About Agora - Agora Cyber Charter School (2024)

Rich Jensen is the Chief Academic Officer for Agora. Rich has served previously as both High School Principal and Assistant Principal at Agora. He is passionate about a school culture centered on being the most effective and positive learning environment for all students. Rich always enjoys a nice hot cup of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, and when not working, he enjoys reading, spending time with family, and sports.

Laurie Smith is the Director of Human Resources at Agora. With more than 20 years of experience in human resources in the technology, healthcare and manufacturing sectors, Laurie is committed to working with staff and employees to foster a culture of respect and promoting a positive work environment. In her free time, Laurie enjoys cooking and baking, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Regan Shebeck is currently the Director of Operations. She has been with Agora since 2007 and has served as High School Biology Teacher, Academic Coach and High School Operations Coordinator. Regan enjoys spending time with her two daughters, husband and dog, reading and going to the beach.

Katy comes to us after almost 13 years of service to the Colonial School District, where she served as principal and curriculum supervisor. She also has experience as an English teacher and staff development specialist. Her doctoral research centered on mentoring in leadership, and our MCIU liaisons speak highly of her competence with MTSS implementation and theory.

Karen DelGuercio is a retired educator who was previously employed by the School District of Philadelphia for 30 years as a High School and Middle School Principal, as well as a regional superintendent. Founder of MaST Community Charter School, Mrs. DelGuercio currently serves as its Board President. She is also a Member Emeritus of the First Philadelphia Charter School for Literacy and serves on the Executive Board of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools. Additionally, Mrs. DelGuercio is a founding member of two new charter schools and conducts workshops on Charter School Board Development across the country. kdelguercio@agora.org

Dr. Wrightson brings to Agora a long history of working in academia. Currently, he serves as the Vice President & Dean of Education, and Chief Academic Officer at the Williamson College of the Trades in Media. He has served as the Dean of the College of Lifelong Learning at Immaculata University, as well as academic and administrative posts at the US Military Academy Preparatory School in Fort Monmouth, NJ, Cabrini College in Radnor, and the Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne. A graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point, Dr. Wrightson holds a Master of Arts in Community/Clinical Psychology and a Doctor of Education from Temple University. swrightson@agora.org

Linda Gotlieb has spent the past 43 years in the educational arena as a teacher, curriculum supervisor, school administrator and regional superintendent. Ms. Gotlieb was a founding member of the Charter High School for Architecture and Design and has served as Board President of MaST Charter School II. She has been a consultant for the Pennsylvania Department of Education and has worked as an administrator of a non-profit organization that assisted charter schools from start-up to post-implementation. Ms. Gotlieb is a speaker at national conferences around the country on charter school related issues. lgotlieb@agora.org

Linda Ringer-Deas, has always been inspired by Maya Angelou’s quote, “When you learn, teach; when you give, get.” A native Philadelphian, Linda was educated in the Philadelphia schools. After receiving her BS and MS, she worked for the School District of Philadelphia as a teacher, program coordinator, and coach. Over her 35 years of experience, Linda has worked at the school and district levels to develop program procedures and implemented career and college prep programs for students through work-based learning and college experience programs. In addition, she has mentored teachers in classroom management, instructional strategies, and student preparation. Linda has also provided professional development for principals. lringerdeas@agora.org

Corvette Kittrell has worked in the field of economic development and career-connected education. She has interacted with local and national corporations, foundations, universities, and educational institutions, including the School District of Philadelphia. She has administered numerous Boards in various career areas. Ms. Kittrell is a member of the Board of Trustees at MaST Community Charter School. She has professional affiliates with an array of industry institutions. She has an MBA, MEd, and BA.

ckittrell@agora.org

Yaniv Gottesman is the CEO of LIV Associates (which stands for Life.Integrity.Values). This is a private outpatient counseling center committed to providing clinical expertise and support as you work to improve and enrich your life. Yaniv has fifteen years of experience in the business community as an entrepreneur, independent computer and network security professional.

ygottesman@agora.org

Stephanie Wasmanski, Ed.D. is an assistant professor in the School of Education’s doctoral department at Wilkes University.She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with specialization in Curriculum and Instruction and an MBA with a concentration in Operations Management. She resides with her family in the Wilkes-Barre area.With over 20 years of professional training and teaching experience, Dr. Wasmanski has taught numerous courses within the fields of psychology, business & leadership, education, and educational research.

swasmanski@agora.org

Jansen Hornbake is the Elementary School Principal. She is passionate about the success of each and every one of Agora’s students and staff members. When not working, Jansen loves spending time with her family and cheering on Philadelphia sports teams.

Kristie Hawk is the K-2 Assistant Principal. She is dedicated to student achievement and the attainment and growth of each individual student. Additionally, she is looking forward to providing leadership and support to the K-2 instructional staff. As a way to relax, Kristie enjoys traveling the world and taking trips to beach.

Jim Montgomery is an Elementary School Assistant Principal. Jim is excited to be part of the elementary school team and loves supporting students on an academic and personal level. Jim has a background in social studies and has a passion for making history come alive.

Jen Fisher is passionate about special education as she supervises special education programs from early intervention through eighth grade. She also oversees related services, special education records, compliancy, dispute resolution, and complaints. With Agora since 2008, Jen has also served as a special education teacher, academic coach and special education coordinator. Jen completed her special education certificate at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and completed her graduate and supervisory courses at University of San Diego, Chapman University, and University of Pittsburgh.

Bridget Kozar is the Middle School Principal. She has been in education for over 20 years with 14 years in virtual education. She is driven by her strong belief that every child should have access to a high quality education. When not working, Bridget loves spending time with her family and playing golf and tennis.

Heather Bianconi has 14 years of experience in education with the last 8 years in cyber education at Agora. Most recently she was the sixth grade instructional coach and in previous years was a reading specialist in the middle school. Heather believes that every child should be given the opportunity to reach their highest potential and is looking forward to supporting our middle school students on their journey.

Jen supervises the middle school Special Education program that includes Special Education teachers and students from 6th-8th. Jen monitors and develops instructional practices within the program. Jen ensures compliance with federal, state and local regulations in all Special Education service implementation.

Jeffrey Miller is Agora’s High School Principal. He has been with Agora since January of 2007. Prior to working at Agora, he was a science teacher in Baltimore for 8 years. Jeffrey enjoys spending time in the outdoors with his wife and three children.

Eric Buffington is the High School Assistant Principal. He has been working in cyber education for over 12 years teaching, interestingly enough, both math and English. He has also worked as a lead teacher and department chair in the High School. While teaching, Eric strives to provide the resources to help each student excel by make student-centered learning a priority every day! Outside of the classroom, Eric is an author, runs an educational youtube channel, and tries to spend as much time with his wife and four wonderful children.

Heather is one of the High School Assistant Principals. She has been employed with Agora since 2009 and was hired as a special education teacher and later served as an Academic Coach and then Assistant Director of Special Education. Heather is passionate about ensuring that students are given the opportunity to achieve their highest potential. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys, ages six and nine.

Paul is an Assistant Principal. Prior to joining Agora in 2021, Paul was a middle school and high school English teacher, as well as a Middle School Assistant Principal. Paul believes that every student should have the support and tools available to them to be successful, and will work tirelessly to ensure that happens. In his free time, Paul enjoys spending time with his wife and two pugs, running, and spending time outside.

Erin Hilson is a High School Assistant Principal. Erin has been with Agora since 2010 and has served as a Special Education Teacher, an Academic Coach, and an Assistant Director of Special Education. Erin believes that every child should have equal access to a quality education. In her free time Erin enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys, reading, swimming, and just about anything outdoors.

Holly is a High School Assistant Principal and is one of Agora’s original staff members. In her 12 years here, Holly served as middle school and high school English teacher, lead teacher, and family coach coordinator. She now serves as 12th grade assistant principal and works with the high school English team. Holly’s passion is to help students enjoy learning as part of a vibrant life. In her free time, Holly enjoys reading, cooking, spending time with her husband, and traveling to visit their three sons.

Erinn supervises high school special education, the psychological services department, compliancy, handles dispute resolution, and complaints. She has been employed with Agora since 2011 as a special education teacher, enrollment specialist and academic coach. Erinn received her Bachelor’s Degree in business administration and Master’s Degree in special education from Bloomsburg University. She is certified in Special Education K-12 and is highly qualified in English, math, and social studies at the high school level. She received her special education supervisory certificate from Pennsylvania State University.

Michelle Cukauskas is the Assistant Director of Special Education at the elementary school. This is her 11th year at Agora. Previously she worked in special education classrooms in the Pittsburgh area. She is passionate about special education and has a firm believe that ALL students can learn and succeed. It is the educator’s responsibility to unlock the door for each student to flourish and reach their full potential. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and cheering on the Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins!