Penn Highlands Community College
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is proud to be a part of the PA Community College Consortium Agreement. The PHCC main campus is located in Johnstown, with five additional campuses located in Altoona, Ebensburg, Huntingdon, and Somerset. With over 35 academic programs, local students will easily find an area of interest that leads to a promising career.
Cyber-Related Programs
Project Leadership
Leisa Custer, Co-PI
Instructor of Information Technology, Penn Highlands Community College
Leisa Custer is an instructor at Penn Highlands Community College, and has taught networking and cybersecurity for over 20 years. She is also certified to teach Cisco Network Academy for various platforms. Prior to beginning her career as an educator, she spent 17 years at a local steel mill, working her way from network technician to network administrator. She has earned multiple industry certifications including CompTIA A+, Network +, Security+ and Project+, five CIW certifications, and the IBM Database Administrator certification. Her greatest accomplishments is seeing her current and previous student succeed!
Ms. Custer can be reached at lcuster@pennhighlands.edu
Greg Paonessa, Co-PI
Instructor of Computer Technology, Penn Highlands Community College
Greg Paonessa is a seasoned software engineer who has transitioned his focus to making an impact in the education sector. With a wealth of experience in computer technology, Greg is now dedicated to teaching and empowering the next generation of tech enthusiasts. As a passionate educator, he shares his expertise in various programming languages, software development, and project management with students, fostering a strong foundation in the world of technology. Greg's commitment to staying updated on the latest advancements in the field ensures that his teaching remains cutting-edge and relevant. With his unique blend of technical expertise and teaching skills, Greg is shaping the future of computer technology by inspiring and guiding ambitious students.
Mr. Paonessa can be reached at gpaonessa@pennhighlands.edu