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About Us
The Foundation is comprised of a group of township residents who value the school district’s excellent reputation and wishes to enhance the district’s curriculum and extra-curricular activities with privately funded innovative enrichment programs. The Foundation is an independent, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization that works closely with the school district, faculty and students.
Meet Our Board of Directors
PRESIDENT Ellen Kranick
As a communications and marketing consultant, Ellen Kranick has been responsible for driving growth for financial services, benefits consulting, and non-profit organizations. A member of the HTSDEF board since 2016, she led the fundraising committee, and managed ongoing projects including Legacy Books for HTSD staff and Lauer’s Library Lions Book Drives. Previously, she chaired Chatham Park Elementary School’s Young Writers Day program, and she served on the marketing committee for Hope Partnership for Education, a north Philadelphia independent education center that seeks to break the cycle of poverty. As a Junior Achievement adjunct faculty member, she delivered personal finance and professional development programs to high school students. Ellen and her husband Paul are parents of two sons, one a current student at Haverford High School and the other a graduate of Haverford Township High School. Ellen has a B.A. in Communications from the University of Scranton.
SECRETARY Michelle Collier
After volunteering at the Foundation’s Twilight Run, Michelle found an organization to which she could bring her talents and energy. An owner of Performance Fitness, a small gym community in Wynnewood, Michelle teaches women and men to build strength in the gym so they can be strong in every aspect of their lives. In her previous career she was a professional opera singer. Prior to that she worked as a music therapist in nursing homes and mental health facilities throughout the Philadelphia area. Michelle values volunteering and holds charity and community as both personal and business core values. Michelle has a B.A. in Music Therapy from Montclair State University and a Master’s of Music in Opera Performance from the Boston Conservatory. She is the proud mom of a son who attends school in the district.
Treasurer Bill Derbyshire
Bill is the Treasurer of our board. He has spent his career in finance, accounting and operations in the Philadelphia area. His volunteer career includes work with St. Denis, Haverford Blaze Lacrosse and the Karakung Swim Club. He earned an MBA in finance at LaSalle and a bachelor’s degree in management from Holy Family College. Passionate about financial literacy for youth, he hopes to help our students gain important life skills. Bill and his wife Linda have four Haverford High graduates.
Jim Blumenstock
Jim brings to the board extensive experience in the public, private and entrepreneurial sectors. He has held various project and supply chain management positions at Johnson & Johnson, GSK and the American Red Cross, working for both their domestic and international divisions. Jim then took those skills and pursued his dream to open his own business, running two bakery/cafes in Wayne and Ardmore. Jim recently retired as a Sr. Project Management Consultant in the life-science industry with The Flex Pro Group. Jim holds a B.A. in Regional Planning from Mansfield University and an M.S. in Business Logistics from Penn State University. Jim has been involved in a myriad of community activities including serving as Chair of the Advisory Board of the Haverford YMCA and as an immigration support volunteer with HIAS Pennsylvania. He and his wife, a retired teacher at Haverford Middle School, are proud that their three grown children were all educated in the Haverford School District.
Mike Boyle
Mike Boyle is a passionate educator who has been developing, managing and leading athletic and academic programs at universities across the United States and conducting business in dozens of different countries for more than a decade. Even though all these programs were designed to suit the needs of the specific communities around which they were developed, they always had one single goal in mind: to help their participants identify a path to success in a field that makes them happy. Whether it’s coaching athletes, working with immigrants who are trying to improve their career prospects or helping students of all ages achieve their scholastic goals, Mike has committed his life to helping people identify and achieve their scholastic and athletic goals, to guiding them on a path to become better versions of their already fantastic selves. In January of 2020, Mike brought this philosophy to the Haverford Area YMCA as the branch’s Executive Director. As a community leader and a collegiate educator, Mike is thrilled to help the Haverford Township Education Foundation serve the students of our school district, allowing them to thrive in all those areas about which they’re passionate.
Kate Callahan
Kate Callahan is the Executive Director of Research for Action (RFA), a Philadelphia-based education research organization. Kate has over 15 years experience leading national research projects, examining issues of equity, access, and success in the K-16 educational pipeline, and regularly teaches research and evaluation courses for the Department of Education Policy and Leadership at Cabrini University and more recently for Temple University’s Master of Public Policy program. Prior to joining RFA, Kate worked as a teacher in the School District of Philadelphia, served as an Associate Director of the A Better Chance, Inc. program in Lower Merion, Pennsylvania, and provided professional support to teachers in a community-based education, health, and wellness center in La Paz, Bolivia. Kate has a Ph.D. and Masters in Urban Education from Temple University and bachelor’s degree from Franklin and Marshall College. Kate and her husband, Dennis (HHS Class of ’92), have five children: four currently attending Haverford schools and one Haverford graduate attending Drexel University.
Steve Durfee (Past President)
Steve has spent his career in several management and executive positions. He is currently Vice President for Innovation and Development for Medical Data Systems, a data management firm specializing in healthcare. He previously served as the Director of Technology at The Art Institute of Philadelphia, a higher education institution providing career base education for the creative arts. An active member of our community, Steve has served as a youth baseball coach, volunteered for the Haverford Township Historical Society. Steve has a B.A. from La Salle University and a Master’s of Science degree from Lehigh University in Interactive and Education Technology. Steve’s children attended schools in the Haverford Township School district.
Rachee Fagg
Rachee Fagg is a dynamic storyteller, a lover of books, and works to match the right book for readers. As Head of Children Services at Sellers Memorial Free Public Library, and former Youth Services Manager at the Haverford Township Free Library, Rachee works to engage children and their families with programming designed to excite and wow. She creates programming for children, infants, and teens, and works to ensure that the library experience is positive for all. Rachee is innovative, creating varied programming and sharing her storytelling skills with children and families. Her interest in crochet and fiber arts have led her to create the online store yaRRns.
Ellen Fisher (FOUNDING MEMBER, PAST PRESIDENT)
Ellen contributes her considerable talents as a business entrepreneur. Ellen is the Executive Director of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, a groundbreaking and exciting year-long class that transforms middle and high school students into real, confident entrepreneurs. She is also the founder of the Women’s Yellow Pages of Greater Philadelphia, a directory of women-owned businesses and services. As founder and past president of The National Association of Women’s Yellow Pages (now the Women’s Regional Publications of America), she guided the
development of similar directories throughout the United States. Locally she co-founded the Women’s Business Enterprise Center East, which has assisted thousands of women in business over the years. Active in many small business organizations, Ms. Fisher was recognized in 2003 as one of Pennsylvania’s Best 50 Women in Business. She has twice served as a delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business. Ms. Fisher is the recipient of many other awards including the Athena Award given by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, the Women in Business Advocate Award from the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, and Women in Business Advocate of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. She currently serves on the Library Foundation of Delaware County and the Haverford Area YMCA Board of Advisors. Ms. Fisher’s two children attended the Haverford Township schools. She is a graduate of Haverford High School and Pennsylvania State University and lives in the house she grew up in.
Kathy Kerns, Esq. (Immediate Past President)
Kathy is well acquainted with our schools having attended Chestnutwold, Haverford Junior High School, and Haverford Senior High. A practicing attorney by day, Kathy has found time to engage in a number of volunteer activities in our community. She is a longtime board member of the Haverford High School Sports Hall of Fame committee, where she currently serves as Nominations Chair and Banquet Co-Chair. Kathy previously served as the Haverford Middle School seventh grade field hockey coach for seven years. She has been an active member of the Chestnutwold and HMS PTO’s, Karakung Swim Club Board of Directors, Lower Merion Aquatic Club and St. Denis CYO to name a few. She is also a longtime PIAA Field Hockey referee. Kathy obtained her B.A. from American University and her J.D. from Temple University Beasley School of Law. Her two children are proud graduates of Haverford High School.
Lisa Lacianca
Lisa Lacianca is an attorney with a wide array of experience as well as lifelong Haverford Township ties. She is currently an Assistant Court Administrator with the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas as well as an Adjunct Professor at Widener University School of Law. Before that, she was a Magisterial District Judge in Haverford Township for 18 years, which has imbued her with a keen understanding of issues facing both the township and its youth. For many years she educated our youth as a frequent lecturer through student programming, mock trials and field trips. She has been of counsel at The Weber Firm as an attorney since 2014 and initially began her legal career at the law firm of Blank Rome where she was a commercial litigator. A Haverford High School graduate, Lisa earned her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University, and her law degree from Temple University School of Law. She is a trained mediator and has been a volunteer income tax preparer with the IRS VITA program. Lisa and her husband Mark, (a public-school educator) have three children, two who currently attend Haverford High school, and one HHS graduate who currently attends the University of Pittsburgh.
Jennifer Leith
Jennifer is a nonprofit professional experienced in organizational leadership, operations, fundraising and grantmaking. Having held leadership positions with WOMEN’S WAY, Women’s Opportunities Resource Center and The Douty Foundation, Jennifer’s professional work aligns with her personal engagement on issues of equity and inclusion. She holds a Master’s degree in History from Rutgers University and a Bachelor’s degree in History & Political Science from Bucknell University. Jennifer has served on the Haverford Township Human Relations Commission and is currently serving on the Township’s Ad Hoc Solar Committee. Jennifer and her husband, Mitch, have lived in Haverford Township for over 15 years with their two sons who are Chestnutwold and HMS grads and are now both attending HHS. While Jen continues to embrace a lifelong love of running, her knees don’t always feel the same way.
James Liou (Past President)
James Liou brings deep experience in education and philanthropic practice to the board. He previously was a teacher for 13 years, primarily in the Boston Public Schools (BPS), before embarking on district and national leadership opportunities, including his work in central office leading the history and social studies department in Boston, supporting the work of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and serving as a teaching ambassador fellow for the U.S. Department of Education. He moved to greater Philadelphia to work as an education program officer for the William Penn Foundation, before taking on his current role as a consultant to national and local philanthropies and various social sector nonprofits. He earned his BA at the College of William and Mary, and MA in Teaching at Brown University. Two of his daughters are enthusiastic students at Chestnutwold Elementary.
Catherine Mallam
Catherine Mallam is co-chair of Haverford’s School Counseling Department and brings to the board over thirty years’ experience as a school counselor at Chatham Park. She is a Certified Trauma Practitioner through the National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children, and speaks to parents and educators at public and independent schools in the Philadelphia region about children’s friendships, ADHD/executive functioning skills, and childhood anxiety. Catherine serves on Chatham Park’s equity, leadership, and crisis teams; is the Pupil Services Representative for the Haverford Township Education Association (HTEA); and volunteers for the Ardmore Food Pantry. Previously, she served on the district’s strategic planning, communications, and special education advisory committees. Catherine earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at William Smith College and a Master of Science in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. She has two daughters, both of whom are Haverford graduates.
Dr. Maureen Reusche
As a former resident of Haverford Township and the parent of children who attended Oakmont Elementary School and Haverford Middle School, Dr. Reusche knows firsthand the excellent education delivered in Haverford’s schools. Her unique perspective on the District and its schools, as well as her knowledge of the educational landscape of Delaware County, is advantageous for the District.
Dr. Maureen Reusche has over 25 years of experience in public education and was appointed Superintendent of the School District of Haverford Township on July 1, 2015. Before coming to Haverford in 2015, Dr. Reusche served four years as the superintendent of Cherry Hill Public Schools. Prior to that, Dr. Reusche served as Cherry Hill’s Assistant Superintendent from 2007 through 2011. She served in the Radnor Township School District for 12 years in the roles of Principal, Director of Curriculum and Technology, and Assistant Superintendent.
Dr. Reusche earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Villanova University, a Masters of Technology in Education from Rosemont College and her Doctorate in Educational Administration from Widener University. She resides with her family in Media.
Dr. Maureen Reusche is superintendent of the School District of Haverford Township.
Dr. Maureen Reusche has over 25 years of experience in public education and was appointed Superintendent of the School District of Haverford Township on July 1, 2015. Before coming to Haverford in 2015, Dr. Reusche served four years as the superintendent of Cherry Hill Public Schools. Prior to that, Dr. Reusche served as Cherry Hill’s Assistant Superintendent from 2007 through 2011. She served in the Radnor Township School District for 12 years in the roles of Principal, Director of Curriculum and Technology, and Assistant Superintendent.
Dr. Reusche earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Villanova University, a Masters of Technology in Education from Rosemont College and her Doctorate in Educational Administration from Widener University. She resides with her family in Media.
Dr. Maureen Reusche is superintendent of the School District of Haverford Township.
Partheev Shah
Partheev Shah is a versatile leader with nearly 15 years of experience scaling data-driven solutions in the areas of education, economic mobility, and community empowerment. He specializes in supporting growth-focused ventures with strategic planning, redesigning business models, new product launches, and talent management. Partheev has served as a nonprofit executive and as a funder where he sourced and managed a portfolio of growth capital investments to propel evidence-based nonprofits. Formerly, Partheev was also a management consultant at Huron Consulting Group, advising higher education and healthcare institutions. Partheev earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business. Partheev has two young children that will be attending district schools.
Lauren Stevenson Yacina
Lauren brings to the board her deep experience in marketing, now focused on graphic design. For over a decade, Lauren directed the marketing for Upper Darby Summer Stage and the UD Performing Arts Center. She previously worked for the international IT consulting firm Capgemini as a marketing project manager, WXPN as a sponsorship sales associate, and Black’s Guide, the commercial real estate resource, as a regional publisher. She has been active in the school district and community as president of the Haverford High School Haverford Choral Association, Chair of the high school Choral Cabaret, a member of the Haverford High School Music Curriculum Committee and worked with local officials and the community to secure year-round vehicular closure on Sundays of Karakung Drive. Lauren grew up in Haddonfield, NJ and is a graduate of Gettysburg College, holding a BA in English Literature. Lauren lives in Haverford Township with her husband John, and loves to travel to visit her grown daughters who live on the west coast. Both women have gone through the Haverford School District from elementary school through high school and have often stated how much they enjoyed growing up in the community and how much they benefited from their education and experience in the school district.
Student Representatives
Paige Elcock • Abby Gondek • Spencer Mark • Daijah Marshall • Emma McDermott • Kerry McGuire • Alyssa Seavey • Jake Volpe • Jeffrey Yue
