth.
Steve holds a degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh, and is a licensed social worker in Pennsylvania. Since retiring in 2021, he has continued his commitment to helping others as Executive Director of Echo Pines, a nonprofit equine therapy program he and his wife, Melissa, founded to support families and veterans in managing trauma and stress.
He remains honored to support the mission of CANDLE, Inc. and serve on its Board of Directors.
Peter Piotrowski
Member
Peter Piotrowski is the owner of Piotrowski State Farm Agency providing insurance and financial services at their Wexford, PA office. He and his wife Kelli became acquainted with Reality Tour through Mars Area School District. Peter graciously volunteered his services to CANDLE, Inc. His interest centers on how best to pool resources to keep the nonprofit funded and vibrant. He is a member of the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber and serves on their Community Outreach Board and he is a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. He graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Economics.
Melanie Dougherty
Member
Melanie brings over 25 years of clinical social work experience across a wide range of settings, including inpatient psychiatric care, community treatment, and managed care. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and a Master’s in Clinical Social Work from the University of Southern Indiana, along with a Certification in Case Management. She currently works as a Medical Clinical Social Worker and Case Manager Analyst for a global health insurance carrier, using a holistic approach to care.
Melanie has provided both clinical and administrative supervision to social work students and professionals and has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families.
Since moving to Butler, PA in 2016, Melanie became involved after responding to a neighborhood call for volunteers. She attended Reality Tour to preview the program and was immediately struck by its impact on families. Since then, she has served in a variety of volunteer roles and has been a dedicated part of the program since 2017.
Melanie is married and has a daughter in her teen years.
Olivia Testa
Member
While studying communications at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Olivia became acquainted with Norma and the impactful work of CANDLE, Inc. through Rock Productions, the university's student-run PR firm. Having experienced a personal loss to addiction, she felt a deep connection to CANDLE’s mission and was inspired to contribute her marketing and communication skills. Olivia began as an intern and, upon graduating, joined the team full-time, supporting Reality Tour communications and program coordination.
Now residing in Colorado with her husband, Olivia serves as the Community Manager for the American Numismatic Association. She is honored to continue her service as a member of CANDLE’s Board of Directors.
“It’s been an honor to use my marketing skills and background to support the mission of CANDLE, Inc. and the Reality Tour program. Educating families together helps parents and children get on the same page and kickstarts vital discussions at home. That is so important!”
Dr. Jess Bronder, DNP, MSN, RN
Member
Dr. Jess Bronder, DNP, MSN, RN
Board Member, CANDLE, Inc. | Reality Tour® Presenter
Dr. Jess Bronder is a nursing educator and healthcare professional dedicated to prevention and community wellness. She serves as a Nursing Educator at Butler County Community College and practices as a Registered Nurse with Butler Health System, bridging clinical care and education.
After years of encouraging her students to attend Reality Tour®, Jess experienced the program firsthand in 2023 and quickly became a passionate advocate. She now serves on the Board of Directors and as a trained Reality Tour® presenter, bringing energy, credibility, and a deep commitment to every program.
Dr. Bronder holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing Education from Carlow University and a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Waynesburg University.
Edward R. Catozella
Member
Ed brings a lifetime of service, leadership, and real-world perspective to CANDLE, Inc. A Vietnam Veteran and former Military Policeman with the 82nd Airborne, he witnessed firsthand the impact of substance use on individuals and teams—experiences that continue to shape his commitment to prevention.
He holds degrees in Engineering-Management and Industrial Management from Clarkson University and spent his professional career in technical sales and marketing with General Electric and Mitsubishi Electric Power Products.
Ed has long been deeply involved in community service, including leadership roles with the Cranberry Township Community Chest, Mitsubishi’s Hope Committee, and numerous youth and school-based initiatives. He is a recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award.
Known for his willingness to step in wherever needed, Ed serves with enthusiasm and humility. He and his wife, Gail, are highly engaged in their community and share a strong commitment to supporting youth and families.
Public Health Advisory Board
Legacy Board Members
John Walchesky
Legacy Board Member
**John Walchesky**
Legacy Board Member
John Walchesky was part of the initial development of Reality Tour beginning in 2003, serving as a Tour Director, presenter, and dedicated advocate for prevention. His insight and commitment were instrumental during the program’s formative years, and he consistently went above and beyond to support its growth and impact.
Now retired from a career in banking and living in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with his wife Gayle. John is recognized as a Legacy Board Member in honor of the time and leadership he gave to CANDLE, Inc. and Reality Tour.