Faculty Bios

Dr. Latoyia Bailey, Phd., Principal

CLICK HERE to read Dr. Bailey’s bio



Stephanie Henshaw, Assitant Principal

Mrs. Stephanie Henshaw grew up in Northeast Philadelphia. She attended Millersville University where she received a bachelor’s in secondary mathematics education.  After graduation, she received a job with the School District of Philadelphia and started her career at Olney High School.  After a few months of special assignment, Mrs. Henshaw received a permanent position at Roxborough High School, where she served as a Math Teacher, School Based Teacher Leader, Math Instructional Coach, Business Academy Leader, Cheerleading Coach, and Graduation Coordinator from 2004 to 2021.  During her time at Roxborough, Mrs. Henshaw earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership in 2009 from St. Joseph’s University and received certification as a Secondary Principal and Curriculum Supervisor.  During the Pandemic Mrs. Henshaw earned a position in the School District of Philadelphia Assistant Principal Pool which ultimately led her to the Arts Academy of Benjamin in July of 2021.  She is so very excited to work with all of the students and help them to have an amazing high school experience. Mrs. Henshaw loves spending time with her family, summers on the beach, and enjoys taking cycle classes.


Sonny Bavaro – School-Based Teacher Leader

Sonny Bavaro has taught at Lehigh University, Community College of Philadelphia, Bucks County Community College and the University of the Arts, and has been a teacher in the School District of Philadelphia since 2008. Growing up, Mr. Bavaro attended public school in the city of Yonkers and the hamlet of Hopewell Jct., both in NY. After high school, he moved to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to attend Lehigh University, and he did so with the intention of becoming a Civil Engineer. However, his sophomore year at Lehigh taught him that he prefers the art that words make, wishing to understand how the world works through applied poetry rather than applied mathematics.

He went on to receive both his BA in English from Lehigh, graduating magna cum laude, as well as an MA in English with a concentration in Medieval Literature and Gender Studies. After realizing that his love for the art of reading and writing was sparked when he was in 9th grade, he decided to become a high school English teacher and received an M.Ed in Secondary Education from Arcadia University.

Most recently, he was the Comprehensive High School Region Finalist for the 2010 Dr. Ruth Wright Hayre Teacher of the Year award for his work as a 9th-grade English teacher at West Philadelphia High School. Before teaching at Rush, he also taught at Furness High School in South Philly.

Mr. Bavaro’s pedagogy centers on the liberatory possibilities for teenagers when we encourage modern student-writers to engage with their peers and to re-mix and re-create narratives of the past to create original, 21st-century visions of their own future.


Stanley Johnson, Climate Manager

Stanley Johnson is committed to the success of students inside the classroom and in life. Over the past 20 years he has been driven to help students overcome barriers that impact their learning and lives. He holds an M.S. in Criminal Justice, Cheyney University (1998), and a M.S. in Community Psychology Justice, Springfield University (2001). Stanley has spent the past 20 years working with children and their families in the Philadelphia area in the role of a behavioral specialist and mobile therapist. He is an advocate for mentorships, restorative justice, social emotional learning, and equal opportunities for all. This has molded his beliefs in celebrating diversity and developing relationships with students, families, and teachers in order to achieve success in education.


Caitlin Parenti, Counselor

Mrs. Parenti joined Rush in the 2022-2023 school year. She began her post-secondary journey at Boston University where she studied Math Education. After teaching middle school math in Massachusetts and later in Paoli, Pennsylvania, she decided to become a school counselor and went back to earn her Master’s Degree at Rosemont College. She has several years of experience working with high school students and has a big passion for helping students with college and career planning.

Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her two children and husband, cooking, completing DIY projects, and trying new restaurants in the city!




COURSES

Mathematics

Tasmara Davis – Geometry, Computer Science

Tasmara grew up in Philadelphia, attending Meredith Elementary School and Central High School. She studied Secondary Mathematics Education at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania and received her Master of Education degree from Cabrini College. Through a partnership with Drexel University, Tasmara became certified to teach Computer Science.

The arts were a big part of Tasmara’s upbringing and family life. She studied instrumental and vocal music, dance, visual arts, and theatre. Tasmara also enjoys spending time in nature, crocheting, and cookie decorating.


Jon Goulet – Algebra II , Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus

Mr. Goulet grew up in Providence, Rhode Island, where he lived through High School. During his early years in school, he had a passion for Math and Science and loved working with computers. He came to Philadelphia in 2001 to attend the University of Pennsylvania, where he majored in Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics. He graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2005 with a BS in Computer Science and Engineering. After graduation, he began his first job working as a software developer and providing technology support at a large financial services company. After three years of working in that field, he decided that a career change was in order and joined the Philadelphia Teaching Fellows in 2008. He worked for two years teaching Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, and AP Calculus at South Philadelphia High School and joined the staff at Rush in the fall of 2010. Mr. Goulet has a Masters of Education from Drexel University. In his spare time, Mr. Goulet enjoys running, watching sports, reading, and traveling.


Martin Power – Algebra I and II

Mr. Power is a Philadelphia native who grew up in South Philadelphia but recently moved to the Greater Northeast. He is a proud class of 2014 graduate of the School District of Philadelphia where he spent his middle and high school years at G.A.M.P.. During his time there he specialized in both vocal and instrumental music. After high school he attended Drexel University where he received his Bachelors in TV Production and Media Management. Upon graduating he quickly realized that education was where he wanted and needed to be. He then went on to teach Math and Science at String Theory Charter School for 3 years while earning his Masters in Math and Science Education from Temple University. Mr. Power is ecstatic to be teaching at a school that values arts and academic excellence as that mirrors his K-12, Undergraduate, and Graduate experience.


Daniel Ritzheimer – Algebra 1

Born and raised in Northeast Philadelphia, Daniel Ritzheimer is a proud product of the Philadelphia public school system. As a graduate, Daniel is committed to serving the school district which helped him become the lifelong learner that he is today. While studying Mechanical Engineering at Temple University, Daniel volunteered as a Calculus tutor. It was during this time that he discovered his passion for teaching. He quickly changed his major and received his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education from Temple University. Since then, Daniel has taught at Olney West High School, George Washington High School, Philadelphia High School for Business and Technology, and Harding Middle School. Mr. Ritzheimer ensures the future success of his students by providing them with challenging curriculum that is relevant to their needs and interests.



Science

Suzanne Bachman – Biology and Anatomy and Physiology

Suzanne Bachman was born in Illinois and grew up in a military family, living in Germany, the Philippine Islands, Bolivia, and Iran. Her high school years were spent in the farm country of the Lehigh County. She obtained a B.S. in Biology and a M.S. in Physiology from Penn State University. Teaching is a career change for Suzanne, who previously worked at Thomas Jefferson University Medical School as a Research Assistant doing AIDS research and later with a physician who conducted AIDS clinical trials with pharmaceutical companies. In 2002, she obtained her M.S. in Secondary Education from Arcadia University.

Suzanne taught for 11 years at a Philadelphia charter school before coming to The Arts Academy at Rush in 2015. She hopes to make science applicable to students and inspire a love for science and learning. South Philadelphia has become home and she enjoys the beach, concerts and shopping for antiques.


Jeff Bevilacqua – Physics

Jeff Bevilacqua has been teaching at The Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush since 2010.  After being born and raised in Akron, Ohio, he earned a BA in Mathematics from Ohio Wesleyan University.  Jeff would later earn a MA in Mathematics from Villanova University before transitioning into his teaching career.

Jeff enjoys working with the talented, multi-dimensional, and enthusiastic students at Rush Arts.  He sees physics as a perfect opportunity to utilize a STEAM education, which promotes creativity and innovation while problem-solving.  In his free time, Jeff enjoys running, bowling, playing video games, and watching movies.


Boris Dubinchik – Biology, Chemistry

Mr. Dubinchik started his education in the Philadelphia School District, going to Loesche Elementary and then Baldi Middle School before moving to the suburbs (boooo, I know).  He then came back to the city to get his Bachelor of Science in Biology and his Master of Education from Temple University.

Mr. Dubinchik has been teaching in the Philadelphia School District for five years, starting at Edison High School and now at The Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush.  He is always looking for ways to make science relevant and enjoyable for all students.

When he is not teaching, he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, playing hockey and ultimate frisbee and watching a variety of sports ranging from football to curling.


Michael Piechoski – Chemistry & Forensic Science

Mr. Piechoski was born and raised in Philadelphia and can say he was alive when the Flyers won their two Stanley Cups. He is a partial product of the School District of Philadelphia, having graduated from W.B Saul High School. He has a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Philadelphia University (now Jefferson University) and his Master in Education from Chestnut Hill College.
Michael has been teaching in the school district since 2007 (at South Philadelphia High School) and at The Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush since 2014. But he is not just a teacher at Rush, he is also the Parent of a Rush Alumni. His daughter Olivia graduated as a Knight in 2022.

 



SOCIAL STUDIES

 Matt Byrne – World History/Spanish

Señor Byrne grew up outside of Reading, Pennsylvania and attended Albright College where he graduated with a degree in Spanish and Environmental Studies. He has traveled extensively throughout Latin America and has lived, volunteered, and studied in 11 countries including Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Bolivia.  He met his wife while volunteering at a school in Santa Cruz, Bolivia and now lives with her and their adorable dog in Philadelphia. He moved to Philadelphia and joined the Philadelphia
Teaching Fellows in 2010. He taught Spanish previously at University City High School and the High School of the Future. Señor Byrne enjoys traveling, running, cheering on the Philadelphia Union, and training his dog.


Rhonda Feder – AP Psychology and Psychology

Ms. Feder came to teach after careers in law and non-profit. She studied Psychology at Louisiana State University and moved to New York to study law upon graduating. She practiced law for a number of years, including serving as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney. Ms. Feder eventually found her way to teaching by joining the Philadelphia Teaching Fellows in 2011 and completing her Master’s in Education with a concentration in secondary education/social studies in 2013. Teaching young people psychology and how to use psychology to improve their own well-being is her dream job. Without a doubt, Ms. Feder finds teaching infinitely more rewarding than practicing law.


Leonard Fletcher – African American History/English 1

Leonard Fletcher grew up in central Pennsylvania, graduating from Cumberland Valley High School before attending Lock Haven University graduating in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree of Science in Education concentrating in History and Social Studies and with a minor in International Studies. Mr. Fletcher moved to Richmond Virginia following college to teach History and coach soccer(asst.), track and field(Head) and held and Athletic Director position at John Rolfe Middle School for 10 years. In 2017 after attaining his English certification, he moved back to Pennsylvania working in the Philadelphia school district at Motivation High School in southwest Philadelphia until taking a position at Rush, starting the 2019 school year.


Kevin Katz – African American History

Mr. Katz grew up in Warminster in Lower Bucks County. He attended King’s College, where he played baseball (and 1 year of football), while majoring in Communications with minors in Marketing and History. Mr. Katz was originally in the corporate world for 7 years as a web designer. He has his Masters in Secondary Education with a concentration in Social Studies. He is certified to teach Social Studies, English, and Business Education.  Mr. Katz is currently the boys basketball coach and has previously coached baseball and girls basketball.  He lives in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia with his wife and two kids (11 and 14).  He enjoys fishing and power tools and considers himself a “semi-pro” baseball historian. His pulled pork and fried chicken are better than yours.  He currently teaches 10th-grade African-American History.


Julie Merkins – African American & American History

Mrs. Merkins originally hails from South Dakota, where she lived until she left to attend college at the University of Minnesota.  While at the U of M, she studied History and Global Studies and spent her junior year studying abroad in Rome and Budapest.  After college, she joined the Peace Corps and moved to the West African country of Guinea for two years to work as a Health Education Volunteer in a rural village.  Following her time in Africa, she decided to follow her passion for teaching by moving to Philadelphia and joining the Philadelphia Teaching Fellows.  She started her teaching career at Germantown High School, where she has taught history for the past four years.  During this time, she received her Masters of Education from Arcadia University.  She also became involved in working with students in extracurricular activities through BuildOn and Students Run Philly Style.  Mrs. Merkins is looking forward to starting the next chapter in her teaching career by working at the Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush.


David Thomer – World History / Social Science

Dave Thomer grew up in Northeast Philadelphia and went to grade school down the street from Rush Arts at Our Lady of Calvary. He attended Fordham University in New York, where he studied philosophy and found that despite Vizzini’s claims in THE PRINCESS BRIDE, Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates were not morons. He moved back to Philadelphia to attend graduate school and earned a PhD from Temple University after writing his dissertation on the democratic philosophy of John Dewey. He served as an adjunct professor at several area colleges and went back to Temple to complete his M.Ed. and certification in 2009. He then joined the School District of Philadelphia and decided he had collected enough degrees for the foreseeable future. He spent eight great years teaching students at Parkway Center City High School, and since 2017 he has been happy to be part of the Rush Arts community. He enjoys hanging out and playing games with his wife and daughter, both of whom would like to apologize on his behalf for his jokes.



Foreign Language/Spanish

Bobbi Bertucci – Spanish

Mrs Bertucci attended Temple University where she was a Spanish language major, with a
concentration in Latin American Studies. While a student at Temple, Mrs Bertucci spent a
semester abroad in Merida, Mexico. After graduating, she began teaching for the Archdiocese
of Philadelphia. In 2006, Mrs Bertucci began her M Ed program at St Joseph’s University. She
then joined the School District of Philadelphia in 2010.
Outside of school, Mrs Bertucci enjoys trips to the beach, sewing, arts and crafts, cooking, thrift
store shopping, and spending time with her friends and family. She resides in Bucks county
with her two children, husband and English bulldog.


Matt Byrne – Spanish/World History

Señor Byrne grew up outside of Reading, Pennsylvania and attended Albright College where he graduated with a degree in Spanish and Environmental Studies. He has traveled extensively throughout Latin America and has lived, volunteered, and studied in 11 countries including Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Bolivia.  He met his wife while volunteering at a school in Santa Cruz, Bolivia and now lives with her and their adorable dog in Philadelphia. He moved to Philadelphia and joined the Philadelphia
Teaching Fellows in 2010. He taught Spanish previously at University City High School and the High School of the Future. Señor Byrne enjoys traveling, running, cheering on the Philadelphia Union, and training his dog.


Joseph Reinard – Spanish

Mr. Reinard attended St. Joseph’s University where his undergraduate degree was in Spanish with a minor in Latin American Studies. Mr. Reinard has studied in Spain and Guatemala as well as Italy. After graduating St. Joseph’s University, he studied Chemistry at Delaware Valley College and completed his certification coursework while teaching in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.  In 2010 he completed his Masters in Educational Leadership with Principal’s Certification and began teaching in the School District of Philadelphia where he has taught Spanish, Chemistry, Physical Science, Forensic Science, Environmental Science and Biology.  In addition to teaching Spanish he also moderates the cooking club and is AP Testing Coordinator.  When not teaching, Mr. Reinard likes to cook, travel, camp, go hiking, swim, and spend time with his family and pets Roxy (dog) and Bacchus (cat).



English

Sonny Bavaro – English 4, English 4 Honors

Sonny Bavaro has taught at Lehigh University, Community College of Philadelphia, Bucks County Community College and the University of the Arts, and has been a teacher in the School District of Philadelphia since 2008. Growing up, Mr. Bavaro attended public school in the city of Yonkers and the hamlet of Hopewell Jct., both in NY. After high school, he moved to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to attend Lehigh University, and he did so with the intention of becoming a Civil Engineer. However, his sophomore year at Lehigh taught him that he prefers the art that words make, wishing to understand how the world works through applied poetry rather than applied mathematics.

He went on to receive both his BA in English from Lehigh, graduating magna cum laude, as well as an MA in English with a concentration in Medieval Literature and Gender Studies. After realizing that his love for the art of reading and writing was sparked when he was in 9th grade, he decided to become a high school English teacher and received an M.Ed in Secondary Education from Arcadia University.

Most recently, he was the Comprehensive High School Region Finalist for the 2010 Dr. Ruth Wright Hayre Teacher of the Year award for his work as a 9th grade English teacher at West Philadelphia High School. Before teaching at Rush, he also taught at Furness High School in South Philly.

Mr. Bavaro’s pedagogy centers on the liberatory possibilities for teenagers when we encourage modern student-writers to engage with their peers and to re-mix and re-create narratives of the past to create original, 21 century visions of their own future.


Max Feldman – English 3 and AP English Language and Composition

Born and raised in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia, Mr. Feldman graduated from J.R. Masterman High School. It was during high school that he was inspired to become a teacher after having a series of amazing, mind-expanding English teachers. He attended Penn State University where he majored in Secondary Education and spent his extracurricular time rowing for the Penn State Crew Team. Mr. Feldman has been at The Arts Academy since 2010, and taught at Olney West High School previously. Outside of school, Mr. Feldman enjoys traveling, camping, and biking. He biked across the United States during the summer after his college graduation as an adventure before becoming a teacher. His favorite books include The Catcher in the Rye and 1984, and his favorite films are too numerous to name.


Leonard Fletcher – African American History/English 1

Leonard Fletcher grew up in central Pennsylvania, graduating from Cumberland Valley High School before attending Lock Haven University graduating in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree of Science in Education concentrating in History and Social Studies and with a minor in International Studies. Mr. Fletcher moved to Richmond Virginia following college to teach History and coaching soccer(asst.), track and field(Head) and holding Athletic Director position at John Rolfe Middle School for 10 years. In 2017 after attaining his English certification, he moved back to Pennsylvania working in Philadelphia school district working at Motivation High School in southwest Philadelphia until taking a position at Rush, starting the 2019 school year. He completed his Masters degree in curriculum and instruction in 2021 during the pandemic.


Anna Kates – English 2, English 2 Honors

Anna Kates is a product of the Pennsylvania public school system (Central Bucks East ‘02). She has taught in the Philadelphia School District since 2014, and in 2018 she was a recipient of the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award. She earned her BA in English from Earlham College, a liberal arts Quaker college in Indiana, and her Masters of Science in Education at the University of Pennsylvania, where she was awarded a Lenore Annenberg Fellowship. Prior to her work at Rush, Kates was a faculty member in the Liberal Arts Department at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where she taught in the Writing Program. At UArts, she taught college-level modes of writing, responsible research, critical thinking, study habits, and the integration of the arts and humanities. This work informs her approach to instruction in the English department, where she endeavors to create a rigorous and engaging college preparatory classroom.


Matthew Madonna – English 1

Mr. Madonna is joining the Rush Arts family this year (2023-2024) after teaching for two years at Maritime Charter school.  He was born in the suburbs of Delaware County and attended Temple University where he completed a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and also earned a master’s degree in secondary education, also at Temple University.  Outside of school, Mr. Madonna enjoys reading, traveling, watching sports, and being with friends and family.



Health & Physical Education

Todd Corabi, C.A.A. – Health & Physical Education, Athletic Director

Mr. Corabi joined the faculty of the Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush High School in the fall of 2010; the school’s 3rd year of existence.  He graduated from Temple University in May 1997 and began teaching at Central East Middle School that September.  After 13 years in middle school, Mr. Corabi “was promoted” to start at Rush.  His primary roles at Rush Arts are Lead Health & Physical Education Instructor and school Athletic Director/Administrator.  In addition, Mr. Corabi is the Head Coach of Girls Soccer, Girls Softball, and Co-ed Bowling, oversees several student-run athletic clubs, and assists with various administrative tasks both for the school and for the District as a whole including website publishing, curriculum development, athletics tech support, and testing out and evaluating pilot programs for websites and attendance tracking for the Division of Athletics.

Mr. Corabi is proud that he has received several awards and recognition during his teaching career.  In 2017, he was awarded the prestigious Lindback Award for Distinguished Educators after being nominated by his colleagues at Rush Arts.   That same year, he was awarded NE Times girls soccer coach of the year and had a book published based on some of his Health lessons.  In June of 2022, Todd received the Philadelphia Coaches Association’s Athletic Director of the Year award.  Most Recently, in August 2023, Mr. Corabi was told he was awarded the Society of Health & Physical Education PA State Health Teacher of the Year.

Out of school, Mr. Corabi volunteers for an area youth group, coaches youth sports and enjoys spending time with his family down the shore including his wife, 3 children (two of them married) and his new granddaughter.


Dominic Doyle – Visual Arts 1, Graphic Design, Health &Physical Education

Mr. Doyle has been teaching in the School District of Philadelphia since 2008, and has been coaching athletics in the district since 1998.  He began his coaching career at his alma matter, Frankord high School as an offensive line coach before later becoming their head football coach.    Mr. Doyle received his BFA in painting and drawing from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art, and his Masters degree in Multicultural Education with an emphasis on Health and Physical Education from Eastern University.

Mr. Doyle has been a member of the Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush staff since 2017 and teaches Visual Arts 1, Ceramics, and Health and Physical Education.  He also coaches the Varsity girls basketball and Varsity girls Flag Football teams.



The Arts

Cathy Bateman – Visual Arts

Cathy Bateman is proud to be a member of the faculty of Rush Arts starting in 2013.  Previously, she was the director of Fine Arts and Technology at Nazareth Academy Grade School for 16 years. She taught Visual Arts, Digital Arts, and Ceramics at Frankford High School.  During her teaching at Frankford, she was also the school technology leader and Chairperson for the Arts and Technology including Visual Arts, Music, Drama, Dance, and Educational Technology.  She has several certifications including Fine Arts, Business, and Computer Technology, and holds Certifications in Administration and Supervision as well as Curriculum and Instruction.  Her educational background includes Penn State University, Cabrini College, Arcadia University, University of the Arts, and Brandman University. Cathy is a professional artist and educator as well as a strong proponent of STEAM education, interweaving the Arts across the curriculum.


Dominic Doyle – Visual Arts 1, Ceramics, Health &Physical Education

Mr. Doyle has been teaching in the School District of Philadelphia since 2008, and has been coaching athletics in the district since 1998.  He began his coaching career at his alma mater, Frankford High School as an offensive line coach before later becoming their head football coach.    Mr. Doyle received his BFA in painting and drawing from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art, and his Masters degree in Multicultural Education with an emphasis on Health and Physical Education from Eastern University.

Mr. Doyle has been a member of the Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush staff since 2017 and teaches Visual Arts 1, Ceramics, and Health and Physical Education.  He also coaches the Varsity girls basketball and Varsity girls Flag Football teams.


Denise Drumel Masters – Dance

Ms. Denise Drumel Masters has been performing, educating and studying all forms of dance for over 30 years throughout the Philadelphia Region.  She holds a Masters Degree and state certification in Dance Education from Temple University. Ms. Drumel acquired her Master’s degree through a teaching assistantship in 2006 and taught Dance in Human Society and Dance, Movement and Pluralism to non-dance majors while at Temple University.  Her background includes teaching ballet, point, tap, jazz, various modern techniques and other world dance traditions to all ages through private, studio and public school settings.  She has staged and created original choreography for numerous Broadway musicals for middle and high school level students as well as created her own curriculum in dance. This curriculum includes historical, cultural, compositional, choreographic, analytic and critical dance studies to focus on interdisciplinary connections through the arts.

She has performed at the Adrienne, Arden, Drake, Arts Bank and Conwell theatres in Philadelphia.  In 2004 she was awarded the national Isadora Duncan Choreography Award followed by the Sarah Hilsendager Professional Educators Award in 2006.  She presented on integrating dance movement therapy into a public school in 2011 in conjunction with Drexel University at the National Dance Education Conference in Minneapolis. Ms. Drumel received the prestigious Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching in 2013 three years after launching the dance program at Rush.  She is devoted to creating a college preparatory dance program and enhancing knowledge about careers in dance for her students. She is extremely proud to be a part of the Rush Arts Team.  It is her dream job!


Louis Mazza – Media Arts, Graphic Design, Library Media Specialist

Louis Mazza holds a B.F.A. in Media Arts from the Minneapolis College of Art + Design and an M.A.T. in Visual Art from the University of the Arts, Philadelphia. Mr. Mazza’s professional work as a designer, photographer, and educator include jobs as Education Technology Specialist (Walker Art Center, Minneapolis), Web Producer, (Urban Outfitters, Philadelphia), independent designer & consultant (Tides Foundation, Princeton University Art Museum, Minnesota Public Radio, Philadelphia Arts in Education Partnership) and adjunct faculty (Minneapolis College of Art + Design, Philadelphia University). Mr. Mazza contributed curriculum to “Making Media Matter” (Vols. 1 & 2), a collection of media literacy projects for classrooms published by the National Council of Teachers of English. Louis has been a high school educator since 2006, and has been teaching at The Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush since it’s opening in 2008. He believes in providing rich and authentic learning experiences for his students through partnerships with multiple arts and education organizations. His students have enjoyed the benefits of affiliations with The PBS Student Reporting Labs, The Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, The Philadelphia Photo Arts Center, Project Basho, and Temple University’s Media Education Lab. He was the recipient of the Lindback Foundation Award for Distinguished Teaching in 2010.


Sean Marks – Instrumental

Sean Marks graduated from the University of the Arts with a B.A in jazz performance before returning to complete his M.A.T in music education. Mr. Marks’s primary instrument is the saxophone. Throughout school and after graduation Mr. Marks has worked as an educator and musician. Prior to teaching at The Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush Mr. Marks worked for Settlement Music School and out of his private studio teaching private lessons and coaching ensembles. Mr. Marks also works as a professional freelance musician. As a freelance artist Mr. Marks has performed with many artists including, Steven Van Zandt, Darlene Love, and Bernie Worrell. Mr. Marks has also written horn parts and recorded on the latest two albums with The Billy Walton Band. Mr. Marks has also completed four international tours throughout England, Germany, and Holland with The Billy Walton Band.
Mr. Marks remains an active freelance musician while teaching at The Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush. As an educator he brings his professional experience as a musician into the class room and prepares students with the tools and skills they need to become professional performing musicians.

When not practicing, performing or teaching Mr. Marks enjoys fishing and spending time with his wife and dog!


Suzanne Spencer – Vocal Music

Suzanne Spencer has been the Vocal Director at the Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush since 2009 and is the founding director and curriculum designer of the Vocal Music and Modern Band Department. She received both her BM in Jazz Vocal Performance and her MAT in Music Education from The University of the Arts. She believes in a holistic approach to teaching vocal music as a way to learn about oneself and including vocal and choral technique, music theory and history, recording/production and modern band. She created the elite and award-winning A Cappella ensemble, the Rush Arts Chamber Singers, who compete and perform all over the city. In addition to teaching, she has been a performing musician in the Philadelphia area for the past 16 years. The past couple of years she has been leading and instructing music educators in Modern Band techniques. Ms. Spencer also runs the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council and helps lead equity professional developments at Rush. She believes in using Music Education as a vehicle through which teenagers can cultivate a strong sense of self, community and belonging, and coping strategies for lifelong success.


 

Sally Wojcik – Theatre Arts

Sally Wojcik is the Director of Theatre at Rush Arts where she established the program in 2009. She also teaches Creative Writing and co-directs the annual spring musical. She studied Theatre, English, and Secondary Education at Albright College where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and with Departmental Distinction. Sally spent a semester at the prestigious National Theatre Institute in Waterford, CT. Directly after graduation, Ms. Wojcik completed the Arden Professional Apprentice Program, one of the country’s most competitive and rigorous theatre training programs and remained on staff at the Arden in the Education and Marketing Departments for five years to expand her knowledge of the theatre profession. She has also worked a teaching artist for Philadelphia Young Playwrights. Ms. Wojcik has her Masters in English Education from Temple University.  She was recently named a finalist for the 2024 Pennsylvania Teacher of Year Award.




Special Education

Maria Lewis –


John Konieczny –  

Mr. Konieczny or Mr. K as his students call him, earned his Bachelors from Arcadia University and his Masters of Education from Holy Family University. He is certified to teach English and Social Studies 7-12 and Special Education k-12. He previously worked as a Special Education Teacher for the School District of Philadelphia at Austin Meehan Middle School. In his free time, Mr. K enjoys spending time with his family and friends, coaching swimming, taking his dog, Tank, to the park, and the occasional 5k race or open water swim.


Mariana Olchowecky –