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Our People


We are more than just educators

We're also mentors, field guides, lead scientists, sounding boards, and business directors. We love what we do, and we want to see your child succeed.
 

Bart Griffith

Shady Side's 13th President

Bart Griffith ’93 P’28,’30 became President of Shady Side Academy in July 2019 and is the second alumnus to lead the Academy. Griffith is a native of the Pittsburgh area, having grown up in Squirrel Hill and Fox Chapel, and attended Shady Side Academy for grades 6–12. During his time at Shady Side, he was a varsity football captain, editor of the Shady Side News, and recipient of the President's Prize. As an alumnus, he was an engaged member of the Shady Side Board of Visitors from 2007 to 2019. He and his wife, Danica, have two children and reside on campus.




Board of Trustees




Executive Leadership Team

Jennifer Asmonga

Jennifer Asmonga

Head of Lower Schools
Michelle Merson P’28

Michelle Merson P’28

Head of Middle School
Trixie Sabundayo P’29,’34

Trixie Sabundayo P’29,’34

Head of Senior School
Amy Szlachetka P’16,’19

Amy Szlachetka P’16,’19

Chief Financial Officer
Lillian Grate P’24

Lillian Grate P’24

Chief Community & Belonging Officer
Sean Simmons

Sean Simmons

Director of Athletics
Jamie Scott ’98 P’33,’35,’36

Jamie Scott ’98 P’33,’35,’36

Chief Philanthropy Officer
Bayh Sullivan P’36,’38

Bayh Sullivan P’36,’38

Chief Enrollment Officer
Diana Toole

Diana Toole

Chief Marketing Officer

Faculty & Staff

Teacher and student
Teacher
Teacher shaking hands
Science teacher
Group of students

 


Employee News

Relational Teaching in Action: Melissa Petitto-Kenny and Nick Hammon

Shady Side Academy’s kindergarten co-teachers, Melissa Petitto-Kenny and Nick Hammon, create a nurturing and dynamic classroom environment where students develop curiosity, confidence, and foundational skills through hands-on learning, social-emotional growth, and a co-teaching model that fosters collaboration and individualized support.

Read More about Relational Teaching in Action: Melissa Petitto-Kenny and Nick Hammon
AI and Learning in Motion

On February 14, Shady Side Academy hosted a groundbreaking faculty in-service day dedicated to exploring artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in education. The day began with an engaging AI Summit, featuring a panel of speakers from diverse industries across Pittsburgh, who shared insights into how AI is transforming our world.

Read More about AI and Learning in Motion
Andrew Prince

Shady Side Academy is thrilled to announce the appointment of Andrew Prince as the next Head of Senior School, effective July 1, 2025. With a reputation as an inspiring and levelheaded leader, Andrew brings a wealth of experience and a track record of fostering trust, confidence, and academic achievement at some of the nation’s most distinguished independent schools.

Read More about Welcoming Andrew Prince as Shady Side Academy’s Next Head of Senior School
Relational Teaching in Action: Lauren Cannon

Relationships are the heart of exceptional teaching at Shady Side Academy, and Lauren Cannon exemplifies this philosophy in every aspect of her work. As a seventh-grade English teacher, Literary Magazine advisor, and lead advisor at the Middle School, she transforms her classroom into a vibrant haven where students feel recognized and respected both academically and personally.

Read More about Relational Teaching in Action: Lauren Cannon
Relational Teaching in Action: Tony Goodwin

In Tony Goodwin’s Senior School art studio, art is more than a solitary pursuit; it’s a shared experience that blossoms through conversation, collaboration, and community. “The classes are very collaborative and communal,” Goodwin explains. Students work independently but find their efforts enriched by the lively exchange of ideas and feedback. “It’s not an official lounge,” Goodwin says with a laugh, “but they feel comfortable doing that here. Those are the kinds of things you do in a meeting place. You relax a little, you have conversations.” The atmosphere is one where creativity flows easily, and personal connections grow.

Read More about Relational Teaching in Action: Tony Goodwin
Faculty Features Engage and Inspire Middle School Students

At Shady Side Academy Middle School, students are learning that their teachers are more than just educators—they're fascinating individuals with unique stories and experiences. Thanks to the creative initiative of Middle School Dean of Students Amy Hurtuk, the Faculty Features program provides students with an engaging opportunity to connect with faculty on a deeper level. 

Read More about Faculty Features Engage and Inspire Middle School Students
Relational Teaching in Action: Karen DiFiore 

At Shady Side Academy, learning extends far beyond the classroom walls. The Country Day School's Outdoor Adventures (OA) program is a testament to its commitment to providing students with meaningful, hands-on experiences in nature. Spearheading this innovative program is Karen DiFiore, affectionately known as "Ranger D" by her students. With over 31 years of teaching experience, DiFiore's approach to outdoor education is as much about building relationships as it is about exploring the natural world.

Read More about Relational Teaching in Action: Karen DiFiore 
The Stanley H. King Institute Attendees

A cohort of administrators and teachers from the Senior School and Middle School participated in the "Deepening Teacher-Student Connections by Learning Therapeutic Practices" workshop at the Stanley H. King Institute. This experience was not just about acquiring counseling skills but about enriching the relational teaching approach that lies at the heart of our educational practice.

Read More about Deepening Teacher-Student Connections by Learning Therapeutic Practices