OUR TEAM
Offering the Support that Students Need
We have a fantastic team of caring and supportive administrators. All Mariana Bracetti Academy Charter School staff are passionate about making a difference in students lives, through their tireless dedication and drive to shape the human mind. Get to know our committed team and their role in continuing our tradition of academic excellence.
CEO
Ms. Villani is a graduate of Penn State University and holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Scranton. Ms. Villani taught in elementary and middle school for several years, and spent two years teaching at MBA before stepping into the role of CEO in 2002.
Principal
Ms. Somma holds a B.A. from Temple University and an M.A. from St. Joseph’s University. She joined the staff of MBA as a math teacher in 2001. Over the next few years she took on the roles of Village Lead, Curriculum Coordinator and Recruitment Coordinator. She has been the principal since 2006.
Assistant Principal, 6-8
Mr. Boglioli holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Loyola College of Maryland, a Masters of Science in Secondary Education from Drexel University and a Masters in Educational Administration from Temple Universoty. He has 7 years of experience teaching Science at Mariana Bracetti Academy and has served as assistant principal for the past 9 years.
Assistant Principal, K-2
Kristen Craig is the assistant principal for grades K - 2. Before she became assistant principal, Ms. Craig was K-8 Reading Specialist, ELA Curriculum Coordinator for grades 3 - 8 and 9 - 12, Recruitment Coordinator, and taught high school English. She holds her administrative certificate from Gwynedd Mercy University and has an MS in Reading and an M.Ed in Secondary English Education from Temple University.
Assistant Principal, 3-5
Ms. Davids holds a Bachelors in Psychology and Education from Cedar Crest College and a Masters in Educational Administration from Temple University. Ms. Davids joined the MBA team in 2002 as a mathematics teacher. She quickly took on various leadership roles as a teacher and has been an assistant principal since 2007.
Assistant Principal, 9-12
David November is the assistant principal of grades 10-12. Before he became assistant principal, David taught English for several years and served as a high school Village Lead. He holds his administrative certificate from Penn State and his Masters in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. David graduated with degrees in Political Science and Psychology from the University of Maryland.
Director of Student Data and Assessment
Mary Jo Witkowski-Smith received her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee and her graduate degree in School Leadership from Widener University. Before coming to Mariana Bracetti Academy, Mary Jo successfully led school improvement for the School District of Philadelphia. Prior to that, she has been a principal and an assistant principal in various local charter and public high schools.
Dean of Students, 5-8
Mr. Alvarez holds a B.S.E. in Materials Science & Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and joined the staff of MBA in the Fall of 2006. Mr. Alvarez is the Dean of the school, represents MBA in the community, and maintains our website and social media accounts.
Dean of Students, K-4
Marcia DeSalvo holds a M.Ed in Secondary Education from LaSalle University, and is currently working towards a masters degree in Educational Leadership and Administration at St. Joseph's University. Before entering the role of Dean in 2019, Ms. DeSalvo served a variety of leadership positions during her time at MBA including Social Studies curriculum coordinator, high school village lead, and lead Senior Academy Social Studies Teacher.
Dean of Students, 9-12
Mr. Miller holds a Bachelors in Health and Physical Education from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and a Masters of Arts in Educational Administration from Point Park University. Mr. Miller joined the MBA team in 2015 as a health and physical education teacher. He has also served as the Health and Physical Education Curriculum Coordinator and Athletic Director. He became the dean students in 2020.
Director of Special Education Services
Mrs. Herbert joined the MBA team in 2009. She holds a Bachelors in Science in Special Education from Millersville University, a Masters in Special Education Advanced Practices from Holy Family University, and a Special Education Supervisor Certificate from Penn State University. Mrs. Herbert was promoted to Director of Special Education in 2016.
Director of Special Education Services
Ms. Macklin began her career at MBA in the Fall of 2002, fresh out of LaSalle University where she earned her B.A.S. in Elementary and Special Education. Ms. Macklin started off as a learning support teacher then took classes at Gwynedd-Mercy College where she earned an M.S. as a Reading Specialist.
Director of Technology
Mr. Diaz joined the Mariana Bracetti Academy Charter School family in December of 2003. Before coming to MBA, he worked for Gateway Computers as a Level 3 Senior Technician. Mr. Diaz has designed and built a new network for the school twice. Mr. Diaz is MCP, Network+ and A+ certified.