The Princeton Charter School strives to provide the highest quality teaching staff. All teachers are New Jersey state certified. In addition, all faculty hired since September 2011 must be New Jersey State residents.
Administration
Teachers and Instructional Aides
School Nurse
Facilities
- Patrick Byrne Facilities Director
Administrative Staff
Lunchroom Manager and Coach
E-Mail: Faculty and staff members have e-mail addresses at princetoncharter.org The pattern is first initial last name. A teacher named First Last would have e-mail address: flast@princetoncharter.org.
Teachers
Erinn Auletta teaches English at Princeton Charter School. Erinn is a passionate, lifelong learner and teacher. She is an advocate for all children and a skilled facilitator of an inclusive, invigorating, inquiry-based instructional partnership. In addition to a profound love of reading and writing, Erinn also practices yoga and maintains a healthy sense of humor. Prior to joining the PCS team, Erinn taught a variety of upper elementary and middle school grades for many years in the Clinton Township School District in New Jersey. She graduated with a BA in German from Douglass College, Rutgers University and is both a certified and Highly Qualified teacher of Language Arts and Social Studies in Grades K-8. Email: eauletta
Anna Burd has been teaching Physical and Health Education since 2013 and has been teaching and coaching at PCS since 2019. She graduated from The College of New Jersey in 2013 and immediately set out to teach overseas in Italy for a year. She then moved to Myrtle Beach, SC, moved after a couple of years to Washington, D.C. to teach at her second international school, and finally moved back to her hometown in New Jersey to continue her teaching career. Throughout Anna’s different experiences, she was able to teach grade levels ranging from preschool through sophomores in high school. She created a field hockey program in DC, led a varsity soccer team to their first ever division championship, revamped multiple field days for all students, started a school spirit tradition, and coached the following: field hockey, basketball, lacrosse, and soccer. In her free time, Anna enjoys traveling, hanging out with friends, eating (not cooking), working out, singing, and listening to true crime podcasts.Email:aburd
Aaron Burt teaches 3rd – 5th grade mathematics at Princeton Charter School. He coaches the PCS cross-country, basketball, lacrosse teams, and is a co-director of the Hawks Summer Game Camp and Hawks Youth Winter Basketball program. Before joining the PCS staff, he was the sports director at the Princeton Family YMCA, worked for Head Start in Albuquerque, NM, and was a Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA) for the Washoe Tribe in Nevada/California. Mr. Burt was co-founder and former executive director of Princeton Girls Lacrosse (PG Lax). He currently sits on the Princeton Board of Parks and Recreation Commission. Mr. Burt earned his Bachelor of Arts in sociology and social interaction at Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY and his teaching certificate from Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ. He is currently working on his master’s degree in education from the University of Maine. E-mail: aburt
Laura Celik teaches 7th and 8th grade Science at Princeton Charter School, and is a co-coach of the PCS middle school National Science Bowl team. She also worked at PCS for the 2003-2004 school year, assisting several classes and coordinating the after-school program. Outside of PCS, she taught seventh grade science and technology classes and served as an advisor at Julia Morgan School for Girls in Oakland, California and also worked as an environmental engineer. Laura earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and Master of Engineering in Environmental Engineering from Princeton University. E-mail: lcelik
Brian J. Ciuffreda has been known since 2003 for giving his students countless “opportunities” in science at PCS. His students are continually challenged to think at a high level and to make sure they understand how and why things are related. Mr. Ciuffreda also directs the PCS Jazz Ensemble, is the advisor for the school’s Operation Smile club, and is the school coordinator for the President’s Volunteer Service Awards. He coaches the PCS Girls Basketball Team and has captained a Special Olympics Polar Plunge team since 2016. In 2022, Mr. Ciuffreda co-founded Stomp Out Cancer, and published his first book in 2023. He has presented multiple times at both the National Science Teachers Association convention and the New Jersey Science Teachers Association convention. Mr. Ciuffreda currently serves on the Board of The Elixir Fund and the Lawrence Township Junior Baseball / Softball Association. He was recognized as the Operation Smile Student Programs Educator of the Year in 2018. He came to PCS with a varied background in teaching and business, including work in personality assessment and human resource consulting. Mr. Ciuffreda earned his B.A. degree with honors in biology and music from Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania and earned his Master of Science in Education in Learning Design and Technology from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. E-mail: bciuffreda
Alma Deinstadt teaches Spanish and History at Princeton Charter School. Her goal is to impart her passion and excitement for learning to her students. Before coming to PCS, Mrs. Deinstadt worked at the Princeton YMCA as director of the childcare and preschool program. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and certification in Elementary Education from Kean University in New Jersey. Mrs. Deinstadt earned a Masters of Arts degree in Counseling with a concentration in Marriage and Family from Pillar College in New Jersey, where she served as Secretary of the student government. E-mail: adeinstadt
Sonia Dellas teaches French at Princeton Charter School. She is from Aix en Provence —a beautiful college town situated in the south of France that was also home to Paul Cézanne. She is proud of her North African Algerian heritage as well. Before coming to Princeton Charter School, Mme. Dellas taught French in international schools and in the United States. She obtained her bachelor’s degree [LLCER (Foreign Languages, Literature,and Civilisations)with a major in English and French as a Foreign Language] from the University of Aix en Provence. She loves to travel, to cook, to hike and to do art work as a hobby. Email:sdellas
Marie Devlaminck studied at the Institut d’Architecture in Tournai, Belgium and earned a diplôme d’architecte with distinction. This was followed by two years at Cornell University where she earned a Masters of Arts. Mme Devlaminck has worked as an architect for 8 years and is a licensed architect in New Jersey. After a few years of volunteering as the President of the Association Francophone de Princeton, AFdP, she started a French conversation class in 2005 that still meets every month. She and her husband remain active members of the AFdP. Before coming to Princeton Charter School she taught French at Stuart Country Day School for two years. Both her sons graduated from PCS. Mme Devlaminck is passionate about teaching “la langue de Molière” with the goal to make her students fluent in French, less ethnocentric and better citizens of the world.E-mail: mdevlaminck
Arthur Eisenbach is excited to be returning to Princeton as a mathematics teacher for the 5th through 8th grades. He last lived in Princeton as an undergraduate at the University, where he earned his degree in psychology. After spending several decades working in the private sector in financial services marketing, he became a New York City Teaching Fellow In 2008, and has taught middle school mathematics in several highly rated public schools. He has a law degree from Rutgers and a masters degree in mathematics education from City College. Email: aeisenbach
Constanza Ferro Sra. Ferro teaches World Language/Spanish in K-2. She is a native Spanish speaker. After completing high school and college in Argentina, Sra. Ferro went on to earn her MBA from The University of Chicago. She was an assistant professor at universities in both Buenos Aires and The University of Chicago. At the latter she taught Spanish for Business. Additionally, Sra. Ferro has been a substitute teacher for the Princeton Public Schools for the last 5 years. This role has included teaching Spanish at the high school and World Language/Spanish at Community Park (“CP”). She also worked as an Instructional Assistant in the 2nd grade Dual Language Immersion Program at CP.Email: cferro
Adriana Gaissert Email:agaissert
Monica Gonzalez is a paraprofessional in the Elementary School, and assists in our After School Program. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management and Tourism from Universidad Regiomontana in Monterrey, Mexico. Although she studied in another area, Monica found her way into the field of Education 6 years ago; she has enjoyed every second of it. She values the creativity and uniqueness of every child, and seeks to help them succeed in school. Monica has made great memories at PCS, and hopes to continue making many more.
Cheryl Horan is a Special Education Teacher who has taught preschool through high school aged students for more than 25 years. She earned a BS in Education, magna cum laude, from Worcester State College in Massachusetts, where she was inducted into Kappa Delta Pi, an International Honor Society in Education. She earned her special education certification from New Jersey City University. Cheryl loves to create environments where her students feel comfortable to share their ideas, ask questions, and make mistakes. She teaches students to learn from their mistakes and encourages them to strive toward and exceed their goals. Cheryl enjoys supporting her students on their learning journeys. Email: choran
Miguel Iñiguez teaches the in-school and after-school chess classes at Princeton Charter School. He engages students in the game, first teaching them to love playing chess, then leading them to problem solving. Everywhere he teaches, the interest in chess playing increases. He has been a chess instructor for elementary-school students in New York City and in Princeton for many years. He has directed summer chess camps, instructed chess teachers, and coached winning chess teams. E-mail: miniguez
Daniel Johnsen teaches mathematics, science, and physical education at Princeton Charter School. He loves working with children, helping them reach their full potential. Mr. Johnsen joined the PCS staff in 2001 as a tutor, and became a teacher in 2003. Before he came to PCS, he worked for two years as an intern with the Princeton Evangelical Fellowship, teaching, advising, and organizing events for Princeton University students. Mr. Johnsen has experience as a youth-group advisor for grades 6-8, a Sunday-school teacher for grades 1-8, and as a peer leader for high-school freshmen. He is interested in cross-cultural experiences; he spent six years of his life in West Africa, one year in Quebec, Canada, where he attended an all-French school, and one month each in Sevilla Spain, and Haiti. Mr. Johnsen earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Molecular Biology at Princeton University. E-mail: djohnsen
Kelly-Lynn (Kat) Kelly has been a teacher for over 25 years in the USA and internationally and teaches third grade English language arts and reading. Prior to PCS, she taught students with learning differences at The Pennington School. She has also been a varsity cheerleading coach, drama club and chess club director. Earlier in her career, she taught grades ranging from preK-adults in every subject in five different states, South Korea and Sweden. She has implemented different teaching methods, styles and has a range of experience in Montessori, public, and private school settings. Mrs. Kelly is a graduate from the University of Delaware with a BA in History. Kat is a dual citizen of the U.S.A. and Sweden and raised her three children abroad. She loves teaching, traveling and incorporating her passion for life and learning in all her lessons. She lives in Lambertville with her husband Tim, her daughter Mia who is graduating college this year, Vinny, her dog, and chickens. She loves gardening, live music, hiking, and anything outdoors including reading books in a hammock.Email: kkelly
Sabina Khachatrian teaches mathematics and computer science to upper-school students at Princeton Charter School. She applies her deep mathematical knowledge to help students develop a clear understanding of algebraic and geometric concepts. Her students love the quiet smile that rewards them for their hard work. Before joining the PCS staff, she taught mathematics at The Doris Eaton School in Walnut Creek, California, and at St. Thomas the Apostle School in Chicago, Illinois. She also taught mathematics and computer science in Yerevan, Armenia for nine years. Ms. Khachatrian earned her M.S. and undergraduate degree at Polytechnic University in Yerevan, Armenia. E-mail: skhachatrian
Sue Kushner is the Head of Counseling Services for all grade levels at Princeton Charter School. She is also the Anti- Bullying Coordinator. Prior to joining the PCS staff, she worked for many years as a School Counselor and Peer Leadership advisor for agencies, high schools, middle schools and elementary schools in Princeton and NYC. She holds a license as a Professional Counselor (LPC) and she is a registered yoga teacher for adults and children. She is currently working toward her certificate as a Mindfulness Meditation Teacher. Her counseling goal is to provide students and families with the skills to manage the stress and challenges of life so that they feel resilient rather than overwhelmed. She offers resources to students and families in the areas of school success, anxiety, impulse control, grief and loss, friendship issues and lifestyle changes. She received her B.A. from the University of Michigan and her M.A. in Applied Psychology from New York University. Sue has two grown daughters. E-mail: skushner
Wes Laga is excited to be a part of the incredible community at PCS. He hails from Bergen County, NJ but is so glad to have made Central Jersey his home. He teaches 3rd-8th grade theatre and runs the after school drama program as well. He received his BFA in theatre arts from Five Towns College and his Masters in Educational Theatre from The City College of New York. When he’s not teaching, he works as a DJ and loves to spend time with his wife and daughter. Mr. Laga is also the co-founder and VP of Full Circle Theatre Collective, a non-profit theatre company that he founded with two of his closest friends. Before he worked at PCS, he taught in NYC private schools for six years, and has worked as a teaching artist in the tri-state area since 2018. Mr. Laga, in his spare time, also enjoys traveling, discovering new restaurants with his wife, tennis, soccer, video games, playwriting, D&D or any TTRPG, going to music festivals, acting & directing Email: wlaga
Stephanie LaMont is the kindergarten teacher at Princeton Charter School. She is a graduate of Rider University, where she earned her BA in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, and American Studies. She is also certified to teach Special Education. She enjoys providing her young students with a nurturing, yet challenging academic curriculum. Dedicated to teaching the early concepts of literacy and mathematics, her students develop the foundational skills needed to become lifelong learners. In 2008-2009, Stephanie was a supplemental teacher and after school program coordinator at Princeton Charter School. Since fall of 2009, she has been teaching kindergarten. E-mail: slamont
Karen Leahy teaches World Language and ESL at Princeton Charter School. She is a native Spanish speaker from Puerto Rico. The daughter of a diplomat, she has lived in Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. In addition to Spanish and English, Karen speaks fluent French and conversational German. She is a published translator, both literary and non-fiction. In the fall of 2019, two of her play translations were chosen by the Embassy of Spain in Washington, DC to showcase contemporary Spanish theater. Among her non-fiction works is the publication of accounts of the working conditions in the Free Trade Zones in Latin America. Karen is passionate about anything related to language and culture and thus enjoys sharing her experiences with students of all ages. She is excited to have the opportunity to impart her love of language-learning to the youngest students through storytelling, games, and songs and other tools of comprehensible input. She graduated with a BA from Smith College and has studied at the Université de Paris in France and the Dresdener Technische Universitat in Germany. She holds a MA in Spanish from Rutgers where she has taught intermediate Spanish and culture. Additionally, Ms. Leahy completed the two-year professional actor-training program at the Maggie Flanigan Studio in New York City. Email: kleahy
Jeff Madia teaches third grade mathematics and physical education at the lower and upper schools at Princeton Charter School and serves as the school’s Assistant Athletic Director. He started the Golf Club for grades 3-8 and coaches the soccer, junior varsity basketball, and volleyball teams. Before starting his teaching career, Mr. Madia worked in the family printing business for 9 years before earning his degree in Physical Education with an emphasis in Sports Management from Coastal Carolina University in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where he was the assistant softball coach for three years while attending C.C.U. Mr. Madia believes that all students should have an enjoyable school day and a smile on their face as they learn. Email: jmadia
Kalpana Mehta teaches history at Princeton Charter School. She is a skills-based teacher who strives to help her students connect to the world they are in today. She teaches historical skills such as analysis, critical thinking, research, debating, reasoning, and understanding chronology amongst others. Prior to coming to PCS she taught at Princeton Friends School for 5 years. She also taught history in London England for 10 years at a high school level. Her undergraduate studies were in English and History at the University of Exeter, England. She has a post graduate degree in teaching and holds a certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Her love for history is evident; she seeks to inspire her students to be curious and interested in this subject too. Email: kmehta
Joannie Miles has been a teacher for over 20 years and teaches third grade English language arts and reading. She comes to us via Springside Chestnut Hill Academy outside of Philadelphia, where she taught first grade for 9 years. Joannie received her Bachelor’s degree in English and her Master’s in Education from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. She is also the Evaluations Coordinator for Penn Literacy Network at the Graduate School of Education at University of Pennsylvania. Joannie and her husband have 4 children who are in various stages of leaving the nest. Her hope for her students is the same as it is for her children – that they love learning and become lifelong readers.
Michele Miller joined the PCS faculty in 2018. She teaches 8th Grade English, and is a fully certified teacher with experience teaching grades 6 through 11 in public, private, as well as boarding school settings. She also coaches the middle school soccer team, and has a great deal of pride in her 8B homeroom! Ms. Miller is a voracious reader who brings her genuine love of literature to her classes every day. In the words of Stephen King, she encourages her students to “go toward all the life there is with all the courage you can find and all the belief you can muster. Be true, be brave, stand.” Ms. Miller earned a BA in English from Ursinus College, where she was inducted into the international English honors society, Sigma Tau Delta. Email: mmiller
David Myers – Language Arts: faculty member since 2002. In the 1980s, before coming to the Princeton Charter School, Mr. Myers was a foreign correspondent and stringer in Latin America for a variety of international news organizations. Upon leaving Latin America in 1991, he enrolled in the Ph.D. program in English literature at Rutgers University. However ,while he was still working on his dissertation, he became a father and, in 1998, accepted a position as an acquisitions editor at Rutgers University Press, where he worked until just before coming to PCS. His experience in teaching (most definitely his final career!) includes posts as instructor of English Literature and Composition at Rutgers University from 1993 to 1997; as leader and instructor in Limon, Costar Rica, of the Rutgers University summer abroad program; as a seminar leader at the Institute for Central American Studies in San José, Costa Rica; and as a senior teacher and curriculum supervisor at the International Language Institute, also in San José. Mr. Myers earned his Bachelor of Arts from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, and his Master of Arts from Rutgers University. In teaching at PCS, Mr. Myers strives to ensure that his middle-school students leave his class as more accomplished writers than those over whose work he tore out his hair at the college level! E-mail: dmyers
Jeanne Nahan , Music K – 8: faculty member since 1998. She completed her senior year of high school studying music at Carnegie Mellon University. She is a graduate of The Boston Conservatory with a B.M. in Piano Performance. Jeanne continued her studies at Boston University for music education certification. Prior to coming to NJ, Ms. Nahan taught middle and high school music in Florida, provided piano accompaniment for summer choral camps at University of Miami, while maintaining her private voice and piano studio. She established traditions: annual concerts, talent shows, musicals, orchestra, jazz ensemble, ukulele class, etc. Ms. Nahan seeks to ensure that all students have an opportunity for a joyful musical experience being part of an ensemble. Through the years she continued her education attending clinics at Westminster Choir College, NJMEA via The College of NJ, and Orff chapter workshops. Jeanne presented workshops for the NJMEA state conferences. Her first session entitled, Why Not Opera? focused on teaching middle school students about the world of opera through carefully planned instruction and performance. Her second session entitled, Reading is Music to My Ears, described the creative ways that the music class supports and enhances the elementary reading program for grades K – 2. In addition to general music, she leads the Preparatory Band and Orchestra, Piano ensemble, and Elementary 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8 choirs. “Having a major influence on the creation and direction of the PCS music program has been a most rewarding musical journey and achievement.” E-mail: jnahan
Mark Papp eachers physical and health education to all grade levels at Princeton Charter School. Before coming to PCS, Mr. Papp taught physical and health education at both Abrams Hebrew Academy in Yardley, Pennsylvania and at Trenton Community Charter School in Trenton New Jersey. Along with teaching classes, he also coaches both boys basketball and coed volleyball. Mr. Papp is a graduate of Temple University where he earned an undergraduate degree in physical and health education. He also holds a master’s degree from Gwynedd Mercy University in educational administration. Mr. Papp feels extremely fortunate to be a teacher at a school with such a wonderful community. He loves working with all grades levels as he is able to both welcome new students to PCS as kindergartners and watch them graduate at the end of eighth grade. When Mr. Papp is not at PCS, he can be found kayaking along the Neshaminy Creek, hiking, or on the golf course. Mr. Papp lives in Fallsington, Pennsylvania with his wife, Sonja and their two children, Jonathan and Emily. E-mail: mpapp
Lacey Plichta teaches second grade at Princeton Charter School. Lacey earned her BA in Psychology from Middlesex County College/Rutgers College and her Ed.M in Special Education from the Rutgers Graduate School of Education. Her teaching experience includes: a combined Kindergarten/First grade class, and a Third/Fourth/Fifth grade combined special education class. In addition she is an adjunct professor at Middlesex County College. Lacey is also recognized as a NJ STARS Trustee Ambassador. As an educator, Lacey believes it is of the utmost importance to make learning exciting and interesting. She is excited to be a part of PCS and looks forward to working with your children! E-mail: lplichta
Katrina Rakowski is PCS’s art teacher, and teaches all grades K-8. She graduated from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts with a Certificate in Painting in 2005, earning several awards for her artwork while in attendance including the Rohm and Haas Purchase Prize. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Pennsylvania where she concentrated on Art History, Psychology, and Spanish. Ms. Rakowski earned her Master’s in Education and a teacher certification at the rigorous Art Education program at the Tyler School of Art where she graduated with distinction for her thesis work. In addition to teaching in a school setting, Ms. Rakowski has spent the better part of two decades teaching at art and nature centers in and around Philadelphia including The Fleisher Art Memorial, Fresh Artists (where she was instrumental in molding and planning the first outdoor Philadelphia Flower Show’s children monumental bird art display), Perkins Center for the Arts, The Schuylkill Center, Mural Arts, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, and more. Besides teaching art, Ms. Rakowski’s interests include creating and maintaining community gardens, birding, volunteering for bird rehabilitation, walking, music, all-things nature, and reading. She is an avid, lifelong lover of birds and a life member/past speaker for the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club of the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. Ms. Rakowski’s personal artwork explores the intersections of art, ornithology, gender, and history.
Nicole Regina teaches first grade at Princeton Charter School.She received her Bachelors from Montclair State University in Family and Child Studies with a concentration in families, children, and school settings, as well as a K-6 teaching certificate in Elementary Education. She earned a Masters in Special Education from Georgian Court University. Prior to joining Princeton Charter School, Miss Regina was a kindergarten special education teacher for four years. She enjoys working with children and supporting their learning needs, while helping them learn and grow in a safe and welcoming environment. Email: nregina
Katelyn Schmitt (O’Hara) teaches history at Princeton Charter School. She strives to share her passion for understanding the world with her students through learning activities that stimulate students’ analytical and higher reasoning skills. Prior to coming to PCS, she taught history for three years at Brockton High School in Brockton, MA. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in History with minors in Education and Art History from Stonehill College in Massachusetts. Katelyn also earned her Masters of Education from Boston University’s International Educational Development Program, in which she studied the use of education in global development work and service-learning in American public schools. Katelyn also worked as a Teaching Fellow at Boston University to train teachers in the Teach for America program. At PCS she has also coached field hockey and facilitated the Service Corps program. E-mail: kschmitt
Carter Serxner teaches history and geography courses at Princeton Charter School. She is a versatile teacher with experience teaching history, mathematics, and physical education. She is also an Outdoor Education instructor and an athlete who runs marathons. From 1996 to 1998 she taught mathematics and history at the Sewickley Academy in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. Prior to that she taught at the Foote School in New Haven, Connecticut. She has also coached soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, softball, and basketball. Ms. Serxner received a Bachelor of Arts in History from Connecticut College in New London, Connecticut and a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in History from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. E-mail: cserxner
Alicia Testa teaches Computer Science and Mathematics in grades 5 through 8. She received her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physics Secondary Education from East Stroudsburg University, and Masters of Education in Instructional Media and STEM from Wilkes University, both in Pennsylvania. She has been teaching in both public and private schools since 1998. She enjoys helping students learn how to problem solve, code, utilize technology, and innovate through the design thinking process. Email: atesta
Katie Tolento is a dedicated second-grade teacher at PCS, now bringing her expertise back to her native New Jersey. Before returning home, Ms. Tolento lived in Tampa, Florida, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Tampa. Her teaching journey began in Northern Ireland and subsequently led her to teach 4th and 5th grade math and science at a charter school in Tampa. In addition to her classroom roles, she served as a gifted education coordinator and cheerleading coach in Florida. Ms. Tolento is passionate about setting high expectations for her students and fostering their growth in responsibility and citizenship. Her favorite subject is math! E-mail: ktolento
Martha Toma Martha Toma’s French language and literature classes immerse students in the French language and culture. She encourages students to increase and to practice their vocabulary daily. Her students’ work on French grammar strengthens their English grammar skills. Ms. Toma has taught French language and literature to children of all ages. She has researched foreign language capabilities in children and has taught a course in French language and culture designed for children from ages four to twelve. Ms. Toma holds an M.A. in French Language and Literature from the Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, a Bachelor of Arts in French Language and Literature from New York University, and a General Studies Diploma from the University of Paris -Sorbonne. E-mail: mtoma
Stacey Trenholm teaches 4th and 5th grade English at Princeton Charter School. Before coming to PCS, she was a teacher in the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District and taught piano in the Princeton area. She also taught 4th grade in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Over the past few years, Mrs. Trenholm has participated in several professional development institutes and programs through Columbia University’s Teachers College Reading and Writing Project. She earned her undergraduate degree in Government and Russian Studies from the College of William and Mary and her Master’s of Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Email: strenholm
Amy Vallone is the literacy specialist at Princeton Charter School. She is a graduate of Quinnipiac University, CT, where she earned her BA in Psychology and Masters in Elementary Education. She is a certified Orton Gillingham Instructor and has completed many post-graduate classes at both Rider and Rutgers University. She enjoys encouraging her students to become high-level thinkers and creative writers. Previously, Mrs. Vallone taught first and second grade in schools across New Jersey. E-mail: avallone
Sam Vogel hails from Boston, MA and studied environmental science at Skidmore College. As a 3rd and 4th grade science teacher, he enjoys exploring science with his students. In his second year at PCS, he is also earning his MEd. through Northeastern University’s online program. Email: svogel
KP Weseloh teaches a 4th-grade reading class and works as an academic aide and coach at PCS. Before joining Charter, KP taught at Stuart Country Day School and the American Boychoir School. Before moving to New Jersey, she taught middle school English and ran a school-wide Gifted Education Enrichment Program in Minneapolis. She received her BA in English and Secondary Education from The College of St. Catherine and her M.Ed. from Rutgers University. With extensive training in special education, gifted education, and ADHD coaching, KP is passionate about helping students discover how they learn and teaching them how to develop bridges and strategies from new knowledge to new skills. Her four sons attended PCS, and she is a former PCS board member. In her spare time, she loves to spontaneously try new things. Email:kweseloh
Margaux Wisniewski is a special education teacher who is also a specialist in Orton-Gillingham instruction. Previously, she taught basic skills at Princeton Public Schools, and was also a special education instructor at Titusville Academy. Additionally, Ms. Wisniewski co-founded a children’s enrichment learning center where she taught elementary Spanish for five years. She enjoys volunteering in the children’s ministry at her church, where she previously worked as the Assistant Children’s Director. She possesses four teacher certifications: Elementary School Teacher, Supplementary Instruction in Reading and Math, Teacher of Students with Disabilities, and English as a Second Language. She earned her Masters Degree in Special Education with Distinction and her Bachelor of Arts, Summa Cum Laude in Liberal Studies at Rider University.E-mail: mwisniewski
Kelsey Yoast teaches Kindergarten at Princeton Charter School. With nine years of teaching experience, Kelsey Yoast brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to her role as a Kindergarten teacher. Kelsey holds a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from Sonoma State University, and is proud to have earned her Wilson Level 1 certification, which enhances her ability to support early literacy development. Her career spans both special education and general education settings, equipping her with a versatile approach to teaching. Passionate about creating a supportive and engaging classroom environment, Kelsey is dedicated to helping her young students lay a strong foundation for their future academic success. Email: kyoast
Ralitsa Zaharieva joined PCS in 2007. She taught grades 5-8 under different curricula. She developed an intensive curriculum for a beginning 3rd grade class, and was involved in teaching 4th grade. Besides being trained as a linguist, she believes in the power of humanities and interdisciplinary connections. She started the program with the Princeton University Art Museum for the 8th grade milestone, and provides many extracurricular opportunities for her students. She produces yearly concerts and plays for 3rd and 4th graders. Her students win numerous national awards. Prior to PCS, Mme Zaharieva taught French in private schools in the Princeton and Long Island area. She was the sole French instructor for the Princeton Adult School and adjunct Professor in the College of NJ and Westminster Choir College. Upon graduation from the prestigious Lycée français in Sofia, Bulgaria, she was admitted in the five year M.A. program in French philology with dissertation in the University of Sofia. As a fellow of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Paris, she earned a degree in business from l’ Institut Européen de Management International and pursued graduate studies in La Sorbonne. A lifelong learner, she continues to take all kinds of classes. She is an active participant in the Princeton University Program of Teacher Preparation. She speaks five languages and is an avid traveler. For over twenty years she has been a Princeton resident, and is a proud parent of two college age sons. E-mail: rzaharieva
Victoria Zerambo is a kindergarten instructional aide at Princeton Charter School. She is a dedicated and enthusiastic educator with a passion for teaching and helping students maximize their potential. She is committed to the social, emotional, academic, and personal growth of all students. She is a graduate from Rider University where she received a BA in Elementary Education and Psychology. She is certified to teach Elementary, Special and Early Childhood Education. Email: vzerambo
Administration
Larry Patton is the Head of School and teaches English at Princeton Charter School. From 1999-2008 he was the Head of the Middle School at Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn, New York. While there, he taught seventh grade, ninth grade, Junior/Senior English, became a middle-school Dean, and coached varsity lacrosse. Before he became a teacher, he worked for two years for a commercial bank in New York City. Mr. Patton earned his Bachelor of Arts in English at Dartmouth College, pursued graduate studies in literature and writing at Wesleyan University, and earned a Masters Degree in Education from Harvard University. E-mail: lpatton
Lisa Eckstrom is the Assistant Head of School, 5-8 and a seventh grade English teacher at Princeton Charter School. Before joining Princeton Charter School, Lisa served as Head of School at The American Boychoir School from 2011-2013 and as Chair of the English Department and as a tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade English teacher from 2004-2011 at Stuart Country Day School. From 1987–2003, Ms. Eckstrom was a lecturer for the departments of English, Comparative Literature, and Romance Languages and for the Council of Humanities at Princeton University. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in Philosophy and the History of Mathematics from Saint John’s College, Annapolis, Maryland and her Masters of Arts degree in Comparative Literature from Princeton University. E-mail: leckstrom
Michelle Dowling is the Assistant Head of School and is thrilled to be a part of the Princeton Charter community. She began her career in education as a Spanish and math teacher in NYC and has taught in all three divisions of a K-12 school. While pursuing her Master’s Degree at Bank Street College, she became Assistant Head of the Middle School at Trinity School, and later became the Head of the Upper School (grades 5-8) and Director of Placement at the Town School. Most recently, she served as the Head of Early Childhood and Lower School at Stuart Country Day School. While each age group offers challenging and exciting opportunities, the Lower School is where her heart lies. She is currently working on her doctorate in curriculum and teaching with an emphasis on delivering the best academic, social, and emotional programming for elementary school students. E-mail: mdowling.
Administrative Staff
Kelly Byrne is an Administrative Assistant to the Head of School, and runs the office in the K-4 building. She is also the school’s admissions coordinator. E-mail: kbyrne
Sally Simpson has been the administrative assistant and registrar for grades 5-8 since 2016. Prior to coming to Princeton Charter, she was the administrative assistant for the high school at Stuart Country Day School for 8 years. Previously she was the Assistant Director of Computer training for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. Sally has a BA in Economic and Business Administration from Hillsdale College. Email: ssimpson
Facilities