Head of School
Dr. Eric Stennett
Penn Woods Classical Academy has selected Dr. Eric Stennett to serve as the founding Head of School.
Dr. Eric Stennett is an accomplished and highly experienced educational leader with a passion for Christian and Classical Education and a deep commitment to the development of students. With a diverse background and strong academic foundation, Dr. Stennett has dedicated his career to shaping young minds and fostering excellence in education. Stennett holds a bachelor’s degree in Geology and Earth Science from Wittenberg University, a Masters in Education from Wright State University, and a Doctorate of Education from Nova Southeastern University.
Associate Head of School for Operations & Support
Nancy Gillespie
Nancy is an experienced leader with a diverse background in nonprofit leadership, development, and organizational management. She began her career as Regional Vice President for Princeton Softech before dedicating years to volunteer leadership in faith-based schools. Most recently, she served as Development Director for Preambula Group, enhancing operations and advancing mission initiatives. A strong advocate for Hillsdale College’s mission, she is committed to building a thriving classical school community rooted in virtue, truth, and faith.
Business Manager
Victoria Kern
Victoria brings over 16 years of experience in administration, sales, and customer service, along with a strong record of community leadership. She has served as Marketing Director for the Peters Township Soccer Association Board and founded a youth track program serving more than 500 children in the Pittsburgh area. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources at Geneva College and is dedicated to supporting PWCA’s mission through efficient operations and service to families.
Director of Preschool
Mara Lestitian
With more than 25 years of early childhood teaching experience in the Pittsburgh area, Mara most recently served as a preschool director for three years. A native Pittsburgher raised in a family of early childhood educators, she values developmental respect and honors children’s abilities.
She earned a Bachelor’s degree in French and Education from Bethany College and volunteered in a Parisian preschool while presenting to the French Council about early learning in America. An active church member and participant in A One Room Schoolhouse, she is a mother of six (including eight-year-old twins). Mara believes every child is capable of greatness and aims to foster a joy of learning through hands-on, project-based experiences.
Kindergarten Teacher
Heather Anderson
Heather holds a Bachelor’s degree in K–6 Elementary Education from Wheeling Jesuit University. Her career has included roles as a Kindergarten teacher, 5th grade teacher, and special education teacher. She also served in Children’s Services at Allegheny County Library, where she started an “Almost Kindergarten” program and coordinated an Art Gala. Heather holds a certification in Early Literacy.
Outside the classroom, Heather is a foster parent, church volunteer, and small business owner. She believes in meeting each child where they are—academically, spiritually, emotionally, and socially—and models lifelong learning in her teaching.
Heather’s #1 “go to” verse: Psalm 13: 5-6- “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.” (NLT)
First Grade Teacher
Sarah Holveck
Sarah brings more than a decade of experience in childcare and education. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Pennsylvania Western University California. Committed to meaningful learning environments, she actively engages students in experiences that foster lifelong love of learning. Outside of school, she volunteers in her church’s nursery and participates in small group ministries. She enjoys spending time with her fiancé, family, and friends, and finds joy in studying Scripture, traveling, and reading.
A foundational scripture in Sarah’s life is 2 Corinthians 4:18: “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” Rooted in this perspective, she is committed to making a lasting impact on every student she teaches — nurturing not only academic growth but also spiritual development. She encourages her students to look beyond the fleeting and visible, helping them anchor their lives in eternal
truths, faith, and a sense of purpose that transcends the classroom.
Second Grade Teacher
Zach Niznik
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Zach attended Catholic school from kindergarten through high school before earning a degree in Elementary Education from West Virginia Wesleyan College.
He has six years of experience teaching in private schools and has led student clubs in robotics and chess, fostering creativity and critical thinking. At PWCA, he is committed to creating a joyful, engaging classroom where students grow academically and spiritually, guided by the principles of Luke 6:40.
Third Grade Teacher
Erin Fanning
Erin has four years of experience as an Instructional Support Teacher and Reading Specialist. She earned a B.A. in Elementary & Special Education and an M.Ed. in Critical & Cultural Literacy from Seton Hill University. She also volunteers with her local 4H club and teaches in Kids Ministry at church. Erin loves exploring languages and the outdoors with her husband, son, and two dogs, and is excited to share her Christian faith with her students.
Fourth Grade Teacher
Cameron Mckeever
Cameron holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from Duquesne University and has taught in several local elementary schools, gaining valuable experience across diverse school communities. An active member of Young Life during college, she has continued to serve through church ministries and local outreach organizations. Cameron values discipline, respect, and a love for learning, and is dedicated to fostering a supportive classroom where students grow both academically and in character.
Fifth Grade Teacher
Kate McKerley
Kate has six years of experience in Christian education, working with grades 5–8. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from Regent University. She is passionate about student growth and effective classroom management. Outside of school, she co-leads her church’s middle school youth group and serves on its Board of Ministries.
Her teaching philosophy: “Education is more than imparting knowledge—it’s about forming the whole person. I aim to inspire a love of learning and equip students to become independent thinkers, fostering virtues like humility, perseverance, and integrity.”
Sixth Grade Teacher
Amy Dady
Amy holds a Master’s in Mid-Level English from Duquesne University, with a PK–4 certification. With more than ten years in PK–8 public school classrooms and two years at Tender Shepherd Preschool, she integrates biblical principles into academic and community life.
Outside the classroom, Amy is involved with The Bible Chapel’s children ministry, enjoys cooking, reading, gardening with her children, and cherishing God’s creation.
Music Teacher
Brandon Miller
Brandon earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. With nine years of experience teaching music in private Christian schools, he leads worship through guitar, voice, and drums. Passionate about the outdoors, he gardens (with nine kinds of edible fruit!), hunts, forages, and hikes. He looks forward to making beautiful music with students and families.
Art Teacher
Olivia Pettigrew
A 2020 University of Dayton Bachelor of Fine Arts graduate with a minor in Marketing, Olivia completed a year-long service program as a hospital chaplain’s assistant. Returning to Pittsburgh, she worked as a graphic designer, mindset coach for youth, and coffee shop manager. Now teaching at PWCA, she aims to foster lifelong love of beauty and critical thinking through classical art education. She creates structured and supportive environments that inspire students to grow.
Physical Education Teacher
Haedyn Herzer
A Chartiers Valley High School and Duquesne University graduate, Haedyn brings ten years of coaching experience in basketball, currently assisting varsity teams at Moon Area HS and Chartiers Valley. During summers, he runs youth camps for K–8 students, teaching motor skills in a fun, encouraging way. His PE philosophy emphasizes joyful movement, teamwork, and lifelong health habits.
Latin Teacher
Ella Balet
Ella holds a joint B.A. in Classical Studies from the College of William & Mary and the University of St Andrews, where she focused on ancient Roman language and culture. She has experience working in several Pittsburgh-area museums and brings a deep appreciation for classical literature, including works by Virgil and Pliny the Younger. Her love for history, language, and education supports PWCA’s mission to cultivate wonder and wisdom through classical learning.
Shape Your Child’s Future with Purpose
Through a Christ-centered education rooted in timeless methods, your child will discover the joy of learning, develop strong character, and gain the wisdom needed to navigate life with purpose and integrity.