Directory

Jennifer Miller Smith was the valedictorian of her Mercersburg graduating class (1997) and returned to the school in 2008 to teach science and math. She was appointed dean of academics in 2019, and had previously served as head of the science department. Jen has been the school’s head diving coach, worked with Mercersburg Outdoor Education (MOE), and served as faculty adviser to the John Marshall Literary Society. She was the 2010-2011 recipient of the school’s Zern Excellence in Teaching Award. Jen earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Richmond and a master’s degree from the University of Chicago. Her husband, fellow faculty member Doug Smith, is the school archivist and head golf coach and previously served as the dormitory dean of Keil Hall. The Smiths live off campus with their two children, Cole ’23 and Nora ’24.

Tricia Crocker formally joined Mercersburg as director of community engagement in 2018 after four years at the James Madison University Counseling Center. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Xavier University and a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Rhode Island. She arrived at Mercersburg in 2015 with her husband, fellow faculty member Sean Crocker. Tricia and Sean live on campus with their three boys.

Sarah Elwood joined the Academy as the administrative assistant to the Academic Office, Chapel, and Burgin Center in 2019 before accepting her current role as Administrative Coordinator. She completed her GCSEs and NVQs while attending school in England and attended Louisiana State University. Before coming to the Academy, Sarah was a stay-at-home mother to her three children: Audrey, Felicity, and Ezra.

Margaret Maciulla earned bachelor’s degrees in government and psychology from Georgetown University (where she was recruited to play lacrosse), followed by a master’s degree summa cum laude in special education from Hood College. She taught special education in the D.C. metro area for nearly a decade in both public and independent schools before earning a J.D. cum laude from George Mason University, where she was also a research assistant and a teaching fellow. Margaret practiced corporate law for Squire, Sanders, and Dempsey LLP. She arrived at Mercersburg in 2006 with her husband, fellow faculty member Frank Betkowski, and became the school’s director of learning services in 2010. She is also an assistant coach for the junior varsity girls’ soccer team. Margaret and Frank have four children: Michael ’19, Maggie ’21, and twins Francis ’23 and Charlie ’24.

Zach Swope joined Mercersburg in 2015 as associate director of admission, having worked at The Webb School in Bell Buckle, TN, as an associate director of admission and dormitory head. He has also worked as a research technologist at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Zach graduated from The Potomac School in McLean, VA, and received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hendrix College and earned his master of education from Vanderbilt University in the summer of 2021. He and his wife, Shelley (the admission visit coordinator), live on campus in South Cottage, where Shelley is the dorm dean.

Jaime Lohr came to Mercersburg in 2016 from APPLES (Alliance for Parent, Provider, and Local Employer Solutions) for Children in Hagerstown, MD, where she was an office administrator and registrar. Prior to her time at APPLES, she worked as an administrative assistant for Bright Horizons Family Solutions, the managing corporate childcare company of Citi Family Center in Hagerstown. Jaime and her husband, Mark, live in Mercersburg.

Phoebe Moore Miller ’13 returned to Mercersburg in 2021 as the assistant director of admission and financial aid. She previously spent four years working for The Hershey Company, where she held roles in both sales and marketing. Phoebe attended Hobart and William Smith Colleges, where she graduated cum laude with a degree in political science; she captained the cross-country team and earned Liberty League Academic honors her senior year. At Mercersburg, Phoebe serves as an assistant girls' lacrosse coach and adviser, and is a proud member of the Washington Irving Literary Society. Phoebe and her husband, Matthew, live in Swank Hall with their two dogs, Waffles and Truffles.

Michelle Shuman joined Mercersburg in 2009 as a member of the Office of Summer and External Programs before moving to the Office of Admission. Michelle is the admission operations coordinator and SEVIS P.D.S.O. Prior to Mercersburg, she worked in mortgage services as an underwriter and loan closer. Michelle has two daughters, including Emily Faust ’15.

Jason Bershatsky was a member of Mercersburg’s mathematics faculty for 18 years before joining the Advancement and Alumni Relations team in 2015. He came to Mercersburg from West Nottingham Academy in Maryland, where he taught math. Jason holds a bachelor’s degree from Bucknell University and a master’s degree in teaching from the University of New Hampshire. He most recently served as Mercersburg’s director of alumni relations.

Leah Cook ’15 returned to work at her alma mater in 2019. She graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with a degree in sociology and Asian-American studies and a minor in education. In her role at Mercersburg, Leah works to connect with alumni, families, and friends of Mercersburg. Leah’s brother, Matt ’11, and cousin, Stephanie Stine ’11, also graduated from Mercersburg, as did their grandfather, the late Bill Cook ’51.

Robin Fiddler joined the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations in January 2014. Previously she worked for PNC Bank as a regional coordinator for its Frederick and Western Maryland regions and as an executive assistant to the regional president and a project coordinator for PNC University. Robin has completed coursework in the office technology program at Hagerstown Community College. She lives in Clear Spring with her husband, Yogi, and son, Hunter.

Margaret Light is responsible for donor relations in the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations and oversees prospect research, supporting the advancement team in focusing its time and resources. Margaret has worked as a researcher/writer or project manager in many capacities, including as an environmental analyst, grant writer, and director of corporate and foundation relations at Wilson College. She holds master’s degrees in anthropology and organizational development and leadership. Margaret has served on the board of the Coy Public Library of Shippensburg, PA, and as a volunteer for the Girl Scouts.

Ryanne McFarland joined Mercersburg in 2021 as the Alumni and Parent Relations Officer in the office of Advancement and Alumni Relations. She comes to Mercersburg with over 6 years of Volunteer Management and Employee Engagement experience, a Bachelors in Communication Studies from Lock Haven University and a Masters in Organizational Leadership from Mansfield University. She lives in Waynesboro with her husband (Conner) and daughter (Luna).

Evan Moats ’12, leadership giving officer, joined the staff of his alma mater in 2017 as a regional engagement officer. In his role, he works with the Advancement Office to connect with alumni and other constituents. Evan is a graduate of the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, where he majored in geography and international relations.

Miranda Peruso joined Mercersburg in 2021 as Director of Annual Giving in the Advancement Office. She received her bachelor's degree from Juniata College and is pursuing her masters degree in business administration. Miranda previously worked at Juniata College. She lives in Huntingdon, PA, with her husband, Dom, and their two children, Dominick and Madeleine.

Gina Sekula joined Mercersburg Academy in 2021 as an administrative assistant in the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations. She attended Franklin Pierce College. Prior to joining Mercersburg Academy, Gina worked at Dartmouth College and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. She lives in Chambersburg with her husband David and fur baby Tucker. She has two sons and is the proud “Nini” to five grandchildren.

Jim Brinson was appointed Mercersburg’s school organist in 2003 and became the school carillonneur in 2009. He also directs Magalia (the school’s female a cappella group), Octet (the school’s male a cappella group), and the Chapel music program, and is assistant director of the Chorale. Jim is highly experienced in choral arts, organ performance, and music history. A graduate with distinction from both Union Theological Seminary’s School of Sacred Music and Rhodes College, he is a member of the American Guild of Organists and the American Choral Directors Association and an associate member of the Guild of Carillonneurs of North America. Jim previously worked at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and School in Winter Haven, FL, and at St. Mary’s Episcopal School in Memphis, TN, where he served as a music staff member and organist and choirmaster at Church of the Holy Communion. He has also taught music history and organ performance at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, FL. Jim and his wife, Doree (who was a staff member in the library), lived in Swank Hall for several years and now live in a townhouse on campus.

Sydney Caretti holds a bachelor’s degree in studio art from the University of New Hampshire and a master of fine arts from Marywood University, where she was awarded the Ella T. Ruane Medal for Excellence in Art. Sydney arrived at Mercersburg with 10 years experience as a fine arts gallery partner and consultant from New England with teaching experience from the New Hampton School in New Hampton, NH, and Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School in Kingston, PA. She has taught AP studio art, studio art, painting, drawing, design, and ceramics/sculpture. Sydney has been head or assistant head coach in equestrian and track & field as well as an adviser, dormitory parent, head of dorms, and class dean. She divides her professional time between serving as the director of galleries and teaching. Sydney lives just off campus with her husband, fellow faculty member Erin Caretti, and their two daughters, Quinlan ’24 and Allister.

Denise Dalton is Mercersburg’s director of dance and holds the Douglas Hale Teaching Chair. She arrived at Mercersburg in 2002, served as the head of the arts department from 2008 to 2013, and is a past recipient of the Ammerman Distinguished Teaching Award for Religious and Interdisciplinary Studies. Her choreography has been featured nationally and internationally at venues including DTW in New York City; the Regional and National High School Dance Festivals; the Colony Theater in Miami; South Africa; and India. Denise has trained under scholarship with Trisha Brown and Bessie Schonberg and has danced with renowned choreographers and companies such as Liz Lerman, Stephen Petronio, Eun-me Ahn, Art Bridgeman and Myrna Packer, Momentum Dance Company, and Dance Now Miami. She has studied Bartenieff Fundamentals and Laban Movement Analysis under Bill Evans, incorporating these concepts into her pedagogy, and continues to study and train by participating in summer programs including Bates Dance Festival, American Dance Festival, Bill Evans Teacher Intensives, and The Boulder Jazz Dance Workshops. Denise has participated in several international dance service trip projects, including South Africa, Swaziland, India, and Peru. She previously taught at the University of Massachusetts, Florida International University, and the Dillard Center for the Arts. She is certified in MBSR and a member of NDEO.

Wells Gray has taught at Mercersburg since 1999, and is a past head of the school’s arts department. Wells approaches teaching by establishing a strong rapport with students and fostering their knowledge of art concepts and the mechanics of art in both the studio and for AS Art History. Wells served as head coach of Mercersburg’s girls’ varsity squash team for 16 years. His academic appointments have included Bennington College, the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, the Kildonan School, and many art centers throughout the country. In addition to teaching art, Wells continues to create and exhibit ceramic vessels and sculpture. He and his wife, former staff member Willie Phillips Gray, live in Main Hall.

A 2007 graduate of Mercersburg Academy, Bryan Morgan was a member of the football team, Octet, Concert Band, Stony Batter Players, and Black Student Union. He went on to attend Duke University, where he was a four-year football starter for the Blue Devils on the offensive line and won numerous athletic and academic honors, including a University Scholar Athlete Award from the National Football Foundation and a spot on the Allstate Good Works Team. Bryan returned to Mercersburg in 2016 as a member of the faculty and was named director of music in 2020. He conducts the Chorale, Jazz Band and the Concert Band, teaches courses in mixing music, is an assistant football coach and part of the school’s strength and performance team, and lives in Tippetts Hall. Bryan grew up in Hoover, AL; he holds a bachelor’s degree in music from Duke and a master’s degree in music education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

In addition to serving as interim director of athletics for programs and student experience, Lauren Jacobs is also Mercersburg’s head softball coach. Before coming to Mercersburg in 2016, she worked in the athletic department at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, FL. She was head softball coach at her high school alma mater, Whitesboro High School in Marcy, NY (where she also worked in athletic administration and coached junior varsity field hockey). Lauren played varsity softball and varsity ice hockey at Union College in Schenectady, NY, where she was twice named All-Liberty League in softball and won the Athletic Director’s Award for leadership in both hockey and softball. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Union College and a master’s degree in sport administration from Canisius College. Lauren lives in Fowle Hall with her husband, Matt (the school’s head varsity baseball coach and assistant director of summer and external programs), and mini labradoodle, Reese.

Katlyn Adams joined Mercersburg Academy in 2021 as an athletic facilities custodian. She has both residential and commercial custodial experience. Kate was already familiar with the Academy, having worked as a summer camp counselor, and her husband, Brandon, is one of our campus safety officers. They have two children, Paisley and Graham.

Leah Daniels joined the Mercersburg staff after spending eight years as the associate athletic trainer at Iona College, where she primarily worked with the women’s soccer and softball teams. She also worked for a year with the softball team at the University of Detroit Mercy. (Both Iona and Detroit Mercy are NCAA Division I members.) A native of Wilmington, DE, Leah earned a bachelor’s degree in athletic training with a minor in sport psychology from Ithaca College, and a master’s degree in management with a health care administration concentration from Iona. At Ithaca, she worked with a diverse array of teams, including football, women’s soccer, baseball, track and field, and men’s basketball. Leah is a Certified Athletic Trainer, is licensed by the state of Pennsylvania, and is also a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association and the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers Society.

Tersa Hess works in the Athletic Department’s Issue Room. She joined the Academy in 2005. Tersa previously worked for the Whitetail Resort rental department and the Tuscarora School District and was a stay-at-home mother for 10 years. She and her husband, Wally, are the parents of Austin ’13, Ashley, Morgan, and Lucas.

Morgan Seymour is the assistant director of athletics and assistant field hockey coach at Mercersburg. Before coming to Mercersburg, she served as an assistant softball coach at her alma mater, Wesley College, in Dover, DE, helping the team win the Atlantic East Conference. Prior to coaching, she was the director of operations for a professional softball team in Texas. In that role, she worked with numerous international athletes and teams including Italy, Netherlands, Mexico, and the USA Women and Junior Women. She was also an event manager at the sports complex where the team played. Morgan played field hockey and softball at Wesley College, where she was an All-Conference field hockey player and the NCAA statistical leader in 2017 in defensive saves (for all three NCAA divisions). She holds a bachelor’s degree in sports management.

Melody Batson joined the business office in 2020 as controller and director of finance. She was the comptroller for 13 years at Saint James School in nearby Hagerstown, MD. Melody is a licensed CPA and has extensive experience in finance and accounting, having held positions at PepsiCo in Somers, NY, and at Johns Hopkins University, among others. Melody holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Franklin & Marshall College and an MBA from Mount Saint Mary’s University. She resides in Hagerstown with her husband, Marc, and her son, Teddy.

Lori Cooper joined the Business Office in 2005 as the accounts receivable manager. Before coming to Mercersburg, she worked for five years in the private sector as an office manager/bookkeeper and two years in public accounting after graduating from Hagerstown Business College. Lori maintains the student billing system and prepares the monthly invoices for parents. She also oversees the Blue Card system, handles miscellaneous cash receipts, and provides assistance to the associate head of school for finance and operations and the controller.

Brandon Adams joined the Office of Campus Safety in February 2020. His prior experience includes serving as a police officer in Gwinnett County, GA, and Shippensburg, PA. Brandon is married to his high school sweetheart; they have a daughter and son.

Brad Keefer joined Mercersburg as a member of the Campus Safety Office in 2018 and served as the school’s athletic facilities assistant before returning to Campus Safety in 2022. Brad’s wife, Denise, is a nurse in the Rutherford Health and Wellness Center, and the couple has three sons.

Jeff Rion joined the school in 2013 and worked as a custodian in housekeeping, working in the Facilities Office and recently took a position as a safety officer with Campus Safety. Jeff retired after 23 years in law enforcement and 42 years as a volunteer firefighter, EMT, HazMat Specialist, and WMD/Terrorism Response Tech and Trainer. He is a NYS Certified Fire Instructor and served as Chief of the Thiells Fire Department. He spent four years U.S. Army and six years in the New York Army National Guard.

Cindy Fowler joined Mercersburg’s College Counseling office in 2019 after 14 years coaching college swimming and teaching high school math. She has been a swim coach at NCAA Division I, II, and III universities, including a stint as assistant swim coach and women’s recruiting coordinator at Rutgers University. Cindy earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computer science from Montclair State University, where she co-captained the swim team, earned multiple NJAC all-conference honors, and was the Metropolitan Swimming Conference champion in the 200-yard butterfly. Cindy also holds a master’s degree from Montclair State in physical education with a concentration in coaching and sports administration. Her husband, Steve, is a member of the mathematics faculty and serves as an assistant swimming coach. The Fowlers have two children.

Justin Ledesma arrived at Mercersburg after 19 years as a college admission counselor; he got his start at Drexel University and spent most of his time in the college-admission world at Villanova University. Education and student leadership have always been a big part of Justin's life. He has volunteered in multiple key positions with Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) and has managed and mentored students through many organizations at Villanova. Justin has also worked hard to improve the college admission process through the Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling (PACAC), most recently volunteering as the organization's marketing director.

Justin is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing. He also holds a master's public communication from Drexel University. Justin lives in the Nevin House on campus.

Glenn Neufeld came to Mercersburg from the Upper Main Line YMCA in Berwyn, PA, where he was the director of competitive aquatics and national team coach for 13 years. He also spent one season as assistant swimming coach at the University of Alabama. Glenn’s teams consistently finished in the top five at YMCA Nationals, and his swimmers have won 44 YMCA national titles and a YMCA national championship in 2009. Glenn was the 2011 YMCA National Coach of the Year and spent three years on the YMCA Swimming National Advisory Committee. He lives in Tippetts Hall, where he serves as a dorm parent and adviser. In 2016 (his second year at Mercersburg), the Blue Storm girls won the Eastern Interscholastic Swimming & Diving Championships for the first time since 1987.

 

Vicki Englehart-Thompson began her career as a fourth-grade teacher. After earning a master’s degree in human services counseling, she became a guidance counselor and eventually director of college counseling at Cabrini High School in New Orleans. She has worked as director of guidance and college counseling at Catholic High School in Baton Rouge, LA; as dean of college counseling at Lake Highland Preparatory School in Orlando, where she served for 13 years; and was most recently dean of college counseling at St. Mary's Episcopal School in Memphis. She credits her best education in the college search and application experience to her two sons, Alex and Christian, as they looked for best fits and launched to college. Her husband, Carey, is the vice president of enrollment and educational services at Gettysburg College. Vicki has been a volunteer for the National Association for College Admission Counseling as a member of the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (where she served as president); she is currently the chair of the board for the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools.

Amy Shaffer Post is the social emotional learning counselor. Before arriving at Mercersburg, she worked as a special education school social worker for 10 years. Prior to that Amy worked in an outpatient mental health clinic. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Shippensburg University as well as a master’s of social work degree from Shippensburg. Amy has a specific interest in disorders related to executive functioning and holds a certificate as a clinical services provider for ADHD. She is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and Maryland as an LCSW and LCSW-C, respectively. Amy is a 2002 graduate of Mercersburg. She lives with her husband, Edmund, and their three sons, Wyatt, Waylon, and Ezekiel.

Doonie Brewer joined the Mercersburg faculty in 2015; she teaches English and serves as dormitory dean in Swank Hall. She spent eight years at Holderness School in New Hampshire, where she was chair of the English department, head varsity softball and field hockey coach (and assistant girls’ varsity basketball coach), and a dorm parent and faculty adviser. Doonie has also taught and coached at Wilbraham & Monson Academy in Wilbraham, MA, St. George’s School in Newport, RI (her alma mater), and Cheshire Academy in Cheshire, CT (where she served as director of athletics and assistant dean of students in addition to coaching and teaching). Doonie previously served as a head coach and assistant for Mercersburg’s varsity softball team and as head coach of the junior varsity field hockey team. She holds a bachelor’s degree in speech communication from Penn State University and a master’s degree in American studies from Trinity College in Connecticut.

Laura Patterson has served as dormitory dean of Tippetts Hall since 2013, though she and her family have been part of the Mercersburg community since 2005, when Laura’s husband, Chip, joined the faculty as an English teacher. As the dean of Tippetts Hall, Laura oversees the largest boys’ dorm on campus, which is home to more than 80 boarding students and serves as home base for an additional number of day students. Laura and Chip (who is the head of the English department) have three children: Mia ’15, Dean ’16, and Kat ’18.

Jackie Sweeney serves as the dormitory dean in Main Hall and is an administrative assistant in the Office of College Counseling. Her husband, Mike, teaches mathematics and has been a member of the faculty since 2003. The Sweeneys have lived in Main Hall since 2012-2013 and are the parents of four children (all Mercersburg alumni or current students): Megan ’07, Sean ’13, Jack ’19, and Fiona ’21.

Kristin Ahlgren came to Mercersburg in 2017 as a member of the English faculty. Kristin is head coach of Mercersburg’s girls’ varsity lacrosse and field hockey teams, and is also a head coach for Renegades Lacrosse Club. She previously taught and worked in the library at Gilman School in Baltimore, where she also served as a head coach for the Diamonds Lacrosse Club. Kristin has taught and worked at St. David’s Day School in Baltimore and at Heritage Hall School in Oklahoma City (where she was also the head field hockey coach). Her coaching experience includes stints as head field hockey and women’s lacrosse coach at University Liggett School in Grosse Pointe, MI; as head junior varsity field hockey and assistant JV lacrosse coach at Bryn Mawr School in Baltimore; and as an assistant field hockey and women’s lacrosse coach at Oberlin College in Ohio. Kristin graduated from Gettysburg College, where she played varsity field hockey and lacrosse; she lives in Mercersburg with her four children, including Jill ’19, Jake ’21, and Bridget ’22.

Doonie Brewer joined the Mercersburg faculty in 2015; she teaches English and serves as dormitory dean in Swank Hall. She spent eight years at Holderness School in New Hampshire, where she was chair of the English department, head varsity softball and field hockey coach (and assistant girls’ varsity basketball coach), and a dorm parent and faculty adviser. Doonie has also taught and coached at Wilbraham & Monson Academy in Wilbraham, MA, St. George’s School in Newport, RI (her alma mater), and Cheshire Academy in Cheshire, CT (where she served as director of athletics and assistant dean of students in addition to coaching and teaching). Doonie previously served as a head coach and assistant for Mercersburg’s varsity softball team and as head coach of the junior varsity field hockey team. She holds a bachelor’s degree in speech communication from Penn State University and a master’s degree in American studies from Trinity College in Connecticut.

Maggie Howes teaches English and history at Mercersburg. She previously worked at Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, MA, where she was a history and literature teacher as well as a dormitory head. She has taught and worked in schools and programs in Maryland, Michigan, and Massachusetts. Maggie is a graduate of the University of Vermont and Tufts University. She and her husband, Assistant Head of School for Student Life and Culture Chris Howes, live on campus with their children.

Todd McGuire came to Mercersburg in 2008 from Camden Catholic High School in New Jersey, where he taught English and Spanish. In more than 20 years as an educator in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Washington state, Todd has designed curriculum that reflects the lives of students and incorporated project-based educational experiences into his classes—including Mercersburg’s entrepreneurship course. Todd coaches boys’ thirds soccer and previously served as the head boys’ lacrosse coach, and he spearheads the school’s community garden. He is also a successful small-business entrepreneur who created Rain City Skate Park in Seattle, an indoor recreation facility that received national recognition. Todd and his wife, fellow English faculty member and Writing Center Director Michele Poacelli, have two children.

Chip Patterson has worked at Mercersburg since 2005; he has taught English in all four grades, as well as Journalism, Existentialism in Literature, and Film Studies. He became chair of the school’s English department in 2017. Chip also coaches junior varsity boys’ squash and previously served as Mercersburg’s assistant dean of students. Before coming to Mercersburg, Chip served as a public information officer for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department in California. A former crime reporter, he won six California Newspaper Publishers Association awards. Chip and his wife, Laura, live in Tippetts Hall, where Laura is the dormitory dean. The Pattersons have three children: Mia ’15, Dean ’16, and Kat ’18.

Ryan Tyree is Mercersburg’s director of squash and a member of the English faculty. He joined Mercersburg in 2019, arriving from Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, MA, where he taught English and served as a dormitory head in addition to holding head-coaching positions in boys’ squash and boys’ tennis (for seven years apiece). Ryan coached a U.S. Squash Division 6 Nationals-champion team at Williston, and has worked with legendary coach Paul Assaiante’s International Squash Academy summer camps. He previously taught and coached at Eaglebrook School and taught summer-session classes at Northfield Mount Hermon School. Ryan earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Massachusetts, as well as master’s degrees in secondary education from the University of Phoenix and English literature from Middlebury College. While a graduate student at Middlebury’s Bread Loaf School of English, Ryan was twice awarded the Robert Haiduke Poetry Prize (2014 and 2015). Ryan is an avid lover of travel and cinema, and was a founding member of the musical venture Of Blessings and Burdens, with whom he recorded and toured in the 2000s. His wife, Haley, is the testing coordinator in Mercersburg’s Office of College Counseling and the dorm dean in Fowle Hall, where the Tyrees live with their two children.

Brian Nordyke is Mercersburg’s director of facilities, and has worked at the school since 2012. Brian graduated from Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in civil and structural engineering. He previously served as a captain in the Air National Guard and is a licensed professional engineer in the states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. His wife, Danielle DeHaven Nordyke, is the Academy’s director of human resources; they have two children, Richard and Madison ’14.

Randy Campbell is the facilities housekeeping supervisor in the Facilities Office. He joined the school in 2005. Campbell previously worked as a custodian and was part of the athletic staff. Prior to Mercersburg, he was a dispatcher supervisor for 15 years with Franklin County Emergency Management in Chambersburg. He resides in Chambersburg and has a daughter, Ashlyn.

Pamela Chamberlin is part of the housekeeping staff in the Facilities Office. She joined the Academy in 2008.

Bill Cutshaw joined Mercersburg’s Facilities Department in 2022 as a carpenter. His previous experience has been with custom architectural millwork shops. Bill lives in Mercersburg with his wife Patty and daughters Sophie and Olivia.

Chris Hartman is a custodian in housekeeping working in the Facilities Office. He joined the school in 2017 and previously worked for Good Humor Breyers for 21 years.

Barbara Jarrett is a custodian in housekeeping working in the Facilities Office. She joined the school in 2017 and previously worked in landscaping for 25 years.

Logan Junkin works in grounds maintenance in the Facilities Office. He joined the school in 2018 and previously worked for CVTS as an arborist. He also owns and operates his own lawn company.

John Kline joined Mercersburg’s Facilities Department in 2021. He has 30+ years in the landscape industry, including owning and operating a landscape business. John holds an associate’s degree from Penn State University and is a Pennsylvania-certified horticulturist.

Tracy Linn joined the Academy in 2015 and is a maintenance supervisor in the Facilities Office. He graduated from the Franklin County Career and from Technical School and Hagerstown Community College with an electrical and HVACR degree. His daughter, Kayleigh ’22, attends Mercersburg.

Ed Martin is the operational services supervisor in the Facilities Office. He joined the Academy in 2013. Ed was previously a carpenter, construction inspector, consulting services field and lab supervisor, and project manager for CE Williams and Sons.

Steve McCombie manages the mail room as a member of the Facilities Office. He joined the Academy in 2000 and holds an electrical certification from WACC.

Ray Mowen Jr. joined Mercersburg Academy in 2022 as a floor care technician. Butch retired from the fire service industry after 24 years as a firefighter/EMT and has volunteered with the Mercersburg and Mont Alto fire companies for more than 40 years. He and his wife, Barbara, live in Marion, PA, and have two children and three grandchildren.

Amy Piper is a member of the housekeeping team and joined Mercersburg in 2010.

Jamie Stoner is a custodian in housekeeping, working in the Facilities Office. He joined the school in 2011, having installed floors for more than 25 years. He has lived in and around Mercersburg all of his life.

Amanda Zeis is the operational services technician in the Facilities Office and joined the Academy in 2018. She previously worked with McDonald’s as a crew member and store manager for nearly a decade. Amanda has three children: Leighton, Wade, and Deacon.

De-Enda Rotz joined Mercersburg’s staff in 1993 and held a number of development and alumni relations positions over the course of more than 20 years—including director of stewardship and engagement, associate director of alumni and parent relations, and most recently director of special programs—before accepting a role in the head of school’s office in 2018. De-Enda holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Wilson College. Her father, the late Roy Peck, worked at Mercersburg as a member of the buildings and grounds staff for more than 50 years. De-Enda and her husband, Dirk, are parents to Derek and Devin ’25.

Jacquelyn Ross Grace ’07 earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Penn State University and spent two years as an administrative assistant in the Office of Admission and Financial Aid before joining the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations in September 2013. In 2019, she began her role as special events manager and is responsible for planning campus, virtual, and regional events, including the school’s annual flagship event, Family and Alumni Weekend. She lives in McConnellsburg with her husband, JJ, and their children, Elle and Tae.

Stephanie Comer-Concordia is a nurse practitioner in the Rutherford Health and Wellness Center. She joined the Academy in 2017. Stephanie graduated from the University of Maryland with a master’s degree in nursing, and is the parent of Susan Concordia ’22, Louis Concordia ’22, and Christian Concordia ’24.

Denise Keefer joined the Academy in 2012 as a staff nurse in the Rutherford Health and Wellness Center. Denise graduated from the Franklin County Career and Technology Center's licensed nursing program and has been a nurse for 26 years in school and non-school settings. She is the proud mother of three boys, and her husband, Brad, works in the Athletic Department in facilities.

Becky Schook assesses, treats, and monitors student health. Before coming to Mercersburg, she worked in a multi-physician office for 11 years.

David Bell came to Mercersburg in 1997 (he officially joined the faculty one year later) and worked in the library for 11 years while also teaching history classes. In 2008, he became a full-time history teacher and the director of community service. David is the 2017-2018 recipient of the school’s Zern Excellence in Teaching Award, and received the Ammerman Distinguished Teaching Award for Religious and Interdisciplinary Studies in 2007-2008. He previously taught history for more than a decade at Sanford High School in Sanford, ME. David’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in secondary education (with a major in history) from the University of Maine at Farmington and an MLIS from the University of Rhode Island. His 10 years of basketball experience prior to coming to Mercersburg included stints as a high-school varsity coach and a college assistant. At Mercersburg, David has coached varsity girls’ basketball and softball, as well as JV boys’ basketball and baseball; he is also the public-address announcer for varsity football games. David and his wife, staff member Julie Bell, have two daughters: Jennifer ’17 and Emily ’18.

Rich Heffron arrived at Mercersburg from Ithaca College, where he taught in the Department of Philosophy and Religion. He previously taught at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. Rich received a bachelor’s degree in History from Quinnipiac University, where he captained the men’s cross country and track & field teams.He earned a master’s degree in Middle Eastern studies from the University of Chicago, and he is nearing the completion of a Ph.D. in Islamic history (also from the University of Chicago). During his graduate studies, Rich lived abroad in Sana’a, Damascus, and Cairo, and he published scholarship in the Oxford Dictionary of Late Antiquity, Penguin Book of Exorcisms, and Encyclopaedia of Islam. At Mercersburg, Rich teaches history and serves as an assistant coach for the boys’ cross country and boys’ and girls ’indoor track & field teams. He and his wife, Dr. Jenna Heffron, live in Tippetts Hall with their son, Jude.

Emily Parsons grew up in Mercersburg; her father, Sonny Parsons ’59, was a Mercersburg graduate and owned and ran a pharmacy in the borough for many years. While in college, Emily worked as a research intern in Washington, DC, where she became intimately acquainted with the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and the National Building Museum. Emily teaches history and previously served as the dormitory dean in Fowle Hall. She was Mercersburg’s first director of Springboard (a capstone experience for members of the senior class), and also taught The Global Food Chain (a Springboard course) for its first four years. Emily holds the Marilyn and Robert M. Kurtz ’52 Chair for American Studies, and received the 2011-2012 Ammerman Distinguished Teaching Award for Religious and Interdisciplinary Studies. Emily is currently pursuing a second master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Shippensburg University. She has three children, including Jay Howley ’21 and Evan Howley ’22.

Allison Stephens has taught at Mercersburg since 1989. She was first hired in 1987 as the school’s director of annual giving before moving into the classroom, where she has taught history, English, American studies, and the Quinn-Ferguson Honors Seminar. Allison serves as an adviser to the Mercersburg News, the Rainbow Alliance, and the Women’s Activist Club, and has been a longtime adviser to Mercersburg Model UN. She is a faculty adviser in Swank Hall. Allison has held the Rumbaugh Chair for excellence in teaching since 2011. She and her husband, fellow faculty member Dave Holzwarth ’78, have two children: Wynn Holzwarth ’11 and Zack Holzwarth ’13.

Karla Bingaman came to Mercersburg in 2001 and worked as administrative assistant for the Office of Summer and External Programs before transitioning to administrative coordinator for the College Counseling Office, where she worked for almost 19 years. Karla joined the Human Resources department in 2020.

Grace Abel, originally from Taiwan, came to Mercersburg from Hastings College and Smith College, where she was an adjunct professor of Chinese language and culture. After receiving a master’s degree in education she taught at Lakeside School in Seattle and established the Mandarin Chinese program for the University Liggett School in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI, and spent five years as the Mandarin instructor at Northfield Mount Hermon School in Massachusetts. She has served as an AP Chinese reader for the Educational Testing Service for many years. Grace and her husband, Andrew (who is managing editor of a local newspaper, the Mercersburg Journal), live in one of the faculty townhouses on campus. Their son, Nathan ’17, is a Mercersburg graduate. 

Glenn McKevitt studied at Queen’s University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, earning a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and French studies. Following his time in Ireland, he moved to England to study at the University of Nottingham, where he gained his teaching credentials. He moved to Madrid, Spain, where he taught English as a foreign language before relocating to California, where he worked as a Spanish teacher and soccer coach for 12 years at a private college preparatory school. Glenn and his wife live in Tippetts Hall with their two children.

Justine O’Connell is Mercersburg's director of global programs, international student coordinator, and a member of the school's language department. Before coming to Mercersburg, Justine was the exchange coordinator and an English language teacher at Colegio Alemán de San Felipe, which is Mercersburg’s sister school and exchange partner in Chile. She has accompanied Colegio Alemán students on two separate trips to Mercersburg. Justine serves on the Conduct Review Committee, works with Model UN, and is an adviser in Fowle Hall. She holds two bachelor’s degrees in Spanish literature and global studies from the University of Arizona. She and her husband, Matias Abarca, live in Fowle with their dog, Kobe.

Julie Bell spent eight years on the Mercersburg faculty as a French teacher (1983 to 1989) and director of the library (1997 to 1999); she returned to the library in 2003 as an assistant librarian. Julie is the library’s cataloguer and participates in all aspects of library service. She is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Bates College, where she received a bachelor’s degree in French with a minor in Russian. She also holds a master of library science from the University of Rhode Island. Julie lives off campus with her husband, faculty member David Bell; they have two daughters, Jennifer ’17 and Emily ’18.

Nicole Brown joined Mercersburg in 2021 as a library assistant and technology integration specialist. She received a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Penn State University and a secondary teaching certification from Wilson College, and is completing a master’s in library and information science from Clarion University. Nicole previously taught English in Maryland for 10 years. She lives in Mercersburg with her husband, faculty member Andy Brown, and their children, Damien and Liam.

Sarah Bozzi has taught mathematics and worked with Mercersburg Outdoor Education (MOE) since her arrival at Mercersburg in 2014. She and her husband, Jay (who is the head of the history department), previously served on the faculty at schools in New England and abroad. Her various roles at Mercersburg have included coaching girls’ lacrosse and serving on the Conduct Review Committee. She is an avid skier and traveler who has led student trips in India, Jordan, Ecuador, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Wyoming, and the Grand Canyon. Sarah graduated from Hamilton College in Clinton, NY, with a major in mathematics and a minor in communications. She is affiliated with Keil Hall.

Jeff Cohen has taught mathematics at Mercersburg since 2004, and was department head for five years (2014 to 2019). He received the Zern Excellence in Teaching Award in 2007-2008, served on the Faculty Council, and is the head coach of the school’s JV baseball and girls’ JV tennis teams as well as a residential faculty member in Main Hall. Jeff graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Bucknell University with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and economics, and holds a master’s degree from the University of New Hampshire. He has helped lead trips for Mercersburg students to Australia, Costa Rica, China, Singapore, and Brazil, and worked for the ESL+ summer program for four years. Jeff enjoys TV nights, movie and bowling trips, and Sheetz runs with his advisees, and he considers his close relationships with students and alumni to be the most rewarding part of his job.

Steve Fowler joined the Mercersburg faculty in 2018 as a mathematics teacher and assistant swimming coach. He previously taught computer science at Kutztown University and Montclair State University and math in public high schools in Elizabethtown, PA, and Kinnelon, NJ. Steve has coached swimming and diving at the club, high school, and college level. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Elizabethtown College and a master’s degree in mathematics from Montclair State University. Steve’s wife, fellow faculty member Cindy Fowler, is a college counselor at Mercersburg. The Fowlers have two children, and Steve is an adviser affiliated with Fowle Hall.

Kristi Magalhães teaches mathematics and serves as the dormitory dean in Culbertson House. She joined the Mercersburg community in 2017 from the Pan American School of Porto Alegre in Brazil, where she taught high school mathematics. Kristi previously worked at Holderness School in New Hampshire, where she served as dean of academics, chair of the mathematics department, dorm director, and college counselor. She has also taught in Vermont and Brasilia, Brazil, and has studied abroad in Spain. Kristi earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and mathematics from the University of Vermont. She lives in Culbertson with her husband, Eduardo, and their two sons.

Kelsey Steiner teaches mathematics and lives in South Cottage on campus. She is also an assistant softball and swimming coach. Kelsey has taught, worked, and coached at Norwin High School in Irwin, PA, the Valley School of Ligonier, Greater Latrobe Junior High School, and Saint Vincent College, as well as Adirondack Camp in New York state. She graduated from Oberlin College with a bachelor’s degree in geology and was a two-year captain of Oberlin’s varsity softball team.

Franklin Bell teaches science and coaches swimming at Mercersburg. Franklin came to Mercersburg after working at Saint Mary’s Hall in San Antonio, TX, where he was science department co-chair and the AP Biology teacher. He has also taught chemistry, genetics, zoology, and human anatomy and physiology. In addition to teaching, Franklin serves as an independent consultant; his duties include editing biology textbooks, conducting biology teacher institutes, and serving as a table leader and reader of AP Biology exams. Franklin also taught and assisted with a sea turtle research program at Hawaii Preparatory Academy in Kamuela, HI, and led a marine science program at Christchurch School in Christchurch, VA. Franklin has served on the AP Biology Test Development Committee and coauthored an extensive review guide for the AP Biology exam, Strive for a 5: Preparing for the AP Biology Examination, which was published by BFW Freeman. He and his wife, former faculty member Carolyn Bell (who now works in the Rutherford Health and Wellness Center as a nurse), live off campus; the Bells are the parents of three children, including Kiersten ’09 and John-Eric ’12.

Skyler Clark, a native of Connecticut, joined the Mercersburg science department in 2018 as a teaching fellow and was appointed a full-time member of the science faculty in 2020. Skyler serves as an assistant girls’ varsity soccer coach and has been the faculty adviser for the John Marshall Literary Society on campus. He graduated from Washington College in Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a minor in theatre. Skyler grew up on the campus of The Gunnery, an independent boarding school in Connecticut; his father taught and coached for more than 30 years, giving Skyler an enormous appreciation for and understanding of residential life. Skyler lives in Keil Hall on campus.

Michelle Eichelberger joined the Mercersburg faculty in 2021 with 32 years experience teaching mathematics, physics, and chemistry in Pennyslvania. She is a graduate of Shippensburg University and holds a master’s in educational leadership. Michelle is a past recipient of the Shippensburg University School Study Council Outstanding Teacher Award and the Exemplary Program Award. She received the Walter J. DeLacy Award from Penn State University. Some of her other experience includes work as an online course developer and instructional technology coach, as well as an instructor for NJSeeds and Bridgeway Academy. Michelle works as an adviser for the school’s Karux yearbook. Michelle and her husband, Danny (who works in the school’s Office of Information Technology), have two daughters, including Erika ’20.

Before coming to Mercersburg, William Linch was a theoretical physicist specializing in high-energy particle physics and string theory. Since earning a Ph.D. in supersymmetry at the University of Maryland at College Park, he has held positions in the mathematics and physics departments at SUNY Stony Brook, the University of Maryland, and Texas A&M University, as well as a professorship at Universidad Andres Bello in Chile. In addition to teaching and research, William has dedicated much of his time to mentoring students with a passion for mathematics and natural law and to hosting various journal clubs, independent study sessions, and research group discussions. At Mercersburg, William teaches courses in algebra II and physics, assists with management for track & field meets, and works with the Robotics PGA. William and his wife, Catherine, have a daughter, Luna. 

Jim Malone studied wildlife biology at the University of Michigan but grew up in Pennsylvania, where he attended Swarthmore High School and played football and basketball. It was there that he developed a keen interest in mathematics and science. An avid environmentalist and advocate for the homeless, Jim enjoys involving other Mercersburg families and students in community service at the Chambersburg Homeless Shelter. Jim and his wife, retired faculty member Sue Malone, are the parents of two Mercersburg graduates, Molly ’01 and Jess ’03.

Debra Collins brings a wide range of communications and marketing experience to her position as advancement communications manager, where she serves as the primary gatekeeper for messaging and content originating in the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations. In her role, she develops and manages communications for the school’s philanthropy and engagement program, including major gifts, annual giving, donor relations, volunteer management, and events. Debra previously worked at Mercersburg Academy and is pleased to have the opportunity to return and contribute again to the campus. In the interim, she served as director of marketing and public relations at Penn State Mont Alto and director of communications at Wilson College. Debra earned her master’s degree in public communications at American University and her bachelor’s degree in technical journalism at Colorado State University. She and her husband, Mike, who serves as Mercersburg’s athletic facilities operations supervisor, have two adult children, Michael ’14 and Caitlin.

Tyler Miller joined Mercersburg in 2010 as advancement communications manager and spent seven years in the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations before joining the Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications in 2017. In his current role as associate director, he oversees communications strategy and content creation for admission and summer programs. Tyler earned a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in communication studies from Shippensburg University. Prior to Mercersburg, he worked in communications for a public school district and spent a year as a newspaper staff writer.