MEET OUR DYNAMIC TEACHERS
At MTC, our amazing teachers set high expectations for their students and do not give up on any child who is struggling to meet them. They are equally organized and adaptable – both accountable to MTC’s curriculum standards and to the diversity of their classrooms. Our teachers – rich in educational achievement, valuable certifications and deep experience in their respective fields / grade levels – challenge and engage students, forming creative thinking environments. In turn they ask students to ask “why” and challenge the status quo. They build classrooms forged in respectful relationships amongst the students and are acutely in tune with possible threats to children’s well being, be it bullying or otherwise. Finally, our faculty insist on openness and transparency with parents, communicating often around performance, calendars, expectations, etc.
ALEXA AUGUSTINE
MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE & RELIGION
8TH GRADE HOMEROOM
Hello! I am Alexa Augustine and this will be my 5th year at MTC. In addition to teaching science, I also am the Student Council advisor, Summer Camp Director, Science Explorers leader, Book Club advisor, Basketball Coach, help with the musical, and help out with the CARES program. I graduated from Drexel University in 2020, where I played soccer and lacrosse. Before teaching, I pursued Biomedical Engineering and am so happy to be able to apply my experiences in that field to my science classroom. I am a HUGE fan of Philly, not only the sports (Go Birds), but also the food, the skyline, and the history. When I'm not planning for the school year, I enjoy traveling, hiking, fishing, line dancing, painting, reading, and hanging out with my rescue dog, Koda. I am SO excited for this school year and all of the memories to come!
SABRINA DWINNELL
ENGINEERING & MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH
7TH GRADE HOMEROOM
sabrina.dwinnell@mtcschool.org
I have been teaching at MTC for about seven years. I received my master's in education from Neumann University with certifications in elementary, special education, and middle school math. Before becoming a teacher, I worked as a product test engineer. I currently have the privilege of teaching Middle School Math and K - 8 grades Engineering. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family, fixing things, and playing tennis. I am passionate about developing students' skills until they achieve that "Aha!" moment!
CHAS FORTESCUE
MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH
I am excited to teach Middle School Math and am dedicated to supporting young students on their journey while challenging them to achieve academic success. I have taught Mathematics for over 25 years at the secondary level in the North Penn and Radnor Township School Districts. Most recently, I served as the Athletic Director at Mount Saint Joseph Academy.
Throughout my career, I have coached soccer, track, basketball, volleyball, baseball, and softball at various levels in community organizations, Catholic Youth Organizations, and school districts, including Radnor and North Penn. I have also managed sports camps and served as an Aquatics Facility Operator at swim clubs in the area.
I take pride in making meaningful connections and building relationships with community members. My wife, Kathy, and I have three daughters and are members of St. Patrick's Church in Norristown.
GREG KOBILKA
MIDDLE SCHOOL SOCIAL STUDIES
6TH GRADE HOMEROOM
Hello! My name is Greg Kobilka, and I am the middle school Social Studies and 6th Grade Homeroom teacher. I am a 2001 graduate of MTC (formally Mother of Divine Providence). I also am an Archbishop Carroll and Penn State University, graduate. WE ARE! I live in Devon with my wife, daughter, and a Poodle mix dog named Wicklow. Outside of school, I love spending as much time as I can with family and friends. We love to travel as often as possible too. I am looking forward to a great year here at MTC.!
CAROLYN JOHNSON
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
I am thrilled to be starting another year at MTC teaching Middle School ELA! I received my English Education degree from the University of Delaware, and I currently live in Philadelphia with my husband, two kids, and our dog. I enjoy relaxing with my family, reading, traveling, and being outdoors in my free time. I am excited to be the Reading Olympics team coordinator, and yearbook advisor again this year. I look forward to a fun-filled year of learning and growing together. Also, Go Eagles!
MYRTA ASPLUNDH
5TH GRADE HOMEROOM
My name is Myrta Asplundh, the students call me Miss A. This year I am excited to be moving to the middle school as the 5th Grade Homeroom Teacher. I graduated from Connecticut College in 2018 and pursued a certificate in Elementary Education. I went on to get my Master's in Elementary Education from Lesley University. Outside of school, I enjoy watching our Philly sports teams, baking, reading, and playing field hockey. I love what I do and am so happy to be a part of this community!
DAN BREIDINGER
MUSIC TEACHER
I am the music teacher at Mother Teresa Regional Catholic School. I graduated from West Chester University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education. This is my eighth year teaching at MTC and I love providing fun and meaningful musical experiences for the students! Whether it’s performing in concerts or learning a new musical instrument, I enjoy challenging students’ thoughts and preconceptions about music. When I am not teaching, I love playing instruments, spending time with my family, engaging in bible study, socializing with friends, cooking, and completing DIY projects around the house. I am looking forward to another great year at MTC!
JILL COSTIK
ART TEACHER
Hello! My name is Jill and I'm the new art teacher here at MTC. I graduated from Kutztown University with a Bachelor's of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in Communication Design. I absolutely love art - it's been my passion my whole life. I'm excited for the opportunity to work with the students and share my knowledge & love of the subject. Outside of school, I like to spend my time with my husband and our two dogs, Rigby & Dale. This will be my first year with MTC and I'm looking forward to the upcoming school year!
ZACH DOLL
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
I am excited to return to MTC as the Physical Education Teacher. I graduated from the Hill School in 2000 and attended the University of Pittsburgh on a full scholarship for Wrestling. I graduated with a Degree in Communications and went on to coach Wrestling at various high schools in the area. I also started my own Personal Training LLC business in 2008 when I moved back to the East Coast after spending a few years training professional athletes in Scottsdale, Arizona following college. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my wife, two children, and two dogs. We love going to the beach, hiking, and other outdoor activities. I am looking forward to another successful year here at MTC!
ROSEMARIE SCHWEGLER
RESOURCE ROOM
rosemarie.schwegler@mtcschool.org
My name is Rosemarie Schwegler, and I am delighted to be the resource room teacher this year. It’s hard to believe, but this is my 43rd year teaching in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. It is my 31st year teaching here at MDP/MTC where I have been blessed to meet so many extraordinary children and parents over the years. Additionally, it has been exciting and heartwarming to teach the children of some of my former MDP students. During my career, I have had the opportunity to gain experience teaching students on every grade level from K-8, including Honors Math and Honors English. Although I have enjoyed every grade level, I must admit that kindergarten is the best grade to teach! I began my journey to becoming a teacher when I attended Penn State University and Temple University where I earned a B.S. in Elementary Education. I returned to Temple University for my graduate work in the area of Psychology of Reading. I have an active PA Department of Education Instructional II Teaching Certificate and religion certification from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. My husband and I live in Montgomery County with our dog, cat, and two horses. We enjoy bike riding at the beach and on the Montgomery County Bike Trail.
ASHLEY STRONG
4TH GRADE- 4A
I am so excited to be a part of the MTC family this year, as I continue to teach 4th Grade! I currently live in West Chester with my puppy Marley! I graduated from West Chester University in December of 2017 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and received my certification for grades PreK-4. I am currently in graduate school at West Chester, where I am pursuing my Special Education Certification as well. I have taught both Kindergarten and Preschool in the past and I am so excited to continue my journey here at MTC.
ADAM KRAVITZ
3RD GRADE- HOMEROOM
This is my 2nd year teaching at MTC, this year I will be in 3rd Grade. I grew up and live a few miles from King of Prussia. I graduated with a degree in Psychology from East Stroudsburg University and later went to Cabrini University to get my Elementary Education teaching certificate. For the past couple of years, I have been working as support staff for Tredyffrin Easttown School district as a special education paraprofessional, reading paraprofessional, building substitute teacher, and long-term sub-teacher. I played lots of sports through high school but my favorite was being on the Conestoga High School football team. I am an avid Philadelphia sports fan. My favorite is the Philadelphia Eagles, but I still enjoy the Sixers, the Phillies, and the Flyers.
HEATHER GALLAGHER
2ND GRADE
heather.gallagher@mtcschool.org
This is my first year teaching 2nd grade at MTC, and I’m thrilled to be part of the team! I hold a BS in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State University—We Are Penn State!—and earned my teaching certification for Pre-K through 4th grade at Eastern University. I’m also pursuing a master’s in Education. With over 14 years of experience working with children, including time spent in the T/E school district at the elementary level, I’m eager to bring my knowledge and skills to my new classroom.
Outside of school, I love visiting zoos with my family. We enjoy exploring new ones, and this year we had the chance to visit zoos in South Carolina and Nashville, TN. I look forward to a fantastic year ahead!
HAILEY CONNER
2ND GRADE
Hi families, my name is Hailey Conner. I am super excited to be in my 2nd year here MTC. I received my bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Saint Joseph’s University. “The Hawk Will Never Die!” In my free time, I love to read especially outside in the sun. I am a huge Philly sports fan, especially the Eagles! I am an avid traveler, I have visited over 20 countries. I love to see and learn about the world while experiencing it with my friends and family. I look forward to what fun and success this year will bring!
SARAH REDICAN
1ST GRADE
I am so excited to be teaching first grade at MTC. In 2018, I graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor of science degree in Early Education from preschool through fourth grade and Special Education from preschool through eighth grade. Throughout the past 7 years, I have taught a 2nd grade and I am thrilled to expand my experience and faith this year in the first grade at MTC.
REGINA MASON
Kindergarten
Hi! My name is Regina Mason and this is my second year at MTC. This school year I will be teaching Kindergarten, I am so excited to learn and grow with your child! I attended Bloomsburg University and received my degree in Early Childhood Education. In my free time I like to go on hikes or spend the weekend camping with my family. I also love to read and spend time with my husband and our new puppy, Lucy. I can’t wait to see what this year brings us!
KATHERINE SCHNEIDER
Kindergarten
katherine.schneider@mtcschool.org
Hello! My name is Katherine (Katie) Schneider and I am one of the Kindergarten teachers here at MTC! I graduated from West Chester University with a bachelor's degree in Psychology. I then went to Immaculata University in the post-graduate Early Childhood Education Program. I enjoy cooking, baking, trying new recipes, and watching movies with my friends and family in my free time.
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be a member of the MTC family.
WENDY SPANGLER
PRE K 5
Hi, my name is Wendy Spangler, and I am so excited to join the Mother Teresa community this year! I am originally from this area but spent many years teaching in North Carolina. I recently moved back to the area to be closer to my family. I have taught children ranging in age from toddlers to first grade, in both private and public schools. I love teaching children of all ages but found my niche in the preschool setting.
I received my undergraduate degree in English and went on to pursue a Master of Education degree from Cabrini University. I have three grown children, Suzanne, Griffin, and Meghan. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time outdoors walking my husky and maltipoo, swimming, and reading.
PATRICIA RENEHAN
PRE K 3
patricia.renehan@mtcschool.org
My name is Patti Renehan and I am a new PRK-4 Teacher. I am excited to be here and am looking forward to a great year of learning. I have an Early Childhood/ Family Studies degree from Syracuse University. I have been teaching and working (on & off) in the Family Literacy field for 33 years. After I graduated, I joined Teacher for America and taught bilingual kindergarten for 2 years and was a Pre-K teacher at a private school for 2 years. I moved back east to go to graduate school at the University of Rochester and worked on my Master's in Mental Health Counseling. I met my husband and we moved to Rhode Island where I was a Family Literacy Coordinator for a federally funded program called Even Start. We worked with the neediest families in a housing project and provided them with GED, parenting classes, and Home Visits, and got their children into preschool programs. Fast forward, I got married and had three children: Ashley (24), Brooke (22) and Jack (17).
Teaching small children is my passion and what I was meant to do. I love listening to them and hearing their thoughts and ideas on things. In my free time, I like to walk my dogs, go for a run, read, and spend time with my kids.
MARY JO CARLIN
PRE K 3
My name is Mary Jo Carlin and I love teaching at MTC! I have a passion for working with our youngest learners and helping each child progress in all areas of their development. I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures this growth in a positive, fun environment.
I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Temple University. I have 26 years of experience teaching young children. Personally, I have been married for 34 years and have two beautiful daughters, Christine, 31, and Bridget, 30. I enjoy reading, music, vacationing at the beach, and spending time with family and friends. I look forward to working together with you as partners in your child’s growth and development.
LEXIE BECK
PRE K 3
My name is Lexie and this is my second year here at MTC as the Pre-K 3 teacher. I went to Indiana University of Pennsylvania where I majored in Child Development and Family Relations. Since graduating in 2018 I have been teaching preschool ever since! I love the look on the child's face when they learn something new and being able to help them grow as a person/ student. In my free time, I love to spend time with my family and friends. I also love to travel and explore new places. I am from Upstate New York and love the Buffalo Bills. Along with being a huge Bills fan, I'm also a huge soccer fan. I grew up playing soccer my whole life and also played on the IUP soccer team in college. I can't wait to see what this year brings us at MTC!
SARA SMITH
PRE K 3
My name is Sara Smith and I am thrilled to be teaching PK 3! In my seven years of experience with children, this age is my absolute favorite!
I attended Cabrini University and have Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and United States History. I worked at a small elementary school throughout college and quickly found my place in the older PK2 classroom. Getting to be a part of a child’s development is very special to me and I love watching them grow! I look forward to being your child’s teacher this year!
In my free time, I love to cook, read, and spend time with my family in New Jersey.
MICHELE RHINE
PRE K 2
My name is Michele Rhine. I have an Associate Degree in Early Childhood, and I have been in this field for over 20 years. I have three children and one daughter-in-law. My son is Marc and his wife is Brittany, my daughters are; Karina and Vanessa. I also have two dogs, Karma and Holly. My interests are; Reading, Music, Musicals, Plays, and Opera. I love going to the Beach, I can sit there for hours and be content. I also love to go to Disney, huge fan! My favorite childhood book is: "The Velveteen Rabbit"