Leadership

Dr. Gregory Martin
Head of School

Greg began his career at the college level, but quickly discovered a love of working with younger students as an English instructor at St. Ursula Academy in Cincinnati. He has spent the last thirty years in independent schools, serving in a wide range of roles, including All-School Academic Dean at Cincinnati Country Day School, Upper School Head at La Jolla Country Day School, and Assistant Head of School at The Ranney School. During that time, Greg has launched learning support programs, directed PK-12 pedagogical growth and development programs for faculty and staff, and overseen significant enrollment growth. He holds a B.A. from Miami University, a M.A. from The University of Alabama, a Ph.D. in English Literature from Kent State University, and certificates in college counseling and nonprofit management. Greg does everything from baking bread to playing the guitar and enjoys spending time with his family: his wife Courtney Byrne, their three college-aged children, and their puppy Reggie.

Shauna Betof
Chief Advancement Officer

MaryBeth Spencer
Chief Educational Officer

MaryBeth taught history, Wilson^®, reading, and science in grades 6-8  at Woodlynde for 13 years until transitioning to the role of Head of Middle School in 2021. She holds a B.A. from Bryn Mawr College, a M.S.Ed. from the University of Pennsylvania, a M.S. in Special Education and Autism Spectrum Disorders from St. Joseph’s University, and is a certified reading specialist and Wilson^® Dyslexia Practitioner. Mrs. Spencer is an avid crafter, reader and history enthusiast. She lives in Havertown with her son and a menagerie of pets.

Jennifer Miles
Upper School Division Head

Abraham Prontnicki
Lower School Division Head

Abraham began his career at Woodlynde in 2012 as a Middle and Upper School Science Teacher. He was appointed Director of Student Support for Lower School in 2019 and his current position as Lower School Head in 2021. He holds a B.S. in Biology Education from West Chester University and a B.S. in Business from Penn State University. Abraham currently resides in Philadelphia with his wife and two children.

Jason Hoffman
Director of College Guidance

Jason came to Woodlynde in 2012 and served as a building substitute and an Upper School English teacher before becoming the Director of College Guidance in 2015. Prior to Woodlynde, he taught English and language arts in the North Penn School District. Jason is a graduate of Bloomsburg University.

Gabriel Robison
Director of Athletics

Gabriel began his career at Woodlynde in 2012 as an Upper School History Teacher and coach. After years of coaching volleyball, basketball, golf, and bowling he transitioned in the Director of Athletics role in 2021. He holds a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education Social Studies from Elizabethtown College and a masters degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University, Irvine. He lives with his wife and dog in Philadelphia. 

Irene van Zijl
Director of Finance

Irene has worked at Woodlynde since 1992. A native of Scotland, Irene received her education in South Africa. She and her husband also lived in Tehran and London before moving to the United States, where she worked in an insurance company prior to joining the Woodlynde commmunity. Irene and her husband currently reside in Malvern.

Penny Moldofsky
Director of The Literacy Institute

Penny has been a teacher and administrator at Woodlynde School for over 30 years. She received both her B.S. and M.S. in education from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a Pennsylvania Certified Reading Specialist, holds a Wilson Reading System^® Level II Certification, and is a Wilson^® Dyslexia Therapist and Wilson^® Credentialed Trainer. Penny has served on the board of the Pennsylvania Branch of International Dyslexia Association and has been active in education for over 50 years with over 40 of those years being a PA certified Level II Reading Specialist. Penny currently resides in Paoli.