Staff Biographies

Jennifer Zunic - Principal

Jennifer Zunic
My name is Jennifer Zunic and I am the Principal of Elroy Elementary School. This is my first year with Brentwood Borough School District.  Previously I was a Life Skills Support teacher with Pittsburgh Public Schools for 9 years.   I have my undergraduate degree in Elementary and Special Education from Waynesburg College, a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh, and a second master’s from Edinboro University in Special Education.  I also completed my Supervisor of Special Education and Principal K-12 certifications from Edinboro University.  My passion is education and ensuring that all students are growing academically, socially and enjoy coming to school.  I live in South Park with my husband and three sons, Scott (20), Zachary (10), and Levi (3.5).   I enjoy going to our camp in the summer, hiking and traveling.  I also enjoy reading a good book, watching tv and just relaxing as a family.  I look forward to this year and many more to come at Elroy!

Suzanne Ailes

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My first seven years of teaching, prior to coming to Brentwood, I taught in a Catholic School. (Spanish, Latin and Language Arts) for grades K-8. In 2000, I was hired here at Brentwood, to teach Spanish at both Elroy and Moore schools, which I did for two years. In 2002, I was transferred to Kindergarten where I have been for twenty years for both a half-day and now a full-day program. I completed the Administrative Program for Principals, as well as the coursework for the Superintendent Letter of Eligibility program. Outside of my classroom, I have been married for eighteen years. I love country music and concerts, and being outdoors. I also enjoy collecting anything that is farm/primitive, or rustic. (chickens/cows are my favorite) We have several chickens, ducks and three cats. I love sunflowers, gnomes and snowmen! 

Kristen Bonner

K.B.
Hello, I’m Ms. Bonner. The students know me as Ms. B.  This is my 6th year as a paraprofessional in the Brentwood Borough School District.  I started my career in the Middle School and was placed in Elroy Elementary in the Spring of 2022.  I am also the girls middle school basketball coach.

Some things I enjoy are coaching and playing sports.  I also have three children that are very active in sports such as, football, basketball, baseball and dance, just to name a few.  I love staying busy and enjoy spending each day with our young growing students!

Alyssa Brutscher

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Hello!  My name is Alyssa Brutscher and I teach 5th grade.  This is my second year here at Elroy, but my thirteenth year with Brentwood School District.  Prior to coming to Elroy, I worked as a paraprofessional at Moore School.  I earned my bachelor's degree in elementary education and my master's degree in special education from California University of Pennsylvania.  When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two kids.  We are also expecting a new baby due this February!  As a family, we enjoy traveling, watching movies, and visiting with friends and family. 

Patricia Bubacz

P.B.
I’ve been with Brentwood since 2019. I was a paraprofessional in the middle school up until last year, then I came over to Elroy in the life skills classroom this past year! I have a little boy at home that is a year and a half. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. 

Emily Cramer

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I have been at Elroy for 8 months! I graduated from Allegheny College in 2020 with my bachelors in psychology. In my free time I love to go to the gym and hang out with my friends.  

Christina Dietz

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My name is Christina Dietz and I have been with the district for 22 years.  I grew up here in Brentwood, but I currently reside in Baldwin with my husband, two daughters, and our mini Goldendoodle puppy.  I have a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University of PA, and my Masters in Reading from California University of PA.  This will be my 19th year teaching kindergarten at Elroy. In my free time, you will find me attending my daughters’ activities and sporting events.  I also enjoy spending time with friends and family.  As an educator, I strive to create an environment where my students enjoy learning. 

Jamie Dobson

J.D.
Hi!  I am Jamie Dobson and am the 4th grade math and science teacher at Elroy. I have degrees in elementary and special education. While my career began in Maryland teaching 2nd grade, I have found my home here in Brentwood and am excited to begin my 11th year at Elroy Elementary School! My husband and I have two wonderful children; Cecelia and Leo.  We also have a West Highland Terrier named Gus and a Scottish Terrier, named Luna.  I enjoy spending time outside cheering on my kids during their sporting events, but my favorite thing to do is to travel to the beach!  

Samantha Douglas

S.D.
I teach elementary music here at Brentwood! I have been with the school district since 2021. Outside of the elementary music classrooms, you will typically find me working with the high school marching band, PennWest California's marching band, or teaching one-on-one music lessons at From the Top Music Shop in Monongahela! Outside of music I love to spend time outdoors whether that be hiking, going for walks, or exploring local parks with my dog Millie! 

Sheri Duing

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Hello!  My name is Mrs. Duing, and I have been teaching at Elroy for 24 years!  I have spent most of those years teaching fifth grade. I am teaching math and science this year. I often feel like I've spent my whole life at Elroy, especially since I grew up in Brentwood and attended Elroy as a young student. I currently live in South Park with my husband and two teenaged boys.  I spend a lot of my free time at my sons' sporting events or watching the Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates on television.  In the evenings you can find me walking my black lab, Grace.  I am a huge animal lover! I also like to read and spend time outside. I tell my students each year that fall is my favorite season because it is the beginning of a new football season, the weather turns cooler, and I get to meet a wonderful new group of students! 

Amy Ferkett

A.F.
My name is Amy Ferkett. I am the Reading Specialist at Elroy Elementary. I have taught at Elroy for over 22 years, with many of them being in First Grade. I have a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Spanish and a Master's degree in Reading. I love to teach students how to read! 

I like to spend time with my husband, daughters, and friends. We have 3 cats and a bearded dragon. In my free time, I love going to the beach and spending time near water or in nature. I also enjoy reading, watching movies, and quiet time.  

Karri Forsyth

K.F.
My name is Karri Forsyth and I teach 2nd grade, here at Elroy!  I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Edinboro University, and my Master’s degree in Education from Waynesburg University.  I am certified to teach Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education. This will be my fourteenth year at Elroy Elementary School.      

Personally, I have been married for 30 glorious years and have two fantastic children who are 24 and 27 years old.  I enjoy reading, music, riding horses, and spending time with family and friends.    

I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures growth in a positive, fun environment.  

Mindy Golvash

M.G.
I am a lifelong Pittsburgh resident, and former graduate of Brentwood High School.  I live with my husband, Dan, who is a special education teacher at Brentwood High School and the Spartans Football coach, 20-year-old daughter, Bailey, 14-year-old son, Evan, and our dog, Toby.  I love sports, teaching dance classes, exploring new places, cheering on my son at his baseball games, shopping with my daughter, and getting to know my students.   

Jessica Graff

J.G.
Mrs. Jessica Graff is starting her fourth year at Elroy. Mrs. Graff received her undergraduate degree in Art and Art Education from Penn State University. She began her teaching career in the Pittsburgh Public School District and taught there for almost four years. Mrs. Graff and her husband moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where she continued to teach art for another three years. When we started to miss Pittsburgh, we moved back to Whitehall. Mrs. Graff received her master’s degree in Art Education in the spring of 2015 and went on to teach at Baden Academy until 2019. In her spare time, Mrs. Graff enjoys reading, traveling, cycling, spending time with family, and visiting art museums. 

Terri Kauric

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I am the Elementary School Counselor for both Moore and Elroy Elementary.  This is my 4th year here at Brentwood Borough School District.  Prior to coming to Brentwood, I have worked in several different school districts as a Student Assistance Liaison , a School Based Mental Health Therapist, a Prevention Specialist  and a School Counselor.  I received my Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Edinboro University and my Master's in School Counseling from Duquesne University.  In addition, I am a Nationally Certified Counselor.  I love working with the students here at Brentwood, helping them to overcome barriers to learning and teaching them the skills needed to be successful in life both academically and socially.  In my free time I enjoy spending time with my husband and two daughters, kayaking, biking, camping, reading and spending time with family and friends. 

Taylor Kortze

T.K.
My name is Taylor Kortze and I am the Life Skills teacher for grades K-5. I am going into my fifth year of teaching at Brentwood. I graduated from Seton Hill University in 2014 with my degree in Early Childhood and Special Education. Currently, I am working on my master's degree at PennWest University in Secondary Special Education. I am getting married in October 2022. My fiancé and I met at Elroy during my first year teaching at Brentwood. I am a huge Disney fan, and completed two Disney College Programs. In my spare time I love shopping, scrapbooking, and trying new restaurants. 

Leslie Maiden

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Hi, Elroy families!  I’m Leslie Maiden.  I have been working in the school district since the spring of 2022.  I’m a paraprofessional at Elroy, but I’ve been involved with special needs students for the last 20 years.  My husband grew up in Brentwood, and I have two daughters, Sarah and Rachael.  When I’m not working, I love to spend time outside with my dog, Rosie, and gardening.  I also enjoy getting away to visit family, and friends.  A favorite place for our family to vacation is Ocean City, Maryland.   

Deborah Nicklaus

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I’ve  been with Brentwood school district for 24 years. All 3 schools. I’ve been at Elroy about 14 years. For fun, I like the quiet. Raised 4 children and have 7 grandchildren. Going out for dinner is always fun.  

Ryan O'Connor

R.O.
Hello students and families of Elroy Elementary. I am your Health and Physical Education teacher Mr. O'Connor. This is my 3rd year at Elroy and my 6.5 year teaching total. I earned my Bachelors degree from Slippery Rock University in K-12 Health and Physical Education. I also earned my Masters degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from California University of Pennsylvania. I enjoy teaching all sports and fitness activities to my students. When I am not at school I enjoy continuing to be physically active with lifting weights. I also love to travel to different places around the country. My favorite sports teams are the ones from Pittsburgh, so that would be Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates. I am excited for another year of fun as we continue to improve our athletic skills and overall wellness. 

Jacelyn Pulleo

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Hello Elroy families!  My name is Jacelyn Pulleo and this will be my 15th year teaching kindergarten.  I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Clarion University and a Master’s Degree in Education with a Reading Specialist certificate from California University.  When I am not at school, my two kids Joseph (16) and Gabby (13) keep myself and my husband (Steve) busy with their sports.  You can find me either in an ice rink cheering for Joseph or at a football game or cheer competition cheering on Gabby.  I enjoy spending time at the beach, and I also enjoy snuggles and walks with my yellow lab, Layla.   

Tracy Rittiger

T.R.
I am a graduate of Brentwood High School. I now reside in Jefferson Hills with my husband, Scott, our 3 sons: Connor (26), Parker (22), and Tanner (18), and my 3 Labrador dogs. I love spending time with my family, fitness training, and floating in my swimming pool. I enjoy listening to all kinds of music, walks on the beach, exploring new places, and most of all, getting to know my students! 

I received my bachelor’s degree from Duquesne University majoring in Elementary Education K-6. I then pursued my Master’s degree in STEAM at California University. This is my 29th year of teaching in Brentwood School District, during which I have taught st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. My responsibilities beyond teaching over the last 29 years have been Child Study Leader, ASSET Science Liaison, and Instructional Support Team Member. During my 29 years as a teacher, I have had the distinct pleasure of teaching and working with over 800 students in the Brentwood School District. 

Kala Rodi

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Hello! My name is Kala Rodi and I am a certified Speech-Language Pathologist. I graduated from Clarion University, obtaining both my bachelor and master’s degrees in Communication Science Disorders. I am proud to say that this is my 4th year at Brentwood Borough School District as a Speech Teacher. I am passionate about communication and helping children find their voice. For fun, I like to shop, listen to music, take my dog for a walk, and spend time with my family and friends! 

Hannah Rosselle

H.R.
Hello families! My name is Hannah Rosselle.  This is my 4th year teaching ESL at Elroy!  I studied Elementary Education and ESL at Penn State.  I earned my Masters degree in Reading Education at Slippery Rock.  In my free time, I enjoy reading, being outside, shopping.  I love iced coffee and Pittsburgh and Penn State sports! I am so excited to work with all of your students!  We are going to have a blast and learn SO much! 

Melissa Sauro

m.s.
This is my 16th year teaching 2nd grade at Elroy and my 19th year teaching in the Brentwood Borough School District.  I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Penn State and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction also from Penn State.  I like to vacation at the beach, float in my pool, and spend time with my family and pets! 

Kathryn Smeltz

K.S.
Mrs. Smeltz is the Media Literacy teacher at Moore and Elroy Elementary buildings.  Her class consists of elements from library, technology, and STEAM. She has been with the district for over 15 years.  She received her undergraduate degree at Duquesne University and her Master's of business education at Robert Morris University.  In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three crazy kids.  She also loves trying unique foods, baking with her kids, camping, and going on adventures with her family! 

Amy Smith

A.S.
My name is Mrs. Smith. I grew up in Brentwood and have been teaching in the district for twenty-three years. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, taking walks, watching funny movies, and playing card games. My Philosophy for teaching begins with me providing an honest, caring, and active atmosphere where students can feel comfortable and have fun learning. I will maintain academic progress through whole class and small group instruction, and provide individual support to all students as needed. Furthermore, hands-on learning opportunities will be  implemented whenever possible. 

Cristy Stipetic

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My name is Cristy Stipetic. I am a Registered Nurse and Certified School Nurse.  This is my second year at Elroy. Prior to coming to Elroy I worked as a substitute school nurse, vaccination nurse, and was a Sr Professional staff nurse at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital. When I am not at Elroy,  I enjoy spending time with my family doing the things we love, camping, fishing, traveling, watching movies and hockey! I am married and we have 3 children and 2 dogs that keep us quite busy! If you ever need to chat about your child's health, update me on their health condition or have any concerns, please reach out to me!  

Krista Tiglio

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Hello! My name is Krista Tiglio and I teach learning support for students in kindergarten through second grade.  This will be my ninth-year teaching at Elroy.  I graduated from Slippery Rock University with a B.S. in elementary and special education.  I returned to Slippery Rock to complete my master’s degree program in math and science education.  In my free time I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family and friends. 

Shawna Very

S.V.
My name is Mrs. Very. Previously, I have taught high school and elementary special education. I have been teaching 4th grade at Elroy for the past 10 years. I think 4th grade is by far the BEST grade ever! I am very passionate about teaching all subjects but reading is my favorite. I attended Duquesne University for dual certification in elementary and special education. I also have a master's degree with a focus on STEM education from California University of Pennsylvania. I enjoy spending time with my family.  I have two children who are very involved in sports and keep us very busy. We also have a dog, Willow, who loves going for walks. I also love running, York Peppermint Patties, reading, and coffee.  

Jeff Wastchak

J.W.
I have been teaching at Brentwood for 13 years and this will be my 7th year at Elroy.  This is my first year teaching second grade.  I taught first grade, third grade, fourth grade, and fifth grade.  I received my undergraduate degree in elementary education and a minor in elementary mathematics from Slippery Rock University.  I attained my Master’s degree in Special Education from Slippery Rock University.  When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my wife and three children.  My hobbies include bowling, golfing, camping, hiking, and watching sports. 

Megan Williams

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My name is Megan Williams, Learning Support Teacher, grades 3rd-5th.  This is my 17th year as a special education teacher.  I graduated college from Carlow University, where I obtained my bachelor’s degree in education, with a dual certification in special education, grades K-12 and elementary education, grades K-6 grade.  I am currently attending grad school at California University of Pittsburgh, where I am working on my master’s degree in special education, as well as a certification in Applied Behavior Analysis-Autism Track, and to become certified as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst.   After I graduated from college, I worked at an alternative school teaching students with Autism and Emotional support for two years, I then worked at the Penn Hills School District as an Emotional Support Teacher and have now been the learning support teacher at Elroy Elementary for 7 years.  I truly love being a teacher and I enjoy every day with my students.  I live in Jefferson Hills with my husband, my 13-year-old son who is now in the 8th grade!  Time certainty flies, every moment! We also have two Labs, Dexter and Chance. As a family, we are very active and enjoy swimming, hiking, camping, and traveling to the beach. We also love to relax and enjoy watching movies, and playing board games as a family.  I am looking forward to another great year at Elroy!   

Sydney Yanchik

S.Y.
My name is Sydney Yanchik and I have been at Brentwood for one year. I graduated from Duquesne University in May 2021 with my bachelors degree of early childhood education. From there I was the building substitute at Moore Elementary until I was hired in January of 2022 as a full time 1st Grade teacher. I am currently continuing my education and will be receiving my masters degree of Teaching and Learning with a focus in STEAM in the fall of 2023. For fun I like to travel, run, hike, or anything outdoors. I am a foodie and love trying new restaurants around town with my friends.  
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