Charter Arts Faculty (Complete List)
Acerra, Carlo — Production Arts Faculty
cacerra@charterarts.org
Carlo Acerra is a Production Arts faculty member with a background in media. Prior to joining the team at Charter Arts, Carlo worked as an editor for a video production company in the Lehigh Valley. While his primary role was in video editing, he has extensive knowledge in cinematography, photography, and audio production as well. In 2016 Carlo was awarded an Emmy for his work with FireRock Productions. While some of his work can be found in national-wide marketing campaigns, many of Carlo’s favorite projects have been with local organizations in the Lehigh Valley community. READ MORE
Anderson, Benjamin — Social Studies Faculty
banderson@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 2213
Mr. Anderson has been with Charter Arts long enough to have taught Western Civilization, US1, US2 and Government. He brings a unique energy and passion of history to every subject and student. READ MORE
Anthony, Christopher — English Faculty
canthony@charterarts.org
Christopher Anthony was born in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, and spent the majority of his life there until college. In 2015, he moved to Pittsburgh and studied both English and Secondary Education at Duquesne University. After four years, Christopher graduated and moved to the Lehigh Valley when he started working with Charter Arts in 2019. Currently, Christopher is earning his Masters degree in English at Kutztown University, where he hopes to broaden his content knowledge and learn new skills to bring into the classroom. READ MORE
Babiasz, Anthony — Math Faculty
ababiasz@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 2210
Mr. Babiasz grew up in Northeast Philadelphia and attended Father Judge High School. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Secondary Education at LaSalle University and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Curriculum Development and Educational Leadership. He won the Annenberg-Henrich Scholarship for Mathematics and Science Educators, and was inducted into the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. READ MORE
Bast, McKenna — School Counselor, Music and Production Arts
mbast@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 3157
McKenna Nagle (formerly Bast) is as a School Counselor. McKenna is a Lehigh Valley native growing up and currently residing in Allentown. She attended Muhlenberg College, earning her degree in Psychology/Public health and graduating with honors. READ MORE
Beatty, Scott — Literary Arts Faculty
sbeatty@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 2457 (voicemail only)
Mr. Beatty earned a B.A. in English and Creative Writing from Juniata College, and his M.A. in Creative Writing from Iowa State University. Before joining Charter Arts in 2021, Mr. Beatty divided his time between teaching as an adjunct professor at several Pennsylvania colleges, and as a freelance author and editorial consultant. READ MORE
Berry, Amy — Dance Faculty
aberry@charterarts.org
(610) 868-2971 Ext.2416
Amy Berry is a professional dancer, teacher and choreographer who began her training in her home state of West Virginia. She then received her B.S. in dance from Radford University where she studied Graham modern technique from Pegeen Albig and classical ballet under the direction of Frano Jelincic and Dagmar Kessler. READ MORE
Bickert, Kelly Minner — Theatre Faculty
kbickert@charterarts.org
(610) 868-2971 Ext.2404
Kelly Minner is a graduate of DeSales University with a BA in Theatre and Performing Arts. Kelly has performed many roles since beginning her career with Charter Arts; starting in the English Department, then moving into Theatre and Administration. READ MORE
Boyer, Doug — Social Studies Faculty
dboyer@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 2423
Mr. Boyer is thrilled to be joining the staff at Charter Arts as a member of the Social Studies department. Born and raised in Bethlehem, he graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Political Science Education and history. He is currently working towards a Masters Degree in classroom technology at Wilkes University. READ MORE
Boyle, Joe — Visual Arts Faculty
jboyle@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 2431
Mr. Boyle graduated from KU in 2013, earning a BS in Art Education and BFA in Sculpture. In 2019 Mr. Boyle graduated again from KU to earn a MA in Arts Administration. Mr. Boyle has worked for Charter Arts for the last (almost) six years and will be moving on at Charter Arts as a new member of the Visual Arts department. In addition to his new role, he is also a caretaker of many dogs, greatly enjoys far too many books , and has been married to his husband for about two years already. If he isn't spending way too much time rewatching Jurassic Park, Mr. Boyle primarily works in oil paint for now, would love to get back into casting and mold making. READ MORE
Brinker, Roger — Visual Art Faculty
rbrinker@charterarts.org
(610) 868-2971 Ext.2430
Roger Brinker is a graduate of Temple University’s Tyler School of Art. Joining the Charter Arts Visual Art Department in 2005, he teaches foundation drawing and figure drawing, sculpture, and contracted study. READ MORE
Bruck, Kristen — English Faculty
kbruck@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 2426
Kristen Bruck has been teaching since 2001. She previously taught 6th through 12th grade Social Studies and English in public and cyber schools, as well as English and Reading courses at Northampton Community College. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education from Penn State, her Master's Degree in Reading from Kutztown University, and is certified as a Reading Specialist. READ MORE
Cantelmi, Christopher — Artistic Director of Theatre
ccantelmi@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext.
Born and raised in Fountain Hill, Pennsylvania, Rip was educated at Northampton Community College (AA), Temple University (BA) and The University of Connecticut (MFA) and has served on the adjunct faculty at Northampton Community College and Columbia College Chicago. His work has been seen and/or heard on various stages, screens, and pages throughout the United States.. READ MORE
Castellano, Andrea — School Nurse
nurse@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 3136
Chryst, Amy — Instrumental Music Faculty, Strings
achryst@charterarts.org
Comstock, Carise — Superintendent and CEO
Ccomstock@charterarts.org
Theresa Vinci, Assistant to the Superintendent & CEO, 610-868-2971 Ext. 2434
Dr. Carise Comstock became Superintendent and CEO at the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts (Charter Arts) in 2020. Prior to accepting this leadership position, Dr. Comstock was the school’s Principal from 2017-2020 during which time Charter Arts earned the 2018 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award from the United States Department of Education. Dr. Comstock was originally hired at Charter Arts as the Dean of Academic Affairs, Curriculum, and Instruction and held that position from 2013-2017. READ MORE
Crawley, Shannon — Literary Arts Faculty
scrawley@charterarts.org
Shannon Crawley grew up in a microscopic borough in Northeastern, PA where she survived living with two brothers. She is currently surviving in a borough a bit south of Charter Arts with her two sets of twins, husband, and chickens. Working at Charter Arts invigorates her and inspires her to be a better teacher and person. READ MORE
Demyan, Jenna — Math Faculty
jdemyan@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 2440
Jenna Demyan (formerly DeFrancisco) graduated from Moravian College with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a certification in Secondary Education. Currently, Mrs. Demyan is pursuing a Master in Educational Leadership and a certification in administration. READ MORE
Dennison, Bryanna — School Counselor, Literary Arts and Visual Arts
bdennison@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 3154
Bryanna Dennison is a School Counselor. Bryanna was born and raised in Dingmans Ferry. She completed her BS in Psychology with a minor in Social Work and a Counseling Concentration at East Stroudsburg University, then continued on to earn her Masters in School Counseling K-12 at Marywood University. READ MORE
DeSisto, Katherine — Vocal Music Faculty
kdesisto@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 3159
Kate DeSisto grew up north of Boston. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from Syracuse University with a concentration in choral and general music. She had the pleasure of studying voice with Patti Thompson-Buechner, choral conducting with Dr. John Warren, and organ with Dr. Kola Owolabi, and was the recipient of the Earl George Choral Award for her contributions to the University choral program. READ MORE
DeVault, Shawn — Evening Desk
sdevault@charterarts.org
Diana, Jessica — Assistant Principal, Specialized Services
jdiana@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 ext: 2455
Jessica Diana is excited to transition from her role of Special Education teacher and Coordinator into her new role as Assistant Principal. Jessica is currently completing her second Master’s program in Professional and Secondary Education from East Stroudsburg University and is enrolled in the Women in Leadership certificate program through Cornell University. Jessica has her Master’s in Special Education from East Stroudsburg University, Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Montclair State University, and received her New Jersey Special Education certificate from the Graduate School at Centenary College. READ MORE
Dickson, Erica — Director of Vocal Music
edickson@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 3159
Erica Dickson grew up in the Lehigh Valley and is a proud alum of the Charter Arts Music Department. She earned a BM in Music Education, a BM in Music Theory & Composition and a minor in Music History graduating from West Chester University as well as an MM in Music Education from Temple University. She is currently earning her PhD in Music Education at Temple University with a focus on informal music making, curriculum development, and pop music pedagogies. She is also the Director of Music at Chestnut Hill Church UCC and an adjunct at Northampton Community College. READ MORE
Dobrowolski, Diane Wagner — Theatre Faculty
dwagner@charterarts.org
(610) 868-2971 Ext. 3146
Diane Wagner Dobrowolski received a B.A. in English from DeSales University and an M.F.A in Acting from Louisiana State University. She has worked professionally as an actress for many years. As a member of Actor’s Equity, Mrs. Wagner performed in numerous productions across the country. Some of her favorite roles include Kate in Dancing at Lughnasa, Portia in The Merchant of Venice, the Angel in Angels in America, and Katherina in The Taming of the Shrew. Mrs. Wagner had the privilege to perform at the Kennedy Center as Martha in LSU’s award-winning production of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf as part of the American College Theatre Festival. READ MORE
Donohue, Ryan — Production Assistant, Theatre
rdonohue@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 2411
Ryan grew up in the Bethlehem area for most of his life. He is a graduate from Desales University where he received his degree in Theatre. He has also worked backstage on a few productions at the Pennsylvania Playhouse. READ MORE
Evans, Cynthia — Math Faculty
Department Chair
cevans@charterarts.org
(610) 868-2971 Ext.2211
Cyndi Evans is a graduate of Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in both Secondary Education and Mathematics. In 2009, she earned her Master of Science degree from the University of Scranton in Curriculum and Instruction. Mrs. Evans has taught all levels of math from Pre-Algebra through Calculus and has over eighteen years of experience teaching high school. She has taught in New Hope, PA, Prince George, VA, and Stewartsville, NJ and holds valid teaching certificates in mathematics in all three states. She is level II certified in the state of PA. READ MORE
Filchner, Brian — Facilities Manager
bfilchner@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 3134
Fowler, Jodi — English Faculty
Department Chair
jfowler@charterarts.org
(610) 868-2971 Ext. 2308
Jodi Fowler was born and raised in northern New Jersey. She moved to Philadelphia, PA in 1998 where she attended Drexel University. She graduated Cum Laude from Drexel with her B.S. in Corporate Communications in 2002. READ MORE
Ghorm, Brenig — Main Office Administrative Assistant
bghorm@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 3109
Gillette, Ann — Manager of Public Relations and Media
agillette@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 ext. 3185
All media inquiries can be directed to this office. The public relations office also manages the school website, school newsletters, the annual performance season playbook, various school and Charter Arts Foundation events and event promotion, media events, social media, the Summer Academy program, and creative media services including video production and graphic design. READ MORE
Ging, Margo — Dance Faculty
mging@charterarts.org
Margo Clifford Ging is the Founder and Artistic Director of the contemporary dance company, DanceGing. She has danced professionally with the Pennsylvania, Harkness and Nevada Opera Ballets, and Joan Kerr’s Modern Dance Company. She toured the United States and the Caribbean while dancing for Bucks County Playhouse, Resorts International, Princess Casinos and The MGM Grand. READ MORE
Golden, Daniel — Special Education and Academic Support Teacher
dgolden@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 3233
Daniel Golden grew up in New Haven, CT and graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He earned his teaching license in the state of Illinois and worked as a Special Educator for five years at Chicago Public Schools. Daniel received a Master of Science in Education from the University of Pennsylvania and joins the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts staff as a Special Education and Academic Support Teacher. READ MORE
Gournet, Virginie — World Languages Faculty- French
vgournet@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 2426
Virginie Gournet teaches French- Levels 3, 4, and 5. She is thrilled to be part of Charter Arts and to have so many talented students in her classroom. READ MORE
Hahn, Matthew — Math Faculty
mhahn@charterarts.org
Matthew Hahn is excited and honored to join the team at Charter Arts. He grew up in Easton, PA where he graduated from Wilson Area High School in 2007. It was during this time that he really developed a passion for teaching after taking an Algebra 2 Honors course with Mr. Brown. His enthusiasm and love for the profession really stuck with Mr. Hahn, and he tries to bring the same attributes and approach to his classes. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Secondary Education/Mathematics from East Stroudsburg University. He joins Charter Arts with 6 years of teaching experience at all levels in New Jersey. READ MORE
Hepner, Danielle — Visual Art Faculty
dhepner@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 2445
Danielle Hepner earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture with K-12 Art Education Certification from the University of the Arts and went on to achieve a Master of Arts in Visual Art through Adelphi University. Later, she returned to her alma mater, the University of Arts to complete a Professional Certificate in Digital Photography and a Professional Certificate in Graphic Design. Danielle’s 20+ years of teaching include experience at two colleges, an arts education center and a high school. She has been a member of the Visual Arts faculty at Charter Arts since 2017. READ MORE
Hoffman, Mary Anne — Dance Faculty
mhoffman@charterarts.org
(610) 868-2971 Ext. 2418
Mary Anne Hoffman began her dance training with the Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley under the direction of Alexi Ramov. She was a member of BGLV’s Apprentice and Performing Companies where she had featured roles in many ballets, most notably Swan Lake, Coppelia, and the Nutcracker. READ MORE
Hornyak, Emily — Athletic Trainer
athletictrainer@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 2032
Dr. Emily Hornyak DAT, LAT, ATC graduated with her Clinical Doctorate in Athletic Training from Moravian University in August of 2021. She obtained her Masters in Athletic Training from East Stroudsburg University in 2017 and two Bachelors in Science of Athletic Training and Exercise Science from Slippery Rock University in 2015. READ MORE
Huber, Jamie — Science Faculty
jhuber@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 2425
Mr. Huber graduated from East Stroudsburg University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and a Pennsylvania Secondary Education Teaching Certification in Biology. Shortly after college, Mr. Huber worked as a paraprofessional in the Jim Thorpe Area School District at the elementary school level and as a high school science teacher at the Medical Academy Charter School. READ MORE
Ippolito, Robert — Production Arts Faculty
rippolito@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 2447 (voicemail only)
Mr. Ippolito is ecstatic to be living his dream of teaching at an arts high school. It is his passion and desire to inspire, develop, support, and instill a love for learning and academic success to a diverse population of students. He believes that every student has the drive to succeed in their major of study with guidance, structure, and support. READ MORE
Janowski, Richard — Science Faculty
rjanowski@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 2441
Richard Janowski graduated from the University of Virginia with a BA in Physics and received his teaching certification from West Chester University. He loves being a part of the Charter Arts science department and helping students see the connections between their artistic endeavors and the universe of science. READ MORE
Jones, Timothy — Health & Wellness Faculty/ Seminar Department Chair
tjones@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 2311
Mr. Jones graduated from East Stroudsburg University magna cum laude with a degree in Health and Physical Education. His goal is to make life long lovers of movement and positive health choices. READ MORE
Jurewicz, Olivia — Math Faculty
ojurewicz@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 2439
Mrs. Jurewicz grew up in the Lehigh Valley and attended Emmaus High School. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Lafayette College and worked as a transmission line engineer and civil/structural engineer after college. She is excited to share her love for mathematics and real-life applications with all of her students! In her free time, Mrs. Jurewicz loves to spend time with her cat and dog, going on runs and walks, and traveling. READ MORE
Keller, Kaitlyn — Science Faculty, Biology
kkeller@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext.2317
Katie Keller graduated from Kutztown University in 2013 with a B.S in Secondary Science Education with a concentration in Earth and Space Science. After graduating college she started her teaching career at Da Vinci Science Center running and creating summer camps and outreach programs. While working at Da Vinci Science Center she continued to work on her certifications and currently holds certifications in Earth and Space Science, Biology and General Science. READ MORE
Kemp, Mary Beth — Science Faculty
mkemp@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 2429
MaryBeth Kemp is a graduate of Kean University of New Jersey with a BS in Biology and received her secondary teaching certification through Kutztown University and is certified in biology, environmental and physical science. She is currently finishing her Master’s degree in Education through Wilkes University. She has been a science teacher in both Berks and Lehigh County for the past ten years. READ MORE
Kieszek, Chris — Math Faculty
ckieszek@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 2212
Chris Kieszek is a Lehigh Valley Native. He went to Liberty High School and attended Moravian College. While at Moravian, he was involved with tutoring for the math department. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Moravian College in 2012 earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics. He won the Marlyn A. Rader Memorial Prize in Mathematics for his high achievements and scores in math and was also inducted into Pi Mu Epsilon for his hard work in the field. He has worked in many school districts including Bethlehem, Parkland, Southern Lehigh, and Lehigh Valley Academy. READ MORE
Kish, Kelsey — Vocal Music Faculty
kkish@charterarts.org
Kelsey Lauren Kish, from Easton, PA, holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance degree from Moravian College, a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of South Carolina, and is nearing the completion of a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance degree from USC. She has appeared in many Opera at USC productions including the roles of Die Mutter in Humperdinck’s Hänsel und Gretel, Old Lady/Baroness in Bernstein’s Candide, Rita in Donizetti’s Rita, and Mrs. Cratchet/Ghost of Christmas Past in Douglas’ Scrooge. READ MORE
Kovats-Bernat, Dina — Director of Institutional Advancement
dkovats@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 2448
Krock, Stephen — Transportation & Student Support Coordinator
skrock@charterarts.org (student services), transportation@charterarts.org (transportation)
610-868-2971 Ext. 2425
Mr. Krock manages all records of student information, including academics, fee balances, and class enrollment. He coordinates all student transportation. In addition, Mr. Krock is our SAP Coordinator and liaison to Allentown's Center for Humanistic Change. He also has a background in the arts, having graduated from Ithaca College with a B.S. in Writing and has appeared locally onstage with the Country Gate Players, Pennsylvania Playhouse, Civic Theatre of Allentown, and many other theatre troupes in the Lehigh Valley. READ MORE
Krug, Max — Technology & Media Support Intern
mkrug@charterarts.org
Labadie-Gulotta, Rachel (Rae) — Director of Production Arts
rlabadie@charterarts.org
(610) 868-2971 Ext. 2400
Rae Labadie is a Charter Arts alum, and holds a BFA in Directing, Playwriting and Production from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. She has worked with professional artists and theatre companies in Philadelphia, the Lehigh Valley, New York, Ho Chi Minh City, Cite Soleil, and Dublin. READ MORE
Levernier, Jennifer — Assistant Principal, Operations
jlevernier@charterarts.org
(610) 868-2971 Ext. 3187
Jennifer started working at the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts in 2012 after working in a mental health office for seven years. She is currently pursuing her MEd Degree at Lehigh University in Educational Leadership. She previously attended Penn State University and attained her BS in Psychology. She works in partnership with the administrative team on many issues relating to students including discipline, technology, attendance, etc. She is a member of the school safety team, SAP team, and Student Support Team. READ MORE
Lorenz, Mike — Instrumental Music Faculty, Jazz Studies
mlorenz@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 2406
Mike Lorenz is a guitarist/teacher hailing from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Since graduating from Moravian College with a Bachelor's of Music in Jazz Performance in 2007, he has kept a busy schedule as a freelance performer and instructor. He leads several groups, including the co-led folk-jazz band, the Witherbees, and has released 10 albums since 2012. READ MORE
Macbeth, David — Vocal Music Faculty
dmacbeth@charterarts.org
(610) 868-2971 Ext. 2423
David B. Macbeth, a founding vocal/choral faculty member of the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts conducts two of the school’s six choral ensembles, and teaches classes in honors level music history, Advanced Placement music theory, vocal techniques, and keyboarding. READ MORE
Madden-Cox, Brigham — English Faculty, PBA
bcox@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 2306
Brigham Madden-Cox was born and raised between Malvern and Phoenixville, PA. In 2010 he enrolled at Brown University. During his four years of undergraduate studies at Brown, Brigham sang in an A Cappella group, studied abroad in Copenhagen, and worked for 95.5 WBRU, an FM radio station in Providence. In 2014 he graduated with a B.A. in English and Literary Arts. READ MORE
Maher, Thomas — Instrumental Music Faculty, Brass
tmaher@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 2018
Tom Maher is the Brass Specialist and Orchestra Director at the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts (Charter Arts). He teaches a variety of courses including Jazz Lab Band, Harmony, Composition and Arranging, Concert Band, and Music for Film. He has also worked closely on multiple Charter Arts musical productions, most recently as Pit Conductor of Sweeney Todd. He currently serves as the advisor of the Tri-M Music Honor Society Chapter 7881. In the community, Mr. Maher serves as a member of the Allentown Symphony's Composer Consortium. READ MORE
Manavizadeh, Nader — Career & College Coordinator
nmanavizadeh@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 2433
Mr. Manavizadeh is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania. He earned his M.S. in K-12 School Counseling/Counselor Education from Kutztown University, M.S. in Forensic Psychology/Criminal Justice from Tiffin University and his B.S. in Psychology from University of Albany. He previously worked as a school-based partial therapist and outpatient therapist with Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit. Mr. Manavizadeh was raised in Allentown and currently lives in Bethlehem with his fiancée, Allison, and beagle puppy, Daisy. READ MORE
Maniscalco, Kim — Director of Dance
kmaniscalco@charterarts.org
(610) 868-2971 Ext. 3122
Kimberly Maniscalco is a professional dancer, teacher, and choreographer. She received her early training at the Toledo Ballet School and was a scholarship student at the San Francisco Ballet. Ms. Maniscalco was principle dancer with the Toledo Opera and Springfield Ballet Companies and also performed with Pittsburgh Dance Alloy and the Mary Miller Dance Company. READ MORE
Mensher, Heath — Literary Arts Faculty
hmensher@charterarts.org
Mr. Mensher has a Bachelor's degree in English from York College of Pennsylvania, and a Master’s Degree in Education from Kutztown University, where he became a member of the Graduate Honor Society and delivered KU’s Commencement Speech. READ MORE
Moyer, Rebecca — Dance Faculty
rmoyer@charterarts.org
(610) 868-2971 Ext.2419
Rebecca Moyer has a B.A. in Dance and a B.A. in Business Management from DeSales University and a M.F.A. in Dance Choreography from State University of New York-Purchase College. READ MORE
Naugle, Kyra — School Counselor, Dance and Theatre
knaugle@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 3135
Kyra Naugle is the School Counselor for students of Dance and Theatre. Kyra earned her Master's in School Counseling from Messiah College and her Bachelor's degree in Education from Lebanon Valley College. READ MORE
Nesfeder, Amy — Social Studies Faculty
Department Chair
anesfeder@charterarts.org
(610) 868-2971 Ext.2221
Amy Nesfeder received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with minors in Communications and International Relations from Florida State University. While at Florida State, she was a member and captain of the varsity swim team. After college, she received a Corporate Law and Business Finance Certification from The Institute for Paralegal Training in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was employed for several years as a litigation paralegal with a law firm in Jacksonville, Florida. Mrs. Nesfeder received her Juris Doctorate from the Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama. While pursuing her law degree, she interned in Washington, D.C. with Ashland Oil, Inc. as a legislative aide and with the United States Environmental Protection Agency as a law clerk. READ MORE
Nolt, Suzannah — Paraprofessional
snolt@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 2437
Ms. Nolt loves her job as an academic support teacher and case manager in the special education department after teaching in the former figure skating program for nine years. In her lengthy career as a skating competitor, performer, and coach, Ms. Nolt has worked with children of all ages, abilities, and temperaments in various environments. She is currently pursuing her certification and master's degree in special education through DeSales University. READ MORE
O’Hanlon, Kylee — Science Faculty
Patterson, Aaron — Instrumental Music Faculty, Woodwinds
apatterson@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 2015
Dr. Aaron Patterson is the Woodwind Specialist at the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts. He teaches Woodwind Techniques, Music History, Music Theory, Music Theatre, and co-teaches Concert Band and Chamber Music. Originally of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Dr. Patterson studied music education and performance at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (BS, MM). READ MORE
Price, Olivia — Evening Desk
oprice@charterarts.org
Reinhard, Lorie — Director of Visual Art
lreinhard@charterarts.org
(610) 868-2971 Ext. 3155
Lorie Reinhard has been a faculty member of Charter Arts high school since its inception. She received her Bachelors in Art Education from Moravian College in 2001 and her Masters of Figurative Painting from the Academy of Art University in 2013. READ MORE
Schevets, Liz — Social Worker
elitchfield@charterarts.org
(610) 868-2971 Ext. 3130
Liz Schevets (formerly Litchfield) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Home and School Visitor under the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Originally from Massachusetts, Liz first came to Pennsylvania to complete her undergraduate degree from Lafayette College, where she majored in English and minored in Psychology. From there, Liz completed a year of service in AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps. READ MORE
Schurz, Cheryl — Director of Finance and Administration
cschurz@charterarts.org
(610) 868-2971 Ext. 3169
Cheryl joined the Charter Arts Administrative Team in the summer of 2006. A resident of Nazareth and a Lehigh Valley native, she is eager to serve the Charter Arts family of students, parents, faculty, and staff. Cheryl holds a MBA from DeSales University and a BS in Accounting and Computer Science also from DeSales University. READ MORE
Schutzler, Magdalena — Production Arts Faculty
mshcutlzer@charterarts.org
Magdalena Schutzler is a theatre administrator, designer, and educator with a multitude of experiences designing, managing artists, and teaching theatre up and down the East Coast. Magdalena was born and raised in the Lehigh Valley, with her theatre design experience beginning at Emmaus High School. READ MORE
Squerrini, Ann Marie — Director of Admissions and Assessments
asquerrini@charterarts.org
(610) 868-2971 Ext. 3137
Mrs. Squerrini handles all phases of the admissions process for incoming students. She coordinates all audition appointments. In addition, Mrs. Squerrini manages school assessments such as Keystone Exams and Placement Testing. She also has an artistic side, having been a former professional actor, director, and choreographer originally from New Jersey and has appeared regionally at Paper Mill Playhouse, New Jersey Public Theatre, Bucks County Playhouse, Pocono Playhouse, and Hunterdon Hills Playhouse as well as many others in the tri-state area. READ MORE
Stockton, N. Tiffany — Front Office Coordinator
nstockton@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 3124
Stoop, Florentine — World Languages Department Chair
fstoop@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 2222
Mx. Stoop joined the Charter Arts community in 2017, teaching two levels of Chinese. Since then, they have grown and developed the Mandarin program to its current state - offering four levels of Mandarin courses. Mx. Stoop is passionate about languages and communication. They received their B.A. in East Asian Studies and Chinese from Ursinus College. They lived in Nanjing, China in 2015, studying Mandarin, Chinese culture, and exploring mainland China. Some of their favorite places they visited were Xi'an, Hangzhou, Dunhuang, and Shanghai. They are excited to share their knowledge and experience with students. READ MORE
Vanaman, Megan — Social Studies Faculty
mvanaman@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 2303 (voicemail only)
Miss Vanaman began her time at Charter Arts during the 2017-18 year and has taught US1 and Sociology within the Social Studies department since then. She grew up in Huntingdon Valley, PA before moving to Wilmington, Delaware. Miss Vanaman attended an arts high school in Delaware called Cab Calloway School of the Arts before returning to Pennsylvania to earn a B.A. in Social Studies Secondary Education from Juniata College in 2015. Miss Vanaman has also taught SAT Prep and served as a day-to-day substitute and long-term substitute at Cab Calloway. READ MORE
Vinci, Theresa — Assistant to the Superintendent & CEO
tvinci@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 2434
Weaver, Jennifer — Dance Faculty
jweaver@charterarts.org
(610) 868-2971 Ext.2417
Jennifer Weaver holds an M.F.A. from Temple University and a BA in Theater and Dance from Muhlenberg College. She has performed with Sesame Street Live, Eidolon Arts, NYC Broadway Cheerleaders, The Princeton Opera, The Pennington Players, Co-Art Dance Company and the Muhlenberg Theatre Association. READ MORE
Weldner, Brian — Social Studies Faculty
bweldner@charterarts.org
Weller, Ashley Tait — Theatre Faculty
aweller@charterarts.org
(610) 868-2971 Ext. 2403
Ashley Tait Weller is a full-time member of the Charter Arts Theatre Faculty. She teaches all grade levels – voice, movement, acting and the Musical Theatre elective. Mrs. Weller directs and choreographs productions at Charter Arts and the surrounding area. She graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with dual degrees in Theatre and Interdisciplinary Fine Arts Dance Track. READ MORE
Wells, Matthew — Director of Instrumental Music
mwells@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 ext. 3129
Matthew Wells attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he studied under Dr. Jack Stamp, Dr. Gary Olmstead and Dr. Michael Kingan. He graduated with a BA in music with a focus on percussion and later, received his PA Teacher Certification. READ MORE
Wilson-Kelly, Kelly — English Faculty
kkelly@charterarts.org
610-868-2971 Ext. 2307
Kelly was born and raised in the Lehigh Valley. She attended Emmaus High School, received her undergrad degree in Education and graduate degree in Education from Kutztown University. Kelly studied and performed several disciplines of dance since age four and her career culminated as a member of the Joffery American School of Ballet in New York City. She has been dance instructor at some of the finest school’s in the area including Repertory Dance Theatre and Nardi’s School of Dance. READ MORE
Wrenn-Meleck, Peter — Director of Production
pwrennmeleck@charterarts.org
(610) 868-2971 Ext. 3147
Mr. Wrenn-Meleck is a veteran of over 36 years in professional theater. He has worked in many nationally known theaters including fifteen years as Director of Production at People’s Light & Theatre Company and three years as Artistic Director of the Pennsylvania Stage Company. He was Managing Director of the Pennsylvania Youth Theatre and Production Manager at Hartford Stage Company, Coconut Grove Playhouse and the Hudson Guild Theatre in New York City. He works as a theater consultant. READ MORE
