Shady Side Academy welcomed an outstanding group of new faculty and staff members for the 2026–2027 school year.

Administration

Gloria Enright P’33, Director of Nursing, brings more than 25 years of experience to Shady Side after working in Pittsburgh Public Schools for over a decade. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh. 

Jennifer Fretts P’28,’30, Payroll & Benefits Manager, comes to Shady Side after eight years at the Valley School of Ligonier, where she most recently served as the Director of Human Resources. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University.

Natalie Kalkstein P’34,’36, Upper School Campus Residential Nurse, joins Shady Side from Gateway School District. She has been in nursing for almost 15 years, moving to school nursing in 2023. She is looking forward to a great school year. 

Sara Mahoney P’29,’31, Major Gifts Officer, most recently served as the Senior Associate Director in the University of Pennsylvania’s New York Office of Development and Alumni Relations. 

Emily Scott P’35,’38, Director of Junior School Admissions, takes on a new position at Shady Side, previously acting as the Interim Director of Communications. Prior to that, she spent time in independent school enrollment management, as well as donor relations and communications. 

Lauren Suchy, Director of Institutional Communications, joins Shady Side after spending the last six years working in advertising. She holds master’s degrees in Media Communications and Business Administration from Point Park University and is an Adjunct Professor at Duquesne University. 

Junior School

Julianne Bendzsuk, Junior Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, earned her master’s degree in Early Childhood from Carlow University, where she has also begun doctoral studies in Curriculum and Learning. She most recently taught at the Cyert Center in a variety of early education roles.

Maddie Dayton, Second Grade Teacher, comes to Shady Side after teaching second grade at Avonworth Primary. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Allegheny College and her master’s degree in Teaching in Early Childhood from Duquesne University.

Olivia Hinkson, Third Grade Teacher, returns to Shady Side after completing her interactive field experiences here during the 2024–2025 school year. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Duquesne University. 

Clarie Kushner, Music Teacher, has taught general music and orchestra in Arizona and here in Pittsburgh. She also performs with the Pittsburgh Philharmonic and teaches summer camp at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

Brittany Redell, Fourth Grade Teacher, joins Shady Side after teaching fourth grade in California and second and third grade in Maryland. She has a bachelor’s degree in Education from Messiah College and a master’s degree in Reading Instruction from Goucher College.

Allie Rogina, Senior Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, comes to Shady Side after spending the past three years as a Child Development Specialist at the University of Pittsburgh. She previously taught pre-school at The Goddard School. She has a bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Relations from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. 

Emily Rumon, First Grade Assistant Teacher, joins Shady Side from the Penn Trafford School District. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a master’s degree in Education from Duquesne University.

Lauren Spinabelli, Senior Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, brings a strong background in early childhood and literacy education. She holds both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Penn State University.

Hannah Steffey ’18, Senior Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, joined Shady Side full-time in March 2026. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Lake Forest College. 

Country Day School

Teresa Bendel, Kindergarten Teacher, comes to Shady Side after teaching fourth and first grade in West Virginia. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Teacher Education from the University of Delaware.

Kathryn Gibson, Kindergarten Teacher, joins Shady Side after nine years teaching at The Swift School in Atlanta. Aside from kindergarten, she has also taught first, fourth, and fifth grade. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgia Southern University.

Hannah Miles, Third Grade Teacher, returns to Pittsburgh after spending time in Wisconsin, where she taught kindergarten and second grade. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Penn State University. 

Tomalyn Trau, First Grade Assistant Teacher, spent the past three years teaching second grade in her home state of South Dakota before joining Shady Side this year. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of South Dakota. 

Middle School

Glenn Gougler, Social Studies Teacher, joins Shady Side after 27 years of teaching U.S. History at West Mifflin Area Middle School. He also recently served as the Education Manager at Braddock’s Battlefield History Center.

Ryan Paisley, Physical Education Teacher, comes to Shady Side after spending time teaching in Philadelphia, Youngstown, and Fairfax County, Virginia. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg and his master’s degree in Education from King’s College.

Olivia Senan ’19, Interim School Counselor, received a bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Colorado State University and a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University. She is excited to be back at Shady Side in a different and new context.

Carrie Timmins, Wellness Teacher, previously taught and coached in Philadelphia before moving to Pittsburgh. She also briefly taught Physical Education at Winchester Thurston School. She is excited to be a part of the Shady Side community.

Senior School

Amelia Conlon, Associate Director of College Counseling, joins Shady Side after working at Miami Country Day School and The Peddle School. She has also spent time in the admissions office at both Colby College and Princeton University.

Zohreh Janinezhad, Mathematics Teacher, brings two decades of experience to Shady Side. She earned her doctoral degree in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and is currently completing a master’s degree in Private School Leadership through the Klingenstein Center.

Erin Riggi, Art Teacher, has spent the past 15 years teaching visual arts and art history while helping students connect creativity with the world around them. She recently obtained a doctoral degree in Education from Saint Francis University. 

Brian Schilling, History Teacher, comes to Shady Side after nine years teaching in the Humanities Department at Vermont Academy. While there, he also coached soccer and hockey. 

We are delighted to welcome these incredible professionals and educators to the Shady Side community.