Meet Our High School Teachers
High School Master Teacher
Dan Feldhaus is originally from Modesto California, but he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history at Southern Illinois University before moving to Pennsylvania in 2002. Since then he has taught in a variety of brick-and-mortar settings. He has been teaching online since 2003, and has been with Agora’s since the fall of 2006. He began teaching in the social studies department and moved into a leadership position in 2008, and became a master teacher in 2009.
High School Master Teacher
Ladonna Martin graduated summa cum laude from Keystone Jr. College in 1987 and magna cum laude from Mansfield University in 1990 with a B.S.E. in secondary education/social studies. She is certified in social studies for grades 7-12 in Pennsylvania. Ladonna began her teaching career at a brick-and-mortar school in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania where she designed and instructed a social studies program for at-risk and learning disabled students. She then took a hiatus from teaching to start her family and returned to the teaching profession in 2000 when she accepted a position with a national Internet-based private high school, where she taught for more than six years. She comes to Agora with a combined eleven years of experience, seven of those being in the virtual setting. Ladonna has been involved in many aspects of cyber education having experience writing curriculum and orientation programs.
High School Advisors
Holly Abunassar comes to Agora with fifteen years of experience in education, including five years teaching elementary and middle school at-risk students at a Title I inner-city school. She also spent ten years working in early childhood and is the author of two books on early childhood education. She has a bachelor’s degree from UMBC where she graduated cum laude, and is currently working on her master’s degree. This is Holly’s first year at Agora, and she is very excited about working as a high school advisor.
Beverly Cieply is excited to return to Agora Cyber Charter School for her second year as a high school advisor. An honors graduate from Clarion State College, Beverly holds a BS degree in elementary education. Her PA certification is in elementary/early childhood education. She earned some graduate credits from California University, PA, in the areas of reading and curriculum. Beverly has three years of traditional classroom experience at the elementary level and seventeen years as a home education supervisor, homeschooling her four sons. In addition, she has several years of experience as a private tutor and piano instructor.
Kimberlee Hewlett is starting her first year with Agora. She is certified in secondary education social studies in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Kim has worked with students of all ages, from pre-schoolers to seniors. Kim loves learning and promoting learning to her students, and especially loves building relationships with her students.
Dan Hilson is a PA/NY-certified teacher with six years of teaching experience, and is starting his third year with Agora Charter School. He earned his MS degree in education from Mercy College, and his BS in philosophy from Hartwick College. His future plans include earning certification in high school mathematics.
Heather Ronco comes to Agora with 16 years of business experience and a BS in communications with a minor in psychology. This is her third year preparing high school students for adulthood by helping them identify interests and career options, thus finding their purpose in school. She enjoys teaching goal setting, goal visualization, and time management, and is passionate in helping students create a path of opportunities through cyber education. Heather enjoyed helping students create their first prom and yearbook, and used her audiovisual skills to develop student/mentor tutorials.
Ginger Shaffer joined Agora in September of 2008. She graduated from Bloomsburg University with a BA in psychology. She then worked with the pregnant and parenting teen population for eight years, working with male and female students in numerous school districts. During that time she became a certified parent educator and, using the Parents-as-Teachers model, implemented a district-wide home visiting program for at-risk families. Ginger returned to Bloomsburg University and received an MS in instructional technology, and she has six years of experience in designing, developing, and implementing online courses. She also trained and certified adult educators in teaching online courses. Ginger is thankful to be combining her love of working with students and online learning.
Jennifer Vogel graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown with a BS degree in elementary education. She taught fourth, fifth, and seventh grades for seven years in Maryland before coming to Agora in March 2008.
Kristin Walters-Seidel comes to Agora with seven years of teaching experience. This is her second year with Agora. She has worked with at-risk students in both a public high school and a private alternative education school. Kristin earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education social studies and a master’s degree as a reading specialist from East Stroudsburg University. Her experiences include advising school spirit organizations and current events clubs, and coaching junior varsity volleyball. Kristin has also hosted a travel club and has gone abroad with high school students to learn about new cultures and history from various countries.
Jaclyn Williams is a Pennsylvania-certified English teacher. This is her second year with Agora Cyber Charter School. She graduated from West Chester University with a BA in communication studies and went on to work in the journalism field. She returned to school in order to obtain her teaching certification. Before working for Agora Cyber Charter School, Jaclyn taught 11th grade American literature.
High School Guidance Counselors
Nicole Ferrara is in her second year as a virtual school counselor working with K¹². Before working in a cyber school, Nicole was employed for six years at a brick-and-mortar public middle school, working with students in sixth through eighth grades. She speaks Spanish and lived in Costa Rica for a short time to learn and practice fluency.
Tara Bilkins is in her third year as a high school guidance counselor. Before joining the Agora team, Tara attended Villanova University where she earned her master’s degree in counseling and human relations along with her certification as a Pennsylvania school counselor. She has enjoyed her experience working in a virtual setting and looks forward to continuing to help students achieve their goals for the future.
Mike Mirth is entering his second year at Agora and his first year as a high school counselors. He had spent the previous eight years teaching math, mostly in Pittsburgh and recently with Agora. Mike earned his master's degree in school counseling at IUP in May 2007 and is also SAP trained.
Erica Moser is beginning her fifth year in virtual education working with the K12 curriculum. Before joining the Agora staff, Mrs. Moser taught students of all levels, from kindergarten through eighth grade. Mrs. Moser graduated cum laude from Lebanon Valley College with a BS in elementary education, and received her special education certificate from Immaculata University. Mrs. Moser received her master's degree in college student affairs and secondary school guidance counseling from West Chester University in May, 2009. She is also certified in middle level mathematics.
Mindy Rockower is in her second year with Agora Cyber Charter School as a guidance counselor. She earned her master’s degree in school counseling from Fairfield University.
Teachers
High School English
Amy Ferretti is starting her second school year with Agora, with a total of five years experience teaching preschool, sixth grade, and high school. A summa cum laude graduate of King's College, Amy earned her B.A. in Elementary Education. She was also chosen to complete her student teaching in London at a prestigious all-boys academy. Further certifications include K-12 ESL, Mid-Level Language Arts, and K-12 Business and Information Technology. She is currently pursuing her master's degree from Wilkes University.
Amanda Hajel is beginning her second year at Agora. Before working at Agora, Amanda had six years of teaching experience in the Washington County Public Schools. She received a BA degree in elementary education with an English minor from Shippensburg University. She is certified to teach elementary education and middle level English in both Pennsylvania and Maryland. She is currently working on her master’s degree at Edinboro in middle and secondary level education.
Lucy Hammel is a Pennsylvania-certified teacher with four years of teaching experience in a brick-and-mortar high school in Altoona, PA, and one year of experience teaching cyber school. Lucy earned her BS degree in education/secondary English from Juniata College. For the past five years, she taught tenth grade English (American literature), language arts and composition, and study skills. She also taught several sessions of summer school from first to twelfth grade, as well as reading remediation. During this time, she earned her M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction from Gannon University, and focused her professional development on improving students’ reading comprehension through research-based strategies. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in organizational learning and leadership.
Monica Mangin is a Pennsylvania-certified English teacher with six years of teaching experience. She began her teaching career within a Bucks County school district where she taught high school English and also worked extensively writing home-based curricula used within the district. This year is Monica's second year as a member of Agora's English department. She earned her BS degree in English education from Gwynedd Mercy College, graduating summa cum laude, and is currently working on her master's degree in online education through Wilkes University.
Chad Schell-McGaw served as Language Arts Instructional Supervisor for another online school before joining Agora last year, and before that spent four years teaching public school in Mount Carmel, PA. He also has experience working for a newspaper, two book stores, and in the restaurant industry. He holds a BA in English literature and a BS in secondary education through Bloomsburg University, and is currently pursuing an MFA in creative writing through Wilkes University. He will soon be certified to teach social studies. Chad is passionate about education and is happy to have found a home at Agora among so many other dedicated and caring people who feel the same way.
Jenifer Wheaton is coming into her second semester as part of the Agora high school English department. She graduated from Holy Family University with a BA in elementary education and is also certified in English 7-12. Before coming to Agora, Jen taught English for four years at Franklin Towne Charter High School in Philadelphia. While there, she also founded and coached the girls field hockey team for three years.
High School Social Studies
Eric Scheib returns to Agora for his fourth year, and his seventh year teaching in a cyber school using the K12 curriculum. In addition to teaching government and economics, he served as a lead teacher and social studies department chair. Before teaching virtually, Eric taught students in grades 6-12 for five years in a traditional brick-and-mortar school. He has taught in both private and public schools, chaired a social studies department, and worked for two years as a high school coordinator for ITT Technical Institute. Eric received a BA degree in secondary education social studies from York College of Pennsylvania and holds a Pennsylvania teaching certificate in secondary social studies.
Bryan Brutto is in his second year with Agora. He holds a BS in secondary social studies education from Shippensburg University and taught civics and alternative education in a brick-and-mortar middle school. He received the Order of Pythagoras Award through the Acacia International Fraternity for outstanding leadership qualities possessed by an individual. He also received the Shippensburg University Teacher’s Award, presented to an individual who is chosen for their teaching ability, professional qualities, scholarship, and creativity in the classroom. Bryan recently relocated to Pittsburgh to pursue his master’s degree in school administration and curriculum and instruction.
Kristin Barrett is a first year teacher with Agora. She completed her B.A. in history with a certification in social studies at Seton Hill University. She has started in the master’s program at IUP for history. Before coming to Agora she worked as a substitute teacher for three years and also worked as a drug and alcohol Counselor. She also worked for Americorps as a PA Reads teacher, where she worked closely with the Title I teachers. Kristin is planning on being involved in the Ski Club at Agora.
Shelley Dickey comes to Agora with ten years of teaching experience. She received a BS degree in secondary education from Lee University in Tennessee, and an M.Ed. degree in alternative education from Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania. Her teaching experience includes five years in a college setting, three years in an alternative setting, and three years in a virtual setting. Shelley has served on accreditation committees, chaired a social studies department in the virtual setting, and has extensive experience with at-risk youth. She also serves Agora students as a community advisor. Shelley is certified in grades 7-12 social studies in Georgia and Pennsylvania.
Debra Graham is returning to Agora as a high school social studies teacher. She is Pennsylvania-certified with thirteen years of teaching experience, ten in Pennsylvania and two in Texas. Debi also serves as an adjunct geography professor at Messiah College. She earned a BS degree in secondary social studies education from Messiah College and a master’s degree in education from Wilkes University.
Barbara Myers Karp came to Agora in 2008 with a diverse professional and educational background. She has worked as a corporate editor, attorney, marketing director, communications consultant, adjunct professor, and tutor. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude from the Pennsylvania State University with an honors BA in history. She also holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco. In 2008, she completed the professional year graduate program at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education, and is dual certified in PA to teach grades K-6 elementary education and grades 7-12 social studies.
Chantel Spess is a National Board Certified social studies teacher, with a Master of Arts in education from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, and a Bachelor of Science in secondary social studies education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Before coming to Agora, she taught in Georgia, Minnesota, and Washington, specializing in a variety of subjects within the field of social studies. She also worked as a pre-college instructor at Job Corps and as a Learning Community Leader for the high school boys’ community in an alternative school. This is Chantel’s second year at Agora. She teaches world history and helps to sponsor the Ski Club.
High School Mathematics
Amy Cadwallader comes to Agora with ten years of teaching experience. She received a BS degree in secondary mathematics education from Philadelphia Biblical University and an M.Ed. degree in curriculum and instruction from University of Phoenix Online. Her teaching experience includes six years in a brick-and-mortar setting and nine years in a distance learning/virtual learning school setting. Amy served three years as a department supervisor in a virtual setting and is certified in grades 7-12 mathematics in Pennsylvania.
Courtney Onyshko is in her second year with Agora Cyber Charter School. She has previous experience in teaching a variety of math subjects and levels, both in the classroom and the virtual environment. Courtney graduated from Point Park University with a BS in secondary education/mathematics.
Marcy Hartman has been a mathematics teacher for 10 years. She has been working with the dedicated, hard working Agora staff for almost three years. She enjoys interacting with her students in the cyber world. Ms. Hartman received a bachelor's degree in secondary education from Bloomsburg University.
Nate Lindquist graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics, as well as minors in physics and actuarial math, and then completed the Pennsylvania Teacher Certification Program. He previously taught at Neshaminy High School in Langhorne and at Ridley High School in Folsom. This is his third year at Agora, and he is thrilled to be a part of this growing school and the exciting times ahead.
Eric Buffington has taught in several different capacities throughout his life and is now excited to be working in the cyber charter world with Agora. He has been a volunteer teacher with his church for 10 years, including two years teaching life skills and ESL to Laotian people in California. After graduating from King’s College with a degree in elementary education, he increased his teaching certification to science and mathematics up to ninth grade. At Agora, Mr. Buffington worked as a high school instructional coordinator and is now working in the field of his true passion: mathematics. His major hope is that his excitement for and understanding of mathematics can catch on with his students.
John Heranic joined Agora in 2008, teaching personal finance and pre-calculus. After starting his career in education in 2003, he completed a PA certification program in secondary math at Robert Morris University. He taught at the middle school and high school levels for the next two years in public city schools teaching various courses, from remedial math to pre-calculus. He has both BS and MS degrees in metallurgical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, and worked for several years in various engineering capacities in Western PA and Houston, TX.
Glen Knudsen joined Agora in 2008 after teaching for seven years in a brick-and-mortar high school. Before becoming a teacher, Glen worked in the mortgage banking industry. He earned his undergraduate degree in mathematics and secondary education from Messiah College and his master’s degree in teaching and curriculum from Penn State University.
Ilyse Marcinkiewicz
Theresa McQuaide earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in computer science. She worked for eight years as a software engineer at a company in Cincinnati before deciding to become a teacher. Theresa then received her MA in education and her certification to teach mathematics from the University of Mount Saint Joseph in Cincinnati. She taught mathematics in Alaska for six years, followed by nine years teaching math and technology courses in Pennsylvania. She has been an online mathematics teacher for three years and is currently acting as the mathematics department chair at Agora.
Joanne Mulvey is in her first full year with Agora Cyber Charter School as a high school mathematics remediation specialist. She is PA-certified in secondary education/mathematics. Before working for Agora, she worked in a brick-and-mortar school, as well as a private school for learning-disabled adolescents. She spent 20 years tutoring privately and 10 years teaching group classes to homeschooled high schoolers, and has taught every math subject from pre-algebra to calculus. Joanne has also been a homeschooling parent for the past eleven years.
Tricia Steckel is entering her second year at Agora. She is a graduate of Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, having earned a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education mathematics. Mrs. Steckel's previous teaching experience includes five years in a traditional school setting at both the high school and middle school levels. Additionally, she spent two years in a private tutoring environment, where she taught mathematics to students at all levels.
High School Reading and Writing Intervention Specialist
Ramie Miller joined the Agora staff in October 2008. She has an English BA and a journalism BA with a concentration in public relations from IUP, and a master's degree in teaching English from IUP. Ramie is currently working on her reading specialist certification from Gannon University. Her previous experience includes PSSA Math instruction as well as teaching various writing and literature courses at the college level.
High School Reading Specialist
Nicole Harvey is in her second year with Agora. Her certifications include early childhood, elementary, and reading specialist. She has a master’s degree in reading and literacy. Before coming to Agora, Nicole taught for seven years in the brick-and-mortar environment.
High School Response-to-Intervention Coordinator
Maegan JB Kern holds a Master of Arts in teaching English from Indiana University of PA, and a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from the University of Missouri. She served as an adjunct instructor for Carlow University, Community College of Allegheny County, and Westmoreland County Community College. Maegan has also served as an advisor and taught for the Agora Cyber Charter School, Penn-Trafford School District, Mount Lebanon School District, and Pittsburgh City School District, from Advanced Placement to Learning Disabled. She received the St. Vincent College Award for Excellence in Teaching, has twice been the subject of feature articles on education in the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette, was nominated fifteen times for Who’s Who of American High School Teachers, and was honored with a PA Teacher Excellence Award.
High School Science
Department Chair Beverly Nelson has two years of experience teaching chemistry and physical science at Agora Cyber Charter School using the K12 curriculum. She also serves as the science department’s lead teacher. Beverly taught for 25 years in pre-school, kindergarten, junior high school, and high school science in Illinois, Texas, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, and currently holds Pennsylvania teaching certificates in chemistry and general science. Her love of chemistry and teaching was rewarded when she received The Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. This award was presented by President Bill Clinton in 1990. Beverly is a member of the American Chemical Society and Pennsylvania Science Teachers Association, and attends their meetings annually. Beverly is an active member of the National Science Teachers Association and served as district director and high school director. While living in New Jersey she served as president of the New Jersey Science Teachers Association. Beverly is a graduate of Monmouth College with a BA in chemistry and an M.Ed. from The College of New Jersey.
Brandi Berwager is a Pennsylvania-certified teacher with six years of teaching experience. This is her second year at Agora. Brandi previously taught high school biology in traditional Pennsylvania and Maryland public schools. She received her BS degree in biology from Susquehanna University, where she also earned her teaching certificate in secondary education. Brandi is currently pursuing her master’s degree in science education from Lebanon Valley College and hopes to finish in the next year.
Jennifer DillowI began her career in the medical field as a radiologic technologist. She received a Bachelor of Science in medical imaging from Bloomsburg University and completed her clinical at The Reading Hospital Medical Center. She furthered her studies at Alvernia College, where she received a teaching certification in secondary education with an emphasis in biology and general science. During her graduate work Jennifer studied abroad at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. She is currently finishing her master’s degree from Alvernia College, Reading. This is her second year at Agora Cyber Charter School. She has taught for two years at the post-secondary school level in the field of human biology and has tutored many students in all aspects of science.
Melissa Hoffman-Long is a Pennsylvania-certified teacher in the areas of biology 7-12 and environmental science K-12. She graduated from Lock Haven University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in biology, and from Slippery Rock University in 2004 with a Master of Education in secondary education. Before joining the Agora staff in 2007, Melissa worked in the brick-and-mortar setting as a high school science teacher at Harrisburg High School and La Academia, a small charter school in Lancaster City.
Diane Kunitsky is in her second year with Agora. She has four years of experience teaching chemistry in a traditional classroom and twelve years teaching chemistry and physics in the cyber world. She received her BS in chemistry from Ursinus College and her teaching certification from West Chester University. Before working as an educator, Diane was a research chemist for DuPont.
Julie McCrea is starting her third year in virtual education and her seventh year in education. Julie graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in biology and secondary education and also is certified to teach Earth science. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in geoenvironmental studies at Shippensburg University. In addition to teaching seventh grade science, Julie sponsored the middle school technology club the last two years and enjoyed working with students to enhance their technology skills. This year,Julie has moved to the high school classroom as a biology teacher.
John McMurray graduated from Kutztown University with a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education. He pursued a master’s degree in education from Desales University and has been teaching for more than ten years. He is new to online teaching, but finds the avenues for teaching science endless. In 2005 he received the National Youth Leadership award, and has been an active member of the National Science Foundation and the Canoe Club of Greater Harrisburg.
Jeff Miller came to Agora in 2007 as a high school science teacher. He graduated from Clarion University and holds his teaching certificate in Earth science, environmental science, and biology. He is currently working on his master's degree in educational administration. Prior experience includes six years teaching high school science in Baltimore County and one year teaching middle school.
Christina Nichols started teaching with Agora in January 2009. She received her BS in elementary education from West Chester University and graduated cum laude. She is currently PA-certified in elementary education, middle level science, and middle level mathematics. Christina started her teaching career by substitute teaching and then worked in the daycare setting. She now teaches high school Earth science at Agora. Christina enjoys working in the virtual setting and is pursuing her master’s degree in educational technology this fall.
High School Spanish and ELL Teacher
Emily Hershey came to Agora in 2008 and has been teaching high school Spanish since 2005. She is excited to also be working with high school English language learners this year. Emily graduated from Penn State with a BS in Spanish. She has lived in the Dominican Republic and Ecuador, and has visited Guatemala and Spain. She earned her PA teaching certification in Spanish from West Chester University and her ESL certificate through Juniata College. Emily is involved with the bible and book clubs at Agora.
High School Spanish and Social Studies Teacher
Yanira Ogrodnik graduated from Texas A&M with a master's degree in agricultural economics, and from the University of Pittsburgh with a teaching certification in social studies and in Spanish. Yanira taught economics to college students in Pittsburgh and in French-speaking Morocco, as well as world cultures to 10th graders in Pittsburgh, with several years of banking experience in between. This is her third year at Agora as a high school Spanish teacher, and her first year as a social studies teacher. Yanira is a native Spanish speaker and she also speaks French.
High School Spanish Teacher
Heather Thompson joins the Agora team this year but has been teaching high school Spanish since 2005. Heather graduated from Shippensburg University with a B.S. in Spanish and secondary education. She has lived in and visited Spain, Guatemala, Ecuador and Costa Rica and hopes to see more of the world.
High School Special Education
JoDeen Buckwalter has spent eight years as a middle/senior high school special education teacher. This is her second year teaching with Agora. JoDeen has been an assistant director of an alternative education night school program, and has helped to establish and implement an Alternative Education Program in which she was the assistant director. She holds a bachelor’s degree in special education K-12 from Bloomsburg University, and has her master’s degree in educational leadership from Wilkes University.
Sherri Carnevale has been a certified Pennsylvania teacher for 19 years in special education. She left the brick-and-mortar school setting after teaching learning support and life skills and joined the Agora team this year. She received her degree from Slippery Rock University. She enjoys working with students to help them reach their full potential in learning.
Lynne Hampson earned a dual degree in elementary and special education from Slippery Rock University. As part of her schooling experience, she taught in an eighth grade special education classroom. She was inspired by her students to do a school-wide outreach and benefit for cystic fibrosis. Lynne also spent time in a private school as an emotional support teacher.
Heather Silberman is a Pennsylvania-certified special education and English teacher with 16 years of teaching experience. She taught middle and high school special education at Carson Valley School and Wordsworth Academy in Montgomery County, MD, from 1990 to 1998. She also worked as a homebound-student instructor with the Cheltenham School District. For the past six years, Heather worked as a lower-, middle- and high-school special education teacher in a virtual setting using the K¹² curriculum. She earned her BS degree from Penn State University in secondary English education, as well as an MA degree in special education from Arcadia University.
Lisa Fary holds a BA in English from Florida State University and an M.Ed in special education from Northern Arizona University. She is PA-certified in secondary English and special education. After college, she worked with AmeriCorps in Washington, DC, and the Peace Corps in Madagascar. After returning to the United States, she moved to Arizona, where she lived and taught for eight years.
Barbara Harvey comes to Agora with 18 years of teaching experience: 15 years teaching experience with Pittsburgh Public School District, two years with Fort Cherry School District, and one year with a regional cyber school operated through The Allegheny Intermediate Unit. Barbara has a master's degree in special education from the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor of Science from West Virginia University. She has certification in supervision of special education N-12 from the University of Pittsburgh. Barbara’s Instructional II teaching certifications include: special education-mentally and physically handicapped in grades K-12, elementary education in grades K-6, secondary math in grades 7-12, English in grades 7-9, and social studies in grades 7-9.
Becky Miller graduated from Penn State University with a degree in special education. She taught special education at the middle school level for five years in brick-and-mortar schools before joining the Agora team in the spring of 2008. Her certifications include special education grades K-12, and middle school mathematics.
Jessica Rogers has six years of teaching experience. She is a middle school special education teacher at Agora and the 7-12 special education lead teacher. She graduated from Lebanon Valley College with an elementary and special education degree in 2003. She is currently working on her master’s degree in special education at Alvernia College. Jessica is a certified elementary teacher, special education teacher, and middle level mathematics teacher.
Kimberly Thompson is a highly certified PA teacher with 15 years of experience. She graduated with honors from California University of PA and holds a BA in Psychology with a concentration in Business Management. She also holds an M.Ed. as a reading specialist, and has certifications in both elementary and special education. Kimberly has experience at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels. She is beginning her second year as a virtual school teacher. Before teaching in the classroom, Kimberly operated her own small tutoring business and worked with at-risk students as an educational liaison and mobile therapist. She is listed in the three honorable books: Who's Who in America's Top Students, Who’s Who in Teachers, and Who’s Who in Business Women.
High School Fine Arts Teacher
Kristin McHugh
High School Health Teacher
Lory Piergrossi is a Pennsylvania-certified teacher with a total of seven years in education, including two years at Agora. Her brick-and-mortar school teaching experience includes students in grades K-6 in the Avon Grove School District. She has also taught at the college level, helping undergraduates create personal wellness life plans at West Chester University. Lory has also been involved with the Rising Junior’s Program for the last six summers, helping at-risk youth gain the skills needed to be successful in a college setting. She earned her BS degree in kinesiology–health and physical education, and has completed a master’s degree program in school health at West Chester University.
High School Physical Education
Marc Kramer is a Pennsylvania-certified health and physical education teacher with 10 years of teaching experience. Before joining the Agora staff, he taught health and physical education to students in grades K-8 in brick-and-mortar schools in New Jersey. While working in New Jersey, he brought programs such as Jump Rope for Heart and Project Adventure to the schools. He graduated with a BS degree in exercise and sports science from the Pennsylvania State University. He is currently working on his master’s degree from California University of Pennsylvania in sport psychology. He is in his third year with Agora.
Dave DiVito has been teaching health and physical education for grades K-8 for the past 10 years. This is his third year teaching with Agora as a part-time high school health and physical education teacher. He received a BS in kinesiology from West Chester University and an MS in educational development and strategies from Wilkes University. He currently coaches middle school basketball and softball.
Keith Platt has taught health and physical education for 11 years. He joined the Agora high school staff in September 2007. Before that he taught PE for grades K-8 in an urban brick-and-mortar school for 10 years. He graduated from Lock Haven University with a BS in health and physical education. He was a girls’ softball coach at the Harrisburg Academy for four years.
Transition Coordinator
Judy Deemer is a Pennsylvania-certified teacher with 19 years of teaching experience: 11 years in a fully inclusive classroom, six years in the state of Virginia, and two years of cyber school experience. She has her BS in elementary K-8 and special education K-12. She also has her master’s degree in special education, focusing on preschool handicapped and early childhood. She has been a lead teacher as well as a special education coordinator.
Dan Feldhaus is originally from Modesto California, but he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history at Southern Illinois University before moving to Pennsylvania in 2002. Since then he has taught in a variety of brick-and-mortar settings. He has been teaching online since 2003, and has been with Agora’s since the fall of 2006. He began teaching in the social studies department and moved into a leadership position in 2008, and became a master teacher in 2009.
High School Master Teacher
Ladonna Martin graduated summa cum laude from Keystone Jr. College in 1987 and magna cum laude from Mansfield University in 1990 with a B.S.E. in secondary education/social studies. She is certified in social studies for grades 7-12 in Pennsylvania. Ladonna began her teaching career at a brick-and-mortar school in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania where she designed and instructed a social studies program for at-risk and learning disabled students. She then took a hiatus from teaching to start her family and returned to the teaching profession in 2000 when she accepted a position with a national Internet-based private high school, where she taught for more than six years. She comes to Agora with a combined eleven years of experience, seven of those being in the virtual setting. Ladonna has been involved in many aspects of cyber education having experience writing curriculum and orientation programs.
High School Advisors
Holly Abunassar comes to Agora with fifteen years of experience in education, including five years teaching elementary and middle school at-risk students at a Title I inner-city school. She also spent ten years working in early childhood and is the author of two books on early childhood education. She has a bachelor’s degree from UMBC where she graduated cum laude, and is currently working on her master’s degree. This is Holly’s first year at Agora, and she is very excited about working as a high school advisor.
Beverly Cieply is excited to return to Agora Cyber Charter School for her second year as a high school advisor. An honors graduate from Clarion State College, Beverly holds a BS degree in elementary education. Her PA certification is in elementary/early childhood education. She earned some graduate credits from California University, PA, in the areas of reading and curriculum. Beverly has three years of traditional classroom experience at the elementary level and seventeen years as a home education supervisor, homeschooling her four sons. In addition, she has several years of experience as a private tutor and piano instructor.
Kimberlee Hewlett is starting her first year with Agora. She is certified in secondary education social studies in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Kim has worked with students of all ages, from pre-schoolers to seniors. Kim loves learning and promoting learning to her students, and especially loves building relationships with her students.
Dan Hilson is a PA/NY-certified teacher with six years of teaching experience, and is starting his third year with Agora Charter School. He earned his MS degree in education from Mercy College, and his BS in philosophy from Hartwick College. His future plans include earning certification in high school mathematics.
Heather Ronco comes to Agora with 16 years of business experience and a BS in communications with a minor in psychology. This is her third year preparing high school students for adulthood by helping them identify interests and career options, thus finding their purpose in school. She enjoys teaching goal setting, goal visualization, and time management, and is passionate in helping students create a path of opportunities through cyber education. Heather enjoyed helping students create their first prom and yearbook, and used her audiovisual skills to develop student/mentor tutorials.
Ginger Shaffer joined Agora in September of 2008. She graduated from Bloomsburg University with a BA in psychology. She then worked with the pregnant and parenting teen population for eight years, working with male and female students in numerous school districts. During that time she became a certified parent educator and, using the Parents-as-Teachers model, implemented a district-wide home visiting program for at-risk families. Ginger returned to Bloomsburg University and received an MS in instructional technology, and she has six years of experience in designing, developing, and implementing online courses. She also trained and certified adult educators in teaching online courses. Ginger is thankful to be combining her love of working with students and online learning.
Jennifer Vogel graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown with a BS degree in elementary education. She taught fourth, fifth, and seventh grades for seven years in Maryland before coming to Agora in March 2008.
Kristin Walters-Seidel comes to Agora with seven years of teaching experience. This is her second year with Agora. She has worked with at-risk students in both a public high school and a private alternative education school. Kristin earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education social studies and a master’s degree as a reading specialist from East Stroudsburg University. Her experiences include advising school spirit organizations and current events clubs, and coaching junior varsity volleyball. Kristin has also hosted a travel club and has gone abroad with high school students to learn about new cultures and history from various countries.
Jaclyn Williams is a Pennsylvania-certified English teacher. This is her second year with Agora Cyber Charter School. She graduated from West Chester University with a BA in communication studies and went on to work in the journalism field. She returned to school in order to obtain her teaching certification. Before working for Agora Cyber Charter School, Jaclyn taught 11th grade American literature.
High School Guidance Counselors
Nicole Ferrara is in her second year as a virtual school counselor working with K¹². Before working in a cyber school, Nicole was employed for six years at a brick-and-mortar public middle school, working with students in sixth through eighth grades. She speaks Spanish and lived in Costa Rica for a short time to learn and practice fluency.
Tara Bilkins is in her third year as a high school guidance counselor. Before joining the Agora team, Tara attended Villanova University where she earned her master’s degree in counseling and human relations along with her certification as a Pennsylvania school counselor. She has enjoyed her experience working in a virtual setting and looks forward to continuing to help students achieve their goals for the future.
Mike Mirth is entering his second year at Agora and his first year as a high school counselors. He had spent the previous eight years teaching math, mostly in Pittsburgh and recently with Agora. Mike earned his master's degree in school counseling at IUP in May 2007 and is also SAP trained.
Erica Moser is beginning her fifth year in virtual education working with the K12 curriculum. Before joining the Agora staff, Mrs. Moser taught students of all levels, from kindergarten through eighth grade. Mrs. Moser graduated cum laude from Lebanon Valley College with a BS in elementary education, and received her special education certificate from Immaculata University. Mrs. Moser received her master's degree in college student affairs and secondary school guidance counseling from West Chester University in May, 2009. She is also certified in middle level mathematics.
Mindy Rockower is in her second year with Agora Cyber Charter School as a guidance counselor. She earned her master’s degree in school counseling from Fairfield University.
Teachers
High School English
Amy Ferretti is starting her second school year with Agora, with a total of five years experience teaching preschool, sixth grade, and high school. A summa cum laude graduate of King's College, Amy earned her B.A. in Elementary Education. She was also chosen to complete her student teaching in London at a prestigious all-boys academy. Further certifications include K-12 ESL, Mid-Level Language Arts, and K-12 Business and Information Technology. She is currently pursuing her master's degree from Wilkes University.
Amanda Hajel is beginning her second year at Agora. Before working at Agora, Amanda had six years of teaching experience in the Washington County Public Schools. She received a BA degree in elementary education with an English minor from Shippensburg University. She is certified to teach elementary education and middle level English in both Pennsylvania and Maryland. She is currently working on her master’s degree at Edinboro in middle and secondary level education.
Lucy Hammel is a Pennsylvania-certified teacher with four years of teaching experience in a brick-and-mortar high school in Altoona, PA, and one year of experience teaching cyber school. Lucy earned her BS degree in education/secondary English from Juniata College. For the past five years, she taught tenth grade English (American literature), language arts and composition, and study skills. She also taught several sessions of summer school from first to twelfth grade, as well as reading remediation. During this time, she earned her M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction from Gannon University, and focused her professional development on improving students’ reading comprehension through research-based strategies. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in organizational learning and leadership.
Monica Mangin is a Pennsylvania-certified English teacher with six years of teaching experience. She began her teaching career within a Bucks County school district where she taught high school English and also worked extensively writing home-based curricula used within the district. This year is Monica's second year as a member of Agora's English department. She earned her BS degree in English education from Gwynedd Mercy College, graduating summa cum laude, and is currently working on her master's degree in online education through Wilkes University.
Chad Schell-McGaw served as Language Arts Instructional Supervisor for another online school before joining Agora last year, and before that spent four years teaching public school in Mount Carmel, PA. He also has experience working for a newspaper, two book stores, and in the restaurant industry. He holds a BA in English literature and a BS in secondary education through Bloomsburg University, and is currently pursuing an MFA in creative writing through Wilkes University. He will soon be certified to teach social studies. Chad is passionate about education and is happy to have found a home at Agora among so many other dedicated and caring people who feel the same way.
Jenifer Wheaton is coming into her second semester as part of the Agora high school English department. She graduated from Holy Family University with a BA in elementary education and is also certified in English 7-12. Before coming to Agora, Jen taught English for four years at Franklin Towne Charter High School in Philadelphia. While there, she also founded and coached the girls field hockey team for three years.
High School Social Studies
Eric Scheib returns to Agora for his fourth year, and his seventh year teaching in a cyber school using the K12 curriculum. In addition to teaching government and economics, he served as a lead teacher and social studies department chair. Before teaching virtually, Eric taught students in grades 6-12 for five years in a traditional brick-and-mortar school. He has taught in both private and public schools, chaired a social studies department, and worked for two years as a high school coordinator for ITT Technical Institute. Eric received a BA degree in secondary education social studies from York College of Pennsylvania and holds a Pennsylvania teaching certificate in secondary social studies.
Bryan Brutto is in his second year with Agora. He holds a BS in secondary social studies education from Shippensburg University and taught civics and alternative education in a brick-and-mortar middle school. He received the Order of Pythagoras Award through the Acacia International Fraternity for outstanding leadership qualities possessed by an individual. He also received the Shippensburg University Teacher’s Award, presented to an individual who is chosen for their teaching ability, professional qualities, scholarship, and creativity in the classroom. Bryan recently relocated to Pittsburgh to pursue his master’s degree in school administration and curriculum and instruction.
Kristin Barrett is a first year teacher with Agora. She completed her B.A. in history with a certification in social studies at Seton Hill University. She has started in the master’s program at IUP for history. Before coming to Agora she worked as a substitute teacher for three years and also worked as a drug and alcohol Counselor. She also worked for Americorps as a PA Reads teacher, where she worked closely with the Title I teachers. Kristin is planning on being involved in the Ski Club at Agora.
Shelley Dickey comes to Agora with ten years of teaching experience. She received a BS degree in secondary education from Lee University in Tennessee, and an M.Ed. degree in alternative education from Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania. Her teaching experience includes five years in a college setting, three years in an alternative setting, and three years in a virtual setting. Shelley has served on accreditation committees, chaired a social studies department in the virtual setting, and has extensive experience with at-risk youth. She also serves Agora students as a community advisor. Shelley is certified in grades 7-12 social studies in Georgia and Pennsylvania.
Debra Graham is returning to Agora as a high school social studies teacher. She is Pennsylvania-certified with thirteen years of teaching experience, ten in Pennsylvania and two in Texas. Debi also serves as an adjunct geography professor at Messiah College. She earned a BS degree in secondary social studies education from Messiah College and a master’s degree in education from Wilkes University.
Barbara Myers Karp came to Agora in 2008 with a diverse professional and educational background. She has worked as a corporate editor, attorney, marketing director, communications consultant, adjunct professor, and tutor. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude from the Pennsylvania State University with an honors BA in history. She also holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco. In 2008, she completed the professional year graduate program at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education, and is dual certified in PA to teach grades K-6 elementary education and grades 7-12 social studies.
Chantel Spess is a National Board Certified social studies teacher, with a Master of Arts in education from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, and a Bachelor of Science in secondary social studies education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Before coming to Agora, she taught in Georgia, Minnesota, and Washington, specializing in a variety of subjects within the field of social studies. She also worked as a pre-college instructor at Job Corps and as a Learning Community Leader for the high school boys’ community in an alternative school. This is Chantel’s second year at Agora. She teaches world history and helps to sponsor the Ski Club.
High School Mathematics
Amy Cadwallader comes to Agora with ten years of teaching experience. She received a BS degree in secondary mathematics education from Philadelphia Biblical University and an M.Ed. degree in curriculum and instruction from University of Phoenix Online. Her teaching experience includes six years in a brick-and-mortar setting and nine years in a distance learning/virtual learning school setting. Amy served three years as a department supervisor in a virtual setting and is certified in grades 7-12 mathematics in Pennsylvania.
Courtney Onyshko is in her second year with Agora Cyber Charter School. She has previous experience in teaching a variety of math subjects and levels, both in the classroom and the virtual environment. Courtney graduated from Point Park University with a BS in secondary education/mathematics.
Marcy Hartman has been a mathematics teacher for 10 years. She has been working with the dedicated, hard working Agora staff for almost three years. She enjoys interacting with her students in the cyber world. Ms. Hartman received a bachelor's degree in secondary education from Bloomsburg University.
Nate Lindquist graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics, as well as minors in physics and actuarial math, and then completed the Pennsylvania Teacher Certification Program. He previously taught at Neshaminy High School in Langhorne and at Ridley High School in Folsom. This is his third year at Agora, and he is thrilled to be a part of this growing school and the exciting times ahead.
Eric Buffington has taught in several different capacities throughout his life and is now excited to be working in the cyber charter world with Agora. He has been a volunteer teacher with his church for 10 years, including two years teaching life skills and ESL to Laotian people in California. After graduating from King’s College with a degree in elementary education, he increased his teaching certification to science and mathematics up to ninth grade. At Agora, Mr. Buffington worked as a high school instructional coordinator and is now working in the field of his true passion: mathematics. His major hope is that his excitement for and understanding of mathematics can catch on with his students.
John Heranic joined Agora in 2008, teaching personal finance and pre-calculus. After starting his career in education in 2003, he completed a PA certification program in secondary math at Robert Morris University. He taught at the middle school and high school levels for the next two years in public city schools teaching various courses, from remedial math to pre-calculus. He has both BS and MS degrees in metallurgical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, and worked for several years in various engineering capacities in Western PA and Houston, TX.
Glen Knudsen joined Agora in 2008 after teaching for seven years in a brick-and-mortar high school. Before becoming a teacher, Glen worked in the mortgage banking industry. He earned his undergraduate degree in mathematics and secondary education from Messiah College and his master’s degree in teaching and curriculum from Penn State University.
Ilyse Marcinkiewicz
Theresa McQuaide earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in computer science. She worked for eight years as a software engineer at a company in Cincinnati before deciding to become a teacher. Theresa then received her MA in education and her certification to teach mathematics from the University of Mount Saint Joseph in Cincinnati. She taught mathematics in Alaska for six years, followed by nine years teaching math and technology courses in Pennsylvania. She has been an online mathematics teacher for three years and is currently acting as the mathematics department chair at Agora.
Joanne Mulvey is in her first full year with Agora Cyber Charter School as a high school mathematics remediation specialist. She is PA-certified in secondary education/mathematics. Before working for Agora, she worked in a brick-and-mortar school, as well as a private school for learning-disabled adolescents. She spent 20 years tutoring privately and 10 years teaching group classes to homeschooled high schoolers, and has taught every math subject from pre-algebra to calculus. Joanne has also been a homeschooling parent for the past eleven years.
Tricia Steckel is entering her second year at Agora. She is a graduate of Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, having earned a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education mathematics. Mrs. Steckel's previous teaching experience includes five years in a traditional school setting at both the high school and middle school levels. Additionally, she spent two years in a private tutoring environment, where she taught mathematics to students at all levels.
High School Reading and Writing Intervention Specialist
Ramie Miller joined the Agora staff in October 2008. She has an English BA and a journalism BA with a concentration in public relations from IUP, and a master's degree in teaching English from IUP. Ramie is currently working on her reading specialist certification from Gannon University. Her previous experience includes PSSA Math instruction as well as teaching various writing and literature courses at the college level.
High School Reading Specialist
Nicole Harvey is in her second year with Agora. Her certifications include early childhood, elementary, and reading specialist. She has a master’s degree in reading and literacy. Before coming to Agora, Nicole taught for seven years in the brick-and-mortar environment.
High School Response-to-Intervention Coordinator
Maegan JB Kern holds a Master of Arts in teaching English from Indiana University of PA, and a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from the University of Missouri. She served as an adjunct instructor for Carlow University, Community College of Allegheny County, and Westmoreland County Community College. Maegan has also served as an advisor and taught for the Agora Cyber Charter School, Penn-Trafford School District, Mount Lebanon School District, and Pittsburgh City School District, from Advanced Placement to Learning Disabled. She received the St. Vincent College Award for Excellence in Teaching, has twice been the subject of feature articles on education in the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette, was nominated fifteen times for Who’s Who of American High School Teachers, and was honored with a PA Teacher Excellence Award.
High School Science
Department Chair Beverly Nelson has two years of experience teaching chemistry and physical science at Agora Cyber Charter School using the K12 curriculum. She also serves as the science department’s lead teacher. Beverly taught for 25 years in pre-school, kindergarten, junior high school, and high school science in Illinois, Texas, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, and currently holds Pennsylvania teaching certificates in chemistry and general science. Her love of chemistry and teaching was rewarded when she received The Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. This award was presented by President Bill Clinton in 1990. Beverly is a member of the American Chemical Society and Pennsylvania Science Teachers Association, and attends their meetings annually. Beverly is an active member of the National Science Teachers Association and served as district director and high school director. While living in New Jersey she served as president of the New Jersey Science Teachers Association. Beverly is a graduate of Monmouth College with a BA in chemistry and an M.Ed. from The College of New Jersey.
Brandi Berwager is a Pennsylvania-certified teacher with six years of teaching experience. This is her second year at Agora. Brandi previously taught high school biology in traditional Pennsylvania and Maryland public schools. She received her BS degree in biology from Susquehanna University, where she also earned her teaching certificate in secondary education. Brandi is currently pursuing her master’s degree in science education from Lebanon Valley College and hopes to finish in the next year.
Jennifer DillowI began her career in the medical field as a radiologic technologist. She received a Bachelor of Science in medical imaging from Bloomsburg University and completed her clinical at The Reading Hospital Medical Center. She furthered her studies at Alvernia College, where she received a teaching certification in secondary education with an emphasis in biology and general science. During her graduate work Jennifer studied abroad at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. She is currently finishing her master’s degree from Alvernia College, Reading. This is her second year at Agora Cyber Charter School. She has taught for two years at the post-secondary school level in the field of human biology and has tutored many students in all aspects of science.
Melissa Hoffman-Long is a Pennsylvania-certified teacher in the areas of biology 7-12 and environmental science K-12. She graduated from Lock Haven University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in biology, and from Slippery Rock University in 2004 with a Master of Education in secondary education. Before joining the Agora staff in 2007, Melissa worked in the brick-and-mortar setting as a high school science teacher at Harrisburg High School and La Academia, a small charter school in Lancaster City.
Diane Kunitsky is in her second year with Agora. She has four years of experience teaching chemistry in a traditional classroom and twelve years teaching chemistry and physics in the cyber world. She received her BS in chemistry from Ursinus College and her teaching certification from West Chester University. Before working as an educator, Diane was a research chemist for DuPont.
Julie McCrea is starting her third year in virtual education and her seventh year in education. Julie graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in biology and secondary education and also is certified to teach Earth science. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in geoenvironmental studies at Shippensburg University. In addition to teaching seventh grade science, Julie sponsored the middle school technology club the last two years and enjoyed working with students to enhance their technology skills. This year,Julie has moved to the high school classroom as a biology teacher.
John McMurray graduated from Kutztown University with a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education. He pursued a master’s degree in education from Desales University and has been teaching for more than ten years. He is new to online teaching, but finds the avenues for teaching science endless. In 2005 he received the National Youth Leadership award, and has been an active member of the National Science Foundation and the Canoe Club of Greater Harrisburg.
Jeff Miller came to Agora in 2007 as a high school science teacher. He graduated from Clarion University and holds his teaching certificate in Earth science, environmental science, and biology. He is currently working on his master's degree in educational administration. Prior experience includes six years teaching high school science in Baltimore County and one year teaching middle school.
Christina Nichols started teaching with Agora in January 2009. She received her BS in elementary education from West Chester University and graduated cum laude. She is currently PA-certified in elementary education, middle level science, and middle level mathematics. Christina started her teaching career by substitute teaching and then worked in the daycare setting. She now teaches high school Earth science at Agora. Christina enjoys working in the virtual setting and is pursuing her master’s degree in educational technology this fall.
High School Spanish and ELL Teacher
Emily Hershey came to Agora in 2008 and has been teaching high school Spanish since 2005. She is excited to also be working with high school English language learners this year. Emily graduated from Penn State with a BS in Spanish. She has lived in the Dominican Republic and Ecuador, and has visited Guatemala and Spain. She earned her PA teaching certification in Spanish from West Chester University and her ESL certificate through Juniata College. Emily is involved with the bible and book clubs at Agora.
High School Spanish and Social Studies Teacher
Yanira Ogrodnik graduated from Texas A&M with a master's degree in agricultural economics, and from the University of Pittsburgh with a teaching certification in social studies and in Spanish. Yanira taught economics to college students in Pittsburgh and in French-speaking Morocco, as well as world cultures to 10th graders in Pittsburgh, with several years of banking experience in between. This is her third year at Agora as a high school Spanish teacher, and her first year as a social studies teacher. Yanira is a native Spanish speaker and she also speaks French.
High School Spanish Teacher
Heather Thompson joins the Agora team this year but has been teaching high school Spanish since 2005. Heather graduated from Shippensburg University with a B.S. in Spanish and secondary education. She has lived in and visited Spain, Guatemala, Ecuador and Costa Rica and hopes to see more of the world.
High School Special Education
JoDeen Buckwalter has spent eight years as a middle/senior high school special education teacher. This is her second year teaching with Agora. JoDeen has been an assistant director of an alternative education night school program, and has helped to establish and implement an Alternative Education Program in which she was the assistant director. She holds a bachelor’s degree in special education K-12 from Bloomsburg University, and has her master’s degree in educational leadership from Wilkes University.
Sherri Carnevale has been a certified Pennsylvania teacher for 19 years in special education. She left the brick-and-mortar school setting after teaching learning support and life skills and joined the Agora team this year. She received her degree from Slippery Rock University. She enjoys working with students to help them reach their full potential in learning.
Lynne Hampson earned a dual degree in elementary and special education from Slippery Rock University. As part of her schooling experience, she taught in an eighth grade special education classroom. She was inspired by her students to do a school-wide outreach and benefit for cystic fibrosis. Lynne also spent time in a private school as an emotional support teacher.
Heather Silberman is a Pennsylvania-certified special education and English teacher with 16 years of teaching experience. She taught middle and high school special education at Carson Valley School and Wordsworth Academy in Montgomery County, MD, from 1990 to 1998. She also worked as a homebound-student instructor with the Cheltenham School District. For the past six years, Heather worked as a lower-, middle- and high-school special education teacher in a virtual setting using the K¹² curriculum. She earned her BS degree from Penn State University in secondary English education, as well as an MA degree in special education from Arcadia University.
Lisa Fary holds a BA in English from Florida State University and an M.Ed in special education from Northern Arizona University. She is PA-certified in secondary English and special education. After college, she worked with AmeriCorps in Washington, DC, and the Peace Corps in Madagascar. After returning to the United States, she moved to Arizona, where she lived and taught for eight years.
Barbara Harvey comes to Agora with 18 years of teaching experience: 15 years teaching experience with Pittsburgh Public School District, two years with Fort Cherry School District, and one year with a regional cyber school operated through The Allegheny Intermediate Unit. Barbara has a master's degree in special education from the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor of Science from West Virginia University. She has certification in supervision of special education N-12 from the University of Pittsburgh. Barbara’s Instructional II teaching certifications include: special education-mentally and physically handicapped in grades K-12, elementary education in grades K-6, secondary math in grades 7-12, English in grades 7-9, and social studies in grades 7-9.
Becky Miller graduated from Penn State University with a degree in special education. She taught special education at the middle school level for five years in brick-and-mortar schools before joining the Agora team in the spring of 2008. Her certifications include special education grades K-12, and middle school mathematics.
Jessica Rogers has six years of teaching experience. She is a middle school special education teacher at Agora and the 7-12 special education lead teacher. She graduated from Lebanon Valley College with an elementary and special education degree in 2003. She is currently working on her master’s degree in special education at Alvernia College. Jessica is a certified elementary teacher, special education teacher, and middle level mathematics teacher.
Kimberly Thompson is a highly certified PA teacher with 15 years of experience. She graduated with honors from California University of PA and holds a BA in Psychology with a concentration in Business Management. She also holds an M.Ed. as a reading specialist, and has certifications in both elementary and special education. Kimberly has experience at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels. She is beginning her second year as a virtual school teacher. Before teaching in the classroom, Kimberly operated her own small tutoring business and worked with at-risk students as an educational liaison and mobile therapist. She is listed in the three honorable books: Who's Who in America's Top Students, Who’s Who in Teachers, and Who’s Who in Business Women.
High School Fine Arts Teacher
Kristin McHugh
High School Health Teacher
Lory Piergrossi is a Pennsylvania-certified teacher with a total of seven years in education, including two years at Agora. Her brick-and-mortar school teaching experience includes students in grades K-6 in the Avon Grove School District. She has also taught at the college level, helping undergraduates create personal wellness life plans at West Chester University. Lory has also been involved with the Rising Junior’s Program for the last six summers, helping at-risk youth gain the skills needed to be successful in a college setting. She earned her BS degree in kinesiology–health and physical education, and has completed a master’s degree program in school health at West Chester University.
High School Physical Education
Marc Kramer is a Pennsylvania-certified health and physical education teacher with 10 years of teaching experience. Before joining the Agora staff, he taught health and physical education to students in grades K-8 in brick-and-mortar schools in New Jersey. While working in New Jersey, he brought programs such as Jump Rope for Heart and Project Adventure to the schools. He graduated with a BS degree in exercise and sports science from the Pennsylvania State University. He is currently working on his master’s degree from California University of Pennsylvania in sport psychology. He is in his third year with Agora.
Dave DiVito has been teaching health and physical education for grades K-8 for the past 10 years. This is his third year teaching with Agora as a part-time high school health and physical education teacher. He received a BS in kinesiology from West Chester University and an MS in educational development and strategies from Wilkes University. He currently coaches middle school basketball and softball.
Keith Platt has taught health and physical education for 11 years. He joined the Agora high school staff in September 2007. Before that he taught PE for grades K-8 in an urban brick-and-mortar school for 10 years. He graduated from Lock Haven University with a BS in health and physical education. He was a girls’ softball coach at the Harrisburg Academy for four years.
Transition Coordinator
Judy Deemer is a Pennsylvania-certified teacher with 19 years of teaching experience: 11 years in a fully inclusive classroom, six years in the state of Virginia, and two years of cyber school experience. She has her BS in elementary K-8 and special education K-12. She also has her master’s degree in special education, focusing on preschool handicapped and early childhood. She has been a lead teacher as well as a special education coordinator.