Dennis Township School District Welcomes New Staff

DENNIS TOWNSHIP – After a busy summer interviewing candidates, Dennis Township School District welcomes nine new teachers, two new aides, a new school psychologist and a new principal this school year.
New principal Jamie Van Artsdalen, a Rowan University alumnus, earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a Reading Specialist certification, and a Special Education certificate, followed by a Master’s Degree in School and Public Library.  She recently graduated from NJ EXCEL with a Supervisory and Principal certification.  Enjoying her twelfth year in education, she is delighted to be back in Dennis Township School District to serve as the principal for both the elementary/middle and primary schools. “Education is a fascinating and ongoing journey,” states Van Artsdalen.  “My goal is to promote academic excellence and to provide the leadership for all stakeholders to realize the benefits of this journey. I look forward to many successful years here in Dennis Township School District.”
Tamara Gonnam grew up and lives in Dennis Township with her family and two dogs. A graduate of the University of Arizona, she is the new sixth grade teacher and is very excited about teaching in her hometown.  She loves traveling, animals, playing sports, and spending time with her friends and family.
A proud mother of three college-aged boys and Middle Township resident, Judy Casper is an experienced substitute teacher and looks forward to continuing her career in Dennis Township as a kindergarten aide.  She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends and remains involved with her own community school and library.  “I want to make a difference in children’s lives, and working in the classroom brings out my love of reading, creative talents and fun loving attitude that I will bring to Dennis Township.”
A third grade special education teacher, Shannon Allen is a graduate of Ocean City High School and Rowan University.  Along with her degree in Elementary Education and Special Education certification, Allen did her student teaching in Dennis Township.  When not in the classroom, she enjoys snowboarding, hiking, and wake boarding.“I am passionate about teaching and looking forward to this new adventure,” Allen explains.
Taylor Reeves, a fifth grade special education teacher, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Stockton University.  She is certified to teach K-6 Elementary Education, Middle School Mathematics, and Special Education.  Her goal is to instill a life-long love of learning in her students and is excited to begin her professional teaching career at the Dennis Township Elementary School.
Lillian Gaskill, also a fifth grade special education teacher, is a recent graduate of Monmouth University with a degree in English and Elementary Education and an endorsement in Special Education.  A native of Atlantic County, Gaskill grew up and still lives in Ventnor and is looking forward to a wonderful year teaching in Dennis Township.
Starting her first year as a Pre-K teacher, Amanda Hall received her Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Towson University, and then earned her Pre-K through Third Grade certification at Montclair University.  Hall says, “My goal as a teacher is to provide a strong educational foundation for each child and most importantly to make them feel welcomed and loved every day as they enter the classroom. I am looking forward to a fun and exciting year filled with wonderful memories!”
Also teaching Pre-K this year, Emily Conover has three years of teaching experience in kindergarten special education and Pre-K.  Earning her Bachelor of Arts in both Early Childhood and Special Education from Widener University, she is also pursuing a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.  Conover states, “My goal as a teacher is to give my Pre-K students a strong educational foundation that they will need to grow and develop into the best person and student that they can be.”
Tricia Oakley, a Pre-K aide, also lives in Dennis Township with her husband and three children.  In addition to spending time with her family, she enjoys camping and reading.  She is also excited to work in her hometown and looks forward to community events and activities for her students and family.
Recently returning home to New Jersey, Hayley Price is a second grade special education teacher at the Dennis Township Primary School. After graduating from Grove City College in 2014 and teaching two years in Philadelphia, she is very excited to move back to New Jersey and begin teaching in Dennis Township.  Her interests include reading on the beach, playing the guitar and piano, traveling, and SCUBA diving.
Kevin Poltorak, the new seventh and eighth grade science teacher at Dennis Township Middle School, is originally from Ocean City and currently lives in Seaville.  Outside of school, heloves sports and spending time with his family, as well as making pizzas during the summers.Poltorak looks forward to a great school year and becoming part of the Dennis Township community.
Not pictured are: Ashley Paisley, Dennis Township’s new School Psychologist; and Krista Kelso, the new first grade teacher in the Primary School.
Paisley, who earned her undergraduate degree from Ursinus College and her graduate degree from Eastern University, is originally from Ocean City.  Having worked in North Carolina and Pennsylvania, she is happy to be back home in South Jersey.  A fan of spending time at the beach and enjoying an invigorating cup of java, she is looking forward to spending time with her family, especially her niece and two nephews.  “I’m looking forward to helping our students achieve their highest potential,” Paisley says.
Having started teaching in Dennis Township as a substitute in 2002, Kelso is returning to teach first grade this year in Dennis Township after three years teaching in Woodbine.  As a township resident with two children in the district, Kelso is very involved in school and community events as well as being president of the Dennis Township Home and School Association.  She is excited about working with her first grade students and being part of the school district again.