Meet the Faculty & Staff
Like a traditional school, Keystone has a team of educators and administrators that provides academic and administrative student support. The Keystone Team is always just a call or email away.
Erica Rhone – Head of School
Erica has over 10 years of education experience in a variety of settings including traditional education and online and blended learning. She has a B.S. in Health and Physical Education from Lock Haven University, and completed her M. Ed. in Educational Leadership from Lock Haven University. In her role as Head of School, Erica guides and directs the academic programs for Keystone and is responsible for ensuring that Keystone maintains the highest standards in academic quality and delivery of educational services to our students and families.
Jennifer Unger - Senior Director of School Operations
Jennifer has more than 15 years’ experience in distance education. Jennifer attended Penn State University, majoring in International Business. As Senior Director of School Operations for Keystone, she oversees Student Admissions, Student Services, Data Processing, Logistics and Technical Support. She leads her teams to strive for the highest level of service to ensure satisfaction for all students, families and school officials. Jennifer also leads operational collaboration efforts with other school departments to help Keystone students succeed.
Meet Our Staff
Guidance Services Staff
Morgan Decoteau, Guidance Counselor
Danielle McDormand, Guidance Assistant
Account Manager
Tim Farley, Account Manager
Student Services/Student Admissions
Debbie Young, Contact Center Manager
Sara Ruth, Student Services Supervisor
Sierra Dumbaugh, Student Services
Toni Rinker, Student Services
Casey Snyder, Student Services
Renee Keefer, Student Services
Andrea Derr, Student Services
Lynsea Cartier, Student Services
Student Engagement Support
Aubree Kresch, Manager of Student Engagement
Aubree attended Bloomsburg University where she received a BA in Mass Communications. She is currently pursuing her Masters degree in Human Development and Family Studies. As a Student Success Advisor she hopes to plan, develop and implement new motivational strategies for Keystone students. In addition, she loves the sense of community Keystone students and family members provide, and cannot wait to grow among them.
Daniel Puentes, Student Success Advisor
Daniel attended Kaplan University where he received a BS in Criminal Justice. He is a Student Success Advisor for The Keystone School. As a Student Success Advisor, Daniel helps students and their families get started as well as help keep students on track to be successful learners at Keystone. Using his past experiences, he wants to support families in guiding their learners to accomplish the educational goals set before them.
Ryan Lombardo, Student Success Advisor
Ryan attended Bloomsburg University where he received a BS in Early Childhood Education and with a specialization in Language Arts. He was a substitute teacher in several local school districts as well as an English and math tutor for elementary aged students. Ryan started Keystone as a Student Admissions Representative and transitioned to a Student Success Advisor. He is looking forward to using his knowledge of education and his experience here at Keystone to support our students and families throughout their educational careers.
Natalie Bond, Student Success Advisor
Natalie obtained her BS in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. While in Clarion, she worked as the Recruitment Coordinator for the Honors Program at Clarion University. After moving back home and dabbling in the medical field, she has decided to return to the world of education. Her goal as a Student Success Advisor is to help students reach their full academic potential through motivational strategies that are not only engaging, but entertaining as well.
Data Processing
Joe Cuff, Operations Manager
Mandy Creasy, Data Processing
Rachel Woolcock, Data Processing
Logistics
Sherry Hack, Logistics
Holly Newhart, Logistics
Meet Our Faculty
Academic Administration
Elizabeth Jones, Deputy Head of School, Adult Learning
Elizabeth attended Mansfield University in Pennsylvania where she received a BSE in Social Studies Education. Her excitement for education then prompted her to continue on and get her Master’s degree in Education, also from Mansfield University. Elizabeth has worked with The Keystone School for a number of years and has seen the school grow over that time. As Deputy Head of School for Adult Learning, Elizabeth helps adult learners who are looking to earn their high school diploma find the best path forward. She is excited to working with adult learners from all different backgrounds and helping them reach their goals.
Alyssa Macri, Science, German, Health and Physical Education Instructional Supervisor
Alyssa Macri graduated with a BA in Biology and Elementary Education (K-6) certification from Lycoming College in 2002. She earned her MED in Environmental Education from Slippery Rock University in December 2007 as an online student herself. Alyssa came to Keystone in 2008 as a science instructor and was a member of the student service team for 3 years and now currently serves as the Instructional Supervisor for the Science Department. Alyssa has worked with children of various ages and abilities in formal school settings, through various mentoring programs and as a camp counselor for Camp Victory. At Keystone, Alyssa most enjoys connecting with students and parents all over the world and assisting teachers with their needs. Alyssa likes spending time with family and friends, reading and going hiking.
Angela Stuart, Social Studies, Fine Arts, Japanese, Latin, and Chinese Instructional Supervisor
Angela is a Wilkes University graduate who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. She is history certified in multiple states and maintains each certificate according to state requirements. Her ability to connect with students in a positive and professional manner and ability to go above student expectation is regularly noted by students and parents. Social Studies is her passion, “when you dig deeply into something, you find so much more than appears at the surface – it’s fascinating”. Teaching and learning the details of an item’s past, a political relation, a social interaction or the many governments of the world, are all crucial to daily events. Each plays an integral role in our world today and showing this to our current generation is exhilarating to her. In her free time, Mrs. Stuart enjoys time with her family, exploring historic topics, gardening, fishing, skiing and traveling (especially to historic sites). She was able to recently explore ancient Mayan ruins of the Yucatan Peninsula. In working with Keystone she most appreciates the diversity, dedication and focus of each student. For her, students are the most important part of education!
“Today is the most exciting time in history!” – Mrs. Stuart
Mary Jane Milgram, Mathematics, French, Business and Technology Instructional Supervisor
Ms. Mary Jane Milgram has a Master's in Education coupled with a Bachelor's in English from Bloomsburg University. Ms. Milgram loves teaching and could not think of a better career because students are always challenging her to become a better teacher. Her favorite part is when the students turn the tables and she learns from them. Besides teaching, Ms. Milgram enjoys traveling the world, baseball, the beach, and camping.
Stefanie Cicero, Business/Technology Instructor
Stefanie graduated from Bloomsburg University with a BS in Education and a MS in Instructional Technology. She teaches the Correspondence courses Business Writing, Marketing, and Business Law and has been a teacher at the Keystone School from 2008-2011 and again starting in 2016. Stefanie loves gardening, baking and spending time with her four children. She has also has been a girl scout leader for 5 years and enjoys camping, crafting, and hiking with her scouts and assisting scouts to be future leaders. Stefanie enjoys working with the students, parents and staff at Keystone because it is challenging, rewarding, and stimulation. Teaching is her passion because it means she assists students to find their passion and achieve their potential.
Faculty
Donna DeCerchio, German Instructor
Welcome to online German! Mrs. DeCerchio was an online student herself for 5 years. She earned her Master's degree in Library Science from Mansfield University totally online. Before that she attended West Chester University, where she received her German teaching certificate and master's degree in Instructional Materials. She earned elementary certification from Bucknell University. She has studied a little French and Spanish, but German is closest to her heart; She hopes to share that passion with her students. Aside from teaching this class, she is a public high school German teacher who enjoys skiing and traveling.
James Bonham, Social Studies Instructor
James Bonham graduated from Bloomsburg University with a BS in Citizenship Education. He worked as an EAP Tutor at a public school for 4 years. During that time he had the opportunity to work with students from grades 6 through 12 and even coached the junior high soccer team. Then he joined the Keystone Team in the summer of 2011 as an Admissions Representative. He then became a Student Success Advisor in 2012 where he assisted many students and families with getting started and staying on track with their courses. He enjoys spending time with his wife and 5 kids. He also enjoys various outdoor activities such as fishing and riding atvs. James plans to use all of his experience outside and within Keystone to continue assisting students and their families as a teacher at The Keystone School!
Chizu Kennedy, Japanese Instructor
Chizu Kennedy was born in Chiba, Japan which is the prefecture (state) next to Tokyo. After high school, she came to the U.S. and studied Linguistics in the Master’s program at Indiana State University and East Asian Studies at Seton Hall University in New Jersey. Now, she lives in Fairfield in Connecticut with her husband and twin boys. She is teaching Japanese at a high school in New York. She loves working with high school students and helping them reach their goals!
がんばりましょう(let's do your best!)
Carolyn Lawrence, English Instructor
Mrs. Lawrence graduated from Marywood University with a degree in English Education and from the University of Scranton with an MA in English. She is currently working toward a doctorate in Human Development. She is an adjunct professor at both universities in addition to teaching on-line. She has been an instructor at Keystone since 2007. Carolyn is married and has one daughter and one granddaughter who are her pride and joy. She is a devout animal advocate working mainly in finding homes for adoptable Samoyeds and Pugs. She feels that every day is an opportunity to use the English language to further communication with students and parents around the world.
Kayla Soltis-Katella, French Instructor
Kayla Soltis-Katella graduated with her B.A. in Art History and French from Allegheny College in 2009, and with her M.A. in French Language and Civilization from the New York University in 2011, during which she lived in Paris, France. She is a newlywed who loves everything French, traveling with her husband, and her dogs. Kayla loves teaching students about the world around them and inspiring curiosity.
Erin Mills, English Instructor
Erin Mills is excited to be at the Keystone School! Erin graduated from Bloomsburg University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, as well as with a Master’s Degree in Reading K-12. Miss Mills is currently working towards her certification in ESL (English as a Second Language). She has worked with children of all ages, including being a Summer Camp Director for our local YMCA and as a Student Supervisor at Bloomsburg University. In her spare time, Miss Mills enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with her family and friends. Miss Mills feels that the most rewarding part of working for Keystone is the bonds created with students and parents, as well as teachers.
Deborah Slattery, Science Instructor
Mrs. Slattery has a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from Bloomsburg University in Bloomsburg, Pa. Her certification is in Chemistry. She also has a Master degree in Chemistry from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA. She has taught high school Chemistry for the past 25 years! One of the things Mrs. Slattery enjoys most about teaching are those “light bulb” moments. These occur when a student has been struggling, asking questions, coming back to ask more question, and then all of a sudden says, “Oh! Now I get it!”
Mrs. Slattery lives in Lewisburg. Her 3 grown children live in Washington, Philadelphia and New York. She enjoys visiting them as often as possible.
Krista Greene, Spanish Instructor
Krista graduated from Appalachian State University in North Carolina with a BS in Spanish and History. Sra. Greene has been teaching Middle School Spanish for Keystone since 2009. She lived in Spain during college and enjoys practicing her Spanish while traveling throughout the world. A few summers ago, she finished her Master's Degree in Peru and hiked Machu Picchu. She likes being outside and spending time with her husband and two young daughters. Krista loves seeing the leaps and bounds that her students make so quickly while learning a language. They can form sentences and hold conversations within a very short period of time. She is constantly encouraged by the amazing young people that she comes in contact with every day while teaching online.
Sally Messinger, Health and Physical Education and Electives Instructor
Sally graduated from Upper Iowa University with a BS in Public Administration. She is a Family Consumer Science Teacher in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. She is also certified in Speech, Drama, Debate, Business and Career Tech. She teaches the Health/Nutrition & Wellness and the Fashion & Interior Design course at the Keystone School. Sally likes spending time with her family and going on new adventures to find bargains she can recycle & redesign at local flea markets and garage sales. She is a self-admitted lover of all things with hidden potential, including people! Sally enjoys working with the students, parents and staff at Keystone as each day brings a new adventure. Her favorite thing about teaching high school students age is the immense possibility in each child who is so close to adulthood.
Erin Berich, Science Instructor
Erin graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Secondary Education with her focus on Chemistry. Erin enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter. They like to do things outdoors, visit family, and cheer on their favorite sports teams. She also enjoys scrapbooking and reading if she has any spare time. Erin enjoys distance learning because she thinks it is great to be part of something that is changing the way students learn and experience education.
Bridget Weid, Science Instructor
Miss Weid studied Physics at the University of Pittsburgh. After completing her Bachelors of Science in Physics, she joined the US Navy’s Nuclear Propulsion Program where she taught math, physics, and reactor dynamics. It was during her time with the Navy that she found a passion for teaching. She then attended St Joseph’s University and received her Masters of Education. She has taught in the United Kingdom where she gained Qualified Teaching Status. She still enjoys teaching and sharing her passion for physics with others, helping them to understand some of the basic principles that govern our daily life. Supporting students in finding their ‘light bulb moments’ gives her a great deal of fulfilment. Miss Weid not only teaches for a job, but she teaches in her hobby as well. She has been fortunate enough to travel the world and explore the underwater world through SCUBA diving. Now she helps introduce others to the underwater world through her professional responsibilities in the sport.
Wanda "Kay" Knight, English Instructor
Kay graduated from Western Washington University with a BA in English literature and then received a Master’s in Education from the University of Phoenix.
She spent 9 years in the classroom teaching various English and creative arts classes and now teaches American literature with Keystone School.
Kay enjoys various creative arts such as drama, knitting, crocheting, and is currently writing a Young Adult metaphysical novel. She also loves spending time with her extremely active family and eight grandchildren who are kayakers, rock climbers and sports buffs.
She believes that interesting and life changing ideas and concepts are treasures that can be explored while reading and studying the works of great authors and literature.
Christopher Squire, German Instructor
Chris Squire has been an online teacher since 2010. He earned his Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Carnegie Mellon University and attended Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where he received his German teaching certificate. He has studied a little French, but German is closest to his heart. Chris has a great passion for teaching German and he hopes to instill that same love of the language in his students . He has supported students both in online and a public high school setting. He enjoys skiing and traveling.
Christopher Stolpa, Latin Instructor
Chris graduated from Marquette University with a BA in Theology, and from Ave Maria University with an MA in Theology. He has taught for over 8 years in various high school settings from Denver to Michigan, including Catholic school, charter school and public school. He has also spent many of those years coaching, including 10 years of high school basketball and 2 years of high school golf. Chris enjoys going to Broadway shows with his wife, taking his children to the zoo, and golfing by himself. He thinks Latin is the most perfect language ever created, and that we could learn more from the political writings of Cicero than any modern news outlet can offer us today.
Linda Acker, Spanish Instructor
Linda is currently working on her dissertation to earn her Doctorate Degree in Education from Neumann University. Upon completion of her Doctorate Degree she hopes to add a Superintendent Letter of Eligibility to her Spanish and Principal State Certifications. Linda is a Highly Qualified Educator and is certified in both Pennsylvania and Delaware. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Spanish as well as a Masters Degree in Professional and Secondary Education; both degrees were obtained from West Chester University. Linda has been a teacher at Keystone since 2009. She enjoys spending time with her husband and pets. Linda enjoys traveling and visiting new places around the world. Moreover, she is an avid swimmer and enjoys reading her Kindle.
Linda’s biggest passion in life is teaching. Distance learning has allowed her to reach students all around the globe. She hopes to make a difference in the life of each student that she is afforded the opportunity to work with. Linda believes that teaching is the most rewarding profession as it allows one to help shape and grow the minds of the future.
Jillette Smith, Art Instructor
Mrs. Smith graduated from Lycoming College with a B.A. in Art and received a certificate to teach Art Education in 2010. She has taught Elementary Art at Bloomsburg Area School District and is attending Bloomsburg University to pursue a Masters in Special Education. Mrs. Smith is extremely excited to further teaching experience as an online teacher here at The Keystone School! Her passion does and will always lie with the arts; she actively volunteers as a regional representative for the Pennsylvania Art Education Association which is an affiliate to the National Art Education Association. She looks forward to getting to know all of her students and share her love for art and music!
Ryan Hassler, Math Instructor
Mrs. Smith graduated from Lycoming College with a B.A. in Art and received a certificate to teach Art Education in 2010. She has taught Elementary Art at Bloomsburg Area School District and is attending Bloomsburg University to pursue a Masters in Special Education. Mrs. Smith is extremely excited to further teaching experience as an online teacher here at The Keystone School! Her passion does and will always lie with the arts; she actively volunteers as a regional representative for the Pennsylvania Art Education Association which is an affiliate to the National Art Education Association. She looks forward to getting to know all of her students and share her love for art and music!
Shannon Bowen, Science Instructor
Shannon graduated from Montana State University-Bozeman with a MS in Science Education. She has been teaching high school science for over 20 years and loves helping students find their passion for all things science. She started teaching the Physical Science course at Keystone in July. When not teaching, Shannon enjoys spending time with her three boys, husband, and their dog. Together they spend lots of time outdoors enjoying nature and the world around them - learning something new every day. Shannon loves teaching because every day is different and the opportunity to help every student master and fall in love with science is an incredible one that can't be found in any other profession.
Adam Moyer, Science Instructor
Adam graduated from Grove City College with a BS in Physics and General Science Secondary Education. He started teaching with The Keystone School in December of 2012. He enjoys playing the piano and traveling. He is also an avid baseball fan. Adam finds teaching physics quite rewarding because not only is it a fun subject to demonstrate, but is very satisfying to help students realize their potential to understand the world around them.
Jenesssa Richmond, Elementary and 6th Grade Instructor
Mrs. Jenessa Richmond is a graduate of Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education. She also received her ESL Program Specialist certification. She holds her Master’s degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, where she attended an online program. During her free time, Jenessa enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family. She has a newborn son named Evan, and two dogs named Crosby and Penny whom she adores. According to Jenessa, the most rewarding part of working for Keystone is working with students from diverse backgrounds, and the ability to see her students achieve their goals.
Christy Teague, Math Instructor
Christy graduated from the University of Georgia with a BS in Secondary Mathematics Education. She was a math teacher in Georgia for seven years before deciding to take the next step in her career to become a teacher at the Keystone School. She enjoys spending time with her husband and her two boys who are 1 and 3 and keep her very busy! They enjoy going to the pool and playing outside. She also enjoys playing tennis and reading. She is excited about being a part of the Keystone School and being able to use distant learning to guide students though individualized learning. Together we can excel and succeed!
Carrie Mielke, Math Instructor
Carrie graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Mathematics Education and Holy Family University with a Master's degree in Education. Additionally, she has completed her Supervisory Certification in Curriculum and Instruction from Lehigh University. Carrie is a high school math teacher where she teaches Geometry to students in grades 9-12. She has been a teacher at the Keystone School since 2016. In her spare time, Carrie loves spending time with her three children and attending their sporting events. Carrie has a passion for teaching and loves working with her students to help them reach their highest potential.
Tiffany Myers, English Instructor
Tiffany graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelors of Humanities in English. After substituting for a year in public schools, she decided to return to college and earn her Secondary Education certification from Susquehanna University. She began teaching the English with Keystone in 2014. Tiffany spends her time with her family, friends and her two dogs, Chuck and Lucy. She enjoys traveling, attending sporting events and being outdoors.
Kayla Miller, Social Studies Instructor
Kayla graduated from Lock Haven University with a BS in Secondary Education Social Studies and Psychology. She is currently enrolled at Penn State University as she is works to earn her Master's degree in School Counseling. Kayla is an instructor for Contemporary World Issues, Psychology, and American Government/Economics. Kayla likes spending time with her family and friends; together they have a good time enjoying the outdoors through various activities. Kayla enjoys working/developing working relationships with students and parents and seeing her students succeed and achieve their goals.
James Havington, Science Instructor
James graduated with a BS in biology from Baldwin-Wallace College. His first teaching position was as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Botswana where he taught biology and agriculture. After a number of years in industry he decided to return to education and attained his M. Ed. from Bloomsburg University in 2009. Shortly thereafter he earned certification in physics. James enjoys hiking, fishing, traveling and musical performance. His greatest passion about distance learning is the opportunity to help students throughout the world achieve a fuller understanding of science.
Nicole Swanson, French Instructor
Nicole graduated from Bethany College with a BA in Education and a Specialization in French. She is currently a high school teacher in North Carolina. She has been The Keystone School since 2007. She likes spending time with her daughter and traveling to Paris. Nicole enjoys working with students, parents, and staff at Keystone and is amazed at the progress each student makes with the French language.
Kim Mauro, Social Studies Instructor
Kim Mauro graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a BA in Social History and a Minor in Minority Studies in 2005. She completed her master’s degree in History Education at the University of Pittsburgh in 2008 and is currently working towards her second master’s in Special Education 7-12 through Slippery Rock University. She has been teaching high school history and English since 2005 and also enjoys coaching cross-country and softball. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, in addition to running marathons and half-marathons, as well as playing softball and flag-football in a local sports league. She is excited to join the Keystone team and begin the online learning journey with other educators, students, and parents!
Diann Aikey, Social Studies Instructor
Diann Aikey teaches in both the correspondence and online program with The Keystone School. She is certified in both Social Studies and Math Secondary Education. She is also highly qualified in both science and language arts. Diann has also been teaching alternative education since 2000. Diann has a Bachelor’s of Arts in Economics and a Bachelors of Science in Secondary Education Social Studies. Diann has also a large accumulation of college math and computer science credits as well.
Diann has two children and spends most of her spare time participating and volunteering in all of their extra-curricular activities. When Diann has spare time, she runs 3 - 9 miles a day. She participates in 5 k runs with her children and occasionally ventures out to run her own 7 miler races. Diann ran the Pittsburgh 1/2 marathon and has set her mind to the full marathon sometime soon. Diann enjoys going to train sites and zoos with her children as well, although the family's favorite has got to be Knoebel’s Amusement Resort (a park in rural PA).
Diann enjoys teaching for many reasons... including the fact that every day is a new day and you get to meet many different types of people. While correspondence does not give you the one to one on a daily basis, you still get to correct and teach many different personalities which is evident in essays and research papers. She (like many of her correspondence students) finds the level of freedom of time a benefit... especially with the busyness that life presents. She loves that the many different views of students and styles and personalities makes everyday a new day and creates a fresh and exciting job.
Lori Auten, Science Instructor
Lori graduated from Bloomsburg University with a BS degree in Secondary Education/Biology. During her senior year, she was nominated for acceptance into the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society. Lori furthered her education at The Pennsylvania State University where she obtained her M.Ed degree in Teaching and Curriculum. She enjoys spending time with her rescue dog and cats, walks in the woods, photography, classic cars, watching scary movies, catching turtles, playing Skeeball, and pet sitting. She really wants to learn to scuba dive! The thing Lori enjoys most about teaching is getting feedback from students. She enjoys helping them understand a topic especially when they let her know: “Wow! I finally understand it!” She likes knowing she helped and made a difference, no matter how small it is.
Tina Kushner, Mathematics Instructor
Mrs. Kushner graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a B.S. in Secondary Education with a concentration in Mathematics and a M.Ed. in Adult Education. In addition to being a math instructor with the Keystone School, she also serves as a collegiate academic adviser. She enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, gardening, and watching football! Mrs. Kushner is dedicated to helping students achieve their goals and succeed in math.
Scott Hook, Math Instructor
Scott graduated from Bloomsburg University with a BS in Secondary Mathematics Education. He also obtained a Masters in Education from Heritage College. Scott has been a teacher at the Keystone School since 2003. He enjoys long distance running and fly fishing. He also spends much of his free time with his wife and 2 sons exploring and enjoying the outdoors. Scott enjoys working with students, parents and the staff at Keystone in order to help students achieve their educational goals. He finds it rewarding helping students be successful in their studies.
Jessica Niemy, English Instructor
Jessica Niemy attended Mansfield University where she studied both English and Spanish. She continued her education at Mansfield to achieve a Master's in Education with a specialty in Reading. She loves to travel and spend time with her family. For Jessica, the best part of working with students is getting to know their individual personalities and watching them succeed through the online learning format.
Nedra Templar, Music Instructor
Nedra graduated from Mansfield State College, now Mansfield University, PA with her Bachelor’s in Music Education. She is also a graduate of the University of Phoenix with a Master’s degree in Education; Curriculum and Instruction as well as a Master’s degree in Management. Nedra is seeking her Doctoral candidacy in Educational Leadership.
Nedra's interests are traveling, camping, gardening, community service, studying the ancient global cultures, researching the Knights Templar, singing, acting, and being a life-time learner. Nedra absolutely enjoys teaching online. She finds it as much a learning opportunity for her as it is for her students.
Patricia Axtell, English Instructor
Patricia Axtell graduated from Bloomsburg University with a BS and MS in Education. She currently teaches multiple high school English courses for Keystone. She has been with Keystone National High School since 2008. She enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her six horses. The most rewarding part of her job is facilitating student learning and helping students to achieve their educational goals.
Angeline Yoder, Business/Technology Instructor
Angie earned an Ed.D. in Instructional Technology and Distance Education from Nova Southeastern University, and M.Ed. in Business Education, MBA, and BS in Accounting degrees from Bloomsburg University. She enjoys teaching Business Education courses at the Keystone School and is a strong believer in distance education and the many benefits that it offers to students. She has taken courses as an online student and that experience, combined with a love of technology, inspired her to earn her doctoral degree in the field. She enjoys running, traveling, and all things fitness and nutrition-related. Angie is excited to be part of the Keystone School!
Elizabeth Jones, Spanish Instructor
Elizabeth graduated from Clarion University of Pennsylvania with a BA in Spanish. She also holds Pennsylvania teaching certifications in Spanish K-12 and ESL. She currently teaches online middle and high school Spanish courses. Elizabeth is also the advisor for Keystone Helping Hands, a community service club for the students. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling across the country and taking walks with her dog, Cocoa. Elizabeth enjoys teaching her students the importance of learning another language and culture. She is passionate about distance learning because it gives all students the opportunity to take a course that perhaps a traditional school may not offer. It allows for the students to pursue other areas of interest while they are taking their courses. Every student learns differently and distance learning allows for students to learn at their own individual pace.
Pamela Phillips, Science Instructor
Pam Phillips graduated from The University of Alabama at Birmingham with a B.S. She immediately went back to obtain a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education. Her majors were French and science. Her minor was mathematics. She started on a PhD but has not completed the coursework. She taught for 36 years at the same high school. She, also, taught at a community college in Birmingham, Alabama and online with the school system in her state. The courses she taught reflected the subjects of interest. She taught French I and II, chemistry, physics, physical science, earth science, biology, anatomy, environmental science, algebra, sociology, and psychology.
Her decision to return to teaching after one year of retirement was basic, she missed working with students. She enjoys making difficult concepts easy. Online she can work with students from everywhere. She is the most passionate about helping the individual student gain knowledge.
Her hobbies are varied. She enjoys crochet, quilting, needlepoint, and cooking. She loves reading mysteries. Her favorite authors are Kathy Reichs and James Patterson. She has even been known to write. So far, only two books have been published, Earth Science Tutor and ACT Preparation.
Jody Zelinske, English Instructor
Jody graduated from Kings College with a B.A. in English Literature in 2001. In 2009 she returned to King's College to obtain a Secondary Education Teaching Certification in English. She is an English teacher at the Keystone School. Jody enjoys spending time with her husband, daughters, and son. She enjoys reading, theater, and traveling. Jody's favorite part of teaching is having the ability to share her love of literature with her students. She feels it is truly rewarding to show students the imaginative and informative worlds that literature has to offer.
Nathan Galiyas, Social Studies Instructor
I am a lifelong resident of Western Pennsylvania, having grown up in Pittsburgh, PA and then attending college at Indiana University of Pennsylvania for my bachelor's degree followed by California University of Pennsylvania for my master's degree. I've become passionate about distance learning starting as a master's degree student where I took 100% of my coursework online and continuing as an educator with my own virtual classrooms. In 2004 I began teaching both social studies and business. In addition to school and education, I've been involved in sports my entire life. At the high school level, I was both a football and basketball player and continued playing football for a few years in college. I've also coached both football and basketball at various times during my teaching career at both the middle school and high school level. I enjoy living an active lifestyle by working out regularly, golfing, and even getting on the basketball court about once a week. I'm also an avid follower of most Pittsburgh sports teams, rooting hard for my Steelers, Pens, Pirates, and Pitt Panthers.
Patricia Jesaitis, English Instructor
Patricia Jesaitis currently lives in Michigan, but originally hails from New York. Patricia holds an undergraduate degree in English literature from the State University of New York at Buffalo. This is also the university from which she received her Master’s degree in English Education (7-12). Patricia is also currently working towards a second Master’s degree in English Literature from Southern New Hampshire University, where she is currently enrolled as an on-line graduate student. Besides working for Keystone since August of 1999 when their on-line courses were first launched, she also teaches full time at a small community college near her home.
Patricia has three children, a beagle named Blue and she has been happily married since 1990. She enjoys camping with her family, skiing, reading, playing cards and cooking. After working for more than two decades as an instructor of English, Patricia can say with certainty that teaching is something she has enjoyed doing and has received much satisfaction from. Patricia’s work on-line as an instructor has opened her eyes to a new and valuable way to reach far more students than she had ever hoped to teach. Patricia feels very strongly about the future of on-line education, for herself and for her students. Patricia feels that with all the other advances in technology across the board, how we deliver education to our students should not be overlooked and on-line classes may be just the new approach our educational system needs to reach the largest number of students possible in our changing world.
Kathy Puentes, English Instructor
Kathy graduated with honors from Edinboro University with a Masters in Education. She earned her BS in Special Education from Bloomsburg University. She holds the following certifications: Secondary English; Reading Specialist; and Special Education. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two young sons. Kathy enjoys working with her students, families, and staff at Keystone. She, as both a student and a teacher, appreciates the philosophy, accessibility, and flexibility that distance learning offers.
Rebecca Pazcoguin, Social Studies Instructor
Rebecca graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with a B.S. in Secondary Education Social Studies and a Minor in History. She earned her Master's Degree in Education/Curriculum and Instruction from Clarion University. Rebecca has taught in Maryland and Pennsylvania public schools and is excited to begin her first year teaching with Keystone High School. She thrives on helping her students achieve success by providing them with the best possible learning experience and engaging them in the content. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, reading, and traveling.
Matthew Hertz, Health and Physical Education Instructor
Matthew is a graduate of Lock Haven University holding dual degrees. He has a B.S. in Health and Physical Education a B.S. in Health Sciences – Athletic Training. Since 2007 Matthew has been a Health teacher and Athletic Trainer for a high school in Southern Maryland. In addition to being a Health/Nutrition and Wellness teacher for The Keystone School he also works for a local hospital system providing athletic training services to local high schools. He is currently working on a Master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision online through American Public University. Matthew enjoys spending his free time with his wife and two young children. Matthew believes that no other course has information that will directly impact your life like Health, and he is passionate about teaching and sharing this information with his students. His goal is to provide students with the knowledge that will allow them to make appropriate, healthy decisions for themselves now and in the future.
Holly Breckenridge, German Instructor
Ms. Breckenridge graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.A. in German and an M.A. in teaching. She is currently teaching German in both the middle and high school programs with Keystone. She has previously also taught various English courses during her years at Keystone. In her free time, Ms. Breckenridge enjoys reading, playing music, and video games. She finds the opportunity to teach students in an online environment rewarding because she believes every student deserves an education that is right for them, and Keystone allows students the flexibility needed to achieve and excel in a way that is completely unique to each student.
Trent Karlik, Business Instructor
Trent graduated from Robert-Morris University with a BS in Business Administration and Business Education. He also received a master's degree from Carnegie Mellon University where he was awarded a Masters in Public Management. He has been a teacher at the Keystone School since 2008. He enjoys spending time with his son Brandon and dog Bogey during his free time. Trent has thoroughly enjoyed working with the students, parents and staff at Keystone, as each day brings a new adventure. It is important to remember “Online learning is not the next big thing; it is the now big thing.
Elizabeth Pursel, English Instructor
Elizabeth graduated from Lock Haven University in 2007 with a B.A. in Communication Media and special emphases on Broadcast Journalism and Public Relations. She then graduated from Drexel University in 2011 with an M.S. in the Science of Instruction, where she obtained her Elementary and Secondary English PA teaching certifications. Elizabeth enjoys being with her husband, son, and daughter, as well as spending a good portion of her paycheck on Kindle e-books. She also likes to write, and is currently working on her first young adult fiction novel. Elizabeth’s favorite parts of teaching are finding out that her students truly appreciated the little things she’s taught them, and learning so much about her students from all over the country and world through reading their journals and essays.
Matthew Lobb, Social Studies Instructor
Matt graduated from Lock Haven University with a BS in Secondary Education/Social Sciences in 2003. He also completed a Graduate Certificate Program in Secondary Education Social Studies from Clarion University in 2009. In 2013, Matt earned a Master’s of Education and K-12 Principal Certification from California University of Pennsylvania. Matt is married with two daughters and one son and enjoys spending his free time with his family. Matt is very excited to meet the challenge of online education and looks forward to working with the students of Keystone to help them meet their goals and become valuable citizens in our global society.
Lauren Adams, German Instructor
Lauren graduated from James Madison University in 2008 with a B.A. in Modern Foreign Language, concentration of German. She also obtained her M.A.T., concentration of secondary education, from James Madison University in 2009. She taught German I and German II to 7th and 8th graders for 5 years within the Williamsburg-James City County school system, located in Williamsburg, Virginia. Lauren and her husband enjoy spending as much time as possible with their two children and extended family. She is an avid reader and coffee drinker, too. Working with Keystone provides an exciting and challenging experience in teaching, which Lauren thrives upon.
Carissa Kasa, Math Instructor
Carissa Kasa has her first degree in Visual Communications from Lehigh Valley College in Allentown, PA. She then went to Misericordia University in Dallas, PA where she got her Bachelor’s in Mathematics and Secondary Education. She worked part-time in some local schools and now works full-time as a Math teacher here at The Keystone School teaching multiple math classes in the K+ program. She is currently earning her master’s in Education Technology at Misericordia University in Dallas, PA. Miss Kasa has a strong passion for animals. She currently is in training and competes in equestrian at local horse shows. She has a goal to jump 3ft courses by the year 2014.
Miss Kasa says, “The most rewarding part about working for Keystone is working with a great staff and the amount of communication with students and parents”.
Michelle Rafach, Social Studies Instructor
Michelle graduated from Millersville Unviersity with a BS in Social Studies Education and a concentration in women's studies. Michelle enjoys the outdoors and hiking with her husband. For Michelle distance learning is a great opportunity to break barriers and allow so many different cultures and students work towards the same goal of success, along with providing insight into their personal beliefs, and opening their eyes to others. Getting to be a part of Keystone and see the growth through distance learning is the most rewarding part for Michelle.
Stacey Barth, Mathematics Instructor
Stacey Barth graduated from Miami University (Ohio) with a BS in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. After several years working in event planning, she went back to school at Robert Morris University, where she received her Master’s in Education as well as her teaching certification for Business Education. Stacey is also certified to teach Mathematics (7-12) and Special Education (7-12). This will be Stacey’s seventh year teaching in schools through Pennsylvania. Since 2008, Stacey has taught Business and Mathematics course as well as 7th grade English. Courses that she has taught include Web Page Design, Java, Microsoft Applications, Business Mathematics, Career Planning, Algebra 2, Trigonometry and Pre-Algebra. Outside of work, Stacey enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She is also anxiously awaiting the arrival of her third child in February 2015. In addition to spending time with her family, Stacey enjoys traveling, playing sports, exercising and reading. She is excited to join the Keystone team!
Beverly Fink, Middle School Instructor
Beverly Fink graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Bloomsburg University.
She has been working for Keystone as a Credit Recovery Teacher since 2000. In 2013, she began teaching the 6th grade math course for Keystone National Middle School. She enjoys working one-on-one with students in both job settings. Beverly spends much of her free time performing volunteer activities for her children’s school and for the lung cancer research and awareness.
Joann Koschoff, Health and Physical Education Instructor
Joann graduated from East Stroudsburg University with a BS in Health & Physical Education, a MEd In Physical Education, and Certification in Safety & Driver Education. In her "free" time, she enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, and gardening. She also has a woodworking and stained glass workshop that she makes various items for whoever wants something. Joann stays very busy and really enjoys teaching. She often tells her students that if they find a job/career that they really enjoy, they never have to “work” another day in their life…that is exactly how Joann feels.
Ashley Reidinger, Social Studies Instructor
Ashley is a social studies teacher for The Keystone since 2007. She teaches several correspondence courses. When she’s not working with Keystone she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Ashley spends most of her free time in the spring, summer, and fall in her flower gardens and pond areas planting, weeding, and enjoying the humming birds and butterflies. She also spends time at numerous car shows with her husband. Ashley and her husband enjoy tinkering and looking at old/new cars and showing their own. She also enjoys reading and music. She’s never without something to listen to or read. Her favorite aspect of social studies is learning about our current society and applying lessons of the past to present day. Everyone should know the past so they can change the future!
Juliann Bucci, Math Instructor
Juliann Bucci graduated from The University of Pittsburgh with a B.A. She immediately went back to obtain a teaching certificate in Mathematics. She has been teaching mathematics since 2002. She also teaches math for Penn Trafford High School. She has taught Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Algebra 3, Geometry, PreCalculus, and Intro to Calculus. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, watching movies and spending time with her 2 children.
Bradly Richmond, Social Studies Instructor
Bradly graduated from Bloomsburg University with a B.A. in Secondary Education. In addition to teaching at Keystone, Bradly has experience working at a local school district. He enjoys playing guitar and spending time with his Yellow Labrador Retriever named Penny. Since he was young, Bradly loved history and always knew he would be a social studies teacher.
Richard Campsie, Health and Physical Education Instructor
Richard earned a B.S. degree from the University of Pittsburgh in the field of business/accounting. He gained his teaching certificate by completing a post-baccalaureate degree at Towson University. In addition, Richard has earned 24 graduate credits in the Slippery Rock University Masters of Education program. He comes to Keystone after serving for more than nine school years at Pennsylvania Learners Online/STREAM ACADEMY. Richard also spent 4 years in the Baltimore Country Public School system as an elementary school physical education instructor. Richard enjoys reading, exercising, watching college football and spending time with family. He enjoys all aspects of being an instructor but specifically relishes in the opportunity to motivate students in leading a healthy and physically active lifestyle.
Stephenie Benedict, Math Instructor
Stephenie graduated from Slippery Rock University with a BA in Physics, and minors in both Mathematics and Leadership. She also received her MA from the University of Phoenix in Secondary Education. Stephenie teaches Algebra II and Trigonometry/Pre-Calculus courses at the Keystone School. She enjoys traveling and watching sports such as hockey, football and baseball. Stephenie is a passionate teacher who believes that everyone has potential, and truly enjoys helping students to achieve their academic and personal goals.
Heather Hanlon, Social Studies Instructor
Heather Hanlon attended Bucknell University for her undergraduate and graduate careers. While there, she earned a B.S. in Education, a B.A. in Sociology, and a Master’s degree in Education and School Counseling. She enjoyed working as both a high school history teacher and a school counselor. Heather is devoted to education and loves helping student’s reach their best potential. As a homeschooling parent herself and a Keystone School educator, she is passionate about fostering an environment where students learn and grow at an individualized pace and in a space that they feel comfortable. Heather is an avid reader, nature lover, rock climber, and bee keeper. She loves to travel and explore new places with her family.
Jerry Manley, Social Studies Instructor
Mr. Manley is a 2010 graduate of Bloomsburg University with degrees in Education and History. He holds four Pennsylvania teaching certificates: Citizenship 7-12, Social Studies 7-12, English 7-12, and Middle School Science 7-9. Mr. Manley believes that all students have the ability to achieve their goals and should learn at a pace that fits their individual style and needs. He is passionate about History and has shared his passion with students across Pennsylvania. In his young career, Mr. Manley has worked with students from Scranton, Philadelphia, Reading, and Central Pennsylvania. He hopes to one day become an educational leader that can help improve Pennsylvania’s education system.
Katharine Swierczynski, Math Instructor
Katharine Swierczynski graduated from Niagara University and Medaille College with a BS in Math Education Grades 5-12 and a MS in Special Education grades 5-9. After 7 years teaching high school mathematics in Buffalo, NY, she decided to join Keystone in order to spend more time at home with her two young sons and husband. She enjoys reading, painting, cooking, and teaching her children mathematics. Katharine believes that math helps us to learn that every problem has a solution and gives us the tools to find the solution. She loves that Keystone and distance learning offers every student the opportunity to have an individualized education and is very excited to help students achieve their math goals.
Christine Shearn, English Instructor
Christine graduated from Bloomsburg University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and a Master of Education in Reading. She has been working in the public school system since 2009. Christine likes spending time with her two Shetland sheepdogs and enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with family. Christine is looking forward to a new adventure in her career by working with the students, parents, and staff at Keystone.
Ryan Mock, Social Studies Instructor
Ryan graduated from Susquehanna University with a BA in Political Science. Ryan teaches eighth grade social studies. Ryan likes to do just about anything. He spends his time listening to music, playing the guitar, going to concerts, playing video games, watching Netflix, and traveling across the country. He loves watching sports as well. His favorite teams are Penn State Nittany Lion football, the Green Bay Packers, the Philadelphia Phillies, the Philadelphia Flyers, and the Miami Heat. Ryan loves working at the Keystone School with students, parents, and staff.
Matt Shrader, Math and Science Instructor
Matt is a graduate of East Stroudsburg University with a BS in Secondary Education Physics. He is professionally certified to teach both high school physics and mathematics. Matt is very passionate about being able to educate unique individuals from all over the world that are involved in so many different exciting activities. On top of teaching, Matt also enjoys playing golf and spending time with his twin baby boys.
Haley Wagner, Social Studies Instructor
Haley graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a BS in Secondary Education. She currently holds a PA teaching certification in social studies and is working towards a biology certification as well. Since graduating, Haley has been a substitute teacher as well as a homebound tutor. In her free time, Haley is an avid reader and spends as much time outdoors as possible; she and her fiancé go camping frequently where they spend time fishing and hiking! She is very excited to be working with a school like Keystone that puts so much emphasis on student success! Haley hopes to continue that tradition of excellence by being a helpful, fair and assessable educator.
Kathy McConnell, Business/Technology Instructor
Kathy graduated from Slippery Rock University with a BS in Business Administration. She completed teaching certification at Robert Morris University in Business Education. She is currently in the process of applying for Graduate admission to Robert Morris University in order to earn a Master’s in Business Education and/or Instructional Leadership. She has experience teaching Computer Applications and Career Education at Vision Quest Academy. In addition, she teaches the Programming I, II and combined courses and has been with Keystone since 2012. She likes spending time with her husband and daughter. She and her husband have a love of Dutch oven cooking and participating in re-enactments of living history. Kathy really enjoys working with her students at Keystone. She feels that the best part of her job is helping her students to succeed, one step at a time. Kathy wants her students to have an open mind and a willingness to learn.
Jill Dent, Elementary and 6th Grade Instructor
Jill Dent is a graduate of Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education. She teaches 6th grade English, science, and social studies. During her free time, Jill enjoys camping, hiking, and, in the winter months, snowboarding. According to Jill, the most rewarding part of working for Keystone is the ability to work one-on-one with each student and really build strong relationships. She finds that this individualized format allows her to see students really bud and grow as they work together to achieve their goals.
Lara Sabatino, Math Instructor
Lara graduate from Bloomsburg University with a BS in Secondary Education (concentration in mathematics), and again with an MS in Instructional Technology. She earned additional credits through the IT Department at BU in order to obtain certification as a K-12 Instructional Technology Specialist. Being an online teacher allows her to use knowledge gained in both her BS and MS fields of study. Lara has taught mathematics at the high school level in both the classroom and online settings, and years ago taught correspondence math courses for Keystone. She is excited to continue her teaching career as an online instructor since technology will allow her to customize the support she provides to her students in helping them to be successful. Lara grew up in Bloomsburg PA and actually now lives, with her husband and two dogs, right across the street from her parents. When not working with numbers, Lara enjoys cooking, visiting with family and friends, and attending local carnivals and fairs. She loves math and hopes that sharing her excitement for the subject will help her students enjoy it too!
Alissa Deitterick, English Instructor
Alissa graduated from Bloomsburg University where she studied Secondary Education and earned a BA in English. For years, she worked at the YMCA as Camp Counselor and After School Program Coordinator until she was bestowed with the opportunity of employment at The Keystone School. Of course, she has a passion for reading and writing! Being a teacher for Keystone has been a pleasure for her, as she is fulfilling her aspiration to help students discover a joy in learning. With her extra interest in communication and all cultures, distance learning has expanded her ability to be in touch with a variety of students. It is satisfying for her to know that students are pursuing their education all over the world.
Alissa enjoys making memories with family and friends. She prefers to spend her free time traveling. Music has always been a major part of her life. In 2013, she is marrying her best friend and happily anticipates the experience of another chapter of her book!
Stefanie Cicero, Business/Technology Instructor
Stefanie graduated from Bloomsburg University with a BS in Education and a MS in Instructional Technology. She teaches the Correspondence courses Business Writing, Marketing, and Business Law and has been a teacher at the Keystone School from 2008-2011 and again starting in 2016. Stefanie loves gardening, baking and spending time with her four children. She has also has been a girl scout leader for 5 years and enjoys camping, crafting, and hiking with her scouts and assisting scouts to be future leaders. Stefanie enjoys working with the students, parents and staff at Keystone because it is challenging, rewarding, and stimulation. Teaching is her passion because it means she assists students to find their passion and achieve their potential.
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