United Friends School has highly educated, qualified, progressive faculty and staff who are not only among the best in their field, but also committed to Quaker principles and practice. School Leadership Daena Berdougo Head of School dberdougo@unitedfriendsschool.org M.S. Education, Fordham University B.S. Business Management/Accounting, Keene State College Daena Berdougo is a champion of lifelong learning for herself and for her faculty and staff. She… More Daena Berdougo Head of School dberdougo@unitedfriendsschool.org M.S. Education, Fordham University B.S. Business Management/Accounting, Keene State College Daena Berdougo is a champion of lifelong learning for herself and for her faculty and staff. She has rich experience as an educator and school administrator with the ability to recognize challenges as opportunities for growth. Prior to her career in education, Daena spent several years working as a Derivatives Analyst at Bears Stearns in New York City. In pursuit of a more meaningful career working with children, she attended Fordham University’s Graduate School of Education. After receiving her Master’s degree, Daena taught in early childhood and elementary classrooms both in New York City and Philadelphia before becoming Head of Gwynedd Friends School. During her six years of leadership at Gwynedd Friends, Daena developed a deep connection to Quaker education. Her background in educational leadership includes work in strategic planning, finance, admissions, marketing, fundraising, and curriculum development. Daena serves as a Commissioner for the Pennsylvania Association of Independent School’s Commission for Accreditation and sits on the Finance Committee for The Friends Collaborative. Outside of work, Daena enjoys photography, traveling, pilates, running, and is always in training for her next half marathon. Her daughter is a current UFS Middle School student (class of ’23) and an alumna of Gwynedd Friends School. Ann Manta Associate Head of School, Quakerism amanta@unitedfriendsschool.org M.Ed. in Early Education, Montessori Certificate Ann studied at Chestnut Hill College where she earned an Early Childhood Education degree and Montessori Certification. Ann has… More Ann Manta Associate Head of School, Quakerism amanta@unitedfriendsschool.org M.Ed. in Early Education, Montessori Certificate Ann studied at Chestnut Hill College where she earned an Early Childhood Education degree and Montessori Certification. Ann has also completed extensive graduate work in reading from Temple University and Arcadia University. Prior to having children, Ann taught first through third grades in the Philadelphia School District. She began her tenure at Gwynedd Friends School first as a parent and then in 1999 she became a teacher in the preschool. She spent 22 years as the lead Kindergarten teacher and since 2017, she served as the Assistant Head of School. As a teacher she creates a nurturing classroom environment that inspires student’s love of learning. Ann has been long involved in the United Friends School community, first as an alum parent and then as a Trustee. She is an attender of Gwynedd Friends Meeting, is passionate about Quaker education, and has facilitated several Quaker practice and Meeting for Worship workshops for Friends Council on Education. Amy Wall Director of Admission Learning Support Coordinator awall@unitedfriendsschool.org B.S. Early Childhood Education, Lock Haven University B.S. Special Education, Lock Haven University Amy is an experienced educator and child enrichment specialist with a… More Amy Wall Director of Admission Learning Support Coordinator awall@unitedfriendsschool.org B.S. Early Childhood Education, Lock Haven University B.S. Special Education, Lock Haven University Amy is an experienced educator and child enrichment specialist with a lifelong passion for working with children. With a degree in Early Childhood and Special Education from Lock Haven University, Amy has honed her skills in teaching and child development. She began her teaching career in a summer Learning Support program and went on to teach Kindergarten at Selma Elementary in Johnston County, NC and Lincoln Heights Elementary, a magnet school, in Wake County, NC. Her dedication and commitment to child enrichment are further evident in her role as affiliate and program director of Stretch-n-Grow, a children’s enrichment program that she has been providing to children for over twenty years. Amy’s experience in education and child development is not limited to her teaching roles. She has also acted as an events coordinator and assistant to the director of The Boys and Girls Club of Clinton County showcasing her organizational skills and ability to work with children from diverse backgrounds. Over the past fifteen years, Amy has played an integral part of the UFS community, starting as a Stretch-n-Grow provider and then transitioning into the role of Physical Education teacher. After ten years of teaching, Amy took on the challenge of teaching Kindergarten, where she stayed for two years before taking on her current role. Amy’s deep love and appreciation for the United Friends School community is evident in her unwavering commitment to creating a nurturing and enriching environment for all families. In her role as Learning Support Coordinator, Amy is dedicated to providing the necessary resources and support for all students to reach their full potential. As Admissions Director, Amy is dedicated to ensuring that all families who join the UFS community feel welcomed, supported, and valued. Justin Wheeler Justin Wheeler, Director of Finance jwheeler@unitedfriendsschool.org Master of Public Policy, Duke University B.S. Yale University As United Friends School’s Director of Finance, Justin works with the leadership team to ensure UFS’s… More Justin Wheeler Justin Wheeler, Director of Finance jwheeler@unitedfriendsschool.org Master of Public Policy, Duke University B.S. Yale University As United Friends School’s Director of Finance, Justin works with the leadership team to ensure UFS’s financial health, compliance and sustainability and manages tuition, financial aid, and human resources. Justin was previously the Chief Financial Officer at Delaware Valley Friends School for five years. During his time at DVFriends, he developed the school’s long-term financial model and worked with the administrative team and Board of Trustees to grow the school’s enrollment through a strategic expansion of grade levels served. Prior to joining DV, Justin worked as CFO of a charter management organization serving 2,500 students in Trenton, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and Memphis. Earlier in his career, he taught high school English at independent schools in Pennsylvania and Florida. Justin holds an undergraduate degree from Yale University and a Masters in Public Policy from Duke University. His volunteer experience includes a six-year term as treasurer of the board of the Wissahickon Charter School in Philadelphia and three years of service on the PAISBOA board of directors, including a year as chair of the Services Corporation that oversees PAISBOA’s various purchasing consortia. In his free time, he races bikes and spends time with his wife and four children. Meurcie Zignoli ‘04 Director of Development and Operations mzignoli@unitedfriendsschool.org B.A., M.A. Art Therapy Meurcie joins the United Friends School administration as a proud alumna. Meurcie attended UFS from 1994 to 2004 before graduating to… More Meurcie Zignoli ‘04 Director of Development and Operations mzignoli@unitedfriendsschool.org B.A., M.A. Art Therapy Meurcie joins the United Friends School administration as a proud alumna. Meurcie attended UFS from 1994 to 2004 before graduating to continue her education at Souderton Area High School and then on to Marywood University in Scranton, PA for both undergraduate and graduate school. Meurcie graduated from Marywood with a Masters of Art in Art Therapy in 2015. Meurcie’s interest in art therapy was inspired by her UFS art teacher, Stacie. Meurcie went on to work in Higher Education for several years, most recently at Rutgers University overseeing a Student Support team, utilizing her background in mental health to work with students in need of crisis support and special accommodations. In 2019, Meurcie joined the Board of Trustees at United Friends to remain involved with the school and to give back to the United Friends community. Meurcie stepped away from the Board in spring of 2022 to pursue the opportunity to serve UFS as the new Director of Development and Operations. Meurcie, her husband Darrin, and their cat and dog reside in New Jersey where Darrin serves his community as a professional firefighter. In her spare time, Meurcie is an avid skier, mountain-biker, and stand-up paddler. She also feeds her love of the arts through art making, attending concerts, and enjoying theater performances whenever possible. Faculty Delilah Maestri '00 Preschool Lead (Mott Class) dmaestri@unitedfriendsschool.org M.Ed. Early Childhood Education, Hunter College B.F.A. Emerson College After living in New York City, Delilah returned to United Friends School (alumna ’00), with several years… More Delilah Maestri '00 Preschool Lead (Mott Class) dmaestri@unitedfriendsschool.org M.Ed. Early Childhood Education, Hunter College B.F.A. Emerson College After living in New York City, Delilah returned to United Friends School (alumna ’00), with several years of rich teaching experience from early childhood programs located in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Delilah fosters a classroom environment that allows for creative and expressive teaching and learning. Delilah lives with her husband Nicholas, her dog Mr. Sandwiches, and two cats on a farm in Pennsburg. She spends her free time cooking, gardening, swimming, and enjoying art and music. Nicole Johanson Preschool Assistant (Mott Class) njohanson@unitedfriendsschool.org B.A. History, The College of Saint Elizabeth A.A. Early Childhood Education, Raritan Valley Community College Nicole has worked with children of all ages, ranging from infants… More Nicole Johanson Preschool Assistant (Mott Class) njohanson@unitedfriendsschool.org B.A. History, The College of Saint Elizabeth A.A. Early Childhood Education, Raritan Valley Community College Nicole has worked with children of all ages, ranging from infants up to elementary, both in after school programs and daycare. Nicole loves to explore the arts with children and express creativity in teaching and learning. She moved to Quakertown four years ago with her husband Matthew, her dog Elvis (and has since adopted Elvis’ sisters) and cat Iris. She spends her free time hiking with her dogs, crocheting, painting, baking, and cooking for her friends and family. Kasey Gallagher First / Second Grade kgallagher@unitedfriendsschool.org B.S.ED Early Childhood Education, Duquesne University Kasey Gallagher graduated from Duquesne University in 2018 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She is currently pursuing… More Kasey Gallagher First / Second Grade kgallagher@unitedfriendsschool.org B.S.ED Early Childhood Education, Duquesne University Kasey Gallagher graduated from Duquesne University in 2018 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She is currently pursuing a masters degree in Reading and Literacy from Point Park University. Kasey taught Kindergarten for three years in Pittsburgh before moving to Philadelphia, where she taught second grade for two years. Kasey enjoys teaching the primary grades and helping students develop a lifelong love of reading. When she isn’t reading for grad school, she’s enjoys reading for fun, looking for new leaves on my houseplants, painting ceramics, and trying any new hobby that seems fun. As a new teacher at UFS, Kasey is excited to spend this year getting to know everyone and learning what makes our students, our families, and our community special. Shonne Jurin First / Second Grade sjurin@unitedfriendsschool.org B.A. Elementary Education, Purdue University Shonne joined the UFS faculty after teaching second grade for 10 years at Loudoun Country Day School in Leesburg, VA. During… More Shonne Jurin First / Second Grade sjurin@unitedfriendsschool.org B.A. Elementary Education, Purdue University Shonne joined the UFS faculty after teaching second grade for 10 years at Loudoun Country Day School in Leesburg, VA. During her career, Shonne has taught children in grades K-4. Her goal is to inspire a sense of community in her classroom by highlighting how important it is to care for one other. Shonne believes that when students feel motivated and cared for, they can achieve almost anything. Shonne’s family lives in Perkasie and her daughter attends UFS (class of ’27). Anushka Rege Third Grade (Fox Teacher) arege@unitedfriendsschool.org B.S. Elementary Education, Penn State Anushka graduated from Penn State University in 2021 and relocated to Philadelphia after graduation where she worked as a third-grade… More Anushka Rege Third Grade (Fox Teacher) arege@unitedfriendsschool.org B.S. Elementary Education, Penn State Anushka graduated from Penn State University in 2021 and relocated to Philadelphia after graduation where she worked as a third-grade teacher at a charter school. Anushka is a strong believer in creating an inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment that provides children with the opportunity to grow as individuals, not only academically but socially and emotionally. She strives to instill a love for learning in her students and to value the importance of their education. Anushka lives in Allentown and enjoys spending time with friends and family. She enjoys reading, video games, and tackling DIY projects. Jane Walsh Fourth/Fifth Grade (Anthony Class) jwalsh@unitedfriendsschool.org B.A. Elementary Education, American University Jane has been teaching for more than 20 years. She has a degree in Elementary Education from American University with a… More Jane Walsh Fourth/Fifth Grade (Anthony Class) jwalsh@unitedfriendsschool.org B.A. Elementary Education, American University Jane has been teaching for more than 20 years. She has a degree in Elementary Education from American University with a Minor in Jewish Studies. Jane left teaching in the late 1990s to follow another of her passions cooking and started her own catering business. She was a caterer and personal chef for three years. Both the Quaker philosophy she was educated with during her high school years at Friends Select and the humanistic approach towards education found at Project Learn School (where Jane taught for 16 years) inform the classroom environment she works to create with her students. She views herself as a facilitator of, and partner in, student learning and strives to make learning both meaningful and fun. Outside of school, Jane can usually be found running, spinning, hiking, reading, playing with her dogs and cats, or watching football. She is a dedicated endurance athlete and a passionate Philadelphia Eagles fan. Betty Cheung Librarian, ITL, and Fourth grade Math bcheung@unitedfriendsschool.org M.Ed. Education, Holy Family University B.A. Psychology, Villanova University Reading Specialist Certification Betty holds Pennsylvania certifications in Elementary Education (K-6) and Reading Specialist. At… More Betty Cheung Librarian, ITL, and Fourth grade Math bcheung@unitedfriendsschool.org M.Ed. Education, Holy Family University B.A. Psychology, Villanova University Reading Specialist Certification Betty holds Pennsylvania certifications in Elementary Education (K-6) and Reading Specialist. At UFS, she taught third and fourth grades for three years. Prior to that, she was a third grade Assistant Teacher at Germantown Academy and was the Kindergarten lead teacher at The Goddard School. Betty’s most important goal as an educator is to teach her students to become lifelong learners. She values the use of technology in education an essential tool and thus enjoys finding and incorporating new technologies into her lessons. Betty and her husband, Mike, live in Schwenksville and her son is a UFS preschool student. Betty is fluent in Cantonese. Nicole Skinner Fourth/Fifth grade Assistant (Anthony Class) Second grade Math, and Outdoor Educator nskinner@unitedfriendsschool.org M.S. Education, Saint Joseph’s University B.A. English, Minor Studio Art, Rosemont College Nicole is PA certificated in English Literature… More Nicole Skinner Fourth/Fifth grade Assistant (Anthony Class) Second grade Math, and Outdoor Educator nskinner@unitedfriendsschool.org M.S. Education, Saint Joseph’s University B.A. English, Minor Studio Art, Rosemont College Nicole is PA certificated in English Literature (grades 6-12) and Special Education (grades K-12). She has over 10 years experience working with children of all ages, backgrounds, and needs. She began her career at an early intervention childcare facility and upon graduation moved onto WHYY and their Children Services Department, where she ran outreach workshops for parents, teachers, and child care providers, contributing content to online and print media. She has also taught high school in Philadelphia through Teach for America and has both consulted and acted as an assistant director for Out of School Time programming for elementary-age youth in Philadelphia. Prior to joining UFS, while home with her young children, Nicole taught high-quality, play-based outdoor classes through Tinkergarten. Nicole firmly believes, as Alison Gopnik (The Garden and the Carpenter 2016) so eloquently put it, that a teacher’s role “is to provide a protected space of love, safety, and stability in which children of many unpredictable kinds can flourish. Our job is not to shape our children’s minds; it’s to let those minds explore all the possibilities that the world allows.” In her free time, Nicole enjoys spending time with her immediate and extended family, traveling, camping, gardening, reading, and painting. Bethany Schwendy Music Sixth Grade Advisor and Middle School Math (Helman-Osborn Class) bschwendy@unitedfriendsschool.org B.A. Music Education, Messiah College Bethany is a Certified Music Educator and taught general and vocal music in the Baltimore… More Bethany Schwendy Music Sixth Grade Advisor and Middle School Math (Helman-Osborn Class) bschwendy@unitedfriendsschool.org B.A. Music Education, Messiah College Bethany is a Certified Music Educator and taught general and vocal music in the Baltimore County Public School system for six years before relocating to Pennsylvania. Bethany is passionate about encouraging others to explore music through instruments, voice, and general play. In addition to her role at UFS, she teaches Early Childhood music classes throughout the area and runs an in-home music studio offering piano and voice lessons. When not teaching music, you can find her spending time with her husband and three children, most likely playing card or board games. Daphne Naudascher Seventh Grade Advisor and Middle School Humanities (Helman-Osborn Class) dnaudascher@unitedfriendsschool.org B.S. University of Kentucky Daphne has Pennsylvania Teaching Certification. She began her involvement at UFS as a classroom parent in 1998…. More Daphne Naudascher Seventh Grade Advisor and Middle School Humanities (Helman-Osborn Class) dnaudascher@unitedfriendsschool.org B.S. University of Kentucky Daphne has Pennsylvania Teaching 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 motivates her students when they write their own creative works. Daphne and her family live in Spinnerstown. Kelsey Rosa Spanish Teacher Head’s Assistant krosa@unitedfriendsschool.org B. A. International Language-Business (Spanish), The University of Scranton Kelsey graduated with a B. A. in International Language-Business (Spanish) in 2019. During college, she studied abroad… More Kelsey Rosa Spanish Teacher Head’s Assistant krosa@unitedfriendsschool.org B. A. International Language-Business (Spanish), The University of Scranton Kelsey graduated with a B. A. in International Language-Business (Spanish) in 2019. During college, she studied abroad in Sevilla, Spain, where she completed independent sociolinguistics research. She also tutored residents of Scranton, PA extensively in English as a Second Language. Prior to joining the UFS faculty, she worked as a medical spanish interpreter in the Lehigh Valley. Kelsey believes learning a second language can be almost as natural as learning a first language, and guides her students toward proficiency in Spanish using comprehension-based teaching methods. In her free time, she likes writing and connecting with nature. She currently resides in Bethlehem. Stacie Scott Art sscott@unitedfriendsschool.org B.S. Pennsylvania State University Stacie has been teaching art at UFS since 1992. Her mixed media and collage works are featured in collections both regionally and nationally. Stacie has… More Stacie Scott Art sscott@unitedfriendsschool.org B.S. Pennsylvania State University Stacie has been teaching art at UFS since 1992. Her mixed media and collage works are featured in collections both regionally and nationally. Stacie has 30 years of experience working with the visual and performing arts in educational, community-based, and therapeutic settings. While at UFS, Stacie developed and implemented an arts program for Fifth – Eighth graders utilizing dance. theater, and visual arts. Throughout her tenure at the school, Stacie has been a dedicated supporter of the school by donating artwork to the annual spring benefit and auction. Stacie has spent time in Tuscany exploring new methods and mediums in her work. She is a member of Europium Dance Theater that performs in Princeton. As an artist, Stacie is represented by Bucks County Fine Arts/Bridge Street Hotel Gallery and Jeffrey Meier Gallery/Raven. Stacie and her husband, Anthony Karas, live in Buckingham and have two sons, both UFS alumni. Holly Sharp School Office Coordinator frontdesk@unitedfriendsschool.org B.A. Business, Family, and Consumer Science, University of Northern Iowa Holly received her Bachelor’s in Business, Family, and Consumer Science from the University of Northern Iowa and… More Holly Sharp School Office Coordinator frontdesk@unitedfriendsschool.org B.A. Business, Family, and Consumer Science, University of Northern Iowa Holly received her Bachelor’s in Business, Family, and Consumer Science from the University of Northern Iowa and has held leadership positions at luxury retailers in Minneapolis and New York City. After moving to Quakertown, Holly enrolled her two children at United Friends School and soon started working at the school in the Mott classroom. Holly has managed our School Office for the past three years. Holly’s smiling face and pleasant demeanor is the first welcome people receive when entering the building.