Faculty and Staff Bios

Wendy Ormsby
Director of Organizational Development
SCSC Founder

My husband and I enjoy living in a quiet corner of Harleysville with our two children. I was lucky enough to spend my early professional years with Johnson and Johnson. After leaving J&J and getting my Master's degree from University of Pennsylvania, I consulted with Fortune 50 companies on issues related to overall business effectiveness, with a focus on improving an organization's culture and analyzing its business processes.

These professional experiences compelled me to ponder changes that were necessary to promote resilient learning among adults within the public education system. Thus, the Souderton Charter School Collaborative was born. I believe that if we really hope to improve the educational system, educators must be removed from the isolation of their classrooms and brought together to reflect, brainstorm and collaborate. Together as an SCSC staff, we are empowered. We are striving to reinvent schooling from the ground up.

At school every day we hear the voice of each child - even the child who has a difficult time finding his voice. When you visit our school you will see children and adults alike involved in purposeful activities and you will hear a diverse group of people interacting and asking questions. You will experience an environment where we are learning to do more than react to our environment; we are learning to positively impact the world around us. During recent years, I have been inspired by the words of the famous anthropologist Margaret Mead who said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has." I am proud to be working together with my colleagues to do just that.


Jennifer Arevalo
Director of Education, CEO

I grew up in the local area and attended public schools before heading off to Boston. There I had a mixed life of studying Political Science, living in many different places and waiting on tables in many tourist areas. Upon returning to Philadelphia, I worked in social services and through this work made the realization that I wanted to become a teacher. I entered a certification program at Beaver College, now known as Arcadia University, and began teaching in Philadelphia. The School District, with its combination of freedom and challenge, was an exciting ground to learn about the practice of teaching. After teaching in Philadelphia, for two years I worked with schools on issues of literacy and the reading lifestyles of their students and for my family's business in Line Lexington. One of the greatest benefits of these two years was the opportunity to see and think about education from outside of a classroom.

I returned to teaching at SCSC because I was impressed by its struggle to operate a school that seeks to expand the definition of what public education can be. SCSC, as a small school with small classes where all children are connected and valued, was the type of school I sought to find. Dr. Ernest Boyer, President of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching stated in his book The Basic School, "the most essential ingredient of an effective school - the one that holds it all together is best described by the simple word 'connections.' An effective school connects people, to create community. An effective school connects curriculum to achieve coherence. An effective school connects classrooms and resources to enrich the climate. And an effective school connects to life to build character." When we are connected, our thoughts, play and action are enriched. I appreciate the connections I've made and look forward to the connections awaiting me at SCSC.

Since June of 2002, I have served as the Director of Education. The practice of teaching can truly become an art form when people have the right tools and the time to reflect and practice their medium. I strive to live out the original vision of the SCSC founding members and look openly and honestly at the learning we try to do. I look forward to learning alongside the faculty and children. It is through this connection that I can become a better teacher and student.




Allison Beard
Middle School Teacher

I am a mother of twin girls, Ashley and Alyssa, and a son, Duncan. I have been married to Mark, my husband and their father since 1990. We have a small business designing and fabricating stained glass windows for churches, synagogues, and homes on the east coast.

I grew up in Hatfield, Pennsylvania on a small farm with so many animals I cannot even introduce them all to you. Being outdoors was always one of my great loves along with raising and nurturing animals of all types. This led me to attend Delaware Valley College of Science and Agriculture, Doylestown, PA, and choose to follow animal science in the Bachelor of Science degree program. After graduating and working for a veterinarian, I began teaching special needs children horseback riding with Flying High Equestrian Therapy Incorporated. This special group of people led me to visualize my greater dream of nurturing and teaching children, along with the help of some special animal friends (our horses), a dream that I now have realized fully.

While teaching for Flying High Equestrian, I had three children, and decided that I enjoyed teaching my own and other peoples' children so much, that I would work on a graduate degree in elementary education. While home with my children when they were small, I continued to pursue my Masters in Education at Holy Family University, Philadelphia, Pa.

During this time, I found out about a special place called The Souderton Charter School Collaborative in Souderton, Pa. I visited while a student and mother and was highly impressed with the culture and the mission of the school. Once I was a valid candidate to teach, I contacted the school and forwarded my application. I realized what a special place this school is and I am thrilled to be a part of SCSC. We are striving to change the face of public education and create a place where students and families are truly valued for what they have to offer.


Karen Burke
Music Teacher

Although originally from Connecticut, I have called Pennsylvania my home for the last 20 years. My husband and I have been enjoying raising our three children in the growing Harleysville area.

I grew up in a family where music was part of every day life. We all sang in school and church choirs, performed with our instruments and someone always had a radio on or the record player spinning. It was a natural choice for me to study and major in music education when I attended college. My love of music, teaching and working with special needs children lead me to further my career by studying music therapy at the graduate level. I had the great privilege of working with many different children in varied settings and learned so much from each experience.

For the past 17 years, I have been fortunate to have been able to stay at home to raise my children, give flute lessons out my house and help my husband early on with his business. It was right at the time when I was looking to get back into the work force (and was beginning to feel somewhat discouraged with my prospects) that my good friend, Sue, asked me what I was doing with my music these days because there was an opening at the charter school. Upon meeting with Wendy and Jennifer, I knew immediately that the charter school was the place for me.

It is with great anticipation that I begin this new chapter in my life. I am grateful to be teaching music at such a fine school and in a nurturing and caring community of collaborators, teachers and learners.


Julie Cook
Middle School Teacher

I met my husband, Tom, at Penn State, where I earned a B.S. in Secondary Education/English. Fourteen years later, we find ourselves living in Harleysville with our three terrific boys, ages 12, 10, and 7. I enjoy writing, reading, traveling, and playing with my boys. You can find me most evenings watching them on football, soccer, and baseball fields around the area.

I found SCSC by way of our oldest son. Looking for alternatives to public education, we toured SCSC. We left that day thinking the school was perfect for our children. Each child is valued and challenged. Academic expectations are high. Experiential education, parental involvement, and ongoing teacher support and education would be truly revolutionary in practice.

Of course, as a teacher with experience in three public districts, I also immediately thought about the school as a tremendous career opportunity. SCSC matched my own philosophy of education so perfectly, I was grateful to accept a position. Five years ago, Paula Mandracchia and I piloted SCSC’s Middle School program, Seasons. The design and implementation of this integrated program served as a model for what we would become. Middle School now has three programs and six dedicated teachers. I now teach Frontiers and Expeditions with my teaching partner, Jeannine Dunn. I love working at SCSC. Every day is exciting. I am surrounded by dedicated teachers and students who challenge me every day to help create a better educational environment.

I feel lucky to have found SCSC as a parent and a teacher. I look forward to our continued success.


Jeannine Dunn
Middle School Teacher

I received a B.S. in Psychology, and an M.S. in Educational Leadership from Immaculata University. After graduation I was a substitute teacher before joining St. Joseph's in Cheltenham where I taught 7th and 8th grade math, science, social studies, religion, gym, art, and music.

When St. Joseph's closed in 2004, I was very fortunate and happy to find SCSC, which I absolutely love. The staff amazes me with their dedication, enthusiasm, and ability to communicate and collaborate.

I come from a fairly large family. I have two brothers and two sisters. My sisters are the same age as my students, which is great because I can bounce ideas off of them before trying them in school. I live in Horsham, Pennsylvania but have traveled to many places worldwide. Outside of school I enjoy volunteering for local Hoops league and Little League. When I have the time I also try helping out the Muscular Dystrophy Association.


Alice Fallon
Art Teacher


Dawn Farrell
Elementry Teacher

Although I am originally from Pittsburgh, my father was in the Navy so we lived everywhere when I was younger! I have lived in Ohio, Florida, Virginia, Washington D.C., England (Wales) and San Diego. My most recent move was from Las Vegas, Nevada.

I attended high school, college, and grad school in San Diego. After graduation, I taught 3rd grade in San Diego for 6 years until moving in 2000 to Las Vegas where I taught Kindergarten. In 2007 my husband was offered a promotion and a transfer to Philadelphia and we made a move that I have wanted to do for quite some time. We now reside in West Chester.

Upon interviewing for a position at SCSC, I knew immediately that it was the school for me! The closeness of the staff and involvement of the parents was something that was very appealing to me. I am very proud to be a member of the SCSC staff and look forward to many years to come at this wonderful school!


Reiko Finamore
Elementary Teacher

As an undergraduate at the University of Rochester, NY, I majored in psychology. By the end of my senior year, however, I had decided that I was more interested in childhood education than psychology as a career. Yearning to travel and also wanting to learn more about my cultural heritage, I moved to Japan after graduation. It was there that I started my professional career, teaching English as a foreign language in a children's school.
After a few years abroad, I came back to New York and earned a Master's degree in Elementary Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. For the next ten years, I taught at P.S. 116 in Manhattan, initially in fourth grade and later as a kindergarten teacher. I also met my husband, and helped introduce our two wonderful children to the world. They continue to amaze me (as well as inform my teaching) every single day.
Last year, we moved to Abington here in Pennsylvania, so that my husband could be closer to his job in Philadelphia. I have spent the past year getting certified to teach in PA and searching for the school that best embodies my ideals for education: genuine, meaningful learning experiences, collaborative teaching and learning, student ownership, caring and dedicated professionals,… I found that ideal school in SCSC, and I feel quite fortunate to have been welcomed into this wonderful community of educators. I look forward to continuing my professional journey amid this rare collection of learners, students and teachers alike.


Amanda Holwick
Special Education Teacher

I currently reside in Warminster, Bucks County. My education includes my high school diploma from Archbishop Wood and my BA from Immaculata College, which is now Immaculata University. I’m currently enrolled in a Master’s Program at LaSalle University for Speech Language Pathology. My experience includes the Bucks County Intermediate Unit and Central Bucks School District.

In March 2006, I was invited to become a member of the SCSC community on a part-time basis. I was invited to return for the 2006-2007 school year, and because of the point I am at in my program at LaSalle, I now have greater flexibility in the day and my schedule. I am very grateful for the opportunity of being a full time member of the SCSC staff.

I look forward to a great school year! I am excited about the possibilities, about the new people I will meet, and about the new friends I will make.


Jane Janesky
Special Education Teacher

Originally from Wisconsin , my husband and I moved to Chalfont in 1998 and we love the history, beautiful scenery and close location to so many exciting places. I worked in the Central Bucks School District for two years and had an opportunity to join a new charter school in Philadelphia . It was exciting to join the ‘movement’ in its infancy. I continued there for nine years as I watched the movement grow. I was then given the opportunity to move to Souderton Charter School Collaborative and jumped at the chance.

I have my bachelor’s degree in Special Education – Learning Disabilities and received my master’s degree in Teaching and Learning from Lock Haven University . I am certified in the areas of Special Education, English and Math.

We have one daughter who is a junior at the University of WI , my husband’s alma mater.


Marianne Kane
Apprentice Elementary Teacher

Originally from Matamoras, PA, I currently reside in Plymouth Meeting. I earned a B.S. in Recreation and Leisure Services from East Stroudsburg University, and interned at Saint Joseph's Center in Scranton, Pa, as a Recreation Therapist. I began working at SCSC in the spring of 2004 providing teacher support services. I have also worked as an Assistant Day Camp director at Sunshine Station in Milford Pa.


Karen Keller
Apprentice Elementary Teacher

I have lived in the Montgomeryville area most of my life. I am married with two daughters – both attend SCSC. My connection with the charter school began in 2000 when my oldest was in kindergarten. As a parent, I could tell that SCSC was going to offer children endless opportunities to explore and grow. What I quickly learned was that SCSC would also offer me a place to learn and grow. I am honored to be part of such a talented team of individuals.


Lisa Kessler
Office Manager

I have been married since 1975 and have three children. In my spare time I enjoy sewing, reading, walking/hiking, and baking. I have been the office manager since 2001 and enjoy my experience at SCSC.


Melissa Martinez
Middle School Special Education Teacher

I have lived in Philadelphia all my life. I graduated from La Salle University with a BA in Education, and dual certification to teach Elementary and Special Education K -12. I received a Masters degree in Education from Widener University, where I majored in Educational Psychology.

My past experiences in the field of education include being a Sixth Grade Bilingual Teacher in the Philadelphia School District and a Special Education Junior and Senior High Teacher for Abington School District. For the past for years, I have been fortunate enough to have worked for an organization that serves underprivileged children and families in inner city Philadelphia. It was a great opportunity to provide services for young children with special needs and their families. I learned a great deal about partnering with families and staff to individualize for all children regardless of ability level. I learned the importance of meeting children within their comfort zone, supporting them, and challenging them, one step at a time, to achieve their goals. The greatest and most fulfilling challenge in life is to work with children who learn differently ... to be a teacher is to be a life long student. Some of my hobbies include: shopping, Latin Dance, scrapbooking, spending time with my nephew, and working with the youth at church.

SCSC is a wonderful place to work, where students, staff and families support each other and grow together. I am proud to be part of the SCSC family.


Susan O'Shura
Apprentice Elementary Teacher
Physical Education Teacher

I came to the Souderton Charter School Collaborative with previous experience as a school Physical Education teacher, guidance office secretary, teaching assistant, classroom aide, and nursery school teacher. I also teach aerobics and do my husband's bookkeeping. I love children, cooking, baking and all outdoor activities such as skiing, rollerblading, biking, etc.

I think the charter school movement is great and I feel the project based work approach and focusing on children's input has long been overlooked in the public school setting, where many children have fallen through the "cracks". It is refreshing to see smaller classrooms, more one-on-one interaction, project-based work and more child directed learning.


Lynn M. Prontnicki, BSN, RN
School Nurse

I received a B.S. in Nursing from Bloomfield College in 1975, and I began the school nurse position at SCSC in 2003 and received Certification in School Nursing in 2004 from Slippery Rock University.My work experience includes working in intensive care units, emergency rooms, and providing home health care. I specialized in asthma and newborns. My volunteer work includes Birth Coach and Shepherding Home Host for Alpha Pregnancy Services, Foster Parent for Bethany Christian Services, Philadelphia area coordinator for the Nurses Christian Fellowship, and Girls Club and Nursery Committee Coordinator at my church.


Terry Rakszawski
Reading Specialist

I received a B.S. in Special Education, and an M.S. in Reading from Gwynedd-Mercy College. I also have PA certifications in Regular and Special Education, and Reading.

In addition to teaching regular and special education in grades 5 - 12, I was also an instructor at Gwynedd-Mercy College and Montgomery County Community College. I also have a private practice where I teach reading, writing and study skills for grades K - 7. I have been teaching since 1982.


Janis Rindone
Special Education Teacher

I currently live in Sellersville with husband and my son. Before moving to the area, I lived in Long Island, NY where I received a B.S. in Special Education, and received my Special Education Teacher Certification from Long Island University CW Post University. Prior to joining the Souderton Charter School Collaborative, I was a special education teacher at Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism, and a high school special education teacher at Wordsworth Academy. I am currently working on my Graduate work at DeSales University.

I spent my first two years as a teacher teaching children with Autism in a program that followed the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. It was there that I began my experiences with teaching in an inclusion environment. Parent training was an essential part of my teaching experience, and reinforced my belief that it takes a village to teach a child. As I moved on and grew professionally I took with me the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis and believe strongly that a student's needs must be individually identified and how we teach is as important as what we teach.

I was not familiar with the charter school movement until I moved to Pennsylvania. In my observation of many programs here, especially those that have children with special needs, are not having their needs met effectively through the traditional school environment. The charter school values many of the beliefs that I feel are essential to my philosophy of education. Most importantly it provides parents and staff with choices.


Kellie Scott
Elementary Teacher

When I was eight, my mother had twins. I loved helping take care of them and watching them learn and develop. This experience proved to me that I wanted to be a teacher. I went to the University of Connecticut for my undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education. I graduated with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood. I worked at their Child Development Laboratory where I learned how children develop and how to tailor lessons to meet their needs.

After I left UCONN, I pursued my Elementary Education Certification in Quinnipiac University’s masters program. I interned in an elementary school (the same elementary school I had attended years before) where I was able to be involved with all elementary grade levels and where I learned many exciting techniques and strategies to try in the classroom. I also student taught and continued taking classes. I graduated with a Masters of Arts in Teaching and earned my elementary certification.

I then started teaching in a small suburban town where I taught second grade and third grades. While teaching, I decided to continue my own education at Southern Connecticut State University. I earned a Sixth Year Professional Diploma of Advanced Studies as a Classroom Teacher Specialist. During this program, I focused on curriculum because I found that I was interested in developing curriculum and began to serve on curriculum committees for my school district.

As I was beginning my teaching career, I met an amazing man. The only problem was that he lived in Pennsylvania and I was living in Connecticut. We dated long distance for two years and I moved to Pennsylvania to begin our life together in the summer of 2008.

As I began my job search in Pennsylvania, I found SCSC. I was very excited to hear about their philosophy to foster the lifelong love of learning in students and to involve parents and the community in the process. This was perfectly aligned with my personal philosophy of education. I knew this school would be a great place for me. Here I can continue to grow as a learner and an educator.



Stephanie Sienkeiwicz
Apprentice Elementary Teacher

Prior to joining the Souderton Charter School Collaborative, I volunteered in the North Penn School District as a library aide and computer aide to 2nd graders as well as being an active member of the Home and School Association. I have also volunteered both in and out of the classrooms at the Souderton Charter School Collaborative and am a strong advocate for the school and its philosophies and mission, which are essentially that no child is "left behind" in the educational process and is to be nurtured for the gifts that he/she bring to the school. My background includes teaching Sunday School to two and three year olds for several years at my church. I have been a stay-at-home mom for the past 10 years and am an active advocate and participant in my children's education. I am excited about the opportunity to be a part of the extraordinary effort to change the way we look at public education.


Lisa Sobolak
Elementary Teacher

Originally from New Kensington, Pennsylvania, about thirty minutes northeast of Pittsburgh, I graduated from Grove City College in Grove City, Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. My college studies familiarized me with the Reggio Emilia Approach to teaching young children, which received its name from where it originated in Reggio Emilia, Italy. This philosophy is similar to the Project Approach and the Emergent Curriculum philosophy. The educators in Reggio Emilia view the child as protagonist, collaborator, and communicator. The teacher is viewed as partner, nurturer, researcher, and guide. Parents also play an active part in their children's learning experience. I worked at Carnegie Mellon University's Margaret Shadick Cyert Center for Early Education and Program for Collaborative Learning that was designed around the Reggio Approach. I became a strong supporter of child-directed learning when I had the opportunity to develop projects around the interests of preschoolers. Education should teach children critical thinking, collaboration, responsibility, and self-determination. These are the skills of the people of a changing and productive world.

Upon graduation from Grove City, I moved to Winchester, Virginia where I taught first grade for Frederick County Public Schools. Following the Virginia Standards of Learning, I felt restricted with what I could teach in my classroom. Making public education more individualized and fun for students was a high priority and challenge for me.

After finishing the school year, I moved back to Pennsylvania and am now a resident of Lansdale. Most recently, I worked for McNeil Child Development Center; a NAEYC accredited program for early childhood education and taught Preschool and Kindergarten children. I was able to use the experience I gained about The Project Approach and Reggio Emilia Philosophy with the children at McNeil. The center believes in emergent curriculum and an environment where children are empowered by their teachers and are encouraged to explore and discover their interests. I was inspired and amazed at the curiosity of the children and enjoyed facilitating their ideas to help them develop projects such as building their own bridges and designing their own Beanie Babies. I was also able to develop strong partnerships with parents by meeting on a regular basis and including them in classroom activities and events.

When hearing about the Souderton Charter School Collaborative, I knew it would be the chance of a lifetime to become a teacher in a public school which emphasizes learning by doing, strong parent and community partnerships, and which views the child as an active participant. Teaching children how to learn and how to become responsible for their own learning is remarkable. In this student-generated curriculum, children question more. They try to figure out why things happen and exist. They gain skills that they can apply to almost any situation in life, and they also build up an enthusiasm and desire for learning. They recall what they learn because it is meaningful and interesting. They aren't memorizing a page of facts. Instead they are building a knowledge base that they can strengthen and rely on as they go through life.


Kelly Veneziale
Elementary Teacher

For as long as I remember, I have known that I wanted to be an educator so that I could teach and nurture children like so many wonderful teachers have done for me. To this end, I attended The College of New Jersey, formerly Trenton State College, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Psychology. Upon graduating, I took a position in my childhood school district, and after only a short time, I realized that in order to keep up with the rigorous pace and ever-changing direction of public education, it was necessary for me to continue my education. Taking into account all of my options, I decided to pursue a Master’s in Educational Technology, also at The College of New Jersey. This decision relied heavily upon the fact that technology is becoming more and more present in everyday life, and I believe that in order to prepare our youth for the future, it is our responsibility to meaningfully integrate technology into the curriculum as often as possible.

Wanting to stay current with educational trends, I am always looking for and researching new and exciting opportunities in the world of education. Upon hearing about the Souderton Charter School Collaborative, I jumped at the chance to join a school that is a part of so many exciting and meaningful educational initiatives, all of which mirror my educational philosophy. The communication that is constantly taking place among students, staff, parents, and the community; the appreciation and development of each student’s individuality; and most importantly, the student-centered approach to teaching and learning are initiatives that I believe to be essential in the development of responsible, well-rounded, lifelong learners, and I am so excited at the opportunities that continue to unfold as part of the SCSC staff.

I reside in Perkasie with my husband. In my free time I greatly enjoy reading, gardening, bicycling, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.


Margaret Warnke-Barker
Apprentice Elementary Teacher

My teaching career began in the foothills of North Carolina after graduating from Lenoir Rhyne College with a BA in English Education. I started working for the Burke County public school system, teaching Language Arts and Social Studies at the Junior High level. Next, I taught a 3/4 class for a small private school outside of Winston Salem, North Carolina.

After having my two children, I worked with a program that gave extra support to emergent and troubled readers in first and second grades. After facilitating this program and watching the "magic" happen for three years, I knew I wanted to work in Elementary Education. I went back to school and did an internship/student teaching through the Attleboro public school system. I received my certification in Elementary Education.

Upon return to the Philadelphia area, I taught third grade in a private, inner-city school for a year. I then worked for Sunrise Preschool and taught the Pre-kindergarten class for six years. At the summer camp, I planned and implemented the art, science, nature, and cooking programs for children ages 3-6.

For the next three years, I took care of my sister who had Alzheimer's. This experience made me value, even more firmly, the individual and the way in which the brain develops. I knew when I went back into education, that I would be looking for a very special place to work, where the children were paramount and there were exciting days every day. I began working at the Children's School of Cabrini College. The program was based on Reggio Amelia Project Approach principles of learning. But, with the arrival of a new director, the philosophy began to change.

Fortunately, during this time, I heard about SCSC. I immediately called and set up an appointment with Wendy. Since then, I have been extremely pleased to be part of a learning environment where we all learn together as a cohesive community and where each child is truly valued!


MaryKay Waite-Rosen
Elementary Teacher

My husband and I moved to the Lehigh Valley in the summer of 2004 when he accepted a position teaching at Moravian College in Bethlehem. I began my teaching career with several years in Ohio and spent 19 years teaching in Savannah, Georgia. When we moved here, I thought I wanted to reinvent myself. While waiting for my Pennsylvania teaching certificate to come through, I taught at Northampton Community College and took a job with Lehigh University as a Research Scientist looking into the teaching of reading practices. It succeeded in motivating me to come back to the classroom where I learned that my true calling has been teaching young children all along. SCSC was the place for me to stretch my teaching skills and be a part of a progressive community of educators and learners.

We have since moved again to a house on South Mountain in Allentown so that the commute wouldn't be too long! I have a son, Travis, and two dogs and two cats. My extended family lives in Ohio and my childhood home is West Virginia, so moving to Pennsylvania and its mountains is like coming home!


Wendy Morrell
Elementary Teacher

Born and raised in New Jersey, I was always a diligent student and excelled academically. After serving as the salutatorian of my high school class, much to the dismay of my teachers, I decided I was not ready to attend college and instead completed a certificate program at The Berkeley School and began a secretarial career. After working for Dow Jones/The Wall Street Journal for five years as an Administrative Assistant, I decided I was ready to return to school…but what to study? As I was pondering my course, I had a conversation with my sister who was puzzled. Hadn’t I always wanted to be a teacher? She was right! I had put that dream aside, but it was now time to revive it!
In 1994, I graduated from Kean University with B.A. degrees in Elementary Education and Psychology. Following graduation, I accepted a position teaching preschool at St. Joseph the Worker School in Orefield, PA. The following year, an offer to teach kindergarten in the Bernards Township School District (Basking Ridge, NJ) brought me back to New Jersey. For nine of my twelve years in the district I taught kindergarten; the balance of my tenure was spent as a literacy support instructor and first grade teacher. In 2005 I earned an M.A. in Education from Nova Southeastern University.
Although I had no plans to leave my position in Bernards Township, in late 2007, I met the man of my dreams! On November 8, 2008, we were married and purchased a home in Lansdale, PA. No longer able to commute to Basking Ridge from my new home, I began the task of job hunting. While searching for a new position, I was invited to SCSC to speak with Jennifer and Wendy. From our first meeting, I felt at home and had a sense that this was indeed the place for me. I’m thrilled to be a part of the SCSC family and am looking forward to working with the staff, children and families of SCSC.


Paula Mandracchia
Sixth Grade Teacher
Early in elementary school, I decided that I would become a teacher. By the time I reached my senior year of high school, however, my interests began to shift and I considered entering the field of biology instead. Throughout my years at Eastern College (now Eastern University), I found that I became most engaged in my field biology classes and appreciated the way that they seemed to build a bridge connecting my life-long fascination with the natural world and my desire to be academically challenged in an outdoor environment. Only due to my mother's ongoing urging did I pursue my teaching certification.

As a college student, I joined an eighth grade teaching team at Radnor Middle School (Wayne, PA) to learn what being a science teacher was all about and to investigate life in the classroom. My student teaching adventures continued in Arizona, where I taught math and science to seventh and eighth grade students at a Navajo boarding school. Those memorable experiences sealed my decision to enter teaching (at the middle school level, what else is there?!). As is often the case, my decision to enter teaching only proved that mom was right all along...

My teaching philosophy and methodology continued to develop throughout my six years of teaching experience at Radnor Middle School, where I returned as a science teacher following my student teaching appointments. The two most influential years were those that I spent in the WATERSHED Program, a nationally recognized experiential, integrated learning program that shifted my position from "teacher" to that of facilitator and collaborator. While I was clearly one of the two adults responsible for guiding our adventures together, the 38 of us became acutely aware that together we comprised a community of students on a learning journey. To be honest, I'd kept an eye on the Souderton Charter School Collaborative since its inception, and am now thrilled to be part of such a dynamic learning community.

Julie Cook and I spent the early months of 2002 developing SEASONS, the Souderton Charter School Collaborative's own integrated program that knits together state standards by connecting many relevant concepts from the natural world and our local community to the seasonal year. Our pioneer year with the SEASONS Class of 2002-2003 led us on many exciting learning adventures and allowed us to serve middle school students in a unique and meaningful way. SEASONS continues to grow and evolve, with the addition of Zoe McCully, the transition of our sixth graders into seventh, and a room full of eager sixth graders just entering middle school.

Of course, our plan books are brimming with ideas for investigation, but these efforts are only the springboard for the SEASONS program in the coming years. Our students' strengths, needs and interests will serve as our compass from here! I look forward to continued growth as both a teacher and a student on our learning adventures together at the Souderton Charter School Collaborative.


Jessica Kilmetz
Sixth Grade Teacher
After graduating from Rutgers University, I had a short-lived career as an contract archaeologist, working all over the United States. I spent most of my time in the Southwestern desert, specifically in Arizona and New Mexico. I fell in love with the varied plant and animal life, which was so different from what I had seen growing up in Connecticut. Unfortunately, my career choice was beginning to spark doubts, so I began work as an AmeriCorps member, serving parents and kids in Phoenix, AZ. During this time, I also went back to school to obtain my teaching certification. I began teaching as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher in Phoenix. I loved my job so much that when I moved to Missouri I continued teaching language arts and ESL while embarking on a Master's degree program in Educational Technology. My love of technology ignited a new passion for teaching and learning, and I quickly began to incorporate more and more technology into my work. While teaching in Connecticut, I was able to work with a flexible staff and administration, experimenting with many new ideas in and out of the classroom. This summer, in order to be closer to family, my fiance and I moved to Philadelphia with my 7-year-old adopted son (who is also my nephew). My hobbies include reading, hiking, and vegetarian cooking. I'm looking forward to working with the students, parents, and teachers at SCSC!