School Governance
A Montessori School for Children ages 6 wks – 12 yrs
Penn-Mont Academy is a private, non-profit, non-sectarian school governed by a Board of Directors.
Jennifer Hall, Esquire – President
Jenn Habel Hall is an attorney at BMZ Law, P.C., a local law firm with offices throughout Central Pennsylvania. Jenn is an Ohio native who found her way to the area while playing volleyball at Juniata College. Jenn attended Widener University School of Law for her Juris Doctorate. Jenn is married to Brian Hall and they live in Hollidaysburg with their two children, MJ and Grant, and their dog. Both MJ and Grant are enrolled at Penn-Mont. Jenn serves as solicitor for several nonprofit originations.
We ended up at Penn-Mont by accident and immediately fell in love. The education and real life experience our children are receiving is second to none. Most importantly, our two very different children are each reaching their maximum ability through the individualized Montessori approach.
Jordan Settle – Vice President
Jordan Settle was elected to the Board of Directors of Penn-Mont Academy in January 2016. He is a member of the school’s Finance and Scholarship Committee, responsible for the policies and activities relating to financial operations and scholarships of the school. These activities include working with the School Administrator on an annual budget, grants, employee compensation, tuition, and scholarship recommendations to the Board of Directors.
A native of central Pennsylvania, Jordan graduated from Altoona Area High School and continued his education at California University of Pennsylvania. Upon college graduation, he was commissioned an officer in the United States Army and assigned to active duty. During his time in the military, Jordan deployed three times; once to the Republic of Korea and twice in support of combat operations in Afghanistan during Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF) VII and IX. He transitioned from active duty in 2010 at the rank of Captain. His military awards include the Bronze Star as well as a commendation from the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Jordan is the Vice President of Operations of Defenshield, Inc., a company specializing in the design and manufacturing of bullet, blast, and fragmentation protection systems. He also sits on the Board of Directors for the Jaffa Shrine in Altoona, PA and Sweat For Vets, a fundraising effort aimed at supporting local Veterans in central Pennsylvania.
Jordan and his family currently reside in Altoona. His daughters, Hayden, now a Penn-Mont alumni, and Logan in upper elementary, both began at Penn-Mont when they were three years old.
Mark Ritchey – Treasurer
Mark is a Principal Partner in the ownership of Curry Supply Holdings and the President of Curry Rail Services and Curry Switching Services located in Hollidaysburg, PA.
Curry Supply Holdings was awarded the Alexander A. Notopoulus Award by the Altoona Blair County Development Corp. in 2015. The award is given to an outstanding business in Blair County. In 2014, the company received the Governor’s ImPACT award for consistent job growth.
Mark serves on the board for Altoona Blair County Development (ABCD). He also serves on the board for Penn-Mont Academy and is currently the Treasurer. Mark serves on the Advisory Philanthropic Council for Penn State-Altoona and is an active member in the Blair County Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the Locomotive Maintenance Officers Association (LMOA) and the Manhattan Discussion Group (MDG).
Mark holds a degree in Business Finance and Business Management from the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown. He is a proud graduate of the Pennsylvania State Police Academy and has completed training at the Air Force College of War.
Penn-Mont Academy has been a very rewarding experience, not only for our two daughters, but also for me as a parent. The level of independence demonstrated by my daughters just weeks into the Toddler program surpassed any and all expectations. With my older daughter in the upper elementary program, I am continually impressed with the academic advances she is making as well as the material being introduced in class. Overall, the level of commitment and care demonstrated daily by the staff ensures that all students excel amaze me year after year. Sending our children to Penn-Mont was not only the easiest but one of the best decisions my wife Allison and I have made as parents.
Sheela Kerstetter, MD – Secretary
Sheela Kerstetter works as a dermatologist in Altoona, PA. Sheela grew up in New Jersey and moved to Boston to go to undergraduate and medical school at Boston University. She completed her dermatology training at the Harvard Combined Dermatology residency program. She and her husband moved from the bustle of city life to central Pennsylvania where they have found the ideal balance between family time and careers. They live with their two children and dog in Hollidaysburg, PA. Both children have gone to Penn-Mont Academy since they were 18 months old. When the family is together they love to be out in the fresh air and collect pieces of nature.
I am impressed by the exceptional Montessori education that my children are receiving. From a very young age my children have learned the importance of personal responsibility, compassion for others and caring for the environment. With the Montessori method every level of their learning has been tailored to their stage of development. I have loved watching them progress from making bubbles and push pin pictures in “practical life” to performing long division and writing poetry in the lower elementary program. Penn-Mont Academy has created the ultimate house of learning for my children. We are all fortunate to have this outstanding educational resource nestled in our community.
Ryan Beers
Ryan Beers is a trauma and reconstructive total joint medical device team lead with Stryker. Ryan graduated from the University of Richmond with a degree in Rhetoric and Communications. Ryan lives in Altoona with his wife, Shelly, and two children: Cameron and Raegan, who have both been part of the Penn-Mont family since starting in the toddler program.
Ryan has served on many boards throughout the community including the Altoona Area School Board of Directors, serving as Board President for two years; the Altoona Area Public Library Board of Directors; and currently serving as Vice President of East End Youth Baseball League.
Penn-Mont Academy has been instrumental in the lives of our two children since they first started in the toddler program several years ago. The level of independence they both displayed while taking on various tasks was remarkable. The learning environment at Penn-Mont has caused our children to follow their natural curiosities while expanding on subject matter that is exciting to them. The decision to send our children to Penn-Mont Academy is proving to be one of our best decisions for our entire family.
Laura Burke
Laura Burke is an attorney from Hollidaysburg, PA. Laura graduated from the University of Richmond with a degree in political science and Washington University in St. Louis School of Law. Laura and her husband, Sean, have four children enrolled at Penn-Mont.
Laura joined the Board of Directors in 2017 and is the chair of the Human Resources Committee and a member of the Governance and Wellness Committees. Laura’s past board experience includes the Hollidaysburg Area YMCA and WISE Women of Blair County. Laura is also a graduate of Leadership Blair County, Class of 2018. Laura currently serves as Blair County Commissioner.
I believe that Montessori education gives our children the best possible educational foundation. My children have learned to work independently and set goals while acquiring a concrete understanding of math, science, and language. Penn-Mont provides a well-rounded educational experience by incorporating practical life work, music, art, and foreign language into the curriculum for even the youngest students. One of my favorite things about Montessori education is its focus on creating good citizens who value peace and respect themselves, others, and the world around them.
Matt Fox
Matt Fox is the marketing manager for the Altoona Blair County Development Corp. which is the economic development organization for the county. Matt serves on several boards and committees throughout the region including the Blair County Chamber Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Mid-Penn Region and Pints for Pets. In 2018 he received his professional designation as a Certified Economic Development Professional from the International Economic Development Council.
Haleh Haerian, MD
Haleh Haerian is an Endocrinologist in Altoona PA. She is married to Mehrdad Ghaffari. They have two children. Their son is a student at Penn-Mont, and their daughter has graduated from Penn-Mont and now is a student at Grier School. Haleh graduated from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in Iran with a Medical Doctorate degree (MD). She completed Internal Medicine residency at Wayne State University in Detroit MI, basic science research program at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor MI, and Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism fellowship at University of Memphis Health Science Center in Memphis TN. Haleh moved to Hollidaysburg PA in 2006, and since has been practicing clinical Endocrinology at Blair Medical Associates, in Altoona PA.
The Montessori method of education based on child-led activities, classrooms with children of varying ages encourages our children to be independent, be responsible and learn at their own pace, while learning from and supporting one another. While my daughter was a student in Penn-Mont, I watched her develop into an enthusiastic and self-directed learner with a great ability to manage her time. I believe these qualities have been valuable assets in preparing her for middle school. She has also learned to work independently, help others and be kind. My son, now in fifth grade, has developed a genuine love for learning about history, geography and how things are made. I think his early education in Penn-Mont with freedom to explore, experiment, and be independent has significantly contributed to his passion for learning.
Brad Houseknecht
Brad and his wife, Jenna, have three children at PennMont: Holland in Children’s House, Charleston in Toddler, and Blake in the Infant Program. Brad moved to Jenna’s hometown of Roaring Spring a few years after graduating from Lycoming College, the place they met. Brad began his career as a Commercial Lines Underwriter for Selective Insurance and is now part of the Government Business Development team at NPC, Inc. in Claysburg.
Dropping off your 6-week-old at childcare can be nerve-wracking, but we had zero reservations after getting to know the educators through our two other children’s experiences at PennMont. The Infant, Toddler, and Children’s House programs are so much more than childcare, and we have been blessed to watch our children flourish under the Montessori model.
Matthew Moyer, PharmD
Matthew joined the Penn-Mont Board of Directors in 2021. He has an interest in fundraising and development. In college, Matthew ran the largest on-campus fundraiser for a national charity, as well as other charitable endeavors.
Graduating from Altoona Area High School, Matthew went on to obtain a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy. He currently practices in Altoona, PA with a focus on behavioral health.
Matthew resides in Hollidaysburg with his wife Rachael and their four daughters. Kate, Carly and Caroline currently attend Penn-Mont, and Claire is excited to enroll in the near future. Matthew and Rachael are both Penn-Mont alumni.
I have been fortunate enough to experience Penn-Mont as both a student and a parent. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing your children thriving in an environment tailored to each child’s different needs. Our girls are becoming confident, independent learners as a result of the Montessori curriculum offered at Penn-Mont.
Jennifer Neely
Jennifer Neely has served on Penn-Mont Academy’s Board of Directors since 2020. She is an educator who brings to the board classroom experience, school administration insight, and a deep knowledge of enrollment management and school marketing. Jennifer’s graduate studies include a Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Penn State University, with certification as a Reading Specialist, and a Leadership in Enrollment Management Certification from the University of Southern California. Jennifer has been named an SSATB Scholar for her work with USC’s Center for Enrollment Research, Policy, and Practice and has presented at various conferences, including Penn State’s GOLD Women’s Leadership Conference. Currently, Jennifer serves on the Board of Representatives for WPSU (PBS/NPR).
Jennifer and Andrew live in Hollidaysburg with their two daughters, Joan and Rose, and the family has been a part of the Penn-Mont community since 2017 when Joan entered Children’s House. Today, both girls are thriving at Penn-Mont in the early elementary and children’s house programs, respectively.
I have been fortunate to know many Penn-Mont graduates as an educator in Central Pennsylvania and have always been taken by their intellectual curiosity, independence, and global mindset. When choosing a learning community for our daughters, we were pleased to see all the ways Penn-Mont’s Montessori education fostered those aforementioned traits and more. As a parent at Penn-Mont, it has been a joy to see how our children are known, valued, and cared for and to see how those gifts help our children grow and thrive.
Alanna Parsons
Alanna is the Director of Sales & Marketing at The Village at Penn State. She obtained her BA in Communications from Seton Hill University and a Master of Business Administration from Penn State University – Erie. Alanna regularly volunteers and serves on committees for March of Dimes, Children’s Miracle Network, and Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art
Both of Alanna’s children joined Penn-Mont at 18 months of age.
Our children have grown a true love of learning in their time at Penn-Mont – an environment where they are nurtured, yet challenged and seen as the unique individuals that they are. We are confident that Penn-Mont is the best choice we could have made for an educational foundation for our children.
Tara Saltzburg
Tara is a sales professional and small business owner. She was born and raised in New Jersey and attended Penn State University (University Park) where she received a degree in Elementary Education and was a member of the women’s varsity soccer team. She is currently the Director of Sales and Marketing at The Blair County Convention Center.
Tara is actively involved in community and volunteer endeavors. She was co-chair of the Penn-Mont Gala Committee for two years and is still an active committee member. She raised over $12,000 for the American Heart Association (Central PA chapter) and was named the 2021 “Woman of Impact”. She currently serves on the board of The Rotary Club of Altoona and is a member of the Blair County Chamber of Commerce “Ambassadors Committee”.
In her free time, Tara enjoys teaching Power Yoga and working on her e-commerce business, Westyn Baby. She lives in Hollidaysburg, PA with her husband Mark, son Trey, and two dogs – Forrest and Togo. Trey has been a student at Penn-Mont for four years.
I am so happy that we made the decision to send our son to Penn-Mont. It’s amazing to see how much he’s grown into a confident, independent child. He is absolutely thriving in the Montessori environment and most importantly, he is happy and excited to go to school every morning.
Tiffany Stuckey
Tiffany is former teacher who resides in Hollidaysburg, PA. Tiffany obtained a degree in Elementary Education from Messiah University and graduated from St. Francis with a Master’s of Education. Tiffany spent ten years teaching in the public school system before having kids. Tiffany and her husband Matt have two children currently enrolled at PennMont Academy. As a family, they love to be outdoors, especially on the ski hill!
Tiffany joined the Penn-Mont Board of Directors in 2021. She is the chair of the Education Committee and a member of the Development committee. Tiffany’s past and current board experience includes the Hollidaysburg Area Community Partnership, the Altoona Collegiate Outreach Board and Young Life Committee. Tiffany is the current Pack committee chair for Cub Scout Pack 3332 as well as a co-chair of the Penn-Mont P.A.C.K. Tiffany spent three years as co-chair of the Penn-Mont Gala and served on that committee as well as the education committee as an active member in the past.
The Montessori approach at Penn-Mont Academy has been magical for my kids. It has truly fostered their love of learning. From the emphasis on hands-on independent learning and enhanced social interactions to the focus on independence and time management skills, I couldn’t be more thrilled with my children’s education.
Brandi Zajac
Brandi holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from Lock Haven University and a Montessori Early Childhood Credential from CMTE/New York. She was the lead teacher in both a private Montessori school in Sewickley, PA and the Pittsburgh Public Montessori School. Brandi and her husband Brian were born and raised in Altoona, and after 11 years away returned home to raise their three children. Elliot and Isaac currently attend Penn-Mont, and Sophia is excited to join her big brothers next year.
Brandi joined the Penn-Mont Board of Directors in 2021. She is also a member of the Education Committee and the Penn-Mont P.A.C.K..
I’m thrilled to be able to send my children to Penn-Mont Academy: the place of my first internship that ignited my passion for Montessori education many years ago. I love that my children are encouraged to follow their interests and are learning in a way that truly respects who they are as individuals. I know Penn-Mont will help them become independent, life-long learners as well as kind, contributing members of our community.
