Our Team
Our team of teachers & volunteers offer a variety of experience and educational backgrounds to benefit our students, and all are committed to the formation of students in the Orthodox faith and to the cultivation of their love of learning.
Our volunteer Board of Directors is responsible for prayerfully ensuring the success of the organization, and obtaining the resources and support necessary to support our mission.
Teachers

Kh. Elizabeth Bushelli
Dean of Academics
Language Arts & Math
Khouria Elizabeth has a BA in English and over 20 years of teaching experience. From public schools to co-ops and homeschooling her own children (3 in college!), she brings a wealth of experience in Classical and Charlotte Mason methods.

Macrina Layton
Dean of Administration
Joining us for 2025-2026!
Mrs. Layton is an experienced business manager and teacher. She has a Bachelor's in Anthropology and is completing a Master's in Classical Education along with an Apprenticeship at the CiRCE Institute. We are excited to have her expertise beginning in 2025-2026!

Tim Ricci, M.Div.
High School Literature &
Theology (Grades 5-7)
Tim has earned a BA in Philosophy & History and a Master of Divinity, and has over 10 years of pastoral experience in youth and adult ministries. He brings a love of learning and an insightful, positive teaching style to our SJA culture & classrooms.

Fr. Tristan Gall, M.Ed.
History (Grades 2-12)
Father Tristan is the parish priest of St. Gregory Palamas Orthodox Church in NJ. In addition to his Master of Divinity from St. Vladimir Seminary, Fr. Tristan has a Master of Education degree and experience teaching in both public and private schools.

Sarah Kaminsky
History (Grades K-1)
With a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, teaching experience, and love for mentoring children, Sarah's patient disposition and creative approach make her an excellent teacher for our youngest and most impressionable students.

Lily Atkinson
Science (Grades 2-7)
Lily's education from Trinity Western University and lifelong experience with homeschool co-ops (both as a student and an instructor) have shaped her into a cheerful and bright educator of young minds. Students at SJA love her engaging lessons!

Helen Rice, CRNP
High School Science
Helen is a Certified Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania. With over 12 years of patient care and coaching experience, she brings a practical & encouraging approach to science at SJA.

Fr. Noah Bushelli
Theology & Bible
Father Noah has worked tirelessly to establish and grow the SJA ministry in the parish at St. Philip. In addition to an M.Div., Fr. Noah also has a B.Ed. and decades of teaching experience, from public school classrooms to camps ... and even cyberspace!

Natalia Konovalova
Art & Music (Grades 2-12)
Natalia is a talented musician and visual artist with over a decade of experience teaching private music lessons and as a professional photographer, also having studied Music Education in Russia. Her expertise and encouraging style make these two classes favorite subjects at SJA!
Staff & Volunteers
Mariya Sidorochev
Substitute Teacher
Natalia Konovalova
Substitute Teacher
Heather Taggart
Recess Monitor
Gina Polsinelli
Recess Monitor
Irene Coutros
Substitute Teacher
Board of Directors
Denise Yurchak, SPHR, CIHC | President
Frank Chilbert, MAT | VP & Classical Education
Victoria Kaminsky, MBA | Secretary
Gabriela Plesa, MD, Ph.D. | Treasurer
Khouria Elizabeth Bushelli | Homeschooling
Father Luke Carpenter, MD | Spiritual Formation
Aimee Moore | Communications
Kate Gohl, M.Ed. | Facilities
R. Joseph Kyriakos, MD | At Large
(VACANT) | Fundraising & Events
