
Raquel Algarin
Bryn Mawr Online School Faculty Member
Originally from Philadelphia, Raquel Algarin received her undergraduate degree in Fine Arts from Moore College of Art & Design. She currently attends Wilmington University, working toward a master's degree in Computer Science with a focus on Cybersecurity. When not teaching or engaged in professional development, Raquel runs her own art and design business, where she collaborates with everyday people as well as businesses and brands to design art pieces. Her expertise spans painting, illustration, graphic design, mural art, and videography.

Dr. Zeena Ammar
Bryn Mawr Online School Faculty Member
Zeena Ammar earned her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Emory University and a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Before teaching at Bryn Mawr Online, she taught high school biology at an independent school in Georgia while completing her thesis work. She also volunteered as a teaching mentor with the Emory Pipeline Collaborative, where she co-led an online class in neuroscience and mental health for students interested in medical careers. Outside of the classroom Zeena enjoys reading, swing dancing, and volunteering.

Alaina Buse
Bryn Mawr Online School Faculty Member
Alaina Buse holds a dual bachelor’s degree in Spanish and French from Georgetown University. She has also studied Italian and Latin. Alaina previously taught Spanish and the interdisciplinary course World Perspectives in the Upper School World Languages and Cultures Department at Bryn Mawr's Baltimore campus, as well as Spanish at John’s Episcopal School. She is currently a Masters Candidate in the Intercultural Communication Program at UMBC with a concentration in Spanish Studies.

Kate Brendler
Bryn Mawr Online School Faculty Member
Kate Brendler has worked at Bryn Mawr’s Baltimore campus for 20 years as a Middle School science teacher. She has also served as Director of Summer Enrichment programs, as well as a coach for tennis, squash, and badminton. Kate previously taught at The Agnes Irwin School and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Mount Holyoke College and an M.A. in instructional systems design and technology from Penn State University.

Jeanette Budzik
Director of Service Learning
Jeanette Budzik has served in a variety of roles at Bryn Mawr’s Baltimore campus for the last 35 years including as Dean of Students, Interim Upper School Director, Leadership Programming Coordinator, advisor, teacher and coach. She brings a deep understanding of Upper School students and strong experience with the Upper School’s curriculum and community. As Director of Service Learning, Ms. Budzik guides students to develop their leadership skills as they become involved in their communities and organizations.

Justin Curtis
Bryn Mawr Online School Director and Faculty Member
Justin Curtis is the Senior Director of Academic and Strategic Initiatives and Director of Bryn Mawr Online. He previously served as Director of Technology and Computer Science Department Chair at The Bryn Mawr School in Baltimore. At Bryn Mawr, Justin has managed the development and expansion of the school’s Innovation Labs, launched and overseen Bryn Mawr’s Summer Session program, managed the 1:1 iPad and laptop program, and worked towards developing a K-12 computer science curriculum. Prior to BMS, he was an educational technology consultant. Justin holds a B.S. in Computer Information Systems and Visual Communication from Stevenson University, and an M.S. in Information Systems and Technology from Johns Hopkins University.

Frank Ecker
Bryn Mawr Online School Faculty Member and Program Designer
Frank Ecker joined the Bryn Mawr faculty in 2015. A graduate of Savannah College of Art & Design and Duquesne University, Frank holds a B.F.A. in Photography and an M.S. in Secondary Mathematics Education. Prior to Bryn Mawr, he taught in Maryland's Anne Arundel County Public Schools, as well as the graduate education departments of Johns Hopkins University and University of Maryland Baltimore County. Frank has also developed curriculum for the Maryland State Department of Education, AACPS, and the education division of the Discovery Channel. He held a variety of interesting jobs before becoming a math teacher, including working as a location scout for movies. In addition to teaching geometry, calculus and statistics at Bryn Mawr’s Baltimore campus, Frank served as the assistant golf coach and mentored Bryn Mawr’s FTC Robotics teams.

Dr. Mallory Pladus
Bryn Mawr Online School Faculty Member and Program Coordinator
Mallory Pladus earned her Ph.D. in English, along with a Certificate in Teaching and Learning, from Rice University in 2021. She holds two master's degrees in English, from Rice and from Wake Forest University, and a B.A. in English from NYU. Mallory specializes in literature published in the U.S. after 1945 and has taught a variety of English and writing courses, ranging from American literature surveys to a writing-intensive seminar about highly shoplifted books. In addition to teaching for Bryn Mawr Online, Mallory serves as a consultant for a university Writing Center, where she works with undergraduate and graduate students and conducts workshops on academic writing.

Dr. Mindy Rice
Bryn Mawr Online School Faculty Member
Mindy Rice earned her Ph.D. in French History from UCLA, a master's degree in European History from the University of Washington, and her B.A. in History and Art History from Seattle University. She lived in France for four years doing archival research, where she studied the intersection of economics and early 18th-century French culture. Mindy has also taught history at the University of Mississippi and worked with gifted students, including at Duke University's Talent Identification Program and Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth. In addition to teaching for Bryn Mawr Online, she teaches middle and high school students at an international school, both in person and online. Mindy loves to travel, volunteer for dog rescue organizations, and read history books for fun.

Erin Tschantret
Bryn Mawr Online School Faculty Member and Program Coordinator
Wellness and Community Programming

Erin Tschantret
Bryn Mawr Online School Faculty Member and Program Coordinator
A Yogi, Shamanic Healer and Reiki Master, Erin explores many paths to vitality and health. She has been teaching yoga and meditation for more than a decade and has over 700 hours of certifications (200 HR & 300 HR Charm City Yoga; 200 HR YogaWorks). With a BFA in Dance from Ohio State University and years working as a fitness instructor, she is comfortable using all movement as a means of expression and as a path to our best selves. Her approach to Wellness embodies “Cura Personalis” – care for the entire person in body, mind, and spirit. With the Community Programming aspect, Erin creates memorable Bryn Mawr Online traditions and experiences for students and faculty that will indelibly imprint their hearts and minds.

Todd Twining
Bryn Mawr Online School Faculty Member
Todd Harrison Twining is Music faculty at The Bryn Mawr School in Baltimore and Director of our Music School lessons program. He graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Music Performance from Liberty University and has completed post-graduate work in music at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. A veteran music teacher, Todd enjoys teaching students of all ages and has been with Bryn Mawr since 2010.

Christine Valenti
Bryn Mawr Online School Faculty Member
Christine Valenti has more than 25 years of teaching experience at Montgomery County Public Schools in Rockville, Maryland. She holds bachelor's degrees in history and social studies secondary education from the University of Maryland, College Park and a master’s degree in education from Bowie State University. She has also done graduate work through the University of Colorado, Boulder in language teaching with technology, and is currently certified by the Maryland State Department of Education to teach French and History for grades 5-12. She enjoys running and swimming in her spare time.

Rebecca Zipper
Bryn Mawr Online School Faculty Member
Rebecca Zipper is an alum of Roland Park Country School and a recent graduate of Muhlenberg College, with a B.S. in Computer Science and English/Creative Writing. Prior to Bryn Mawr Online, she taught online computer science courses in web design and game programming for the non-profit Girls Who Code. Rebecca also loves advocacy work, singing, musical theater, and writing plays.