Mrs. Amanda Cipola, Assistant to the Superintendent 717-933-4611, x1012
Amanda is in her sixth year with Tulpehocken. She was previously Penn-Bernville's Principal, Special Education teacher, Response to Instruction and Intervention Coordinator and Dean of Students. She has a BS Degree in Elementary and Special Education, Reading Specialist certification and a MS Degree in Education from Kutztown University. Amanda obtained her principal certification from Alvernia University. She enjoys riding her ATV, camping, exercising and spending time with her husband and two dogs.
Mr. Thomas Kowalonek, Business Manager717-933-4611, x1003
Tom has been leading the operations of the district since 2009 and has been a member of the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials for over 15 years. He has a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Lehigh University and attended the Central Atlantic Advanced School of Banking at Bucknell University. Tom also has spent many years in the banking and financial services industry. He enjoys golf, hunting and travel.
Mr. Heston Frey, Director of Operations 717-933-4611, x1041
Heston started his maintenance career in the US Navy as a diesel mechanic. After the Navy he earned his BS in Elementary Education. While in college Heston worked for the maintenance department, coached the women’s soccer team, and worked at the local elementary school. After teaching for few years Heston turned to maintenance full time. He has been a Facility Manager for the Lancaster YMCA association and for the Lancaster County Prison. In his extra time he enjoys hunting and fishing. During the summer Heston does a lot of side work and spends time with his family. Kelli and Heston have been married 15 years. They have 3 children - Landon 6, Aubrey 4, and Evan our newborn baby. They also have a dog named June who is a German Shorthaired Pointer and is 10 months old.
Mrs. Rebecca Marmas is in her first year with the Tulpehocken Area School District. Prior to serving as Assistant Director, she has been an educator in Berks County public schools for the last ten years. Rebecca has worked at Reading, Wilson, and Antietam school districts with experience teaching in learning support, multiple disabilities support, and emotional support.
Rebecca obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood, Elementary Education and completed her Master’s Degree in Special Education while attending Albright College. She gained her supervision certification through Penn State. When not at work, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her husband, soon-to-be three sons, and dog. As a family we enjoy outdoor activities.
717-933-4611, x1081
Matt is starting his 9th year at Tulpehocken. Matt has a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science from Kutztown University. He previously served as the IT Support Specialist for the district before moving to his new role. Outside of Tulpehocken, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 dogs, playing soccer and fastpitch softball.
Ms. Jillian Bergman, Director of Food Services717-933-4611, x1042
Jill
has over 20 years of food service experience which includes 13 years in
management and 6 years specializing in K-12 child nutrition programs. Outside
of work, Jill can be found spending time with her husband and two daughters,
being outdoors and traveling when ever possible.
Mr. Hamrick is excited to return to Tulpehocken School District as the principal of the Junior-Senior High School. He started his teaching career with Tulpehocken in 2008 after graduating from Kutztown University with a degree in Art Education. In 2010 Mr. Hamrick moved to Elkins, WV where he has served as an administrator for the past five years at both Junior and Senior high levels. He obtained his Master of Education Degree from Salem University in WV. In his free time, Mr. Hamrick enjoys spending time with his wife, two children, and dog and all things fly fishing.
Mr. Michael Leister, Assistant Principal610-488-6286, x2012
Mr. Michael Leister is in his 25th year in education, with his last 16 years here at Tulpehocken. He has served as the Jr./Sr. High Assistant Principal and the Jr. High House Principal. He previously worked in the Bellefonte and Reading School Districts. He has a B.S. from Penn State University and an M.S. from Seton Hall University. He is a huge Penn State fan and enjoys hunting and fishing.
Mr. Justin Welker is in his 13th year in education, and his 2nd year at Tulpehocken. He spent the first 11 years teaching high school choral and instrumental music at Williams Valley & Tri-Valley High School’s, as well as coaching jv and varsity baseball at Tri-Valley. Mr. Welker completed his undergraduate studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. He obtained his Master of Education degree from the University of Scranton. In his free time, Mr. Welker enjoys hunting, fishing, and traveling the world with his wife. Most recently, Mr. Welker was a contestant on the popular game show, Wheel of Fortune!
The 2019-2020 school year will mark Jena’s 14th year in education and first year with the Tulpehocken School District. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Kutztown University. Previously, Jena worked for the Wilson School District as a 3rd grade teacher, Instructional Support Teacher, and Reading Specialist. She then earned her Principal Certification through Alvernia University. In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach or Hershey Park with her husband and three children.
This will be Andrew’s tenth year as an educator and first with the Tulpehocken School District. He has taught English Language Learners the past two years, as well as second, fourth, and fifth grade. Andrew has earned his Masters Degree and administration certification through Cabrini University. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Kutztown. In his spare time Andrew enjoys cycling, weight training, and chasing after his two dachshunds. He is honored and excited to be Bethel Elementary’s principal.