Faculty & Staff
Meet The Team
Our teachers strive to create opportunities for your child to learn where their independent and naturally inquisitive character is cultivated and nurtured. Our program is stimulating, differentiated, individualized, and challenging. We engage our students as inquirers and researchers, so that they are intrinsically connected to their learning and advancement. We feel that in this way, they will develop the lifelong learning style of persistence, determination, and reflection necessary to become globally-minded, compassionate citizens and leaders.
Administrative Staff
Judie Batt Yarnell
Founder
Dr. Mary Dixon
Head of School
Nicole Rieman
Chief of Operations
Andrea Jonethis
Financial Accountant
Elise Callahan
Executive Administrative Assistant
Jaquelyn Gardner
Scheduling Coordinator and Teacher
Teaching Staff
Jordan Alva
Shihan Andrews
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Education: Bachelor’s in land surveying from University of the West Indies
Distinguishing Accomplishments: Mr. Andrews is a 6th degree black belt in the Don Jitsu Ryu System and has amassed over 30 years of international teaching experience.
Alexandra Aragosta
Hudson Bausman
Suzanne Bayer
Barry Bicksler
Barbara Brager
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Education: Bachelor’s in secondary education/social studies from West Georgia College; Master’s in teaching in advanced program/education from Monmouth University
Distinguishing Accomplishments: Ms. Brager started her career in teaching at the Ranney School in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. She began as a lower school self-contained classroom teacher, elevated to a lead teacher in charge of a mentor program for new teachers, promoted to vice-principal of the lower school, and then advanced to the position of principal of the lower school. As an educator, she provided an educational experience that successfully prepared her students to meet their future with confidence and compassion. As a principal, she demonstrated the ability to lead her students, staff, faculty, and parents in the achievement of their mutual goals, while maintaining a harmonious and productive atmosphere for all. She served on the Children’s Advisory Board for Jersey Shore’s K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital dedicated to offering the highest level of care for children and was on the Women’s Heart Fund Board of Jersey Shore Hospital whose mission is to educate women on the importance of heart health for women. She currently works on committees raising funds for the Parker House Clinic which provides care for the uninsured in our community located in Red Bank, New Jersey.
Mark DeLano
Dan Doran
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Education: Bachelor’s in pharmacy from Columbia University; Master’s in science education from St. John’s University
Distinguishing Accomplishments: Mr. Doran has taught chemistry, biology, physics, pharmacology, ecology, and physiology. He was an adjunct instructor of chemistry at Boricua College and instructor of pharmacology and pharmacy practice at Keiser University. He was also chairman of the mathematics and science department at New York’s prestigious High School of Art and Design. He has been an instructor at The Batt School for over 15 years.
Laura Fettig
Mark Frisina
Kevin Fruge
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Education: Bachelor’s in general studies from University of Louisiana with a concentration in architecture
Distinguishing Accomplishments: Mr. Fruge is an accomplished musician. He proficiently plays drums and percussion, guitar, bass guitar, Ukelele, and piano. He has played and taught music professionally for more than 30 years. He currently teaches symphonic rhythmic and melodic percussion at schools in Palm Beach County, plays in his church worship band, and is the drummer in a local working rock band.
Maylie Grubba
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Education: Bachelor’s in psychology with a focus on child development from University of Florida with a minor in education
Distinguishing Accomplishments: Ms. Grubba graduated from the University of Florida with honors and opened and ran her own smoothie company while taking on all financial and managerial responsibilities of small business ownership. She transitioned to teaching at The Batt School in 2016, providing foundations in mathematics to our elementary-level students. She incorporates her broad knowledge, life experiences, and entrepreneurial spirit into her educational philosophy.
Lisa Hurley
Teresa Korbely
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Education: Bachelor’s in computer science from Florida Atlantic University
Distinguishing Accomplishments:
Andy Rafkin
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Education: Bachelor’s in English/education at State University of New York at Albany; J.D. at Albany Law School of Union University
Distinguishing Accomplishments: Mr. Rafkin taught high school English in New York before attending law school. He was admitted to both the New York State and Florida Bars and practiced as a business litigator in both the state and federal courts before resuming his teaching career.
Dorothy Steier
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Education: Bachelor’s in psychology from William Smith College; Master’s in child development from Farleigh Dickinson University with a concentration in behavioral therapy, diagnostic evaluation, and intelligence testing
Distinguishing Accomplishments: Ms. Steier earned dean’s list distinction at William Smith College and Farleigh Dickinson University and was a member of the Psi Chi National Honor Society. She was director of all continuing education programs at Kingsborough College, assistant principal of counseling and guidance at Bright Futures Academy, and director of programs at United Cerebral Palsy. She has also been a substitute teacher at Palm Beach County School