LOWER SCHOOL

Tessa Inloes
Lower School Collaborating Teacher

I’m excited to join the faculty full time after supporting as a student teacher and substitute last year. Before AFS I served as a lead preschool teacher at PCCH Preschool

What are you most excited about AFS and the upcoming academic year?
I’m most excited about teaching at a school that supports the whole child. The values emphasized are very important to me and I appreciate how they are meaningfully incorporated into the curriculum. 

What is a fun fact about yourself?
I’ve taken up sewing among several other “grandma hobbies” and was recently interviewed about it by NPR!

Michelle Sheffer
Lower School Collaborating Teacher

I'm excited to join such a strong and supportive school community.

What are you most excited about AFS and the upcoming academic year?
I’m most excited about teaching at a school that supports the whole child. The values emphasized are very important to me and I appreciate how they are meaningfully incorporated into the curriculum. 

What is a fun fact about yourself?
I was a contestant on Jeopardy!

Zaccai Williams
Lower School Director

I’m a Baltimore native and lifelong educator who believes schools are at their best when every child feels deeply known, challenged, and connected to their community. Over the past 15 years, I have served in teaching and leadership roles across elementary and middle school settings, most recently as Assistant Head of Lower School at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy. Outside of school, I enjoy traveling, hiking, board games, and exploring the many neighborhoods and restaurants that make Philadelphia feel like home.

What are you most excited about AFS and the upcoming academic year?
I’m most excited to build relationships with AFS students, families and colleagues and to discover the traditions and everyday moments that make this community special. A new academic year offers the chance to begin with fresh energy, big questions and a shared sense of possibility. I’m especially looking forward to joining a Lower School where joy, curiosity, belonging and meaningful learning are visible in every classroom.

What is a fun fact about yourself?
My hidden talent is turning almost any idea into a fully themed experience, complete with an itinerary, a soundtrack, and a backup plan.

 

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Kaley White (she/her)
Middle School Technology Specialist

My name is Kaley White, and I hold a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master's degree in Design, Learning, and Technology. I began my career as a classroom teacher, where I discovered a passion for promoting the safe and innovative use of technology to enhance student learning. I am committed to helping educators integrate meaningful technology into the classroom in ways that support engagement and proficiency in standards-based skills. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two dogs, exploring the outdoors and going on new adventures.

What are you most excited about AFS and the upcoming academic year?
I am most excited to get to know the students, faculty, and families of the AFS community while helping to strengthen and expand the middle school's educational technology program.

What is a fun fact about yourself?
I can (and do) spend hours wandering through a bookstore. Any bookstore or book recommendations are always appreciated.

Monica Flory (she/her)
Middle School Theatre Teacher

I am a teacher, director, and playwright who loves collaborating with young people and other artists. I'm a member of PlayPenn's The Foundry and one of the directors of Ghostlight Theater Camp in Warwick, NY. I live with my family in Philadelphia, where we enjoy reading, biking, cooking, and seeing theater together.

What are you most excited about AFS and the upcoming academic year?
I'm thrilled to join such a warm, welcoming, creative community!

What is a fun fact about yourself?
I had my first encounter with a bear this summer!

 

UPPER SCHOOL

Kara McPhillips (she/her)
Upper School English Teacher

This will be my 17th year teaching. I started out teaching in the Pacific Northwest, and most recently, I was at Germantown Academy, where I also taught Journalism and advised our literary magazine. Prior to teaching, I worked in film, wrote for a newspaper, and did non-profit communications. As an English teacher, I obviously love to read, but I also enjoy hiking and camping, DIY home renovation, and playing the guitar. I live in Mt. Airy with my spouse, our nine-year-old daughter, and our dog, Hoagie.

What are you most excited about AFS and the upcoming academic year?
I'm excited to meet the people – the students, families, and of course, my colleagues.

What is a fun fact about yourself?
This summer, my daughter and I raised a duckling.

Sean Conard
Upper School History Teacher

I am originally from Green Bay, WI and was educated at Drake University (History/International Relations) and Virginia Commonwealth University (Education). I am a graduate of the Richmond Teacher Residency Program at VCU and spent 3 years teaching in Richmond Public Schools. I moved to Philadelphia in 2016 and taught 10th grade World History & Humanities for 10 years at Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School. When I am not teaching, I am spending time with my partner Christine, and my children Julian ('37) & Iris ('40).

What are you most excited about AFS and the upcoming academic year?
I love the feeling of community I felt here when I interviewed, and knowing that my children will receive a well-rounded education.

What is a fun fact about yourself?
I performed as a mascot in college.

Kailash Faris (he/him)
Upper School Math Teacher

Born in Cambridge MA. I earned my B.S. in Physics with a minor in Astronomy at Haverford College. Completed my M.S. in Computer Science at Tufts University. Before coming to AFS, I spent 8 years working in high school math & science, including 6 years at George School. I enjoy playing guitar, fencing, & variant sudoku.

What are you most excited about AFS and the upcoming academic year?
I'm excited to be a part of Quaker education again!

What is a fun fact about yourself?
I have 2 fake teeth.

Denny Gonzalez (he/him)
Upper School Dean of Students

I'm a born-and-bred New Jerseyan, first-gen college graduate, devoted Giants fan (sorry!), and lifelong learner. Teaching and learning—schools in general, really—are my passion first instilled in me by my own teachers, the people who inspired me to become an educator. I describe my mission in leading both in and out of the classroom as the Work. The Work is formation: teaching students that their education should not make them better than anyone else but better for everyone else. To that end, the Work involves helping students develop a sense of identity, community, purpose, justice, and responsibility. However, in almost a decade and a half of serving independent schools, I've learned that these goals cannot be pursued in isolation but instead rely on a collective effort among teachers, administrators, families, and community partners to ensure that all students can learn and lead.

What are you most excited about AFS and the upcoming academic year?
I've had the privilege of working for AFS for almost six weeks now, and I can say with certainty that this is an extraordinarily kind community that I've found myself a part of. Everyone is authentic, forthright, and downright committed to our learners and to making a difference in the lives of others. As I continue to acquaint myself with the community (especially the students!), I am looking most forward to seeing this place abuzz with the excitement and energy associated with a school as special as this one.

What is a fun fact about yourself?
I hosted a radio show in college! For a few years, I was one half of the duo "Hustle and Flow," which put on hip-hop and jazz for the Colgate community.

Jillian Ma (she/her)
Upper School Math Teacher

I started my teaching career at AFS in 2016! I taught several upper school level math courses, and after coaching Roobotics, also branched out into teaching computer science too. That led me to exploring teaching more design, technology, and programming courses at Punahou School in Honolulu and at GFS. I love making stuff and understanding how it works, whether it be robots or kombucha. Currently I am enjoying learning about the world again through the eyes of my 2-year old child. 

What are you most excited about AFS and the upcoming academic year?
I am so thrilled to be re-joining the AFS community. AFS has always felt like home to me, and I am excited to start the year with renewed energy and broader global experiences! 

What is a fun fact about yourself?
I went to "Navy Camp" once as a teen, and although I was very shy and quiet at the time, I learned that I can yell very loudly when I have to!

 

MULTI-DIVISIONAL FACULTY / STAFF

Kathleen Timinski (she/her)
Administrative Assistant, Enrollment and Advancement 

I’m a friendly, hardworking, and dependable person who truly enjoys working with people and being part of a school community. I have many years of administrative experience in education. I love being someone others can count on, and I’m excited to bring my experience and positive personality to AFS.

What are you most excited about AFS and the upcoming academic year?
I am most excited about becoming part of the AFS community and building new relationships with students, staff, and families. 

What is a fun fact about yourself?
I love traveling and beautiful beaches!