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Meet the PA Distance Learning Staff

We’re not just passionate about education–the PA Distance staff embraces the overall learning experience. On the PA Distance Learning administration, we take our mission seriously, but we never take ourselves too seriously–we want to have fun on this journey of learning. When we make Pennsylvania charter school employment fun, it means we can make it fun for those we care about most: our students.

What makes us different? Our teachers. One point of emphasis we continually make is that at PA Distance, teaching still matters. This doesn’t only mean that our teachers are subject matter experts–it means that our teachers know how to interact with students in a meaningful way that fosters academic growth.

Our teachers offer dynamic courses and are always accessible to students when they have any questions. Whether at the level of elementary school, high school, or special education, our teachers ensure that the curriculum is always personal and interactive.
View the Staff List
Employment Opportunities

Administration

Stephanie Faith
Dir. Special Ed

Katie Heiles
Asst. Principal HS

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Kelly Crooks
Chief Academic

Dr. Michael Leitera
Chief Executive

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Dean Pappaterra
Chief Compliance

Nicholas Kocuba
Chief Operations

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R.DiGiandomenico
Chief Comms.

Charles Mort
Principal HS

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Dr. Aubrey Ploesch
Principal ES

Dr. David Anney
Principal MS

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Amy Thornton
Asst. Principal ES

Carol Smialek
Asst. Principal MS

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Leigh Anne Lord
HR Coordinator

Sheryl Allmon
Procurement Crd.

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V. Panepucci
Admin. Specialist

Online School Support for Our Families

When a child enrolls at PA Distance, they become a member of our school family, where we do everything we can to support each and every student. The relationship we have with our students, parents, and guardians is paramount, and so is the online school support we provide. Our Community Engagement Team is on the front lines of this effort, providing various resources and liaising between each household and their local community.

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Angela Abbiati
Coord. / Region 4

Janie Ruane
Region 1

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Reilly Meyer
Region 2

David Pierce
Region 3

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Meet the Counseling team

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Cassandra August

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Jordan Kist

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Alyson Lamberton

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Amy Protho

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Courtney Stein

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Joanna Bigos

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Mandy Rauenzahn

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Kathy TImmerman

Linda Williams

Threat Assessment Team

Our School is committed to fostering a safe learning environment for all students, staff, visitors, and our community. To this end, we have established a Threat Assessment Team composed of administration and support staff. The team’s focus is to assess and intervene with students whose behavior indicates a threat to their safety, the safety of other students or school employees, the safety of school facilities, or the safety of the community.

All team members have received comprehensive training and follow prescribed guidelines and procedures to recognize, assess and follow through with assisting students showing traumatic or threatening behaviors to harm themselves or others.

If you see warning signs or suspicious behavior, please report it via Safe2Say or contact the school principal or counselor at 484-875-5400. If it is an emergency, call 911.

We must provide a school environment where everyone feels safe and welcome so all our students can thrive in their educational journey. We appreciate your support.