Beyond construction, Habitat for Humanity Erie helps families stabilize their finances. Families learn to evaluate their spending habits, build emergency funds, and manage their money more effectively. Even if they don’t purchase a home at the end of the process, the financial coaching they receive will benefit them for a lifetime and set an example for their children.
Habitat doesn’t just change lives—it transforms entire families for generations to come.
Staff
Dr. Roché Vermaak, Ph.D.
Executive Director
I have served as the Executive Director since 2024. I hold a Ph.D., a Master of Theology, a Master of Divinity, a Bachelor’s with Honors in Greek, and a Bachelor’s in Theology, all earned cum laude. A proud Bruin, I also completed my certification in Nonprofit Management at UCLA.
Originally from South Africa, I immigrated to the USA in 2001. I am an avid traveler, having visited 36 countries, and I have a strong passion for sports, particularly rugby and cricket.​​
Board of Directors
Tom NeCastro
Director
I’m involved with Habitat because it offers a hand up, not a handout. Through the process, families learn the essential skills of homeownership. Working on the build site not only teaches them how homes are constructed but also gives them the knowledge to handle repairs when issues arise.
Louis Colaizzo​
President
Scott Totten
Vice President
I am proud to support Habitat’s mission to help families help themselves to attain a home of their own. Each Habitat Family puts in sweat equity hours to learn the financial and mechanical skills needed to own their own home. Each Family who completes the process starts making mortgage payments with escrow for taxes and insurance, not rent. Pride of realizing the American Dream of home ownership is felt by the Habitat Family and their success motivates me to be a volunteer for Greater Erie Area Habitat for Humanity.
Angela Diver
Board Member
I am a Branch Manager/AVP for Marquette Savings Bank with 25 years of banking experience. Mother of two sons, residing in the Erie area for the last 26 years. I am proud to be involved with an organization that makes the dream of home ownership a possibility for those that can’t obtain a traditional bank mortgage. The Habitat program provides, opportunity, education, and support for applicants, guiding them start to finish with the journey to home ownership!
Dr. Elisa Konieczko
Board Member
I am a second generation American of Italian and Polish descent. I was raised in Erie, PA but lived in several East Coast cities while completing my dissertation and postdoctoral fellowships. I returned to Erie as an Assistant Professor in the Biology Department at Gannon University and am now a full Professor of Biology, active in teaching, research, and service.
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I began volunteering at Habitat when I was a postdoctoral fellow, going on worksite with friends, helping to build simple, decent homes for people in my community. When I returned to Erie, I joined the Greater Erie Area Habitat as a family selection committee member. Currently, I am chair of the family partnership committee and a board member. I enjoy my Habitat activities because it is faith in action.
In my spare time, I like cooking, making jewelry, crocheting, and reading/watching science fiction. I met my husband, Chet LaPrice, at a Gannon University Christmas party. He is the Operations Manager at Gannon University's radio station, WERG 90.5. Together, we like to travel, cross country ski, bike ride, and attend local and national baseball games.