Welcome ECC Librarian, Josh Seybert, and Program Coordinator, Sophie Kachur

ECO is thrilled to welcome two new full time staff members to the Etna Center for Community. Josh will serve as the ECC's librarian, and Sophie will bring programs and services to the space as the ECC program coordinator.

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Sophie Kachur is a longtime Etna resident, recently returned from studying and working in Northern Virginia. They bring with them a background in community organizing, advocacy, and local government. Sophie has been an active and engaged member of the Etna community for many years, volunteering with the Etna Neighborhood Association, COVID-19 emergency programs, Borough Council, and more. They studied Political Science and Spanish in college, with an emphasis on DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) and community-level change. They hope to add to the inventive and fun programming ECO has developed and are looking forward to working with community members on new offerings. Sophie is especially excited to meet new and long time residents when the Etna Center for Community opens. They are often seen walking around Etna, and they enjoy skipping rocks with their partner at Dougherty Nature Trail. They love local history and urban legends, so if you see them around town, feel free to share your favorite local story!

Josh Seybert is very excited to serve the Etna community as the librarian for the Etna Center for Community. A lifelong resident of Pittsburgh, Josh attended Edinboro University, where he earned his BFA in media arts. After about 20 years working in Graphic Design, he wanted to switch gears and do work that would have a direct and meaningful impact on Pittsburgh and its neighboring communities. As a huge bookworm and library advocate, pursuing a career as a librarian was an easy choice for Josh. Josh earned his Master's in Library and Information Science at the University of Pittsburgh, completing a career placement with the Mars Area Public Library.

Josh looks forward to meeting the residents of Etna, and providing them with books, programs, and resources that will entertain, educate and enrich the community. Some of his favorite books are Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, Life After Life by Kate Atkinson, and The Library at Mt. Char by Scott Hawkins. 

Both Sophie and Josh will be at the ECC all day on October 17th for our ribbon cutting. Come out and meet these new members of the Etna Community!