Faculty and staff members have e-mail addresses at princetoncharter.org The pattern is first initial last name. A teacher named First Last would have e-mail address: flast@princetoncharter.org.
Aaron Burt teaches mathematics, and physical education in the lower elementary grades at Princeton Charter School. He is also the PCS cross country coach. For the two years before joining the PCS staff, he was the sports director at the YMCA in Princeton. He has also worked with children in Head Start, and was a Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA), for the Washoe Indian Tribe. Mr. Burt earned his Bachelor of Arts in sociology and social interaction at Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY, and teaching certificate from Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey .
E-mail: ABurt
Norma Jean Byers teaches mathematics at Princeton Charter School, and works on instructional administration as an Assistant Head of School. She is a mathematics teacher who loves to challenge and motivate her students with "problems of the day." She believes in building a strong foundation in mathematics on which further learning may depend. Before joining the PCS faculty as the first mathematics teacher in 1997, she was a middle-school mathematics and science teacher at Stuart Country Day School for 18 years, and head of the mathematics department for 15 years. From 1969 to 1978 she taught fifth and sixth grade at a public elementary school in Madison, Wisconsin. In addition to her regular teaching duties, Ms. Byers has enjoyed numerous special projects over the years, including teaching inner city and homebound students. She is a supporter of charter schools and serves on the Board of Trustees of Trenton Community Charter School. Ms. Byers completed a Master's degree in educational leadership at The College of New Jersey, and holds a Bachelor of Science in education with a minor in mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh.
E-mail: NJByers
Andrea Carney teaches mathematics at Princeton Charter School. She prides herself on her ability to see a student's potential and to teach to that student's strengths. Prior to joining the staff, Ms. Carney spent a year as a Title I tutor at Log College Middle School in Warminster, PA. She also taught grade five and coached field hockey for three years at Moravian Academy in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and her teaching certificate at Moravian College, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
E-mail: ACarney
Brian Ciuffreda teaches science and computer science to students at Princeton Charter School.
He came to PCS in 2003 with a varied background of teaching and business experience, including teaching music at McCorristin Catholic High School and St. Anthony's Elementary School, both in Hamilton, New Jersey.
His business experience includes working for Caliper Human Strategies, Prudential Individual Financial Services,and CitiStreet.
Mr. Ciuffreda earned his B.A. degree in biology and music from Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania.
E-mail: BCiuffreda
Thomas Esposito teaches history at Princeton Charter School. He believes students can be motivated to high achievement through classroom activities that are challenging, relevant, and exciting. He is committed to providing an educational experience that promotes critical thinking and the abiity to communicate ideas effectively. Before teaching at PCS, Mr. Esposito taught humanities at the International School of Basel, Switzerland which included both the Middle Years Program and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. He also served as director of the school's Model United Nations program. Prior to this, his position as a history teacher at Seton Hall Preparatory School in West Orange, New Jersey spanned 17 years, 10 as department chair. Mr. Esposito earned his Bachelor of Arts in history from Kean University, and his Master of Arts and his Education Specialist degrees from Seton Hall University.
E-mail: TEsposito
E-mail: SEustis
Joe Hammell is the counselor at Princeton Charter School.
He prides himself on seeing the continued social, emotional, and academic success of all students. As the school counselor, Mr. Hammell meets with individual and small groups of students, and teaches classroom lessons concerning life skills. He enjoys being a mentor in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program of Mercer County. Mr. Hammell is a nationally certified school counselor. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in English at Rutgers University, and his Master of Arts in Counseling Services from Rider University.
E-mail: JHammell
Elisa Hirvonen is the school's art teacher.
Ms. Hirvonen is a graduate in art education from the College of New Jersey and
is currently working toward her masters of science in supervision and
administration in the visual arts from Bank Street College of Education in New York.
Most recently, Ms. Hirvonen was the art teacher for the Timberlane Middle School in Pennington.
She has also been an art instructor at the Grounds for Sculpture and the Princeton YMCA.
She was the director of the summer art camp for the Arts Council of Princeton for nine years.
E-mail: EHirvonen
E-mail: AHuggins
Miguel Iñiguez teaches the in-school and
after-school chess classes at Princeton Charter School.
He engages students in the game, first teaching them to love playing chess, then leading them to problem solving.
Everywhere he teaches, the interest in chess playing increases.
He has been a chess instructor for elementary-school students in New York City and in Princeton for many years. He has directed summer chess camps, instructed chess teachers, and coached winning chess teams.
E-mail: MIniguez
Daniel Johnsen teaches mathematics, science, and physical education at Princeton Charter School.
He loves working with children, helping them reach their full potential.
Mr. Johnsen joined the PCS staff in 2001 as a tutor, and became a teacher in 2003.
Before he came to PCS, he worked for two years as an intern with the Princeton Evangelical Fellowship, teaching, advising, and organizing events for Princeton University students.
Mr. Johnsen has experience as a youth-group advisor for grades 6-8, a Sunday-school teacher for grades 1-8, and as a peer leader for high-school freshmen.
He is interested in cross-cultural experiences; he spent six years of his life in West Africa, one year in Quebec, Canada, where he attended an all-French school, and one month each in Sevilla Spain, and Haiti.
Mr. Johnsen earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Molecular Biology at Princeton University.
E-mail: DJohnsen
Lisbeth Ashman-Kelley teaches English language and literature at Princeton Charter School.
She is an English teacher who insists students analyze what they have written and work to improve and to polish their prose.
Her students learn to recognize that a paragraph should be an organized, focused sequence of sentences, meant to interest and inform the reader.
Ms. Kelley has taught all ages and subjects in her years of teaching.
Before joining the faculty at Princeton Charter School, she taught business English at The Cittone Institute in Princeton.
Previously she taught in both public and private schools.
While she was studying for her college degree, Ms. Kelley worked in the business sector where she developed a wide variety of computer and business skills.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Glassboro State College.
E-mail: LKelley
Sabina Khachatrian teaches mathematics and computer science to upper-school students at Princeton Charter School.
She applies her deep mathematical knowledge to help students develop a clear understanding of algebraic and geometric concepts.
Her students love the quiet smile that rewards them for their hard work.
Before joining the PCS staff, she taught mathematics at The Doris Eaton School in Walnut Creek, California, and at St. Thomas the Apostle School in Chicago, Illinois.
She also taught mathematics and computer science in Yerevan, Armenia for nine years.
Ms. Khachatrian earned her M.S. and undergraduate degree at Polytechnic University in Yerevan, Armenia.
E-mail: SKhachatrian
Susan Jo Lee, who teaches mathematics, earned her Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics Education from Bryn Mawr College, Pennsylvania, and is currently a Master's degree in Education candidate at Saint Joseph's University in in Philadelphia.
Prior to joining the staff, she was a middle school mathematics teacher at the Episcopal Academy in Merion, Pennsylvania, where she was also an active member of their admissions, peer-coordination and athletics committees.
Email: SLee
E-mail: LLudgin
David Myers brings extensive experience teaching English to Princeton Charter School. He was an Instructor of English Literature and of Composition for Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. He worked for the Institute for Central American Studies and the International Language Institute in San Jose, Costa Rica. Mr. Myers earned his Bachelor of Arts from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, and his Master of Arts in English from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He is working on a doctorate from Rutgers University.
E-mail: DMyers
Jeanne Nahan teaches music to all students twice a week and directs concerts and other performances at the school.
She brings music to life through her teaching, her piano playing, and her soprano singing.
She has taught music and piano classes, directed choral programs, and instructed students at her private studio.
Currently, she sings with Voices Chorale of Pennington and accompanies and performs locally.
From 1994-1996, Ms. Nahan was the vocal director at the Mercer County Performing Arts High School.
From 1987-1993 she taught private piano lessons during the after-school program at Princeton Montessori School.
Before moving to Princeton, Ms. Nahan was a choral director and general music teacher in public schools in Florida.
She enjoyed directing "The Fantasticks,"Hello Dolly," and "The Shrew."
Ms. Nahan earned her Bachelor of Music/Applied Piano from the Boston Conservatory of Music, and her Teaching Certificate while attending Boston University.
E-mail: JNahan
Nancy Gianacova O'Neil has taught grade two at Princeton Charter School since 2006.
Her lively, engaging teaching style is well known at PCS; before she became the second-grade teacher, she taught history and geography to grades five and eight at the school. Ms O'Neil believes every child can succeed and enjoys finding the best strategy to teach each child. During the summer she teaches life skills to adults with autism and mental retardation. She also teaches workshops on special education and behavior modification.
Ms. O'Neil earned her B.A. in history from Villanova University, and her masters degree in special education from Rider University. She is curently working on a masters degree in administration from Rider University.
E-mail: NOneil
Mark Papp teaches physical and health education to all grade levels at Princeton Charter School. He is also the school's athletic director.
He feels that his job, working with students in class and on athletic teams, is the most exciting job he could ever have desired.
He is known for his `shimmy shakes' and `high fives.'
Previously he taught at Trenton Community Charter School, where he developed the curriculum for students in Kindergarten through grade six,and at Abrams Hebrew Academy in Yardley, Pennsylvania, where he expanded the number of interscholastic athletic teams from three to eight, and coached basketball, soccer, cross-country, and tennis.
Mr. Papp earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Health Education from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and his Master's degree in Educational Administration from Gwynedd-Mercy College in Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania.
E-mail: MPapp
Larry Patton is an Assistant Head of School and teaches English at Princeton Charter School.
From 1999-2008 he was the Head of the Middle School at Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn, New York. While there, he taught seventh grade, ninth grade, Junior/Senior English, became a middle-school Dean, and coached varsity lacrosse.
Before he became a teacher, he worked for two years for a commercial bank in New York City.
Mr. Patton earned his Bachelor of Arts in English at Dartmouth College, pursued graduate studies in literature and writing at Wesleyan University, and earned a Masters Degree in Education from Harvard University.
E-mail: LPatton
Suzanne Ritter teaches science and other subjects at Princeton Charter School.
Within her classroom she creates a caring but challenging atmosphere where students are encouraged to express their ideas creatively and to take risks in their inquiries.
Previously she was a substitute teacher for local schools including the Triangle School in Hillsborough, NJ where she did her student teaching.
Before becoming a teacher, she worked at Princeton University in the Office of Development Information Systems.
Ms. Ritter earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology/Geology from the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY, and completed the Graduate-Level Teacher Certification Program at Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ.
E-mail: SRitter
Mark Schlawin puts his ability to hold an audience to work as a mathematics and science teacher at Princeton Charter School.
He brings mathematical and scientific experience to the classroom to provide an exciting learning experience to students of all mathematical abilities.
He also holds an administrative position in charge of professional development at PCS.
A former Wall Street quantitative analyst, he returned to teaching to put his analytical, creative,and communications skills to use in the classroom.
Mr. Schlawin is a story teller and a member of the Garden State Story League.
Prior to his years as an algorithm developer and financial analyst , he taught mathematics to students from fifth grade through high school at St. Ann's School in Brooklyn, New York.
He initiated courses in probability and computer programming and developed a course entitled "Constructive Skepticism."
Mr. Schlawin received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics from Oberlin College, and a Master of Science in Operations Research from Union College.
E-mail: MSchlawin
Carter Serxner teaches history and geography courses at Princeton Charter School.
She is a versatile teacher with experience teaching history, mathematics, and physical education.
She is also an Outdoor Education instructor and an athlete who runs marathons.
From 1996 to 1998 she taught mathematics and history at the Sewickley Academy in Sewickley, Pennsylvania.
Prior to that she taught at the Foote School in New Haven, Connecticut.
She has also coached soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, softball, and basketball.
Ms. Serxner received a Bachelor of Arts in History from Connecticut College in New London, Connecticut and a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in History from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut.
E-mail: CSerxner
Martha Toma's French language and literature classes immerse students in the French language and culture.
She encourages students to increase and to practice their vocabulary daily.
Her students' work on French grammar strengthens their English grammar skills.
Ms. Toma has taught French language and literature to children of all ages.
She has researched foreign language capabilities in children and has taught a course in French language and culture designed for children from ages four to twelve.
Ms. Toma holds an M.A. in French Language and Literature from the Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, a Bachelor of Arts in French Language and Literature from New York University, and a General Studies Diploma from the University of Paris -Sorbonne.
E-mail: MToma
Shawna Valentine is a teacher of English language and literature at Princeton Charter School.
As a Princeton native, she knows exactly how to urge students to achieve their best, academically and in sports.
She joined the PCS staff in 2003 as an academic tutor.
Prior to joining the staff, Ms. Valentine worked for the Summer Institute for the Gifted in Parsippany, New Jersey as a teaching assistant.
She also enjoys coaching cheerleaders for Princeton Youth Football.
She earned her B.A. degree in secondary education from American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts.
E-mail: SValentine
Alma Welch is a supplementary teacher at Princeton Charter School.
Every day she applies her energy and enthusiasm to helping students understand
and work on their homework before they leave the school.
Ms. Welch is a teacher who believes every child deserves the opportunity to be affirmed and celebrated as an individual.
She loves the moment when a child's eyes light up the first time they
successfully read a full sentence to her.
She came to PCS from the Princeton YMCA, where she directed the child development center.
Ms. Welch earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and her post-Baccalaureate certification in Elementary Education from Kean University in Union New Jersey.
E-mail: AWelch
Gail Wilbur is an Assistant Head of School and teaches fourth grade history. Gail has been in the field of education for fifteen years. She brings enthusiasm and energy to her work at Princeton Charter School. She infuses her history classes with reflective writing and experiential learning. Her greatest joy is seeing the pride students experience when they rise to conquer a learning challenge. Gail earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from The College of New Jersey while teaching in the East Windsor Regional School District. She returned to the College of New Jersey 12 years later to earn a Masters in Educational Leadership. While pursuing her degree, Gail designed and conducted research on the effect of goal setting on teacher motivation, earning an award for her work. Prior to her career in education, Gail worked as a manager in the healthcare industry. She holds a BS in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of New Hampshire.
E-mail: GWilbur
Ralitsa Zaharieva teaches French language and literature at Princeton Charter School.
She previously taught French at the Princeton Adult School, was a private tutor for individuals and groups, and was an adjunct professor of French in
various local colleges.
Her experience includes a number of years working for the Bulgarian Ministry of Sport and Bulgarian Olympic Committee as a translator in Bulgaria and abroad.
Ms. Zaharavia earned her Master of Arts in French language and letters from the University of Sofia, both in Sofia, Bulgaria.
She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the
European Institute of International Management in Paris, France.
E-mail: RZaharieva
Diane Potorski is the Business Administor at Princeton Charter School.
She manages all financial transactions, provides technical assistance for budgets, oversees all purchases and contracts, and generally provides for the efficient and effective operation of the non-academic aspects of the school.
Ms. Potorski earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Thomas Edison State College in Trenton, New Jersey, and a Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration from Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey.
E-mail: DPotorski
Linda Schnurman is an Administrative Assistant to the Head of School, and runs the office in the 5-8 building.
She was a professional opera singer, and has been a music teacher for more than 20 years.
Ms. Schnurman earned a Diploma at The Juilliard School in New York City.
E-mail: LSchnurman
Kelly Schwing is an Administrative Assistant to the Head of School, and runs the office in the K-4 building. She is also the school's admissions coordinator.
E-mail: KSchwing
Lindsey Donaldson is an Administrative Assistant and Education Consultant to the Head of School. She relocated from South Africa where she taught English and was a high-school principal. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and History at the University of Witwatersrand, a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Linguistics and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of South Africa.
E-mail: LDonaldson