Life and ... Tonyehn Verkitus

Tonyehn Verkitus is the Executive Director of the Northeast Counties Medical Society and Physicians for Social Responsibility Pennsylvania. Her work in the nonprofit world has mostly centered on health and food though she also spent many years training organizations and communities on fundraising and telling their mission-based stories.

In 2007, Tonyehn along with other family members and friends started Africa Community Exchange, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support an effective model of education for youth and educators. Currently their work centers in Liberia with plans to expand to neighboring countries. Tonyehn also sits on the boards of the Lackawanna County Arts, Culture and Education Department; WVIA Community Advisory Board; and NEPA Health Care Foundation where she is the Grants Committee chair.

As a Wholistic Life Coach and writer, Tonyehn is interested in the intersection between personal stories and community activism. As a person with many personal stories that shatter and empower she has developed and facilitated workshops on healing and reducing personal trauma through self-care and shared stories.

Tonyehn shares her story of living a nomadic childhood and how it impacted her home views. She talks about living all over the world and the memories she carries with her. Tonyehn also opens up about finding community with her neighbor Sheila in Liberia and working at a tavern in colonial Williamsburg. Now with children of her own, Tonyehn reflects on creating stability while still embracing change. An inspiring tale of embracing life's journey and discovering home isn't defined by walls.