Colleen Albanese, Pre School Teacher Mott 3 & 4 year olds. Colleen has been teaching since 1983. Her career at UFS started in 1993 when she became the After School Director. She has an associate’s degree in early childhood education and keeps current in her field by attending the DVAEYC conferences and related workshops. She works closely with the Admissions Director at UFS. Colleen loves and respects each and every child that she meets. The ability to understand and know what a child needs comes naturally to her. She is always willing to take the time to speak to a parent about concerns or thoughts about their child. Colleen and her husband, Greg, have two children and live in E. Greenville.
Shelly Bittman, Director of Development. Shelly has twenty years of experience in fundraising, public relations, event planning, volunteer management and publications. She has been at UFS since 2007. Prior to that, she worked at Buckingham Friends School, Rider University and Bucks County Community College. She holds an associate’s degree in liberal arts and a bachelor of science degree in management. She is dedicated to the mission of UFS and finds the volunteer parents to be a special part of the school. Shelly and her husband, Vic, have two grown children and live in Furlong.
Dearing Blankmann, Hollingshead Teacher and track coach. Dearing has been a member of the UFS faculty since 2007. She holds a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, sociology and psychology. Dearing and her husband, Michael, have two daughters, a UFS alumna and a current UFS student. They live in Kintnersville.
Brian Bohmueller, Fox Classroom Aide. Brian earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University. He is currently enrolled in Arcadia University's Education graduate program through which he has achieved a PA intern certification in the general sciences. Brian has taught student nature programs and led boat and bike trips for the Wildlife Conservancy in Emmaus; Brian has also taught classes at Buxmont Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship. Brian is an avid hiker, kayaker, biker, letterboxer and amateur astronomer; he enjoys reading and writing on diverse topics. Through teaching, Brian seeks to bring the beauty and awe of nature, the universe, and the human imagination into the classroom.
Margy Breiner, Grains and Greens Program Teacher. Margy has been with UFS since 2008. She has an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and an extensive background in working with young children including running a program in her home for ten years. Margie is also a yoga instructor and is dedicated to helping others grow mentally and physically. She takes pleasure in encouraging children to enjoy cooking and eating in a healthy fashion.
Carol Clemens, Penn Class Teacher. Carol has been teaching at UFS since 1987. Prior to that, she taught in other schools in Pennsylvania, Michigan and California. She taught nursery school in Coopersburg for twelve years. Carol has a bachelor’s degree in education, a master’s degree and certification as a reading specialist. She is a long-time member of the Palisades School Board serving as chair of the education programs and services committees. She is also a member of the Intermediate Unit Board since 1989. Carol travels extensively and brings items of interest back to the classroom, such as artifacts from Egypt, a menorah from Israel and a doll from Peru. She motivates students by finding activities and projects that excite them. She incorporates science and social studies into the daily language arts program. She also finds innovative ways to motivate students in math class. She loves and respects all her students. She lives in Coopersburg.
Nancy Donnelly, Head of School since 2007. Nancy first came to UFS as a classroom teacher with experience in both public and independent schools. She moved into administration while pursuing her principal’s certification and Master’s in Educational Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania. She participated in two leadership cohorts through Penn and the Friends Council on Education and continues to learn through workshops, conferences, and mentors. Nancy’s travels have taken her to the Canadian Arctic, Chile and Argentina, and, last year, to India for her second visit. She and her husband, Philip, live in Barto and are members of Unami Meeting. They have two daughters, UFS alumnae, who live in San Francisco.
Betsy Elliott, Learning Support Teacher. Betsy has been UFS learning support teacher since 2006. Prior to that, she has taught in both the Twin Cities and New York City, and Buckingham Friends School. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in child psychology and a master’s degree in education. Betsy has additional training in the Orton Gillingham methods for language learning and teaching dyslexic children. By observing and analyzing student needs, she is able to create new approaches to assist students in their learning. Betsy has two sons, both graduates of UFS, and lives in Sellersville.
Bill Evans, Facilities Manager. Bill is also a self-employed contractor specializing in carpentry, painting, masonry and landscaping. He has a passion for restoration and festive projects. Bill was previously employed at the Penn Foundation in Sellersville as Director of Maintenance and Safety. He was VP of West Point Amusement Park for 10 years. He also worked in the film industry as a grip and a gaffer. He has owned and operated three confectionery/ Häagen Dazs retail stores while operating a vegetarian restaurant. Bill attended George School and was a frequent attendee of Gwynedd Friends. He took courses at BCCC in hotel management and has taken accredited seminars at Penn State. Bill has traveled extensively throughout the US and Latin America. He is married for life to Marie, who is from Latin America. Bill has two sons, Rob 22 and Tyler 17. His interest and hobbies are reading, skiing, nature, beaches, dancing. He is a wannabe writer. Mottos are: Create beauty with function, Always be prepared and The show must go on.
Eileen Galla, Fox Class Teacher. Eileen has been at UFS since 1989 first as an aide for 5 years, then as a classroom teacher. Prior to coming to UFS, Eileen taught at St. Catherine School and St. John the Baptist. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education and graduate credits in learning disabilities. Eileen is PA and MA certified in elementary ed. She enjoys travel and parenting. By attending continuing education courses and workshops, Eileen brings new ideas to her classrooms. She and her husband, George, have one daughter and one son and live in Coopersburg.
Gloria Galvez, Spanish Teacher. Gloria began teaching at UFS in 2009. Prior to that, she taught at River Valley Elementary School. She started teaching in Toronto in 1996. She holds two masters’ degrees, one in education and one in educational psychology. Gloria has organized and participated in Spanish play groups and summer programs in Doylestown. She is always interested in applying new methods or techniques to the classroom. She loves her language and culture. She is a native of Lima, Peru and lives in Doylestown.
Louis Herbst, Physical Education, Middle School Social Studies, 6th Grade Math Teacher, After School Enrichment Program Coordinator and Summer Camp Director. Louis began teaching at UFS in 2005. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and Education, summa cum laude. He has been a guest lecturer at Arcadia University in international peace and conflict resolution and is founder of a non-profit that brings election material to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Louis sees his classroom as a studio and the students as professional social scientists. He believes in a student-centered classroom and encourages students to find their own meaning for what they are learning. He and his wife, Jennifer, have one son. They live in Quakertown.
Marie Knapp, Director of Admissions. Since, 2002 Marie has served as admissions director. Prior to that, Marie was a UFS preschool aide and began her involvement at UFS as a classroom parent in1997.She has her BS degree from Guilford College. Marie has a Quaker background on both sides of her family that dates back to the late 1680’s. She and her husband, Gary, have two daughters, both UFS alumnae. They reside in Milford, NJ.
Krista Knight, West Classroom Teaching Assistant. This is Krista’s first year at UFS. She holds a BA in Dramatic Performance Arts and will be pursuing her PA State Teaching Certificate next spring. In the past seven years, she has taught Middle and High School language arts as well as second grade in Virginia. Krista finds teaching to be a completion and blessing to her life. She believes that each child is unique.
Jackie Leasure, Mott Classroom Aide and Co-editor of the UFS yearbook. Jackie began her career at UFS as a parent volunteer and a classroom aide. She now enjoys working with UFS’s youngest students and brings her life experiences into the classroom. She enjoys gardening, yoga and reading. She and her husband, John, have one son who is a UFS alumnus. They live in Perkasie.
Kathy Leber, Middle School Science and Math and 1st Grade Math Teacher. Kathy has been a teacher at UFS since 1987. She has a BS in elementary and early childhood education and an M.S. in education with emphasis on environmental studies. She fills her summers with exciting postgraduate work and expeditions like The Governor’s Institute for Physical Science at Carnegie Mellon and Penn State’s Teaching Earth Systems Science Education, studying extremophiles in extreme ecosystems on a NASA expedition to Nevada, studying rainforest biodiversity in Monteverde, Costa Rica, and much more. She shares her passion for nature and her commitment to environmental education with her students by engaging them in stream and woodland studies, and bringing the outdoors into her classroom. She lives on the Unami Creek in Sumneytown with her husband Bob and her aging cockatiel and Rottweiler. Both of her grown children live on the west coast. Her son is a UFS alumnus. Kathy is a member of Unami Friends Meeting, where she teaches First Day School.
Daphne Naudascher, Middle School English Teacher and Co-editor of the UFS yearbook. Daphne holds a BS degree from the University of Kentucky and has PA certification. She began her involvement at UFS as a classroom parent in 1998. Daphne brings her love of learning through literature to her classroom. She leads lively discussions about literature that motivate her students when they write their own creative works. Daphne, her husband and two daughters live in Spinnerstown.
Sarai Nieves, West Class Teacher since 2007. Sarai taught at Brooklyn Friends, Bank Street, Head Start and Beginning with Children. She holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, a master’s degree in early childhood education and has done doctoral work in curriculum and teaching with an interest in early childhood, urban education and multiculturalism. She holds certification in early childhood and elementary education. Sarai brings a respect and appreciation of young children and their experience. She views the classroom as a wonderful studio space that offers children the opportunity to create and recreate their world. Sarai recognizes the social, cultural and historical context that we live and learn in and strives to create meaningful and joyful learning experiences for young children. She is bilingual and enjoys making the Spanish language and cultures a part of the classroom experience. She and her husband, Bill Hoblin, have twin sons and a daughter- all students at UFS. They reside in Pipersville.
Bob Reiff, Business manager. Bob began at UFS in the summer of 2009. His work experience includes vice president-mortgage servicing manager and assistant vice president-loan servicing manager at Sovereign Bank. Bob holds an associates degree in institutional management and a bachelor’s degree in finance. He is a former member of the UFS Board of Trustees and the Board of Directors , Foulkeways at Gwynedd. Bob is treasurer and a trustee of Abington Quarterly Meeting of Friends. He is married and has a grown daughter and a grown son. They reside in Douglassville. Bob is a member of Unami Meeting in Pennsburg.
Carol Robinson, Anthony Teacher. Carol began teaching at UFS in 2007 and has fourteen years teaching experience. She taught at Johnston Elementary School and various schools in England. Carol holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and has done graduate work at the master’s level in this country and abroad. Carol is a lifelong learner and has traveled to Europe and Africa. She is aware of children’s learning styles and embraces their differences. Carol provides a variety of challenging and interesting educational experiences and promotes respect within the classroom. She is married and has one daughter. They reside in Emmaus.
Andrea Santoro, Creative Arts Teacher. Andrea began at UFS in 2007. Prior to that, she taught at the James A. Michener Museum and the Google Center for Arts. She is a working artist as well as an art teacher. She holds a BA in Art Education and a certificate in Fine Arts in sculpture and printmaking. She has a love for the arts and her students. Each day, Andrea listens and learns from her students. Their sense of wonder always amazes her. She has one daughter who is a current UFS student. They reside in Doylestown.
Valeria Sgarlata, After School Program Director. Valeria started at UFS in 2009. Prior to that, she was a Spanish instructor at Souderton High School, Berlitz Argentina; and an English teacher at Colegio Mari Reina School. Valeria received her degree from the Universidad de BS AS in Argentina in Learning Methodology. She is a certified teacher in ESL and Spanish. Valeria brings her Argentinean point of view to the classroom. She is a patient person who really likes to listen to her students. She lives in Quakertown with her husband and baby daughter, Olivia.
Margaret Smith, Music teacher. Margaret has been at UFS since 2007 teaching after school music. Beginning in 2009 she became the school’s general music teacher. She holds a BS and MS in Music. Margaret taught in the Baltimore County Public School System. At UFS, she teaches all band and orchestra instruments, music history, theory, rehearse ensembles and voice. Her smile warms up the room and the children whom she teaches. Married to Ethan, they have 2 children who are current UFS students. The family resides in Quakertown.
Joyce Spangler, Counselor, School Psychologist. Joyce comes to us through Catapult Learning. She received a BS in psychology and certification as a school psychologist. Joyce has been a volunteer for Network Of Victims Assistance (NOVA). She is married to Bill and lives in Quakertown.
Jodi Stewart-Moore, Afters School Enrichment Program. Jodi began teaching Music Explorers, Choir, and Piano at UFS in 2008. She has taught in numerous educational settings from 1988-present (camps, day cares, religious institutions). She holds a B.A. degree from James Madison University and a M.A. from University of Florida. Jodi strives to make each child successful on their musical journey at their own pace and uses the pedagogy best suited to a student’s personality and unique learning style. Her belief is that piano and music instruction should be flexible....and FUN! She and her family live in Perkasie. Her son is a current UFS student.
Caronne Taylor-Bloom, Librarian, Teacher. Caronne has been at UFS since 1999. She has taught algebra, math, summer camp and library. Prior to that, Caronne taught in Allentown and Bethlehem. She has experience teaching in Headstart and preschool programs and in tutoring children outside of school. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and her MS in education, library and information technologies. Caronne is certified in K-6 and in Library Science K-12. She is an active member of Lehigh Valley Monthly Meeting. She facilitates professional development for fellow librarians at conferences and storytelling workshops for students. Caronne using her sense of humor, music and movement to spark interest and love of stories. She challenges students to think critically, to ask questions and to look for bias in using information. She promotes quality literature and quality sources for students’ personal enjoyment and academic needs. Married to Roger, they have 2 children. Their daughter is a current UFS student. They reside in Hellertown.
Joyce Weiss, Penn Classroom Aide. Joyce started at UFS in 2007. Prior to that, she taught in the Quakertown School District for 33 years. She earned an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. Joyce also completed 30 credits beyond her masters. She brings a love of reading to the classroom, patience and a genuine love for her students and school. She knows what it is like not to understand something and tries to use alternative teaching strategies to help her students learn. She lives in Quakertown.
Allie Wight, Office manager. Allie has been associated with UFS since 1995, starting as a parent volunteer. Prior to working at UFS, Allie worked in biological research at the University of Pennsylvania & Cornell and in sales for Encyclopedia Britannica. She is a graduate of Smith College. Allie loves traveling, the theater, opera and working at United Friends School. Married to John, they have a son and daughter, both alumni of UFS. They reside in Quakertown.