Support Staff
Rob Aptaker, Community Partners Specialist/EIC Support Teacher
President of Seven Generations original founding member group, Rob Aptaker was born and raised in Montgomery County, earned a BA in English from the University of Hartford, and a Master of Arts degree in teaching secondary school English from Boston University. Since then, he has worked as a substitute teacher in Pennsylvania and New Jersey; in therapeutic outdoor challenge programs for youths ages 12-20 and residential programs for troubled young people; was a National Representative/Program Coordinator for the national office of SADD (then called Students Against Driving Drunk), and, as a professional storyteller, developed and presented specialized education programs about pre-colonial Native American life and culture to schools in Massachusetts, New Jersey and Pennsylvania for over 20 years. He also runs a retail Native American jewelry business on a part-time basis.
Rob's family is the center of his life. His wife, three stepchildren and three grandchildren inspire him to work to become the best person he can be. When he is not teaching Seven Generations students about history and the natural world, he spends time pursuing a variety of interests: cultivation of edible gourmet organic shiitake and oyster mushrooms; physical fitness and martial arts; scuba diving; edible wild plant identification and consumption; chess; outdoor activities like hiking, and Native American music, ceremonies and cultural activities. Contact Rob Aptaker at rob.aptaker@sevengen.org.
What is it like to teach at Seven Gen?
Alternating episodes of euphoria and challenge...sort of like being a parent...
Robin Belzner, Building Maintenance
Bio coming soon...
Kim McFarland, Office Coordinator
Bio coming soon...Contact Kim McFarland at kim.mcfarland@sevengen.org
Andy Rowan, Office Coordinator
Andy Rowan received a BA in art history from the University of Florida and is currently enrolled in the Public Administration Master’s Degree Program at Kutztown University. She comes to Seven Generations Charter School with a passion for creating educational choice for families, a love of learning from and with kids and an active desire to create positive change through community involvement. Prior to joining our staff, she managed the produce department in a health food store and was an office manager at a holistic wellness center near Vail, Colorado. Since moving to Pennsylvania, Andy has worked as a massage therapist, created and taught at a homeschool cooperative, and owned a fair-trade children’s business marketing toys that stir the imagination and reflect the beauty of the different countries she has visited and loved. She enjoys being in the woods, visiting beautiful mountains and serene beaches, cooking, jogging and supporting the local food movement. She is also the mother of two high-spirited girls. Contact Andy Rowan at andy.rowan@sevengen.org
Alison Valone, Certified School Nurse
Alison grew up in the woods of Quakertown, moved to Sellersville in 1997, and has been living there with her family ever since. She graduated from Gwynedd Mercy College in 2009 with a BS in nursing, and served as a substitute school nurse in the Quakertown School District. The experience was so rewarding that she was inspired to become a Certified School Nurse. She completed the online Certified School Nurse program through Slippery Rock University and joined Seven Generations' staff in fall 2011.
Health is a priority, so Alison spends time exercising and being outdoors. She runs 5K races for good causes, bikes, boats and walks the dogs when she can. She loves spending time with friends and family most of all. Contact Alison at alison.valone@sevengen.org
Bryon Wieder, Maintenance
Bryon was born in New Jersey, grew up in Coopersburg, Pa., and now resides in Lower Saucon Township with his wife and two children. He graduated from Northampton Community College with an Associate’s degree in business management and holds various mechanical degrees and licenses.
He has worked for over 30 years in the swimming pool and mechanical trade industry, and since 1989 has owned his own renovation and remodeling business. He enjoys spending time with his family at their mountain home exploring nature while riding snowmobiles, ATVs and fishing. He is a member of the Bethlehem Boat Club and enjoys spending time with boating activities on the Lehigh River. The family also enjoys their time together biking on various paths and trails in the Lehigh Valley. Contact Bryon Wieder at bryon.wieder@sevengen.org
Bryon has been a member of the Wheels of Time Street Rod Association for the past 14 years and works diligently as the grounds chairman at the 3-day Rod and Custom Jamboree car show every August. This organization has raised over hundreds of thousands of dollars for various local charities such as Good Shepherd Home, Easton Children’s Home and Camelot House.
What is it like working at Seven Generations?
I enjoy the challenges of solving the maintenance mysteries of an old building coupled with educating the children about the workings of the school environment. I love seeing the excitement on their faces when they are learning new concepts.
Photos: Olaf Starorypinski
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