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Board, Staff, Parents & Volunteers
Board of Directors | Staff | Parents & Volunteers
Board of Directors
President
Peter F. Arfaa
Vice President
Regina H. Delaney
Treasurer
Gregory Baitzel
Secretary
Colleen L. Mele
Frances T. Connelly, Ed.D.
Brenda Osborne
Janet Winchester
Staff
At PMCS, each mixed-age classroom of 24 students is guided by one teacher and one assistant.
When an observer enters a Montessori classroom, it may take him/her a moment to spot the teachers within the environment. Rather than standing post at the front of the room (often lecturing or directing students as they move through a textbook), the Montessori teacher can be found working with one or two children at a time or a small group, advising, presenting a new lesson, or quietly observing the class at work.
Because of the unique role of the teacher in the Montessori classroom, the Philadelphia Montessori Charter School requires its teachers to have undergone specific Montessori training, which includes rigorous training in child development and psychology, observation and student teaching, use of the Montessori materials, and classroom management. In addition, the majority of PMCS teachers are state-certified.
Click here to download Employment Position Descriptions.
Leadership and Administrative
Kathleen Miller Dzura, CEO
Ms. Dzura has a 40 year background in public and private Montessori education, including: Ravenhill Academy, Gladwyne Montessori School, Montessori Genesis II, New Horizons Montessori School, and the Mifflin, Overbrook and Longstreth Elementary Schools. She holds a Bachelor's degree in English Literature from St. Mary's College. She has experience as Principal/Headmistress at three private Montessori schools as well as starting up two public Montessori programs. Ms. Dzura is Montessori certified to teach at the primary and elementary levels and is state certified. She is proud of having worked with Mother Isabel Eugenie, who was trained by Dr. Montessori herself. Ms. Dzura is a founder of the Montessori Initiative in Education and the Philadelphia Montessori Charter School.
Caitlin Wood Sklar, Associate Director and Montessori Intern
Ms. Wood Sklar taught Head Start for one year and was a founder of the Community Academy Public Charter School in Washington, DC. Ms. Wood Sklar has eight years experience leading non-profit organizations, and holds a certificate in non-profit management. She is working towards a Montessori primary certification and a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, both from Chestnut Hill College, as well as a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania.
Marilyn Dreher, Administrative Assistant
Ms. Dreher has 23 years experience in administrative support as well as serving as a School-Community Coordinator, a Reading Assistant, and a Classroom Assistant. She is particularly skilled in computers, and will be a valuable member of the PMCS team.
Kelly McGovern, Special Education Coordinator
Melvin Childs, Security/Maintenance
Cassie Corcoran, Food Services Coordinator
Primary Teachers
Anne Hollingsworth Arfaa
Ms. Arfaa has 8 years of public school and 15 years of private school experience. She is both state certified and Montessori certified to work with children in the primary classroom. Ms. Arfaa has a Bachelor's degree in English from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master's degree in Family Therapy from Hahnemann University. Her students will undoubtedly benefit from her passion for music and singing, in fact, she sings with the Anna Crusis Women's Choir.
Patricia Caporale
Ms. Caporale has 14 years experience working in the public schools. She is state certified and Montessori certified to work with 3 - 6-year-olds. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Education from Xavier University and is almost finished working towards her Master's degree.
LaVonne Jointe
Ms. Jointe has 12 years experience in the public schools. She is Montessori certified to teach children ages 3-5, and holds an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Community College of Philadelphia. She is an avid runner and has an interest in coaching track and field.
Elementary Teachers
Richard P. Bartlett
Mr. Bartlett worked for 12 years with the Free State Montessori School, a school he created with his wife, and is trained to work in a Montessori elementary environment. He holds a BA from Towson State University. PMCS students will benefit from his interests in lacrosse and cooking.
Helena A. Grady
Ms. Grady has 14 years experience in the private school environment, including serving as Head of School. She also worked briefly at another public charter school. Ms. Grady has her Master's degree in Education and is Montessori certified to teach children ages 3-12 years. She enjoys cooking, knitting, business and crafts - talents she plans to share with the children.
Elizabeth R. Monaghan
Ms. Monaghan has 12 years of teaching experience in public schools and 9 years in parochial schools. She is state certified and certified to teach Montessori to children ages 3-9 years. Ms. Monaghan received a Master's degree from Chestnut Hill College. She would like PMCS parents to know that they are always welcome in her classroom!
Classroom Assistants
Amy Katherine Haebel
Ms. Haebel is working towards Montessori certification as well as PA elementary certification. She has a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts and attended the Pennsylvania Academy of the Arts. She is looking forward to sharing her love for art with the children.
Becca Landis
Ms. Landis worked for several years in after-school and summer programs in the public schools. She holds a BA in theatre and acting from Goshen College, and we hope her passion for theatre, music and dance will rub off on the children.
Claudette Simmons
Ms. Simmons has 9 years of experience working with Head Start in a Montessori classroom. She has an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education.
Greta Haebel
Parents & Volunteers
This section under development. Thank you for your patience.
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