THE SCHOOL IN ROSE VALLEY - Key Persons
Abby has a degree in Art History from Towson University. Prior to joining the SRV team, she taught English to preschool through sixth grade students in Spain and worked in children's education at a museum in Ireland. In her free time Abby likes making artwork, running, and hiking.
Amanda received a BS in Elementary Education from Millersville University and an MA in Curriculum and Teaching from The Teachers College at Columbia University. She has taught in a variety of schools including Trinity Church Preschool, The Calhoun School, and The Blue Oak School. In her personal time, Amanda enjoys baking, cooking, hiking, traveling, and time with her family.
A native of West Philadelphia, I grew up chasing trolleys and challenging neighbors to skid mark-making contests with our Huffy bikes. Experiencing first hand the vast discrepancy in schooling available to local families sparked a passion for learning about education policy and eventually teaching. I attended Warren Wilson College, a small work college in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where I was able to experience the value of learning with our hearts and hands as well as our heads. From there, I worked on trail crews, organic goat farms, and had many more adventures before obtaining my Master's degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. I am now married to my wonderful husband, Cliff, and have two young sons, CJ and Khalil. CJ loves trucks and jumping off of things and Khalil mostly loves food and banging on things. I am an avid lover of the outdoors and am working my way back into marathon mode. I am also incredibly excited to begin developing our learning community as we work together to create a fantastic year for the Oldest Group students and families.
Annie has taught in the kindergarten since 1999. She has her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the College of Mount St. Joseph and her Master of Art from University of Louisville. Before coming to SRV, Annie was an artist in residence at 3 city elementary schools in Chester and she worked as an assistant in second grade special education in the Upper Darby School District. Annie also teaches at the Community Arts Center in Wallingford, teaching pottery courses for adults, children's art classes and "art for homeschoolers." Annie is active in the local art community, past president of the Potters Guild of Wallingford, and she exhibits her work both locally and nationally. She is the mother of two boys. Annie takes computer courses, participates in the National Council for the Education in the Ceramic Arts and participates in many national and international workshops in pottery. Her passion for literature is her favorite hobby.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- Secretary
Byron joined SRV in 2020. He is a microbial ecologist by training with a BS in Biology from the University of New Hampshire and a PhD in Oceanography from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Byron brings to SRV over 17 years of science education and experience. His research has focused on studying how UV radiation affects sea urchin larvae development in New Zealand, scuba diving to collect and study gelatinous zooplankton in Antarctica, and how microbes eat carbon in the Pacific Ocean. After completing a postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Byron joined the University of Pennsylvania as a Senior Fellow in the Biology Department and The Water Center where he taught courses in Microbiology, Aquatic Microbial Ecology, and a field course in Tropical Ecology and Conservation in Costa Rica. Some of the most impactful experiences in his own education came from hands-on learning outside, a practice he is excited to share with students at SRV. When not at school, Byron enjoys spending time with his family including his wife, Katie, and his two children Dylan and Marley who both attend SRV.
Job Titles:
- Director of Development
- Director of Community Engagement
Carrie is an alumna of SRV, and a current parent of two students. Carrie's 20 year non-profit career has focused on supportive services for children and families. She has degrees from Bates College and the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania. Carrie loves connecting with SRV families, alumni, and others who have a shared passion for this one of a kind community.
Courtney graduated from the University of Delaware with a BA in Psychology and went on to get her Masters in Education from Tyler School of Art at Temple University, where she explored her passion for art, education, and special needs learners in a variety of settings. She taught for 4 years as the art teacher at Chesterbrook Academy Elementary School in West Chester before joining SRV in 2019.
Courtney lives in Newtown Square with her family in an old farmhouse that was built in 1722, which they are slowly restoring. In addition to teaching at SRV, Courtney is the owner and creator at Fox & Snail, a shop of handmade goods for children, and she sells her work on Etsy and at local art and craft fairs. She also paints the backdrop for the Rose Valley Folk Variety Show every year and teaches art classes at the Rose Valley Swim and Tennis Club. She loves drawing and painting most of all, but is always exploring new art media and creating murals, stuffed animals, clothing, and other projects with her children.
Dan brings many years of experience and a diverse range of skills to SRV as he manages all of our buildings and grounds. He is a graduate of Coatesville Area Vocational Technical School. Dan grew up on a farm, built his own house, and owned his own home improvement business before joining SRV. Dan is a skilled carpenter, plumber, electrician, roofer and landscaper.
When not tinkering around the house or school, Dan enjoys spending time with his family and grandchildren. He is also very involved in the community where he volunteers with a number of different organizations. When he gets the chance to relax, Dan enjoys watching football and baseball.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- Vice - Chair
Diane has taught at SRV since 2011. She holds an M.S.Ed in Elementary Education from the University of Pennsylvania, and is certified K-6 in Pennsylvania. Prior to teaching, Diane was the recipient of the Rosenberg Scholarship in dance, and earned a B.S. in computer science and a B.A. in communications from Goucher College. Before entering the field of Education, Diane worked in the corporate world as the founder and president of DesignTech, Inc. She was also the Marketing Director for a large design firm as well as one of Philadelphia's top urban planning firms. At The School in Rose Valley, Diane has moved from lead teacher to Math Specialist. She is excited to continue her pursuit of learning mathematics with her students and helping them develop their growth mindset. Everyone can love mathematics! When not working with students, Diane enjoys biking, cooking, reading and spending time with her friends and family.
Erin has a B.S. in Education from Temple University and a M.Ed in Education from Saint Joseph's University. She holds a preschool through 8th grade certification in Pennsylvania as well as her certification in reading. Erin has worked in the Rose Tree Media School District as well as the Chester Upland School District before coming to SRV. This is her eighteenth year at Rose Valley.
Erin has two children, both of whom are SRV alumni and currently attend Syracuse University. In her spare time, Erin likes to take tap dancing class, go to flea markets, and spend time with her family and friends. She is passionate about protecting childhood and giving children the time and space to explore and understand their worlds.
Hilary joined SRV in 2022 and has a BS in Business Administration from Drexel University and an MES in Sustainability from the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining SRV, Hilary worked at Vela Restaurant in Doylestown and, before that, in IKEA's Food Logistics Services department. In her spare time Hilary enjoys going on long walks in the Wissahickon with her fiancé and their two dogs, experimenting with new recipes, and watching and playing sports.
Jenna joined SRV in the summer of 2022 through Joffe Emergency Services. She graduated from University of the Sciences with a Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Sciences. Jenna received her national EMT certification in the fall of 2021 and in addition to her duties at SRV, also works in the emergency services division of Brookhaven Fire Company. In her free time, she enjoys taking trips to the beach, reading, and spending time with her family, friends and dog.
A proven leader as a marketing account manager for Sunoco for 11+ years, Jessica has placed her past corporate business acumen, and extraordinary relationship-building skills, towards building a career in teaching. As a yoga elementary teacher in the Red Clay district, she incorporated mindfulness in her teaching through a Yoga Alliance teacher certification from Little Flower in NYC.
Her degree from Saint Joseph's University in International Relations and History, coupled with Spanish-speaking semesters abroad -where she built lifelong friendships, uniquely qualifies Jessica to creatively engage students to use Spanish speaking in a broad spectrum of cultural activity.
In her personal time, she enjoys quality time with her two children, teaches yoga, mindfulness and volunteers with local nonprofit organizations.
Jill started working at SRV in 2014. She received her B.A. in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Neumann University in 2006. Prior to joining SRV, Jill was an associate teacher at Wilmington Friends School in Pre-Kindergarten and First Grade. She has also been the Program Director at SRV Summer Camp since 2012, after years of working at the camp as a counselor. In her spare time, Jill loves to travel with her family and hiking.
Having graduated from Rutgers University New Brunswick with a B.A. in Art History and minor in Anthropology, Kate believed she was on the path to a career in arts administration. After ten plus years working in childcare she realized that nothing makes her happier than teaching and aiding children through their every day moments of learning and growth. Happily, Kate completed her Masters in Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum at Drexel University in 2020 and is certified in early childhood education, kindergarten through fourth grade. In her free time Kate is most likely to be found spending time with her closest friends, exploring in nature, and practicing guitar.
Kenny has a BA in English and Psychology from Swarthmore College. After graduating, he tutored high school students in SAT and GRE subject matter. He then went on to teach literacy at Lindamood-Bell Learning Center for several months before returning to the site of his first field placement, The School in Rose Valley. In his free time he likes to play video games and write fiction that should never see the light of day.
Kristina has been working at SRV since 2017. She holds a Bachelor's in Environmental Studies from University of California at Santa Cruz and a Master's in Multicultural Elementary Education from the University of New Mexico. She is certified PK-5th grade in Pennsylvania and New Mexico. Prior to joining SRV, Kristina taught elementary school for 6 years in Albuquerque, NM. During her time in Albuquerque, she was the math and science leader for her school for 3 years. She has a passion for multisensory learning, particularly as it applies to developing math skills. Kristina is a parent to one current SRV student, and one SRV alumni. When not at school, Kristina enjoys spending time with her family, crafting, reading, and hiking.
Job Titles:
- Director of Auxiliary Programs
Liia has been part of the SRV community in varying capacities for 27 years. She is an alumna of SRV, a prior camp counselor, preschool teacher, and now part of the staff since 2021. She has extensive experience supporting organizations with project execution, marketing, and development and is thrilled to bring her expertise to the SRV community. The school and summer camp have been fundamental to Liia's life and she is so excited to spearhead the next generation of camp and auxiliary programs for SRV. Liia has a degree in gender studies from Scripps College and is passionate about childhood development and progressive education.
When not at school, Liia loves to explore new trails with her 3-year-old daughter, reading, supporting local mental health organizations, and spending time with her husband and two little dogs.
Job Titles:
- Preschool Assistant & Summer Camp Program Manager
Mari Ann Bartley (affectionately known as Mrs. B) has been in education in many ways since 1976 when she founded Mari Ann Jackson's School of Dance. She continued teaching, choreographing, and producing dance productions for the next 22 years. During those years she also enjoyed teaching kindergarten at the Kids' Place and teaching organization skills at Strath Haven Middle School.
Maureen has been teaching at SRV for more than 2 decades. Before becoming a lead teacher here, she worked in a variety of early childhood settings serving diverse populations where she developed her passion for progressive education. As she acquired, practiced, and refined her progressive practices her experiences affirmed her convictions regarding the validity of the importance that children be heard, respected and given hands on opportunity to explore and develop their own understandings of their world (with appropriate and nurturing guidance, of course). Maureen received her BS from Cabrini University.
Maureen's experiences include Director of Education and Curriculum at Today's Child and Cassoria Learning Center, Early Childhood Educator in the Philadelphia Head Start program, kindergarten teacher in Sharon Hill and Aston, former counselor and program director at SRV summer camp.
Her professional interests include play therapy, writing a book, and furthering her ability to assist in the development of progressive environments by sharing the SRV model. Maureen loves to travel, listen to music, DYI home projects, and explore history museums. Though her daughters, Darragh (28), Vaughn (18) and Avery (16), have grown their independence, they continue to keep her busy.
Job Titles:
- Woodshop & Sports Teacher
Mike started teaching at SRV in 1982. The grandchild of a former SRV teacher, son of an alumnus and an alumnus himself, Mike had little hope of escaping the community he loves. Returning to the school as a volunteer while taking undergraduate and graduate courses at the University of Pennsylvania, Mike worked hard to make himself indispensable. Positions in the Afternoons and Camp programs, substituting, and co-teaching gave Mike the opportunity to teach subjects that ensure his status as a very active learner and afford him some sense of job security. (Marrying the former schoolmate who would become Assistant Principal didn't hurt either).
Mike has taught Shop and Sports at SRV for many years and moved from teaching Computer Science to installing and maintaining the school's growing network when the campus computer count topped 60 in 2002. In his free time, Mike likes to keep abreast of current advances in science and technology, plumb the shallows of Western philosophy, play a variety of musical instruments poorly and spend time with his wife, Lauren and son, Luke, a third generation SRV Nowell.
Job Titles:
- Director of Business & Finance
Nava has a Bachelor of Science in Policy Management and History from Carnegie Mellon University and degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and Villanova University. Nava joined SRV in 2007.
Job Titles:
- Building Substitute & Theater Teacher
Nora first joined SRV in 2019 as a parent and, shortly thereafter, joined the staff. She brings over 25 years of experience in arts and education. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from Penn State University and a Master of Arts from Villanova University.
Before joining SRV, Nora was the Director of Theatre Programs at the National Constitution Center. While at the museum, she created award-winning programs for K-12, professional development workshops and classroom resources on arts integration for teachers, and partnership programs with Philadelphia theatres, including Philadelphia Young Playwrights. Nora taught Theatre Arts at Arcadia University for almost a decade and has lectured at Drexel, West Chester, CCP, and UArts. She continues to participate actively in Philadelphia's professional theatre community as a designer and producer.
SRV's progressive pedagogy inspires Nora; she believes every day is a new opportunity to learn at all ages. She believes Theatre education in schools encourages physical, artistic, mental, personal, and social development; builds self-confidence, imagination, empathy & tolerance, collaboration, and teamwork; and improves skills in language and memory; communication, aesthetic appreciation, critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and leadership. Theatre education has been proven to enhance students' confidence in their academic abilities and provide unique opportunities for the expression of learning in all subject areas. Nora is excited to partner with parents, students, and the SRV faculty to integrate theatre into the SRV curriculum.
When not at school, Nora enjoys hiking and kayaking with her husband and daughter, volunteering in the community, and discovering new children's literature.
Peter is a seasoned performer and music educator. He has performed as an accompanist and soloist for The Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society, The Wilmington Guitar Society, The Ambler Choral Society, The Anachrusis Women's Choir, and The Aspen Music Festival. He earned his B.A. in English Literature from Kenyon College, and a Masters in music performance from the Boyer College of Music at Temple University. He served as a faculty member of Settlement Music School, and has taught music at Friends Select and Abington Friends Schools. He is the founder and musical director of The Rock Garden, a music program for aspiring musicians of all ages (www.rockgardenmusic.org). In addition to playing classical and fingerstyle guitar, Peter enjoys playing in his folk rock band Sweet 66, and recording and producing in his home studio.
Rhoda holds a B.A in Literatures in English with a concentration in Creative Writing from Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania. She is excited to experience and be a part of the SRV community! In her free time, Rhoda enjoys cooking, reading nonfiction, dancing, watching TV shows, and going sightseeing.
Job Titles:
- Head of School
- Administration
- Ex Officio
Rod joined The School in Rose Valley community in 2015 as Head of School. Prior to SRV, Rod worked at The Crefeld School, a small progressive school in Philadelphia, where he taught history for many years and was the Summer School Dean, before becoming Assistant Head of School. Rod holds a B.S. in Education from Saint Joseph's University and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Immaculata University. He lives in Malvern with his wife, Lauren, and his two children, Lily and Bennett. Rod enjoys spending time with family, reading, collecting things, playing sports, and learning new songs on his guitar.
Job Titles:
- Director of Enrollment Management at
Rory has a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies with a focus on Early Childhood Education from the University of Rhode Island and a M.S. in Educational Leadership from St. Joseph's University. She has worked in education in both teaching and administrative capacities for over 10 years. Rory joined SRV in 2019 and enjoys meeting new families and having the opportunity to share the magic of SRV everyday. When not at school, Rory likes to read, discover new restaurants, and be outdoors.
Ryan started working at SRV in 2020 and is thrilled to be part of the team of such talented educators. After ten years of working in Early Childhood Education in Seattle, WA he has returned to his home state of Pennsylvania to put down roots with his wife Abigail and welcomed the birth of his first child Abraham. He has a B.A.S in Early Childhood Education and a B.S. in Earth Science and blends evidence based practices with nurturing caregiving. He applies a variety of educational philosophies to his teaching techniques such as Reggio Emilia, RIE and emergent curriculum. When not elated in the classroom he enjoys bike rides, canoe trips, and traveling.
Job Titles:
- Preschool Teacher & Summer Camp Program Administrator
Samantha holds a B.S. in Early Grades Preparation: Birth through 4th grade from West Chester University in Pennsylvania. Samantha joined SRV in 2021 and in addition to her role as Preschool teacher, she also works as a Program Administrator for SRV Summer Camp. Samantha is grateful to have found a school where she can put children first, explore their natural curiosities, and do so in a nature-based environment. In her free time, Samantha enjoys traveling the country for live music, fitness/wellness practices, and is constantly looking for new ways to learn and grow!
Silvio has worked in a variety of roles since graduating from The Pennsylvania State University's College of Education in 2012. He has taught as an Environmental Educator both in and out of Philadelphia Area schools, working with diverse age groups and communities. He has also worked as a third-grade classroom teacher at an Environmental-based Charter School in Philadelphia. Silvio started working at The School in Rose Valley in 2013 and has taught as a classroom teacher in the Middle Circle and Oldest Group classrooms, and has worked with Early Childhood/Early Elementary aged children regularly in school and during Summer Camp as the Nature Counselor. In every role Silvio brings his passion for sustainability, music and art into the mix, from songwriting to community activism. Silvio lives in Media, PA with his family and often rides his bicycle to work!
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Member of the Officers Team
Susan has been teaching at The School in Rose Valley for fifteen years. Her position started as part-time, but now she is on campus teaching every day. In addition, she taught at the Pre-K and Kindergarten levels for nine years at the beginning of her career. She has a Masters in Education from the University of South Carolina and has completed extensive coursework in Reading Support programs. She has been trained in the following Orton-Gillingham-based programs: Take Flight; Stratford Friends Multi-Sensory Reading Instruction Program; Wilson Fundations; Adolescent Literacy Program; the classic Orton-Gillingham program; and a new approach to teaching literacy skills - Structured Word Inquiry. She is nationally certified by ALTA - the Academic Language Therapist Association and by the International Dyslexia Association. Susan loves the magic that happens when children learn to read - especially if it has been a challenge in any way for the students. When not teaching, Susan thoroughly enjoys the peace of the outdoors - especially near lakes or rivers, reading extensively and doing needlepoint. Susan is thrilled to have found The School in Rose Valley, it's wonderful students and staff, and it's beautiful campus.
Susie holds a doctorate and is a licensed Clinical Psychologist as well as a certified School Psychologist. She attended Oberlin College for her undergraduate degree. Susie also provides testing and consultation for children in a group private practice. In addition to being SRV's School Psychologist Susie is the chair of the Learning Support Team.
Susie lives in Malvern with her husband, Sean, and their two sons, Keenan and Noah. She enjoys going on excursions and exploring the outdoors with her children, as well as reading, hiking/walking, and playing sports.
Job Titles:
- Preschool Assistant
- SRV in 2020 As a Classroom Assistant
Tiffany joined SRV in 2020 as a classroom assistant and lead SRV summer camp counselor. Tiffany discovered SRV through her time nannying attending students and immediately noticed how wonderful the community was. Tiffany loves the outdoors and sharing in the joy of new discoveries with young children. Her favorite SRV activities include Creek Walks to Bamboo Island and Rock Beach, finding "sea glass", and discovering fish eggs and other life in Ridley Creek. When not at school, Tiffany is at home with her son, making space to enjoy music and one another.
Tracy holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Salisbury University and an M.S.Ed from Saint Joseph's University. Prior to SRV, Tracy has taught Pre-Kindergarten at a Nursery School in Flourtown, First Grade in Baltimore, MD, and Kindergarten at a Charter School in Philadelphia. She enjoys incorporating music, movement, and art into the classroom whenever possible. Tracy is thrilled to continue to collaborate with the Primary Circle students and families to create a wonderful year! In addition to teaching at SRV, Tracy loves to run along the Schuylkill River, spend time with family and friends, cheer on Philly sports teams, and explore new restaurants.