Women in Profile - December 2009 - January 2010 |
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Erika Schiff
Erika Schiff is a young talent on her way to the top. Born and raised in the Philadelphia area, this rising multi-faceted singer-actress-dancer-model recently competed in the highly regarded IMTA (International Modeling & Talent Association) competition held in New York City in July. Not only did Erika turn heads, but she walked away with multiple awards in several music, dance & acting categories including Solo Singing, Team Singing, Solo Dance and TV/Beauty (acting) to name a few. She received an impressive 14 callbacks making her one of the “Most Sought After Female Talents” in the competition.
Parlaying on that success, Erika came back to Philadelphia and immediately went to work on several projects. She will continue working and training in New York this Fall with among others - renowned acting coach John Strasberg (son of legendary acting teacher Lee Strasberg).
Erika is also currently recording her debut album with Jimmy James – a collection of songs the duo co-wrote and are excited to release by the end of 2009. They brought in long time friend and founder of A.I.R. Records, Derek Chafin, to produce the album. He has helped them shape their collection of raw tunes into a clear artistic statement, with rootsy underpinnings but a distinctly modern feel.
Erika’s community activities are also numerous and very rewarding to her. She is so excited for what’s to come and with her talent, drive and “IT” factor there’s little doubt that what’s ahead is tremendous success!
Jana Kristovensky
Jana was born August 19, 1978 in the small town of Lebanon, PA. She has 5 brothers and sisters; together three boys and three girls. Jana’s first job during high school was at Dairy Queen. There she worked so hard that she eventually became the company’s youngest person to be named assistant manager.
Jana later moved to Hershey, PA, where she was employed at the highly rated Hershey Hotel. She thrived on socializing with the public, and fi lled many positions at the hotel from waitressing to hotel management. She needed something more and decided to move to Reading, PA, where she helped two eager businessmen open up a restaurant called The Chat Awhile. Jana learned the ins and outs of business management, such as cooking, catering large and elaborate parties and wedding banquets.
Knowing there was still something better for her, Jana took a leap of faith and moved to Philadelphia, PA, where she currently is fulfi lling her dream job of working at the Saloon Restaurant. From small town girl to now a high rise city life, Jana doesn’t forget her roots. She takes time out for herself and enjoys her hobbies of playing the piano and writing poetry. For more information on The Saloon, visit www.saloonrestaurant.net or call (215) 627-1811.
Leslianna Federici
Leslianna Federici lives in the heart of South Philadelphia where she collaborated with neighbors in 2007 to form the Newbold Neighbors Association. She has also served as the Chair of the Clean and Green Committee for the last two years. During this time, she has worked closely with neighbors to plant dozens of trees, clean up blocks and create community gardens. Leslianna specializes in empowering individuals and organizing communities in many capacities.
As an assistant manager for lululemon athletic in downtown Philadelphia, she is accountable for the training and development of all staff members ensuring they fulfill goals most important to them and realize their fullest potential in life. In addition, Leslianna facilitates Wellness Workshops throughout the Tri-State area. She has delivered her workshops to employees of the Environmental Protection Agency, teachers, parents and staff of many Philadelphia schools in a variety of other professional disciplines. Her workshops focus on personal and team goal setting, effective communication, creating community, and living a balanced life.
Leslianna has found her own balance in life through a regular yoga practice, a commitment to training martial arts, long distance running, and playing frequently with family and friends.
Nancy Catterall, Au.D.
Nancy Catterall has a doctorate degree in Audiology, is board certified by the American Board of Audiology, is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology, and has more than 25 years of experience in the field.
She is the Clinical Director of the Jefferson Balance and Hearing Center (JBHC) in the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University. Nancy received her doctorate in audiology from Salus University; in addition, she holds both a bachelors and master’s degree from the University of Washington in Seattle. Nancy moved to the Center City area of Philadelphia in 2002 after having lived in Seattle for 25 years.
The JBHC provides patients with on-site diagnostic audiologic and vestibular testing to identify a wide range of hearing and balance disorders. The center’s audiologists also educate patients about hearing loss and available options in amplification.
Nancy particularly enjoys the interaction with patients and the satisfaction of being able to help patients whose hearing impairment negatively impacts their ability to communicate in their personal and/or professional lives. She also enjoys going into the community to give seminars about hearing, hearing loss and amplification.
Nancy loves living in the city, and the ability to walk to work, restaurants, theatre and the symphony. Skiing, bicycling and swimming, as well as close relationships with her friends and family complete her life.

