EDUCATION

Masters Degree in Special Education, West Chester University
Bachelors Degree in Speech Communications & Theatre, West Chester University
Principal Certification, Immaculata University
Special Education Supervisory Certification, Immaculata University

​

Where are you from?

I'm a Delco girl from Aston Township and my fantasy football name is Philly Cirillo!

​

What brought you to CASA?

I wanted the last stretch of my building level educational journey to end in a school that valued innovation and student/staff belonging and where I could combine my two careers as a 12 year professional radio broadcaster and a 25 year educator. My desire is to support both teachers and students so they can achieve their goals and feed their passions in a school that I which I had the opportunity to attend when I was a high school student. 

 

Where did you work and what was your role prior to coming to CASA?

Interim Assistant Principal & Exceptional Student Specialist - School District of Lancaster (elementary level)
Reading Specialist - Harrisburg School District (middle & high school level)
Lead Learning Support Teacher - Collegium Charter School & Unionville Chadds Ford School District (elementary level) 

 

What is your connection to the arts? How are you an artist?

I was passionate about music as a teenager, got my first job as a snack bar attendant and a disc jockey at a skating rink and then landed my first professional broadcasting position at WQIQ radio at 18 years of age while a freshman at West Chester University. I interned at WMGK/WPEN and worked my way up from small market (WCZN) to major market radio (WKSZ). After having my twin daughters, I returned to graduate school to obtain a Masters in Special Education, had another daughter and began hosting my radio program from my home in the mid 1990s before teaching special education full-time when my youngest child started kindergarten. 

​

What do you hope will be your impact on our school community, students, and culture?

I hope to bring positive energy and a sense of belonging and inclusion for all students. My desire is to serve, support, encourage and engage our teachers, students and school community, so that our high schoolers can continue to develop their skills and passions in order to prepare for and forge their post graduation pathways. I want our students to move on from CASA and contribute to society in positive ways remembering the lessons and the love they learned and felt in this innovative school. 

​

What advice do you have for our students?

I would advise our students to take risks and try something new this year. As someone who chose education as a second career after broadcasting, I know firsthand that our paths can change over time, but if students takes risks and try new things, they will develop a variety of skills that can help them in any occupation or passion they choose to pursue whether it be right out of high school or further down the road. Take risks and do not be afraid to make mistakes because mistake-making is where the learning occurs.

​

Where do you live currently?  

Hershey, PA

​

Who is in your immediate family?

Sandee - Spouse
Kaitlin - daughter  
Kierstin - daughter 
Samantha - daughter  
Jaden - son 

What are your favorite hobbies/activities?

Kayaking, hiking, reading, nature, photographing birds, frisbee golf and watching crime stories on television.

​

Fun facts about Mrs. Cirillo:

I once sold my life story rights for development of a television sitcom and I am currently in the process of starting my own media company for which I plan to host and produce an educational podcast set to launch by the summer of 2024.  

​