Cassandra Catanzaro
Dalton,PA
Summary
Professional with strong background in forensic investigations and legal compliance. Expertise in conducting thorough examinations, compiling accurate reports, and collaborating effectively with law enforcement. Known for adaptability, reliability, and results-driven approach. Knowledgeable with thorough understanding of forensic pathology and post-mortem examination processes. Conducted numerous autopsies, providing critical insights into cause and manner of death while collaborating closely with law enforcement. Demonstrated proficiency in forensic toxicology and pathology, ensuring accurate and timely case conclusions. Skilled in evidence collection, pathology, and crisis management.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Deputy Coroner
Lackawanna County Coroner's Office
03.2022 - Current
- Improved clarity of investigative reports by producing accurate narratives and case summaries for court use.
- Prepared detailed investigative reports that supported courtroom testimony and case resolution.
- Delivered professional courtroom testimony and communication to clarify findings for legal proceedings.
- Maintained documentation integrity and professional communications across investigative records and interagency exchanges.
- Built cooperative relationships with law enforcement, EMS, funeral homes, and related agencies to streamline case handling and transfers.
- Managed media communications with confidentiality while protecting case integrity and sensitive information
- Coordinated sensitive death notifications to families with clear communication and compassionate support.
- Collected critical medical and background details from next of kin to improve case accuracy and timelines.
- Prepared families for identification and postmortem steps while preserving dignity and transparency.
- Managed information requests and explained findings such as autopsy results to nonmedical stakeholders.
- Recognized and responded to emotional and behavioral reactions to reduce escalation and support family needs.
- Engaged effectively with diverse cultures and communities to ensure respectful investigation interactions.
- Established scene authority and secured environments to enable safe, orderly on-site investigations.
- Used anatomical knowledge to recognize injuries and postmortem changes for cause determination.
- Identified surgical artifacts and acute interventions to distinguish antemortem from postmortem findings.
- Documented gunshot, blunt force, and abuse injuries to inform forensic reports and legal outcomes.
- Conducted death investigations to determine causes and manners of death.
Autopsy Assistant
Lackawanna County Coroner's Office
07.2022 - Current
- Handled incoming decedents and prepared bodies for autopsy, improving processing time and chain-of-custody accuracy.
- Assisted pathologists with dissections and organ examinations, ensuring procedures met forensic standards.
- Collected and logged toxicology samples and evidence, maintaining strict protocol and secure evidence integrity.
- Photographed and X-rayed cases pre- and post-examination, producing clear visual records for investigations.
- Restored and sutured remains and coordinated releases to funeral homes, maintaining dignity and timely turnover.
- Sanitized autopsy suite and instruments, enforcing biosafety procedures to reduce contamination risk.
- Managed supply inventory and biohazard disposal, ensuring regulatory compliance and uninterrupted operations.
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Specialist
United States Army
12.2015 - 09.2018
- Supervised and maintained $100,000 in sensitive equipment, achieving zero loss over a 12-month period.
- Managed a diverse tactical workforce of over 1,000 personnel, ensuring mission readiness and coordination.
- Organized and audited 200+ personnel records, raising record accuracy to 100%.
- Trained and led chemical response drills for 50 personnel, cutting response time by 15 minutes and earning team efficiency recognition.
- Developed and implemented standard operating procedures to improve workflow efficiency.
- Directed installation and training for new office equipment, improving team adoption and operational continuity.
- Enforced correct use of protective equipment through training and inspections, reducing safety incidents.
BOSS Represenative
Better Opportunity for Single Soldier Vice Representative (BOSS)
06.2016 - 06.2017
- Managed health and welfare support for over 500 personnel, ensuring timely response to welfare issues and measurable improvements in well-being.
- Facilitated workforce development initiatives that enabled career growth and increased program participation.
- Coordinated volunteer and leisure activities, improving event turnout and resource utilization.
- Organized monthly meetings to align stakeholders and track program outcomes. Developed a standardized event checklist that reduced setup time and prevented supply shortages.
- Led monthly community outreach events that increased soldier participation in morale programs.
- Advised unit leadership on welfare concerns and submitted policy recommendations to command to address recurring issues.
- Organized educational workshops on resilience and conflict resolution for junior enlisted personnel, producing measurable improvements in coping skills
- Facilitated communication between single soldiers and leadership to address concerns and enhance community engagement.
Aseptic Cleaner
Advanced Cleanroom Microclean (ACM)
09.2014 - 11.2015
- Developed and delivered aseptic gowning training for staff, improving compliance during audits for over 30 personnel per shift.
- Ensured cleanliness and sterility in controlled environments according to industry standards.
- Maintained personnel records and documentation to ensure regulatory readiness and audit traceability.
- Calibrated and validated cleanroom pressure differentials and particle counters to meet SOP requirements and ensure environmental control.
- Coordinated with QC to sample surfaces and investigate contamination findings, preventing product release delays.
- Inspected gowning compliance across shifts, reducing particulate breaches and improving audit outcomes.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Keystone College
La Plume, PA05-2022
Skills
- Management of internship programs
- Expertise in anatomy and physiology
- Built partnerships with community organizations
- Enhanced record-keeping practices by implementing a digital database system for case documentation and archiving purposes
- Advanced training in medical terminology
- Responsible for final disposition of all indigent and unknown persons in Lackawanna County
- Assist trauma services with family of suicide victims
- Develop trainings for first responders on death investigation and crime scene preservation
- Comprehensive understanding of disease processes
- Transcription of medical forensic reports
- HAZMAT Certified
- Aseptic gowning certification
Accomplishments
- Supervisor for Interns throughout the year.
- Coordinator for Arimathea Mass in conjunction with Scranton Prep Mass.
- Responsible for final disposition all indigent and unknown. persons in Lackawanna County.
- Use Microsoft Excel to develop drug overdose spreadsheets.
Certification
- International Homicide Investigators Association
- National Homicide Investigators Association
- CPR Certified
- HZAMAT Certified
- Certified Medicolegal Death Investigator
- American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigator
- Society of Medicolegal Death Investigators
Timeline
Autopsy Assistant
Lackawanna County Coroner's Office
07.2022 - Current
Deputy Coroner
Lackawanna County Coroner's Office
03.2022 - Current
BOSS Represenative
Better Opportunity for Single Soldier Vice Representative (BOSS)
06.2016 - 06.2017
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Specialist
United States Army
12.2015 - 09.2018
Aseptic Cleaner
Advanced Cleanroom Microclean (ACM)
09.2014 - 11.2015
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Keystone College