School Name

We are excited to welcome our new and returning faculty members to the Middle School Community this school year! 

George Fearns: George is our new eighth-grade English teacher and eighth-grade advisor. With a master’s degree in Education from Sam Houston State University, George recently taught at the Denver School of the Arts. Returning home to Pittsburgh, George joins us with experiences and expertise in humanities-based literature programs and social and emotional learning (SEL) curricula. 

Ethan Fogel: Ethan is our new seventh-grade Social Studies teacher and seventh-grade advisor. With a bachelor’s degree in both Economics and Russian Language and Literature from McGill University, Ethan has recently taught at the American School in Mexico. He brings to SSA a wealth of knowledge and a passion for student engagement.

Mandy Fong: With Mandy’s return from her sabbatical, she will resume her sixth-grade advisory and teaching of seventh & eighth-grade Chinese. We are also fortunate to have Shan Callaghan (Mandy’s sabbatical replacement) continue with us part-time in our sixth-grade Flex Language Chinese classes.

Kelly Hart: Kelly is the sabbatical replacement for Rhett Jenkins and will teach the Latin seventh and eighth-grade courses and host a seventh-grade advisory. Sylvia Famoso will teach the sixth-grade Flex Language Latin classes. Kelly will lend her leadership and experience to the Latin department as well. With a master’s degree in Foreign Language Education and a bachelor’s degree in the Classics from the University of Virginia, Kelly joins Shady Side eager to help students think creatively and develop their character. Kelly knows SSA and the Middle School campus well, as she has served as a Camp Ren counselor for three summers. 

Heidi Noltemeyer: Heidi is our new sixth-grade mathematics teacher and sixth-grade advisor. Heidi earned a bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Education from the College of Charleston. She has recently taught at the DreamHouse Ewa Beach Charter School in Hawaii. Heidi’s classes are infused with real-world projects, dynamic word problems, and a strong inquiry-based curriculum. 

Jarrod Simmons: Jarrod is our new test proctor, Physical Education teacher, and eighth-grade advisor. Jarrod will work with Matthew Paterra, and with Betsy Gorse and Pam Lloyd in the PE/Wellness program. While teaching and coaching this year, Jarrod will pursue an advanced degree in Education. Jarrod is known to Shady Side as a trusted substitute, dynamic coach, and beloved trainer. 

Timothy Sutton: Timothy is our new Strings specialist, General Music teacher, and eighth-grade advisor. With a master’s degree in Music Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Louisville, Timothy is a local cellist and already a keen collaborator with Chris Donato.

Dave Vadnais: Dave has taught sixth-grade mathematics and been a beloved sixth advisor, in addition to his coaching and Athletics administration duties. This year, he will continue to be our Middle School Athletics Coordinator as a part of his new role as one of the Assistant Athletic Directors for the Academy. 

Kaitlyn Willesen: Kaitlyn is our new Social Studies multi-grade teacher and seventh-grade advisor. She recently graduated from Northern Arizona State University with a master's degree in educational leadership. Kaitlyn hails from Virginia and is ready to share her love for cartography and local history through projects, clubs, and student-centered events.