Meet the Lower School Team
Christy Zawadzkas is our Lower School Director. She holds a BA in Psychology and an MA in Counseling Psychology. Christy also is an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor). 2020-21 is her 20th year in education. She has worked the last 10 years in private education(Pre-K-8th gr) and before that taught in public schools. She started at DV Friends in 2016. Christy became the Director of the Lower School in 2020.
Toni Bushnell is a Lower School Lead Teacher. She has over 20 years of teaching experience, and most recently taught at the Cloud Forest School in Monteverde, Costa Rica. Prior to that, Toni worked at Stratford Friends School for more than a decade. Toni is certified in Orton-Gillingham and is passionate about teaching students with language-based learning differences. Toni is a member of the Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting.
Barbara Bond is a Teacher's Assistant in the Lower School. She has her Associates degree in Criminal Justice and is currently working towards her degree in Education. She has worked as a TA in Pre-K at Greene Street Friends for 5 years after owning an arts & crafts store in Germantown for 8 years. Barbara started at DV 2018.
Megan Peterson is a lead teacher in the Lower School. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Early Grades Preparation from West Chester University. Before joining DVFriends, Megan taught 3rd grade and kindergarten in Prince William County, Virginia for 8 years.
Carly Albright Carly Albright is a Lower School 3rd through 5th grade teacher. She has over 16 years of experience working with children aged five to thirteen and is passionate about helping children learn and discover in a safe and enriching environment. As a seasoned educator, Carly is a Temple University graduate with a background in special education, general education, and Montessori-based education. Most recently, she worked at The Walden School in Media, PA as a 3rd and 4th-grade teacher, and also provided learning support to students with learning differences. Carly is a mom of two and enjoys all things that involve the outdoors. Her journey at DV has just begun, and she is excited for what is to come.
Michael Kligerman Michael Kligerman is a Lower School Lead Teacher, who has been working in the classroom for 8 years. Since graduating from DVFriends in 2011, he has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Adventure Education from Warren Wilson College in Asheville, North Carolina. In Asheville, he worked at Evergreen Community Charter School as an Associate teacher for 5 years supporting students in their academics as well as their social emotional needs. He moved to Denver in 2015, where he received a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Denver and subsequently taught in the area for 3 years. Looking for a new adventure, he taught in southwest Wyoming for a year before returning to the Philadelphia area to work at his alma mater. Michael has taught many topics ranging from math to mountain biking to reading to how to paddle a canoe. In his spare time, he enjoys biking, gardening, listening to audiobooks, and running with his 3 dogs and wife.
John Coleman is a Lower School Assistant Teacher, who graduated from DV Friends back in 2018. John has earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music Business Technology in 2024. John also works as a Camp Special Events Assistant at Sesame Rockwood Day Camps during the summer. John loves creating his own music as well as djing, drawing, and almost everything in the creative realm.
Amy Felton is a Teacher’s Assistant in Lower School. She has a Bachelor's degree in Communication from LaSalle University. She started working at DVFriends in 2016. Amy worked in advertising and marketing for over ten years before joining DVFriends.
Kristi Beltran is a Lower School Assistant Teacher who has been working in the education field for 23 years. Kristi earned a Bachelor's Degree in Communications and Theater from Muhlenberg College and a Master's Degree in Child Development as well as an Early Childhood Special Needs Teaching Credential from Mills College. Kristi was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Bolivia in the Rural Sanitation Program and worked in the local schools. She taught at the Athenian School in Danville, CA and then worked as a Teacher in the Early Intervention field for 20 years. Kristi worked for the San Diego Regional Center, San Diego County Office of Education and with agencies in Montgomery and Chester County here in PA.