Jonathan is the Dean of Students. He has taught for 10 years in both public and private education. "Learning is a process of skill development and self-discovery that lasts a lifetime."
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 two dogs, Maggie and Pringle.
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."
Deborah Kost took the helm as Head of School in mid-July of 2007. She came to Janus inspired by its mission, its student-centered environment, the Board's support and the welcoming community. Prior to working at Janus, Kost began her career teaching high school science and math, and later serving as an assistant director at Yale University, at the Center for the Study of Learning and Attention Disorders. She spent time at the Friends Select School as the Dean of Students, and later served as Head of School at Haddonfield Friends School before arriving at Janus. "It's rewarding to know the work we do enables our teachers to provide the best academic and co-curricular experience for our students. This is a fascinating and unique school!"
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.
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.
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."
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, Facilities Director, was born and raised in Elizabethtown and continues to live there today. He is a graduate of Mount Calvary Christian School and York Technical Institute, where he received a diploma in heating, air conditioning and refrigeration technology. Prior to coming to The Janus School, Brian worked in the printing business for nine years. His hobbies include working on his house, fishing, golf, listening to the blues, and he added, "I am a Civil War buff!"
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.