You may have noticed some new, smiling faces working with children in classrooms. We are pleased to welcome four new Teaching Associates into the GSFS community this year.

Dena Greenstreet joins Lori’s first grade fresh from her summer work as a family educator in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. A Smith College graduate majoring in education and child studies, she did her student teaching in varied settings. Dena has a deep and diverse range of teaching experiences, including designing an environmental education day camp for kids in Belize, creating after school programs in art and music for girl scouts, and rocking Girls Rock Philly, where she taught music and guitar among other things. In her spare time, Dena led the Smith College a capella group -- The Noteables. Dena’s passion for teaching, for music, and for the environment is clear, and we welcome her and her many gifts.

Andy Pettit is our new Teaching Associate in Raven’s first grade classroom. He’s a Temple Owl with a Masters in Education and Literature. He comes to us with 17 years of teaching experience in the Philadelphia school district, where he taught Pre-K through 8th grade. Andy loves bringing motion, music, art, and energy to learning. His passions include drama, writing, and radio plays, which he creates and hosts at gtownradio. Andy is also the father of Max Pettit, GSFS class of 2008. Andy is pleased to be “back home,” as he says, and we are very excited to have him here.

Simone Padron-Glass, our TA in Erica’s third grade, puts her heart into everything she does. She comes to us originally from Illinois, where she graduated from Monmouth College. Most recently Simone joins us from Friends School Haverford, where she served as a classroom aide, TA, and substitute. As a fellow with Repair the World, she served 200 hours per month with CHOP’s Homeless Health Initiative, Playworks Philadelphia, and Boys and GIrls Club. She worked at Camp JRF in PA for 8 summers as overnight counselor, swim teacher, and waterfront director. Simone swims with the Philadelphia Fins and coaches swimming at Friends Select. We are thrilled to welcome her energy and dedication to children.

Chace Nolen is our new Teaching Associate in Becky and Laura’s sixth grades. He served with City Year in Philadelphia last year, where he provided literacy and math support to classes and individuals. A biology major at the University of Chicago, with coursework in genetics, archaeology, and medieval theology. He is even proficient in Middle-Egyptian hieroglyphics. Chace has contagious energy for learning and teaching. He tutored K through 5th grade students in the Neighborhood Schools Program in Chicago. Chace also attended Cambridge Friends School and is happy to return to Quaker school roots. His excitement about learning and teaching is infectious.