Ellis Welcomes New Faculty and Staff
The Ellis School is pleased to announce that the following new faculty and staff are in place to begin the 2016-17 academic year. “We look forward to a great year with these talented individuals added to our vibrant, high-quality roster of faculty and staff,” Head of School, Robin Newham said. Please be sure to welcome new employees to the Ellis community as you see them around campus.
ALYSSA KINNEY ‘07, MED, ENROLLMENT COORDINATOR
Alyssa Kinney is thrilled to return to Ellis as a graduate of the Ellis Class of 2007. Alyssa attended American University for her bachelor's in Sociology and the University of Pittsburgh for her master's in Education, focused on Social and Comparative Analysis. She was most recently employed with Planned Parenthood of Western PA as their Community Educator, providing health and safety lessons to students across Pittsburgh. In her role as Enrollment Coordinator, Alyssa will focus on event management as well as coordinating the strong Ellis network of parents, alumnae, and current students to welcome our prospective families and future Tigers.
Alyssa Kinney is thrilled to return to Ellis as a graduate of the Ellis Class of 2007. Alyssa attended American University for her bachelor's in Sociology and the University of Pittsburgh for her master's in Education, focused on Social and Comparative Analysis. She was most recently employed with Planned Parenthood of Western PA as their Community Educator, providing health and safety lessons to students across Pittsburgh. In her role as Enrollment Coordinator, Alyssa will focus on event management as well as coordinating the strong Ellis network of parents, alumnae, and current students to welcome our prospective families and future Tigers.
LYNETTE MACLEOD, SCHOOL NURSE
Lynette MacLeod has 19 years of experience as a nurse and has spent most of that time in pediatric home health care in Pittsburgh. Lynette most recently worked at a family practice in the East End as a working nurse manager. She is married and has three children–a 12 year old and two teens. Lynette is an experienced health care provider and is looking forward to serving our Ellis community as the School Nurse in our Wellness Center.
Lynette MacLeod has 19 years of experience as a nurse and has spent most of that time in pediatric home health care in Pittsburgh. Lynette most recently worked at a family practice in the East End as a working nurse manager. She is married and has three children–a 12 year old and two teens. Lynette is an experienced health care provider and is looking forward to serving our Ellis community as the School Nurse in our Wellness Center.
CIERA YOUNG, COORDINATOR FOR EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Ciera Marie Young is coming to Ellis from the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation where she served as a Youth Employment Coordinator. She is a recent graduate of the Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs program and a former resident of the Bible Center Church’s outreach ministry, the Ralph and Bernice Groce Ministry House. Currently Ciera serves on the board of the Urban League Young Professionals of Greater Pittsburgh (ULYP-Greater Pittsburgh) as the Civic Engagement Committee Chair. Ciera is from Columbus, OH and she came to Pittsburgh to study at Chatham University where she graduated with Bachelor’s degrees in Cultural Studies and International Studies with a minor in film.
Ciera Marie Young is coming to Ellis from the Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation where she served as a Youth Employment Coordinator. She is a recent graduate of the Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs program and a former resident of the Bible Center Church’s outreach ministry, the Ralph and Bernice Groce Ministry House. Currently Ciera serves on the board of the Urban League Young Professionals of Greater Pittsburgh (ULYP-Greater Pittsburgh) as the Civic Engagement Committee Chair. Ciera is from Columbus, OH and she came to Pittsburgh to study at Chatham University where she graduated with Bachelor’s degrees in Cultural Studies and International Studies with a minor in film.
Lower School
KIM DEBALDO, PRE-KINDERGARTEN ASSISTANT TEACHER
Kim DeBaldo joins our pre-kindergarten team as an Assistant Teacher. Kim is married and has three daughters and a son. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education from Slippery Rock University and a master's in Elementary Education from Duquesne University. Kim taught for 15 years in the North Allegheny School District, in the areas of physical education, second grade, and kindergarten. After raising her four children, Kim returned to teaching as a preschool teacher at the Fox Chapel Presbyterian Preschool and has been a substitute teacher in the Fox Chapel Area School District.
KIM DEBALDO, PRE-KINDERGARTEN ASSISTANT TEACHER
Kim DeBaldo joins our pre-kindergarten team as an Assistant Teacher. Kim is married and has three daughters and a son. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education from Slippery Rock University and a master's in Elementary Education from Duquesne University. Kim taught for 15 years in the North Allegheny School District, in the areas of physical education, second grade, and kindergarten. After raising her four children, Kim returned to teaching as a preschool teacher at the Fox Chapel Presbyterian Preschool and has been a substitute teacher in the Fox Chapel Area School District.
DENISE LAROSA, SECOND GRADE TEACHER
Denise LaRosa, previously a long-term substitute in pre-kindergarten, joins our second grade team. Denise is a wife and a mother of two girls, one of whom is in Ellis pre-kindergarten. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Radford University and graduated from Carlow University with a master's of education in Elementary Education. In addition to teaching, Denise is the founder and CEO of Mom Talk.
Denise LaRosa, previously a long-term substitute in pre-kindergarten, joins our second grade team. Denise is a wife and a mother of two girls, one of whom is in Ellis pre-kindergarten. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Radford University and graduated from Carlow University with a master's of education in Elementary Education. In addition to teaching, Denise is the founder and CEO of Mom Talk.
Middle School
TARA CATONE, MIDDLE SCHOOL PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER
Tara Catone, previously a long-term substitute in our Middle School Physical Education program, will become our Middle School physical education teacher. She will join the seventh grade team as an advisor, and she will continue with Middle and Upper School coaching responsibilities as well. Tara holds a Bachelor of Science in Education: Health and Physical Education with a minor in Coaching from Slippery Rock University, and she is certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Tara has extensive coaching experience in basketball, softball, and track and field.
KIM HARDIN, MIDDLE SCHOOL ENGLISH AND HISTORY TEACHER
Kim Hardin joins The Ellis School as a Middle School English and history teacher. Kim graduated from The University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and Public Relations, later earning a certificate of advanced study in English education. She previously taught middle and secondary English in the Penn Hills and Hampton Township school districts and also served as a substitute at Shady Side Academy in both the middle and senior schools.
TARA CATONE, MIDDLE SCHOOL PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER
Tara Catone, previously a long-term substitute in our Middle School Physical Education program, will become our Middle School physical education teacher. She will join the seventh grade team as an advisor, and she will continue with Middle and Upper School coaching responsibilities as well. Tara holds a Bachelor of Science in Education: Health and Physical Education with a minor in Coaching from Slippery Rock University, and she is certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Tara has extensive coaching experience in basketball, softball, and track and field.
KIM HARDIN, MIDDLE SCHOOL ENGLISH AND HISTORY TEACHER
Kim Hardin joins The Ellis School as a Middle School English and history teacher. Kim graduated from The University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and Public Relations, later earning a certificate of advanced study in English education. She previously taught middle and secondary English in the Penn Hills and Hampton Township school districts and also served as a substitute at Shady Side Academy in both the middle and senior schools.
MICHELE LOMBARDI, MS, MIDDLE SCHOOL/UPPER SCHOOL COMPUTER SCIENCE TEACHER
Michele Lombardi joins The Ellis School as the Computer Science teacher in both the Upper and Middle Schools. A recent New Jersey transplant, Michele started her career teaching middle and high school math. When her previous district asked her to develop a curriculum to bring computer programming to the school, she embraced the opportunity to teach problem solving and critical thinking along with the coding skills that are important in today’s job market. Teaching computer science allows Michele to mix her technical background with creative outputs and encourage the naturally inquisitive nature of her students. She has a BS in Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science and an MS in Learning Technologies with a concentration in Game-Based Learning.
Michele Lombardi joins The Ellis School as the Computer Science teacher in both the Upper and Middle Schools. A recent New Jersey transplant, Michele started her career teaching middle and high school math. When her previous district asked her to develop a curriculum to bring computer programming to the school, she embraced the opportunity to teach problem solving and critical thinking along with the coding skills that are important in today’s job market. Teaching computer science allows Michele to mix her technical background with creative outputs and encourage the naturally inquisitive nature of her students. She has a BS in Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science and an MS in Learning Technologies with a concentration in Game-Based Learning.
DEJANA SMAJIC, MA, SIXTH GRADE ENGLISH AND HISTORY TEACHER
Dejana Smajic joins the Ellis faculty as our new sixth grade English and history teacher. Dejana has taught sixth and eighth grade English at Falk Laboratory School. She holds a MA in Teaching from the University of Pittsburgh and a BA in English from Allegheny College with a minor in History. Dejana is fluent in Bosnian, Serbian and Croatian. Dejana has demonstrated expertise in teaching the writing process, including designing engaging lessons on the general conventions of language.
Dejana Smajic joins the Ellis faculty as our new sixth grade English and history teacher. Dejana has taught sixth and eighth grade English at Falk Laboratory School. She holds a MA in Teaching from the University of Pittsburgh and a BA in English from Allegheny College with a minor in History. Dejana is fluent in Bosnian, Serbian and Croatian. Dejana has demonstrated expertise in teaching the writing process, including designing engaging lessons on the general conventions of language.
Upper School
ADAM BISNO, MPHIL, UPPER SCHOOL HISTORY
Adam Bisno comes to us from Swarthmore College, outside Philadelphia, where he taught courses on the history of Europe from a global perspective. Before Swarthmore, Adam was a teaching fellow at Johns Hopkins University and instructor for Putney Student Travel, in France, where he led seminars on international relations and architectural history. In addition to a BA from Swarthmore College, Mr. Bisno holds graduate degrees from Johns Hopkins and the University of Cambridge. Particular interests include modern German cultural and economic history, as well as theories and practices of teaching expository writing to adolescents and young adults. He is thrilled to be joining the Ellis community this fall and welcomes all tips about Pittsburgh's hidden treasures. Mr. Bisno will teach ninth grade world cultures and civilizations in addition to senior electives in economics and AP European history.
ADAM BISNO, MPHIL, UPPER SCHOOL HISTORY
Adam Bisno comes to us from Swarthmore College, outside Philadelphia, where he taught courses on the history of Europe from a global perspective. Before Swarthmore, Adam was a teaching fellow at Johns Hopkins University and instructor for Putney Student Travel, in France, where he led seminars on international relations and architectural history. In addition to a BA from Swarthmore College, Mr. Bisno holds graduate degrees from Johns Hopkins and the University of Cambridge. Particular interests include modern German cultural and economic history, as well as theories and practices of teaching expository writing to adolescents and young adults. He is thrilled to be joining the Ellis community this fall and welcomes all tips about Pittsburgh's hidden treasures. Mr. Bisno will teach ninth grade world cultures and civilizations in addition to senior electives in economics and AP European history.
KEITH BRYNER, DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE COUNSELING
Keith Bryner joined The Ellis School as Director of College Counseling in July 2016. Keith comes to Ellis with an extensive background in college admissions, having held Assistant Director of Admission positions at both Carnegie Mellon University and American University. Keith is a magna cum laude graduate of Allegheny College and has a master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University. Keith has a daughter in first grade and brings a ready-made familiarity with the Ellis community to his new role.
Keith Bryner joined The Ellis School as Director of College Counseling in July 2016. Keith comes to Ellis with an extensive background in college admissions, having held Assistant Director of Admission positions at both Carnegie Mellon University and American University. Keith is a magna cum laude graduate of Allegheny College and has a master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University. Keith has a daughter in first grade and brings a ready-made familiarity with the Ellis community to his new role.
LUCY DELANEY, MA, COLLEGE COUNSELING ASSISTANT
Lucy Delaney will join Keith Bryner, Director of College Counseling, in supporting our students through the college process as the new College Counseling Assistant. Ms. Delaney recently moved back to Pittsburgh from Atlanta, where she was a faculty member in psychology at The Art Institute of Atlanta. After completing her master’s in Clinical Counseling Psychology, Ms. Delaney worked in community mental health before transitioning into higher education. She is a Pittsburgh native and alum of both Penn State University, where she has a BA in Communications and Women’s Studies, and Antioch University of Seattle.
Lucy Delaney will join Keith Bryner, Director of College Counseling, in supporting our students through the college process as the new College Counseling Assistant. Ms. Delaney recently moved back to Pittsburgh from Atlanta, where she was a faculty member in psychology at The Art Institute of Atlanta. After completing her master’s in Clinical Counseling Psychology, Ms. Delaney worked in community mental health before transitioning into higher education. She is a Pittsburgh native and alum of both Penn State University, where she has a BA in Communications and Women’s Studies, and Antioch University of Seattle.
ASHLEY DOTSON, UPPER SCHOOL DEAN OF STUDENTS
Ashley Dotson has served as a Dean in the Upper School for the past two years in addition to her teaching responsibilities. This year, she will move into the Upper School Dean of Students role full time. This will allow her the opportunity to work more directly with all of the Upper School students and families as she focuses her attention on our advisory program, student life activities, and oversight of the academic progress of all students.
Ashley Dotson has served as a Dean in the Upper School for the past two years in addition to her teaching responsibilities. This year, she will move into the Upper School Dean of Students role full time. This will allow her the opportunity to work more directly with all of the Upper School students and families as she focuses her attention on our advisory program, student life activities, and oversight of the academic progress of all students.
BRIAN KRUGLE, TECHNICAL THEATER DIRECTOR
Brian Krugle is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Information Science. For the past 16 years, Mr. Krugle has been heavily involved in the local arts scene as a board member, actor, and stage manager for the New Kensington Civic Theatre. He has worked with Apple Hill Playhouse, and has been the sponsor and producer for the Valley High School Drama Club since 2008. Prior work experience outside of theatre includes the Information Technology division of Giant Eagle, and the National Robotics Engineering Center at Carnegie Mellon University. Mr. Krugle will guide set design and construction at Ellis in collaboration with our Performing Arts faculty.
Brian Krugle is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Information Science. For the past 16 years, Mr. Krugle has been heavily involved in the local arts scene as a board member, actor, and stage manager for the New Kensington Civic Theatre. He has worked with Apple Hill Playhouse, and has been the sponsor and producer for the Valley High School Drama Club since 2008. Prior work experience outside of theatre includes the Information Technology division of Giant Eagle, and the National Robotics Engineering Center at Carnegie Mellon University. Mr. Krugle will guide set design and construction at Ellis in collaboration with our Performing Arts faculty.
JOSHUA SMITH, PHD, UPPER SCHOOL ENGLISH
Dr. Joshua Smith is a published academic author who taught courses at the Pennsylvania State University from 2008 to 2016 which ranged from technical communication and basic rhetoric to surveys in Shakespeare, British literature, and literary genre. Before beginning work on his master's and then doctoral degrees in English from the Pennsylvania State University, Dr. Smith had stints in the publishing industry and the theatre. Dr. Smith obtained his bachelor's from Columbia University and is thrilled to be joining The Ellis School. He will teach a section of ninth grade Western Literature and all sections of American Literature in the junior year.
Dr. Joshua Smith is a published academic author who taught courses at the Pennsylvania State University from 2008 to 2016 which ranged from technical communication and basic rhetoric to surveys in Shakespeare, British literature, and literary genre. Before beginning work on his master's and then doctoral degrees in English from the Pennsylvania State University, Dr. Smith had stints in the publishing industry and the theatre. Dr. Smith obtained his bachelor's from Columbia University and is thrilled to be joining The Ellis School. He will teach a section of ninth grade Western Literature and all sections of American Literature in the junior year.
Envision Her at Ellis
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