Director
Katie O’Connor (she/her)
Katie has a B.A. in anthropology from the University of Pennsylvania. She is ardent about the importance of self-directed learning experiences and works to make such experiences as accessible as possible. She has worked in alternative learning environments such as the Albany Free School and Open Connections.
Katie founded Harmony Learning Community in 2006 and now serves as Founder, Co-Director, and Lead Facilitator. Katie leads the Day Program. Katie is also responsible for all staff training as well as the development of the vision, mission, and philosophy of Harmony.
Facilitators
Andy Gershman (she/her)
Andy received a B.S. in early childhood and elementary education from Temple University and her M.Ed. in computers and technology from Arcadia University. She was employed as a kindergarten teacher with the School District of Philadelphia for ten years before the birth of her first child.
Andy is continuing her plans with her husband to live life unconventionally while unschooling their three children, supporting organic and local products, crafting, gardening, listening to great diverse music, and coexisting in this life-long learning process. Andy is a trained Harmony Facilitator working with our Day Program.
Jen Carmondy (she/her)
Jen received her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Temple University and a Professional Coach certification from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching. Before having kids, she worked as the director of a before & after school program, was a case manager and trainer for a workforce development program, and was an advocate for older adults in a non-profit setting.
These days, she loves being on the homeschool journey with her two young kids (age 7 & 4) and learning alongside them in the vibrant city of Philadelphia. In her spare time, she runs Gimme Trip, a small trip planning business that grew from a love of travel and planning. When she’s not homeschooling or planning trips, she can often be found in the Wissahickon taking photos or hiking.
Alia Thompson (she/her)
Alia received a B.A. in psychology from Rosemont College and became a Registered Nurse after graduating from Roxborough School of Nursing. Before homeschooling her three children for the last 13 years, she managed multiple alternative education programs in the greater Philadelphia area.
