Faculty
Most independent schools like Erie Day School are small communities and so are their class sizes. Teachers get to know every student, not just in the classroom, but also during enrichment activities, in drama productions and on the athletic field. An important outgrowth of the close teacher/student relationship is trust. Students feel free to discuss ideas and problems with their teachers whom they look upon as trusted advisors. Erie Day School becomes an extension of the student’s family, providing a safe environment to explore ideas and feelings with the guidance that ensures the student won’t get lost in the exploration.
Karen Tyler
Head of School
814-452-4273, Ext. 102
D.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction – Indiana University of Pennsylvania
M.Ed. Reading – Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
B.A. Elementary Education – Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Joined Erie Day School in 2011
On July 1, 2011, Karen K. Tyler, D.Ed. joined the students, faculty and staff of Erie Day School as Head of School. Dr. Tyler brings eighteen years of experience in education to Erie Day School. She is an assistant professor with Edinboro University of Pennsylvania’s Professional Studies Department and prior to her current position as Head of School she served as a curriculum consultant within the Erie area and served as an adjunct for Gannon University’s Graduate Studies Program. In her professional career she has been a literacy coach, reading specialist and a classroom teacher with the Harbor Creek and Millcreek School Districts. She is an honors graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, earning her doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Dr. Tyler has also made several national, state-wide and local educational presentations with NCTE, KSRA, PAFPC, RECAP and numbers of school districts. She has been a leadership director for Leadership Innovations and is certified in Crisis Intervention.
Dr. Tyler is looking forward for the school year to “balance the distinguished student-centered focus and experiential learning environment of Erie Day School with 21st century skills and innovations.” Exposing and entertaining the Erie area to understand the premise of independent schools and the educational opportunities that Erie Day School has to offer will be among her first priorities.
Celeste Bolles
Grade 5 Advisor / Middle School Language Arts & Math Teacher
B.A. Elementary Education – Villa Maria College
Joined Erie Day School in 1989
814-452-4273, Ext. 150
cbolles@eriedayschool.org
Celeste Bolles is a graduate of Villa Maria College with a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education and a minor in History. She started at Erie Day School as a part-time History teacher and is currently the Grade 5 teacher. Prior to joining Erie Day School she taught Grade 5 in Manitou Springs, Colorado for eight years. The oldest of seven children, Mrs. Bolles grew up in the Chautauqua region of New York. She returned to Erie in 1985 with her husband and two children. Mrs. Bolles has two special Grade 5 units that relate to her love of history. For many years her students have conducted a nationwide poll to predict the presidential election results, and call it correctly each time. Mini-society has evolved into a fourteen week project to create a community in the classroom – students organize their own economic, political and social systems. When Mrs. Bolles is not at Erie Day School, she is an active member at LECOM Fitness Center or spends time with her two new grandchildren.
Kristen Czarnecki
Toddler Program Assistant
Joined Erie Day School in 2011
814-452-4273, Ext. 103
Amy Emmett
Visual Arts Teacher for Preschool through Grade 4
B.S. Art Education – Edinboro University of PA
Joined Erie Day School in 2007
814-452-4273, Ext. 171
aemmett@eriedayschool.org
Amy Emmett began teaching at Erie Day School as the Lower School Art teacher in 2007. She has also taught as an assistant teacher in the Kindergarten room, and currently in the Pre-K classroom. Mrs. Emmett received her Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. She was adjunct art faculty member with the elementary students at the Miller Research Learning Center Lab School and has conducted workshops for early childhood educators for the Education Department. Mrs. Emmett has taught in the Project Enhance program for the Northwest Tri County Intermediate Unit and has also taught Art Integration program workshops with special needs students. She resides in Edinboro with her son, Neil, while her other son, Ryan, lives in Pittsburgh. Mrs. Emmett loves to sculpt with soapstone and has exhibited her work in several Erie area art shows.
Amy Gallo
Health / Physical Education Teacher
B.A.S. Nutrition & Dietetics – Youngstown State University
Certification – Health & Phys. Ed. – Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Joined Erie Day School in 2003
814-452-4273, Ext. 204
agallo@eriedayschool.org
Amy Gallo joined Erie Day School in 2003 and is currently in her ninth year of teaching. Ms. Gallo received her teacher certification in Health and Physical Education from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and her Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Youngstown State University. Ms. Gallo was a scholarship athlete at YSU and was a standout on the volleyball court – still holding the record for being the only volleyball player to be a four-time all-league selection and four-time all-conference selection. She received the prestigious Vindicator Award, which honors one female student athlete a year for success in the classroom as well as on the court. In 2009, Ms. Gallo was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Youngstown State University. Through the years, Ms. Gallo works hard to stay current in her specialty. She has attended several Governors Institutes, has been trained in SPARK (Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids), is an active member of PSAHPERD (The Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation
and Dance), and has attended several state conventions. Ms. Gallo is an assistant coach for Erie Day School Cross Country Team again this year and in her spare time she enjoys gardening and spending time with husband, Jaimen, and two sons, Jackson and Jonas, along with other family and friends.
Melissa Gates
Technology and Lower School Science Teacher
B.S. Elementary/Early Childhood Education – Edinboro University of PA
Joined Erie Day School in 2007
814-452-4273, Ext. 181
mgates@eriedayschool.org
Melissa Gates has a dual role of teaching Science, Grades 1-4, and Technology, Grades K-8. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. After graduation, she relocated to North Carolina where she was a Grade 5 teacher and honored as ‘Love Memorial Elementary School’s 2006 Teacher of The Year.’ Mrs. Gates returned to Erie and joined Erie Day School in 2007. She has received her certification in Special Education and Middle School Mathematics and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Special Education. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her four children: a daughter who is entering her 3rd year at Western Carolina University, a 14-year-old daughter entering high school, and two boys ages 8 and 10. She also enjoys gardening, getting out in nature, and reading.
Ann Giannelli
Grade 3 Teacher
B.A. Elementary Education – Edinboro University of PA
814-452-4273, Ext. 130
agiannelli@eriedayschool.org
Ann Giannelli has been Erie Day School’s Grade 3 teacher for fourteen years and the Grade 2 teacher for three years. She is a graduate of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education -- completing her student teaching assignment at Erie Day School. She also continues to take education classes at Gannon University and Edinboro. Ms. Giannelli is an assistant coach for the Erie Day School Cross Country Team and also tends to the ‘Secret Garden’ hidden aside her classroom. She has worked part-time with underprivileged children at a local community center while home raising her children. An avid runner, Ms. Giannelli ran her first half marathon in 2011 at Presque Isle exceeding her goals of ‘not walking’ and ‘finishing before last place.’ Ms. Giannelli is married and has three children, one of which is currently enrolled at Erie Day School, and likes to garden in her spare time.
Mary Golba
Pre-K Teacher
B.A. Music & Music Education – Bowling Green State University
Certification – Mercyhurst College
Joined Erie Day School in 2007
814-452-4273, Ext.201
mgolba@eriedayschool.org
Mary E. Golba, a native of South Bend, Indiana, has been teaching at Erie Day School for seven years, most currently as the Preschool teacher. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Bowling Green State University and an Elementary Education Certification from Mercyhurst College, Erie, PA. Her previous teaching experience is broad, teaching elementary/Jr. high school instrumental band, K- Grade 8 music and computers and private instrumental music instruction. She is also a veteran of the United States Air Force. Mrs. Golba is a 2nd Degree Black Belt/Tae Kwon Do, *2nd Degree Reiki and an Assistant Instructor at Park’s Tae Kwon Do. She is also the Erie Day School Cross Country Coach and Ski Bus Chaperone. Mrs. Golba spends her free time practicing Tae Kwon Do, cycling, gardening, playing piano and saxophone. Her personal goal for the year is to log 1000 miles on her bicycle.
Brian Gutowski
Middle School Social Sciences Teacher
B.A. History & Classics - University of Pittsburgh
B.S. Secondary Education Social Studies - Slippery Rock University
Joined Erie Day School in 2009
814-452-4272, Ext. 162
bgutowski@eriedayschool.org
Stacey Hammer
Preschool Teacher
B.A. Early Childhood/Elementary Education – Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
M.A. Reading – Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Joined Erie Day School in 2007
814-452-4273, Ext. 202
shammer@eriedayschool.org
Stacey Hammer joined Erie Day School in 2007 and is currently in her fourth year of teaching Preschool. Mrs. Hammer graduated from Edinboro University with a Master’s degree in Reading and a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She is a certified reading specialist. Mrs. Hammer is also a proud Erie Day School alumni with the Class of 1996. While not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Rick, and son, Jackson, along with shopping, reading, spending time at the beach and outdoors.
Cherie Lachowski
Performing Arts Teacher for Preschool through Grade 8/Grade 6 Advisor
B.A. Music – Michigan State University
M.A. Music Education – University of Michigan
Joined Erie Day School in 2007
814-452-4273, Ext. 170
clachowski@eriedayschool.org
Cherie Lachowski is Erie Day School’s music and performing arts teacher. Her musical experience is broad – winning a scholarship to Interlochen School of Music; studying with concert pianist Van Cliburn; attending the Conservatory of Grosse Pointe; receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in music performance and education from Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; receiving a Master’s degree in music education from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and receiving training at the Lincoln Center Institute in New York City – a highlight of her career. She has taught vocal music, music appreciation, music history, piano classes, theatre and chorus in several school districts in Michigan and Ohio and was voted Teacher of the Year while at Romulus Michigan after developing an inner city arts program and performed professionally at Detroit’s Renaissance Center and at several downtown restaurants. Her focus changed from teaching music in the schools to traveling and creating programs for symphonies throughout Europe and the United States while accompanying her husband for work. She enjoyed developing child and adult education programs, access programs for the handicapped and meeting performers, musicians and conductors while working for the Southeast Iowa, Grand Rapids, and Akron Symphonies and the Erie Philharmonic. Mrs. Lachowski is currently teaching Aesthetics Education at Mercyhurst College and has taught music education in Iowa and Erie. There is nothing like the joy and satisfaction she receives from watching students grow in self-confidence though a musical performance and then watching them give back to the community though their participation of the arts.
Adele Larsen
Visual Arts Teacher for Grades 5 through 8
B.A. Studio Art – Mercyhurst College
Joined Erie Day School in 1987
814-452-4273, Ext. 171
alarsen@eriedayschool.org
For twenty-five years, Adele Larsen has taught Middle School art at Erie Day School. She graduated from Mercyhurst College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and a minor in Art Education and also has her teaching certification. She began her career substitute teaching in Pittsburgh and moved to Erie in 1974 to teach at the Barber National Institute and the Boys and girls Club of Erie. Ms. Larsen is passionate about art and has been fortunate enough to travel in Europe to visit numerous museums that house great works of art. Teaching children has been a life-long love. She is also a professional landscape painter and has shown and sold paintings and pottery in Erie and Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and most recently in the Tamarac Show at Campbell Pottery, Edinboro, PA.
Jennifer Lowther
French, Spanish and Latin Teacher
B.A. French – Susquehanna University
M. A. French: Language, Literature and Culture – University of Louisville
Joined Erie Day School in 2011
814-452-4273, Ext. 161
jlowther@eriedayschool.org
Jennifer Lowther is new to Erie Day School and is the Language teacher. She received her Master of Arts degree in French: Language, Literature and Culture from the University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, and her Bachelor of Arts degree in French with minors in International Business and Education and a concentration in Spanish from Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA. She is amember of Pi Delta Phi, the National French Honors Society and is knowledgeable in the French culture having lived, studied and worked in France for two years. She speaks French, Spanish and some Polish and has studied Latin and Old Occitan and has traveled to over twenty-five countries. While attending University, Ms. Lowther was a member of the Susquehanna University Women’s Track and Field Team as well as a member of the Susquehanna University Dance Corps.
JoAnn Marsh
Toddler Program Teacher
B.S – Elementary Education – The State University of New York
Joined Erie Day School in 2011
814-452-4273, Ext. 103
New to Erie Day School in 2011, JoAnn Marsh is the toddler Program teacher. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from The State University of New York (SUNY) Fredonia and an Infant/Toddler Montessori teaching credential from the Center for Montessori Teacher Education. Mrs. Marsh also trained under the direction of Virginia Varga, renowned expert in infant and toddler development, and also founder of the first Montessori Toddler program in the United States at her school in Dayton, Ohio. She joined Erie Day School to create a Toddler Program to compliment their Early Childhood Education area. Prior to joining EDS, she helped create a Toddler Program at Montessori Children’s House of Erie. That program grew from one class of a few children, to two classes with a total of twenty children until its closing in 2011. Mrs. Marsh lives in Westfield, NY, with her husband Steve, and two Shih Tzu’s. Her son Christopher lives with his wife and two children in North Carolina and her daughter lives in Las Vegas with her husband Tom.
Patricia Mayton, R.N.
Middle School Science Coordinator/ Science Teacher for Grades 5 through 8
B.S. Secondary Science Education – Ohio State University
Biology Certification & B.S. Nursing – Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Joined Erie Day School in 2001
814-452-4273, Ext. 183
pmayton@eriedayschool.org
Patricia Mayton graduated from The Ohio State University, magna cum laude in Secondary Science Education in 1971; summa cum laude in Nursing from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 1993; and is certified in the Biological Sciences. Mrs. Mayton joined the Erie Day School family twice – once in 1985, leaving to receive her nursing degree, and again in 1994 to become the Middle School Science teacher. She also currently teaches childbirth classes at St. Vincent Hospital. Previous to joining Erie Day School and the Middle School Science Teacher, she lived in New Philadelphia, Ohio, and was nationally recognized as an Outstanding Young Woman of America for spearheading many community fundraising projects for the city while president of the New Philadelphia Jaycee Women. As a nurse Mrs. Mayton has been an Assessment Coordinator, Director of Nursing and a State Inspector for the Department of Welfare. Mrs. Mayton has been married to Dan for forty years and has three grown married daughters and six grandchildren. She spends her free time as the choral director for Our Lady of the Lake Church in Edinboro and Sing Choral Works. In 2010, she sang with the Erie Philharmonic and had the opportunity to be a part of its Tour of New York City where they performed at Carnegie Hall. Mrs. Mayton also plays the guitar, mandolin, ukulele, piano and organ and creates greeting cards to share with family and friends.
Catherine McCalmont
Grade 1 Teacher, Lower School Head
B.S. Elementary Education & Library Science – Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
M.S. Reading – Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Joined Erie Day School in 1979
814-452-4273, Ext. 110
cmccalmont@eriedayschool.org
Cathy McCalmont, Erie Day School’s Head of Lower School, graduated from Edinboro University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and Library Science. Through her years at Erie Day School she has been the librarian, Grade 3 teacher, and for the majority of time, Grade 1 teacher and Head of Lower School. Prior to joining Erie Day School, Mrs. McCalmont was a Preschool teacher for the Miller Research Learning Center Lab School located on the campus of Edinboro University. She also taught part-time remedial reading and math through the Northwest Tri County Intermediate Unit located at Erie Day School. Mrs. McCalmont has served on several Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS) Accreditation Teams across the state. Mrs. McCalmont and her husband Dave are the parents of Emily. When not teaching, she loves to take walks, sew, quilt, scrapbook, read, as well as craft for her home or classroom.
Kamila Novicki
Kindergarten Teacher
B.A. Early Childhood Education – Mercyhurst College
Joined Erie Day School in 1988
814-452-4273, Ext. 201
knovicki@eriedayschool.org
Kamila Novicki, Erie Day School’s Kindergarten teacher, graduated from Mercyhurst College with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She attended Edinboro University of Pennsylvania for graduate studies. She came to Erie Day School in 1988 as the Preschool teacher and began teaching Kindergarten in 2004. Her entire professional career has been spent working with children from birth through age six and their families. Prior to coming to Erie Day School she worked as the director of a child care and development center, as a supervisor in the head Start program and as a homebound teacher in the Early Childhood Development program at GECAC. A highlight of Mrs. Novicki’s career was participating in an internship at the Center for Teaching and Learning, Edgecomb, Maine, which she attended along with several Erie Day School Colleagues. Mrs. Novicki is married to Don and has two stepchildren, David and Kristen. Her hobbies include cooking, gardening, reading, traveling and beachcombing.
Virginia Rogers
Grade 8 Advisor, Middle School English Teacher
B.S. English – Gannon University
Joined Erie Day School in 1989
814-452-4273, Ext. 160
grogers@eriedayschool.org
Virginia (Ginny) Rogers has been teaching for thirty-nine years and has been at Erie Day School since 1984. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Gannon University and has completed graduate work in theology. Mrs. Rogers currently teaches English and is the Grade 8 homeroom advisor. She has assisted in the development of Erie Day School’s Personalized Education Program (PEP); has been a member of the Board of Trustees Marketing Committee; has been an accreditation committee member for the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS); is responsible for the development and coordination of the Student Council, student community service, family-style lunch and table etiquette program; the coordinator of Erie Day School’s annual ‘Evening of Shakespeare;’ and coordinator of student trips to the Shaw and Stratford Festivals, Ontario, Canada. She was the co-founder and owner of Papermoon Restaurant for six years and was responsible for the management and marketing efforts. In her spare time, Mrs. Rogers operates a business of semi-annual educational tours for children and adults to international destinations.
Allison Tilves
Grade 4 Teacher
B.A. General Arts & Sciences - Penn State Behrend
M.A. Elementary Education - Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Joined Erie Day School in 2009
814-452-4273, Ext.140
atilves@eriedayschool.org
Allison Tilves has lived in Erie her entire life and enjoys all that Erie offers with her husband Rocky and her daughter Madelyn. When not working with her students, Allison enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, exercising, and shopping. She is a fitness instructor at LECOM Wellness Center and is always looking for new and exciting challenges. Allison is also the Youth Activities Director for Kahkwa Country Club. Allison loves Erie Day School and looks forward to many more years working with children.
Kevin Silakowski
Grade 7 Advisor, Middle School Math Teacher
B.A. Mathematics – Caninius College
M.A. Math Education – University of Buffalo
Joined Erie Day School in 2011
814-452-4273, Ext. 182
Kevin Silakowski, Erie Day School’s Middle School Math teacher, was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. In 2002, he graduated from Canisius College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics. He then earned his Master’s degree in Math Education from the University of Buffalo. In 2009, he relocated to Erie, PA, to be with his fiancée, Carollee and young daughter Jordan. Mr. Silakowski enjoys watching movies, playing sports, supporting the Buffalo Bills and spending time with his family. He also has three cats, Whiskers, Teyo and Pebbles, that keep him busy.
Risa Wunch
Preschool Assistant and Extended Day Supervisor
B.S.Early Childhood Education – Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Joined Erie Day School in 2011
814-452-4273, Ext. 202
Risa Wunch, Erie Day School’s Preschool Assistant and Extended Day Supervisor, graduated from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She is currently pursuing a Masters degree at Edinboro in Special Education. Prior to joining Erie Day School, Ms. Wunch spent a year as a preschool teacher at Creative Learning Childcare. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, shopping, running, watching movies and reading.
Trisha Yates
Grade 2 Teacher
B.A. Elementary Education – Edinboro University of PA
Joined Erie Day School in 1992
814-452-4273, Ext. 210
tyates@eriedayschool.org
Trisha Yates, a graduate of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education/Reading and a minor in music has been as educator for over 27 years. She is currently the Grade 2 teacher at Erie Day School and is an adjunct professor at Gannon University in the education department, creating and teaching a class integrating arts into the classroom. Mrs. Yates began her career teaching as an Intermediate Unit Math and Reading Specialist. She also owned a business as an educational consultant and has taught workshops and presented at teacher in-services throughout the tri-state area. She published a book on creative ideas in the classroom through Carson-Delosa Educational Publishing company. Mrs. Yates currently serves as Director of Music at St. Jude’s Parish with her husband. She started the Erie Day School Playhouse and has directed musicals at General McLane High School for over 25 years. Mrs. Yates is an actress as well as vocalist, performing throughout the area in musicals, singing for weddings and in a band for almost 30 years. When Mrs. Yates is not teaching, planning or rehearsing, she spends time with her husband, daughter Devon and son, Jesse. Teaching, cooking, traveling, singing and spending time with family are her passions.
Julie Kresge
Julie Kresge is Erie Day School’s Director of Development. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Graphic Design from LaRoche College, Pittsburgh, PA. She currently guides Erie Day School’s development needs which include fundraising, marketing, admission and alumni programs. Prior to joining EDS, she had the dual role of Executive Director, Iroquois School District Foundation/Director, Public Relations, Iroquois School District. She also has an extensive background in healthcare marketing, public relations and development, working for Starboard Communications & Grants and Safe Harbor Behavioral Health, Erie, PA, and West Penn Allegheny Health System, Pittsburgh, PA. Mrs. Kresge has lived in Erie for eight years with her husband. She serves on several local nonprofit Boards of Directors and has participated in the Government Relations Institute of the Pennsylvania Community Providers Association (PCPA). Her marketing projects have received numerous Pittsburgh local, regional and national marketing awards. Ms. Kresge has also made several presentations about nonprofit marketing and outcome measurements at local and state-wide conferences.
Leslie Andrews
I.U. Speech / Language Specialist
814-452-4272, Ext. 180
Jody Donovan
I.U.
814-452-4272, Ext. 180
Stephanie Sherwood
I.U.
814-452-4273, Ext. 180
Erie Day School
1372 West Sixth Street
Erie, Pennsylvania 16505
Phone: (814) 452-4273
Fax: (814) 455-5184
ktyler@eriedayschool.org
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