Leadership
Dr. Laura M. Hotchkiss
Head of School
Dr. Laura M. Hotchkiss began her tenure as Head of School at the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur in 2021. Previously, she held numerous leadership roles at the Marlborough School in Los Angeles, where she most recently served as Associate Head of Academics. In 2022, Dr. Hotchkiss established the groundbreaking ND Cares Program at Notre Dame which prioritizes the well-being of students through class seminars, counseling, learning support, professional development for faculty and staff, and parent education.
Dr. Hotchkiss holds her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Master of Education, and Doctor of Education degrees from UCLA. She is a nationally-recognized leader in education and has served on the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools Board, the One Schoolhouse Board, and currently the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools Board. With over 35 years of experience in girls’ education and a proud girls' school alumna, Dr. Hotchkiss is deeply committed to impacting the lives of young women.
Ashley Gartner
Director of Middle School
Mrs. Ashley Gartner joined the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur as Director of the Middle School in July 2025. She came to Notre Dame from the Reece School in Manhattan, where she served as Director of Education. In earlier roles, Gartner was Director of Instruction and Curriculum, Middle School Supervisor, and was instrumental in launching the school’s Middle School program.
She holds a Master of Education from Saint Joseph’s University and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Pennsylvania State University. Over the course of her career, Gartner has led curriculum development initiatives, facilitated professional learning, and served as a mentor to both faculty and school leaders.
Tyler Gaspich
Director of Information Resources & Technologies
Mr. Tyler Gaspich holds a BS in Mathematics and an MS in Math Education, both from St. Joseph's University. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Philosophy in Education with a focus on Science, Mathematics and Educational Technology at Temple University.
Gaspich began his tenure at Notre Dame in the Mathematics Department before becoming the Director of Academic Technologies. He currently oversees the team responsible for all technology, databases and library services at Notre Dame. Gaspich is also the co-facilitator of the STEM Scholars program, co-chair of the International Sister in STEM Symposium 2023 and teaches Design Thinking, Intro to Finance and Linear Algebra.
Maria Gunn
Director of Enrollment Management
Mrs. Maria Breck Gunn began her tenure at the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur in 2018 as Director of Institutional Advancement. In July 2020, she became the Director of Enrollment Management and currently oversees the Academy's marketing and communications. Mrs. Gunn is a member of the Academy's Senior Leadership Team and serves on the Board's Finance Committee and Diversity Committee. Prior to her time at Notre Dame, she served in the Advancement Office at Holy Child School at Rosemont for 11 years and had an extensive career in executive management with Prudential.
Mrs. Gunn holds her MBA from Villanova University, where she also completed her undergraduate studies in Communications Arts as part of Villanova's Honors Program. She and her husband are proud parents to two Notre Dame graduates, Lauren '20 and Nicole '22.
Lori Johnson
Director of Finance
Mrs. Lori Johnson began her tenure as Director of Finance at the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur in November 2016. Prior to Notre Dame, Johnson was employed at Wipfli and Associates, serving in a supervisor role in public accounting, specializing in non-profit accounting.
Johnson is a graduate of Widener University, where she received her bachelor's degree in Accounting.
Trish Kyle
Director of Advancement
Trish brings 25 years of school advancement experience from independent and Archdiocesan schools in the Philadelphia region. After years of working as an admissions director, Trish pivoted her career to introduce private school best practices in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Through this partnership, Trish oversaw numerous initiatives including the installation of a school board, introduction of major gift fundraising and PA tax credit program, as well as the implementation of advancement and enrollment best practices. Following her work with the Archdiocese, Trish was a member of the Development team at AIM Academy and later served as the Director of Advancement at Villa Maria Academy Lower School.
Kyle is a graduate of Temple University, where she received her bachelor's degree in Education.
Sheila Pauley
Director of Athletics
Mrs. Sheila Pauley joined the Academy of Notre Dame as Director of Athletics in July 2023. Prior to Notre Dame, Pauley served as the Director of Athletics at The Agnes Irwin School, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, and most recently, at The Marlborough School. With over 30 years of experience as a coach, teacher, and administrator, she is dedicated to athletics and to providing student-athletes with the support needed to grow in their skills, to be strong team members, and to learn life lessons. From her experience as a college basketball player and coach to her career as a leader in girls’ athletics, Pauley has coached and mentored girls at all levels.
Pauley is a graduate of Immaculata College, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics.
Erin Pratt
Director of Upper School
Ms. Erin Pratt began her tenure as Director of Upper School on July 1, 2022. Pratt joined Notre Dame most recently from Friends Select School, where she had served as Upper School Associate Director since 2018. Pratt taught Mathematics throughout her 10-year tenure at Friends Select and held the role of Chair of the Mathematics Department from 2015-2018. Pratt also served as Dean of Students and Mathematics Teacher at Merion Mercy Academy.
Pratt received her BS in Comprehensive Science from Villanova University and her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Immaculata University.
Dave Teasdale
Director of Operations
Mr. David Teasdale became a member of the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur community in August 2021. Prior to relocating to the United States, he worked as a Property Manager at Mentone Grammar in Melbourne, Australia.
Before joining Notre Dame, Teasdale served as the Director of Operations at both New Hope-Solebury School District and Cheltenham School District, bringing over 20 years of experience in facilities and operations within educational settings.
He is a Certified Facilities Manager (CFM) through the International Facilities Management Association at Villanova University. Additionally, he holds a Diploma in Turf Management from Holmesglen Institute of TAFE in Melbourne, Australia.
Yunga Webb
Director of Inclusive Programs & Belonging
Ms. Yunga Webb joined the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur as Director of Inclusive Programs and Belonging in July 2025. She brings more than 20 years of experience as a director, teacher, and administrator in the areas of inclusion and belonging. Webb came to Notre Dame from Saint Michael’s College in Vermont, where she served as Associate Director of Human Resources. Prior to her time at Saint Michael’s, she held leadership positions at North Country School in New York and Harbor Day School in California, serving as a thought leader on inclusive initiatives and as a liaison to the Mission Committee of the Board of Trustees.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. Throughout her career, Webb has been dedicated to fostering communities where all individuals feel a sense of belonging and purpose. At Notre Dame, she partners across departments to support student wellness and ensure all community members have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.
2025-2026 Board of Trustees
David Frank
Chair
Rosemary Connors '01
Vice Chair
Sonia Hebding Churchman '86
Secretary
Christine McGovern
Treasurer
Members:
Jennifer Falcone Ciarmoli '94
Javier Coll
Sister Maria Delaney, SNDdeN
Candace Hickey
Deborah James-Vance '79
Paul Liebezeit
Michael Lilley
Christine McGovern
Cindy DePiano McKernan '88
Francesca Molinari
Rashida Morris
Bonnie Corr Morrow '90
Brian Mulligan
Preeya Noronha Pinto '94
Claudia Weissenberger
Bree Buysse Williams '11
Trustee Emeritus/a
Sister Helen J. Bellew, SND
Sister Edithann Kane, SNDdeN
Patrick Burns
Agnes Gillin Gayhardt '83
Rev. Robert Hagan, O.S.A.
Mary Ellen Maggitti
Donna McNeill
Janice Toscani Petersen '70
D'Arcy Rudnay '73
Arnold Schneider
Kathleen Shay '70
Sister Edithann Kane, SNDdeN
Patrick Burns
Agnes Gillin Gayhardt '83
Rev. Robert Hagan, O.S.A.
Mary Ellen Maggitti
Donna McNeill
Janice Toscani Petersen '70
D'Arcy Rudnay '73
Arnold Schneider
Kathleen Shay '70
Custom Class: 2023_hr-logo