At Bellwood, we emphasize learning through individual discovery and creative play.
Our experienced, caring teachers instill a love of learning in our students—right from the start.
Melissa Nelson (Director)—Melissa has a BA in biology from Bucknell University and an MS in microbiology from the University of Rochester. After becoming a mother, her focus shifted to empowering her children to become the best versions of themselves, which led to finding Bellwood Preschool. While her 3 children attended Bellwood, Melissa served in many roles, including Board President, KidStuff Sale Coordinator, and Yearbook Coordinator. Only a few years after her youngest child entered elementary school, Melissa found herself back at Bellwood—this time as the Registrar. Having explored professional work in scientific and medical writing and copyediting, Melissa realized that no work was as fulfilling as her time with Bellwood, so she is thrilled to be back again, this time as Director. Bellwood will always feel like home, and Melissa (and all the Nelsons!) are excited to be a part of this very special place that helps children to not only discover the joy of learning, but also (what originally attracted her to Bellwood as a new mother) empower them to become the best versions of themselves.
SUSAN FLANDERS (Assistant Director, Lead AM Teacher)—Susan is certified in Elementary Education and as a Reading Specialist. She was employed for 12 years by the Quaker Valley School District, where she taught kindergarten, first grade, and second grade. Susan is married to Ron, and they have three daughters: Katie, Grace, and Emma. Susan and her family joined the Bellwood family when her daughters attended Bellwood. Before joining Bellwood as a teacher, Susan was a guest reader countless times, often acted as a substitute teacher, and served as Publicity Chairperson on the Parent Board. Susan happily spends most of her time at Bellwood preparing our K-Kids for their next big experience in kindergarten!
EMILY MOSCHITTA (Lead PM Teacher)—Emily has a BS in Secondary Education/English from Edinboro University. She also holds a private school certification for grades K–12. She taught at McEwan Open School in Shadyside from 1992–1998 and at Sewickley Academy from 1998–2009. She is a certified personal trainer who specializes in prenatal/postpartum exercise design. Emily is a Bellwood alum and is thrilled to be back as a part of the staff. She and her husband, John, live in Wexford with their two children, Johnny D. and Tommy. She is looking forward to a wonderful year!
SHARON ABRAHAM (Teacher)—Sharon has a BS in Elementary Education, with a Master’s Internship in Teaching from the University of Pittsburgh. She taught for five years at the Community Day School in Squirrel Hill and one year at the Keshet Preschool in Atlanta, GA. She was a Bellwood mom, Board Secretary, and Book Club/Book Sale coordinator while her children were here. She lives in Sewickley in the midst of five wooded acres (you’ll never find her!) with her husband, Bill; their children, Austin, Blair, and Grant; and their dogs, Ruby and Bean. She has a passion for children, gardening, decorating, and travel, in that order. Sharon is a master storyteller. She keeps the children spellbound as she shares her love of children's literature.
BRANDON NEIMAN (Teacher)—Brandon is certified in elementary and early childhood education. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in education with a minor in creative arts from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Since 2006, she has taught kindergarten for Kalamazoo Public Schools in Michigan and Young Scholars Charter School in State College, Pennsylvania. She has also been the lead preschool teacher at a private school and for Head Start. Brandon is married to Matt, and they have two children, Harper and Reid. Before coming on as a Bellwood teacher, she often helped out in the classroom and subbed for some of the teachers, as well as serving as a co-chair of Publicity and Communications on the Bellwood Parent Board. Brandon loves traveling with her family, being outside, and is especially fond of teaching art and science to small people.
DENISE SOBEHART (Teacher)—Denise has a BS and MS of Education in Speech and Language Pathology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She also holds a PA teaching certificate in Speech and Language Impaired for grades K–12. Prior to coming to Bellwood, Denise worked in San Diego and Pittsburgh as a speech/language pathologist at the preschool, elementary, and high school levels. She fell in love with Bellwood when her two daughters attended school here. Denise lives in Franklin Park with her husband, Bob, and her two daughters, Emily and Allison. She enjoys hiking with her family, snapping pictures with her newfound photography passion, exploring children’s literature with her daughters, and reading the latest and greatest best sellers.
BECKY SUNDERLIN (Teacher)—Becky has a BS and MS of Education in Speech and Language Pathology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She has provided speech and language services in a variety of educational settings including elementary and secondary levels, as well as in a private setting devoted to children with intellectual and behavioral challenges. In addition, she has also provided speech services to diverse populations in skilled nursing facilities. Becky has served on the Bellwood Board and has often acted as a substitute while two of her three daughters attended. Becky lives in Franklin Park with her husband, Shawn, and their three daughters. As a family, they enjoy many outdoor activities including kayaking, hiking, and gardening.
DIANE MARUNCZAK (Teacher)—Diane has a BS in Child Development/Family Relations from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and started her career in a local daycare program. After the birth of her first daughter, Diane became a stay-at-home mom, where she poured her energy into the caretaking of her two girls, Kailyn and Emily. During her years as a SAHM, Diane spent a great deal of time researching and gaining an understanding of children with food allergies and even authored a children's book, "ABC, Is that Safe for Me?". She has also been an active volunteer in her daughters' elementary school where she is co-chair of both the Staff Appreciation Committee and Yearbook Committee in addition to volunteering in the classroom any opportunity she gets. Diane is excited to return to teaching younger children and immediately knew that Bellwood would be a great fit for her skillset and enthusiasm. Diane resides in Wexford with her husband, daughters, and two guinea pigs. She enjoys going on family walks and outings, getting coffee with friends, and spending time with her parents.
DAN DAUGHERTY (Teacher) — Dan’s four children (Mady, Amara, Lily, and Coen) all attended Bellwood and he and his wife, Erin, fell in love with both the school and the environment. Dan has a Master’s Degree in Teaching (K–8) from the University of Pittsburgh and before that earned a B.A. in Communications (Film & Video) from Penn State University. Dan has 6 years of experience teaching public school grades 1, 2, and 3 in Pennsylvania (Penn Trafford) and Maryland (Prince Georges County). He and his family live in Franklin Park and can usually be found at the many surrounding ballfields and swimming pools cheering on the kiddos. Before joining Bellwood, Dan filled in as a substitute and also worked during enrichment camps.
MICHELLE O'KEEFE (Teacher) - Michelle has a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design with a concentration in Mathematics. Directly following she obtained her Master of Arts in Teaching. She is certified in Elementary Education, Special Education N-12, and Mathematics K-12. She taught for over 10 years between Burrell High School and Shaler Middle School. Michelle is married to Sean, and they have three children together: Aidan, Grayson, and Nora. She loves spending time with her family, exploring outdoor activities, teaching math and art.
TONI KAINAROI (Enrichment Teacher)—Toni attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh where she earned a fine arts degree in Visual Communications. Realizing the dramatic effect art can have on children and adults with disabilities, Toni returned to school to pursue a degree in Art Therapy from Carlow College. She lives in Ingomar with her husband Mike and children Zoe, Sophia, and Samuel. The family also has two dogs, Max and Coolie, plus assorted turtles, fish, and whatever else wanders into the house. While raising her family, she did freelance graphic design from her home for Mt. Lebanon Magazine and SAE in Warrendale. She was very active as a parent volunteer in the Ingomar Elementary School. Toni Joined Bellwood following daughter Sophia’s Bellwood experience. The children respond to the warm and sincere way she communicates with them and enjoy her creative approach to learning.
DAN HILL (Assistant Teacher)—Dan has been with Bellwood for 40 years! Dan has an associate degree in Early Childhood Education from CCAC. He has enjoyed working with the children at Bellwood and is especially helpful in the Gross Motor Room. Coaching baseball and basketball for the Challenger League of Ingomar/Franklin Park Athletic Association has been one of Dan’s passions for many years. Dan enjoys gardening, making his own greeting cards, and is an avid runner.
ALYSSA KLEYSTEUBER (Preschool Aide Volunteer)—Alyssa loves kids and they love her! She graduated from North Allegheny High School and attended A.W. Beattie Technical School where she received an advanced certificate in the culinary arts. Her passions include building jigsaw puzzles, cats, cooking, art, bowling, computers, music, movies, and reading. She also enjoys attending the Baierl YMCA for various activities, having fun with her friends, volunteering at Animal Friends, and family events. Alyssa has an older sister, Shelly, and lives in McCandless with her mom.