asigelman@mainlineclassical.org
MLCA founder Dr. Sigelman is an Associate Professor of Ancient Greek at Bryn Mawr College. Her book, Pindar’s Poetics of Immortality, was published by Cambridge Univ. Press. She holds a Ph.D. in Classical Studies (Brown) and a BA summa cum laude in Ancient Greek and Latin (Boston University).
Dr. Asya Sigelman
Head of School
fchilbert@mainlineclassical.org
Upon earning a BA in Theological Studies at Eastern University, Principal Chilbert taught humanities courses at the classical Great Heart Academy in Arizona. He has guided MLCA students in self-discipline and character since 2017. He completed an MA in Classical Education in 2019 and enjoys Tolkien, Tchaikovsky, and family camping.
Frank Chilbert
Principal
pcialini@mainlineclassical.org
After earning a BA in History from Eastern University, Mr. Cialini taught Latin, Ancient-Medieval History, and English at Regina Angelorum Academy for six years. He completed his MAT in Classical Education in 2020 and has served international programs with his expertise. He enjoys travel, reading, old movies, family time, raising his twin daughters, and playing jazz on drums and guitar.
Philip Cialini
Dean of Students, Latin
sfradkin@mainlineclassical.org
Dr. Fradkin, a lifelong lover of math, earned her BS and PhD in Math from Princeton and applied her craft professionally for five years. She teaches enrichment math to children ages 4–10, writes the blog Musings of a Mathematical Mom, and co-authors the Funville Adventures series (math-inspired children’s books introducing concepts like functions).
Sasha Fradkin
Dean of Mathematics, Science & Technology
lanthony@mainlineclassical.org
Lee K. Anthony, founder of The American Academy (1994–2013), graduated with honors from Mount Holyoke College and earned an MBA from UVA. She co-founded Philadelphia's Blue Star Mothers, serves at Proclamation PCA Church, and enjoys mentoring students. Lee is the mother of four, grandmother of five, and a longtime Main Line resident.
Lee Anthony
Director of Admissions
Lorena Davis holds a B.A. with distinction in Geography from the University of Colorado, Boulder. She has worked as a Chief Executive Assistant and Bilingual Client Intake Specialist for a paralegal office before joining MLCA. She now lives in Las Cruces, New Mexico, with her family.
Lorena Davis
Administrative Coordinator
Olga Kushnyerova (Mrs. K) earned an M.A. of Education and Linguistics in Ukraine, where she taught English, led Summer Language Camps, studied Nonviolent Communication, and organized other educational programs. In 2024, she moved to Pennsylvania with her family.
Olga Kushnyerova
Office Manager
jmurdoch@mainlineclassical.org
Mr. Murdoch, director of Bucks County Classical Arts Center, is a master artist and teacher specializing in portraiture, figurative, and still life paintings using hand-ground paints and gold leaf. Trained at both the School of Represent-ational Art and the American Academy of Art, he excels at making classical techniques accessible and transformative for modern students.
John Murdoch
Art Studio
Ms. Harper is an award-winning photographer whose work is exhibited at the Smithsonian and London’s National Portrait Gallery. She has taught courses at Swarthmore, Haverford, and the International Center for Photography. She holds a BA in Art History (Bryn Mawr) and an MFA in Photography (RIT).
Jessica Harper
Art History
Olivia Guerra, a classical school alumna, holds a BA in Psychology with a minor in Special Education (Chestnut Hill College). She taught at Regina Angelorum and worked with children with autism before pursuing an MA in Theology at Villanova. She enjoys reading, painting, and guitar.
Olivia Guerra
Christian Studies Program
Dr. Paul Wright, a cultural historian (Ph.D., Princeton), studies how stories shape people's understanding of the world. He has taught internationally and locally, from Osaka and Princeton to Villanova University. He is completing a book on Machiavelli and engages in media, film, and educational game projects, sharing his expertise with students worldwide.
Paul Wright, PhD
English and History
dnagelberg@mainlineclassical.org
Dr. Nagelberg (BS in Biology from Temple, PhD in Developmental Genetics from NYU), has taught across elementary to post-secondary levels. She aims to make science accessible and engaging for all students, and spearheads MLCA's STEM elective.
Danielle Nagelberg, PhD
Science
gportier@mainlineclassical.org
Mr. Portier, with a Master’s in Ancient Philosophy from the University of Paris-Sorbonne, taught French Literature and Philosophy in Paris for nine years. A founding member of PhilaFLAM, he helps students master the French language and culture through BAC, DELF, and IB mentoring while inspiring them to explore new worldviews through language.
Gilles Portier
French Program Chair
yshpilman@mainlineclassical.org
Moscow-born and Philly-raised, Yulia holds a BS in Economics and a BA in International Studies and French (UPenn), as well as an MBA from MIT Sloan. She has taught Kindergarten math at MLCA since its founding and founded Golden Key Enrichment, wich offers math and Russian language programs to students of all ages.
Yulia Shpilman
Mathematics
Mr. Soto, born in Puerto Rico, earned his degree in Health & Physical Education from West Chester University. With 30+ years of teaching and coaching, he inspires students (many of whom are still in touch with him today) in active, healthy living. He and his wife Leah have three sons.
Ed Soto
Physical Education
santhony@mainlineclassical.org
Scott, a pianist since age 4, holds a B.M. (Catholic U.) and an M.M. (Temple). He's studied with renowned teachers, performed jazz, and served as Music Director at Media Theatre. He directs music at Cresheim Valley Church, teaches and conducts for Malvern Theater Society, and enjoys time with his daughter and two Siberian cats.
Scott Anthony
Music Theory, Piano
ter-saakov@mainlineclassical.org
Mrs. Ter-Saakov, raised in a family of mathematicians in Russia, earned her BA in Mathematics from Moscow State University. She has taught in Montessori classrooms, runs Voorhees Middle School Math Club, and leads small recreational math groups. Passionate about making math accessible, she collaborates on interactive math projects with Russian educator Jane Kats.
Tatiana Ter-Saakov
Mathematics
Dr. Carpenter (Ph.D., Princeton Seminary) is a Teaching Professor at Villanova University. With expertise in Philosophy, History, and Religion, she brings a love of interdisciplinary learning to both her college courses and MLCA’s Shakespeare stage. Beyond teaching, she helps cultivate MLCA’s courtyard gardens alongside dedicated volunteers.
Kaley Carpenter, PhD
Shakespeare Club
mtrudeau@mainlineclassical.org
Ms. Trudeau, a former lawyer with degrees from Université de Montréal and West Washington University, entered education to teach K–8 & ESL. A teacher and educational coordinator at PhilaFLAM, she's supported French-language students from pre-K through BAC, DELF, and IB preparation. She enjoys camping, dragon boat paddling, and other outdoor activities.
Melanie Trudeau
French
eorekhova@mainlineclassical.org
Elena Orekhova (MA, Linguistics, Belarus) has 15+ years as a corporate trainer in Learning & Develop-ment. She speaks five languages, helped design content for the Kids Academy e-learning platform, and lives in Chesterbrook, PA, with her husband and three children. She enjoys art museums, movies, and exploring the outdoors.
Elena Orekhova
Assistant Teacher
mvoznaya@mainlineclassical.org
Mrs. Voznaya began piano at age 4 and trained at top St. Petersburg music schools, earning a Master’s in Vocal Studies from the Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory. She taught music and voice, sang inter-nationally as a soloist with the Mariinsky Theater Choir, as well as shared her piano, voice, and music theory expertise in local church and ballet performances.
Marina Voznaya
Piano
kbutterworth@mainlineclassical.org
Mrs. Butterworth, from St. Petersburg, Russia, studied music, theater, and art, focusing on violin at St. Petersburg Music Training College. She also trained in piano, conducting, and ensemble work, and studied theater and art. With nearly 20 years of experience, she has taught music, violin, and guitar at Main Line schools, including the Nelly Berman School of Music.
Karina Butterworth
Art Studio, Piano & Violin Ensemble
Mr. Darer, from Rockland County, NY, holds a B.A. in Chemistry and Environmental Studies from Oberlin College. A former research technician, he has taught at MLCA since 2016, leading Science and Hands-on Skills lessons. He also founded Philly Outdoor Science Education and enjoys playing piano with his 1920s jazz band, Parlour Noir.
Adam Darer
Hands-On Skills and Science
ggormley@mainlineclassical.org
Mr. Gormley shares his fascination with the Ancient World with MLCA students when he is not spending time with his wonderful family, hosting discussion groups at his home, or listening to Chopin.
Graham Gormley
History
Dr. Mascio holds a PhD in Classics from NYU and a BA from Johns Hopkins. His expertise includes Latin poetry, Greek philosophy, Sopho-clean drama, and Comparative Literature. He has taught Latin, Greek, and Classical Studies at multiple levels and is currently writing a book applying Roman Stoic wisdom to mental health.
Michael Mascio
Latin and English
tfesenko@mainlineclassical.org
Ms. Fesenko's extensive experience teaching math, computer science, and robotics experience began at St. Petersburg Pedagogical University, where she trained under renowned Russian robotics teacher Sergey Filippov, winning first place in the teachers’ competition. She has taught programming and robotics in NE Philadelphia and at Golden Key Russian School for six years.
Tatiana Fesenko
Math and Programming
Mr. O’Brien earned his M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Villanova University and is a Pennsylvania-certified secondary math teacher. He spent over twenty years as an engineer, earning several patents before turning more fully to education. Since 2003, he has combined teaching, tutoring, and engineering, and continues to find great joy in guiding students’ growth in mathematics.
Rick O'Brien
Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics
tschachar@mainlineclassical.org
Mrs. Tal Schachar, from Kibbutz Baram, Israel, holds degrees in education and theater. Trained at Beit Zvi, she has taught Hebrew to students from early childhood to youth programs. Now in Philadelphia, she focuses on hands-on, engaging lessons that integrate theater. She loves to travel and explore languages.
Tal Schachar
Hebrew
arobert@mainlineclassical.org
Ms. Robert (St. Petersburg State University), holds a Master’s in Latin American Art from San Diego State. She has worked at the Hermitage, Timken, Oceanside, and Penn Museums. Passionate about art education, she runs the children’s program Let’s Go to a Museum! and continues art history research, publishing articles and hosting webinars.
Ania Robert
Art History
Chrissy Gandy, BA in Liberal Arts with a Studio Art minor from West Chester University, has taught Classical Studies, Science, and Informative Play for almost a decade. Passionate about history, she inspires students to explore the past’s lessons. She enjoys family life, children’s activities, real estate projects with her husband, reading, running, and time in nature.
Christina Gandy
History & Geography
vkushnyerov@mainlineclassical.org
Mr. Kushnyerov, from eastern Ukraine, holds a degree in Science Education from Donetsk National University. With decades of teaching experience, he helps students develop strong study habits and a love of learning. Outside the classroom, he enjoys traveling with his family, reading, and taking long walks.
Vitaliy Kushnyerov
Chemistry
tsinensky@mainlineclassical.org
Rabbi Tzvi Sinensky is Rosh Yeshiva of Gur Aryeh at MLCA, with fifteen years of experience in Jewish education. He holds degrees in Jewish history, English literature, education, and rabbinical ordination from Yeshiva University. Rabbi Sinensky oversees Judaic Studies and Hebrew curriculum, teaches classes, edits leading Jewish publications, and lives in Lower Merion, PA, with his wife and three children.
Rabbi Tzvi Sinensky, PhD
Gur Aryeh Judaic Studies Program Director
clengkeek@mainlineclassical.org
Mr. Christian Lengkeek, born and raised in Haverford Township, studied Philosophy, English, and Business at Eastern University, where he developed a passion for classical learning and tutored for three years. He lives with Ada in Drexel Hill, enjoying old films, Philadelphia sports, and philosophical discussions in his free time.
Christian Lengkeek
Assistant Teacher
alengkeek@mainlineclassical.org
Mrs. Ada Lengkeek, raised in Haverford, PA, holds a B.A. in Philosophy (Eastern University) with a focus in Byzantine iconography. After teaching art both in local schools and for private students, she now works as an iconographer and assistant teacher. She enjoys philosophy, hiking, travel, and quality time with her husband, Christian.
Ada Lengkeek
Art Assistant
Mrs. Luke holds a B.A. in American Studies from Miami University and an M.Ed. from the University of Pennsylvania. She taught in public and urban schools, co-founded The Mason Academy, and served on a Hillsdale Barney Charter School board. A classical educator and lifelong lover of old books, she is delighted to share her passion with MLCA students.
Kristy Luke
English & Literature
lkirkland@mainlineclassical.org
Lenora is earning her Master's in Classical Teaching and Bachelor's in Philosophy at Eastern University. Raised in Greece, she is an avid traveler, outdoors enthusiast, and reader of theology and fiction. She looks forward to beginning her education career next fall.
Lenora Kirkland
Assistant Teacher
Friday is MLCA’s certified therapy labradoodle. Trained at a top academy in Indiana, he supports students by offering comfort, especially during recess and playtime. Being hypoallergenic, he is safe for all students and is a regular, friendly presence in the school halls.
Friday
School Dog