Administration

Maria Paluselli, CEO
MPaluselli@providentcharterschool.org

Maria Paluselli is a special education teacher with experience as a learning support teacher in several public schools.  Maria is also a certified Orton-Gillingham Trainer.  For over 10 years she served as the Director of the Children’s Dyslexia Center.  Here she has trained and supervised teachers and tutors at initial and advanced levels.  Maria is a trainer for Winsor Learning, publisher of a multisensory reading program.  She has traveled throughout the country training teachers and coaching them as they implement intervention programs.

Maria has been an adjunct faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh and she works independently assessing students and consulting with parents and school districts.  She presents regularly on various topics related to reading and intervention strategies.  Maria is the past chair of the Pittsburgh Regional Group of The International Dyslexia Association.

Ms. Connie Joseph, Elementary Principal
CJoseph@providentcharterschool.org

Mrs. Joseph was born and raised in Kittanning, Pennsylvania.  She attended Point Park University and received a Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education.  She began her teaching career at Cornell School District working as a reading specialist, 4^th grade and 5^th grade teacher.  While teaching in the Cornell School District, she furthered her education and obtained a Master’s Degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh.  Her principal certification was earned at Point Park University.  She worked for three years in the Burgettstown School District as an assistant principal at both the elementary center and middle/high school.

She resides in Scott Township with her husband of 23 years and three children.  Her oldest daughter recently graduated from Point Park University, her middle daughter recently graduated from West Penn School of Nursing, and her son will be attending the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown in the Fall.

Mrs. Joseph is excited to be the Elementary Principal at Provident Charter School.  She believes that her main focus is to help the students grow academically as well as socially.  She has always been an advocate for children and looks forward to working with parents for the success of their child.

Ms. Leah Haile, Middle School Principal
LHaile@providentcharterschool.org

Mrs. Leah Haile received her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in elementary education.  She began her teaching career in Phoenix, Arizona where she taught 6th grade in the Pendergast Elementary School District.  She also taught 5th grade in San Francisco, California at Sacred Heart Lower School. After moving home to Pittsburgh she spent most of her career at Propel Charter Schools.  She helped open their Propel Montour location teaching both 4th and 5th grade. She received her master’s degree from Duquesne University in Reading and Language Arts before moving into the Instructional Coaching role for several years where she mentored teachers and gave feedback on best instructional practices.  After obtaining her principal certification from California University of Pennsylvania, she opened Propel Braddock Hills Middle School as the Assistant Principal before moving into the Principal role there. She appreciates her varied educational experiences and really values giving her students educational opportunities that help them find their passion and success.

She resides in the North Hills with her husband and their 18 year old daughter.  She enjoys traveling, running and watching her daughter’s volleyball and basketball games in her spare time.

Brittany Hebert, Elementary Special Education Supervisor
BHebert@providentcharterschool.org

Mrs. Brittany Hebert earned her bachelor’s degree from Westminster College in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. She began her teaching career in Nashville, TN where she taught life skills for grades K-5. Brittany taught five years as a special education teacher in the areas of learning support, life skills, and emotional support. She has worked as a special education coordinator in Provident’s special education department since the 2018-2019 school year. During this time, she earned her masters degree from Slippery Rock University in Special Education: School Supervision. She resides in the North Hills with her husband and their dog Virginia Woof. She enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Jessica Frosztega, Middle School Special Education Supervisor
JFrosztega@providentcharterschool.org

Ms. Jessica Frosztega earned her bachelor’s degree from Clarion University of Pennsylvania in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. She began her teaching career in Chesapeake, VA where she taught 4th grade learning support. Jessica has taught five years as a special education teacher in the area of learning support. Additionally she is a certified Wilson practitioner and has experience implementing the intervention here at PCS. She has worked as a special education coordinator in Provident’s special education department since the 2018-2019 school year. During this time, she earned her masters degree from Slippery Rock University in Special Education: School Supervision. She lives in the Pittsburgh area and spends her free time traveling and exploring the outdoors with her family.

Ms. Julie Ewing, Director of Enrollment
JEwing@providentcharterschool.org

Ms. Amanda Bilitski, Director of Instructional Technology
ABilitski@providentcharterschool.org

Dr. Mindy Bramer, Director of Professional Development
MBramer@providentcharterschool.org

Dr. Mindy Bramer has been an elementary and special education teacher, reading specialist, and she has taught ninth grade English Literature.  Most recently she has worked at the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) on Pennsylvania’s Dyslexia Screening and Early Literacy Pilot Program.  She is also a Nationally Board Certified teacher in the area of Reading-Language Arts: Early and Middle Childhood.  Dr. Bramer also has her Special Education Supervisor and principal certifications.  Dr. Bramer earned her Doctorate in Special Education Leadership from Slippery Rock University, where her dissertation focused on dyslexia and multisensory instruction.  Dr. Bramer has her Orton-Gillingham Level I certification and is also a trainer of the Wilson Reading System®.