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 has graciously served on CANDLE, Inc. Board of Directors since 2012. She has been working with Reality Tour and CANDLE, Inc. since 2008 in many different capacities including AmeriCorp worker, summer employee, and Tour volunteer. Lexie graduated from Knoch High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology-Criminal Justice from Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA and a Master of Arts degree in Student Affairs and Higher Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Lexie currently resides in Pittsburgh, PA. She serves as the Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of Pittsburgh. She enjoys spending time with family, hiking, and exploring the food scene in Pittsburgh. When reflecting about CANDLE, Inc. she shares that “It has been a pleasure to serve CANDLE and Reality Tour for over ten years because of the important service it provides to Butler County residents and residents all over the country. Substance abuse is an epidemic in the country and families can play a huge role in prevention. Norma Norris, Executive Director, is huge role model of mine and her passion for ending this epidemic is contagious.”
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 has rejoined CANDLE Inc.'s board after a hiatus. She is a graduate of Knoch High School and holds a B.A. in Mass Media Communications with a concentration in Public Relations from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. Tara first became involved with CANDLE Inc. and Reality Tour in 2013 as the agency's Public Relations Coordinator. During her time there, she worked with the District Attorney's Office to present a drug trends and prevention summit, helped CANDLE celebrate their 10th anniversary, and piloted the 'Lend a Hand' program geared at athletic coaches and their teams.
When she left CANDLE to pursue nonprofit work at a national level, her heart always held a special place for CANDLE's mission. That's why when she moved back to the Butler area, she knew she needed to become involved once again.
As a nonprofit professional for the past 10 years and now working in higher education at Point Park University, Tara sees the changes in drug trends and a need for greater mental health support. She understands that CANDLE Inc.'s model is needed to keep our families safe and healthy.
Darren Norris
Member
Darren served as Operations Manager for CANDLE, Inc. from Feb. 2004 until April 2014 and developed the operational and accounting database functions, assisted with strategic planning and the sustainability platform. During that time he was involved in the evaluation structure and fidelity reporting for Reality Tour. Darren’s service on the Board of Directors for Family Pathways, a family service provider gave him insight to the myriad of family issues that result when the family structure is disrupted due to poor lifestyle choices on the part of the parent. Darren has trained in Tae Kwon Do for over 20 years and has competed nationally and internationally. Through his martial arts teaching he has helped children and adults cultivate the respect, discipline, and integrity necessary to form strong life skills. He and his wife Brianne own a Tae Kwon Do school in Pittsburgh, PA. Darren and his wife have volunteered for Young Brothers Tae Kwon Do demo team fundraisers to benefit charities like the local chapter of the Autism Society & Salvation Army. Darren is a graduate of Juniata College with a degree in Finance. During his senior year, his studies took him to Athens, Greece which was a complement to his minor in Philosophy. Darren and his wife Brianne have a son age 7 and daughter age 5.
Steve Gilliland
Member
I became involved with the CANDLE Inc. Reality Tour during my career in residential treatment for adolescents. As Facility Director of the Inpatient Non-Hospital Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Facility, I worked with Norma to coordinate adolescent speakers for the programs in Butler, Mars and Cranberry. Our youth appreciated the opportunity to participate by telling their life stories, which was very beneficial to their treatment and recovery. I graduated from Indiana University of PA and earned a MSW degree from the University of Pittsburgh. I am a licensed social worker in Pennsylvania. I retired in the fall of 2021 after working 38 years in residential care. My wife Melissa and I are currently working to start a non-profit equine therapy program on our farm outside of Grove City, Pa. I am honored to continue working with Norma and the Board of Directors at CANDLE Inc.
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.
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!”
Edward R. Catozella
Member
Ed, the first of the WW II Baby Boomers, grew up in Yonkers, NY, when the drinking age was eighteen, and it was common for high school and college kids to drink and drive—of which he has first-hand knowledge and perspective; huffing airplane glue in paper bags became an experiment for several of his buddies. He has a B.S. in Engineering-Management and an M.S. in Industrial Management from Clarkson University, is an 82nd Airborne Military Policeman and Vietnam Veteran. In ‘Nam he dealt with solders using and selling heroin and marijuana (some smoked joints with heroin in tip), and excessive drinking by many; he was put in two risky situations by a patrol partner high on dope. He has a working understanding of the problems of drug usage and alcohol abuse. Ed has lived in eight different states and traveled throughout North America doing technical sales and marketing for General Electric and Mitsubishi Electric Power Products. He was the Community Service Chair of the Pittsburgh GE ELFUN Society, Co-Chair of Mitsubishi’s Hope Committee (Helping young people with disabilities), was President of The Cranberry Township Community Chest, a Cub Scout Webelos Den Leader, Little League manager, Chairman of Vincentian Academy’s Veterans Day and Career Exploration committees, and is recipient of President George W. Bush’s Volunteer Service Award. His wife, Gail Mashuda, was actively involved in the early days of the national Crime Prevention Program, and received the PA Governor’s Citizen’s Volunteer Services Award. Their two children are in their early twenties and are both involved with working with young people. Ed brings a wealth of experience and understanding to the Board, yet is quick to state that it is the young leaders who have the freshest ideas and the vitality to continue to fight the never-ending battle against Intoxication and Addiction.
Melanie Dougherty
Member
Melanie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work and completed her master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from The University of Southern Indiana. She has over 25 years of clinical experience across a variety of settings including inpatient acute/long term psychiatric facilities, assertive community treatment, and state hospital inpatient rehabilitation facilities. Melanie also holds a Certification in Case Management and has worked in managed care organizations completing utilization management for high-risk populations. She currently works for a global health insurance carrier as a Medical Clinical Social Worker and Case Manager Analyst utilizing a holistic approach to care.Melanie has provided clinical and administrative supervision to social work student interns and professionals. She has a broad range of clinical experiences working with individuals (children, adolescents, and adults/families) and groups during her professional career. Melanie is married and has a daughter in elementary school. Melanie and her husband moved to the city of Butler, PA in 2016. Shortly after becoming a resident in the area, Melanie aspired to become more involved and sought opportunities to actively serve her community. Soon afterwards, Melanie noticed a posting on a local neighborhood website seeking volunteers for a family drug prevention program. Upon responding to the posting, Melanie was quickly introduced to CANDLE, Inc. and Reality Tour. She attended the program as a guest and the reactions received from the young people and their parents/families who attended confirmed and reinforced her belief in the program’s mission and the profound impact it has on the community. Melanie has been volunteering with RealityTour since 2017 and has greatly enjoyed all of her experiences.
John Walchesky
Legacy Board Member
John Walchesky’s career is in banking, but his community services hours far exceed the term ‘bankers hours’. He has been involved since the inception of Reality Tour taking on the role of advocate and Tour Director and tirelessly sharing the prevention message. “I have been a Tour Director for a number of years and always looked forward to each presentation. The reactions that we get from the young people and parents who attend each program constantly motivates me and reinforces the knowledge that CANDLE, Inc. and Reality Tour are doing the right thing, every time, all the time, in every community that offers this remarkable program. Our message is consistent, timely and another positive educational tool to help families cope with the scourge that wants to get its grip into our children.”