New Faces and Faces in New Places 2024

Welcome the faculty and staff who joined our community for the 2024-25 school year, and see which familiar faces are serving students and families in new roles. 

Jay Gibson: Band Teacher - With a primary instrument in trombone, Jay brings a wealth of experience in concert band, marching band, jazz, and orchestra. He recently directed the orchestra at Kodiak Middle School and Kodiak High School (in Alaska!), where he rebuilt the program post-COVID, maintained high standards for advanced players, and re-established community connections through live performances. Jay’s professional skills in arranging culturally representative repertoire and collaborating on state music policies have been instrumental in his success. He holds a double major in Instrumental Music Education and Music Theory and Composition from Appalachian State University and continues his education with coursework in Differentiated Instruction and Social-Emotional Learning. Jay’s dedication to fostering a love of music and his proven leadership abilities make him an exceptional addition to our music department.

Tiffani Lynch, Learning Specialist - With over a decade of experience in education, Tiffani brings a wealth of knowledge from her work across diverse settings, including public and private schools, and with students of all ages and abilities. Notably, she served as a Learning Specialist at a prominent New York City independent school for five years, where she supported students, teachers, and parents through personalized learning strategies and programs. Tiffani is also proficient in Spanish, having studied the language and spent time in Honduras, making her well-equipped to support our immersion program students. After taking time off to be with her family, she is eager to return to her passion for helping students succeed academically and personally.

Alison Madden: Librarian - With extensive experience as both a teacher and librarian, Alison excels in classroom management and creating engaging lessons. She is passionate about fostering a love for reading and learning. As a former children’s librarian and branch manager, she adeptly managed budgets, developed policies, and maintained a diverse, current collection. Her experience with English language learners and basic Spanish skills will be a valuable asset to our community. We are excited to welcome Alison and look forward to her innovative contributions.

Franklin Niño: Strings Teacher - Franklin brings over 30 years of experience as an educator and musician, with a deep passion for teaching and performing that began when he was 15 years old. His recent role as Director of Strings at Abington Friends School saw him leading ensembles across all grade levels and developing a comprehensive curriculum that encourages students to pursue music at the college level. He has also served as Music Director at the Westmoreland Suzuki School of Music and worked as a Teaching Artist for Trenton Music Makers. As a native Spanish speaker, Franklin’s extensive background and dedication to music education will be a tremendous addition to our community!

Michael Kennedy: Chemistry Teacher - With over a decade of experience teaching high school chemistry, Michael is also a dedicated marathoner and triathlete.

Rachel Salerno: Long-Term Spanish Substitute - Rachel comes to us from Kutztown University, where she taught Spanish I-IV and composition for over 20 years.

Paul Reduzzi: Math Teacher - Paul comes to us with a 30-year career as a high school math teacher and coach in PA and NJ, including one year spent at Moravian Academy in 2018-19.  Paul also coaches high school football locally.

Carissa Keichel: Counselor - Current Moravian Academy girls soccer assistant coach and a school-based mental health counselor with the Lehigh Valley Health Network, Carrissa has vast experience working with high school students in an educational setting.  

Katharine Krieg: Art Teacher - Katharine joins us after a two decade career as a professional artist and art educator, coming to us most recently from three years as a visual art teacher at the Perkiomen School. Katharine has enjoyed sharing her knowledge and experience of the arts with students in a variety of settings from urban, suburban, independent, and rural classrooms to one-on-one instruction in plein air.

Judy Winship: Biology and Environmental Science Teacher - After spending the last 31 years at the Upper Dublin High School in Ft. Washington, PA, Judy brings with her vast experience teaching biology and environmental science to high school students.

Makkah Davis: Math Teacher - Makkah joins us after six years teaching IB standard and higher level mathematics at the Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter School. Makkah studied mathematics at Moravian University and is currently pursuing a masters degree in electrical engineering. 

Mark Takacs, DHSc: Science Teacher - Mark joins us after 5 years as an adjunct professor in exercise science at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. Mark has also served as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, and holds a Doctor of Health Science degree from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania.

 

Jessica Donahue, M.Ed.: 5/6 Science Teacher and PJAS Coordinator - Jessica's passion for science shines through her years of inspiring young minds as a middle school educator. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural and Extension Education with a focus on environmental science, as well as a Masters of Education in Curriculum & Instruction. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom, where she has nurtured countless students' love for scientific exploration through the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science program. Jessica's expertise in crafting engaging curriculum and organizing enriching extracurricular activities, such as field trips and PJAS events, has created memorable learning experiences for her students. We are thrilled to welcome Jessica to our community and look forward to the wealth of experience and enthusiasm she will undoubtedly bring.

Erin Halkins: Middle School Math - We are delighted to welcome Erin to our faculty, bringing a wealth of real-world experience from her successful career in business and as a proud graduate of the Honors College at Michigan State University. As a parent to a rising pre-kindergarten student on the Swain Campus, Erin is already an engaged member of the Moravian community and is eager to further contribute her expertise in project management, financial acumen, and extensive background with Fortune 500 companies. We are excited to have Erin join our team and look forward to the valuable perspective and practical tools for success she will provide our students. 

Matthew Morrow Ph.D., ‘98MA, Piano Instructor - A distinguished concert pianist and musicologist with decades of teaching experience, Matthew is passionate about fostering self-confidence, self-discipline, and a deep appreciation for music.  Matthew earned a Ph.D. in Musicology from Eastman School of Music with a dissertation on Claude Debussy, an M.A. in Musicology from Eastman, and a B.Mus. in History & Literature from Bucknell University. He is thrilled to join the Moravian Academy Swain Campus community and inspire students through the art of piano.

NAME	ROLE	CAMPUS
Liz Stitt	Advancement Associate	All School
Karen Zacca	Human Resources Manager	All School
Nancy Salem	4th Grade Teacher	Historic Downtown Campus
Kellsey Chan	Extended Care Coordinator	Swain Campus
Jeffrey Haviland, M.Ed.	Athletics Coordinator	Swain Campus
Katy Kish, M.Ed.	4th Grade Teacher	Swain Campus
Jennifer Mitchell, M.Ed.	Middle School Science	Swain Campus
Kelley Necioğlu	Assistant Director of the Swain Campus	Swain Campus
Leah Rubart, M.Ed.	Kindergarten Lead Teacher	Swain Campus
Kelley Stout	2nd Grade	Swain Campus
Katie Tran, M.Ed.	Pre-K Lead Teacher	Swain Campus