Bryn Athyn College Faculty - Bryn Athyn College: Spiritual by Choice, Small by Design

"Faculty value students for who they are, and who they can become. Through rigorous academics and individual support faculty challenge and mentor students, helping them develop their talents and the confidence to use them well.

– Kristin King, PhD, Associate Professor of English

Bryn Athyn faculty are an impressive group. They are published authors, noted researchers, spiritual leaders, talented artists, and above all role models and mentors. Students say that professors are accessible, approachable, and passionate about their subjects.

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Alden, Kay R., Assistant Professor of Education

B.S. Bryn Athyn College, M.A. Academy of the New Church Theological School
267-502-2611, kay.alden@brynathyn.edu

Ms. Alden has taught for many years, serving in classrooms from preschool age 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, Justin C., Lecturer in Business Law

B.S. University of Arizona, B.S., M.S. Hahnemann University School of Medicine, J.D. Rutgers School of Law
Bedford, Dr. Allen J., Associate Professor of Chemistry, Director of Institutional Outcomes and Assessment

B.A. Bryn Athyn College, M.A. & Ph.D. Temple University
267-502-2567, allen.bedford@brynathyn.edu

Dr. 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 at Bryn Athyn.
Bernhardt, Suzanne V., Assistant Professor of Humanities

B.S. Bryn Athyn College, M.A. Villanova University
267-502-2588, suzanne.bernhardt@brynathyn.edu

Ms. Bernhardt has taught literature and theater arts for 30 years in all educational settings—elementary, high school, and college, as well as abroad. Her primary passion is "Theater as Spiritual Practice," a practice she has been evolving for 14 years while at Bryn Athyn College. Ms. Bernhardt recently returned from a sabbatical in Southeast Asia, where she studied ancient ritual theater forms.
Bongers, Caira B., Lecturer in Mathematics

B.A. Bryn Athyn College, M.S. Drexel University
Bongers, Garth F., Lecturer in Computer Science

B.A. Bryn Athyn College
Bostock, Jessica, Instructor in Dance and Physical Education

B.A. Temple University
267-502-4518, jessica.bostock@brynathyn.edu

After running her own dance studio for many years, Ms. Bostock came to Bryn Athyn College as a dance instructor and choreographer. She teaches many forms of dance, from tap to modern, from ballet to hip-hop. Ms. Bostock serves as choreographer for theatrical productions and directs the Dance Ensemble.
Bryntesson, Dr. A. Fredrik, Assistant Professor of Biology, Director of Childs Hall

B.A. Bryn Athyn College, B.Sc. University of Greenwich, Ph.D. University College London
267-502-2685, fredrik.bryntesson@brynathyn.edu

Dr. Bryntesson is an assistant professor of biology, focusing on molecular biology with a research background primarily in the DNA repair field. He is currently 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 also worked at Fox Chase Cancer Center. In addition to molecular biology, he is interested in ornithology and plans to incorporate his expertise in genetics with ecological research. Dr. Bryntesson also serves as the director for the main men's 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.
Bryntesson, Hilary J., Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Instructor in Physical Education

B.Ed. University of Brighton
267-502-4819, hilary.bryntesson@brynathyn.edu

Dean Bryntesson formerly served as athletic director and head of the physical education department at Bryn Athyn. She taught and coached in high schools in England for many years before moving to the United States. 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.
Childs, Walter C. III, Lecturer in Business

B.A. Oakland University, M.B.A. Suffolk University
267-502-2558, walter.childs@brynathyn.edu

Mr. Childs has had 30 years of multifunctional management experience working for both non-profit and for-profit organizations. His background includes responsibilities in training, human resources, fundraising, financial affairs, sales, and marketing. He also has 20 years of experience as an adjunct lecturer specializing in management theory, application, and practice.
Closterman, Dr. Wendy, Head of History and Social Sciences Division, Associate Professor of History and Greek

B.A. Bryn Athyn College, Ph.D. Johns Hopkins University
267-502-4849, wendy.closterman@brynathyn.edu

Dr. 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. Dr. Closterman has led groups of Bryn Athyn students and faculty on summer tours of Greece and Italy.
Cole, Rev. Stephen D., Head of Religion and Sacred Languages Division, Assistant Professor of Religion and Philosophy

B.S. Bryn Athyn College, M.Div. Academy of the New Church Theological School
267-502-2614, stephen.cole@brynathyn.edu

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

B.S. College of New Jersey, M.A. Arcadia University
215-947-2004, robin@cairnwood.org

Mr. Cooper teaches writing and English and is assistant coach of the men's soccer team. He also works as the operations manager of Cairnwood Estate. Mr. Cooper enjoys many types of literature.
Cooper, Dr. Sherri L., Head of Mathematics and Sciences Division, Associate Professor of Biology

B.S. Duke University, M.S. University of Delaware, Ph.D. Johns Hopkins University
267-502-2554, sherri.cooper@brynathyn.edu

Dr. 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 20 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.
Dalcin, Donette F., Lecturer in Education

B.A., M.Ed. Temple University
de Baise, Miki, Instructor in Physical Education

B.Sc., M.Ed. Spring College
Dewees, Nina C., Instructor in Physical Education

B.S. Trenton State College, M.S. Saint Joseph's University
Dibb, Rev. Dr. Andrew M. T., Dean of the Theological School, Assistant Professor of Religion

B.A. Bryn Athyn College; M.Div. Academy of the New Church Theological School; B.Th., M.Th., D.Th. University of South Africa
267-502-2582, andrew.dibb@ancts.org

Rev. Dibb came to Bryn Athyn College in 2002 after serving as a pastor in Johannesburg, South Africa. He teaches religion and Christian church history, with a 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, Rev. Dibb also teaches in the Master's of Divinity and Arts programs in the 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.
Evans, Michael, Instructor in Computer Sciences

267-502-2513, michael.evans@brynathyn.edu

Mr. Evans is an adjunct professor for computer sciences with over 15 years of industry experience including network architecture, program design and coding, project management and support & implementations. Computer sciences affect a breadth of fields—from history to molecular biology—at levels as deep as pattern cognition and modeling to the basics of data transmission and material presentation. Mr. Evans explores the paradigm of computer and bridges the theoretical into the practical as computer science takes ideas into reality. In addition to teaching at the college he puts his ideas to work in his position as a team leader for developers and application engineers at a local leading financial company.
Evans, Dr. Stella R., Biology and Chemistry Lab Director, Instructor in Biology

B.A. Bryn Athyn College, Ph.D. Thomas Jefferson University
267-502-2694, stella.evans@brynathyn.edu

Dr. Evans studied biological and chemical sciences at Bryn Athyn College, graduating with a BA in 1999. She continued her studies in biochemistry and molecular biology at Thomas Jefferson University, and received her PhD in 2006. In addition to serving as the lab director for the college, she teaches courses in biology.
Frazier, Rev. Scott I., Instructor in Latin, Hebrew, and Religion

B.A. Bryn Athyn College, M.A. Villanova University, M.Div. Academy of the New Church Theological School
267-502-4875, scott.frazier@brynathyn.edu

Rev. 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, Rev. 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.
Glenn, Rev. Dr. Thane, Assistant Professor of English and Religion

B.A. Washington College, M.A. University of Pittsburgh, Ph.D. Temple University, M.Div. Academy of the New Church Theological School
267-502-4844, thane.glenn@brynathyn.edu

Rev. Dr. Glenn specializes in the fields of rhetoric and composition, as well as 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. He also teaches religion courses at the College.
Greer, Melodie H., Lecturer in Education

B.A. Bryn Athyn College, M.Ed. Penn State University
Gyllenhaal, Edward, Curator of Glencairn Museum, Instructor in Art History

B.A. Bryn Athyn College, M.A. University of Pennsylvania
267-502-2983, edward.gyllenhaal@brynathyn.edu

Mr. Gyllenhaal, Curator and Internship Coordinator of Glencairn Museum, is interested in New Church history and culture, as well as the art and architecture of ancient religions. He has participated in a number of archaeological expeditions to Egypt. In the classroom, Mr. Gyllenhaal uses images and actual museum objects to bring the ancient world to life.
Gyllenhaal, Dr. Martha, Head of Humanities and Fine Arts Division, Assistant Professor of Art

B.F.A. Carnegie-Mellon University, M.A., Ph.D. Temple University
267-502-2569, martha.gyllenhaal@brynathyn.edu

Dr. Gyllenhaal, head of the Humanities and Fine Arts Division, is a painter and art historian who integrates humanities and the fine arts in her teaching. She enjoys using the art collections in Glencairn Museum to enhance her classes. Her course Topics in Twentieth-Century Architecture: Bryn Athyn Cathedral meets on site and examines the process it took to erect the cathedral. 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.
Haus-Roth, Naomi, Instructor in Theater, Director of Mitchell Performing Arts Center

B.F.A., M.F.T. Rochester Institute of Technology
Henderson, Brian D., Assistant Professor of History, Assistant Director of Glencairn Museum

B.A. Pennsylvania State University, M.A. Villanova University
267-502-4890, brian.henderson@brynathyn.edu

In the classroom, Mr. Henderson 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. Prior to becoming assistant director of Glencairn Museum, he served as the associate dean of student affairs.
Hyatt, JoAnne C., Lecturer in Education

B.S. University of Delaware, M.Ed. Widener University
Kearns, Dr. Katherine F., Assistant Professor of Physical Education

B.A. University of Montana, M.S. Penn State University, Ed.D., Ph.D. Temple University
Kim, Elaine E., Instructor in French

B.A. Yonsei University, M.A. Academy of the New Church Theological School
King, Dr. Kristin, Associate Professor of English

B.A. College of William and Mary, M.A., Ph.D. Boston University
267-502-2537, kristin.king@brynathyn.edu

Dr. King teaches literature and writing and advises the English major. She specializes in 19th century literature, Shakespeare, Henry James, and the novel. Her research carries her into textual analyses ranging from slave narratives to sacred texts.
Lawing, Sean B., Director of International Studies, Coordinator of International Admissions, Instructor in German

B.A. University of North Carolina–Charlotte, M.A. University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill
267-502-2798, sean.lawing@brynathyn.edu

Sean Lawing is serves as the Director of International Studies and occasionally teaches courses in German language and medieval literature at the College. His academic background is in Germanic languages and literatures with areas of focus in Old Icelandic literature and Viking Age history.
Lindsay, Dr. Charles W., Dean of the College, Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Economics

B.A. Lafayette College, M.Ed. Lehigh University, Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania
267-502-2549, charles.lindsay@brynathyn.edu

Dr. Lindsay has served as Dean of the College since 1996. Prior to that he served as Associate Dean (1989-96) and Director of Career Development (1981-89). He has also been an assistant professor of economics and statistics at Bryn Athyn.

Dr. Lindsay's area of research interest is mathematical models of individual choice behavior. In 1992, he earned the Dorothy Homiller Glenn Award for Distinguished Teaching, and he has published numerous papers and articles and given presentations throughout his career.

Early in his career, Dr. Lindsay was Assistant Dean of Students at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. He is a member of the American Association for Higher Education, the Association for the Study of Higher Education, and the Council of Independent Colleges.
Nash, Laura C., Director of Experiential Education, Instructor in Psychology

M.A. Temple University, B.S.W. West Chester University
267-502-2412, laura.nash@brynathyn.edu

Laura Nash oversees Bryn Athyn's experiential education area, which includes internships and service learning. In addition to teaching courses in psychology and leadership, her duties include organizing service-learning trips and integrating service into the curriculum, heading up the internship program, and serving as international student advisor.
Odhner, Calvin A., Lecturer in Psychology

B.S. Kutztown University, M.S. Chestnut Hill College
Odhner, Carroll, Director of the Swedenborg Library

B.A., M.A. University of Michigan
267-502-2547, carroll.odhner@brynathyn.edu

Carroll Odhner is the director of the library and also conducts classes in information literacy. In addition she maintains the library online systems and provides reference services. Her passion is to highlight and promote the library collections, especially those that cover Swedenborgiana, New Church doctrine and history.
Odhner, Rev. Grant H., Assistant Professor of Religion

B.S. State University of New York–Plattsburgh, M.Div. Academy of the New Church Theological School
267-502-2783, grant.odhner@brynathyn.edu

Rev. Odhner, who serves on the faculty of the Theological School and teaches college religion courses, 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 to teach religion and do 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 it with the eyes of faith. He feels privileged to teach a course on this God. Rev. Odhner also loves nature and natural history.
Odhner, Johanan, Lecturer in Science

B.A. Bryn Athyn College
Orthwein, Christina, Lecturer in Art

B.S.A. Tyler School of Art
Phillips, Nina Gunther, Interim Head of Education Division, Instructor in Education

B.A. Penn State University, M.S. Bridgeport University
267-502-2518, nina.phillips@brynathyn.edu

Nina Phillips joined the faculty of Bryn Athyn after a 15-year career as a public school teacher in Connecticut. She uses stories from this experience to illustrate the finer points of classroom instruction. Her background in theater also gives her a place backstage at the Mitchell Performing Arts Center in an annual college production.
Potapov, Dr. Eugene R., Assistant Professor of Biology

M.Sc. University of Leningrad, D.Phil. University of Oxford
267-502-4863, eugene.potapov@brynathyn.edu

Dr. Potapov teaches environmental sciences, ecology, and ornithology. He is involved with birds of prey conservation programs worldwide and carries out research in the satellite tracking of birds in various regions around the globe. Dr. Potapov is also involved in research and education at the Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust.
Rogers-Petro, Amanda, Instructor in English

B.A. Macalester College, M.F.A. University of Michigan
267-502-2642, amanda.rogerspetro@brynathyn.edu

In addition to teaching poetry and creative writing, Amanda Rogers-Petro has been the director or assistant director for many of the College's theatrical productions. Her poetry and short stories have appeared in various magazines and literary journals.
Rose, Dr. D. Gregory, Head of Academic Advising, Assistant Professor of History and Political Science

B.A. Bryn Athyn College, M.A. U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, Ph.D. University of Pittsburgh
267-502-2516, greg.rose@brynathyn.edu

Dr. 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.
Rydstrom, Brenda, Lecturer in Education

B.S. University of Arizona, M.S. Holy Family University
215-947-6213, brenda.rydstrom@brynathyn.edu

After teaching high school in Tucson, Ms. Rydstrom joined the staff of the Bryn Athyn Church School, where she taught a variety of subjects and grade levels for 15 years. In addition 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, Pa.
Schnarr, Brian, Assistant Professor of Economics and History

B.A., M.A., M.Phil., University of Waterloo
267-502-2789, brian.schnarr@brynathyn.edu

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 in the classroom. He served for years as the faculty advisor for CARE, the student-led community service organization.
Silverman, Rev. Dr. Ray J., Chaplain, Assistant Professor of Religion

B.A. St. Lawrence University, M.Div. Academy of the New Church Theological School, M.A.T. Wesleyan University, Ph.D. University of Michigan
267-502-2519, ray.silverman@brynathyn.edu

Dr. 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 20 articles, including a study of James Joyce's Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man, and The Anti-Sectarianism of Henry James, Dr. Silverman is a fellow in the Institute for Transforming Undergraduate Education (University of Delaware).
Simonetti, Dr. Neil, Associate Professor of Computer Science and Mathematics

B.A. Virginia Polytechnic Institute, M.S., Ph.D. Carnegie Mellon University
267-502-2790, neil.simonetti@brynathyn.edu

Dr. Simonetti teaches mathematics and computer science. His research focuses on 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.
Simons, Christopher W., Lecturer in Music

B.Mus. Boston University, M.Mus. Temple University
215-947-2207, christopher.simons@brynathyn.edu

Mr. 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. He 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.
Synnestvedt, Dr. Dan A., Associate Professor of Philosophy

B.A. Bryn Athyn College, M.A. Bowling Green State University, Ph.D. 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 titled "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 recently conducted research on naturalism for a paper that was presented at a conference on The Last Judgment. When not lost in thought, he can be found in the garden.
Synnestvedt, Shawn, Athletic Director

B.S. College of New Jersey, M.A. Arcadia University
267-502-2659, shawn.synnestvedt@ancss.org

Shawn Synnestvedt has committed his educational career to teaching character and moral virtues through athletics. Over the past 20 years he has been coaching and teaching at the secondary level in a wide variety of sports. He has recently joined Bryn Athyn College to develop and administrate the athletic programs.
Van Ham, Karen, Lecturer in English

B.A. Bryn Athyn College, M.A. Villanova University
van Zyverden, Edith, Lecturer in Psychology, Director of Grant Hall

B.A. Bryn Athyn College, M.S. Chestnut Hill College
267-502-2689, edith.vanzyverden@bynathyn.edu

As the director of Grant Hall (women's residence hall) since 1996, Ms. van Zyverden enjoys living and working 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, she also volunteers on committees that address sexual abuse prevention, healing, and education.
Werner, Dr. Soni, Advisor to Interdisciplinary Major, Assistant Professor of Education and Psychology

B.A. West Connecticut State University, M.S., Ph.D. Iowa State University
267-502-2502, soni.werner@brynathyn.edu

Dr. Werner teaches psychology, education, and leadership, serves as the advisor to the Interdisciplinary Major, and is advisor to the Business Club. 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. She also assists with costume design, production and support for Bryn Athyn College's annual theatrical production.
Williams-Hogan, Dr. Jane K., Professor of Sociology and History, Carpenter Chair of Church History

B.A., M.A., Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania
267-502-2501, jane.williams-hogan@brynathyn.edu

Dr. 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. Dr. Williams-Hogan 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, set for publication in 2009.
Yardumian, Aram, Lecturer in Anthropology

M.A. University of Pennsylvania, M.A. University of Texas at Austin

Contact:

Charles W. Lindsay, PhD, Dean of the College
267-502-2549, charles.lindsay@brynathyn.edu