By Sean Scott (Editor-in-Chief ‘25)
Sara Abramson
Please welcome Sara Abramson, the newest addition to the history department. Ms. Abramson went to high school right around the corner at Barrack Hebrew Academy and later earned her bachelor's degree in psychology and education from Vassar College. After graduation, she spent a year in Washington D.C. with Avodah, the Jewish Service Corps, where she worked at Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter High School and realized that she wanted to be a history teacher. The following year, she moved to Boston to be an apprentice teacher at Shady Hill School while she worked on her Master of Education from Lesley University. She then taught at Moorestown Friends for four years and loved working
at a Quaker school, but she didn't love commuting to New Jersey. She was looking to teach closer to home and was excited to see an opening for a teaching position at FCS. She shared, “Right from my initial interview with Lee [Payton] and Jim [Rosengarten], I could tell the school and its community were nurturing, intellectually curious, and committed to justice – exactly what I was looking for in an academic environment!” After being part of the school community for a few months, she loves that so many people are willing to answer her questions, of which she has many. The supportive environment has made sure she has never felt silly for being new or still getting accustomed to the school. Outside of school, Ms. Abramson is a close follower of gymnastics, both elite and NCAA (she was a gymnast growing up). She also likes to run, cook, read, and play with her dog, Andy, named after Andy Dwyer from Parks and Rec.
Antonio Calvo
Please welcome Antonio Calvo, a Spanish teacher in the world language department. Señor Calvo studied Hispanic philology (i.e., the study of the Spanish language and
literature) at the University of Carnada in southern Spain, and he is an expert of literature from the Hispanic world. He also earned his master’s degree in teaching Spanish at the University of Antonio de Nebrija in Madrid. He was most recently a Spanish teacher at Penn Charter for 17 years, and before that, he taught in Spain and in New York. Feeling that he could use a change of scenery and the chance to meet new people, and already knowing Ms. Beth and some of his colleagues that came to FCS from Penn Charter last year, he felt that FCS would be a great place to go next. He remarked that the students have been very warm and welcoming to him, and he appreciates their kindness. His main hobbies are reading and hiking. He loves long hikes in Wissahickon Park, and he used to take time in the summers to walk with his children in northern Spain, on the over 500 miles of the Camino de Santiago. The walk is a famous pilgrimage that people have been doing since the Middle Ages for a variety of spiritual and environmental reasons. Señor Calvo highly recommends it!
Tyler Clauson-Wolf
Please welcome Tyler Clauson-Wolf, our new Associate Director of College Counseling. Growing up, he attended Quaker schools including GFS for high school. After spending one year at Temple University, he realized he was better suited for a smaller liberal arts college experience. He transferred to Dickinson College where he graduated with a degree in American studies and a minor in film studies. He was also a four-year member of the baseball program. Mr. Clauson-Wolf had actually worked at FCS before, during his first two years after graduating college, assisting first grade classes, teaching physical education, and directing an after school program in Center City. On the Upper
School campus, he coached varsity baseball, along with middle school A basketball and some middle school soccer. Having enjoyed his experience with the community during those years, he wanted to come back when the opportunity arose. He reflected, “Quaker communities do the best job I've encountered with trying to create open, welcoming, and supportive environments, and I enjoy being a part of that.” Having most recently come from working in admissions at Haverford College, he enjoys working with students pursuing their passions on the other side of the college process. Mr. Clauson-Wolf is a massive Philadelphia sports fan. If he is not at the game for his beloved Phillies, Sixers, or Eagles, he is probably watching on television with a big group of friends. He still enjoys playing sports, as well, and though he was a college baseball player, his favorite sport to play now is basketball. He also loves all things comedy-related (his favorite comedian is Mike Birbiglia), and he believes that laughter and jokes keep humans connected and happy.
Libby Fifer ‘09
Please welcome Libby Fifer, a French teacher in the world languages department. She was a lifer at FCS and graduated in 2009. She then attended Wheaton College in Massachusetts where she double majored in art history and French studies. As a junior, Ms. Fifer spent a little over a year studying at the Sorbonne in Paris. After college, she worked in environmental conservation and education, but she decided to go back to school to become a teacher. Ms. Fifer earned her masters in world language education at Temple. She was very excited to come back to teach at FCS, a place she cherished as a student. There are still many teachers here that taught her or worked with her in some other capacity. She shared
that she was one of those alums who missed having Quaker meeting when she left FCS and decided to attend meetings on Sundays. Having worked at a non-Quaker school for years before this, she wanted to experience what it was like to be a teacher at a place grounded in Quaker values. She loves the community of faculty/staff and students and appreciates the positive vibes. Ms. Fifer loves to bake, and she bakes bread every week. She also visits museums quite often, reads about art and art history, and enjoys walking and watching movies. The Fifer family has been very involved in FCS over the years. A fun fact that she shared is that since both of her parents worked at FCS and both of her siblings attended FCS (‘96), there has been a Fifer at FCS every year since 1981!
Sarah Gold
Please welcome Sarah Gold, a new math teacher. They have a bachelor's degree in mathematics and linguistics from Haverford College. They are happy to be at FCS for their first year as a teacher. When they were interviewed, they were struck by the relationships that students had with teachers. They said, “It seemed like there was a strong culture of
asking for help, seeking support, and generally being in community across students, faculty, and staff, which I really appreciated.” They have enjoyed getting to know the student body at FCS, and it has been awesome for them to hear about what students are doing outside of school, whether it be arts, sports, or other extracurriculars. Their hobbies include knitting, rock climbing, seeing theater, and baking.
Qil Jones ‘13
Please welcome Qil Jones ‘13, the newest design teacher in the CID. After graduating FCS, they earned their bachelor’s in science in product design at Drexel University, where they later taught several design courses as an adjunct professor. They decided to teach at FCS because of the opportunity to work in a wisely-equipped makerspace environment located on a diverse & inclusive Quaker school campus. They reflected, “As a Black trans design teacher, these traits of an academic setting are precious to me because of how they enable me to purposefully – and authentically – participate in learning experiences.” With regards to being a graduate who has come back to teach, they said that it is like catching up with an
old Friend after a decade of being apart. In light of having plenty to reminisce about (including some of their track & field records!), they find themself resisting the urge to say “Back in my day…” phrases to students on a regular basis. They also feel honored to be a teacher among the other teachers at FCS, some of whom were their teachers here. With regards to hobbies, Qil is a metalsmith, making metal body tools through a practice they call “facecrafting.” They also play several instruments including the kora, mbira, ngoni, and banjo. They occasionally run for fun and enjoy taking pictures with their early 2000s digital point and shoot camera. Qil is always happy for people to stop by the CID and say hello! They may have a quest or two for those seeking craft glory.
Kimberly Lewis
Please welcome Kimberly Lewis, our new Co-Director of College Counseling. Ms. Lewis earned her bachelor's degree in English from Immaculata College and her master’s in communications from Drexel University. After spending almost 20 years working in college admissions, she decided to transition to college counseling. Regarding this, she shared, “FCS is a great place to build relationships with students and help them navigate
their college search. FCS has such wonderful energy. It's exciting to be at a school that has strong values and a supportive community.” Ms. Lewis has also particularly enjoyed Meeting for Worship and getting to know the seniors over the past few months. She finds helping them through the college process to be very rewarding. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, tackling house projects, baking, and playing with her 13-year-old rescue dog, Mack.
Noah Marks
Please welcome Noah Marks, our newest Upper School physics teacher. Mr. Marks earned his bachelor's degree in physics from the University of Pittsburgh. After that, he completed a master's program in education at The College of New Jersey. He wanted to teach at FCS because he felt drawn towards the emphasis on community and
understanding. He also thought that the science department faculty were quite friendly! You can find him on the lowest floor of the FCC, and although his room can be devoid of natural light, he still loves the space. In his free time, he enjoys running and watching movies.
Madeleine O’Donnell
Please welcome Madeleine O’Donnell, the new Director of Library and Information Resources. Ms. O’Donnell attended NYU and earned her BA in journalism. She then attended the University of Pittsburgh where she earned her MLIS. She moved to the
Philadelphia area this past summer to be closer to family and was very excited about the opportunity to work at FCS. She was impressed with the students and faculty she met, as well as the wealth of resources available to the community. Outside of school, she enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.
Adrianna Savarese
Please welcome Adrianna Savarese, the interim learning specialist. Ms. Savarese earned her bachelor's degree in English and psychology at Fordham University. During her time as an undergraduate, she was drawn to pursuing a career in education that could also incorporate her desire to support learning and mental health. Following this, she pursued a master's degree in school and mental health counseling from the University of Pennsylvania. When describing her decision to work at FCS, she shared that she has always been impressed by the community and intrigued by the Quaker spirit at FCS. With a
background in school counseling, she was motivated by the opportunity to work with students and colleagues as a learning specialist in an environment that stresses both academic achievement and holistic well-being. She has very much enjoyed being around the student body. She shared, “The students at FCS are impressive: dedicated to their studies, kind and thoughtful to one another, respectful, and inspired to impact meaningful change. It has been such a joy getting to know Friends' Central students and learning about all they do.” In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Yao Yang
Please welcome Yao Yang, our Coordinator of International Student Education and Programs. She has a B.A. in education and an M.A. in foreign linguistics and applied linguistics. After more than ten years of teaching experience, Ms. Yang has found that she genuinely enjoys being with students, and she is continually inspired by their sincerity and
creativity. She has a strong passion for education and working with students, and she appreciates how she is able to continue pursuing this passion at FCS. A highlight for her is the variety of student activities such as assemblies, clubs, drama productions, service days, etc. She shared, “The creativity and passion for these activities is boundless and can be felt every day.” In her free time, she enjoys playing piano and reading books. Along with this, she also enjoys baking and traveling.
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