This is a strong group of faculty and staff members whose depth of experience in their fields will be invaluable to their students and colleagues. We’re proud to have them at Ellis!

Reneé Brown-Antonelli, Director of Athletics: Dr. Brown-Antonelli comes to Ellis from Penn State New Kensington, where she served as the Director of Athletics. She previously held roles as the Assistant Athletic Director at Penn State Beaver and the Director of International Program Support and Services and Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown. Dr. Brown-Antonelli has a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education: Sport Administration and a Master of Educational Leadership from Edinboro University as well as a Doctorate of Philosophy in Kinesiology from West Virginia University.

Michael DeSalvo, Middle and Upper School World Language Teacher: Dr. DeSalvo joins the Ellis community after finishing his PhD in Second Language Acquisition and Applied Linguistics at Carnegie Mellon University. He also holds graduate degrees in French Education and Linguistics from Stony Brook University, and prior to moving to Pittsburgh, he taught French and Latin on Long Island, NY. Dr. DeSalvo has designed and taught courses in French, Latin, and Linguistics from the elementary to the graduate levels. He has also conducted and presented research on language teaching both across the country and internationally. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, drumming, and playing board games.

Nick Fierst, Director of Facilities: Mr. Fierst holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from PennWest California University. He began his career as a Safety Inspector with Kennywood Park. He has served as a Facilities Director for Bethel Park School District, and later for West Jefferson Hills School District. In June 2024, Mr. Fierst accepted a position with HHS in anticipation of continuing his career at The Ellis School as HHS’ Facilities Director, delivering on the commitments and expectations of the Ellis community.

Samson Johnson, Security Guard: Mr. Johnson joins Ellis as a temporary, full time security while The Ellis School completes a search to permanently fill this role. He brings more than eight years of diverse experience in caregiving, security, camp counselor, and customer service roles, and has worked with children of various ages and needs. Mr. Samson’s education and training include First Aid, CPR, and AED training, as well as child abuse prevention.

Elle Kim, Grade 3 Teacher: Ms. Kim just moved to Pittsburgh from Nashville, TN where she graduated from Vanderbilt University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Second Language Studies and worked with multilingual 3rd grade students for three years. She was born in Ohio, but grew up in Korea and currently has family all over the world, including Korea, Thailand, and America. In her spare time, Ms. Kim loves to travel, read, journal, dance (urban/hip-hop and K-pop), and learn new things. She is excited to explore the new city and thrilled to join the Ellis community.

Lydia Lanigan, Upper School Counselor: Mrs. Lanigan is a Pittsburgh native and a licensed associate professional counselor with a rich background in both clinical and school counseling. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and Philosophy from California University of Pennsylvania, and master's degrees in School Counseling from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Child, Youth & Family Ministry from Indiana Wesleyan University. With over a decade of experience, Mrs. Lanigan has served in various capacities including Mental Health Counselor, School-Based Therapist, Director of Counseling, and classroom teacher. She has training in trauma-informed practices, supports for neurodivergent students, and advocacy for anti-racism, dedicating her career to fostering inclusive and supportive educational environments. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Lanigan enjoys painting, crafting, exploring the virtual world of Minecraft, and spending time in nature. At home, she cherishes time with her husband, three stepchildren, cats, and her dwarf rabbit. She is dedicated to creating a supportive environment that fosters students' creativity and personal growth, helping them navigate developmental challenges. Mrs. Lanigan is enthusiastic about contributing to the Ellis mission of empowering young women to change the world.

Melissa Macura, Grade 3 Teacher: Ms. Macura is a proud graduate of the University of Pittsburgh where she studied Elementary Education.  She has enjoyed teaching both elementary and middle school for the past 25 years. Ms. Macura’s career journey began in Broward County, Florida. From there, she relocated to Forsyth County, Georgia, and after many years down south, her heart led her back home to Pittsburgh!  Her concentrations are in Mathematics, Writing, and Social and Emotional Learning, and she has earned her National Board Teacher Certification as a Middle Childhood Generalist. She also served as a Math coach and curriculum developer/editor with Forsyth County Schools. This was work she found deeply rewarding as she is passionate about Math education. Outside of school, she also enjoys working as a tutor. She was fortunate to have the opportunity to work in the Ellis summer camp this year as it was a great way to get acquainted with the school community and a few of her future students! In her free time, her hobbies and interests include reading, traveling, running, and exploring our wonderful hometown. She truly loves Pittsburgh, and is thrilled to be joining the Ellis community this year!

Shane Mills, Mathematics Department Chair; Upper School Mathematics: Mr. Mills earned his M.S.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from Saint Vincent College and his B.S. in Mathematics & Secondary Education from Grove City College. Now entering his 14th year in education, Mr. Mills most recently worked at the University of Pittsburgh, where he spent the past year as an academic counselor and the mathematics learning specialist for Pitt Athletics. Prior to that, Mr. Mills taught at Episcopal High School, a boarding school in Alexandria, Virginia, where he was a teacher, a dorm parent, and the director of the EHS Sports Media Program. Before his brief boarding school experience, he spent six years at Sewickley Academy, where he served as the department chair and held other various roles in the school community. A native of Pittsburgh, Mr. Mills enjoys traveling, learning new things, and spending time with his friends and family. He is excited to return to the classroom to continue working with students and faculty, and he hopes to become an active member of the Ellis community.

Amanda Plashal, Pre-K Aide: Ms. Plashal grew up in Michigan, and moved to Pittsburgh in 2021 with her husband and daughter, Maya. She attended Western Michigan University and studied Public History (museum studies). She has worked in daycares, preschools, and in the medical field for a nonprofit organization that accredits residency and fellowship programs. Ms. Plashal has volunteered at Ellis since her daughter, Maya, became a student and is looking forward to working with the community in a new way.

Samantha Robertson, Long-term Substitute for Middle and Upper School Spanish: Ms. Robertson is a Philadelphia native, who came to Pittsburgh for her undergraduate studies, and never left! She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2020 with her Bachelor of Arts in French and Spanish, and soon after, graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2021, with her Masters in the Art of Teaching. She works part-time at the Carnegie Science Center, performing live demonstration shows! She loves her dog, sweets, and funny bumper stickers. She has worked in education, and with learners of all ages for 10+ years, and is so excited to be here at The Ellis School! ¡Muchas gracias!

Danielle Vecchione, Grade 1 Teacher: Ms. Vecchione graduated Magna Cum Laude from Duquesne University’s Leading Teacher Program as part of the Honors College with a Bachelor of Science in Education and a minor in Gender and Women's Studies. Ms. Vecchione previously taught Kindergarten but is excited about the new challenge of teaching first grade at Ellis. She also has experience mentoring with Strong Women, Strong Girls, working in daycares, teaching swim lessons, and more. Outside of work, Ms. Vecchione enjoys collecting vintage clothing and housewares, hiking, reading, and spending time with her wife, Amber, and their two dogs (Suki and Gunner) and cat (Bandit).

Amy Vignovic, Grade 1 Teacher: Ms. Vignovic has been a teacher for many years, and her background includes teaching multiple subjects, including special education and reading. She is looking forward to empowering Ellis students to be confident, lifelong learners. Ms. Vignovic is originally from Los Angeles, CA, but has lived in Pittsburgh for several years with her husband and three children. She feels grateful to be part of the Ellis community and looks forward to being part of such a supportive and inclusive community.  

Lisa Zhou, Middle School Visual Arts Instructor: Ms. Zhou earned her B.F.A. in Animation and a Masters Degree in Art Education from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Her animated films have screened in several festivals, and she is active in her indie studio. In her free time, Ms. Zhou enjoys reading, playing the piano and flute, and drawing comics. She is excited to be joining the Ellis community as the Middle School Art Teacher!

The Ellis community also thanks the following faculty and staff members for their service to the school. These individuals departed Ellis this year to pursue a variety of new opportunities, and we wish them the best in their new endeavors! Hiring is underway to ensure that these important positions are filled.