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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.

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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

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.

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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!

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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

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

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

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!

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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.

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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!

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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

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