Special Education
Amanda Brady, Special Education Paraprofessional
Bethlehem resident Amanda Brady spent five years as a Registered Dental Hygienist before going back to school to further her dream of teaching. She graduated from East Stroudsburg University in 2008 with a BA in elementary education and taught Kindergarten in a private school before accepting a position as a One-to-One Support Teacher in a second grade class at Seven Gen. She was drawn to the school's mission and vision, believing wholeheartedly in the idea of children creating their own learning, and in teaching students to have mutual respect for each other and their surroundings. Once here, she discovered that Seven Generations is a dynamic place to work.
Away from the classroom, Amanda loves to spend time with her family. They enjoy summer vacations at the beach and any outdoor activity. She loves to cook, scrapbook, and the highlight of her life is watching her children grow. Being a mom has been her greatest gift; there is nothing more enjoyable than seeing her children experience life.
What is it like to teach at Seven Generations?
Teaching at Seven Gen has been the most rewarding job I have ever had. I enjoy learning right alongside the children, and I especially enjoy watching them create their own learning. The staff at Seven Gen is AMAZING. We support each other and work together to create a school community that is like no other. The outreach from parents and community is absolutely wonderful. I am so proud to be a part of our school community. There is nothing like having another home away from home.
Beth Carpenter, Special Education Coordinator
Beth grew up in Nazareth, PA as the youngest of four. After years of playing "school" in her parents' basement, experience as a babysitter, and a love for children, Beth decided that she wanted to become a teacher. She attended Kutztown University and majored in elementary education with a concentration in early childhood development. She earned her Master's in Special Education from Lehigh University, while also teaching at Centennial School, a private school for children with emotional disturbances and/or autism. Once she graduated from Lehigh, she moved to Montgomery County to be closer to her brother's family, teaching Emotional Support and Learning Support in the North Penn School District.
Beth's family and friends are very important to her. She is the proud aunt of six nieces and nephews, as well as the owner of a Chihuahua named Lili, whom she would tote around everywhere if she could. When she's not spoiling her nieces and nephews or playing with Lili, she loves to cycle, ski, watch hockey games and travel.
She is very excited to be part of Seven Generations Charter School and is looking forward to a great school year filled with love, learning, and dedication. It is her mission to meet the needs of children with disabilities and provide a program that allows them to reach their highest potential in the least restrictive environment possible. Contact Beth at beth.carpenter@sevengen.org.
Stephanie Kipper, Special Education Support Teacher
After growing up in New York and working at a therapeutic horseback riding program throughout high school, Stephanie knew she wanted to work with children. She attended Dickinson College, graduated with a BA in psychology, and worked as a direct care professional at the New England Center for Children (a school for children with autism) while earning her Master's in Special Education. She spent 2010 and part of 2011 pursuing her certification in Behavior Analysis at Arcadia University, and also taught students with special needs at The Melmark School.
Stephanie is making the move from Doylestown to Bethlehem, where she loves to spend time with family and friends. As long as the weather is nice, she enjoys spending much of her time outdoors. Her favorite activities include running, biking, swimming and skiing. Contact Stephanie at stephanie.kipper@sevengen.org.
What is it like to teach at Seven Generations?
Seven Generations is a very special and unique place. I am looking forward to being part of such a close team of teachers, students, and parents.
Scott Lesko, One-on-One Special Education Paraprofessional
Scott's path to his current position began when he graduated from Moravian College with a degree in sociology and became a Family Worker at Lehigh Valley Children's Center. He assistant taught quite a bit while at LVCC, which led him to re-think his career. Finally, during a job as an Intensive Case Manager at ARCH of the Lehigh Valley, and through his work with children on the autistic spectrum, his goal to be a teacher became clear. So, in addition to working at Seven Generations, he is now enrolled at Cedar Crest College studying for his Master's in Education, Special Education, and his ESL Certification. His work as a One-to-One Paraprofessional involves assisting the Special Education staff as they implement our instructional program, including working directly with children in a variety of settings (e.g., small group, large group, one-to-one); establishing an effective rapport with students assigned to the classroom, and motivating pupils to develop the attitudes and knowledge needed for a good educational foundation, in accordance with each child's ability.
Having grown up in the countryside of Palmerton, and spent many a day playing in the woods, or walking to a nearby dairy farm to visit the cows and cats, Scott is right at home with Seven Gen's mission and values. He now lives in Easton with his wife, her 7-year-old daughter and a menagerie of animals, including dog Romeo (who is, of course, man's best friend), two cats Bandit and Tiger, and a whole school of fish. He feels more alive in the summer and loves to go hiking or putter in the garden, where he plants different kinds of flowers but could do without all the spiders. Then it's on to the beach, a walk on the boardwalk and grabbing a slice of pizza while playing some games. Cooking is a real passion of his as well. After a hard day at work, whipping up a meal is very therapeutic. Contact Scott Lesko at scott.lesko@sevengen.org
What is it like to teach at Seven Generations?
This being my first year at Seven Gen, I can tell you that I am very excited to start working with all the teachers and students. Seven Gen really seems like the kind of school that puts children first.
Danielle McConaghy, One-on-One Special Education Paraprofessional
Danielle graduated from Gwynedd-Mercy College in 2009 with a BS in elementary and special education. She worked for two years as an instructional assistant in a learning support classroom and as an Extended School Year teacher, then joined our staff in fall 2011.
She lives in her hometown of Sellersville, where she enjoys reading, taking pictures and swimming, as well as spending time with friends and family. She is also a member of a choir and has had the privilege of traveling with them to perform in places like Ireland and Alaska. Contact Danielle McConaghy at danielle.mcconaghy@sevengen.org
What is it like to teach at Seven Generations?
Teaching at Seven Generations has been a great experience so far. I feel extremely lucky to be working in a school with such a great sense of community. It's evident that the needs of the students come first.
Melissa Peck, Special Education Support Teacher
Melissa grew up in Montgomery County, PA with her parents and two older brothers. After graduating from North Penn High School, she attended Bloomsburg University and majored in elementary education and special education. She was the 8th Learning Support teaching position for the Norristown School District after college. During the 2009-2010 school year, she was a long-term substitute for the Pottsgrove School District, co-teaching history and geometry as high school Emotional Support and working as 3rd and 4th grade Learning Support. Melissa has also done three summers of Extended School year where she worked with students with severe disabilities.
Melissa loves to spend time with her family and friends, read, go shopping and watch movies. If the weather is right, she loves to travel, swim and go fishing. She believes that you learn something new every day and can't wait to see what she learns tomorrow! Contact Melissa at melissa.peck@sevengen.org
What is it like to teach at Seven Generations?
I am so excited and thankful to be here at Seven Generations, and to be able to use everything I've learned in other school districts to help improve the education I give my students.
Jerline Schaffer, One-on-One Special Education Paraprofessional
Bio coming soon. Contact Jerline Schaffer at jerline.schaffer@sevengen.org
Photos: Olaf Starorypinski
site design by
stetz designs