Our warm, dedicated, compassionate faculty take the time to understand each student and their specific learning style. We pride ourselves in empowering students to become confident learners.
Administration
Mindy Wawrzyniak
Head of School
Mindy is the Head of School at Center School. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Maryland and an M.Ed. in Reading from Arcadia University.
Mindy is an educator and certified reading specialist with over 20 years of diverse experience, she has served in many capacities including Assistant Head of School, Director of Education, full-time teacher, and private tutor in both public and private settings in a variety of locations such as Maryland, Virginia, California, Okinawa, Japan, and Pennsylvania.
Mindy has experience teaching and guiding students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, visual and auditory processing disorders, executive functioning difficulties, and ADHD. Part of her role as the Head of School is to support and ensure the academic and social-emotional success of students with learning differences, to raise school awareness in the community, and to focus on the viability and longevity of Center School through development, admissions, fostering relationships, and networking.
Qualifications:
- B.S. Elementary Education: University of Maryland
- M.Ed. Reading: Arcadia University
Certifications:
- PA Professional Certification: Elementary Education, Reading Specialist
- Orton-Gillingham Certified
- Responsive Classroom Trained
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Tiffany Getz
Director of Admissions
Tiffany is the Director of Admissions at Center School.
Tiffany is a dedicated administrator with over 15 years of diverse experience within the healthcare and education fields. She has served in many capacities, including Transportation Coordinator, Administrative Assistant, and Admission Associate, during her time at Center School.
Tiffany can bring her experience as a Center School administrator, parent, and volunteer to the Admissions Department. Thus, providing a unique insight to the families she guides through the admissions process.
In addition, her role is to ensure families are well informed about their educational choices. She also supports all efforts to raise school awareness in the community through development, admissions, fostering relationships, and networking.
Certifications:
- PA Certified EMT
- PA Certified Medical Tech
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Heidi Mozzillo
Director of Marketing and Communications
Heidi is the Director of Marketing and Communications at Center School.
Heidi is a seasoned marketing professional in the education field with over 15 years of experience in the public, charter, and private school settings. She has marketed large and small schools both locally and across the Commonwealth of PA.
Heidi is dedicated to showcasing the many facets that Center School has to offer. She has a passion for education, and this shows when she speaks about the Center School community. She is actively building and fostering partnerships with parents, faculty, students, and external communities to raise awareness of Center School.
Qualifications:
- B.A. Social Studies: University of Derby, UK
- M.A Educational Leadership: University of Dudley, UK
- Ph. D Science: University of Derby, UK
Certificates:
- Women in Leadership: Cornell University
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Lisa Steiert
Director of Finance and Operations
Lisa is the Director of Finance and Operations at Center School.
Lisa has over 30 years of experience in the administration and business aspects of education. She has been a part of the independent/private school sector for the majority of her career. She is very analytical and enjoys finding ways to increase efficiency school-wide.
As part of her role, Lisa ensures that all aspects of Center School’s operations run smoothly every day. This includes AP, AR, HR-related processes, benefits, building improvements, and development processes.
Qualifications:
- B.S. Business Administration: Gwynedd Mercy College
- Graduate Certificate: Fraud and Forensic Accounting: LaSalle University
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Lower School
Barbara Cunnane
Lower School Math Teacher
Barbara is a Lower School Math Teacher and STEM Teacher.
Barbara began her career as a preschool teacher. While pursuing her Master’s Degree in Education, she worked as a substitute teacher and a classroom assistant within the private school sector.
Her past experiences have shaped her teaching philosophies and methods for teaching mathematics. Barbara creates fun and engaging lessons, and she enjoys watching students become “math lovers.”
Qualifications:
- B.S. Marketing: Temple University
- M.Ed. Education: Chestnut Hill College
Certifications:
- PA Professional Certification: Elementary Education K-6, Middle Level, Mathematics 7-9, Special Education N-12
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Kelly Detweiler
Lower School Teacher 1st, 2nd,
and 3rd Grade
Kelly is a Lower School Teacher for grades 1, 2, and 3.
For several years, before joining Center School, Kelly taught kindergarten. She enjoys teaching at Center School because it is a rewarding experience.
Kelly appreciates the unique opportunity she has as an educator at Center School. By supporting students to understand who they are as learners, Kelly builds strategies and provides a solid foundation in which students excel.
Qualifications:
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B.S. Education (Summa Cum Laude): The Ohio State University
Certifications:
- PA Professional Certification: Early Education Pre-K – 4
- Wilson Fundations Trained
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Patricia Lux
Lower School Math Assistant
Patricia is a Lower School Math Teacher and 9th Grade Teacher.
Pat has over 15 years of experience in the private school sector. She taught 6th grade and Honors Math to students in grades 5-8 before coming to Center School.
Pat encourages creativity, and she teaches students how to create strategies to problem solve. She is passionate about her position and loves seeing student successes every day.
Qualifications:
- B.A. Special Education: LaSalle University
- M.Ed. Special Education: Temple University
Certifications:
- PA Professional Certification; Middle School Mathematics
- Governor’s Institute for Regional Coaching in Literacy and Math
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Jennifer Perreault
Lower School Teacher, 5th Grade
Jennifer is a Lower School 5th Grade Teacher.
Jennifer began her career in the mental health field as a therapist and crisis coordinator. She then taught preschool and worked as an educational advocate, tutor, and home school supervisor. She also developed SEL programs for students with various social and emotional challenges.
Jennifer is a dedicated faculty member who remains flexible to the needs of the students she teaches.
Qualifications:
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B.A.: Education and Psychology: Monmouth University
Certifications:
- PA Professional Certification; K-6, Mid-level Middle School Education 4-8 with a concentration in Social Studies 7-8
- Wilson Dyslexia Practioner
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Tina Sienkiewicz
Lower School Teacher, 4th Grade
Reading Specialist
Tina is a Lower School 4th Grade Teacher and Reading Specialist.
Prior to Center School, Tina worked in public and private school settings as she worked towards obtaining her Reading Specialist Certificate.
Tina has a passion for reading, and this emulates in her classroom and teaching. She thoroughly enjoys teaching and believes knowledge is power. She hopes to instill a love of learning in all of her students.
Qualifications:
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B.A. Prek – 4 Education
Certifications:
- PA Professional Certification: Early Education Pre-K – 4
- Wilson Fundations Trained
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Middle School
Derri Benbow
Middle School Teacher, Reading and Language Arts
Derri is the Middle School Reading and Math Teacher and the 9th-grade Homeroom Teacher.
Derri has been a part of the Center School family since its founding in 1989. Derri has nurtured thousands of students over the past 30+ years and is critical to their success.
Her passion for education and Center School students can be seen every day. From creating engaging lessons to tutoring, Derri will always find a way to help each child reach their full potential.
Qualifications:
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B.A. English Education: Barrington College
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M. Ed. Reading: Arcadia University
Certifications:
- PA Professional Certification Reading Specialist, English
- Orton-Gillingham Certifed, Wilson Reading System Trained
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Emma Brown
Middle School Reading Teacher
Emma is a Middle School Reading Teacher.
Emma is a seasoned teacher with Elementary and Middle school experience. She has taught various subjects ranging from reading and writing to math and social studies.
Emma has a great rapport with her students. She individualizes all of her lessons to support the needs of each child.
Qualifications:
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B.A. Elementary/Special Education and American Studies: La Salle University
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M. A. Reading Specialist: La Salle University
Certifications:
- PA Professional Certification: Early Education Pre-K – 4, Reading Specialist
- Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner
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Olivia Camiola
Middle School Math Teacher
Olivia is a Middle School Math Teacher.
Prior to working at Center School, Olivia taught 7th-grade math as part of her student teaching, and she was a Virtual Pod Supervisor for elementary students.
Olivia is a great asset to Center School. Her passion for education and her students can be seen the minute you enter her classroom.
Qualifications:
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B.A. Middle Grades Education Concentration in Mathematics: West Chester University
Certifications:
- PA Professional Certification: Mid-level Middle School Education 4-8, with a concentration in Mathematics 7-8
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Noah Clouse
Middle School Social Studies Teacher
Noah is a Middle School Social Studies Teacher.
Noah has several years of teaching experience and has taught primarily in independent schools. He has a wealth of knowledge and enjoys creating challenging but engaging content for his students.
Noah is an active member of the Center School community, and he collaborates well with his peers to achieve student success.
Qualifications:
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B.A. History and Political Science: La Salle University
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M. Ed. Secondary Education: La Salle University
Certifications:
- PA Professional Certification: Social Studies 6-12
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Shannon Niewood
Middle School Teacher, Reading & Language Arts
Shannon is Middle School Reading and Language Arts Teacher.
Shannon has over 12 years of teaching experience in private/independent schools and cyber schools.
Shannon works closely with each student and builds strong relationships with her colleagues, students, and parents. In order to meet each student’s needs, she adapts her teaching style and her lesson content.
Qualifications:
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B.S.: Elizabethtown College
M.Ed.: Holy Family University
Certifications:
- PA Professional Certification: Elementary Education K-6, Reading Specialist, Special Education N-12
- Wilson Dyslexia Practioner
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Christine Petruccelli
Middle School Science and STEM Teacher
Christine is a Middle School Science Teacher and a STEM Teacher.
Prior to Center School, Christine taught at summer camps and at a private school. Her love for math and science is apparent in all of her lesson content.
Christine makes a difference every day. She has a unique approach to teaching, which has proven to be very impactful on the students she educates.
Qualifications:
Certifications:
- PA Professional Certification: Mid-level Middle School Education 4-8, with a concentration in Mathematics and Science 7-8
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Electives
Thomas Copeland
Health and Physical Education Teacher
Thomas is the Health and Physical Education and Soccer Coach for Center School.
Thomas has over 20 years of experience. Prior to Center School, Thomas worked as a Youth Director and a Physical Educator at a private school.
Thomas is passionate about health and fitness, and he encourages students to be outstanding sportspersons.
Qualifications:
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B.S. Health and Physical Education: West Chester University
Certification:
- PA Professional Certification: Health and Physical Education
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Linda Jarrett-Armiger
Guidance Counselor
Linda is Center School’s Guidance Counselor.
Prior to being a Counselor, Linda taught middle and high school students She also tutored students in the areas of executive function and social skills.
Linda supports the day to day needs of Center School students, and encourages mindfulness. Linda supports students in understanding who they are as learners and practicing self advocacy.
Qualifications:
- B.S. Elementary Education and Special Education: Lock Haven State College
- M.Ed. Elementary Counseling: West Chester University
Certifications:
- PA Professional Certification: Elementary Education, Elementary School Guidance, Special Education, School Program Specialist
- Mindful Schools Trained
- Responsive Classroom Trained
- Member of the American School Counselor Association
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Debbie Kowalchuk
Art Teacher
Debbie is the Art Teacher at Center School.
Debbie has over 20 years of experience as an Art Educator. Debbie has been a lover of art since she was a small child, and this passion is evident in her teaching style.
By developing strong foundational skills, Debbie creates an environment for students to discuss the principles and elements of art and create their own masterpieces.
Qualifications:
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B.S. in Art Education: Temple University,
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Tyler School of Art
Certification:
- PA Professional Certification: Art
- Orton-Gillingham Certified, Wilson Fundations Trained
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Staff
Nia Bowser
School Nurse
Nia is the School Nurse at Center School.
Nia has been in the medical field for several years and has previous experience in a public school setting prior to joining Center School.
In her role, Nia supports not only the day-to-day medical needs of students, but she also plays a part in the admission process for onboarding new families.
Qualifications:
Certifications:
- Licensed Practical Nurse
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Leo Cittadini
Educational Technology Integration Specialist
Leo is the Technology Integration Specialist at Center School.
Prior to Center School, Leo taught in a private school for 17 years. He then made the transition to technology, when he joined Ed-Tech Academic Solutions. As part of that transition, he now serves as Center School’s technology specialist.
Qualifications:
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B. A. English: Temple University
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Minor Technical/Creative Writing: Temple University
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Master of Arts Education: LaSalle University
Certifications:
- Level 1 Google Apps for Education Certification
- Level 2 Google Apps for Education Certification
- Apple Teacher Certified
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Shellie Holl
Building Substitute
Shellie is the Building Substitute at Center School.
Shellie is a seasoned teacher with a heavy focus on the arts. She has previously worked in private schools and she also taught pre-k for a few years.
In her position, Shellie connects with students in all grades and she loves watching their growth and resiliency.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s in Fine Arts: University of the Arts, Philadelphia
- Masters in Elementary Education: Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia
Certifications:
- PA Professional Certification: Elementary K-6, Art
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Quince Hunt
Building and IT Manager
Quince is the Building and IT Manager at Center School.
Quince has a unique story. His mother was one of the co-founders of Center School, and Quince attended Center School as a student.
In his current role, Quince is responsible for everything related to our facilities and our technology needs. Quince always has a sense of urgency and is a true asset to the Center School Community.
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Kristin Troiano
Administrative Assistant
Kristin is the Administrative Assistant at Center School.
Kristin has over 15 years of experience interacting with students and families. Prior to Center School, Kristin was a Transportation Driver for a school district.
In her role, Kristin builds strong relationships with students, peers, and our external audiences.
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Debra Washington
Instructional Aide
Debra is an Instructional Aide at Center School.
Debra has over 15 years of experience in the education field. She has taught various grades, including learning support and autistic support within public and private school settings.
Understanding the needs of each student is a priority for Debra. She focuses on helping each child develop strategies to increase their educational engagement.
Qualifications:
- Bachelors Degree in Psychology: Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia
- Masters Degree in Education: Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia
Certifications:
- PA Professional Certification: Elementary K-6
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