Faculty & Staff

Regina Angelorum Academy’s faculty and staff are dedicated Catholic educators committed to forming students in wisdom, virtue, and academic excellence. Our teachers bring experience in Classical Liberal Arts education, Montessori education, Catholic formation, and their individual academic disciplines.

Together, they share a common mission: partnering with parents to educate the whole child while remaining faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Pre-Kindergarten Faculty

Ms. Clare Souder, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Ms. Souder serves as a Pre-Kindergarten teacher at Regina Angelorum Academy. She received her B.S. in Early Childhood Studies and her American Montessori Society Early Childhood teaching credential from Chestnut Hill College. She completed her internship at Lansdale Montessori School and continued working there for another year as a Teacher’s Assistant. This past year, she was a Co-Lead teacher at the Philadelphia Chinese Academy in the primary Montessori classroom. Ms. Souder appreciates the logic and beauty of the Montessori method’s philosophy. She was not surprised to learn that Dr. Montessori was a devout Catholic herself—and that the Faith shaped the formation of the pedagogy. She feels blessed to have found this deeply spiritual and humanistic way of educating young children, who in turn remind her how to be little before the Father

Mrs. Maria Carelli, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Carelli serves as a Pre-Kindergarten teacher at Regina Angelorum Academy. She received her AMS certification 12 years ago. Although her certification goal was primarily the education of her 5 children, Mrs. Carelli found it difficult to be away from the Montessori environment since. In 2016, she joined Montessori Corner, in Plainsboro New Jersey, as head of school. In 2018, she moved to Pennsylvania for her children to receive a classical Catholic education. She joined Regina Coeli’s Children’s House for 3 years and received the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level I certification during this time. Mrs. Carelli considers it a blessing to be able to serve our Lord in the education of children.

Mrs. Clare McGuire, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. McGuire serves as a Pre-Kindergarten teacher at Regina Angelorum Academy. She received her AMS Montessori certification from Chestnut Hill College in 1994. She went on to teach at Waldron Mercy Academy in the Montessori Program for 10 years until her first child was born. In 2002, Mrs. McGuire received the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1 certification and assisted in several Catechesis programs over the years. For the past 8 years Mrs. McGuire has been working part-time in the Pre-K program at RAA while home schooling her daughter. Both of her children had the opportunity to attend RAA for some of their education. They have made good friends from this community and the foundation they received here has enabled them to stay close to their faith as they transition into adulthood.

Kindergarten Faculty

Mrs. Kathleen Ranieri, Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Ranieri teaches Kindergarten at Regina Angelorum Academy and is in her fourth year at the school. Prior to teaching at RAA, Mrs. Ranieri taught Kindergarten for five years. She graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor of Science in Education and has Pennsylvania and Catholic School certifications in education. Mrs. Ranieri loves to read, garden, and spend time with her four children.

First Grade Faculty

Ms. Elisse Fitzgibbons, First Grade Teacher

Ms. Fitzgibbons teaches first grade at Regina Angelorum Academy. She earned a B.S. Ed. in PK-4th Grades and a M. Ed. in Literacy and Reading Specialist Certification from West Chester University. This past year, she taught in the Upper Merion School District. Ms. Fitzgibbons attended RAA in K-5th grade and is looking forward returning to RAA as a teacher.

Mrs. Monica Viola, First Grade Teacher

Mrs. Viola teaches first grade at Regina Angelorum Academy. She joined the RAA faculty in 2021 after relocating from Miami, Florida. She has taught at three Catholic schools in Miami, before teaching at RAA. Monica is certified in the Orton-Gillingham reading program. She loves teaching phonics and reading to young children. She is also certified in level 1 and 2 of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

Second Grade Faculty

Ms. Bailey Raymond, Second Grade Teacher

Ms. Raymond teaches second grade at Regina Angelorum Academy. She joined the RAA faculty in 2024 after relocating from New York City. Prior to RAA, Ms. Raymond spent four years at Brilla Public Charter Schools in New York, where she worked as a Multilingual Learning (MLL) Specialist and 1st Grade Teacher. In her role as MLL Specialist, she provided targeted language instruction and managed key assessment protocols for multilingual learners. Ms. Raymond began her education career with the Seton Teaching Fellows, through which she gained hands-on classroom experience and served as an Assistant Site Manager for the El Camino after-school program.

Mrs. Barrabee teaches third grade at Regina Angelorum Academy and joined the school in 2019. She graduated from East Stroudsburg University in 2000 where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, with a minor in Early Childhood Development. She is certified to teach Kindergarten through 6th grade. She has acquired 30 graduate credits from Indiana Wesleyan University and obtained her Level II teaching certification. She has taught elementary school for over 17 years in various school districts such as the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia and Lower Merion School District. Mrs. Barrabee also worked as a summer program leader in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for over ten years. She and her husband Beau have two daughters and live in Lower Merion Township.

Fourth Grade Faculty

Mrs. Kim McBryan, Fourth Grade Teacher

Mrs. McBryan teaches fourth grade at Regina Angelorum Academy and has served the Regina Schools for 18 years. She began her teaching career at the first school, Regina Coeli Academy in Wyndmoor, trained teachers for the sister school, Regina Angelorum, and subsequently moved to the RAA for a permanent position. A graduate of Chestnut Hill College with a BA in History, and married in 1978, Mrs. McBryan worked for a brief time in the advertising business. While raising a family of four children, she stayed at home and was sole proprietor of two business ventures. Mrs. McBryan has been involved in the pro-life movement as a chastity speaker, primarily in the Tristate area for ten years. Presently, Mrs. McBryan is the fourth-grade teacher at Regina Angelorum Academy, and recently certified as a Wilson Language practitioner.

Ms. Julie Kelnhofer, Fourth Grade Teacher

Ms. Kelnhofer teaches fourth grade at Regina Angelorum Academy and joined RAA in 2024. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee with a B.S. in Elementary Education and minors in English and Mathematics, Ms. Kelnhofer is a passionate educator and an experienced missionary with a strong foundation in both classroom teaching and Catholic social outreach. After teaching fourth grade at Mother of Good Counsel School and completing student teaching at Walker Elementary, she served as a missionary with Christ in the City in Denver and Philadelphia, where she accompanied individuals experiencing homelessness and deepened her formation in Catholic Social Teaching. Her experience spans classroom instruction, spiritual mentorship, and service leadership, including work as a camp counselor at Camp Wojtyla and student leader with Panther Catholic. She brings a heart for service, strong communication skills, and a commitment to fostering both academic growth and human dignity in every setting.

Fifth Grade Faculty

Ms. Chloe Jackson, Fifth Grade Teacher and Seventh Grade Science Teacher

Ms. Jackson teaches fifth-grade core subjects and seventh-grade science at Regina Angelorum Academy. She earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Washington. Over the past two years she has served as a Missionary with Christ in the City, serving the homeless in Philadelphia and organizing middle school youth groups. In addition to teaching 5th grade core subject areas, Ms. Jackson will teach 7th grade science. Ms. Jackson is looking forward to helping students see the beauty of God’s creation through math and science as well as sharing her love of the Catholic faith.

Sixth Grade Faculty

Mrs. Erin Haas, Sixth Grade Homeroom Teacher

Mrs. Haas serves as the sixth-grade homeroom teacher at Regina Angelorum Academy and has taught at the school for five years. She grew up on Long Island and attended college at SUNY Old Westbury (B.A. in Elementary Education) followed by Long Island University (M.S. in Educational Technology). She taught for ten years in Farmingdale School District before permanently relocating to the Philadelphia area. She lives with her husband, Justin, and their four kids in Philadelphia. Mrs. Haas’s children attend Regina Angelorum (grades 4, 2, and Kindergarten). Her youngest child, age 3, looks forward to joining the RAA family for preschool next fall!

Seventh Grade Faculty

Mr. Dan McErleane, Seventh Grade Teacher

Mr. McErleane teaches seventh grade at Regina Angelorum Academy. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Theology and philosophy from Holy Apostles College and Seminary. His focus in both of these disciplines is largely on the work of St. Thomas Aquinas. Mr. McErleane is looking forward to teaching middle school students who are at an age where questions of wonder are still being asked (“why do we do this?”), while yet becoming even more inquisitive about them (“why should we do this?”). He is eager to hear their questions and to provide them with adequate answers to help them develop their appreciation for the truth.

Eighth Grade Faculty

Mr. Eric Maurer, Eighth Grade Teacher and Director of Classical Engagement

Mr. Maurer teaches eighth grade and serves as Director of Classical Engagement at Regina Angelorum Academy. He holds a BA in classical liberal arts from Thomas Aquinas College and a MA in Ancient Greek and Latin from Brandeis University. A co-founder of the Lyceum School in Cleveland, Ohio, Mr. Maurer taught at a classical school, a behavioral school, an inner-city school, and at St. Paul’s Choir School in Cambridge, MA before coming to RAA. While at SPCS, where he taught math, science, and Latin, Mr. Maurer was a 2020 recipient of Archdiocese of Boston’s Excellence in Education Awards. Mr. Maurer is the moderator of RAA’s Stock Market Club. New to PA, Mr. Maurer lives with his wife in Royersford. His favorite hobbies are reading, hiking, trading, and traveling.

K – 3rd Science Faculty

Mrs. Meg Dierkes, Kindergarten–Third Grade Science Teacher

Mrs. Dierkes teaches science to students in Kindergarten through third grade at Regina Angelorum Academy. She is a mother of eight children and a registered pediatric nurse. She homeschooled her eight children and led numerous science classes for children in the local homeschool community. Most recently, she taught science at Claritas Academy. Mrs. Dierkes loves to teach children science, especially guiding them to see the beauty and truth in God’s creation.

5th and 6th Science | 8^th Grade Writing Faculty

Mrs. Kimberly Petrucci, Fifth- and Sixth-Grade Science and Eighth-Grade Writing Teacher

Mrs. Petrucci teaches fifth- and sixth-grade science and eighth-grade writing at Regina Angelorum Academy. She graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in English. After student teaching high school English in Greenville, NC, Mrs. Petrucci worked for an international nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C.. She has teaching certifications in North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Prior to raising her six children, she was employed with Ericsson Telecommunications and currently resides in the Philadelphia region with her husband and family.

Art Faculty

Mrs. Alisyn Blake, Art Teacher

Mrs. Blake teaches art at Regina Angelorum Academy and is a classically trained artist with an MFA from the School of Visual Arts and a BFA from Kutztown University. A graduate of Studio Incamminati, she was one of four artists selected by The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for the Face to Face: The Craniofacial Program Portrait Project. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, with showings at venues such as The National Arts Council, the School of Visual Arts Museum, The National Arts Club, and the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra galas. Her commissioned portraits are part of private collections including those of Debbie and Andrew Webster.

Mrs. Cynthia Brothers, Art Teacher

Mrs. Margie Coppa, Art Teacher

Physical Education Faculty

Mrs. Barbara Nawn, Physical Education Teacher and Athletic Director

Mrs. Nawn serves as Regina Angelorum Academy’s physical education teacher and athletic director. She has over twenty years of experience as a PE teacher in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She earned a B.S. from St. Joseph’s University and is completing a Master’s degree in Education Leadership from Immaculata University. She is thrilled to join RAA as a PE coach and AD where she can share her faith and her love of physical fitness and sports.

Dramatic Arts Faculty

Ms. Isabel Wallacavage, Dramatic Arts Teacher

Ms. Wallacavage teaches dramatic arts at Regina Angelorum Academy. She was born and raised in Philadelphia, but has spent the past three years living in Austria attaining her BA in Liberal Arts at ITI Catholic University, a Pontifical Institute. Though her studies have been theological, one of her life-long passions has been Shakespeare and the performing arts. Prior to university she acted in and helped produce multiple Shakespearean performances, and while in university she acted in a short film for EWTN. She has a special interest in Catholicism’s role in the performing arts, and believes the glorification and love of God must be at their root if they are to be good and true. Isabel is overjoyed to have this opportunity to share the excitement and wonder of drama, and hopes to inspire the skills of confidence and self-mastery in performance at RAA.

Music Faculty

Ms. Anne Nyaga, Music Teacher

Ms. Nyaga teaches music at Regina Angelorum Academy and has worked in Classical education for nine years. She earned her BA in Music from Ave Maria University (Ave Maria, FL), with a minor in Latin and Greek. She recently completed her master’s degree in Choral Conducting from Messiah University (Mechanicsburg, PA). Since 2015, she has taught music and Latin in the elementary grades at Regina Coeli Academy and Regina Angelorum Academy and leads the annual Christmas and Spring concerts. In collaboration with the schools, various choir students have been able to participate in the regional Catholic Choir Festival, Pueri Cantores (2017-2019, NYC and Washington, D.C). Prior to living in the Philadelphia area, Ms. Nyaga was born and spent a large part of her childhood in Kenya, Massachusetts, and Ave Maria, FL. She has a passion for teaching music through a classical curriculum and is interested in the link between music and languages. She believes that the study of Gregorian chant and authentic folk music is integral to a complete musical education and classical education. She speaks various languages including two African languages (Swahili and Kikuyu), and French.

Algebra Faculty

Mrs. Felicia Coffey, Eighth Grade Algebra Teacher

Mrs. Coffey teaches eighth-grade algebra at Regina Angelorum Academy. A native of Philadelphia, she is a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Music and Case Western Reserve University. She and her husband, Jim, live in Havertown. They have five children, four of whom attended Regina Angelorum Academy. Felicia has a love of music and math and is fascinated by the connections between the two. She has been involved with RAA since it was founded in 2007. Felicia has had multiple roles at RAA, including directing the First Friday Choir, teaching music, first grade math, and pre-algebra. She has been teaching Eighth Grade Algebra since 2016. Mrs. Coffey has witnessed the fruits of this type of education first-hand in her children. She believes that here at RAA, our students have the freedom to be completely themselves and to grow into the person God created them to be. This is achieved because they have the comfort of learning and knowing, through the Catholic Classical Education, who created them, where they came from, where they are going and that they are each loved uniquely by God the Father.

Mrs. Jessica Carney, Algebra I Teacher

Mrs. Carney teaches Algebra I at Regina Angelorum Academy. She earned a B.S. in Mathematics and a Minor in Theology from the University of Notre Dame. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Catechetics and Evangelization from Franciscan University. A parent of three current RAA students, she appreciates the uniqueness of our school and is thrilled to be joining the faculty. She is teaching a second class of our Algebra 1 course.

Science | Latin | Reading and Writing Enrichment Faculty

Mrs. Bridget Hodgson, Science, Latin, and Reading/Writing Enrichment Teacher

Mrs. Hodgson teaches primary science, Reading/Writing Enrichment, and fifth-grade Latin at Regina Angelorum Academy. She is entering her ninth year of formal teaching. She holds undergraduate degrees in English and Spanish with a minor in Italian from Widener University. In addition to teaching, Mrs. Hodgson tutored newly emigrated students in New Jersey and North Philadelphia. This led her to earn a graduate degree in Education with a concentration in Linguistics/English as a Second Language from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia. As the wife of an active duty Naval Officer, Mrs. Hodgson has had the opportunity to work in various educational settings and geographic locations throughout the country. She has taught grades K-12 in both public and Catholic schools, and conducted seminars for adult learners. Bridget enjoys running, traveling, and spending time with her husband and four children.

Teaching with Faith and Purpose

Every member of the Regina Angelorum Academy faculty shares a commitment to Catholic education, academic excellence, and the integral formation of each student. Through their expertise, faith, and dedication, our teachers help students grow intellectually, spiritually, and morally each day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Faculty

Who teaches at Regina Angelorum Academy?

Regina Angelorum Academy’s faculty includes dedicated Catholic educators with experience in Classical Liberal Arts education, Montessori education, theology, mathematics, science, language arts, Latin, music, art, dramatic arts, and physical education.

What qualifications do Regina Angelorum Academy teachers have?

Our teachers bring a range of academic degrees, professional certifications, classroom experience, and specialized training to their roles. Together, they share a commitment to academic excellence, Catholic formation, and the intellectual, spiritual, and moral growth of every student.

How does the faculty support Regina Angelorum Academy’s mission?

Regina Angelorum Academy’s faculty partners with parents to educate the whole child through an authentically Catholic Classical education. Teachers help students pursue wisdom, grow in virtue, develop their God-given abilities, and deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.