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Kay R. Alden
Head of Education Division
Instructor in Education
BS Bryn Athyn College, MA Academy of the New Church Theological School

267-502-2611
kay.alden@brynathyn.edu

Kay Alden has taught preschool through college. She edits the biannual publication New Church Teacher and actively supports New Church curriculum development, providing teacher support to schools in North America and Africa. She is particularly interested in the growth of New Church education in non-western cultures.

Allen J. Bedford
Head of Mathematics and Science Division
Associate Professor of Chemistry
BA Bryn Athyn College, MA, PhD Temple University

267-502-2567
allen.bedford@brynathyn.edu

Allen Bedford enjoys drawing his students into the tension between what we observe and how we understand those observations. The study of chemistry demands attention to observed fact while also constructing meaning in those facts so that we can understand phenomena well enough to predict outcomes in unfamiliar settings. Theory and observation create tension because the two constantly challenge each other. Dr. Bedford's research interests include exploring this tension between science and religion. He is also involved with the development, implementation, and assessment of the Core Program.

Suzanne V. Bernhardt
Assistant Professor of Humanities
BS Bryn Athyn College, MA Villanova University

Suzanne has been teaching literature and theater arts for 30 years in all educational settings - elementary,  high school and college,  including abroad.  Her primary passion is "Theater as Spiritual Practice,"  a practice she has been evolving for fourteen years while at Bryn Athyn College.  Her sabbatical this year takes her to Southeast Asia to study ancient ritual theater forms.

Fredrik Bryntesson
Assistant Professor of Biology
BA Bryn Athyn College, BSc University of Greenwich, PhD University College London

Fredrik Bryntesson is an Assistant Professor of Biology, focusing on molecular biology with a research background primarily in the DNA repair field. Currently, Fredrik is participating in a research project investigating the molecular biology of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with Dr. Rene Daniel and Johanna Smith at the Division of Infectious Diseases, Center for Human Virology, at Thomas Jefferson University. He has worked at Fox Chase Cancer Center as well. In addition to molecular biology, Fredrik is very interested in ornithology and plans to incorporate his expertise in genetics with ecological research. Fredrik also serves as the director for the men’s main residence hall on campus and has helped organize the music project “Bryn Athyn College Rocks.” He serves the community as a voluntary member of the Holy Redeemer Health System Institutional Review Board.

Hilary J. Bryntesson
Head of Athletics
Instructor in Physical Education
BEd University of Brighton

267-502-4819
hilary.bryntesson@brynathyn.edu

Hilary J. Bryntesson heads the Physical Education Department and serves as Athletic Director and Social Director. She taught and coached in high schools in England for many years before moving to the USA. She has a passion for running and a whole new interpretation of the phrase, “Run for your Life.” The highlight of her work is seeing the spirits of the students soar through physical exercise, dance, and sports.

Walter C. Childs III
Advisor to Business Interdisciplinary Major
Lecturer in Business
BA Oakland University, MBA Suffolk University

267-502-2558
walter.childs@brynathyn.edu

Walter Childs has had thirty years of multifunctional management experience working for both non-profit and profit entities. His background includes responsibilities in training, human resources, fund-raising, financial affairs, sales and marketing.  He also has twenty years of experience as an adjunct lecturer specializing in management theory, application, and practice.

Wendy Closterman
Head of History and Social Sciences Division
Associate Professor of History and Greek
BA Bryn Athyn College, PhD Johns Hopkins University

267-502-4849
wendy.closterman@brynathyn.edu

Wendy Closterman teaches ancient history and Biblical Greek and is the head of the history program. Her research focuses on the funerary practices, religion, and social history of ancient Greece. In her teaching, she explores what archaeology as well as textual evidence reveals about the ancient world.

Stephen D. Cole
Head of Religion Division
Assistant Professor of Religion and Philosophy
BS Bryn Athyn College, MDiv Academy of the New Church Theological School

267-502-2614
stephen.cole@brynathyn.edu

After more than 20 years as a pastor, Stephen Cole came to college teaching in 1999. His research interests lie in cognitive science and the philosophy of symbolic forms.

Robin Cooper
Instructor in English
BS College of New Jersey, MA Arcadia University

215-947-2004
robin@cairnwood.org

This year Robin Cooper is teaching Writing 202 and assistant coaching the men's soccer team. He also works as the Operations Manager of Cairnwood Mansion, just across the road from Bryn Athyn College. He enjoys all kinds of literature.

Sherri L. Cooper
Head of Biology Major
Associate Professor of Biology
BS Duke University, MS University of Delaware, PhD Johns Hopkins University

267-502-2554
sherri.cooper@brynathyn.edu

Sherri Cooper directs the biology program and teaches introductory biology, ecology, environmental science, limnology, marine biology and botany courses. Her research interests include paleoecology, diatoms, and coastal ecosystems. She has authored twenty publications, with ten in peer-reviewed journals. In the past few years, Dr. Cooper has been involved in paleoecological research of Long Island Sound, Puget Sound, and Kennebec Estuary. She is also involved in research and education at the local Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust.

Andrew M. T. Dibb, Dean of Theological School
Assistant Professor of Religion
BA Bryn Athyn College, MDiv Academy of the New Church Theological School, BTh, MTh, DTh University of South Africa

267-502-2582
andrew.dibb@ancts.org

Andrew Dibb came to the Bryn Athyn College in 2002 after serving as a pastor in Johannesburg, South Africa. He teaches religion and Christian church history, with special interest in seeing the doctrines of the New Church in the context of those of the Christian Church. In addition to teaching in the College, Dr. Dibb also teaches in the Masters of Divinity and Arts programs in Academy of the New Church Theological School. Recent areas of research include a history of the New Church in South Africa and a paper comparing the doctrines of Michael Servetus and Emanuel Swedenborg.

Scott I. Frazier
Instructor in Latin, Hebrew and Religion
BA Bryn Athyn College, MA Villanova University, MDiv Academy of the New Church Theological School

Scott Frazier specializes in theology as well as the sacred languages of the Word (Old Testament, New Testament, and the Writings of Emanuel Swedenborg). In addition to teaching Hebrew, Latin, and religion, Mr. Frazier works for the General Church of the New Jerusalem as a translator of Swedenborg's theological works. He is especially interested in the intersection of theology, ancient history, and popular culture.

"Go and wash in the Jordan seven times" (Elisha to Naaman, II Kings 5:10).

Thane Glenn
Instructor in English
BA Washington College, MA University of Pittsburgh, PhD Temple University

Thane Glenn specializes in the fields of rhetoric and composition, and late medieval/early modern literature.  He is particularly interested in the effect of the intangible elements of language in communication—the spirit within the words we read, write, and speak.

Edward Gyllenhaal
Curator of Glencairn Museum
BA Bryn Athyn College, MA University of Pennsylvania

Martha Gyllenhaal
Head of Humanities and Fine Arts Division
Assistant Professor of Art
BFA Carnegie-Mellon University, MA Temple University

267-502-2569
martha.gyllenhaal@brynathyn.edu

Martha Gyllenhaal, head of the Humanities /Fine Arts Division, is a painter and art historian who teaches in both areas and likes integrating them. She enjoys using the art collections in the Glencairn Museum to enhance her classes. Her course Topics in Twentieth-Century Architecture: Bryn Athyn Cathedral meets on site and examines the process of making that magnificent structure. She has lived and traveled extensively in Europe and encourages her students to plan their own Grand Tours. Her passion is 17th century Dutch art. She is currently writing a dissertation on Rembrandt.

Brian D. Henderson
Associate Dean of Student Affairs
Assistant Professor of History
BA Pennsylvania State University, MA Villanova University

267-502-4890
brian.henderson@brynathyn.edu

As Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Brian Henderson works closely with the residence life staff and advises student government. In the classroom, he loves to share his passion for early American history and to challenge students to consider the place of religion in history. His current research focuses on the early history of the local Bryn Athyn community, including co-authoring a video on the history of Glencairn Museum.

Kristin King
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Head of English Major
Associate Professor of English
BA College of William and Mary, MA, PhD Boston University

267-502-2537
kristin.king@brynathyn.edu

Kristin King teaches literature and writing, oversees academic programs, and advises the English major. She specializes in the 19th century, Shakespeare, and the novel. Her research carries her into textual analyses of all sorts, from slave narratives to sacred texts. Lately she is absorbed by gardens - literal and literary.

"Much is published, but little printed....No method nor discipline can supersede the necessity of being forever on the alert." (Thoreau)

Sean B. Lawing
Director of Admissions
Instructor in German
BA University of North Carolina – Charlotte, MA University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

267-502-2798
sean.lawing@brynathyn.edu

Charles W. Lindsay, Dean
Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Economics
BA Lafayette College, MEd Lehigh University, PhD University of Pennsylvania

Professional Organizations: American Association for Higher Education, Association for the Study of Higher Education, Council of Independent Colleges

Favorite Subjects: Student Choice-Behavior, Higher Education Finance, Regression Analysis

"Teaching is the most rewarding part of my day, since one never knows what insight or inspiration students will bring to class. My courses are designed to challenge students to test their assumptions and preconceived ideas so that they can begin moving from a faith based on habit or tradition to one built on personal conviction. Finding the synergy of enlightenment and effort, of the sacred and service, of wisdom and work, is what higher education is all about."

"I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow-creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."  (Stephen Grellet)

Robin B. Morey
Lecturer in Education
BS Bryn Athyn College, MS Beaver College (now Arcadia University)

Robin Morey teaches first grade at Bryn Athyn Elementary School with particular devotion to the skills and concepts of early reading and math. She has developed a management style that incorporates the teachings from the New Church into the classroom. She mentors new teachers and travels to a variety of New Church schools to give advice and support.

Grant Odhner
Instructor in Theology
BS State University of New York-Plattsburgh, MDiv Academy of the New Church Theological School

Grant Odhner, currently on the faculty of the Theological School, brings to his teaching many years of experience as a pastor. One of his pastorates placed him as headmaster of a church elementary school, giving him the opportunity of teaching religion and doing curricular work related to it. His "first love" is the beautiful theology of the New Church, which names and describes a God whose love and goal are simple and compelling, and whose wisdom in approaching these goals is unassailably reasonable, to those willing to consider with the eyes of faith. He feels privileged to teach a course on this God, "The Doctrine of the Lord." Another love that creeps into everything he does is that of nature and natural history.

Walter E. Orthwein
Assistant Professor of Religion
BA University of Missouri, MDiv Andover-Newton Theological School

Walter E. Orthwein came to Bryn Athyn College in 1990 after 13 years as a pastor of the Oak Arbor New Church in Troy and then Oakland Township, Michigan.  He continues as an assistant professor of religion in the College, teaches in the Theological School, and serves as visiting pastor to the Central Pennsylvania New Church Group.

Nina Phillips
Lecturer in Education
BA Pennsylvania State University, MS Bridgeport University

“ Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.” (William Butler Yeats)

Eugene R. Potapov
Assistant Professor of Biology
MSc University of Leningrad, DPhil University of Oxford

Jill H. Rogers
Instructor in Education
BS Bryn Athyn College, MA Academy of the New Church Theological School

Presently assistant director of the General Church Office of Education, General Church Schools curriculum coordinator and team leader of General Church religion lesson development for the introductory through sixth level.

Prescott A. Rogers
Assistant Professor of Religion
BA Franklin and Marshall College, MDiv Academy of the New Church Theological School, MA Temple University

Amanda Rogers-Petro
Instructor in English
BA Macalester College, MFA University of Michigan

In addition to teaching poetry and creative writing, Amanda Rogers-Petro has been the director or assistant director for many of the college theatrical productions. Her poetry and short stories have appeared in various magazines and literary journals.

D. Greg Rose
Head of Academic Advising
Assistant Professor of History and Political Science
BA Bryn Athyn College, MA US Naval Postgraduate School, PhD University of Pittsburgh

267-502-2516
greg.rose@brynathyn.edu

Greg Rose teaches history, political science, and a religion course on Islam. Formerly a Middle East specialist for the U.S. Air Force and a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Dr. Rose's research interests are Islamism and democratization.

"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically." (Martin Luther King, Jr.)

Brenda Rydstrom
Instructor in Education
BA Secondary Education University of Arizona, MS Special Education Holy Family University

After teaching high school in Tucson, Brenda Rydstrom joined the staff of the Bryn Athyn Church School, where she taught a variety of subjects and grade levels for15 years. In additon to teaching, she tutors children with special needs. She currently supports students with learning challenges in the fifth grade at the School Lane Charter School in Bensalem.

Brian Schnarr
Assistant Professor of Economics and History
BA, MA, MPhil, University of Waterloo

Brian Schnarr is particularly interested in the education of the heart and the integration of the body, mind, and soul. He focuses on experiential and student-directed learning, both in the classroom and as faculty advisor for the college service-learning club CARE (Charity, Action, Responsibility, Experience).

Ray J. Silverman, Chaplain
Assistant Professor of Religion
BA St. Lawrence University, MDiv Academy of the New Church Theological School, MAT Wesleyan University, PhD University of Michigan

267-502-2519
ray.silverman@brynathyn.edu

Ray Silverman serves as college chaplain and assistant professor of religion. He is the editor/reviser of Helen Keller's Light in My Darkness (1994, 2000), and has co-authored with his wife, Star, Rise Above It: Spiritual Development through the Ten Commandments (2000, 2005). In addition, he has published over twenty articles, including a study of James Joyce's Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man, and The Anti-Sectarianism of Henry James, Sr. Ray is a Fellow in the Institute for Transforming Undergraduate Education (University of Delaware).

Neil Simonetti
Associate Professor of Computer Science and Mathematics
BA Virginia Polytechnic Institute, MS, PhD Carnegie Mellon University

Neil Simonetti teaches mathematics and computer science. His research centers around a dynamic programming algorithm for the Traveling Salesman Problem, a classic problem in the field of combinatorial optimization, with applications ranging from scheduling to vehicle routing. When not knee-deep in numbers and code, he enjoys playing music (piano, organ, guitar, and recorder) for worship services and driving busloads of college students across the country to support the service learning program. Be sure to ask him about his root beer can collection.

Neil Simonetti's Traveling Salesman Problem Page

Christopher W.  Simons
Music Instructor
BMus Boston University, MMus Temple University

Chris Simons has taught music for more than 35 years at all education levels. He works with the Bryn Athyn Cathedral choir and the numerous ensembles that sing at other worship services.  Chris also plays tuba with the Bryn Athyn Cathedral Brass and is the founder and director of the men’s a cappella group The Sons of Art. He loves to garden, backpack, ride horseback through the Pennypack woods, and spend time at home with his wife, Gail, and their three cats.

Dan A. Synnestvedt
Associate Professor of Philosophy
BA Bryn Athyn College, MA Bowling Green State University, PhD Temple University

267-502-2503
dan.synnestvedt@brynathyn.edu

What began as a personal quest for The Truth in college led "Dr. Dan" into philosophy. He edited the book Faith and Learning at Bryn Athyn College (2004) while contributing a chapter to it entitled "Philosophy: Friend or Foe of Faith?" His article on happiness was recently published by the Swedenborg Scientific Association in its journal The New Philosophy. Glencairn Museum trips to Greece and Italy have increased his appreciation of ancient Greek and Roman philosophy. He is currently conducting research on naturalism for a paper to be presented at a conference on The Last Judgment. When not lost in thought, he can be found in the garden.

Edith van Zyverden
Lecturer in Psychology
Director of Grant Hall
BA Bryn Athyn College, MS Chestnut Hill College

As the director of Grant Hall (women’s residence hall) since 1996, Edith enjoys living, working, and playing with her residents, as well as teaching psychology. Her areas of expertise are childhood trauma and neuropsychology. She is particularly interested in New Church perspectives on the protection and healing of the mind and spirit. A private practice therapist, Edith also volunteers on committees that address sexual abuse prevention, healing, and education.

Meg M. Walker
Instructor in Intermediate Spanish
BA University of Pennsylvania, JD Villanova University School of Law

267-502-2629
meg.walker@ancss.org

Meg Walker is a part-time instructor of intermediate Spanish. She has studied in Mexico, Spain, and Ecuador. Her frequent travels have taken her throughout the Spanish-speaking world and allowed her to combine her interest in language with her love of history. Her primary goal as an educator is to promote similar affections in her students so that they can experience the delight of interacting with people of other cultural backgrounds and, in turn, learn more about themselves.

Soni Werner
Advisor to Psychology Interdisciplinary Major
Assistant Professor of Education and Psychology
BA West Connecticut State University, MS, PhD Iowa State University

267-502-2502
soni.werner@brynathyn.edu

Soni Werner teaches psychology, education, and leadership, directs the internship program, and offers career counseling to students. Her special areas of interest are early childhood education, child abuse intervention, moral and spiritual development, social psychology, human resource management, service learning, women's roles in society, and the new synthesis of theology and psychology called positive psychology. She has also studied the history of psychology with a focus on Swedenborgian influences, especially William James and his connection to the 12-step program and mental health.

"To live for others is to perform uses. There are spiritual uses...moral and civil uses...natural uses...and uses of the body....All these uses...follow in order one after the other." (Emanuel Swedenborg, Conjugial Love #18)

Jane K. Williams-Hogan
Professor of Sociology and History
Carpenter Chair of Church History
BA, MA, PhD University of Pennsylvania 

267-502-2501
jane.williams-hogan@brynathyn.edu

Jane Williams-Hogan is enthusiastic about thinking, reflecting, analyzing, writing, teaching, and presenting. Trained as a sociologist, she loves to use sociology in an historical context. She is committed to sharing Swedenborgian perspectives by presenting papers and talks in a variety of academic venues, and through her many articles on Swedenborg and Swedenborgianism. She enjoys teaching innovative project courses and creating a new appreciation of Swedenborg and the 18th century for her students, as well as the broader community, especially those interested in spirituality. She is currently writing a biography of Swedenborg, to be called Emanuel Swedenborg: Modern Revelator of Soul and Psyche (forthcoming 2009).

“The only question of importance to us is: What shall we do, and how shall we live?”  (Max Weber, “Science as a Vocation”)