Leadership, Faculty, and Staff
Our Joyful Community
At Innovate Academy, we believe a thriving school is built through partnership—scholars, families, mentors, leaders, and educators working together to shape a joyful, purposeful learning environment. Our community shares a united vision: to nurture whole, healthy, hope-filled scholars who love learning and are equipped to influence the world for good. Below you’ll meet the teams that make Innovate Academy the vibrant, welcoming place it is.
Faculty & Staff
Our faculty is more than a group of instructors—they are mentors, guides, and encouragers who invest wholeheartedly into each scholar. Innovate’s educators blend classical pedagogy, whole-child formation, and collaborative learning to create classrooms full of curiosity, creativity, and connection. Each teacher (called a mentor) brings a love for their craft, a commitment to spiritual and emotional wellness, and a passion for helping scholars discover their strengths. Together, our staff cultivates a community where every scholar is known, supported, and inspired to grow.
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Monica Guaglione, MEd
ACADEMY HEAD AND FOUNDER GRADES 6-9 HISTORY MENTOR
Monica has over twenty years of K–12 classroom experience in public and private schools, as well as in homeschool settings. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and education from Chestnut Hill College and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Villanova University.CONTACT: mguaglione@innovateacademy.com
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Julia Barcalow, EdD
ACADEMY DEAN
Julia has over twenty-five years of experience teaching students from infancy through high school. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Widener University, a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Wilkes University, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Saint Joseph’s University. As Dean of Innovate Academy, Julia is passionate about cultivating a Christ-centered environment where scholars are known, loved, and equipped to grow in wisdom, character, and faith.CONTACT: jbarcalow@innovateacademy.com
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Sherry McFarlane
SYSTEMS AND FINANCE MANAGER
Sherry has over seven years of administrative experience while working for her husband’s company.
CONTACT: smcfarlane@innovateacademy.com
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Cindi Prange
ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR
With over three decades of administrative expertise, Cindi blends corporate efficiency with an educational heart. After 10 years in the corporate sector and over 20 years serving education and homeschool communities, she possesses a deep understanding of student needs and the operational excellence required to keep our school running smoothly.
CONTACT: cprange@innovateacademy.com -
Krystal Atwood
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Krystal earned a bachelor’s degree from West Chester University. Upon graduation, she worked in healthcare for over ten years before embarking on a fulfilling career in education.
Contact: katwood@innovateacademy.com
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Donna Casperson
FRONT DESK ASSISTANT
Donna has over 20 years of experience supporting and managing administrative departments.
Contact: dcasperson@innovateacademy.com
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Terry Doyle
EITC COORDINATOR
Terry has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Drexel University and a masters of divinity from Regent University. She has been an EITC (Educational Improvement Tax Credit) Specialist for over 15 years and previously served as the director of the Frederick Douglass Christian School in Chester, PA and an education industry specialist and systems engineer at IBM Corporation.
Contact: tdoyle@innovateacademy.com
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Al Pinero
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Al retired from the U.S. Marine Corps and later served with—and retired from—the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. He currently serves as the director of operations at Calvary Chapel of Delaware County.
CONTACT: apinero@ccdelco.com
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Jessica Hartzell, EdS
SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Jessica holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a master’s degree and specialist degree in School Counseling, and is a Nationally Certified Counselor. With nineteen years of experience, she has served as a fifth-grade teacher, school counselor, preschool teacher, and private tutor, partnering with families to support scholars' academic and personal growth.
Contact: jhartzell@innovateacademy.com
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Christie Reinhardt, RN, BSN
SCHOOL NURSE
Christie brings nineteen years of nursing experience to her role as Innovate Academy’s School Nurse.
CONTACT: creinhardt@innovateacademy.com
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Emma Mahalik
ACADEMIC SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Emma is a special education teacher with over eight years of experience in the field. She holds bachelor’s degrees in elementary education and special education from West Chester University.
CONTACT: emahalik@innovateacademy.com
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Heather McEneaney
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
SCIENCE, PHYSICAL EDUCATION, & WELLNESS MENTORHeather holds a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education for kindergarten through grade 12 from West Chester University.
CONTACT: hmceneaney@innovateacademy.com
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Billy DiFillipis
SCIENCE, CODING, & PHYSICAL EDUCATION MENTOR
Billy holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and has been working at Innovate Academy for six years.
CONTACT: bdifillipis@innovateacademy.com
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Faith Bryant
GRADES PRE-K-5 MUSIC MENTOR
Faith holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Cairn University.
CONTACT: fbryant@innovateacademy.com
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Ken Frieson
GRADES 6-9 MUSIC MENTOR
Ken studied music at both West Chester University and Eastern University and brings over twenty years of music experience. He taught music to kindergarten through grade 8 and directed school choirs at several public and charter schools in the Philadelphia area.
CONTACT: kfrieson@innovateacademy.com
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Trisha Samuel Taylor
ART MENTOR
Trisha is an artist and art educator with nearly two decades of teaching experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in art education from Kutztown University and has been teaching since 2006 in both public and independent schools.
CONTACT: tsamueltaylor@innovateacademy.com
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Kaitlyn McGowan
PRE-KINDERGARTEN MENTOR
Kaitlyn has been working in early childhood education classrooms for over ten years.
CONTACT: kmullins@innovateacademy.com
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Marlo Lombardi
PRE-KINDERGARTEN ASSISTANT
Marlo has more than nineteen years of experience as a paraprofessional educator across various classroom environments.
CONTACT: mlombardi@innovateacademy.com
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Anne Collins
KINDERGARTEN MENTOR
Anne holds a bachelor’s degree in Integrative Arts from Pennsylvania State University and earned both a private teacher credential and a Montessori teaching diploma in 2005. With more than fifteen years of experience, she has taught preschool through kindergarten in traditional, Montessori, and classical homeschool co-op settings.
CONTACT: acollins@innovateacademy.com
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Maria Cristina Johnson
KINDERGARTEN MENTOR
Maria Christina holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in French from Eastern University. She has experience in both homeschool and preschool settings.
CONTACT: mjohnson@innovateacademy.com
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Anna Machowski
GRADE 1 MENTOR
Anna holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from West Chester University, and a master’s degree from Liberty University.
CONTACT: amachowski@innovateacademy.com
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Kyra Morris
GRADE 1 MENTOR
Kyra earned an associate degree in education with honors from Delaware County Community College. She has been working with children of all ages since 2010.
CONTACT: kmorris@innovateacademy.com
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Amelia Smith
GRADE 2 MENTOR
Amelia holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from West Chester University as well as a Pennsylvania teaching certificate.
CONTACT: ameliamachowski@innovateacademy.com
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Michele Cotumaccio, MEd
GRADE 3 MENTOR
Michele has been working in the field of education for over ten years, teaching in a variety of settings, including special education, public schools, and faith-based schools. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education from Cabrini College and a master’s degree in education from Slippery Rock University.
CONTACT: mcotumaccio@innovateacademy.com
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Kristin O'Neill
GRADE 3 MENTOR
Bio coming soon.
CONTACT: Koneill@innovateacademy.com
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Madison Mazzoli
GRADE 4 MENTOR
Madison holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from West Chester University, with teaching certification for grades prekindergarten through grade 4.
CONTACT: mmazzoli@innovateacademy.com
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Alyssa Klock
5TH GRADE MENTOR
Alyssa holds a bachelor's degree in communication from SUNY Brockport and has over six years of experience in a leadership role with kids of elementary age through high school. She also obtained a master's certificate in digital media marketing from West Chester University.
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Jean Benson
GRADES 6-9 SCIENCE MENTOR
Jean holds a bachelor’s degree from Temple University School of Pharmacy; after years of practicing her profession, she then pursued a career in education. She happily homeschooled both of her grown children and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in education at Eastern University.
CONTACT: jbenson@innovateacademy.com
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Cindy Thomas
GRADES 6-8 MATHEMATICS MENTOR
Cindy has years of experience teaching in both public, private, and homeschool settings.
Contact: cthomas@innovateacademy.com
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Maria Mahalik
GRADES 6-9 ENGLISH AND THEATRE MENTOR
Maria holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and theatre and a master’s degree in education. Her certifications include reading specialist (K–12), elementary education (K–6), and middle school language arts (grades 6–8). She has been producing and directing plays and musicals for over ten years.
CONTACT: mmahalik@innovateacdemy.com
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Aidan Langan
GRADES 6-9 ENGLISH, LATIN, AND LOGIC MENTOR
Aidan holds a bachelor’s degree with honors in Biblical and Theological Studies from Wheaton College. He has served in youth ministry at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Illinois and as a summer intern at Iron Works Church in Pennsylvania, where he supported discipleship, church communications, volunteer coordination, and community outreach. Aidan was also an Academic All-Conference member of Wheaton’s varsity track and field team.
Contact: alangan@innovateacademy.com
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Dana Falcone
KINDERGARTEN TEACHER ASSISTANT
Dana has eight years of experience working with children from infancy through elementary age. She is working towards an associates degree from Eastern University and holds a CDA certification.
CONTACT: dfalcone@innovateacademy.com
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Chrissy DeYoe
GRADES 6-9 SPIRITUAL FORMATION MENTOR
MENTOR ASSISTANT
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Joanne Zeiger, MEd
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT MENTOR
Joanne holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts with a minor in Spanish from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in special education from Loyola College in Maryland as well as a second master’s degree in reading specialization from West Chester University. Joanne has over twenty years of experience supporting students in educational settings.
CONTACT: jzeiger@innovateacademy.com
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Nelli Bakalenko
MENTOR ASSISTANT
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT MENTORNelli first came to Innovate Academy as a teacher assistant over five years ago. She has completed Orton–Gillingham training, a structured, multisensory, diagnostic-prescriptive approach to instruction in reading, spelling, and writing.
Contact: nbakalenko@innovateacademy.com
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Becky Tingle
GRADES 5-9 CODING, STEM, AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP MENTOR
Becky brings a unique blend of business leadership, education, and entrepreneurship to Innovate Academy. With experience as a government contracts specialist at Boeing, business and technology teacher, and founder of the Dames Girls Lacrosse Club, she is passionate about equipping students with problem-solving skills, entrepreneurial thinking, and confidence to make a meaningful impact in their communities and future careers.
Contact: btingle@innovateacademy.com
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Teresa Appleby
GRADE 9 iLAB MENTOR
PROJECT COACH
With more than 36 years of experience in education, Teresa brings expertise as a science teacher, gifted education specialist, and curriculum leader. She is passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences through STEM, project-based learning, and interdisciplinary instruction. As Innovate Academy’s Grade 9 iLAB Mentor and Upper School Instructional Coach, Teresa helps scholars discover their strengths, pursue purposeful learning, and grow as faith-filled culture-makers.
Contact: tappleby@innovateacademy.com
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Kayla Benson
DANCE & PHOTOGRAPHY MENTOR
Kayla Benson has spent more than a decade investing in children and families through dance education, worship ministry, photography, and creative leadership. She has taught dance, serves on the leadership team at The Dwelling Place Church, and owns Wild Souls Photography. Through teaching and outreach opportunities in Kenya and South Africa, Kayla is passionate about using creativity and service to help young people grow in confidence, character, and their God-given gifts.
Contact: kbenson@innovateacademy.com
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Amy Cerrato
PHOTOGRAPHY MENTOR
Amy is a photographer and visual storyteller with more than a decade of experience in publishing, branding, and professional photography. As founder of Amy Cerrato Photography, she has photographed more than 100 weddings, events, and portrait sessions. At Innovate Academy, she captures school life through photography and helps preserve memories in the annual yearbook.
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Larisa Katko
CULINARY ARTS MENTOR
Larisa Katko immigrated from Kazakhstan in 1993 and has dedicated her life to family, education, and serving others. After earning her bachelor's degree in psychology in 2020, she combined her passion for hospitality with her love of community. Deeply rooted in her cultural heritage, Larisa believes that the most meaningful connections are built around the table. Through every meal she prepares, she creates welcoming spaces where relationships flourish and inspires others to cultivate community through the simple gift of gathering.
CONTACT: lkatko@innovateacademy.com
Consultants
Our consultants bring specialized expertise alongside our mentors to help scholars make thoughtful, informed decisions about their academic and future pathways. Through work with our Life Architect, students gain a deeper understanding of their natural abilities—how they think, learn, and thrive—while our College & Career Consultant helps translate that insight into clear next steps. Together, they guide scholars in aligning coursework, college planning, and career exploration with their unique design. The goal is not only that students learn well, but that they become culture-makers—graduating with clarity, purpose, and often the equivalent of up to two years of college already completed.
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Alicia Morrison
College & Career Counselor | Founder, College Redefined
Alicia is the founder of College Redefined. While still in middle and high school, she discovered strategic ways to get ahead in her college education, graduating high school with nearly two years of college already completed. After high school, she spent two years teaching full-time at a private school while finishing her degree.Through that experience, Alicia developed a passion for helping families navigate smarter, more affordable paths to higher education. She now works with students to graduate early, avoid unnecessary debt, and confidently step into their careers.
Alicia earned her bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity from Wilmington University in 2024, where she was also recognized on the Dean’s List. In addition to leading College Redefined, she co-founded a digital solutions company with her husband, supporting small businesses with practical, growth-focused services.
Outside of work, Alicia enjoys spending time with her husband and son, getting creative with crafts, playing musical instruments, and staying active with volleyball.
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Amanda Ashworth, MA
Life Architect | Founder, Ashworth Atelier
Amanda Ashworth serves as Innovate Academy’s Life Architect, guiding Upper School scholars in understanding their natural abilities and translating those insights into meaningful academic, college, and career pathways.
A certified Highlands Ability Battery professional, Amanda helps scholars discover how they are uniquely wired—how they think, learn, and thrive—so they can make confident decisions about their coursework and future. She helped launch Innovate Academy as its Innovation Manager and played a key role in designing the Upper School model.
Amanda holds an M.A. in English & Publishing from Rosemont College and a B.A. in English & Communication Arts from Rowan University, where she was selected as a commencement speaker. She previously served as a Publisher at Taylor & Francis and as Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Atlas Network.
She is also the founder of Epiphany Press and the author of children’s and young adult fiction. After traveling to more than 15 countries—and even spending time living in South Africa as a performer—Amanda now lives in Chester County, Pennsylvania with her husband, their two children, and their dog, Gatsby. You’ll most often find her with her nose in a book, her suitcase half-packed, or immersed in her next creative project.
Culture Maker Committee
The Culture-Maker Committee is Innovate Academy’s parent-led community team—similar to a PTA, but with a uniquely Innovate identity. These parents help cultivate a vibrant school culture by planning events, supporting teachers, welcoming new families, and coordinating service opportunities. Working closely with staff and leadership, the Committee strengthens the home and school partnership and helps make Innovate a joyful, connected community. Every parent has a place here, and every contribution helps shape a school culture where scholars thrive. Please send an email to iaculturemakerscommittee@gmail.com if you have questions.
Dan Orth
Andria Rafferty
Marie Gough
Leadership
Our Board provides the spiritual, strategic, and organizational leadership that keeps Innovate Academy aligned with its mission and future. Drawing from diverse areas of expertise, our Board members steward the Academy with prayerful decision-making, careful oversight, and a deep commitment to the flourishing of our scholars, families, and staff. Their leadership ensures Innovate remains rooted in its values while growing with excellence and innovation.
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Meagan Evans, PhD
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER
Meagan was most recently a chemicals executive with many years of industry experience across R&D, Marketing, Program Management, Business Development, Strategy, and People Leadership at ExxonMobil Chemical and DuPont. She left the corporate world in 2024 to spend time on her other passions: gardening, making natural remedies and herbal skincare products, writing a textbook, teaching herbology and natural remedies courses at Innovate Academy, and launching her own product line called Age of Eden.Outside of work, Meagan is very active in raising her 11-year-old twins, Dominic and Lena, and has been married to her college sweetheart, Chris, for over 22 years. Her and her husband have always been passionate about STEM and established the Christopher M & Meagan E Evans Graduate Research Fellowship at the University of Rochester to support chemistry graduate students. Her family attends Calvary Chapel of Delaware County, and she has been a Sunday School Teacher there for several years.
She holds a doctorates in Organometallic Chemistry from the University of Rochester, a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Chemistry from Rochester Institute of Technology, and completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Chicago. Meagan has six granted US patents and nine technical publications in top-tier journals. In 2024, she was recognized in the Top 50 Women We Admire Magazine.
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Ken Eland
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER
Ken is in the second season of life having spent the previous 38 years working for a leading aerospace company as a senior executive in various roles as a Chief Engineer and a Program Manager. These roles provided extensive experiences across the whole value stream of the business while providing opportunities to develop and grow organizations, teams and individuals. The opportunities to work with customers around the world have provided unique experiences to apply to creating environments where leaders and students can develop together, while ensuring there are foundational biblical and business principles to foster this learning environment. Ken’s passions continue to be in the areas of developing and leading people to be critical thinkers, with refined problem solving skills who can practically apply their skills.
He is also a board member for a leading Christian Polytechnic University, and a local home repair ministry that focuses on restoring homes and restoring hope. These boards provide opportunities to invest in developing the next generation of technical leaders who are building a foundational faith with which to apply their skills, as well as opportunities to participate in areas of our communities that may need more than they are able to currently provide for themselves.
Ken and his wife Diane have been married for 34 years and have three children who they are blessed to have still living in the local area. They enjoy time down the shore, playing golf, biking and quality family time together.