Raymond and Karen Merkin of Potomac, Md., and Art and Debbie Issadore of Bensalem announce the engagement of their children, Jennifer Lynn Merkin and Lawrence Ian Issadore.

Jennifer earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a master's degree in physical therapy from Ithaca College. She is a pediatric physical therapist at the Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

Lawrence earned a Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy from the University of Pittsburgh. He is pursuing a master's degree in public health at George Washington University. Lawrence is a senior occupational therapist at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Sharing in their happiness are Jennifer's grandmother, Sylvia Grubman of Pompano Beach, Fla.; and Lawrence's grandmother, Sylvia ("Chip") Issadore of Philadelphia.

The couple is planning a summer 2006 wedding in Maryland.