Archmere Welcomes New Faculty Members

Archmere Academy welcomes eleven new faculty members hired to start the current academic year, bringing with them fresh viewpoints and new expertise in the vital fields of Physics, Chinese, Geometry, Fine Arts, Theology, Computer Science, Chemistry, Spanish, and English. The new members of our faculty are:
 
Dr. Jonathan Lynch – Physical and Life Sciences, Physics
 
Dr. Jonathan Lynch is an Archmere Academy graduate from the class of 2002. He attained his undergraduate degree in Physics from Saint Joseph's University, and his Master’s and Ph. D. in Physics from Temple University. He also currently teaches as an Adjunct Professor at Saint Joseph's University one night a week and is certified to teach Physics at the secondary level in PA public schools.
 
Ms. Wenqian Chen – World Languages, Chinese
 
Ms. Wenqian Chen received her Master’s degree in English Education from De La Salle University, Philippines and her Bachelor's degree in Teaching of Chinese as a Second Language in Fujian Normal University, China. With more than four years of experience in teaching Chinese to non-native speakers around the world, Ms. Chen has taught students ranging from kindergarteners in La Salle Green Hills in the Philippines, to undergraduate students in the University of Delaware, and to adult learners from Germany in Xiamen University, China. Before she joined Archmere Academy, she was a full time Chinese teacher in Xiamen University, China.
 
Dr. Dorothy Escobar – Physical and Life Sciences, Chemistry
 
Dr. Dorothy Escobar received a B.A. in Biology from Caldwell College and a M.SC. and Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics from Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science. Previously, she taught Biology and Chemistry at Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory in Hollywood, Florida and at Tower Hill School, in Wilmington, DE. 
 
David Weldzius – Fine Arts
 
David Weldzius is an artist based in Philadelphia. He is a recent transplant from Los Angeles, where he lived for eleven years. David attended the University of Illinois (BFA, 2003) and California Institute for the Arts (MFA, 2007). In 2012, he was an artist fellow with the Terra Foundation of American Art in Giverny, France. David has exhibited internationally, and is represented by Cohen Gallery, Los Angeles. For nine years, David taught courses in photography and art at Pacific Hills School, an independent 6-12 school in West Hollywood, CA. On the college level, Weldzius has taught courses in photography and video/film at CalArts (Valencia, CA), Art Center College of Design (Pasadena, CA), UCLA, and Occidental College (Los Angeles).
 
Michelle Midgley – World Languages, Spanish

Michelle Midgley received a B.A. from the University of Delaware and her M.A. from American Public University. Previously, she taught at Sanford School in Hockessin, DE and Saint John the Beloved School in Wilmington, DE. Interesting facts: At the University of Delaware she was the Women’s Swim Team Captain in both 2007 & 2008, has traveled to the Galapagos Islands and swam with sharks, and enjoys exercising and spending time with her family, which includes her two young children.
 
Danielle Young - Mathematics, Geometry; Computer Programming and Computer Science
 
Danielle Young received a BSEd in Mathematics Education from Kutztown University. Previously, she taught in the Reading School District and Kent County High School. Interesting facts: Participated in a student exchange program in high school to Germany and has a spoiled dog at home. Her hobbies include taking classes to expand her knowledge, obstacle racing, and kayaking.
 
Meaghan Thomas – Theology/Community Service
 
Meaghan Thomas has joined the Theology Department, teaching the freshman Exploring Sacred Scripture course and the Christian Service elective, as well as coordinating the service programs and events at Archmere. She just completed her Master’s degree in Theology and a Pastoral Ministry program at Villanova University. Prior to that, she worked in campus ministry at Rosemont College for three years, coordinating their service and social justice programs for the campus community. Meaghan also married her husband this past June, and they reside just over the Commodore Barry Bridge in South Jersey. Meaghan is looking forward to an exciting first year at Archmere and getting students involved in service!
 
Colleen Deemer – World Languages, Spanish
 
After graduating from Archmere in 2007, Colleen studied Art History, English, and Spanish at Trinity University in San Antonio, TX.  She was fortunate to study abroad for a semester in Seville, Spain, where her love of the Spanish language and culture grew.  Colleen enjoyed her experience there so much that she returned after graduation to work as a teacher in Madrid. Colleen is excited to begin another school year here at Archmere and to return to this dynamic, vibrant community. 
 
Denise Perez - World Languages, Spanish
 
Denise Perez graduated from the University of Delaware with a Master's degree in Foreign Languages and Pedagogy, along her K-12 teaching certification. She spent a year teaching SPAN 105 and 106 at the university level and had the pleasure of assisting with a month-long study abroad program in Granada, Spain. Denise also traveled abroad to different parts of México, where her parents are originally from, including Panamá and Bermuda. In her free time, Denise enjoys photography and painting.
 
Amanda McCollom - English
 
Amanda McCollom is working as a long-term substitute in the English department. Amanda is a 2007 graduate of Archmere Academy and delighted to be back at her alma mater. After Archmere, Amanda earned a B.A. in English from Georgetown University and an M.A. in Film and Media Studies from Emory University. Amanda has been working in education for the past few years and is starting her Masters in Library and Information Science degree at Drexel University this fall.
 
Kevin Seltzer – Physical and Life Sciences, Physics; Computer Programming
 
Kevin Seltzer is an Archmere Alumnus of the class of 2010. After graduating, he attended Loyola University Maryland where he studied math and physics, and later attended Washington University in St. Louis for his Master's degree in Physics. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Back
Archmere Academy is a private, Catholic, college preparatory co-educational academy,
grades 9-12 founded in 1932 by the Norbertine Fathers.