FACULTY BIOGRAPHIES STAFF BIOGRAPHIES
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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Staff Biographies

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Jonathan Back, Dean of Students
B.A. The Catholic U. of America, M.Ed. Millersville University

Jonathan is the Dean of Students. He has taught in both public and private education. "Learning is a process of skill development and self-discovery that lasts a lifetime."

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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 Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Coalition for the Homeless. "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. He lives in Lancaster with his partner and dog, Pringle.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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Gina Martin, Receptionist

Gina Martin sits behind the brand new reception desk in the newly renovated Arnold Family Foundation Main Entrance and Reception Lobby and comes to The Janus School from previous positions at Community Services Group and Lancaster’s Owl Hill Learning Center, where she was a teacher of two and three-year-olds. "I like the passionate commitment of the teachers here, and the diversity of personalities of our students," she says. Gina and her husband, Kyle, have been married for two years and live in Lititz. She enjoys cooking and nutrition, and always welcomes a good game of pick-up sports. Gina earned a BS in psychology from Millersville University.

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Robin Payne, Director of Admission and Outreach
B.S. Kutztown University

Robin Payne was previously employed as Lower Division Head at Janus, but became Director of Admission and Director of Student Affairs in the fall of 2008. 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."

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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."

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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.

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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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