Meet our star-studded staff!
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Leadership Staff
Academics
Administration & Operations
Culinary Arts
Dance
Digital Arts
Literary Arts
Musical Theatre
Instrumental Music Program
Studio Arts
Theatre Arts
Vocal Music Program
Leadership Staff
Richard L. Fosbrink
Dr. Kelly Lombard
Dr. Debra Lehew
Nadine Dunn
Academics
Amanda Bateman (English)
Courtney Bold (Social Studies)
Madeline Bonner (Mathematics)
Justin Calderone (English)
Bethany Connor (Special Education)
Gretchen DeLopez (Spanish)
Chris Estadt (Mathematics)
David Graham (Biology)
William Kobily (Physics / Math)
Christina Krahn (English)
Lindsey McDivitt (Chemistry)
Andrew Murphy (Social Studies)
Julianna Ruzbacki (Social Studies)
Taylor Sandsmark (Physical Education / Health)
Olivia VanHeyst (Social Studies)
Mariah Yushinski (Mathematics)
Administration & Operations
Gregory A. Beal | Director of Operations
Alex Boyd | Marketing / Production Manager
Walter Boyd | School Security
Shirley Brynda | Student Services Administrative Assistant
Cologero Coppola | Director of Technology
Mary Furlo | School Administrative Assistant / Transportation
Angelina Hernley | School Counselor
Michelle Keenan | School Administrative Coordinator
Susan Maskarinec | Director of Enrollment
Caitlin Weaver | School Counselor
Christa Wormack | Nurse's Office
Dance
Tracy Casciato
412-646-1718 Ext. 8039
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Mrs. Tracey Casciato is the head of the Dance Department here at Westinghouse Arts Academy. Having been teaching in the industry for over 30 years as well as co-owning/directing her own dance studio and competitive dance team,where she is an award winning choreographer. Mrs. Casciato is extremely well-versed in all styles of dance. While she currently teaches mostly juniors and seniors, you can find her observing and overseeing all dance classes, choreographing performances for school productions or working at her studio, Studio G Dance Center. Tracey has taught dancers who have gone on to be professional dancers and performers for theme parks, cruise ships, and equity stages. Miss Tracey is overjoyed to be returning for her third year here at WAA!
Stephanie Tolbert-King
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Stephanie Tolbert-King has 13 years of professional dance training and 11 years of experience teaching and choreographing. She has training in a diversity of styles from modern to ballroom. She graduated from Eastern University with a BA in dance. Her teaching assistantship experience in higher education includes Temple University, Drexel University and Eastern University. In 2013, she was awarded a full tuition scholarship from American Dance Festival, Durham, NC. Her choreography has been recognized by internationally renowned adjudicators at several American College Dance Festivals. Her choreography credits include Philadelphia and Wilmington Fringe Festivals, Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers present Inhale Performance Series (Philly), WAXworks (Brooklyn), Amalgamate Artist Series (Manhattan), American College Dance Festival (Penn State and Hofstra University), 7Midnights Physical Research (Manhattan), That Which Connects: Camden’s Festival of Dance, and Ground for Sculpture (NJ). Stephanie has performed in pieces originally choreographed by Isadora Duncan, Michel Fokine and Dr. Kariamu Welsh. She choreographed/performed as a company member for 2 seasons with MM2 Modern Dance Company and Introspective Movement Project. She was Site Director and dance teacher in New Orleans for 3 years with Indigenous Pitch Dance Collective, as well as First Position Dance Arts and Academy of Social Dance (PA).
Stephanie was a full-time lead dance teacher at Success Academy Charter Schools, the largest and highest performing charter school network in NYC. Her other dance teaching credits include The Harvey School, a private, college-preparatory school in Katonah, NY, Ridgefield School of Dance and Conservatory of Dance, Wilton, CT. In 2020, she became Dance Program Director at MVP Camp in Honesdale, PA, where she founded the dance program. Stephanie is the founder and artistic director of TK Dance Lab, a dance company and virtual platform that connects artists across area codes, and uses dance to advocate for equity and social change. In 2021, Stephanie received a residency with Mignolo Arts in Metuchen, NJ, where she prepared and presented her full-length work, Algorithms, AI & The Machine. Stephanie is certified with the NAAADT (National Association of American African Dance Teachers) to teach Umfundalai, a contemporary-African dance technique founded by Dr. Kariamu Welsh. Stephanie was also the Founding Dance Teacher at Catalyst Academy Charter School, where she founded the dance program, curated 5 arts showcases independently, developed a dance club for scholars with additional investment in dance as an art form, and provided scholars with quality dance education as part of their curriculum.
Stephanie is now a full-time dance faculty member at Westinghouse Arts Academy Charter School, where she is excited to be educating both dance majors and other arts majors in the dance department. Her current coursework includes Core 3 and Core 4 Ballet/Modern, Contemporary, Ballet, Tap and Intro to Dance, and includes technique, choreography, composition, improvisational techniques, and performance.
Digital Arts
Jon (Rob) Shultz
412-646-1718 Ext. 8017
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Jon (Rob) Shultz’s design aesthetic revolves around a pinch of a retro flair mixed in with a bit of an art-deco and industrial influences. His work ranges from graphic design to product and mixed media design to painting and sculpture. Shultz has worked with major brands/clients including Harley-Davidson, Coca-Cola, Playboy, Littlearth, RUE 21, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Spencer Gifts, REI, Hobie, Eyetique, and MTV. His work has evolved and has taken front and center on a world wide stage. His work for bands including Nine Inch Nails, Front 242, Depeche Mode, and The Clark’s helped cement his gutsy, industrial edge. From the runways of New York Fashion Week to showrooms and stores all over the world, Shultz’s creations have sold in the millions. Now an instructor at Westinghouse Arts Academy, Shultz has found a great home where he brings a cornucopia of experience and a lifetime of real world success.
Alea DelPrete
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Jon (Rob) Shultz’s design aesthetic revolves around a pinch of a retro flair mixed in with a bit of an art-deco and industrial influences. His work ranges from graphic design to product and mixed media design to painting and sculpture. Shultz has worked with major brands/clients including Harley-Davidson, Coca-Cola, Playboy, Littlearth, RUE 21, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Spencer Gifts, REI, Hobie, Eyetique, and MTV. His work has evolved and has taken front and center on a world wide stage. His work for bands including Nine Inch Nails, Front 242, Depeche Mode, and The Clark’s helped cement his gutsy, industrial edge. From the runways of New York Fashion Week to showrooms and stores all over the world, Shultz’s creations have sold in the millions. Now an instructor at Westinghouse Arts Academy, Shultz has found a great home where he brings a cornucopia of experience and a lifetime of real world success.
Culinary Arts
Chef Evelyn Sussman
Chef Evelyn Sussman has been teaching Culinary Arts since 2007, and has worked in high school and adult programs, as well as with special needs students to help them acquire the skills needed to successfully gain and hold employment in the foodservice industry, excel in the world of Food and Beverage, and win competitions. Chef Sussman began with a degree from Virginia Tech in Human Development, and went on to get her Masters Degree in Career and Technical Education. She also has an Associate’s in Culinary Arts, as well as a certificate in Pastry. She holds a Culinary Educator Certification through the American Culinary Federation. Her work experience ranges from simple quick service locations, to Country Clubs, to high volume food establishments. She has won multiple awards during her time as an educator including the Idaho Potato Commission’s Innovative Culinary Educator Awards, and the Award for the Effective Use of Technology in Culinary Education through Rational. She is always interested in growing her Culinary toolbox at summer conferences, and also holds a side job in foodservice and catering. Chef Sussman is a well-rounded educator, and is proud of the student successes she has had.
Instrumental Music Program
Travis Rigby
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Mr. Travis Rigby is an educator, music director, composer, arranger, and orchestrator. He holds a Master’s Degree in Music Composition from the University of Kansas and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Composition from Trinity University. He holds a Pennsylvania PK-12 Music teaching certificate. He maintains an active membership in PMEA, ASCAP, and SCI. His music is published by T.U.X. People’s Music. He is active in the theater community as a music director. This is Travis’s fifth year teaching at WAA. He lives in Bethel Park with his wife Lauren and several pets.
Literary Arts
Genna Malatino
412-646-1718 Ext. 8025
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Genna Malatino received her Bachelor’s degree from Penn State University with a major in English, minor in Technical Writing, and concentrations in Media Writing, Rhetoric and Writing, Creative Writing, and Professional Writing. During her time at Penn State, Genna worked for Penn State Learning as a Writing Tutor and serviced students, PhD, candidates, as well as professors. After her undergraduate degree, Genna went on to pursue a Master’s degree at Carnegie Mellon University and completed a program in Literary and Cultural Studies. During that time she worked as a Teacher’s Assistant for a freshman English course with students who studied English as a second language. After studying at CMU, Genna decided to pursue teaching full-time and got a Masters degree in Teaching: Secondary English from Chatham University. Professionally, Genna has worked as a copywriter for an educational firm located in New York City, as an instructional designer for an educational firm that focused on curating content for institutions in higher education, and as an Academic Counselor for students of varying disciplines and degree levels. Genna has had a wide array of experiences in writing and education, and brings that knowledge to the classroom at WAA.
Musical Theatre
Nicholas Lenz | Head of Musical Theatre Department
412-646-1718 Ext. 8041
Studio Arts
Bailey Chick
412-646-1718 Ext. 8013
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Bailey Chick is a visual artist whose practice is rooted in printmaking and drawing with a particular focus on domestic spaces and the influence these spaces have on development and identity. Chick teaching philosophy seeks in both projects and practice to challenge, compell personal and cultural reflective skills, and build a community of compassionate accountability. Prior to starting to teach at Westinghouse Arts Academy in 2018, she was adjunct faculty at The University of Delaware and taught workshops at The Philly Art Center. She has exhibited her work nationally and internationally, and worked as an arts administrator and a curator. When not teaching she can be found coaching North Allegheny High School’s varsity rowing team and spending time with her fiance, Joe and fuzzy pitbull, Maple. Chick holds a BA in Studio Art from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art and an MFA from the University of Delaware.
Austenne Gniadek
412-646-1718 Ext. 8026
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Austenne Gniadek earned a bachelors in K-12 art education and a masters in further studies in secondary education both from California University of Pennsylvania. She has experience in a wide variety of mediums, however, gravitates towards working in colored pencil, pen and ink, and watercolor. Austenne began teaching at Westinghouse Arts Academy in spring of 2021 and is the faculty leader for Westinghouse’s summer art camps and our chapter of National Art Education Association. Austenne is also an avid art history enthusiast and loves to learn and discuss art throughout time. Outside of teaching, Austenne keeps busy with her Australian Shepherd pup, Indigo. Her personal teaching philosophy leads her teaching style to be flexible, understanding, and comprehensive in all aspects of art and its history. Austenne aims to teach empathy, creative problem solving and creative thinking in all aspects of the curriculum.
Makenna Wingrove
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Makenna Wingrove holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education from Penn West University. She is a jack of all trades, but enjoys sculpture, ceramics, and printmaking most of all. Makenna began teaching at Westinghouse Art Academy in 2021. Her teaching philosophy encourages students to tap into their own unique artistic talent while also being pulled out of their comfort zone. Creativity is essential to succeed in an interdisciplinary education and students should be encouraged to express their individuality. When she is not at school you can usually find her at the AMC movie theater surrounded by buckets of popcorn.
Theatre Arts
Rebecca R. Lustig | Head of Theatre Arts Department
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Rebecca R. Lustig (She/Her) was born and raised in Ohio. She received her MFA in Theatre Management from Wayne State University, her MA in Theatre and Directing from Miami University, and her BA in Theatre Arts from Ashland University. Mrs. Lustig served as a Board Member at Large and Vice President for Wyoming Educators of Secondary Theatre, whose mission is to support and enhance quality theatre education in Wyoming schools. She served as the Artistic Producer for the Put-in-Bay Community Theatre, and the President of the Put-in-Bay Arts Council both in Put-in-Bay, OH. Mrs.Lustig served as the Acting Teacher for Gillette Performing Arts Workshop and worked on several community productions including: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, A Christmas Carol, HONK!, Annie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Zara Spook and Other Lures, Marisol, and Afraid of the Dark. In her free time, Mrs. Lustig served on the board for the Fur Kids Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides education and aid to promote the well-being of families with animals. Mrs.Lustig is excited to start her second year with Westinghouse Arts Academy where she serves as the Head of the Theatre Arts Program, the Director of the International Thespian Society Troupe, and volunteer eSports Team faculty advisor. Mrs. Lustig strives to create an inclusive environment for all students to learn, be curious, have fun, and explore the world of Theatre Arts.
Ace Lowry | Acting / Theatre
Rebecca R. Lustig (She/Her) was born and raised in Ohio. She received her MFA in Theatre Management from Wayne State University, her MA in Theatre and Directing from Miami University, and her BA in Theatre Arts from Ashland University. Mrs. Lustig served as a Board Member at Large and Vice President for Wyoming Educators of Secondary Theatre, whose mission is to support and enhance quality theatre education in Wyoming schools. She served as the Artistic Producer for the Put-in-Bay Community Theatre, and the President of the Put-in-Bay Arts Council both in Put-in-Bay, OH. Mrs.Lustig served as the Acting Teacher for Gillette Performing Arts Workshop and worked on several community productions including: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, A Christmas Carol, HONK!, Annie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Zara Spook and Other Lures, Marisol, and Afraid of the Dark. In her free time, Mrs. Lustig served on the board for the Fur Kids Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides education and aid to promote the well-being of families with animals. Mrs.Lustig is excited to start her second year with Westinghouse Arts Academy where she serves as the Head of the Theatre Arts Program, the Director of the International Thespian Society Troupe, and volunteer eSports Team faculty advisor. Mrs. Lustig strives to create an inclusive environment for all students to learn, be curious, have fun, and explore the world of Theatre Arts.
Vocal Music Program
Anna Very
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Miss Very graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education. Certified in K-12 Music Education, Miss Very has taught in both middle and high school settings in North Carolina, American Sāmoa, and north central Pennsylvania. She has taught a variety of music courses, directed multiple musicals, and coached students all the way to state festivals. She also serves as the staff director for Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, a summer camp that provides students from all over the world with an opportunity to work on their chosen art with leading professionals in their field. At Westinghouse, she has dedicated her time to creating a strong vocal program with core values focusing on community, positive and safe spaces, innovative musicianship, and a commitment to excellence.
