Einstein’s Staff

Competent, caring, kind, compassionate, communicative. These words describe the ethos of Einstein’s teachers. Our faculty and staff are not only dedicated to putting children first, but to working with one another and with each family to plan and personalize each child’s education. All of the lead teachers are experienced and credentialed, and our specialists have extensive backgrounds in their content areas, providing them with a wealth of knowledge and passion to share with our students.

RACHEL BLUMENFELD

Head of School

Einstein has been a key part of my family’s identity for as long as I can remember - my parents were always involved, my siblings and I all attended, and now I have two daughters who attend the school. After I graduated from Einstein in 1996, I continued my education at Akiba Hebrew Academy (now J.M. Barrack), then earned my B.A. in Liberal Arts from Sarah Lawrence College. Afterward, I attended Villanova University School of Law and practiced as an attorney for several years before obtaining an MFA in Writing and Literature from Bennington College and shifting my focus to education, earning my teaching certification through the University of Delaware. I have since gained extensive experience as a teacher and educational leader and have earned a National Board of Professional Teaching Standards certification, which only 3% of teachers nationwide hold. Over the past 10 years, I have spearheaded multiple strategic plans and improvement initiatives for various schools and districts. I am honored to return to Einstein and to take on the role of Head of School, as Einstein is not just a school to me but is a foundational part of who I am and of who my daughters are growing to be.

BRITTANY CONLEY

Administrative Assistant

I earned my bachelor’s degree from Kutztown University in 2014. Since embarking on my professional journey, I have provided support to various executives and directors in different capacities. My background includes experience in Brand Marketing and Social Media. At Einstein, I've had the privilege of directly assisting the Head of School along with all the teachers and staff. I truly enjoy collaborating with both the educators and students, as well as engaging in the administrative aspects of the school. Outside of work, I cherish spending time with my husband Andrew, our son Owen, and our two dogs, Rocky and Jenny. I am incredibly grateful to be part of the Einstein community, surrounded by such an amazing group of colleagues and students!

SIDNEY MOORE

Kindergarten Teacher

I teach our littlest learners here at Albert Einstein Academy! Kindergarten is a year of astonishing growth and development, and I am honored to be a part of it. I have been an educator for five years, and I worked with children for an additional ten years before that. I love interacting with young children and helping to shape them into future leaders. My educational style emphasizes working collaboratively, celebrating individuality, and promoting kindness. One of my goals as a teacher is to develop my students’ critical thinking skills and curiosity about the world so that they are inspired to always pursue further learning.

HEATHER WISNIEWSKI

First and Second Grade Teacher

I am thrilled to join Albert Einstein Academy as a first and second grade teacher. My journey in education spans over a decade, where I’ve had the privilege of fostering curiosity and a love for learning in my students. With a background in early childhood and elementary education, my teaching style emphasizes hands-on exploration, critical thinking, and connection to the world around us. I aim to inspire my students to not only understand new concepts but to see their relevance in everyday life.

I am also an author, having published a book on ADHD and currently working on a children’s book set to release this year. I was honored to be named a Phillies All Star Educator and featured on NJTV for my contributions to education.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy being creative and working on DIY projects, from holiday-themed decorations to home crafts. As a mom to an 11-year-old daughter, I am dedicated to building strong relationships and supporting her growth. I look forward to being part of this wonderful school community and helping my students explore, question, and discover their love for learning!

MARIE TIERNEY

English/Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher

I earned a BA in Arts and Communication from Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree from Ohio University. Since 1998, I have been teaching children from all walks of life. I love working with students and creating activities and lessons that engage them. Furthermore, I am passionate about teaching and firmly believe in the importance of shaping young minds and leading them in the right direction. All children are capable of great things as long as they have a supportive and nurturing place to learn and grow. My aim is to help students achieve their goals by creating an inclusive and encouraging learning environment that is full of interaction and positivity.

ADINA MATTES

Hebrew and Judaics Teacher

I have lived in the Delaware area most of my adult life and I’m so happy to have joined the staff of an organization with such a strong history. I have taught and worked in synagogue religious schools for over 15 years and have led many family services and Shabbatons over that time. My educational background is in Community Social Work and Family Education, but I have had a special passion and love for Jewish Education all my life. I enjoy traveling, reading and spending time with family and friends – both here and abroad.

KARA JONES

Math and Science Teacher

I have been a teacher with Albert Einstein Academy since the 2020-2021 school year. I graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Environmental Science and Wildlife Conservation. I previously worked as an aquatic entomologist before transitioning into environmental education roles. In addition, I have been a math tutor for over ten years working with elementary through high school aged students. My love of learning is paralleled by my love of people, which makes teaching the exact job for me. When not at school, I enjoy working with adult learners seeking a GED, cooking and eating delicious foods, and adventuring with my husband, Chad, and my pup, Chowder. I love working at Einstein because of the amazing students and teachers that I get the chance to learn from each and every day!

KAT CROWNER

Art Teacher

I am excited and honored to join Einstein as art teacher. I live in Media, PA, with my husband and two creative teenagers, and I have an MA in Art Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a BA from The University of Pennsylvania. I have experience with a variety of mediums that I love to share with children. In addition to experience as an art teacher, I also have experience in business and strongly believe that art education has many benefits regardless of the path your child will take in the future. I look forward to guiding your children in their artistic development.

ANN SCHNEIDER

Swim Instructor and Substitute Teacher

I am a native Delawarean. I grew up in Newark and attended the University of Delaware, where I earned a degree in history. I worked in finance for 25 years, but as my children got older, I decided to switch careers to spend more time with them. In 2021, a lifelong love of swimming and belief in the importance of water safety brought me to become an American Red Cross certified Lifeguard. In 2022, I became a certified Water Safety Instructor because I think everyone should learn to swim as it is an important life skill. I am glad to be part of the Einstein community.

SARA DOWNARD

Computer and Coding Teacher

I am an Einstein alum with a Masters degree in Applied Anthropology from the University of Maryland College Park, as well as BAs in History and Anthropology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I am an avid walker, reader, and life-long learner who tries to spend as much time as possible in the woods. As the computer teacher, I am inspired by what the students are able to create through coding and research projects and the pride they take in completing the work that they do. In my spare time, I am the caretaker to a guinea pig named William the Conqueror and a dog named Evie.

RACHEL GREENSPAN

Music Teacher

I grew up in the part of Connecticut that may as well be New York. I earned a Bachelor’s in Music at Binghamton University (SUNY), and a certificate in Media from The Connecticut School of Broadcasting. My husband and I have lived in Delaware since 2005. Aside from my career as a singer songwriter, notable places of employment include: Disney World, WLIR/WDRE, Gymboree, and the JCC Early Childhood Center. I currently split my time between performing, AEA, teaching private music students, and teaching music and Hebrew at Congregation Beth Emeth. My interests outside of music include Disney, Marvel, Science Fiction/Fantasy, British chocolate, and poodles.

ERICA KILPATRICK-GALBREATH

School Nurse & Health/Physical Education Teacher

I am a registered nurse in Delaware and Pennsylvania working primarily in pediatrics and I have been involved with nonprofits for 20 years. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Education and Community Service from the University of Delaware. After working locally in community services and fundraising, I returned to school to become a registered nurse. I have now been a nurse for 10 years, and I have obtained several professional certifications including Nurse Management, Hospice and Palliative Care, Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Care, and Perinatal Loss Care. I live in Delaware with my husband and 3 children. Together, we foster rescue dogs for Grass Roots Rescue and volunteer at Plumpton Park Zoo for their Halloween fundraiser. We have 3 dogs of our own and 3 cats in our house that allow us to feed and cuddle them. I am also the board president for The Barn at Spring Brook Farm, a small nonprofit that runs animal- and nature-based programming for children with disabilities. I look forward to working with this great community at Einstein and watching the students grow!

ROBIN MILLER, MS, OTRL/L DIR-FT

Occupational Therapist

Being a pediatric occupational therapist is a dream come true for me. Conventional learning processes have always been challenging for me and when I chose a career, I knew I wanted to find something that allowed me to help children with similar experiences, and that is exactly what I am privileged to do as a school-based occupational therapist. I believe that development happens through relationships and intrinsically-meaningful, engaging activities. Through my work, I help students, educators, and families develop self-regulation and co-regulation skills and create a more accepting, inclusive learning community. A graduate of Einstein myself, I am excited to return to Einstein as an adult and to use my skills for the benefit of everyone at the school.

CHRISTINE WITHAM

Jewish Family Services

I am excited to support our students as they navigate their academic and personal journeys. I am currently pursuing my Master of Social Work (MSW) at Rutgers University, building on a strong foundation from my dual Bachelor’s degrees in Journalism and English.

My passion lies in fostering the social and emotional health of children, recognizing that a strong emotional foundation is essential for academic success. I believe in creating a safe and supportive environment where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential and showcase their unique gifts.

I look forward to working collaboratively with students, families, and staff to promote a positive school experience. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

At Einstein, we are fortunate to be partners with Jewish Family Services, who offer supports such as individual and family counseling services to Einstein students and families. JFS’ professional and compassionate counselors provide evidence-based interventions and person-centered treatments, helping our students and families develop strategies to be able to successfully face their unique challenges. The counselors also meet regularly with the Einstein staff to ensure that students are being supported with a cohesive team approach.

MARISSA COHEN

Instructional Coach

I graduated from Albert Einstein Academy in 1997 and my experiences there contributed to my deep love of learning. This passion has continued throughout my life, inspiring me to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in education from the University of Delaware. I have since taught pre-k through third grade and worked as an instructional coach at other schools. However, when I had children of my own, I knew that Einstein would be the perfect fit for them. I am thrilled to be back at Einstein — both as a parent and as a staff member — helping to ensure that a new generation of students are able to have the same excellent educational and Jewish foundation that I received.

ASHLEY INVERSO

Accounting/Business Office

I am so excited to be a part of Albert Einstein Academy! I grew up in North Wilmington and attended Concord High and Wilmington University. I have a background in multiple industries including automotive, home care, and business. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Bobby, our two boys, and two dogs. We like exploring, traveling, and making many memories with our family. I look forward to getting to know all the students and watch them grow each year.