Our Service Model
Eliminating Barriers to a Student’s Success
Portage Community has evolved to better meet the needs of our students, and tuition is just one challenge they’ll encounter on the path to becoming a medical professional. That’s why each person we serve has access to a team that’s ready to encourage them not to give up on their dreams. Many students lack a support system to offer inspiration or to answer their questions about classwork and the medical field. We provide tools for their success and eliminate barriers that would prevent it.
Locally, mentoring is the primary requirement for entering the Portage Community program. We also offer professional development, test preparation, academic support, and scholarships.
On an international level, financial need is a major factor for consideration in our program. In addition to their scholarships, each medical student in the Dominican Republic also receives mentorship and professional development.
Meet Our Team
Portage Community is a 501(c)(3) founded in the spring of 2019. Since then we’ve served dozens of nurses and medical professionals through scholarships, mentoring, and career development. With the help of dedicated volunteers supporting our dream, we offer learning opportunities to all who desire a career in healthcare. Here is our leadership team:
Liz Ours
Operations Director
Beaver, PA
Liz joined Portage Community in March 2022. In her role as Operations Director, she oversees daily functions of the organization in addition to developing and expanding our programs. Her experience includes volunteer leadership at two nonprofits, which fueled her desire to help all pursue their educational dreams, regardless of circumstances. Liz and her husband, Ben, have two boys, Elijah and Hunter. They enjoy being outdoors, traveling, and spending time with friends and extended family. Liz also loves to read, exercise, and volunteer.
Mabel Dasneyri Núñez
Partner of Hope Clinic Director
Hato Mayor, Dominican Republic
Mabel has been a general practitioner and medical auditor for 11 years, which included her tenure as a physician assistant at Yerba Buena Hato Mayor del Rey. She also participated in medical operations and missionary work for two nonprofit organizations, and served as an emergency doctor at Pablo A Paulino Hospital. She believes meeting the needs of others through healthcare is part of the Lord’s plan for her life. Now, she is living it out as director of our Partner of Hope medical clinic.
Laura DePietro
Portage Community Local Coordinator
Chippewa Township, PA
Laura started as Coordinator for the Portage Community local program in March of 2024. Having been the recipient of extensive nursing care, Laura sees her role of supporting current nursing students as a privilege and an opportunity to give back to an industry that has impacted her life so significantly. With experience working in the non-profit world Laura is passionate about connecting individuals with resources and opportunities to overcome barriers and be successful. Wife to Rob and Mom to Carson, Grace and Jonah; Laura loves to travel, cook and spend time with her family doing all things sports related.
Meet Our Team
Meet Our Board of Directors
Steve Michalik
President
Chippewa Township, PA
Mandy Dodd
Vice President
Chippewa Township, PA
Chris Ream
Board Member
Chippewa Township, PA