Meet our Spring 2022 Board of Directors

Francine VandenBerg
WSCC President

Francine VandenBerg, an artist and arts educator, moved from New Jersey in 2007 after retiring from teaching elementary school. She says she immediately recognized WSCC as a unique place that brought together talented and interesting people of all ages. Now the WSCC board president, WSCC Gallery director and an instructor of adult painting classes, Francine says she is honored to play a part in ensuring WSCC as a place where creativity and friendship thrive. In addition to teaching public school for 32 years, her background includes serving for seven years as president of Galloway Cultural Arts Center, where she organized several exhibits each year and taught art classes. Francine holds a master’s degree from Marygrove College and a bachelor’s degree from Boston University.

Alonna Carter

Alonna Carter is an accomplished writer and public speaker and an aspiring public historian. Her passions include African American history and genealogy as well as health and wellness. In addition to working as a training specialist with UPMC Health Plan, Alonna owns Renaissance Writing and serves Wilkins School Community Center as a Zumba fitness instructor and a WSCC board member. Her other volunteer activities include serving as historian for the Edna McKenzie branch of the ASALH. Alonna holds a bachelor’s degree from Carlow University and a master’s in professional writing from Chatham University. She is currently pursuing a master’s in history from Duquesne University.

Amy Constantine

Amy Constantine has served regional nonprofits for more than 15 years. In addition to the community center, she has been on the boards of a charter school (as a founding member), parent-teacher organizations and alumni groups. Amy is an assistant district attorney for Allegheny County with more than 20 years of experience as an appellate attorney. Her legal experience includes practicing before the Superior and Supreme Courts of Pennsylvania. She holds a juris doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh and a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University. Amy’s contributions to WSCC include helping the board to refine issues, draft documents and facilitate discussions. Amy says she has always found board service to be rewarding and interesting and a valuable way to participate in the community.

Colleen Derda

Colleen Derda is a marketing communications professional who has served the WSCC for several years. She especially enjoys working with the board and staff in marketing WSCC services and promoting community programs. Currently a senior manager in UPMC’s marketing communications department, Colleen’s background includes staff positions with the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University. She also served for many years as a consultant and project manager for national, regional and local cultural institutions and nonprofits.

Nicole Frankhouser

Nicole Frankhouser has served non-profits within the region for 15+ years and has served on the WSCC board for several years. She especially enjoys working to bring operational excellence to the board and staff to ensure that the center continues to be an anchor in the community for many years to come. Nicole obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh and her master’s in business administration from Chatham University. She works for a tech company and serves on multiple diversity and culture committees within the office. Nicole says she has always found volunteering as a valuable way to participate in her local community and to give back.

David Green

David Green is a retired small business owner, teacher and singer. He holds an undergraduate degree in music from Carnegie Mellon University and completed additional studies in music in New York City, as well as in Italy and Austria. He also holds an associate’s degree from the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute. David began his association with the WSCC by teaching cooking classes as the owner of Sweetie Sweetie Bakery in Regent Square. He continues to teach at the WSCC by way of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at CMU. David sees serving on the WSCC board as a way to give back to the generous community that supported him during his years running a local business. In addition to his service to WSCC, David is currently a member of The Rotary Club of Swissvale and board member of the Swissvale Farmers Market, which he also managed for seven years.

James Herbert

Jim Herbert is a dedicated Wilkins School Community Center volunteer and board member. For years, he has generously donated his time to WSCC projects and programs.