Staff

Aisha Al-Muid is Director of Carpe Diem Before & Aftercare programs. She received a Bachelors of Arts in English & Anthropology from Hunter University and Masters degrees in Early Childhood Education as well as Elementary Education from Lincoln University and has her K-6 Pennsylvania teaching certificate. Aisha has worked in various areas of learning during her 4+ years at Russell Byers. Before coming to Russell Byers Aisha was a regional director of operations for an entertainment lifestyle magazine.
Timothy Anzelmois a 2nd grade teacher at RBCS. Prior to teaching, Tim worked in the Environmental field, performing a number of Geographic Information Systems tasks for numerous government agencies in Washington D.C. Tim changed his career after spending time as the school liaison for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program at RBCS. Tim has a bachelor’s degree in Geography and a Master’s degree in Education from Temple University. The thing about Tim that surprises his students (and adults) the most is that he does not have a cell phone.
Randy Berman is the Health and Physical Education teacher. He received his Bachelor's degree from West Chester University majoring in kinesiology and minor in health. Prior to joining the staff at RBCS, Randy spent 5 years working with Outward Bound.
Shawn Brandon is one of our three reading teachers. Shawn has been supporting young readers for 17 years. She has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Boston University and a Master's degree in Guidance and Counseling from Hunter College. Shawn is a certified Wilson Language Instructor. Shawn also participated in a teacher leadership program at The Reading and Writing Project at Teachers College, Columbia University.
Jennifer Broomell is a 4th grade teacher at Russell Byers and has worked here since 2010. Miss Broomell has an Undergraduate degree in Marketing and a Masters degree in Elementary Education from St. Joseph's University. After graduating with her undergraduate degree she spent three years living and working abroad in Australia, the Caribbean, and Europe before going back to school for her Master's in Education.
Beth Burke teaches 5K at Russell Byers. Beth received a Bachelor's degree in Sociology with a Concentration in Social Inequality and Diversity from The University of Massachusetts in Amherst. Beth also has a Master's degree in Elementary Education from The University of Massachusetts in Amherst.
Bethany Bushner is a Special Education teacher for 1st through 3rd grade Russell Byers. Bethany graduated with her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Special Education from Lebanon Valley College. She is currently working towards her Master's of Education with Reading Specialist and ELL certifications at Saint Joseph's University.
Roberto Carrizales is the Facilities Manager.
Jennifer Carvalho is a 4K teacher at Russell Byers. She has her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in reading from Eastern University. She is currently working towards her Master’s degree in Multicultural Education. This is her 6th year teaching at RBCS. Prior to Russell Byers, Jennifer taught for 2 years at a charter school in Chester, PA.
Holly Chapman teaches 3rd grade. She has a Bachelor's degree from The College of William and Mary. Holly worked in publishing and association management before obtaining her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction with Elementary Certification from Rosemont College.
Juliana Chapman has been a 5K teacher at Russell Byers for five years. She received her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Chestnut Hill College and her Master's degree in Education from Gratz College. Juliana spent seven years teaching in private schools in Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs prior to coming to Russell Byers. She spent most of those years teaching pre-K, but also taught elementary students from Kindergarten through 6th Grade. Additionally, she has a background in art and regularly incorporates art into her lessons.
Rebecca Chase is our special education coordinator. She received her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood, Special Education, and Elementary Education from Temple University and a Master's in Reading from Gwynedd Mercy College. Rebecca is going into her tenth year as a special educator and has had the experience of working in a variety of settings with elementary, middle and high school students.
Heather Chiminello is a 1st grade teacher at Russell Byers. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and a Masters of Teaching from the University of Virginia. Heather studied anthropology in Australia and taught sixth grade special education for two years in Charlottesville, Virginia before coming to us.
Jennifer Coppertino is a 1st grade teacher at Russell Byers. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Temple University and a Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Drexel University. Jennifer is a former teaching fellow with Russell Byers. Jennifer has previously taught 1st grade as a literacy intern teacher with the School District of Philadelphia and as an adult education teacher with Center for Literacy in Philadelphia.
Nora Durant is a 5th grade teacher at Russell Byers. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History from Boston University and a Masters degree in Elementary Education from the University of Pennsylvania. Nora taught middle school science for two years in the School District of Philadelphia before coming to us in 2008, and she has also worked as an educator in London, Syracuse and New Orleans.
Miriam Filvarof is the College Coach at RBCS. She received a Bachelor's degree in Communication from Loyola University New Orleans and a Master's degree in School Counseling from Wake Forest University. Miriam works with current students on academic transitions, which includes helping 6th graders find a great “fit” for seventh grade. In addition, Miriam works with alumni on professional and academic issues, and provides private-style college counseling services to RBCS alumni so they can complete college or postsecondary training.
Bill Fitzgerald is a 5th grade teacher at Russell Byers. He received a Bachelor's degree from Holy Family University and a Master's in Education from St. Joseph's University. Bill has been teaching in Philadelphia schools for 22 years.
Kiona Ford is a teaching assistant for 5K.
Allen Garner teaches 2nd grade. She has a Bachelor's degree from the University of Mississippi and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Memphis. Allen has taught for 30 years in Memphis, Birmingham and Philadelphia and has received awards for her excellence in teaching.
Sonia Gerena is a teaching assistant for 4K, and she has been at Russell Byers from its beginning. She attended Temple University and worked in another Philadelphia charter school for four years before coming to Russell Byers. Sonia also runs the school's breakfast program.
Sharon Golding is our ESL Teacher. She has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Shippensburg University and an ESL Certificate from Temple University. With more than 15 years of teaching experience, Sharon has been at Russell Byers since 2004.
Kareem Goodwin is Dean of Students and Families.
Molly Hackman is the Spanish teacher at RBCS. She has a Bachelor's in Communications and another in Spanish. She's currently pursuing her Master's Degree in Multicultural Education. When she was 14 years old, she volunteered at an orphanage in Mexico and since then, has been back 14 times!
Emmanual Hampton is a teaching fellow.
Myron Hargrow is the Student and Family Outreach coordinator at RBCS. He received his high school diploma from Central High of Philadelphia, his Bachelor's degree in Social Relations from Cheyney University, and his Master's of Education in School Counseling from Wilmington University. He's currently working on a Post Master's Certificate in Child and Family Counseling. His previous experience is in counseling and advocating for juvenile delinquents and troubled youth in residential facilities and in the community. He also ran a grant through Big Brothers Big Sisters from the federal "Second Chance Act" with an opportunity to run a press conference with Senator Tom Carper in Delaware. He's a West Philadelphia native and a product of the Philadelphia public school system with a vested interest in molding young minds.
Linda Hopkins teaches 5K. She has a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from West Chester University. Linda taught in The Archdiocese of Philadelphia for two years before coming to Russell Byers in 2005.
Meg Howley is the School Nurse.
Daniel Hyatt is a 3rd grade teacher. He received his Bachelor's degree in Economics from Pennsylvania State University and earned his Elementary Education Certificate and his Master's in Teaching, Learning and Curriculum also at Drexel University.
Ty Ivery is a founding 4K teacher. Teron earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Millersville University and a Master's degree from Holy Family University. He is permanently certified in the fields of Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Teron has had multiple experiences with Expeditionary Learning, professional development and Outward Bound courses.
Amy Jared is the Visual Arts teacher. She holds a Masters in Art Education degree from The University of the Arts and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rhodes College. Prior to joining the staff at Russell Byers in 2005, Amy was the Manager of Family and Community Programs in the Division of Education at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. At the Art Museum, Amy developed local, state and national award-winning art programs for children, families, schools, and communities. Amy initiated and continues to coordinate our year-round Art Club Program at the Art Museum.
Delores Johnson is a teaching assistant for 4K. Delores retired from Verizon with 31 years of experience in telecommunications and customer service. She also coached a track team for her church for ten years.
Nyaka Johnson is a Teaching Fellow at RBCS. She has a Bachelor's degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Master's of Education in progress at St. Joseph's University. She would love to travel the world someday!
Christine Kapothanasis teaches 2nd grade. She graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy. While at Holy Cross, she spent a year studying Philosophy at Oxford University (UK). Christie earned her Master's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Pennsylvania.
John Landis is the Technology Coordinator, working with teachers and students to integrate digital and media literacy into the curriculum. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Indiana University College in Communication and Culture, and helped to develop the Powerful Voices for Kids media literacy program in conjunction with Temple University.
Kate Leontovich is the Receptionist.
Rebecca Levenberg is the Clinical Supervisor of our Special Education Team. She received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Learning Disabilities from Northwestern University. Rebecca has twenty years of experience in special education and has worked with preschool, elementary, middle, and high school students.
Judith Locicero teaches 5th grade at Russell Byers. Judi also taught 4th and 8th grades for ten years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She received her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Holy Family University, and her Master's degree from Gratz College.
Kathryn W. Manari is a 3rd grade teacher at Russell Byers. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Randolph-Macon Woman's College in and a Masters degree in Elementary Education from Rosemont College. Kathryn was aTeaching Fellow at RBCS for three years and taught second grade last year.
John-Carlos Marino is a 4th grade teacher at RBCS and works with Mr. Landis on the after-school Computer Club. He previously taught 6th grade at Russell Byers. He received a Bachelor's degree in sculpture from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master's degree in elementary education from the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to coming to Russell Byers, John-Carlos had experience working as a preschool teacher, faux-finisher, and custom sculpture fabricator.
Elizabeth McGuire is a Reading Specialist at Russell Byers. She works on literacy skills with small groups of students in grades K-5. Elizabeth has a Bachelor's degree in Special and Elementary Education from the University of Delaware and a Master's degree and Reading Specialist certification from Saint Joseph's University.
Sarah Pisano received her undergraduate degree in Music Education, with viola studies, from Temple University. Sarah teaches music, co-directs the Horsefeather Singer choir, and teaches violin. Sarah continues to perform, in and around Philadelphia, in both classical and rock settings.
Casey Sacchetti is a Reading Specialist at Russell Byers. She works on literacy skills with small groups of students throughout the school. Casey has a Bachelor's degree in Special and Elementary Education from Temple University and a Master's degree and Reading Specialist certification from Saint Joseph's University.
Rafael Santiago is our Security Officer. He was in the Marine Corps for 10 years, and he spent 17 years working as a police officer for the Philadelphia Gas Works. Rafael worked for the School District of Philadelphia Police Department before joining Russell Byers in 2007. He is currently attending community college in pursuit of his degree in Criminal Justice, and has been involved with Chinese martial arts for over 25 years.
Drew Smith worked for 23 years at Friends School in Mullica Hill, NJ, prior to joining the Russell Byers team in July 2010. At Friends School he served as Head of School 11 years. In addition, Mr. Smith worked in numerous roles at the school, including Associate Head of School, Middle School Principal, Director of Admissions and middle school teacher and coach. Mr. Smith currently serves on the Board of the Westtown School. His previous board service includes the Moorestown Friends School, the Friends Mutual Health Insurance Board, and the Cadbury Foundation Board. He earned a B.S. at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, and completed graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania.
Debbie Sperbeck has been with Russell Byers for over 10 years. After working as the Executive Assistant to Laurada Byers for four years, she moved over to the RBCS administration in 2005. In her current role as Director of Enrollment, she is responsible for new and current enrollment, all reporting requirements of the school, as well as the operations of the building. Prior to joining Laurada in 2001, Debbie served as the Executive Assistant for the General Counsel at Safeguard Scientifics for 10 years.
Jonathan Swing is a Special Education teacher for 5th and 6th grades at Russell Byers. Jonathan graduated with his Bachelor's degree in Elementary and Special Education from LaSalle University. Prior to joining RBCS Jonathan worked in Philadelphia at an Autistic School working with students from ages 9-14.
April Tomarelli is a 6th grade teacher at Russell Byers Charter School. She earned both a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Curriculum and Instruction from Rosemont College. She was hired in 2007 and spent 4 years as a 3rd grade teacher and one year in 1st grade here as well. April also co-created and leads our afterschool Homework Zone program.
Corrine Toro is a Special Education teacher at Russell Byers. She works on literacy and math skills with small groups of students in fourth and sixth grade. While earning her bachelor's degree in Special and Elementary Education from Temple University, Corrine volunteered in the university’s peer mentoring program. She has also been a dedicated member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program in North Philadelphia.
Benjamin Warren is a teaching fellow at Russell Byers Charter School. Benjamin teaches 1st and 4th grade reading groups, as well as teaching 3rd grade math. He received his undergraduate degree at Temple University, focusing his course work on Media and Film Studies. It was there that Benjamin began to work with The Media Education Lab and started teaching after school classes in Media Literacy. Currently, Benjamin is receiving his Master's in Education at The University of Pennsylvania, with a specific focus on issues and practices in Urban Education.
Dr. Erik Westby is our Science and Technology Coordinator. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Union College in Psychology and Master's and Doctoral degrees in Educational Psychology from Purdue University. He is the author of numerous journal articles and book chapters on science learning and creativity in education. Dr. Westby also teaches graduate classes for prospective teachers at Rosemont College.
Shawn Wright is our Dean of Curriculum and Instruction. Prior to joining Russell Byers, Shawn taught 1st grade, 4th grade, and Instructional Support, and later became an Assistant Principal. Shawn earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Central Oklahoma and his Master's degrees from Villanova and Cabrini. He is currently enrolled in a doctoral program in Education Leadership at Widener University.
Krista Yutzy-Burkey is one of two music teachers at our school. She is a founding teacher and has over 13 years teaching experience in Philadelphia. She received her Bachelor's degree in Music from Goshen College and her K-12 Music certification from Eastern University. Krista began the school's select chorus, the Horsefeather Singers, and helped to implement the violin and handbell programs. Krista is also a harpist and a keyboardist for the Philadelphia band, The Swimmers.
Dr. Elvira Zuazo-Legido is our Certified School Psychologist and is licensed as a Professional Counselor. She has been working in the field for the past 19 years in New Jersey and in the Philadelphia School District. Prior to becoming a school psychologist, she worked as a school counselor. Elvira evaluates students' academic, emotional and behavioral needs and works closely with the special education department.