Physical Therapist

Tamara Bean, physical therapist, is a graduate of Penn State University (1997) where she played varsity lacrosse and was elected team captain.  A true Springfield sports legend, Tamara is a member of the SHS Athletic Hall of Fame (2004) and serves on the Hall of Fame nominating committee.  A parent of two children, she is an active volunteer in the Home & School Association at Springfield and has been a member of the Springfield Hockey League (2017-2018)   

Ed is a 2008 graduate of Springfield High School. While at SHS, he served as the student intern on the board of school directors in his junior and senior year. Ed is a proud graduate of Temple University, earning his Bachelor of Arts in Communications 2012 and a Master of Arts in Media Studies & Production in 2020.

In 2009, Ed created an alumni page on Facebook and after seeing it grow almost overnight, he began working with SAEF in 2012 to build on the Facebook page to create a social media presence for the foundation.

SSD Music Teacher

Kathleen Boyer is currently the Instrumental Music Teacher at E.T. Richardson Middle School and Music Curriculum Coordinator for the District. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education and Master of Music in Performance from West Chester University. An accomplished musician, she plays the French Horn for the Chesco Pops Orchestra and West Chester Community Band. Ms. Boyer is thankful for the support SAEF has given to the arts and would like more people to know SAEF's mission.

Retired SSD Music Educator

Susan ("Sue") Descano's distinguished 30 year career in the Springfield School District includes teaching music at every level, including both SSD and the Springfield Literacy Center (K-1). As a choral director and vocal music teacher, she has been instrumental in the development of Springfield talent for three decades. Additionally, Ms. Descano managed the ETR Tennis Intramural Program for 20 years, served on the STAT team for over 10 years, and likewise co-sponsor of the Community Service Club.

Erin (Dwyer) Coyle is a 2004 graduate of Springfield High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The Catholic University of America in 2008, her Master of Science in Nursing from University of Delaware in 2015, and is pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Villanova University. She is the Harm Prevention Program Manager at Nemours Children's Hospital in Wilmington, DE.

Erin lives in Springfield with her husband, and is proud to be living in the wonderful community where she grew up.

Dr. Stephen P. Howarth is a Springfield native, attending Scenic Hills, ET Richardson M.S. and graduating from Springfield High School. He attended The Pennsylvania State University receiving his B.S. in Finance and then to The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, receiving his D.M.D. where he was inducted as a member of the Mathew Cryer Society, a distinction honored to the top 10 dental students in his class at Penn. He is also a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, representing the top 10% of Dental Students in the country.

His background includes more than ten years of teaching Preclinical & Clinical Dentistry at the University of Pennsylvania where he became one of six clinical group leaders and received two teaching awards. Additionally, he taught physiology for two years at Penn State University. He has been joined by his son in the practice of general dentistry at his office of Wallingford Station Family Dental.

Drawing from his Springfield educational experiences, he has spent more than twenty years supporting the music and arts programs in The Marple Newtown School District and was recently recognized with an Honorary Life Membership to the Tri-M Music Honor Society awarded for inspiring young musicians and serving music education.

Believing that every community needs to support their children’s education beyond the required curriculum, SAEF provides him with the opportunity to contribute and assist the foundation in their efforts to establish sustainable support and scholarships for the academic community of his Alma Mater. 

Steve is a 1995 graduate of Springfield High School, and a Springfield School District Hall of Fame inductee for achievement. He is a Springfield resident, with children in the school district. Steve is the owner of Thunderbird II Pizza, and Yosemite Burrito, both on Saxer Avenue in Springfield.

Steve enjoys being active in the community, and is a member of several groups and committees within town, including the GSBA, and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee. Through Thunderbird, he supports over 50 Springfield non-profit organizations, from churches to football teams, and takes part in many town events. 

Steve Landers is grateful for the opportunity to participate in and support the Springfield Area Educational Foundation, and to do his part to help students receive top quality education, keeping Springfield the wonderful town that it is to own a home and raise a family.

 

Andrea Mattie is a graduate of Archbishop Prendergast High School, earned her Bachelor’s (Cabrini University ’01) and Master’s (Widener University ’02) degrees in Social Work and started her direct practice career at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in 2002. 

Over the years, Andrea has transitioned in management and has led and grown the operations in three Divisions at CHOP.  She currently is the Practice Manager for the Division of Allergy & Immunology at CHOP and recently earned her Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration. 

Andrea has lived in Springfield for over 10 years and is the parent of four children attending the Springfield School District.  She is an active member of the community and has volunteered for many school/sports related actives.

Donald Mooney graduated from Springfield High School in 1979 and has a Bachelor of Science degree from Saint Joseph’s University. He currently serves as Executive Director – Operations for the Springfield School District. Prior to joining the district, he served in various financial and operations functions in private industry. He became involved with SAEF to serve as Treasurer and assist with the mission of SAEF to grow the foundation to support and provide financial assistance to the academics, arts and athletics of the district. Don and his family are residents of Springfield and he can be reached at Email.

Attorney

Mr. Nastasi is a proud graduate of Springfield High School, Class of 1997. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania in 2001 and attended Widener School of Law, graduating in 2004. Mr. Nastasi practiced law with the law firm of LaRosa & Nastasi, Havertown, Pa.

He opened his own law firm, Nastasi Law in Drexel Hill, Pa. in 2016.

SSD Electrician

Jacqui is a proud 1995 graduate of Springfield High School (just ask anyone who knows her!) and is a member of the SHS Achievers Hall of Fame '16. She serves as an assistant principal at Tredyffrin/Easttown Middle School and has been in the T/E School District as a teacher and administrator for 22 years. She received her Ed.D. in Educational Administrator from Temple University and her dissertation included a case study on SAEF. She has additional degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, Gwynedd-Mercy College, and Ursinus College. She is a member of the Chester County Women's Commission (Immediate Past-President), The Junior League of Philadelphia, Inc., and the SHS Athletic Hall of Fame Committee. She plays the oboe with the Rose Tree Pops and enjoys traveling and volunteering. She lives in West Chester with her husband, Chas, dog and two cats.

Jacqui is excited to join the SAEF Board after having the opportunity to research with them in 2014. She wants to give back to the community that gave her so much and set her on the path to service and success. Education Foundations are a resourceful and creative way to build a strong sense of community through the common goal of meeting the needs of their children. They can also provide more equitable educational and extracurricular opportunities to children from all backgrounds. 

John Sammartino is a 1965 graduate of Springfield High School where he was active in the Student Council and served as President.  He was a member of their National Honor Society throughout his Springfield High School attendance.

He is a graduate of the George Washington University, DC, where he achieved a Bachelor of Arts and Master’s Degree in Business Administration and Public Affairs.

After graduation, John served as the Director of the Small Business Programs for the county in the Delaware County Commerce Center until his recent retirement.

John is an active donor to SAEF, and is on the faculty of Delaware County Community College and Neumann University.

He is married to Barbara (Torelli) Sammartino, a graduate of the SHS Class of 1972.  They reside in Brookhaven, PA.

Finance Executive

Mr. Sullivan received his Bachelor of Science Degree from LaSalle University and Masters of Business Administration (CPA) Degree from Widener University.

He served as Chief Accounting Officer for Charming Shoppes, Inc. and is a board member for the Knights of Columbus, Springfield. Mr. Sullivan is a member of the board of directors for the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union.

Physical Therapist

Steve Todaro graduated from Springfield High School in 1978. He was an assistant football coach from 1980-1995 and an assistant wrestling coach from 1980-2000. Steve was the first athletic trainer at Springfield High School and held that position from 1980-1995. He is also the parent of Springfield School District children. Steve obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Cheyney University and a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Arcadia University. He is currently a physical therapist. Steve became apart of SAEF to give to back to the community and his alma mater. He hopes the Foundation will help all the students of Springfield School District to progress with their education and hopes the foundation can help them by providing scholarships and education funds. Steve can be reached at Email.

Physical Therapist

Lisa Todaro has a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University. She is currently a Physical Therapist employed by Crozer Keystone Health System. Fulfilling her passion for the Springfield School District, Lisa has been an active member in the Home School Association for many years. SAEF allows her to continue to be active in the District and give back to the community. As a parent of three Springfield students, it is Lisa's hope the Foundation will continue to grow and provide all students in the District with every opportunity to reach their academic and social potential. Lisa can be reached at Email.

SHS Industrial Tech Teacher

George Trout is the Industrial Materials Teacher at Springfield High School. He moved to Springfield immediately after college for a teaching position and has been living and working in Springfield for the past 24 years. George holds a Bachelor’s of Education from Millersville University. He also has a Master’s in Education. Geroge became involved with SAEF because he agrees with its purpose to promote, encourage and seek to better the Academic, Art and Athletic programs of the High School. He hopes SAEF continues to grow and flourish in order to initiate and/or enhance any idea or proposal that strengthens the experience of every Springfield graduate. George can be reached at Email. 

John Gildea-Walker is a 1994 graduate of Springfield High School, where he was an active participant in the music program, serving as drum major of the marching band and qualifying for the All-State Band. He earned both a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communications in 1999, and a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction in 2003, from Penn State University. He was a member of the Penn State Marching Blue Band and other music ensembles throughout his undergraduate years.

John has been teaching Language Arts courses at Springfield High School since 2002. In his time at the school he has served as the theatre director, the PEER Facilitator adviser, and the Steve Stefani Dance Marathon adviser. He currently oversees the district’s Turkey Fund.

John is excited to find ways to give back to the community through the four pillars of the school district: Academics, Arts, Athletics, and Service.

John can be reached at Email.

Former SSD Board Member

Don Cadge is a 1969 graduate of Springfield High School. He is also the parent of three Springfield graduates and has been a School Board member for over a decade. Don obtained a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Wharton School of The University of Pennsylvania. He also has a Master of Science in Dynamics of Organizations from The University of Pennsylvania College of Arts and Sciences. Don held numerous executive positions at Johnson & Johnson and is now semi-retired. He got involved in SAEF to give something back to the District. He hopes to build and sustain an endowment that is large enough to continuously meet and build upon the mission of the Educational Foundation to enhance Academics, Athletics and the Arts for the students of Springfield School District.

Former SSD Board Member

Stan Johnson is 1969 graduate of Springfield High School. He went on to graduate from Lafayatte College with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Stan obtained a Masters degree in Business Administration from Widener University. He later served as School Board President, during which time he worked with the Board, Administration, and community volunteers to form the Springfield Area Educational Foundation. Stan initially got involved with the Foundation to give the students of Springfield School District educational opportunities that go beyond what is provided by taxpayer dollars. He hopes SAEF will be able to develop a reliable financial foundation to fund scholarships, programs and gifts. Stan can be reached at Email.

Business Executive

John Falcone is a 1968 graduate of Springfield High School. He attended a five-year trade school with the Philadelphia Plumbers Union Local 690 and is currently the CEO of Falcone and Truman Plumbing and Heating, Inc. John grew up in Springfield and is very proud of the Springfield School system. He got involved with the Educational Foundation to enrich the Academic, Artistic and Athletic experiences of Springfield students. He hopes the Foundation is able to raise enough money to increase the funds of the current scholarships and be able to enhance the students’ experiences within the Springfield School District. John can be contacted at Email.

Thomas W. Smith Distinguished Research Scholar
Princeton University
83 Prospect Avenue
Princeton, NJ. 08540

DR. ALLEN C. GUELZO is the Thomas W. Smith Distinguished Research Scholar and Director of the Initiative on Politics and Statesmanship in the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University. He holds the MA and PhD in history from the University of Pennsylvania. He is the author of Abraham Lincoln: Redeemer President (Wm. Eerdmans, 1999), which won both the Lincoln Prize and the Abraham Lincoln Institute Prize in 2000; Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation: The End of Slavery in America (Simon & Schuster, 2004) which also won the Lincoln Prize and the Abraham Lincoln Institute Prize, for 2005; Lincoln and Douglas: The Debates That Defined America (Simon & Schuster, 2008), on the Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858; a volume of essays, Abraham Lincoln as a Man of Ideas (Southern Illinois University Press, 2009); and Lincoln: A Very Short Introduction (in the Oxford University Press ‘Very Short Introductions’ series. In 2012, he published Fateful Lightning: A New History of the Civil War and Reconstruction with Oxford University Press, and in 2013 Knopf published his book on the battle of Gettysburg (for the 150th anniversary of the battle), Gettysburg: The Last Invasion, which spent eight weeks on the New York Times best-seller list. Most recently, he is the author of Reconstruction: A Very Short Introduction (2018) and Robert E. Lee: A Life (2021). He is a frequent contributor to The Wall Street Journal.

He lives in Paoli and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Debra.