Staff
Katherine Fedalen, Head of School
Kate Fedalen M.Ed., has been committed to the mission of The Chelsea School since 1989, when it became a non-public institution. Prior to assuming the position of Interim Head, she was the Assistant Head of Chelsea School for 6 years. Before joining Chelsea's administrative team, Ms Fedalen was a special education classroom teacher for 16 years and acted as Middle Division Head for eight of those years. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi honor society, a contributing author to Models of Applied Research in Educational Technology, a presenter at MANSEF’s annual conference, was recognized by NAIS “Stars in Education” and was nominated for MANSEF’s “Inspiring Dream, Changing Lives” award.
The nickname “Chelsea for Life” has been one of the descriptors her students have attached to Kate since joining Chelsea School. Kate’s professional development and experience with Chelsea School students has instilled a deep belief that, “There are all kinds of learners, which means there needs to be all kinds of teaching practices that work with each individual student from where he or she is academically and emotionally. Even when a student’s profile is similar to another’s, his or her personal experiences, family dynamics, and that which drives us all to be individuals makes each student’s learning needs very individual. That is why Chelsea is committed to provide a learning environment that allows for and celebrates the strengths and needs of each student. Chelsea is a school where that type of understanding and acknowledgement of each child’s unique self occurs every day in every class."
Frank Mills, Director of Education
After seven years as an English teacher at Chelsea School, Frank Mills became Director of Education in July of 2012. During his classroom years, he most enjoyed sharing his love of literature with his students and helping them to become better writers. During his tenure as a teacher, Frank led several training seminars on various aspects of teaching and learning, and was invited to present a research paper on assistive technology and writing at the 2009 conference of the International Dyslexia Association. His new position allows him to oversee the academic experience of all of Chelsea School's students and to work directly with teachers on aspects of pedagogy, planning, classroom management and the art of teaching.
Tameka Jackson, Dean of Students
Tameka joined Chelsea School in April of 2008 as the Director of Technology. Prior to her arrival, she was a Technology Coordinator and Instructor at an alternative high school in the District of Columbia. Tameka has a Bachelors of Science degree in Computer Information Systems from Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania. She was accepted as a domestic abroad student for a program called Transforming Communities at American University. Upon completing this program, she moved to the D.C. area, where she became an educator and school administrator. Tameka expounded on her passion for educating students by pursuing her Masters of Arts degree in Educational Technology Leadership at The George Washington University.
Currently, Tameka is the Dean of Students at Chelsea School and a doctoral candidate at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. She also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland University College, where she teaches undergraduate courses in Computer Studies. Her research interests are in the areas of Leadership, Urban Education, Technology Leadership, Special Education, Assistive Technology, Student Development, Integrating Technology, Professional Development, Non-Profits and Entrepreneurship. Tameka is an avid supporter of education, a lifelong learner and has a passion for empowering students to reach their fullest potential.
Debbie Lourie, Director of Admissions
Deborah Lourie began at Chelsea School in February of 2007. Deborah was excited to join the Chelsea Team to help promote the education and learning goals of Chelsea School. From early in her career, Deborah knew that she wanted to work with adolescents and their families. She received a BA in Sociology at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, and her Master’s of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania.
She began her career as a social worker working with adolescents and children for 10 years, providing individual, group and family therapy. Most of her job experiences were in school settings.
Almost 4 years ago, Deborah transitioned from social work to admissions in schools with students with learning disabilities. She enjoys being in a position that assists families in identifying the best possible learning environments for their children. Her primary job responsibilities are to review the records when a child application has been submitted, determine whether to continue the application process, and to set up visits to the school. Deborah notes that, “The best feeling for me is when the Chelsea School is a true match for the student and they can’t wait to come to the school! It is amazing to watch the growth of the students once they arrive both academically and socially.”
Karen Gallo, Literacy Coordinator
Karen Gallo is currently the Literacy Coordinator and reading teacher at Chelsea School. With a Bachelors of Science in Special Education, Ms. Gallo has been teaching reading for the past 15 years in Seattle, London, and here in Silver Spring, Maryland. She has extensive training in many multi-sensory reading programs, most notably Orton-Gillingham.
Karen was recently named the first vice president for the Learning Disabilities Association of Montgomery County, where she is looking forward to educating parents and the local community about students with learning differences.
"I have always been drawn to teaching reading to struggling students because of my brother who is dyslexic. I can still remember him coming home in the 2nd grade crying because of all the red ink marks on his papers from his teacher. Having a talented brother grow up during a time when dyslexia was not fully understood has always been my driving force in teaching students to read. I come to school every day determined that my students will go home from school knowing that they are successful learners,
Gallo's mentors, Sara Thiel and Betsy Pelly (Orton-Gillingham gurus!), "were instrumental in ensuring that I became a superior teacher of reading, driving home the importance of scope and sequence and scientific methodology.
Jason Banks, I.E.P. Coordinator
Jason Banks started in 2010 as the I.E.P. Coordinator at Chelsea School. Jason attended Howard University where he majored in education. Jason taught at an elementary school for two years and at a high school for Emotionally Disturbed students for four years. He has also worked as a Special Education Coordinator at the same location. Jason has also spent a year in Gulu, Uganda as an English teacher at a local secondary school.
Jeffery A. Green, Director of Finance
After serving four years in the United States Marine Corps, Jeff Green went to University of Maryland University College, where he received a BS degree in Business & Management: Accounting. After graduation, Jeff sat for and passed the Certified Public Accountant Exam to earn his CPA certification.
At the Public Accounting Firm of Turner, Weisman, Polan & White, Jeff learned not only practical accounting from season professionals, but also the importance of computers as an integral part of any business. Because of this, Jeff returned to the University of Maryland where he earned a second BS degree in Information Systems Management.
For 10 years, Jeff worked with various small businesses and nonprofit associations doing accounting, payroll and computer consulting. “I felt the combination of accounting and computer knowledge helped me to provide services that were professional and technically proficient”.
In the spring of 2007 Jeff took on an engagement to help Chelsea School with some accounting needs and to transition the accounting system. That led to applying for and accepting the position of Director of Finance. “I felt that there was something special going on here and I wanted to be a part of Chelsea School exciting future”.
