Poplar / 6 to 12

Joan Hamel

Middle School Principal

“I cherish my students and want them to succeed. I love working with middle school students through their awkward, challenging teen years where they really begin to discover themselves and their purpose in the world. These are formative years, and I am honored to be a part of their story at such an influential fork in their paths.”

Joan lives in Erdenheim with her husband, Tom, and enjoys traveling into the city often. Her hobbies include gardening, bike riding, and going for long walks in her beautiful neighborhood. Her favorite book is To End All Wars, the true story of Allied prisoners in a Japanese death camp during World War II—their lives were transformed when one person began to love the way Jesus loves.

Joel Gaines

High School Principal

“No one has to tell you when your favorite cookies are being baked, you smell the delicious aroma and are drawn to it. Some of the reasons why I felt drawn to The City School team were our ambitious mission statement, my love for the people of Philadelphia and commitment to providing quality Christian urban education. I believe students who learn within urban spaces are some of the most socially prepared, culturally exposed, and life-ready individuals.”

Most recently, Joel was the Assistant Head of the Upper School at Delaware County Christian School. He has also served in various roles over the past 10+ years, in urban, suburban as well as in Christian and public school education.

Joel loves spending quality time with his family. He is married to Tia and has one son Josiah, and three daughters Hosanna, Elaina, and Adoniah.  He also enjoys collecting unique socks and ties, traveling, and taking pictures shot on his iPhone.

 

Katelin Conde-Rodriguez

College Guidance Counselor

“The City School embodies so many of the values I hold dear, not least of these is shalom, the wholeness and completeness God desires for his people. I began my work with the City School three years ago as an intern from Mission Year, an urban ministry program dedicated to pursuing justice, peace, and reconciliation in the city. It became apparent to me early on that this was a special place where we not only pursue shalom by providing accessible and excellent education, but also raise students up to bring shalom to their city.”

Katelin lives in South Philly, “near a little enclave of City School folks.” When she’s not reading something that challenges her perspective, she enjoys watching nerdy tv shows, baking and cooking new recipes, and spending the day at the beach. And while Katelin’s heart belongs to Philly, her football loyalties are still in the Midwest—Go Pack Go!

Ruth Naomi Floyd

Music Director

“It is important to understand the relationship between music and culture. Music is one of the products of culture. Music is a powerful tool that can create powerful connections between people, and help us to learn more about our own culture as well as other cultures. Music can also inspire us to seek out different cultures, shatter stereotypes, question social injustices and see the world through the lens of others.  Music prompts us to form a worldview.  We want our students to see the beauty of culture but also to be able to sense and question the dangerous aspects of culture as we strive to for them to be strong Christian young women and men for God’s kingdom.”

Ruth has traveled the world and gained international recognition as a vocalist. She is also a gifted photographer and has been featured in galleries and museums across America and Europe. Ruth lives and worships in South Philly with her husband—our Athletics Director, Kenyatta—and two children.

Heidi Jang

Biblical Counselor

Africa Jones

International Program Coordinator

Kenyatta Rush

Athletics Director

“I see athletics as a way of honoring God. Good sportsmanship, teamwork, practice and patience, discipline, perseverance, and a desire to do your best are all virtues learned through competitive sports. I teach my students and athletes that competing with integrity, as ambassadors of Jesus, is more important than taking home a trophy.”

Kenyatta was a scholarship football player at Temple University when he met his Savior. Since then, he’s pursued diverse fields of ministry, working in social care with seniors, as a missionary in Africa, and as a minister to prisoners here in Philadelphia. Kenyatta lives in South Philly with his wife—our Choir Director, Ruth Naomi Floyd—and two children.

Langston Washington

Building Substitute - Poplar

“I went to Spruce Hill and Philadelphia Mennonite High school, so essentially, I am a City School alumnus. I am honored to have the opportunity to contribute back to the schools that helped me become the man I am today.

We are not a school that does the bare minimum. We look to enhance all aspects of students’ lives. We don’t teach students what to think, but how to think. So when, students leave The City School, we hope that they leave not just with more knowledge, but leave as better people.

Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I cannot deny someone who shows their love as he has done. I am unworthy of his love and forgiveness, and he stills gives u love and mercy. My goal in life is to have Jesus as the roots in my life. Everything else grows and sprouts from that. ”

Langston is a West Philadelphia native and loves the beauty and diversity of the city, calling it “one of the greatest cities in the United States.”

He is currently pursuing a Masters of Divinity degree to learn more about Jesus Christ and to grow his relationship with him.

Tessa Allebach

Middle School History Teacher

“Education has always been my strongest calling and having the opportunity to teach in an enriching and challenging environment such as The City School is a blessing. It is encouraging to be part of a school environment that gives life to both students and staff while the majority of educational climates that we currently live in unfortunately are often life-draining.

I look forward to lifting history off the textbook pages for my students and hopefully begin to have them understand how essential historical context is in the present.”

Tessa enjoys slow-paced activities such as taking walks and reading. Her love for the arts runs deeply and she has had the privilege of both taking and teaching art lessons for many years.

Jessica Becker

Spanish Teacher

“I first heard about The City School in looking for a kindergarten for my son 8 years ago, and am still, without a doubt, sure that sending him here was the best decision we made for his education. I am excited about seeing other kids be able to mature, thrive and grow here, especially through the Spanish language, as they pursue second language acquisition. I am passionate about seeing the kids embrace and learn about other cultures.”

Jessica lives in a multigenerational home in Germantown with her parents, husband, and two kids, along with an new international student each year. She enjoys traveling outside of the country whenever possible and is passionate about music and international cuisine.

Emily Bennin

Language Arts

Felicia Mercer

Science and Math Teacher

“I believe with all my heart this is what the Lord has ordained me to do. This is evident in the joy I get from doing this work. I love that our teachers invest so deeply in their students and that we celebrate their diversity, humor, and uniqueness. We want what is best for each individual child.”

Felicia came into our community as a City School mom, volunteer, and substitute teacher before joining us full-time in 2013. She enjoys dancing, people watching, and taking scenic walks around the city.

Ian Spalding

Math Teacher

“Being committed to Jesus means letting the love of God shine through my relationships with students and sharing wonder of His creation in every class. It means teaching with a firm but loving hand. I allow my sense of humor to come through in my teaching as well as my more informal interactions with my students, and I hope this helps to build connections, relationships, and releases joy into the atmosphere of my classes and the school.”

Ian lives in Spruce Hill and loves running into so many friends around his neighborhood. He plays violin with the Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra and enjoys cycling, reading, exercise, and Sudoku. He also has fun watching sports, which is an important aspect of his bond with middle school guys.

Ben Guy

History Teacher

“I strive to make history come alive for students so that they grow in their knowledge and understanding of history and subsequently grow in their knowledge of themselves and how the global society in which they live came to be.  Ultimately, my goal is that the students would use the knowledge, understanding, and critical thinking skill they gain from studying history in furthering the work of the Kingdom in their families, communities, city, and world.”

Ben lives in Elkins Park and enjoys reading, walking, playing the piano, and discussing “deep and profound topics.” His love for learning and teaching came from his mother, a longtime teacher who joined The City School team last year, bringing the Guy family teaching tradition full circle.

Ken Hunsberger

Math Teacher

“Over the years I have come to believe that an education is not complete if it is not Christ-centered. As a Christian school, we can offer more than excellent academics—we can introduce students to the one who created everything we learn.”

Ken lives in Chester County and enjoys his early morning commute on the train. Ken is an avid reader and has lately been on an Agatha Christie kick. He also enjoys crossword puzzles, crypto-quotes, and Sudoku, and he tends a bountiful vegetable garden at home.

Rich Lindberg

English Teacher

“My goal is to help students become intelligent and engaged people in this world. Through books, I am hoping they will understand how to live on this planet, how to interact with others, and how “to be.” I am hoping that they will leave my class being a better writer, a thinking person, and a strong Christian.”

Rich lives in Roxborough with his wife and loves living in “an honest-to-goodness world-class city.” His favorite book is Frederick Buechner’s Godric, a semifictionalized account of the life of medieval saint Godric of Finchale, who inspires Rich to be a more humble and self-sacrificing person. He is also an avid cyclist and bikes to work almost every day, even in the dead of winter.

Daniel Liken

English Teacher

Wendy McCarthy

Science Teacher

“This isn’t just a place to work or go to school. We all know each other and love each other. I’m genuinely interested in my students’ lives, their success, and their wellbeing. I want the best for them, forever, not just when they’re sitting in my classroom.”

Wendy lives in South Philly and enjoys hiking, biking, canoeing, and camping. She also tends peach trees and raises backyard chickens, rooftop bees, and compost worms—“you know, basic biology teacher stuff.”

Kim Meyer

High School Math Teacher

Kelli Moore

High School Spanish Teacher

“In my class, I strive to bring the Spanish and Latin American culture to life by exploring its beautiful language, places, and people.

I am passionate about teaching at The City School because Christ is the center of everything we do, both in and out of the classroom.  Our teachers and staff are not only invested in the academic advancement of students, but their spiritual and emotional growth as well. We glorify God by serving this community of learners . Exemplifying  excellence in everything we do is the ultimate form of worship.

Every student matters here!”

Kelli resides in the Fairmount section and loves the diversity and accessibility of the city. She spends her free time listening to music, traveling, and quality time with her parents.

Megan Owens

History Teacher, Ancient World and United States

Joe Sinagra

Arts Director

“I’m passionate about my job because I love people—they’re the crown of creation. I am blessed to get to know students as individuals and learn what makes them unique bearers of God’s image. I walk with my students as they develop their skills, and I am challenged to learn from them just as they learn from me.”

Joe lives in South Philly with his wife and six children (five of whom attend The City School—at all four campuses!). He loves making—painting, drawing, photography, costume design, and cooking. He is also an elder at Grace and Peace Community Church where he strives to love people as Jesus has loved him.