Academic Leadership
Arise Classical Academy is served by 21 teachers—10 men and 11 women—creating a strong and balanced faculty presence for our students. Our University-Model® schedule, with classes meeting on Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday, allows accomplished professionals, business owners, and retired educators to bring their expertise into the classroom. This structure enables Arise to draw from a wider community of experienced adults who might not otherwise be available for full-time teaching.
Arise Classical Academy Teachers
Dr. Stan Keehlwetter
Rev. Dr. Stan Keehlwetter is in his third year at Arise Classical Academy, bringing more than five decades of experience in education, ministry, coaching, and mentorship. He holds degrees from Gordon College, Duquesne University, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Fuller Theological Seminary, and has taught at Shady Side Academy and Grove City College, where he also served as Dean of the Chapel and on the President’s Senior Leadership Team. An ordained Presbyterian minister and current Covenant Pastor of Heritage Presbyterian Church in Franklin Park, Dr. Keehlwetter is grateful to spend his retirement helping students grow in wisdom, faith, character, and a lifelong love of learning.
Dr. Brittany Kinol
Dr. Brittany Kinol is the Founder and President of the Board of Arise Classical Academy and the owner of Miracle Dental Associates, one of Western Pennsylvania’s largest providers of dental care for children with special needs and underserved communities. She studied biochemistry at the University of Pittsburgh before earning her Doctor of Dental Medicine there, and has continued her professional formation through multiple Harvard Business School certificates in leadership and emotional intelligence. Deeply committed to the liberal arts within a Christian worldview, Dr. Kinol brings her growing expertise in neuroscience, leadership, and emotional intelligence into the life of the school, particularly through Arise’s sciences and entrepreneurship programs.
Dawson Kiser
Dawson Kiser holds degrees from Grove City College and Trinity Anglican Seminary, with academic interests spanning philosophy, logic, theology, and religious history. He believes that understanding the past provides essential insight into the present and especially enjoys studying the Early Church Fathers and the philosophical foundations that shaped their thought. Through his teaching, Dawson seeks to help students engage deeply with the ideas, traditions, and questions that have influenced Western and Christian thought.
Evan Addams
Evan Addams holds a degree in Entrepreneurship from Grove City College and brings an entrepreneurial background spanning technology startups, luxury hospitality, and mission-driven coffee ventures. Specializing in early-stage startups, he has experience in market development and commercial planning, all shaped by a commitment to education as formation rather than simply graduation. He brings this perspective to Arise during an important season of growth and opportunity.
Joel Matsco
Joel Matsco brings a distinguished background spanning science, military service, entrepreneurship, and executive leadership. He holds a B.S. in Biomedical Science and Chemistry, an MBA, holds multiple patents, and served in the United States Marine Corps, including aviation electronics. Over the course of his career, he has held leadership roles with organizations including PPG, Covestro, and Bayer and now serves as Founder and Principal of Impellus, where his expertise in commercialization, market strategy, product development, and business growth offers a valuable perspective on science, entrepreneurship, and innovation. His experience guiding both emerging ventures and multibillion-dollar product portfolios gives him a distinguished perspective on entrepreneurship, strategic leadership, and the disciplined transformation of ideas into lasting value.
Shawn Welsh
Shawn Welsh brings a background in secondary science education and previously taught physics in the public school system, where his influence inspired students to pursue engineering and, in some cases, return to teach the very courses that first shaped them. His impact has extended across generations, with children of former students now enrolled at Arise Classical Academy. Though he did not expect to return to the classroom after retirement, the opportunity to teach physics through a distinctly Christian worldview has renewed his passion for education and for helping students see the order and wonder of God’s creation.
Claire Faulk
Claire Faulk brings to Arise Classical Academy a distinctive background in law, communication, and education, holding a B.A. in Communications from the University of Pittsburgh and a J.D. from Duquesne University School of Law. Her experience in civil litigation has shaped a teaching approach grounded in critical thinking, thoughtful discussion, respectful debate, and clear communication. Claire seeks to help students grow in confidence, wisdom, and faith while recognizing their God-given gifts and learning to use their knowledge in service to others.
Autumn Ghubril
Autumn Ghubril brings more than a decade of experience in art education to Arise Classical Academy and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education from Penn State University and a Master of Arts from New York University. Her teaching experience spans public, charter, and classical schools in New York City and Pittsburgh, and she has developed art curriculum that emphasizes observation, critique, art history, and the classical foundations of artistic study. Autumn seeks to cultivate in every student a deeper appreciation for art while connecting creativity, culture, and beauty to a Christian understanding of the world.
Jim Boyer
Jim Boyer holds an associate degree from Penn State in Electrical Engineering Technology and Nuclear Engineering Technology, followed by a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and a B.A. in Secondary Education with a concentration in Mathematics from Point Park University. He brings more than a decade of teaching experience in Pittsburgh Public Schools, along with extensive leadership and entrepreneurial experience as President and CEO of Boyer Boat Sales and Founder and President of Sales and Marketing at Excellence in Beverages. Jim also serves as a lay minister at Victory Family Church, bringing together engineering, education, business, and ministry in his work with students.
Toni Shuppe
Toni Shuppe holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University and began her professional career as an Associate Engineer with FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company. She later co-founded and became CEO of Audit The Vote PA and has emerged as a prominent voice in grassroots civic engagement, while also authoring the From Mom to Patriot Substack and serving as a national trainer with Patriot Academy. Drawing together her analytical background, faith, and commitment to civic education, Toni equips others to engage thoughtfully in self-government, leadership, and public life.
Kathy Orlando
Kathy Orlando holds a bachelor’s degree from Grove City College and is entering her 14th year in classical education, with additional study in The Lost Tools of Writing I and II and Fundamentals of Classical Pedagogy. She believes education should lead students toward truth, goodness, and beauty while cultivating humility, wonder, and a deeper understanding of God’s character through every subject. Kathy especially values the opportunity at Arise to know her students well and to encourage their academic, personal, and spiritual growth.
Zack Blair
Zack Blair serves on the Board of Arise Classical Academy, bringing a distinguished background in pastoral ministry, entrepreneurship, and student formation. He is the Lead Pastor of Hill City Church and the owner of Love Tables, and he holds a bachelor’s degree from Geneva College, where his studies included student ministry and rhetoric. Drawing on many years of experience discipling teenagers and young adults, Zack is deeply committed to cultivating wisdom, character, and spiritual maturity in students as they discern and faithfully pursue the path God has set before them.
Lauren Pickett
Lauren Pickett brings more than 22 years of experience teaching and mentoring students, along with Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Vocal Performance from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. Her diverse background includes vocal instruction, homeschooling, Classical Conversations, classroom teaching, and swim coaching, all of which have shaped her “playfully rigorous” approach to cultivating confidence, discipline, perseverance, and a love of learning. Lauren seeks to center education on Christ while encouraging students to pursue excellence, embrace their God-given gifts, and faithfully develop their individual callings.
Lyndsey Lanser
Lyndsey Lanser brings a background in nursing, child development, trauma-informed care, and support for neurodiverse children, with an R.N. degree from CCAC and a B.S.N. from Pennsylvania Western University. Her experience in neuro intensive care and behavioral support has shaped a teaching approach centered on wonder, thoughtful inquiry, and the formation of the whole student—body, mind, heart, and soul. Lyndsey seeks to help students see the wisdom and intentionality of God through the study of biology while growing in truth, character, discernment, and a lifelong pursuit of Christ.
R.J. Owens
RJ Owens holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Ministry Studies from Waynesburg University and brings several years of experience teaching and mentoring youth through church, ministry, and educational settings. His approach is relational, conversational, and grounded in thoughtful inquiry, with an emphasis on helping students think critically, ask honest questions, and articulate their beliefs with clarity and conviction. RJ seeks to cultivate a lifelong love of learning while encouraging students to develop a deeper, more thoughtful understanding of their Christian faith.
Gideon Manges
Gideon Manges holds a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies and Philosophy from Geneva College and is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Now in his fifth year of full-time youth ministry, he serves as Family Ministry Director at Christ Church at Grove Farm, where his work centers on discipling and investing in young people and families. Gideon is deeply passionate about serving God through the building up of His Church, his family, and the power of stories to shape, transform, and renew the way we understand the world.
Brigitte Altland
Brigitte Altland is in her third year at Arise Classical Academy and brings experience in traditional, virtual, homeschool, and classical co-op settings. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Grove City College, with additional certifications in middle school science and mathematics, and has taught mathematics in several school settings. Brigitte values Arise’s classical Christian approach to education and seeks to help students become thoughtful, curious learners who recognize the order and beauty of God’s creation.
Chelsea Karaffa
Chelsea holds a B.S. in Athletic Training from Duquesne University and brings experience mentoring and caring for students through her work with Northgate and Montour School Districts. A former AP Latin student, she continues to value the study of language and enjoys encouraging students through thoughtful, relational support. Outside of school, Chelsea is active at Christ Church at Grove Farm and enjoys gardening, running, biking, crafting, thrifting, and spending time with her family.
Lisa Gyergyo
Lisa brings experience in higher education, classical homeschooling, and composition instruction across elementary through high school levels. After earning her education degree, she worked in the Education Department at Grove City College and later helped establish a classical homeschool community in Memphis, Tennessee, where she also taught on community instruction days. She has additionally helped develop composition courses for a tutorial program and has taught students from second through twelfth grade.
Brittany Hartman
Brittany Hartman serves as Director of COVE Art Center and brings a distinctive background in youth ministry, education, and the arts. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Services and Youth Ministry from Geneva College, with experience as an after-school reading instructor, youth ministry leader, camp counselor, artist, and jewelry designer. Deeply creative and passionate about young people, Brittany seeks to cultivate imagination, artistic expression, poetry, and a thoughtful appreciation for beauty in her students.
Alan Cecala
Mr. Cecala holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and brings extensive executive leadership experience across healthcare, industry, business development, operations, finance, project management, and organizational strategy. His career has included senior leadership roles with OhioHealth, West Penn Allegheny Health System, LLGC Incorporated, and Contraves Goerz Corporation, as well as national leadership within the Medical Group Management Association. Following his transition from corporate leadership, he now supports Watermark Classical Academy and Arise Classical Academy, applying his experience in service of Christian classical education, student formation, and the schools’ operational and strategic needs.