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| Gerry helps students as part of a science class in the outdoor education center | Gladys helps serve cake at a party for former Facilities Director, Del | Health and Wellness instructor, Lou, signals to change stations at Field Day | Chris listens to students as they ask questions in math class | Valerie teaches students how to remember the months of the year | Administrative team breaking ground on the new Janus building | Reading Specialist, Debbie, reviews flashcards during writing class | Reading specialist, Jen Risser, teaching her reading class | Guest artist, Kevin Lehman, teaches students at the Fine Arts Fair | Reading Specialist, Jen, tutors an early reader | Science teacher, Tom, takes a class to the outdoor education center | Art teacher, Jill Weidman, helps students design Janus yearbook | Upper Division Teacher, Eileen, stands with two spelling bee finalists | Teacher, Tapley-Ann Paxson, joins student tug-of-war on Field Day | Teacher provides one-on-one encouragement | Tapley-Ann hands out cards to help students learn math | Director of Admission, Robin, helps students prepare for annual school play | RoseMary engages students in discussion during reading class | Director of Academics, Staci Jasin, congratulates 2008 graduate | Ginger begins a class project in Algebra 2 | Tom integrates technology into chemistry class | Social Worker, Jay, and student talk during a Lower Division field trip | Veteran teacher, Eileen, teaches writing at Janus for the 17th year | Susan prepares for class with Teacher Assistant Gerry | Social Worker, Jay, and Robin work closely together | Facilities Director, Brian, takes a break from the construction and upkeep | Art Teacher, Jill, reviews photography techniques in yearbook class | Speech Language Pathologist, Giny, works one-on-one with a young student | Upper Division teacher, Ginger, directs as students work in math class |
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MEET THE FACULTY AND STAFF![The Janus School [Home Page]](images/topnav_logo.jpg "The Janus School [Home Page]")
Staff Biographies
- Erica Auker, Receptionist
- Jonathan Back, Dean of Students
- Nicholas Chapman, Director of Development
- Janet Gillespie, Head of School
- Staci Jasin, Director of Academics
- Giny Mackey, Speech & Language Pathologist
- Robin Payne, Director of Admission and Outreach
- Michael Peterson, Director of Finance and Operations
- Brian Schein, Director of Facilities
- Michelle Styer, Office Administrator
Erica Auker, Receptionist
B.A. Urban Studies, University of Pittsburgh
Erica grew up in the Lancaster area and has returned after living in Pittsburgh and Washington, DC for several years. During that time she earned a degree in Urban Studies with a minor in Studio Arts from the University of Pittsburgh, and spent time in India teaching and mentoring underserved children with a special focus on creative development. Erica has a wealth of experience in the nonprofit world working in both administrative and programmatic capacities, volunteering as a mentor to refugee children, and assisting with fundraising and event coordinating. She has a passion for helping children, and is thrilled to see the impact Janus is having on its students. In her own words, “I really appreciate the efforts of everyone at The Janus School to see each student – and staff member – as a unique individual with gifts and needs that sometimes are best served by coloring outside the lines a bit.”
Jonathan Back, Dean of Students and Director of Summer Programs
B.A. The Catholic U. of America, M.Ed. Millersville University
Jonathan is the Dean of Students and the Director of Summer Programs. He has worked in both public and private education and considers himself privileged to be a part of a team of educators who are focused on the development of the whole child. His passion and enthusiasm for learning is rooted in the belief that all children can realize their academic potential through a detailed process of skill development and self-discovery that embraces the notion that one’s education is never complete.
Nicholas Chapman, Director of Development
MPA, Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service at New York University
Nicholas Chapman joined Janus in the Summer of 2009. He earned an MPA from the Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service at New York University and previously worked in Development at the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. “The work and dedication of the faculty, staff and students at The Janus School is truly inspiring. I am honored to join such an outstanding group of people,” says Nick.
Janet Gillespie, Head of School
B.S in Speech & Language Pathology, and Psychology, Elmhurst College, Elmhurst Il. ; M.A. Speech and Language Pathology, Northern Illinois Univ.: Royal Society of the Arts Diploma in Specific Learning Difficulties, University College London.
Jan Gillespie joined Janus in July of 2011. She has worked as a speech therapist at the Proviso Area for Exceptional Children (PACE), Loyola Medical Center and the Hampstead International School. At the American School in London (ASL) and the Cooperative Association for Special Education (CASE), she has been both a speech and language therapist and a learning difficulties specialist. While at ASL she was also head of the Child Study Team, Lower School Interim Principal, and Middle School Associate Principal. She also had a private practice in London which provided tutoring and speech therapy for children from the age of 2 to 18. Jan joins the Janus community with an enthusiasm for embracing the whole child and enabling each student to realize and achieve their potential.
Staci Jasin, Director of Academics
B.A. University of Pennsylvania, M.S. Columbia University
Staci Jasin taught math and science at The Janus School between 1997 and 2002. After taking a short leave to pursue graduate studies, she returned to the school as Director of Admission for four years. She is now serving as Director of Academics. Jasin is particularly interested in connecting cognition, neuroscience and educational practice, especially involving learning, interdisciplinary teaching and cognitive and emotional development. For Jasin, Janus was an instant match for her. "When I first came to Janus, I was hooked, because it is a place that not only sees teaching as both an art and science, but its school model reflects the flexibility and structure that is needed to truly teach in this way."
Giny Mackey, Speech and Language
Giny Mackey earned a master of arts in speech pathology from George Washington University and joins the staff of The Janus School as a speech pathologist. She has extensive experience in neurological disorders of language, voice and cognitive impairments, as well as specialized training in Auditory Processing Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury, with some of her most recent work being in Sensory Processing and Sensory Integration. Giny feels part of what makes her a great fit here at The Janus School is her experience as a parent, since she has three children in their early to mid-twenties. "It feels funny to call them children since they are now adults," she laughs, adding, "It’s given me great insight into the challenges of parenting, for which I am so grateful." She lives in Manheim Township with her husband.
Robin Payne, Director of Admission and Outreach
B.S. Kutztown University
Robin Payne was previously employed as Lower Division Head and Director of Student Affairs. Robin became Director of Admission and Outreach in 2009. Payne is from Lancaster, is married and has two children. She has served as a "teacher mentor" of sorts over the years, and is very involved with the socialization and communication curriculum. "I enjoy being involved in a student-centered school, with a focus on process rather than product. The greatest gift is empowering students to know as much as they can about learning."
Michael Peterson, Director of Finance and Operations
B.S. Bloomsburg University, MBA Wilkes University
Michael Peterson came to The Janus School in May of 2009. Mike is drawn to the school by its mission and the staff that carries it out. He has a wide range of experience from different industries. Before coming to The Janus School, Mike held accounting and management positions in banking, insurance, and manfacturing. "I am humbled and amazed at this team of faculty and staff that focus on the mission of helping children with learning differences. I really appreciate being a small part of this organization."
Brian Schein, Director of Facilities
York Technical Institute
Brian Schein is an Elizabethtown native and attended York Technical Institute. As the Director of Facilities, he oversees campus responsibilities, maintenance and overall coordination of the building. Brian follows in the footsteps of his father, Del, in this integral position at the school.
Michelle Styer, Office Administrator
B.S. Grove City College, M.Ed. Wilkes University
Before arriving at Janus, Michelle Styer taught third grade for eight years at New Holland Elementary School in eastern Lancaster County. During the summer of 2007, she was hired as a temporary employee until Janus found a permanent front-desk position. She later filled the position as office administrator. "The short two months as a temp were enough to show me that Janus is filling a much-needed niche in education and is a fascinating place to work. From day one you can see a difference in the students that start attending here. You see smiles instead of tears." She was born and raised in Lancaster County.
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- BOARD OF TRUSTEES
- ANNUAL REPORT
