New Colleagues 2023-2024

Rebekah Adens, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, brings over 15 years of experience as a school administrator. She joins Shipley from Merion Mercy Academy, where she served as the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Rebekah is a licensed family therapist, who worked as a school social worker before shifting into DEI work as the Vice Principal at Achievement First in Brooklyn, followed by DEI leadership at a charter network in Philadelphia. While there, she also served as a lead DEI consultant to school districts across the country. Rebekah holds a master’s degree in social work from The Silberman School of Social work at Hunter College, a master’s degree in Divinity from Columbia University, and a bachelor of arts in English from Ursinus College.

Pat Daly, Controller, joins Shipley’s Business Office from the private accounting firm of Condon O’Meara McGinty & Donnelly in Valley Forge, where he has worked as an audit and tax manager since 2015. He gained his initial experience with non-profit accounting early in his career working as an assistant controller and then a controller for Waynesboro Country Club and Phoenixville Country Club, respectively. Pat earned his M.B.A., certificate in Business Analytics, and B.S. in Accounting cum laude from West Chester University.

Jay Deal, Assistant Director of Marketing, attended Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh, where his father served as Athletic Director for many years. His work experience includes serving as a Photographer/Videographer and a lacrosse coach at Shady Side Academy for four years. After relocating to Delaware, Jay worked for a marketing agency on content creation for various businesses. Most recently, he has supported the efforts of 40+ realtors at the Gary Mercer Real Estate Team through the creation of video and photo content for social media and web. Jay holds a degree in Video Production from the Scripps College of Communication at Ohio University. 

Chelsea Drumel, Theater Producer, is a 2022 graduate of Villanova University, where she received her master's in theatre and Non-Profit Management. Locally, she has worked as a teaching artist and director for young audiences at Wolf Performing Arts Center and Hedgerow Theatre. Additional professional theater credits include People's Light, Inis Nua, Lincoln Center Education, American Repertory Theatre, and Bluelaces Theatre Company. Prior to Villanova, she worked in New York for six years as an administrator in the financial services sector. She holds a bachelor's degree in theatre from Temple University. Chelsea lives in Havertown with her fiancé, Patrick, and their hound puppy, Finbar. 

Sarah Goldstein, Assistant to the Assistant Head of School for Community Engagement, joined the Advancement team following five years at the University of Pennsylvania. She also worked in admissions at both Drexel and Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy previously. Sara holds a bachelor's in Communication from Drexel University and a master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Chestnut Hill College.

Sammy Hurley, Technical Director for Theater, joins Shipley after having served as a Production Manager at the prestigious Hedgerow Theater and previously as Studio Manager at the Media Arts Council. They have enjoyed working with children and adults of all ages in numerous productions and are incredibly excited to work with our students. Sammy earned their bachelor's in Criminology from Penn State University.

Danielle Molan, Director of Choirs, brings to Shipley a teaching experience from public and private school settings, as well as directing choirs for non-profit organizations and churches. In addition to Shipley, Danielle will continue her work with Cantus Angelorum Cathedral Children's Choir at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul, and Epiphany Singers, an auditioned choir of young adults which she created. Danielle earned a bachelor's degree in music education from West Chester University and a master's degree in sacred music with an emphasis in choral conducting from Westminster Choir College. 

Jenn Phiambolis, Director of Libraries, joins us from Gwynedd-Mercy Academy, where she was the Librarian, FIRST LEGO League Robotics coach, and Student News advisor. For the past 14 years, Jenn has worked in area independent schools and universities. Having taught students from PreK through graduate school, she has gained a unique perspective in how students learn and seek information at all grade levels. Prior to receiving her Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from Drexel University, Jenn was an English teacher and volunteer program director in Punta Arenas, Chile. It was there she discovered the true connective power of words and stories, setting her on her path to becoming a librarian.

Nancy Rossana, School Store Associate, comes to us from the Great Valley School District, where she worked in the elementary school cafeteria. She enjoys working with children of all ages. Nancy is a proud mother of Michael and fiancé, Diane, along with their dear yorkie, Geddy Lee. She is one of five children and has enjoyed many happy family gatherings with them all. Nancy's free time is spent traveling, boating on the eastern shore in Maryland, the beach, cooking and baking, and reading mystery books to name a few of her interests; and she is an avid Eagles fan! 

Zack Walker, Chief Financial Officer, joins us from Episcopal Academy where he served as the Director of Financial Operations and Accounting since 2014. He brings nearly two decades of experience in finance and accounting with him to Shipley. Zack began his career in the private sector with public accounting firms providing services to clients in the not-for-profit, real estate, health care, and employee benefit sectors. His journey toward independent schools began while working for Rainer & Co. and serving William Penn Charter School as a client. Zack earned his B.S. in Accounting from Lock Haven University.

Madison Adams, Fourth Grade Teacher, just moved back to the Philadelphia area after spending six years in New York City. She worked as a first-grade teacher in a charter school and as a third-grade teacher at Bank Street College of Education. She loves reading, writing, and loves sharing her passion for all things literary with her students, which is one of the main reasons she got her M.Ed. specialization in literacy. Madison completed her undergraduate degree at Tulane University and went on to study at the Bank Street College of Education, where she received a dual master’s degree in teaching literacy and childhood general education. She enjoys cooking, baking, and trying out new recipes in the kitchen. 

Caleigh Clarke, Lower School Associate Teacher, is arriving to Shipley after receiving her bachelor's in sociology from Ithaca College this past May. Last summer, she finished working as a science teaching fellow at Germantown Friends School. During her time at Ithaca, Caleigh worked to create a more enriching experience for marginalized voices through planning events, facilitating workshops, and developing as a holistic educator. With experience as a Peer Educator for the Center for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Social Change (IDEAS), an Academic Peer Success Coach, and a Resident Assistant, she is excited to find a community here at Shipley with students, families, and colleagues. In her time away from the classroom, Caleigh enjoys traveling and cooking.

Katrisha Hairston, Lower School Associate Teacher, has experience teaching English and religion in both charter and Catholic schools at the Elementary and Middle School Levels. She loves spending time with her family, enjoying taking her three children to their extracurricular activities such as football, basketball, track, and cheerleading. Katrisha loves to read and travel, and she’s looking forward to traveling with her family next summer. Katrisha earned a B.S. from Saint Joseph’s University, an M.S. from Saint Joseph’s University, and is currently pursuing an Ed.D. from Saint Joseph’s University. 

Catherine Mallam, Lower School Director of Student Support, brings over 30 years of experience as a school counselor with the School District of Haverford Township, where she also served as co-chair for the counseling department. Catherine has expertise in the design and delivery of a comprehensive K-5 school counseling program and social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum. A certified trauma practitioner through the National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children, she is also a highly-rated presenter to educators and parent groups at public and independent schools about children’s friendships, mental health, and executive functioning skills. Catherine received her B.A. in psychology from William Smith College and a M.S. in education and K-8 school counseling certification from the University of Pennsylvania.

Delia Raab-Snyder, Lower School Music Teacher, joins Shipley from Greene Street Friends School where she was the elementary and middle school music teacher. Prior to that, Delia worked at Mastery Charter schools, teaching K-6th grade students. Delia was elected to the Board of the National Alliance of El Sistema Programs. She earned a Master's in Music with honors from the University of Southern California, also receiving an award for distinguished school service; she earned her Bachelor of Music from the Mannes College of Music in New York. She loves reading, exploring the outdoors, serving as a Girl Scout troop leader, and is excited to be the parent of an incoming Shipley student!

Caroline Way, First Grade Teacher, joins Shipley after spending the last six years teaching second grade in Baltimore, Maryland. She previously taught at the Pre-K and Kindergarten levels in Westport, Connecticut. Caroline also has experience teaching dance, as well as serving on a variety of committees including curriculum work, scheduling, and school-wide initiatives. Caroline earned a BS in Early Childhood Education from Bucknell University and an MEd from Quinnipiac University. Caroline is an avid runner, dancer, reader, and Caesar salad connoisseur.

Raquel Bejar-Massey, Middle and Upper School Spanish Teacher, returns to Shipley (2012-2018) from Doane Academy in Burlington, NJ. At Doane, she served as PreK-12 Chair of the World and Classical Languages Department and taught MS/US Spanish including AP Spanish Language and Culture and AP Spanish Literature and Culture. Raquel earned her B.A. from Brown University with a double concentration in Hispanic Literature and Latin American Studies. Raquel earned her M.A. in Spanish from Middlebury College. She is the proud parent of Shipley alum, Ethan Massey ’21.

Natalie Denney, Middle School Science, has taught biology and chemistry in single-gender and coed middle and upper schools in New York City and Washington, DC. A native of nearby Wallingford, PA, she has taught summer science intensives in New Hampshire, Virginia, and Hong Kong. An avid traveler, she has been to 54 countries and has driven her pickup truck to Alaska and across Canada, accompanied by her adventurous pet rabbit. Natalie earned her B.A. in Biology and her M.A. in Molecular Neurobiology from the University of Pennsylvania. 

Linda Jannelli, Middle School Administrative Assistant, comes to Shipley most recently from the Agnes Irwin School, where she was the middle and upper school receptionist and transportation coordinator. Linda is married and the mother of three young men and has spent decades as a soccer mom watching her sons compete on the field. Much of her free time is spent reading historical fiction, literary novels, and psychological thrillers. Linda earned a B.A. in Sociology and Social Work from LaSalle University.

Juliette Moisan, MS and US French, comes to Shipley from the University of Delaware, where she recently earned her Master's in French Studies. While completing her studies she worked as a graduate assistant, focusing on intermediate French. Her experience in school settings like Shipley is grounded in her own education at Lycée La Mennais in her native Ploërmel, France. This was extended when she worked as a French Language Assistant at the Sherborne School in England. Juliette earned her undergraduate degree with honors from Université Catholique de l'Ouest [Catholic University of West Brittany South] in Arradon, France. 

Joanne Montaño, Middle School English, comes to Shipley with over twenty years of secondary experience in English education. Joanne has taught in both public and independent schools and she is excited to bring her love for the humanities to the middle school community. Joanne earned her teaching certificate from Eastern University and her Masters in literature from Villanova University. A recipient of many travel grants, she has been privileged to study Dante in Tuscany, Rumi in Turkey, and Confucius in China. In her free time, she enjoys watching live theater with friends, traveling with family, and dining with anyone who invites her. 

Chantra Reinman, Head of Middle School, joins Shipley from The American International School, in Lusaka, Zambia where she served as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Inclusion, and a member of the Child Protection Team. Before this, Chantra was the Assistant Head of School at The Lewis School of Princeton, along with serving as the Middle and Upper School principal at various times during her time there. With over 27 years of experience teaching English, both domestically and internationally, she brings a wealth of experience to her role, including a commitment to professional development and sharing that knowledge with her communities. Chantra has her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Bryn Mawr College, her Master of Science from Villanova University, and her Master of Educational Leadership from The College of New Jersey.

Avery Rogusky, Upper School Visual Arts Teacher, begins her first full year at Shipley after joining the community last year first as a long-term substitute and then as a full-time faculty member. She began her independent school teaching career at Germantown Academy, where she completed her student teaching and progressed to a substitute teacher, working across multiple divisions. Avery has been an active freelance artist and illustrator since January 2022, completing commissioned surface design patterns for fabrics, wallpapers, stationary, and various prints. Avery earned her M.Ed. in Art Education from Temple University and her B.F.A. from University of Delaware.

Ann Senoyuit, Middle School Math and Science Teacher, is experienced in teaching math and science in public and private schools at the middle school level. In addition to teaching, she has been an advisor to several after-school clubs. Most recently, she served as a math club and student ambassador advisor and was a Girls on the Run coach. Ann also has experience in various school roles, such as a science coordinator and an equity leadership team member. Ann earned a BS from the University of Delaware, an MEd from Saint Joseph’s University, and is currently pursuing an EdD at Cabrini University. Ann spends time with her family, enjoys the outdoors, travel, and is a voracious reader.

Raquel Bejar-Massey, Middle and Upper School Spanish Teacher, returns to Shipley (2012-2018) from Doane Academy in Burlington, NJ. At Doane, she served as PreK-12 Chair of the World and Classical Languages Department and taught MS/US Spanish including AP Spanish Language and Culture and AP Spanish Literature and Culture. Raquel earned her B.A. from Brown University with a double concentration in Hispanic Literature and Latin American Studies. Raquel earned her M.A. in Spanish from Middlebury College. She is the proud parent of Shipley alum, Ethan Massey ’21.

June Gondi, Upper School English Teacher, joins Shipley from Germantown Friends School, where she taught English, served as an academic and writing support specialist, and founded GFS’s Writing Center. June brings over two decades of broad teaching experience to Shipley. June has taught across all three divisions (lower, middle, and upper) over her career. As a graduate of St. Mary's School in Nairobi, Kenya, her breadth of educational experience extends geographically as well as. When she is not in the classroom, June can be found on a local hiking trail, trying out a new sewing pattern, or listening to the latest episode of a true crime podcast. June holds a B.A. in English from the University of Pennsylvania and an MFA in Creative Writing from Rosemont College. 

Jamie Lockard, Athletics and College Counseling Associate, brings 15 years of experience as a head coach at the college level for Widener University, Wheaton College, and Albright University. In addition to coaching responsibilities during these tenures, he guided hundreds of student-athletes through the college recruiting process and helped raise philanthropic support for his programs. A standout student-athlete at Widener, Jamie earned four varsity letters, two USILA All-America selections, the MAC Player of the Year Award, and the Widener University Male Athlete of the Year Award. Jamie earned his B.S. in Business Management from Widener.

Juliette Moisan, MS and US French, comes to Shipley from the University of Delaware, where she recently earned her Master's in French Studies. While completing her studies she worked as a graduate assistant, focusing on intermediate French. Her experience in school settings like Shipley is grounded in her own education at Lycée La Mennais in her native Ploërmel, France. This was extended when she worked as a French Language Assistant at the Sherborne School in England. Juliette earned her undergraduate degree with honors from Université Catholique de l'Ouest [Catholic University of West Brittany South] in Arradon, France.

Seth Thayer Pidot, Upper School French Teacher, joins Shipley with over 20 years of experience in independent high schools. Most recently, he taught French and English at Merion Mercy Academy. Seth has served in administrative roles, chaperoned international trips, supported stage crew, and served outreach efforts in Kensington. He is active as a congregational volunteer at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. His published research addresses emotionally intelligent communication for conflict management in private schools. Seth holds a B.A. in Economics and French from Georgetown, a Master’s in Humanities from Villanova, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from St. Joseph’s University.

Avery Rogusky, Upper School Visual Arts Teacher, begins her first full year at Shipley after joining the community last year first as a long-term substitute and then as a full-time faculty member. She began her independent school teaching career at Germantown Academy, where she completed her student teaching and progressed to a substitute teacher, working across multiple divisions. Avery has been an active freelance artist and illustrator since January 2022, completing commissioned surface design patterns for fabrics, wallpapers, stationary, and various prints. Avery earned her M.Ed. in Art Education from Temple University and her B.F.A. from University of Delaware.

Ms. Kate Smith, Upper School Spanish Teacher, is a Spanish and ESL educator with over ten years of teaching experience. After receiving her BA in Religion and Art History from Temple University, she spent several years teaching ESL in South Korea and Spain before receiving her Master’s in Spanish at Middlebury College. She taught Spanish for five years at the Sanford School in Delaware. Kate comes to the Shipley School after spending the past year in Brazil studying Portuguese. She is excited to return to Philadelphia and enjoys traveling, learning languages, reading, and practicing yoga.

Julia Staples, Upper School Visual Art Teacher, is a Philadelphia-based artist, educator and organizer. Julia has exhibited in and around Philadelphia as well as in Iceland, Spain, NYC, and LA. She has been awarded residencies at Kimmel Nelson Harding, Ox-Bow, The Vermont Studio Center, and Polli Talu in Estonia. Her recent achievements include a public art installation at the Philadelphia Free Library, and solo exhibitions at The Arlington Arts Center, Vox Populi, and at the Art Association of Harrisburg. She worked as an adjunct professor for the past ten years teaching courses in photography, video, studio practice, professional development, and photo history. Julia holds an MFA from Tyler School of Art and her BFA from Parsons School of Design and was a recent member of the artist collective Vox Populi.