Faculty Page
Our teachers work closely with our students both inside and outside of school. What follows is only a distillation of their varied and interesting pursuits.
Sherry Beers (BS in Biochemistry and a minor in Psychology from Lehigh University, 1995). Sherry holds PA private school certifications in biology, chemistry, and mathematics. She teaches courses in human anatomy, world mythology, basic Latin, and a few math courses such as Algebra and sometimes Trigonometry. To enhance her interest in human anatomy, Sherry recently completed a 600-hour massage therapy program. Between classes at TAS, she often works on the aching shoulders and backs of staff and students alike. In her personal life, Sherry enjoys socializing her new puppy and working with horses.
Chris Briggs (AS Northampton Community College, BS/BA Biology and
Secondary Education, East Stroudsburg University) teaches Biology, Science Topics, Bacteriology, Ecology Inquiry, Anthropology, and Economics. He holds Pennsylvania state public school certification in Secondary Education -Biology. Chris is a former Quality Control lab technician/supervisor from a plastics factory. When his company offered him a layoff or transfer to Ohio, he chose to go back to school and become a science teacher because he didn't want his life's legacy to be the millions of pounds of land filled automotive plastic which he had approved. Chris believes that direct experience is the best teacher and he strives to include in his classes as many hands-on opportunities as possible. Chris is a high school youth advisor at his church, plays disc golf, guitar, and enjoys all things related to the outdoors
Barbara Bjerring Barbara holds a Post-Baccalaureate graduate degree from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art and a Bachelor in Fine Art degree from Moore College of Art. She studied computer art at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, biology, chemistry and zoology at The Philadelphia Community College and embryology at Rutgers Camden. She has shown her artwork locally and internationally. Barbara has a background as a set painter as well as a graphic designer and web developer. A large amount of her resume is dedicated to the culinary arts especially vegan and vegetarian cooking, catering and most recently running the café, Max at the Michener. Barbara teaches art classes at Tinicum Art and Science as well as yoga. She prepares lunch for the school three days a week. Outside of school Barbara enjoys running, yoga, rock climbing, spinning, mountain biking, cyclocross and hiking. Barbara grew up in Philadelphia and recently moved to Bucks County from South Philadelphia. Her daily goal is to practice, and instill in her students, open-mindedness, forward thinking and a loving attitude.
Robert Garza (Associate of Arts, Munich University, Germany) teaches German, Physical Education, and Auto-mechanics. Uniquely and enthusiastically Texan and German, Mr. Garza brings students into every aspect of school life, particularly in the maintenance and repair of the building and grounds. He apprenticed three years as a stonemason and gardener in Munich. He is presently organizing the plantings of native plants at Tinicum Art and Science, to better reflect the flora of the Delaware Valley.
Stephanie Kenney (BA in mathematics and philosophy from Boston College, Newton, Ma. and an MEd in Integral Education from Endicott College, Beverly, Ma) has been teaching for 12 years. Her classes have included Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, Computer Science, Woodworking, Jewelry Making and Japanese. She has travelled to over 15 countries and speaks German and Japanese. She has worked with adolescents for 10 years and is certified to teach at the secondary level by the state of Pennsylvania. Stephanie holds a black belt in Shin Boep, studies sword and Ho Shin Sul in the Shim Gum Do style of martial arts.
Matthew Bevin Kustafik (BA in English-Thomas Edison State College. Certified Wilson Language teacher). Matthew teaches the WRS (Wilson Reading System) to dyslexic students and those who need extra help and support with reading and writing. He also teaches poetry workshops and literature classes as well as an introductory American Sign Language course. Prior to teaching, Matthew worked for several years as a counselor to mentally ill and mentally challenged adults. He has traveled extensively both in the United States and abroad. As well as traveling, he also enjoys music, playing guitar, reading and writing, swimming, playing cards, spending time outdoors, sports (especially baseball) and cooking. He has been teaching for 12-years and plans to continue teaching, traveling, learning, and enjoying life until it ends.
Duncan LaPlante (BA American University/Georgetown University 1979 English, Performing Arts; Graduate work; Folger Institute of Renaissance Studies) teaches European history (Middle Ages, Reformation, Renaissance, Enlightenment), Comparative Religion, Cold War/Vietnam, Geography, English (creative writing, Comparative Lit), and music. Associate Editor,The Commodity Futures Handbook and contributer to Nobel Prize Winners and several poetry quarterlies. Former Director of two Art and Cultural history museums and an educational art colony. Has appeared on numerous cd’s and performs with the Chameloen quartet.
Buffy Morgan FOOD: Whole foods cooking at NY Natural Gourmet School, chef at L'Avantage Day Spa, New Hope, PA; whole foods chef & caterer at Max & Me, now Max Hansen Catering, Gardenville, PA. Influenced & inspired by the whole foods cooking style, macrobiotics, nutritional healing, Bioneers & the Slow Food movement supporting local & sustainable food sources originating with the San Francisco (Shunryu Suzuki), Tassahara, & Green Gulch Zen Center restaurant connections.
William Q. Palmieri (Kutztown University, B.A. English; PA private school teacher certified, English); Teaches courses in literature and composition, art history, film history, black and white photography, and French. Mr. Palmieri has worked as a part–time photographer, and as an organizer of art and music events. In his spare time he enjoys playing music, attending live music and art shows, as well as biking and hiking.
Peter Ryan (BA Boston College 1987. Education, English. Private school certified to teach English) teaches American History, Psychology, English, and Music. Professional experience includes 8 years on the staff of an innovative program in Brighton, Massachusetts specializing in post-traumatic stress disorder, cognitive disorders, and learning disabilities. He has released 4 CD’s with various groups and studied classical Indian (Hindustani) music with Warren Senders. He holds a second degree black belt in Zen Sword.
Over the the last two years we have had numerous guest instructors for workshops of varying durations. Subjects and skills taught include Poetry, Blacksmithing, and Experimental and Avant-Garde Music.
Vic Rawlings (BA Boston College 1988. Psychology) Teaches music. Professional teaching experience includes initiating and implementing an expressive therapy group within a secure juvenile residential facility, writing and teaching classroom music curriculum for Uphams Corner Charter School in Boston, giving workshops in ensemble-based contemporary improvised music at music festivals and schools (including Harvard University and The Rivers Music School) throughout the U.S., and 17 years experience teaching private lessons on guitar, banjo, mandolin, and cello. He has recorded professionally for film, theater and radio, performed throughout the U.S. and in europe, released music on labels in the U.S. and europe, and been reviewed internationally. He has studied music privately with select teachers in the U.S. and in India. He has experience as a professional violin restorer and builds/ modifies acoustic and electronic instruments. Vic’s page here
