This year several new teachers have joined the OLSH faculty, there are new support staff members, and some current staff have moved into new roles after some department restructuring.
Mrs. Kimberly Avery will teach art. She brings with her a wealth of experience in art and other online education. Mrs. Avery has a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Applied Media Arts with a concentration in Animation, and a minor in Art History from Edinboro University and a Masters of Arts in Education and an Education Technology Certificate from the University of Phoenix Online. Mrs. Avery has experience teaching at several universities, the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, and Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Talented Youth. She is also an OLSH parent and is excited to work with the students this year.
Ms. Julia Koltas will teach advanced math classes this year. Ms. Koltas has a Bachelor of Science degree with University Honors in Mathematical Sciences from Carnegie Mellon University and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Math from Notre Dame of Maryland University. Ms. Koltas recently taught at a Catholic high school in Maryland before relocating back to the Pittsburgh area.
Senorita Madyson Simmers is the newest OLSH Spanish teacher. Senorita Simmers graduated Magna Cum Laude from Duquesne University with a B.A. in Spanish and will graduate from Duquesne this spring with her Masters of Arts in Teaching of World Languages with an ESL certificate. She is excited to jump into her first year of teaching and is looking forward to getting involved in extracurricular activities and events at OLSH!
OLSH has received support from the Allegheny Intermediate Unit in the form of education professionals who work at our school, serving our students. This year, Mrs. Danielle Caudillo (formerly Miss White) returns as a Reading Specialist to work part time in the OLSH Writing & Learning Center. Mrs. Kathy Wassum will serve OLSH students full time as the main teacher for the OLSH Advanced Learning & Leadership Initiative (ALLI) program. Mrs. Wassum is a Reading Specialist and Remedial Math Teacher and she holds a B.S. in both Elementary and Special Education and an M.Ed. in Reading from Slippery Rock University. She spent time at OLSH briefly several years ago and is happy to be back working with our students. Ms. Michelle Griger will also be joining OLSH from the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, meeting with small groups of freshman students to facilitate a smooth transition to high school.
Some restructuring has taken place in the Advancement Office, resulting in new roles for two staff members. Miss Kate Manuel, who previously worked part time in the OLSH Main Office, is the new Advancement Office Coordinator. Miss Manuel will be working to support the various efforts of the Advancement office, particularly special events, and will be part of the teams leading the Student and Parent Ambassador groups. Miss Phoebe Kristek ‘13 is joining the Communications department as Communications Manager. Miss Kristek previously worked as Parent and Alumni Engagement Manager. She is excited to help to share the OLSH story while making sure parents and other constituents are well-informed throughout the school year.