Faculty and Staff
Our faculty members are Pennsylvania State certified teachers.
Steve
Hulslander (Teacher) has been involved with West Branch from
its inception. He started teaching in 1974 and has been an active participant
wearing such hats as teacher, parent, president, and administrator. He
and his wife Julie actually lived in the apartment connected to the school
for over twenty years. They raised two daughters, Jessica and Emily who
graduated from West Branch in 8th grade and 6th grade respectfully. He
plays guitar and performs with the Morgan Valley Road Band, a local ragtime
and swing band that has been together for thirty years. Steve has been
seen on stage in numerous productions as a both singer and an actor. He
is thrilled to see children of his former students attending West Branch.
Stacie
Lakatos (Teacher) is the mother of two children, both of whom
attended West Branch School. A graduate of St. Vincent College, she earned
her teaching certification at Lycoming College.
"Every child is unique. Each child comes to our school with his or her own background, experiences, perspectives and gifts. My goal is to honor that individuality and to challenge each child appropriately."
Julie Miller (Teacher) earned both her Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Lock Haven University. She is also a Reading Specialist. Julie lives in Mill Hall and is the mother of two, Shelby, who is 17 years old, and Logan, who is 23 years old.
Before teaching at West Branch School she taught at both a charter school and a public school. West Branch feels just like home to her and she loves the individuality, ideals, the nurturing atmosphere, and the positive communication and excitement of teaching at West Branch School. Her interests include reading (of course), watercolor painting, beachcombing, geocaching, and making powerpoint slideshows.
She also volunteers her time at the Clinton County Women's Center as a Domestic Violence Survivor Advocate.
Erica Lomasson (Teacher) is a graduate of Bloomsburg University. She graduated from Bloomsburg with a bachelors degree in Elementary Education and a concentration in Special Education. After graduating from college, Erica and her twin sister Danielle moved to the Baltimore area to pursue careers. Erica taught fourth grade for two years at a Baltimore County Public School. After two years of meaniful experience, Erica decided to move back to her native state of Pennsylvania. She currently resides in Watsontown, and is thrilled to have the opportunity to teach at West Branch School.
Staff
Natalie Prindle (Operations Manager) is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University, possessing a major in Business Management and a minor in Human Development Family Studies. Having loved her experience with higher education she is considering attending Penn State Williamsport to further enhance her knowledge of the business world. She has a passion for working with children; so working at a preschool for almost two years before she came to West Branch was the most wonderful experience for her. The world just would not be the same without smiling, giggling children. Hopefully someday, she will be able to combine her love of business with her love for children and turn it into a day care/preschool facility of her own.
Every year, Natalie takes the time to raise money for THON, which is an organization that Penn State started, where students from their campuses raise money for pediatric cancer. They hold a 46-hour dance-a-thon in the Bryce Jordan Center in February, where dancers are selected to stay awake and dance the entire 46 hours, in hopes of raising record breaking donations. Annually attending this dance-a-thon is an amazing experience, and its just one more reason why Natalie is proud to be a Penn State Alumni.
As a girl who believes family is one of the most important things in life, Natalie enjoys spending time with the people she loves. Holidays and vacations are her two favorite ways of doing this. From the age of 4, dance has been a special part of Natalie's life. She had to quit for a number of years in order to work and then attend school, but still has a significant passion for it. She played the violin as a child and has always had a love for music, as well. Attending concerts is one a favorite pastime. Natalie feels that everything in life happens for a reason; even if the reason doesn't seem clear, it should someday.
Natalie is very excited that she was chosen for the Operations Manager
position at West Branch School, and thinks together, we can all make a
wonderful difference in the lives of these amazing children. Keep smiling!
Lea
Frymire (After School Care Teacher/Director) holds a bachelor's
degree in English Literature from Elizabethtown College and a masters
equivalency in education. She has coordinated several theater and musical
presentations in area churches as outreach programs. She previously worked
in association with the Williamsport Area Community College (now Penn
College) coordinating on and off campus presentations.
"For a little while, they're my kids! I get to shepherd, mother them, counsel, zip up jackets, collect ladybugs, feathers, special sticks, stones, leaves, in my jacket = large pocket (they know WHICH pocket) ... I get the neatest knock-knock joke connections, latest fictional works-in-progress read to me... Wow! I get the opportunity to occupy a space for a time in THEIR lives. That's a gift! (for me)"
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Notice of Nondescriminatory Policy as to Students
West Branch School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis or race, color, national and ethnic origin in admissions policies, scholarship and other school-administered programs. |