- Strath Haven Middle School
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Meet Our Administrative Team
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Dr. Christopher Matsanka, Principal
I have been working in education since 2001 and have been part of the WSSD community since 2011. I served as assistant principal at Strath Haven Middle School (SHMS) from 2011 to 2019. I then served as assistant principal at Strath Haven High School (SHHS) from 2019 to 2021 before returning as principal of Strath Haven Middle School.
I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education from West Chester University and my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Saint Joseph’s University. I completed the majority of my doctoral work at Immaculata University before transferring and completing my program at Neumann University in 2018.
My experiences at our high school have greatly influenced my leadership at SHMS. I understand what is expected of our students once they enter high school. My goal is to provide all students with an education that will allow them to be successful in high school and beyond. I feel fortunate to be part of this community and am very proud of our staff and students.
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Mr. Joseph Buecheler, Assistant Principal
In my 29 years as a Pennsylvania educator, I have been privileged to work with students and teachers in a variety of K-12 settings. I have worked as a classroom high school Earth & Space Science teacher, high school Chemistry teacher, middle school Physical Science teacher, department chair, team leader, and coach. Currently, I serve as an Assistant Principal of Strath Haven Middle School. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education from West Chester University and my Master’s Degree in Secondary Education from Widener University.
Whether as a classroom teacher or school leader, my goal has always been to create academically engaging learning environments fostering creativity, curiosity, and kindness. Committed to sharing my passion for middle school education, I continually strive to help Strath Haven Middle School live up to its vision and mission.
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Mr. Stephen Krall, Assistant Principal
I have had the privilege to work in the Wallingford Swarthmore School District since 2002, beginning my career at Wallingford Elementary School. I have served the district in a variety of roles, including as a teacher, coach, district department chair of Health & Physical Education, and as a teacher on special assignment in the Office of Student Services. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree (Kinesiology) and a Master of Science degree (Sport and Athletic Administration) from West Chester University, and received a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Holy Family University before becoming an assistant principal at SHMS.
I believe that connecting students with their school community is one of the most important indicators to student success. Helping students excel not only in their academic pursuits, but also with their hobbies, interests, and passions is paramount, as are the relationships that are established and nurtured along the way with teachers, mentors, and peers in the building. "Supporting our students, teachers, and school staff with this vision is the goal for which we should be constantly striving."
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Main phone number - 610-892-3470Building Principals
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Dr. Chris Matsanka, Principal, 8th Grade Administrator, ext. 3101
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Ms. Kristen McIlhenney, Executive Secretary to the Principal, ext. 3105
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Mr. Joseph Buecheler, Assistant Principal, 6th Grade Administrator, ext. 3103
- Mr. Stephen Krall, Assistant Principal, 7th Grade Administrator, ext. 3102
School Counselors
- Mr. Matthew Elliser, Guidance Counselor, 6th grade, ext. 7106
- Ms. Danielle Bertoni, Guidance Counselor, 7th grade, ext. 7206
- Ms. Jessica Domsky, Guidance Counselor, 8th grade, ext. 7306
Other
- Ms. Gabrielle Morrisson, School Psychologist, ext. 3119
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Ms. Susan Schmidt-Gillespie, Nurse, ext. 3141
- Mr. Paul Tagliaterra, Athletic Director, ext. 7600
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Ms. Amanda Jacobsen, Main Office Secretary, ext. 3107
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Ms. Stephanie Kahn, Media Specialist, ext. 7224
- Ms. Alice Short, Administrative Assistant, ext. 3108
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