Faculty & Staff

Name& Contact Info	Position/Subjects Taught	Bio / Links
Matthew Appel mappel@crefeld.org 215.242.5545 X37	US Science Teacher (11/12 Team) Math Teacher Advisor	Matt graduated from Bloomsburg University, with a B.S. in Management Information Systems. He has been a teacher since 2001 and can't imagine a better way to spend his time. He is currently earning his Master’s in Educational Leadership, and is thankful for the opportunity to teach your children.
Ben Arnold barnold@crefeld.org 215.242.5545	Music Teacher	Ben Arnold was in the first graduating class of Philadelphia's High School for Creative & Performing Arts (1981) and continued on to stints at Berklee College of Music, and Phila College of Performing Arts (now U Arts). A well known presence in the Philadelphia music community and beyond, he started the music program at Crefeld in January 2000, and has been making noise here ever since. http://www.benarnold.com/ http://www.myspace.com/benarnoldband http://www.theusrails.com/ http://www.myspace.com/pistolforringo
Adriana Gaviria-Caddle acaddle@crefeld.org 215.242.5545 X32	Spanish Teacher	Adriana Gaviria-Caddle has over nineteen years of experience teaching languages. She is a native Spanish speaker, originally from Colombia, where she taught Spanish Literature and Grammar, as well as English as a second language. Adriana has been developing Spanish curriculum and teaching Spanish in the greater Philadelphia region since 2004. Throughout her teaching career, she has taught various age groups and many levels, from beginner to advanced. Adriana has been teaching at The Crefeld School since 2006.
Cheryl Capacchione ccapacchione@crefeld.org 215.242.5545 X38	Business Manager	Cheryl joined Crefeld in November, 2011.
Peter Capper pcapper@crefeld.org 215.242.5545 X17	Director of Emotional Support Services	Peter grew up in the North of England in the 1960’s, where he was lucky to be in the midst of lots of good rock and roll. Like "The History Boys", Peter studied history at Cambridge, then worked in the East end of London as a community social worker, before completing his MSW at Sussex University, in Psychiatric Social Work. He came to the US in 1976, where he has lived since, with a 3 year time back in London in the early 80’s. Peter and his wife have two daughters who were adopted from China. He has a long history of training, practicing, and teaching family therapy, working with teenagers and their families, and consulting to schools, with private practice offices in Elkins Park and Plymouth Meeting. Peter will be joining the faculty of the Graduate School of Social Policy and Practice at The University of Pennsylvania in Fall, 2011, as a Lecturer. He has been a part of The Crefeld School, which he loves like a third child, since around 1986. http://www.petercappertherapy.com/
Norman Carter ncarter@crefeld.org 215.242.5545 X26	Learning Specialist Advisor	Norman Carter has been on the faculty of The Crefeld School since 2000, and has taught Learning Support, English, Theater, Journalism, and Dungeons & Dragons. He earned his M.Ed. in Inclusive Practices at Temple University in 2003, and his B.A. in Psychology from Swarthmore College in 1990. Prior to teaching at Crefeld, Norman managed record stores, ran a music business conference, did landscaping, printed and tie-dyed t-shirts, and worked in a neuroscience laboratory. He plays bass in the band Kiss Kiss Kill, who are soon to release a series of EPs, and gig occasionally around Philly. http://www.kisskisskill.com/, www.myspace/kisskisskill
Daphne Churchill dchurchill@crefeld.org	Social Work Intern	Daphne grew up near Phoenixville, PA then left the east coast for six years, attending Pitzer College in California focusing on intercultural/race studies, and then teaching English for the French government in Corsica. She is very happy to return to her native Philadelphia area, now enrolled in the MSW program at the University of Pennsylvania. Having first-hand participatory experience with alternative education models, she is a strong advocate of such, particularly those models which focus on outdoor education and the role nature can play with peace and conflict resolution.
Josh Cole jcole@crefeld.org 215.242.5545 X24	Director of The Crefeld Glass Studio	Josh Cole earned a BFA in Glass, from The Cleveland Institute of Art, then attended Tyler School of Art, Temple University, receiving his MFA in Glass, in 2007. He has taught as an adjunct professor at Tyler, as well as teaching many continuing education and public classes and workshops, in both Cleveland and Philadelphia. When teaching teenagers, Josh focuses on teamwork and process over product. Josh maintains an active, independent studio practice, and creates work that juxtaposes the everyday object and the unknown. His work can be seen at the Wexler Gallery in Old City, Philadelphia, and is also represented nationally by the Thomas Riley Gallery in Cleveland, Ohio. He has been with The Crefeld School since 2008, where he runs the glass studio and teaches daily.
Laura Craig lcraig@crefeld.org 215.242.5545 X34	Director of Learning Support	Laura is a native of Birmingham, Alabama and moved to Philadelphia in 1995. She received a BS in Psychology from Birmingham-Southern College, and an MA in Special Education from the University of Texas. She has taught in a wide variety of settings, from The English Speaking School of Lubumbashi, Zaire, to Haddonfield High School in Southern, NJ. Laura began working at Crefeld in 2002 as a Learning Specialist, and treasures its progressive environment. She is currently the Director of Learning Support.
Ann Croxson acroxson@crefeld.org 215.242.5545 X16	US English Teacher (11/12 Team) Advisor	Ann graduated from Hollins University in 1988, with a major in English. She received her MA in literature from Indiana University, Bloomington in 1992. After many years working in the mental health field, Ann returned to her love for literature and teaching. She received a M.Ed. from Arcadia University, taught freshman college there, and completed her student teaching at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School. She has taught English at The Crefeld School since 2001, and enjoys backpacking, motorcycles, and walking her dog in the Wissahickon. Crefeld’s 11th & 12th Grade English Wiki
Dan Cunitz dcunitz@crefeld.org 215.242.5545 X30	MS Science Teacher Disciplinarian Advisor	After graduating in 1993 from Franklin Pierce College with a major in Psychology and Secondary Education, Dan went on to dedicate his professional career to progressive education. Dan received his Masters of Science from Drexel University, in Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum. A staunch advocate for reforming the traditional education system, Dan has been involved with many organizations that work toward that goal, such as the Coalition of Essential Schools and the National Reform Faculty. Since 1995, Dan has been at The Crefeld School, teaching science and a variety of elective topics including Psychology, Environmental Science, Brain Works, and The Science of Jules Verne. Dan’s Science Blog (more cool than nerd!)
Stacey Cunitz scunitz@crefeld.org 215.242.5545 X13	Director of Admissions and College Counseling	After earning her BA in Literature and Creative Writing from Barnard College, and her MA in Secondary English Education from NYU, Stacey started teaching at Crefeld in 1995. She has been the Director of Admissions since 1998 and the Director of College Counseling since 2005. She also earned a Certificate in College Counseling from UCLA, in 2010. Stacey is usually accompanied to work by her dog, Lucy, who is a big helper in the admissions office—she likes to welcome new people and make them feel at home. Unfortunately, Lucy lacks the opposable thumbs required to do paperwork. The Crefeld School on Facebook Crefeld College Counseling on Facebook

Name& Contact Info	Position/Subjects Taught	Bio / Links
Dave Dannenberg ddannenberg@crefeld.org 215.242.5545 X19	Physical Ed./Rock Climbing Teacher Advisor	David Dannenberg graduated from Colorado College in 1980, with a degree in History. Following 14 years of varying jobs in business, David began teaching at Crefeld in the spring of 1999, while completing his M.Ed. at Beaver College (now Arcadia University). After teaching History for eight years, Dave took a year’s sabbatical, and then returned to teach Physical Education and Rock Climbing. David also continues to manage the Spring Mini-Course Program, and serve as the Upper School Disciplinarian. David is married with two almost-grown children. His hobbies range from bicycling to beekeeping. Over the years, David has served on the board of directors of several organizations, and has been most active with the Friends of the Wissahickon. As time allows, Dave supports good works in his West Mount Airy neighborhood, and felt humbled in 2010 to be recognized as one of the “50 good neighbors" upon the 50th anniversary of West Mount Airy Neighbors.
Jeff Darcy jdarcy@crefeld.org 215.242.5545 X45	Social Worker	After graduating with an ScB in engineering from Brown University, Jeff moved to the Bay Area for nine years, where he worked in the Redwoods as an environmental/experiential educator, and then in San Francisco, as an environmental engineer for the US EPA. He moved back East to get his MSS from the Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work, where he completed a year of internship at Mill Creek School, and a year at Swarthmore College Psychological Services. He joined the Crefeld staff in 2004. He often takes students on walks in the Wissahickon forest, making use of nature as a tool for cultivating awareness, attention, and perspective. In the evenings, Jeff sees adults as well as adolescents in his private psychotherapy and tutoring practice, and he occasionally teaches yoga and fire poi spinning.
Jonna Finocchio jfinocchio@crefeld.org	Social Work Intern	Jonna graduated from Moravian College in 2010, with a BA in Psychology. She is currently in her second year at Bryn Mawr's Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research, where she is working towards her MSS. Jonna is a tireless advocate of human rights, with a special interest in gender and LGBT issues.
Nica Fleming nfleming@crefeld.org 215.242.5545 X14	Technology Coordinator	Nica came to Crefeld in July, 2010, from The Philadelphia School. She holds an MS in Instructional Technology, from Philadelphia University, and has focused on technology integration in k-12 educations, as well as issues of diversity and equity, for the past five years. It is Nica’s belief that “just about anyone can learn just about anything”, and feels strongly that people should learn and teach using appropriate tools and methods for the task. Additionally, Nica blogs about the experiences of a typical American family attempting to live sustainably. She cares deeply about many things, including: everyone’s right to learn, finding and using one’s creativity, powerful learning experiences, working collaboratively, the participatory culture of Web 2.0, and living sustainably. http://ecoswank.blogspot.com/
Sarah Franzel sfranzel@crefeld.org 215.242.5545 X15	Math Teacher Advisor	Sarah is originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan, and went to the University of Michigan, Residential College, graduating with a B.A. double major in Mathematics and Psychology, and a teaching certificate in secondary education. After a brief teaching career in Fremont, CA, she returned to school at California State University, East Bay, and graduated with an M.S. in Counseling Psychology. Sarah also graduated from The School of Homeopathy, New York, and worked as a homeopathic practitioner for ten years before returning to the world of teaching. Sarah joined the Crefeld staff as a math teacher in 2008, bringing her daughter with her, who is currently a Crefeld student.
Rick Gallagher rgallagher@crefeld.org 215.242.5545 X28	US Science Teacher (9/10 Team) Advisor
Carly Garie cgarie@crefeld.org 215.242.5545	Social Work Intern
Joan Giannobile jgiannobile@crefeld.org 215.242.5545 X42	Director of Development	Joan earned her BA in American History from the University of San Francisco. After working on a few political campaigns in New Jersey, Joan became the director of program development for a Princeton-based, nonprofit agency. Family life called and after the birth of her second son (she has three boys), Joan began working in the Philadelphia independent school community, most recently as the development director of The Philadelphia School. Joan is excited to be a part of The Crefeld School community.
Beth Goldstein Huxen bgoldstein@crefeld.org 215.242.5545 X25	Math Teacher Advisor	Beth graduated from Binghamton University with a degree in Philosophy and Economics. She pursued graduate degrees and is only one tiny (enormous) dissertation away from a Phd. Along the way she taught Philosophy at NYU, Binghamton University, and The City University of New York. Ten years ago she left Philosophy to pursue her love of Mathematics. She taught for three years at The Family Foundation School in New York. She then found Crefeld on the web and has taught Math here since 2004.
Nicole Greaves ngreaves@crefeld.org 215.242.5545 X29	MS English Teacher Advisor	Nicole Greaves has been teaching English and various electives at The Crefeld School since 2006, after earning her certification in secondary English at Bryn Mawr College. She also holds a BFA in Writing, Literature and Publishing from Emerson College, as well as an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University. Nicole’s poetry has appeared in The American Poetry Review, Jacaranda, Calliope, and other literary magazines, and it has been awarded prizes by The Academy of American Poets and the Leeway Foundation of Philadelphia. In 2003, she was the poet laureate of Montgomery County. In her spare time, she continues to write, enjoys spending time with her family and, of course, reading. She lives in an old house that she and her husband are slowly renovating, one nail at a time.
Michael Hawkins mhawkins@crefeld.org 215.242.5545 X18	MS History Teacher Advisor	Michael came to The Crefeld School in 2007, initially as a substitute teacher. Though originally from Mississippi, he spent the twenty years prior to moving to Philadelphia, as a Firefighter Medic, in Atlanta, GA. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources from Mercer University in Georgia, and PA State Teaching Certificates in Business and History. Michael is currently working on his M.Ed, and greatly enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, in his free time.

Name& Contact Info	Position/Subjects Taught	Bio / Links
Frank Longo 215.242.5545 X20	Director of Maintenance	Frank Longo, a native of Philadelphia, has been the Director of Maintenance at Crefeld for over thirteen years. Prior to coming to Crefeld, he worked many places, among which was the Fleer bubble gum and candy factory, where he was a machinist. Frank is a huge animal lover, an avid fisher, and enjoys spending time with his two sons.
Gena Lopata glopata@crefeld.org 215.242.5545 X39	US English Teacher (9/10 Team)	Gena Lopata has been teaching since 1998, and teaching here at The Crefeld School since 2005. Gena received her BA in English from Clark University in Worcester, MA, with a minor in African American Women's Studies, and her M.Ed. from East Stroudsburg University, in PA, with a focus on Secondary Education. Her interests include reading, running, cooking, and spending time with her family. Check out these running classes that Gena will be teaching at The Cedars House.
Kristy Modarelli kmodarelli@crefeld.org 215.242.5545 X21	Office Assistant Website Coordinator	Kristy Modarelli holds a BFA in the field of Jewelry and Metals, from The Cleveland Institute of Art. Prior to coming to Crefeld, she worked as an event designer in Northeast Ohio and San Francisco, CA, then as a college admissions counselor. Kristy maintains an avid studio practice, making jewelry and mixed media sculptures and installations. She is very interested in the use of mass-produced, disposable items within her work. Her work can be seen around the greater Philadelphia region, as well as nationally. When not working in her studio, Kristy enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, and spending time with Kong and Morty, her adopted Hairless Chinese Cresteds. http://www.kristymodarelli.com/
Sara Narva snarva@crefeld.org 215.242.5545 X33	Theater/Dance Teacher Advisor	Using the model of embodied education, Sara Narva invites students to bring their physical, emotional, personal, and intellectual selves into the learning space. She has worked as an artist and educator, teaching dance, theater, sex education, social justice, and Jewish arts-in-education. Sara performs in the Philadelphia region and loves being upside down. She received her Masters of Education in Dance from Temple University in 2004, and her BA in Sociology, with a concentration in Education, from Haverford College.
Eric Neibauer eneibauer@crefeld.org 215.242.5545 X12	US History Teacher (11/12 Team) Advisor	Eric grew up in the Philadelphia area and attended The Crefeld School, before moving to North Carolina where he attended Warren Wilson College, outside of Asheville, earning a B.A. in History and Political Science. He then worked at a wilderness school for struggling teenagers before returning to N.C. to work with court adjudicated youth in a juvenile detention center. Eric finally returned to Crefeld in December of 1999, to teach history. He received his M.Ed. from Arcadia University in 2007. This Old School Community Service
Courtney Parker cparker@crefeld.org	Social Work Intern	Courtney received her B.Music degree in Voice Performance, with a minor in Theater, from the Hartt School of Music in Hartford, CT. Following graduation, she performed extensively in New York City as a singer, actor, and dancer. Courtney also holds a M.M. degree in Music Therapy. In addition to music, she has training in the use of art, poetry, movement, and sandtray. She believes in the power of the expressive arts as a way of exploring and uncovering new ideas and hidden potential. Courtney is currently working towards a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology, as well as continuing to run a full-time voice and piano studio. She is also working on an album of original music. Courtney lives with her husband and five year old son.
Angela Singletary asingletary@crefeld.org 215.242.5545 X11	Office Manager	Angela has been the Office Manager at The Crefeld School since August, 2007. She lives in Philadelphia, PA with her husband and two children and values the time that she shares with her family. Angela has found both community service and volunteerism to be personally rewarding. Having the ability to volunteer her time in support of activities that are near and dear to her heart is very important to her.
Katie Souder ksouder@crefeld.org	Social Work Intern	Katie Souder is a second year MSW student at the University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy and Practice. She graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota where she earned a BS in Family Studies. She has spent time living and studying abroad in Mexico, Namibia, South Africa, Peru, Spain, and Guatemala. Her experience working in daycares, tutoring middle-school students, and facilitating an after-school program for adolescent girls in Namibia has contributed to her passion for working with young people and her appreciation for the creative, honest, and curious spirit of young people. Some of her favorite activities include running, biking, yoga, and baking cookies. She loves the vibrancy and blending of cultures that city living has to offer but equally treasures the occasional weekend escape to her parent’s home in the country surrounded by the tranquility and beauty of nature.
Lisa Spilner lspilner@crefeld.org 215.242.5545 X43	US History Teacher (9/10 Team)	Lisa Spilner graduated from East Stroudsburg University in 2002, with a Bachelors degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in Social Studies. After graduation, she taught at her alma mater, Wilson Area High School, for nine years. During that time, Lisa earned her Masters of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Moravian College. She lives with her husband, Robin, and their two Welsh Corgis. Lisa is extremely excited to join the Crefeld School this fall!
Rod Stanton rstanton@crefeld.org 215.242.5545 X23	Assistant Head of School	Rod Stanton grew up in Syracuse, New York, before attending St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, where he earned a B.S. in Education. After teaching at Francis Xavier Warde School in Chicago, Rod returned to Philadelphia and took a job teaching Social Studies at The Crefeld School in 2001, and became the Assistant Head of School in 2011. In his free time, Rod enjoys playing hockey, strumming his guitar, and spending time with his family. He is currently working toward a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership at Immaculata University.
Aaron Wiener awiener@crefeld.org 215.242.5545 X35	Director of Arts Dept. Art Teacher	Aaron Wiener was born in 1967 in Philadelphia, and currently lives in Lansdale with his family. He had the good fortune in his formative years to have a grandfather who was a printmaker and sculptor, and an uncle who worked for the Smithsonian. This helped Aaron to find his passion for art and ancient culture. He has been the visual arts director and teacher at The Crefeld School since 1990, where he started the Glass Studio. He has greatly enjoyed helping young artists start their journeys. Check out Aaron's gallery in Lansdale: Water Gallery
Hoagy Wing hwing@crefeld.org 215.242.5545	Music Teacher	Hoagy Wing is a multi-percussionist, drummer and musician that has been performing as a professional percussionist for over thirty years. Hoagy specializes in Middle Eastern Percussion, Popular Percussion, Rudimental Drumming, as well as dumbek, drum set, and banjo. He has appeared locally with many regional and national artists/groups, including Paul Winter, Donna DeLory, Marah, Bhagavan Das, Matt Santry on NBC's 10! Show, John Eddie, Julia Othmer, Wah!, Slo-Mo, Phil Roy, Gypsophilia and Lauren Hart. Touring has taken him to 26 states so far, and he also does studio and live recordings. Hoagy is the co-chair of the music program at Crefeld. This complements his over twenty years of experience as an artist-in-residence and teaching workshops in a variety of settings. Hoagy currently serves as the Drum Master for the Philadelphia Fife & Drum, having made appearances on both the Today Show and the Jay Leno show. He has, since 1995, been a regular performer at Independence National Historic Park, in Philadelphia, and Valley Forge National Historic Battlefield. Hoagy also performs regularly with the Valley Forge Fife & Drum. Slo-Mo’s Official Website
Tori Russell trussell@crefeld.org 215.242.5545 X49	Learning Specialist Advisor	Tori came to Crefeld in 2010, having received her BA in Secondary Education: Social Studies, at Penn State University. Recently, she received her Special Education Certification and is currently finishing her M.Ed. in Special Education. Tori enjoys watching Penn State football, being outside, and spending time with her family.
George Zeleznik gzeleznik@crefeld.org 215.242.5545 X40	Head of School	George Zeleznik grew up in Pittsburgh, PA. He attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a BS in Physics with a minor in Mathematics. In the summer of 1999, after teaching for a few years in both Washington DC, and northern Virginia, George moved to Philadelphia, and started teaching Physics, Chemistry, and Math at The Crefeld School. After writing his thesis on Graduation by Exhibition, George earned his MA from Gratz College. George served as Assistant Head of School from 2007 to 2011, and was appointed Head of School in 2011. Recently, George earned a certificate in Non-Profit Financial Management from LaSalle University, and has begun his Doctoral work in Educational Leadership at Wilmington University. George is a proud father of his young son, and during his very rare free time, he enjoys traveling with his wife, Erica, and playing squash.

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