Welcome, Steph Cruz!

We are thrilled to welcome Steph Cruz to the Burn Prevention Network team as our new NEPA Prevention Outreach Coordinator!

Steph comes to BPN with a rich background in Early Childhood Education and Sociology, inspired by her mother, who was a director and teacher in the field. Watching her mother work with children sparked Steph’s own passion for helping young learners grow and thrive—a passion she now brings to her work in burn prevention and fire safety education.

When asked what drew her to BPN, Steph shared, “I was drawn to the organization’s mission of teaching burn prevention and fire safety, which I believe is essential for helping young children recognize and avoid dangerous situations. I also admire that the program is supported by generous funders who value community education and empowerment for burn survivors.”

Growing up in New York shaped Steph’s adaptable, open-minded, and motivated approach to life—qualities she brings into every interaction with children and families. She is particularly excited about the opportunity to make a lasting impact on children’s safety and awareness, teaching lessons that could prevent injuries or even save lives.

Beyond her professional experience, Steph is a dedicated and curious learner herself. A fun fact: she loves reading comics (especially Marvel!), playing video games with her son, and enjoying nature walks with her family, exploring the woods and all the little wonders of the outdoors.

Looking ahead, Steph hopes to deepen her knowledge of burn prevention education, learn new ways to communicate safety concepts to children and families, and contribute to BPN’s mission of creating safer communities. Long term, she aims to combine her expertise in early childhood education and sociology to lead community-based initiatives focused on prevention, safety, and lifelong learning.

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Steph Cruz—we are so excited to have her on our team and can’t wait to see the positive impact she will have on children and families throughout NEPA!