Fairmount / Pre-K to 5

Jessica Sinagra

Art teacher

I am a Christian visual artist with a heart for elementary aged children and I love teaching Art. As the STEAM/Art teacher at Fairmount, I combine natural sciences, scientific method, and visual art techniques to guide my students’ discovery of the world God created. I am from New England but have lived more than twenty years in South Philadelphia. Hobbies and activities I enjoy are beach days, reading, hiking, and swimming. My husband, Joe Sinagra, is the High School Art Teacher at TCS Poplar. We have six children, all of whom are either currently enrolled at TCS or have recently graduated. Together we have been a part of the TCS community for over seventeen years and believe in the mission to train students’ minds, disciple their hearts, and bring light to the city one child at a time. I have seen this mission in action within my own home and am honored to serve in this place among Christ-centered people. Soli Deo Gloria!

Amira Reid

After Care Coordinator - Fairmount Campus

I am a mother of two boys and a Philadelphia Native. I have been drawn to the City School since I attended an open house in 2018 with my oldest son, who is currently a student at the Poplar campus. When I saw the opportunity for an After Care Instructor, I jumped at it, hoping to be more involved with the great children that attend The City School.

Albert Di Salvatore

5th Grade Teacher

Al DiSalvatore, (Mr. D as the kids call him) has a passion for students to develop into Christlike life-long learners and leaders. He has a career devoted to Ministry and Education; spending over 10 years in Youth Ministry and Church Planting. As well as being a 5th and 6th grade teacher at The City School in Philly, he was also an Interim Principal at Immanuel Christian School, and Adjunct Professor for the University of Valley Forge.

Jillian Pietroforte

2nd Grade - Lead Teacher

I am currently working towards my Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (will be finished at the end of September [2022], woo!). In my free time I love to ski, run, spend time on the beach and explore new places with my friends and family. I am super excited to spend of my first year teaching here at the city school!

Chole Edwards

Pre-K Teacher

My name is Chloe Edwards and I’ve been an elementary teacher for the past 9 years. I’m a Philly transplant, originally from New York. I have been living in Philly for the past 4 years. My husband and I live in Fairmount. We enjoy fitness and staying active. This [2022] will be my first year with The City School and I’m excited to marry my love and faith in God with my passion for education. This is my first year transitioning to a Christian school from secular charter school. This is also my first year teaching pre school. My previous years of teaching have been kinder-4th grade.

Chiquo Stokes

Principal, Fairmount Campus

Chiquo Cameron Stokes has worked in special education for over 15 years. He earned his Master’s in Multicultural Education with certifications in Special Education and School Administration k-12 from Eastern University.  He has over 15 years of experience working with students across a need-based spectrum in various schools throughout the City of Philadelphia ranging from elementary to high school students. He has also worked in ministry as a sunday school superintendent, an ordained minister, and a praise and worship leader.

Chiquo has worked for various charter school initiatives and has held roles ranging from Emotional Support Teacher, Special Education Specialist, Leader of Special Education Services, Manager of Student Supports, Assistant Principal of Special Education and Student Support Services, and Director of Student Support Services, which includes special education and multi-tiered level student supports.

Prior to taking a lead role as Principal with The City School, Chiquo’s last assignment as a public school administrator was held as Director of Special Education and Student Support Services at Young Scholars Charter School, Philadelphia PA (Northern Liberties). Chiquo believes educators should be life learners and committed to providing the highest quality of support to ALL students. He believes that if ever there was a time for Christian leaders to rally together to be beacons of light in our communities and world, that time is now!

Judith Williams

Office Assistant

My name is Judith Williams. I worked as an Administrative Professional a number of years for the William Penn School District and Elwyn.

I am delighted to be the new office assistant for The City School Spruce Hill, Fairmont, and Poplar Campuses.

I am thankful to God that he has made a way for me in joining the City School Family.

I attended the Art Institute of Philadelphia for Graphic Design. I love and enjoy all things creativity. My most loved hobbies are drawing, painting and Photography and a host of other things that are too long to list. 🙂

I have 4 adult children and 2 grandchildren.

Stacey Booker

Teacher's Assistant

Melissa Roth

2nd Grade Teacher

“From the first day I walked into this school, I felt the overwhelming community and love from staff and families. I love seeing God’s hand at work in every child in every classroom and I am excited to begin working here to further glorify Him throughout this school year.”

Melissa Roth lives in Broomall, PA. She graduated West Chester University with a degree in Early Grades Preparation and Special Education. She enjoys painting, cooking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

John Delaney

3rd Grade Teacher

“I truly have been drawn to this school, for many of reasons. However I must say the biggest draw is the heart of leadership here which is founded and built on Jesus Christ!

My mission while I’m here is simply to steward and shepard the hearts of the children. I believe these kids are precious and the most valuable resource we have. ”

A native of  Wilmington, John currently lives in Newark Delaware. He loves tribal African jewelry, cooking, reading, and Pinterest! John has 4 yr old twin boys, who he admires and loves deeply.

John is pursuing a  B.A. in Biblical and theological studies on at Liberty University.

Dionne Delaney

Office Manager

“Excited doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel about being at The City School. Here, my passion for ministry and the Kingdom of God, my gifts in administration, my love for children and the education of their minds, shaping of their hearts and lives is brought together in one place. Being here is not by happenstance–it is an assignment from the Lord.”

Dionne and her husband Jay have enjoyed over eighteen years of marriage. They have two adult children and rambunctious twin toddler grandsons. In her free time, Dionne enjoys traveling, baking, cooking, fellowship with friends, sewing and making jewelry.

Ashley Fornwalt

Academic Support Coordinator

“I am passionate about children and our work at The City School because it is what I believe God has called me to. Seeing the impact I can have on the development of the whole child—spiritually, physically, emotionally, academically—gives me goose bumps.  As I grow, I am always getting a clearer picture of how God views us and invests in our growth and development. I view my job as an extension of God’s love and care for each child.”

Ashley lives with her husband and one-year-old son. She enjoys camping, gardening, and “attempting craft projects.”

Noel Terrell

Music Teacher

“Music is more than notes and harmony–it’s a way of unleashing your emotions. Music moves people. It brings us together. It glorifies God. My dream is to share the power of music with my students.”

Noel has served as a Musical Director and keyboardist for diverse musical acts like Pharrell Williams, Meek Mill, and Jill Scott. He also toured Europe with British hip-hop/r&b duo Floetry and currently performs with his contemporary Christian band, The Browne Boyz. Noel is happily married and has two sons, Roman and Lincoln.