Meet the College for Kids Instructors

College for Kids Instructors

College for Kids is proud of its roster of instructors which include Penn State Behrend faculty and staff, experienced community teachers, and local business professionals. Instructors offer a diverse class selection in a safe hands-on learning environment, which is sure to enhance a child’s education by challenging their imagination, creativity, and desire to learn.

Instructors are generally available at the drop-off location prior to class. If you would like to meet your child's instructor, please notify one of the College for Kids staff members to arrange this.

Join Our Team

If you are an educator or have extensive experience in a particular field and would like to be considered, or would like to recommend someone with these qualifications, please email College for Kids or call 814-898-6871 for more information. All instructors are required to have FBI Fingerprint, Pennsylvania Criminal and Child Abuse Clearances.

2019 College for Kids Instructors

Hayley Andres

Education: B.A. in mathematics, data science minor, religious studies minor, and English as a second language certificate at Mercyhurst University. Master of Science in secondary education: pedagogy and practice from Mercyhurst University.
Experience: Computer science teacher (grades 5th – 12th) at Fairview School District 2018-2019. Fairview 7th-8th grade MYAA girls’ basketball coach. First Lego League robotics coach 2018.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "I want to teach for College for Kids because I love teaching and exposing students to new ways of thinking, exploring, and learning. College for Kids will give me the opportunity to teach students new skills that are fun and creative in a relaxed summer environment."

Heidi Baloga

Education: Elementary Education, Slippery Rock University; Reading Specialist, Edinboro University.
Experience: 20 years teaching grades K-5. K-2 reading and reading interventions, GEARS after school program.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "Fun summer activity."

Edward Beck

Education: Elementary Education, B.A., Mansfield; English, Minor; Special Education, M.S.
Experience: Taught in the public school system for 25 years.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "I enjoy working with children in this age group and interest level. I taught high school in the Erie School District."

Maureen Beck

Education: State University of New York, Horticulture, and IUP, certificate for teaching.
Experience: Taught horticulture for 20 years, hobbies and skiing, and sailing.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "The students are excited to take the classes, very enthusiastic."

Tyler Chrispen

Education: I am a college graduate of Mercyhurst University (2018) and am currently an enrolled student in a Master of Science in Secondary Education program at Mercyhurst University (Graduation date May 2019). My undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Science in Biology.
Experience: My hobbies include many outdoor activities, which can help me with an ecology type course with CFK. I love the outdoors, as well as hands-on scientific experiments.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "Simply put, I absolutely love teaching. I think in today’s age, it is so important for kids to “get their hands dirty” rather than stay inside and play video games or be on their phones. Utilizing the tools provided by Penn State Behrend, the kids will have a great time inside and outside the classroom."

Lisa Ciecierski

Education: Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on literacy from Kent State University.
Experience: Over 15 years of teaching with Erie Public Schools as a language arts teacher, reading specialist, and reading coach. Over 10 years teaching literacy in higher education.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "As the director of the PennLake National Writing Project, we are seeking to expand our outreach to youth in the Erie Area. Teaching for College for Kids will give us the opportunity to do so."

Matthew Dennis

Education: Current Ph.D. candidate in Criminology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania; Master's in American Studies from Arizona State University; Bachelor's in Criminal Justice from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.
Experience: Substitute teacher, graduate student, high school and middle school football coach.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "I enjoy learning about and teaching a variety of different topics. I believe education is essential and that reaching kids and making learning fun for them produces lifelong learners who are contributors to society."

Gabrielle Dietrich

Education: B.S., Penn State Behrend; M.S., Special Education, Mercyhurst University.
Experience: Director of Choral Ensembles at Penn State Behrend, and conductor of the Young People’s Chorus of Erie, a youth outreach program of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Penn State Behrend. Gabrielle is a singer, conductor, and educator with a passion for cultivating artistry in singers of all ages and building community through music.

Brian DeVore

Education: B.S., Penn State Behrend; M.S. Special Education, Mercyhurst University.
Experience: Technology Education Teacher and LEGO Robotics Coach at J.S. Wilson Middle School.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "I like the focus of a hands-on learning experience."

Catherine DeVore

Education: B.A., Elementary Education, Minor in Spanish, and M.S. Special Education, Mercyhurst University.
Experience: 15 years teaching 3rd-6th grade in the Erie Area with 12 of those at Harborcreek School District.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "I enjoy working with students and planting the seed for learning."

Jerald Fenner

Education: B.S in Elementary Education, Edinboro University.
Experience: 29 years of teaching experience, currently a 5th grade teacher at Iroquois Elementary School.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "I enjoy teaching. I enjoy having the ability to get to know students and teach them new concepts and information. As I get to know the students, it is exciting to see and understand what motivates them."

Sean Fleming

Education: B.S., Secondary Education Social Studies, Slippery Rock University.
Experience: 9-12th Grade Social Studies at Cathedral Preparatory High School. Formerly taught 9th and 11th grade social studies at Central Career and Technical School. Two years as an instructor of College for Kids.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a child/student “get it” or show a passion for learning."

Jim Gavio

Education: Penn State Behrend, Electrical Engineering Technology; Edinboro University, B.S., Secondary Education in Earth and Space Sciences with Geology minor.
Experience: Over 22 years planetarium experience with the most recent being the Erie Planetarium and now the Yahn Planetarium at Penn State Behrend.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "I like teaching College for Kids because it’s a way for kids to have fun while learning something that they are interested in."

Matt Greene

Education: Business Education, B.S.Ed., Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 2013. Clarion University of Pennsylvania, M.Ed., Technology Concentration, 2017. Point Park University, Post Baccalaureate certificate, Secondary School Administration, 2018.
Experience: Business Education Teacher at Fairview High School 2014-Present. Erie Insurance, IT Service Desk, 2014.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "I really enjoy seeing the kids have fun while learning computer science. Computer science can help students become better problem solvers, which will help them find success in school and later on in their careers."

Kitty Harrington

Education: Villa Maria College, B.A., English; University of Pittsburgh, Master's in Library Science.
Experience: 35 years Children’s Librarian-Erie County Library, Long career as local storyteller using children’s picture books, fairy tales, and legends- Love Baking!
Why I teach at College for Kids: "I am passionate about children’s books and the opportunity to explore the new and exciting adventure of science and technology in children’s learning."

Tami Hritzay

Education: B.S., Art Education, Edinboro University.
Experience: Chautauqua Institution teacher in Young Artists and Special Studies programs; Erie Art Museum; Edinboro University (Kids camp program, high school art program, and adult-noncredit classes); Allegheny College (high school art program); returning teacher at CFK; and artist demonstrating and showing at Campbell’s Pottery; author of “The Hole in the Wall” series. 30+ years of teaching art.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "Art is my passion. I will never tire of encouraging and inspiring younger artists to be all that they can be! In a world of black and white… let’s color our world!"

Lindsay Hannon

Education: Received undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford in Elementary Education K-6; received Master’s degree from St. Bonaventure University in Differentiated Instruction.
Experience: Hired in 2012 with Bradford Area School District as a 6th grade ELA and Social Studies teacher -worked for 4 years; Harbor Creek School District as a 6th grade ELA teacher at Rolling Ridge Elementary School.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "I would like to teach College for Kids because I would like the opportunity to show kids that learning is fun. With this opportunity, the kids can enjoy learning in a laid-back setting and show their individual creativity and artistic ability."

Susan Holtgrefe

Education: B.S., meteorology, University of Oklahoma.
Experience: Over 5 years as a high school CyberPatriot coach (Nation Defensive Cybersecurity Competition). I have taught several student summer camps; two intro to cybersecurity classes and as an assistant for sea perch camp.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "My children have attended CFK for years, so I know of the excellence of the program. I have a passion for teaching cyber security and I believe that school age students are the best age to introduce defensive cyber skills."

Christie Mahany

Education: B.S., SUNY College at Buffalo.
Experience: Junior Achievement.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "To help students own their own economic success."

Joe Marsili

Education: Penn State Behrend, B.A. in History; Mercyhurst University, Teaching certificate; Edinboro University, Master's in Educational Leadership.
Experience: I enjoy teaching and coaching basketball.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "I have been both a classroom assistant, as well as an instructor for CFK, and greatly enjoy it. I think it’s great to expose kids to sorts of activities during the summer months."

Dan Quiggle

Education: B.A., History, Penn State Behrend, Social Studies Certification.
Experience:I have been teaching 7th and 8th grade at the Harborcreek Junior High for 13 years now!
Why I teach at College for Kids: "Because it is so much fun and I can continue to be a kid at heart!"

Patti Rial

Education: B.S., Education, Edinboro University; M.Ed., Edinboro University; certified Elementary and Reading specialist.
Experience: Thirty-three years teaching experience K-7; currently teaching seventh grade reading. Hobbies include camping, crafts, travel, and history.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "I want to share my experiences and my love of history with young people. I hope in this sharing that they will acquire a curiosity and appreciation for our heritage."

Vicki Saska

Education: B.S. in Elementary/Special Education, Edinboro University, Master's in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment.
Experience: Special Education teacher for the Fort LeBoeuf School District from 2003-current. I have experience in teaching gifted glasses, enrichment classes, math re-teaching classes, beginning Spanish classes, and students in need of Learning Support in grades K-5. AmeriCorps member assigned to the Millcreek Township School District working with the elementary-age students in need of academic and/or behavioral support.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "The College for Kids program allows experiential learning to happen. The hands-on approach is designed to meet the needs of all learners and the families have the opportunity to self-select the classes based on individual interests. The factors allow for a higher level of engagement from the students."

Paul Semrau

Education: B.A., Humanities; M.S., Special Education; certified to teach Elementary and Special Education and High School English.
Experience: Son, husband, father, and grandfather; 17 years as a Technical Training Instructor at Verizon/GTE; 3 years as the Emotional Support Teacher at Seneca High School.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "What a fun way to spend the summer! CFK is a blast!"

Scott Strasser

Education: B.A., Geography and Teaching Certification, Edinboro University; Ph.D. in Cryptozoological Sciences, American Institute of Metaphysics.
Experience: Local writer, librarian, and teacher. Interested in cryptozoology entire life, and earned a Ph.D. in the field in 2015. Taught locally for 20 years, including several sessions with College for Kids. Now runs the St. George Lancer Library.

Dr. Lena Surzhko-Harned

Education: Ph.D. in political science, University of Pittsburgh.
Experience: 10 years of teaching experience, Model UN adviser.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "For six years, I have organized Model UN conferences for high school and middle school students. Providing these students with opportunities to deliberate issues in international relations has been very rewarding. I am delighted at the opportunity to share my love and knowledge for international affairs with the College for Kids students."

Todd Talbot

Education: B.S., Secondary Education, Edinboro University; M.S., 21st Century Teaching and Learning, Wilkes University.
Experience: 20 year operating Naval Nuclear Power Plants; Chemistry and Physics teacher at Seneca High School.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "College for Kids students have a desire to learn that should not be interrupted by summer vacation."

Robyn Taylor

Education: B.S., Elementary Education, University of South Florida. Certified K-6 with ESL endorsement in both Florida and Pennsylvania.
Experience: Twelve years as a classroom teacher, grades 1, 2, 3, and 5 in Pinellas County, Florida. Currently the K-12 Program Educator in the Youth Education Outreach department at Penn State Behrend.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "I love working with students of all ages and engaging them in hands-on STEM activities. Students have so much fun, they forget they are learning!"

Theresa Tonelli

Education: B.A., Elementary Education, minor in History, Mercyhurst College; Master's in Special Education, Mercyhurst College.
Experience: Taught with the Erie School District 9.5 years; Taught for the expERIEence Children’s Museum for 10 years, Bricks for Kidz.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "I love seeing the kids from year to year and how they’ve grown. I enjoy watching their faces when they learn something and understand it. It makes learning fun. It is structured learning, but things that kids actually want to learn about, so they are excited."

Kristin Tregaskis

Education: I graduated from Slippery Rock University with a B.S. in Elementary and Special Education. I am currently working on my Master of Education at Gannon University. I teach at Our Lady of Peace, I have been there for three years. This was the second year in kindergarten.
Experience: I also have worked at Chick-Fil-A for five years.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "I started out working CFK as a student coordinator in the summer of 2013. After two years, I started teaching my own classes."

Jake Trojak

Education: Instructional Media (M.S.) Wilkes University; Physics, General Science, Secondary Education (B.S.), Grove City College.
Experience: Physics and Math teacher at Iroquois High School since 2010, College For Kids instructor since 2016.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "I love teaching and I love kids. Teaching College for Kids gives me an opportunity to teach an age group some subject matter that I don’t get to teach during the school year."

Hayden Weaver

Education: Penn State Behrend dual major – Business and Business Economics.
Experience: Participated in USA Ultimate Beach Nationals in 2016, Tournament director of International Youth Club Regional Championship event held in Erie 2017.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "Ultimate is a great non-contact, coed sport that is growing in popularity at all age levels. I would like the opportunity to teach at College for Kids to give them a change to get started at a young age, because I did not find the sport until college. Ultimate is a great character and community builder and the sport will be great for the Erie area."

Melissa Weismiller

Education: United States Air Force, Pennsylvania Paraprofessional Certificate.
Experience: Paraprofessional 11 years, College for Kids 8 years.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "I love College for Kids!!!! I think this is a great way for kids to learn more about fun and interesting things and discover what kind of hobbies/interests they like."

Calvin Wheeler

Education: B.S., Chemistry, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania; M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, Gannon University.
Experience: Teaching High School since 2012.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "I believe that science is a gateway for developing a passion for learning, and that that kids need to be engaging in science-related activities all year round."

Amber Wildfire

Education: B.S., Computer Engineering, Penn State Behrend.
Experience: Computer Instructor, St. James Elementary School; Programmer, Gannon University.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "I love seeing how kids’ minds work. If I can convince at least one student to try engineering, I’ve done a good job."

Julie Vavreck

Education: B.S., Family and Consumer Sciences Education (May 2011) from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Master's in Early Childhood Education (May 2017), and PA K-12 Principals certificate (December 2018) from Edinboro University. ServSafe Certification.
Experience: Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher, Penn State Cooperative Extension Family Living Summer Assistant, hobbies include cooking, baking, sewing, outdoor recreation, and aerobics.
Why I teach at College for Kids: "I would like to provide an atmosphere where kids can learn lifelong skills while having fun."