New faculty bring fresh perspectives and expertise

Eleven new faculty members joined the halls of OLSH this semester, supporting each of the school’s academic departments. This group of individuals includes first-year teachers, teaching veterans, and OLSH alumni and many of them are also serving as coaches or activity moderators.

The social studies department welcomed Mr. Eric Carothers, a Pittsburgh native who returned to the area after teaching in the south for the past several years. Eric also joined the OLSH coaching staff as the head boys soccer coach. Mr. Kevin Joyce also became an instructor in the social studies department. He recently served as a long-term substitute in the South Fayette School District where he taught honors and AP social studies courses.

OLSH’s newest school counselor is Mrs. Darcy Pihlblad. She brought experience as a school counselor for students at all grade levels to OLSH, and most recently worked with middle school (grades 7-9) students in West Virginia.

Two new teachers joined the science department this semester. Mr. Chase Feher teaches biology. He completed his studentteaching at Franklin Regional High School and outside of teaching is very active in a variety of service activities. Miss Emily Raker teaches physics. She has taught physics and other science courses at all academic levels and has also served as a physics tutor at the university level.

Miss Alyson Nolte ‘09 is an OLSH alumna who is teaching Spanish at OLSH this year. She recently returned to the Pittsburgh area after having spent the last year teaching Spanish in Australia.

The math department gained Mr. Patrick O’Brien, who is a familiar face at the school, having previously served as a substitute teacher. Miss Paige Petroval teaches freshman math courses and co-teaches the TOIL (Technology and Online Information Literacy) class. She previously served as a substitute teacher in the West Allegheny School District.

Mr. Tyler Rodgers returned to OLSH to serve as the OWL Center Instructor and to teach selected OLSH English courses. He previously taught at OLSH for several years and is happy to have rejoined the school community.

Mrs. Emily Sgrignoli is OLSH’s new art teacher. She came to OLSH after spending the last two years teaching AP Studio Art at Asia Pacific International School in Seoul, Korea.

Mrs. Caitlin (Neary) Snatchko ’10 returned to her alma mater to teach theology and serve as campus minister. She previously worked as youth minister, catechist, and director of religious education at St. Bede Parish in Pittsburgh.

This group’s mix of unique work and life experiences coupled with their excellent teaching credentials bring fresh perspectives, talents, and expertise to the OLSH community.