Summer Matters - Valley Forge Educational Services
Staff
Holly Zipperer, Director of Summer Programs & Ancillary Services
hozipperer@vfes.net
610-296-6725 x115
1777 N. Valley Road, P.O. Box 730
Paoli, PA 19301
Holly Zipperer was appointed VFES Director of Summer Programs and Ancillary Services in July 2008, having previously served as Director of Summer Programs for The Vanguard School. At Vanguard, Ms. Zipperer managed the Extended School Year Program (ESY) and also was instrumental in founding the successful experiential learning program that is now called Summer L.I.F.E.. As director of VFES’ Summer Matters™ division, Zipperer is responsible for the operations of its three unique programs: Summer at Crossroads, Summer L.I.F.E. and The Extended School Year Program at The Vanguard School. She also plans and manages ancillary services such as weekend retreats and respite programs operating when regular school is not in session.
Zipperer has seventeen years of work experience in the field of education. In addition to her work at VFES, she works as an educational consultant and instructor throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania for, “Learning for a Lifetime,” her personal business, where she facilitates professional development seminars and parent workshops for early childhood caregivers and families. From 2002-2007, Zipperer was a special education teacher, High/Scope curriculum mentor, and early intervention manager for KenCrest Services’ Artman Child Development Center and from 2001-2002, she teamed with other education professionals in Elwyn’s Early Childhood Services division to develop the Archworks Program for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders located in Philadelphia.
Prior to relocating to Pennsylvania, Zipperer was an early childhood special educator in the Lexington/Richland 5 School District, South Carolina, a position that enabled her to work with preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorders. She also served on a professional team of educators who developed a preschool program for children on the spectrum at H.E. Corley Elementary School and was a district-wide resource for colleagues, providing in-service training and consultative services in classrooms that served students with ASD.
Zipperer began her career working in a recreational summer camp setting at Camp Burnt Gin, a special needs camp for children ages 7 – 21 located in South Carolina. It was here that she honed her skills as a counselor, lifeguard, waterfront director and program director.
She received her M. Ed. in special education with a specialization in mental retardation and learning disabilities from the University of South Carolina and her B.A. in elementary and early childhood education from Newberry College, South Carolina.
Ann Herron, Academic Program Coordinator
Summer at Crossroads
info@summermatters.org
610-296-6725 x115
1681 N. Valley Road, P.O. Box 730
Paoli, PA 19301
For the last three summers, Ann Herron has been a homeroom teacher for Summer at Crossroads, instructing students in language arts, reading and math. She is currently teaching fourth grade at St. Bernadette of Lourdes School in Drexel Hill. She has taught Pre-K, first grade and fourth grade, and at Crossroads has substituted at all levels. It is with great enthusiasm that she returns to Summer at Crossroads as Academic Program Coordinator. She looks forward to working with all of the children. In her free time Ann enjoys reading, running, sewing, and learning about technology and how to incorporate it into her classroom.
Mindy Brennan, Recreation Program Coordinator
Summer at Crossroads
info@summermatters.org
610-296-6725 x115
1681 N. Valley Road, P.O. Box 730
Paoli, PA 19301
Mindy Brennan spent seven years as a Recreation Counselor and a Recreation Program Coordinator at Summer at Crossroads. After a break last summer to complete her master’s degree, she returns as the Recreation Program Coordinator. Mindy teaches 8th grade science in the Upper Merion School District. She received a B.S. degree in Elementary Education with an option in Science from Millersville University and is also certified in middle school science and math.
Marcy McGee, Upper School ESY Coordinator
The ESY Program at The Vanguard School
mamcgee@vanguardschool-pa.org
610-296-6700 x221
1777 N. Valley Road, P.O. Box 730
Paoli, PA 19301
Marcy McGee teaches Personal Finance, Literature, Science and Language Arts in Vanguard’s high school. She has taught at The Vanguard School since 1983 and has experience working in all the school’s programs. Marcy received her bachelor’s degree from LaSalle University and her master’s degree from Gratz College. She enjoys supervising the ESY program as it gives her the opportunity to interact with all of the middle and high school students and teachers. In her free time, Marcy directs a children’s theatre group, sings with West Chester Area Community Choir, reads and enjoys yoga.
Sarah Jackson, Lower School ESY Coordinator
The ESY Program at The Vanguard School
sajackson@vanguardschool-pa.org
610-296-6700 x106
1777 N. Valley Road, P.O. Box 730
Paoli, PA 19301
Sarah Jackson has nine years of experience at Vanguard and currently teaches in the lower school where she is also the lower school science coordinator. She previously taught in Vanguard’s middle school and spent five years as an instructional assistant while earning her special education teaching certification. She graduated from Ursinus College with a degree in sociology and anthropology and is in the process of earning her master’s in education. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time in the gym and outdoors. Sarah is looking forward to the opportunity to work with all of the lower school classes this summer as the ESY coordinator.