Speaker: Dion Lerman

Presentation: Roaches, Rats, and Kids…Oh, My! Children, Pests, and Pesticides - Surveying Knowledge, Attitudes, Behaviors, and Skills in Low-Income Residents and Promoting Least-Toxic Interventions through Integrated Pest Management Training

Dion Lerman is the Environmental Health Program Specialist for the Pennsylvania Integrated Pest Management Program’s Philadelphia School and Community IPM Partnership. He holds the Healthy Homes Specialist certification and leads Healthy Homes and IPM trainings for residents, pest control operators, and property managers. In addition, Dion conducts outreach, education and research in low-income communities in the Philadelphia area. He has a background in food safety, holds the Certified Professional – Food Safety credential, and consults with the Handwashing Leadership Forum. He has a B.S. from Drexel University. He had a career as a professional chef; has worked in adult continuing education for Drexel and taught for Fairleigh-Dickinson University; and provided career training for homeless mothers.