Our People

Whether he's coaching on the track, teaching in the classroom, or guiding seniors through their final year at Shady Side, Jeff Perlis is always focused on one thing: helping students believe in themselves. Now in his fourth year at SSA, Jeff wears many hats—Dean of Form VI (grade 12), mathematics teacher, and head coach of Girls Track and Field. Across every role, his approach is consistent: build trust early, create space for growth, and meet each student where they are.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Senior School History Teacher Kyle Smith was recently honored by the Yale Office of Undergraduate Admissions as a recipient of the 2024 Yale Educator Award.

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.

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

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

We are excited to welcome our new faculty member to our Junior School Community this school year!

We are excited to welcome new faculty and staff members to our Country Day Community this school year!

At the end of the 2023–24 school year, Shady Side Academy Middle School Mathematics and Science Teacher Lauren Messner and Senior School History Teacher Kyle Smith were each awarded the 2024 Posner Awards for Meritorious Faculty Performance.