About
Our People
It Takes a Village to Raise a Child
…and at The Ellis School, that village is a vibrant, supportive community dedicated to every girl’s growth and success. As Pittsburgh’s only independent all-girls school, Ellis brings together expert educators, coaches, mentors, and staff who share one powerful mission—to prepare, empower, and inspire each student to thrive in school and beyond.
At Ellis, our community members model leadership, curiosity, and confidence every day. They work closely with students to nurture a love of learning, encourage self-expression, and celebrate individuality. Through meaningful relationships and personalized guidance, Ellis girls are known, valued, and challenged to reach their fullest potential—becoming bold thinkers, compassionate changemakers, and lifelong learners.
1
/
19
Ellis Employee Spotlights
-
Jenn Moynihan, Head of Middle School
When she moved across the country to start her position as Ellis’ new Middle School Division Head, Jenn Moynihan’s arrival didn’t feel quite that distant. A native of Lansdale, Pennsylvania, Ms. Moynihan’s return to the Keystone State came after living in Los Angeles, California, and working at The Archer School for Girls for the past ten years. At Archer, she served as an Upper School English Teacher and then as Dean of Students, witnessing for herself the power of an all-girls education firsthand. -
Brianne Kelly, Middle School Physical Education Teacher
They say you have to see it to be it, and that’s exactly what Brianne Kelly, new Middle School Physical Education Teacher, is doing for Ellis girls. A former Division I athlete, Ms. Kelly is modeling to her students how teamwork and perseverance can take you places both on the court and off. Prior to Ellis, Ms. Kelly spent six years overseas playing professional basketball in Germany, Slovakia, and Italy. She was also a four-year letter winner on Penn State’s women’s basketball team and earned Big Ten Conference honors each year of her collegiate career. Now in her first year of teaching, Ms. Kelly is sharing the lessons she’s learned about being active, committed, and determined through sports with Ellis girls. -
Jack Gaddess, World Languages Department Chair
Whether he’s introducing students to a human rights activist from Argentina or sharing a story about his eventful weekend bike ride, Upper School Spanish Teacher Jack Gaddess never fails to find a way to bring a dose of excitement and fun to his Spanish classroom. An adventurous educator who has led Ellis girls on trips to Spain, Costa Rica, and Mexico, Mr. Gaddess proudly shares his love of the Spanish language and its culture with his students through interactive learning opportunities and experiences. From joining the faculty number in the Upper School musical to blocking and serving in the annual winter volleyball game, Mr. Gaddess brings his unwavering enthusiasm for learning, and having fun while doing so, to Ellis every day. -
Sara Sturdevant, Performing Arts Department Chair
A dynamic and beloved member of the Upper School community for the last two decades, Sara Sturdevant is a teacher that has inspired hundreds of Ellis students with her passion for the arts, and in turn, sparked their creative careers and endeavors after commencement. A stalwart supporter of the performing arts, Ms. Sturdevant has directed, choreographed, staged, and produced hundreds of Ellis productions and performances over the last 23 years. Her commitment to her craft and can-do attitude energizes and ignites students’ independence and individuality on and off stage as they’re pushed to believe in themselves, their abilities, and their potential. Whether she’s teaching a cast how to perfect Fosse jazz hands or leading a discussion from the halls of Carnegie Museum of Art, Ms. Sturdevant’s gusto, charisma, and dedication to the School and her students is evident in everything she does. -
Amy Sidari, English & History Teacher and Grade 5 Dean
Grade 5 Dean and English and History Teacher, Amy Sidari, has been welcoming Ellis girls to the Middle School for the last 17 years. In her classroom, you’ll find her teaching students about the wonders of Greek mythology and ancient civilizations, and holding dynamic discussions on dystopian tales like The Giver and classic coming of age stories like Bridge to Terabithia. An avid reader and bibliophile, Mrs. Sidari brings her lifelong love of literature (her mom owned a bookstore) to not only her students, but the entire Middle School as she leads Ellis’ Battle of the Books challenge. An enthusiastic teacher, Dean, and CrossFitter, Mrs. Sidari shares her favorite book to teach to her students and what she loves most about her job. -
Kassie Wadsworth, Science Teacher
Science Teacher Kassie Wadsworth has brought inquiry and discovery-based learning to Ellis students in the Upper School for the last four years. A University of Pittsburgh alumna who originally planned to become a research scientist, Mrs. Wadsworth integrates her extensive experience from Pitt’s state-of-the-art labs into her biology and anatomy courses so students can garner a meaningful understanding of textbook lessons via active, experiential engagement. This fall, Mrs. Wadsworth’s students will take on their most high-profile and real-world experiment yet as they join the Small World Initiative, an innovative program that crowdsources budding scientists from across the nation to address the diminishing supply of effective antibiotics. -
Tim Israel, Visual Arts Teacher
After spending his third year in the photo studio with Ellis girls, Visual Arts Teacher Tim Israel headed across the country this summer to be an Artist-in-Residence at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area in eastern Washington state. A road warrior in endless pursuit of exploring and finessing his craft, Tim’s Pacific Northwest adventure marks the second time he’s made art at the invitation of the National Park Service. His interest in film, old cameras, and alternative techniques brings a dose of nostalgia to his digital age student photographers and filmmakers, and challenges them to remix and reimagine their own unique perspectives behind the lens.
1/7
Faculty and Staff Directory
Gary J. Niels, Head of School
Gary brings decades of leadership experience across independent schools, having served as a teacher, coach, dean of students, division director, head of school, and executive director of a statewide association. He holds advanced degrees in educational leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University, and theological studies from Regent College, and is a Klingenstein Fellow.
Known for building strong relationships, Gary has led transformative initiatives in curriculum, faculty development, equity and inclusion, and school culture. At Winchester Thurston School, he championed the innovative “City As Our Campus” program, connecting students with real-world learning across Pittsburgh. He later served as President of The Neighborhood Academy and Executive Director of Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools, where he revitalized accreditation, strengthened governance, and expanded professional development statewide.
Grounded in the question “How can we do this better?”, Gary is driven to strengthen school communities and elevate student learning.
Board of Trustees
List of 17 items.
-
Alexis Allen
-
James Balet
-
Sarah Bumsted
-
Sharae Curd
-
Vanessa Jameson
-
Eleanora Kaloyeropoulou
-
Patrick Koeppl
-
Charles Krimmel
-
Ariel Levavi-Meeder
-
Dora Magovern
-
Walt Mancing
-
Courtney McGrory
-
Christine Nalitz
-
Joseph Schmid
-
Colleen Simonds
-
Corinne Smith
-
Celia Soehner
