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Staff

Director

Katie O’Connor (she/her)

Katie O’Connor (she/her)

Founder, Co-Director, and Lead Facilitator since 2006

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 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.

Since 2011

Jen Carmondy (she/her)

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 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.

Since 2011




Garden Classroom on the farm side of Awbury Arboretum
6336 Ardleigh St, Phila PA 19138

Donations are always needed and welcome.

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Harmony Learning Community © 2022
Spots on Thursdays Still Open

We are looking forward to in person programming in the fall! Harmony has filled up fast but we still have a few spots open on Thursdays for 4 to 10 year-olds. The summer is whizzing by so consider registering now. Please direct all questions to katherine@talkingsticklearningcenter.org. We look forward to hearing from you!

There are changes on the horizon at Talking Stick. We are reorganizing due to the pandemic and are planning in-person programming (Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; 9am to 3pm) for 4 to 10 year olds as Harmony Learning Community at Awbury this fall. Registration opens in May. Please check back soon for details or email Katie at katherine@talkingsticklearningcenter.org with questions.

While Math Circle will not be held in conjunction with Talking Stick at this time, Rodi will continue to run classes and can be reached at rodi.steinig@gmail.com.