THE PHILOSOPHY
GET INSPIRED
“It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to
have tried to succeed.”
–Theodore Roosevelt-
THE Ascend Academy Guide TEAM
Keri Palek
Lead Guide, Elementary Studio
Keri joined the Ascend team in September 2022 as the Lead Guide in our Lower Elementary studio. She began her career providing early intervention services to children in the local community, a role she served in for several years before deciding to transition into full-time teaching. Keri earned her Bachelor's degree in Early Elementary Education from Felician University in 2011.
A certified Montessori Early Childhood educator, Keri is a passionate lifelong learner who thrives on self-education.
Keri lives in Dingmans Ferry with her husband and two children. She has a deep love for the outdoors and can often be found hiking, doing yard work, or spending time at the beach. Her family enjoys baking together, exploring new places, and traveling.
Working with children has always been a passion of Keri's. It wasn’t until her son started kindergarten that she began working at her local school. After feeling as though there was something missing from the public school experience, she decided to homeschool with a small group of friends. Homeschooling has opened her heart to an entirely different approach to education; but she still wanted more and that’s why she decided to join Ascend. She is beyond grateful for this wonderful opportunity to be a part of the team.
"Every student can learn just not on the same day or in the same way."
-George Evans
Jessica Lombardi
Lead Guide, Spark Studio
A passionate educator and dedicated mother, Jess spent over three years immersed in the world of Montessori education, specifically as a Lower Elementary teacher. Jess's journey into a student-led approach began after seeing her eldest's growth and independence in Montessori school. This led her to explore the Montessori philosophy more deeply, and has since committed herself to fostering an environment where children can thrive as autonomous learners.
Jessica has a Bachelor of Arts in Geography, a Master of Science in Education with a focus on School Counseling, and AMS certification as a Lower Elementary Montessori Teacher. This combination of education has provided her with a well-rounded perspective on how to nurture learners’ intellectual growth and emotional and social development while reflecting her love for the natural world and its interconnectedness.
Jessica is a proud wife and mother of two children and they enjoy exploring outdoors, playing with their dogs, and celebrating a love of nature. Gardening and sustainable living are her cherished hobbies, including food preserving, cooking, and baking, all while emphasizing healthy living. Jessica also enjoys fitness through CrossFit & jiu-jitsu. Her Christian faith plays a significant role, guiding her values and commitment to serving her community.
"My holistic approach to education and life is deeply influenced by my experiences as a mother and educator. I strive to integrate independence, creativity and a lifelong love of learning to not only my own family but to my learners and their families."
Paige Sheehan
Lead Guide, Middle School Studio
Paige was born and raised in League City, Texas. After graduating from high school, she embarked on an adventurous journey by joining the United States Navy. Her service took her to Japan and San Diego, where she not only grew as a person but developed a deep appreciation for discipline and commitment.
Upon completing her enlistment, Paige remained in San Diego to pursue her passion for fitness, attending personal training and yoga training schools. It was during deployment that she met her future husband, forging a connection that would later take her across the country.
Today Paige lives in Shohola, her husband's hometown, where they are raising their 4-year old daughter, Olive. Paige's greatest joy is being a devoted mother, finding fulfillment in cooking, homemaking, and organizing memorable gatherings for her family and friends. Her lie is centered around love, family, and creating warm and inviting spaces for those she cares about.
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."
- Mahatma Ghandi
Liz Nathan
Assistant Guide, Spark Studio
Ms. Liz’s Hero’s Journey led her to Ascend in the fall of 2021. With over 15 years of experience guiding children ages 3-6 at the Ann Street School, she is excited to be part of a team that views each child as a unique genius. She is passionate about guiding young learners to reach their full potential.
Having raised two children who are now embarking on their own journeys in the working world, Liz understands the importance of nurturing individual growth. Volunteering has also been a significant part of her life. She has served as treasurer and committee chair for the Boy and Girl Scouts, taught Sunday School, acted as a Sunday School Superintendent at a local church, and contributed as a class parent and PTA member in the Delaware Valley school system.
Liz earned a Bachelor’s degree in engineering from Purdue University and has held roles in research and development, as well as leadership positions in production facilities within the paper and packaging industry. She is enthusiastic about the challenges and opportunities ahead as she works in this new educational environment with our young heroes.
Nora Pelonis
Learn Experience Coordinator
Nora Jane Pelonis is returning to Ascend Academy as support staff. Nora is an earnest and committed learner in all aspects of life. As an educator she has worked with people and children of all different backgrounds beginning her journey at Perkins School for the Blind and working in the Blind/Deaf program. Nora went to school to become an actor and social worker. This work led her to working as an educator. She obtained her AMI certification in the Montessori approach and continues to study and learn more ways of approaching education and inspiring the spirit of inquiry within the child. Nora is devoted to her family and is currently exploring homeschooling with her 3 children and husband.
"Whatever an education is, it should make you a unique individual, not a conformist; it should furnish you with an original spirit with which to tackle the big challenges. It should allow you to find values which will be your road map through life; it should make you spiritually rich, a person who loves whatever you are doing, wherever you are, whomever you are with; it should teach you what is important, how to live and how to die."
John Taylor Gatto
THE Ascend Academy Administrative TEAM
Alyssa Verdi
Founder, Head of School
Alyssa Verdi, founder of Ascend Academy, is a former traditional school teacher, wife, and proud mother of three children. She holds a Master’s degree in K-12 Education and is passionate about offering an alternative to traditional schooling for the local communities.
"I believe that education is personal - and that there are as many ways to learn as there are people. There are methods that prove to be successful and there are methods that ultimately need to be updated or, frankly, tossed out the window. Education should be viewed as a journey for the entire family.
So many young people are missing out on learning and practicing important life skills while they sit behind desks all day - and it's our duty as citizens to prepare the next generation to have a fulfilling life with rich relationships. We live in a vastly different world than when we grew up - and it's time to shift the status quo and serve the youth; which means allowing them to learn in a nurturing environment while at the same time allowing them to explore and develop their passions. We have to give them opportunities to serve one another. We have to equip them with skills so that they can adapt to any situation that is thrown at them; so they can become productive citizens who can critically think and communicate with respect.
I wish that I had the chance to learn and begin my education (which is lifelong) at a place like Ascend! I would have saved a lot of time and heartache if I was able to learn how to fail forward, solve problems on my own, and feel confident in my ability to learn."
Aside from raising her three children up in the Lord and running Ascend, Alyssa happily spends her free time studying the Bible and spending time with her Church. Loving God and loving people is the ultimate goal. Her other passions are health, wellness, and she is an aspiring homesteader. She loves her family, enjoys learning about sustainable living, going for hikes with her family, drinking delicious cups of coffee, and taking care of her Amazon parrot and 11 chickens.
Meagan Campion
Director of Operations
A born-entrepreneur, Meagan found mainstream education to be far from what she needed. It wasn’t until university (when she finally learned that she had ADHD) that she truly discovered her love for learning. After graduating from Stony Brook University with a Bachelor of Arts, she founded her first business, embarking on a lifelong journey driven by her desire for freedom.
While pregnant with her first child, Meagan began exploring alternatives to traditional schooling and was inspired to find paths beyond the mainstream. Her passion for raising children outside conventional systems continued to grow.
After relocating to Northeast PA in late 2023, Meagan was disappointed by the limited educational options outside of homeschooling. She considered starting her own school, but one fateful evening, she discovered Ascend Academy. She reached out immediately, and within a few weeks, she had joined the team. By September 2024, her two children were enrolled and Meagan stepped into her full-time role in operations and is honored to be a part of this incredible movement!
"Those of us who have awakened in this lifetime didn’t choose an easy path, but we embraced the mission because we know in our hearts it’s the only way forward. Our children need us to meet them where they are—emotionally and developmentally—and to support and encourage them as they pursue their passions and that's exactly what's happening here at Ascend. I’m honored to be part of this movement at Ascend!"
Stephanie Desiderio
Administrative Assistant
Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Science in Education (BS Ed) in Elementary Education and began her career in the traditional public school system. While she gained valuable experience in that setting, she realized that she wanted a different educational environment for her own children—one that emphasized personalized learning and community-centered values.
This realization brought her to Ascend, where she has had the privilege of serving as both a guide and now as the administrative assistant. Her dual roles allow her to support students in their academic journeys while also contributing to the smooth operation of our school’s daily activities. She is passionate about fostering a nurturing, dynamic learning environment that empowers every learner to thrive.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, is an avid reader and appreciates all that the outdoors has to offer.
“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” – Aristotle
