Bryn Athyn College Faculty

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.

Administrators

President, Dr. Kristin King
Dean of Academics and Faculty, Dr. Allen J. Bedford
Dean of Students, Kiri K. Rogers
Dean of Admissions, Matthew McCaffrey
Dean of the Theological School, The Rev. Dr. Andrew M.T. Dibb
Chief Financial Officer, Daniel T. Allen

Teaching Staff 2012–2013

Kurt Asplundh, Instructor in Religion

BA, Haverford College, BA, MDiv, Bryn Athyn College
Allen J. Bedford, Dean of Academics and Faculty, Associate Professor of Chemistry

BA Bryn Athyn College, MA, PhD, Temple University
Pendleton Hall 112 | 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.
Suzanne V. Bernhardt, Assistant Professor of Humanities

BS, Bryn Athyn College, MA, Villanova University
Pendleton Hall 29 | 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 while at Bryn Athyn College. Ms. Bernhardt recently returned from a sabbatical in Southeast Asia, where she studied ancient ritual theater forms.
Maxwell Blair, Assistant Professor for Math and Physics and Associate Faculty Member

BS, MS Virginia Tech, PhD Purdue University
Doering Center 317 | 267-502-6028 | max.blair@brynathyn.edu

Dr. Blair works with students and colleagues who are motivated to transform useful design inspirations into science-driven prototypes. He moved to the area in Fall, 2012 - following an innovative career at the Air Force Research Laboratory near Dayton, OH. Dr. Blair is excited by the talented students and faculty, as well as by the new Physics Lab at Bryn Athyn College.
Caira B. Bongers, Instructor in Mathematics

BA, Bryn Athyn College, MS, Drexel University
Doering Center 112 | 267-502-6042
Jessica E. Bostock, Lecturer in Dance and Physical Education

BA, Temple University
Pendleton Hall 17 | 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.
A. Fredrik Bryntesson, Head of ID Major, Associate Professor of Biology

BA, Bryn Athyn College, BSc, University of Greenwich, PhD, University College London
Doering Center 207 | 267-502-2688 | fredrik.bryntesson@brynathyn.edu

Dr. Bryntesson is an associate professor of biology, focusing on molecular biology with a research background primarily in the DNA repair field. He has also been involved in research projects at Fox Chase Cancer Center and Thomas Jefferson University investigating the molecular biology of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Dr. Bryntesson is currently involved with the ongoing deer research at Bryn Athyn College. In addition, he is interested in ornithology and is involved in a research project focusing on the natural history of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker. 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.
Hilary J. Bryntesson, Instructor in Physical Education

BEd, University of Brighton, MA, Bryn Athyn College
Asplundh Field House | 267-502-4819 | hilary.bryntesson@brynathyn.edu

Mrs. 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.
Walter C. Childs, III, Lecturer in Business

BA, Oakland University, MBA, Suffolk University
Doering Center 215 | 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.
Wendy E. Closterman, Head of History Major and Social Science Area, Associate Professor of History and Greek

BA, Bryn Athyn College, PhD, Johns Hopkins University
Doering Center 204 | 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.
Stephen D. Cole, Assistant Professor of Religion and Philosophy, Faculty Council Chair

BS, MDiv, Bryn Athyn College
Pendleton Hall 2 | 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.
Robin S. Cooper, Head of English Major and Language and Literature Area, Instructor in English

BS, College of New Jersey, MA, Arcadia University
Doering Center 307 | 267-502-2411| robin.cooper@brynathyn.edu

Mr. Cooper is in his sixth year of teaching Writing and English courses at Bryn Athyn College. He particularly enjoys helping students to see writing not as a daunting task, but as an opportunity to find their voices and to share their ideas. In addition to teaching, Mr. Cooper also serves as Head Coach of the men's soccer team.
Sherri L. Cooper, Head of Biology Major and Science, Associate Professor of Biology

BS, Duke University, MS, University of Delaware, PhD, Johns Hopkins University
Doering Center 305 | 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 more than 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, where she serves as a Board Member.
Miki de Baise, Lecturer in Physical Education
267-5024818

BSc, MEd, Spring College
Andrew M.T. Dibb, Dean of the Theological School, Assistant Professor of Religion

BA, MDiv, Bryn Athyn College, BTh, MTh, DTh, University of South Africa
Pendleton Hall 129 Theo | 267-502-2582 | andrew.dibb@brynathyn.edu

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 serves as Dean of Bryn Athyn College Theological School and teaches a number of graduate courses. 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.
Stella R. Evans, Assistant Professor of Biology

BA Bryn Athyn College, PhD, Thomas Jefferson University
Doering Center 107 | 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.
Scott I. Frazier, Head of Religion Major, Sacred Languages and Philosophy, Instructor in Latin, Hebrew, and Religion

BA, MDiv, Bryn Athyn College, MA, Villanova University
Pendleton Hall 28 | 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.
Sarah Gardam, Lecturer in English

BA in English, Bryn Athyn College, Teaching in Higher Education Certificate, Temple University, PhD Candidate in English, Temple University
Doering Center 308 | 215-880-8216 | sarah.gardam@brynathyn.edu

Sarah Gardam graduated from Bryn Athyn College in 2002, with a B.A. in English. She began graduate school at Drew University, and then transferred to Temple University, where she is now finishing her PhD in English. She specializes in 20th Century American fiction, Asian American fiction, literary theory, women’s studies, and tragedy. Sarah has published articles on the novels of Willa Cather, Maxine Hong Kingston, and Anne Enright. As a teacher, she is primarily interested in helping her students to access their innate curiosity and creativity of thought.
Thane P. Glenn, Assistant Professor of English and Religion, Chaplain

BA, Washington College, MA, University of Pittsburgh, PhD, Temple University, MDiv, Bryn Athyn College
Pendleton Hall 102 | 267-502-4844 | thane.glenn@brynathyn.edu

Rev. Dr. Glenn specializes in rhetoric and composition, late medieval and early modern literature, theology, and Biblical studies. He is particularly interested in the intangible reaches of language—the spirit within words that affects us as readers, as writers, and as students of Scripture.
Martha Gyllenhaal, Head of Fine Arts and Art History, Assistant Professor of Art

BFA, Carnegie-Mellon University, MA, PhD, Temple University
Doering Center 114 | 267-502-2569 | martha.gyllenhaal@brynathyn.edu

Dr. Gyllenhaal, head of the Fine Arts Area, is an art historian and painter who integrates humanities and the fine arts in her teaching. She enjoys using the art collections in Glencairn Museum to enhance her classes. One of her courses, Topics in Twentieth-Century Architecture:Bryn Athyn's National Historic Landmarks, meets on site and examines the process it took to build Bryn Athyn Cathedral, Glencairn Museum, and the Cairnwood and Cairncrest estates. 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—her research focuses on the studio practices and working methods of Rembrandt and the artists in his circle.
Naomi Haus-Roth, Instructor in Theater

BFA, MST, Rochester Institute of Technology
Mitchell Performing Arts Center | 267-502-4889

Naomi Haus-Roth is currently in her ninth year as the Director of the Mitchell Performing Arts Center where she has designed sets for The King and I, As You Like It, The Miracle Worker, Wit, A Christmas Carol, and Anne of Green Gables. She teaches Scene Design and Production at Bryn Athyn College. Her theater credits include over a hundred productions, many as a Prop Master/Artisan at the McCarter (Princeton, NJ), Goodman and Northlight Theater companies (Chicago) in addition to two seasons as Production Manager of the Sterling Renaissance Festival (New York). Her artisan credits also include stints with the Steppenwolf, Royal George, Shakespeare Repertory, Chicago Children's Theatre, Dorothy Hamill's Ice Capades and the Opera Festival of New Jersey. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design and a Master of Science in Teaching in Art Education, from the Rochester Institute of Technology.
Brian D. Henderson, Assistant Professor of History

BA, Pennsylvania State University, MA, Villanova University
Pendleton Hall 10 | 267-502-4890 | brian.henderson@brynathyn.edu

In the classroom, Mr. Henderson loves to share his interest in early American and medieval history through interactive lectures, discussion of primary sources, and analysis of historical arguments. His particular interest is the relationship between history and religion, focusing on such questions as how societies and individuals over time have conceived of God, what it means to be human, and how one is supposed to live one’s life. Mr. Henderson encourages students not just to learn about the past and sharpen critical liberal arts skills through the study of history, but to reflect on how the study of history can enrich their lives and can help them to become better people. In addition to teaching history, he is also the Assistant Director of Glencairn Museum and serves as a member of both the Cairnwood Estate Board of Governors and the Bryn Athyn Church Board of Trustees.
Erica G. Hyatt, Head of Psychology Major, Assistant Professor of Psychology

BA, McGill University, MBE, MSW, DSW, University of Pennsylvania
Doering Center 309 | 267-502-6081 | dr.Erica.Hyatt@brynathyn.edu

Dr. Hyatt is thrilled to be a part of the psychology faculty at Bryn Athyn College. Dr. Hyatt's research interests include after-death communication and near-death experiences, adolescent sibling bereavement, clinical intervention with families of returning veterans, pediatric end of life decision-making, and the intersection of spirituality and psychology. She has worked in settings as diverse as the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital, the Department of Child Psychiatry at the University of Maryland, the Department of Psychiatry at Washington Hospital Center, and the Department of Oncology at Children's National Medical Center. She has served as an intern at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in the division of Fetal Surgery/NICU and at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in the Trauma service. Dr. Hyatt is currently conducting research to explore the spiritual and near-death experiences of members of the New Church community. She has interviewed over 30 subjects in this unique pilot study and is looking forward to publishing her findings.
Sarah Jin Wong, Lecturer in Education

BA, Smith College, MA, Columbia University Teachers College
Pendleton Hall 8
Kristin King, President, Associate Professor of English

BA, College of William and Mary, MA, PhD, Boston University
Brickman Center | 267-502-2537 | president@brynathyn.edu

Dr. King joined the faculty at Bryn Athyn College in 1995, teaching English literature and writing. 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. In addition to teaching as an Associate Professor of English and pursuing scholarship in Henry James studies, Dr. King has served the College in many administrative roles, including: Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Director of the English Major & Writing Program, Chair of the Curriculum & Academic Policy Committee, and Head of the Humanities Division. She began serving as President of the College in 2010.
Sean B. Lawing, Instructor in English and German

BA, University of North Carolina–Charlotte, MA, University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill
Doering Center 210 | 267-502-2798 | sean.lawing@brynathyn.edu

Mr. 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.
J. Kenneth Leap, Lecturer in Fine Arts

BFA, Rhode Island School of Design
Doering 113

Mr. Leap has been an architectural stained glass designer for over 25 years. His studio is located at Wheaton Arts in Millville, NJ. His painterly work in stained glass has earned him numerous awards including a fellowship from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and a jurors' award of honor from the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mr. Leap has created numerous public art commissions including a skylight illustrating the history of New Jersey, which is installed in the Annex of the New Jersey State House in Trenton. He is currently the stained glass artist-in-residence at Glencairn Museum and holds the position of President of the American Glass Guild.
Laura C. Nash Head of Experiential and Physical Education, Director of Experiential Education and Career Planning

BSW, West Chester University, MA, Temple University
Brickman 103 | 267-502-2412 | laura.nash@brynathyn.edu

Laura Nash oversees the Bryn Athyn College experiential education and physical education area, which includes internship,service learning,work study, career planning and alumni relations. In addition to teaching courses, her duties include organizing service-learning trip, integrating service into the curriculum, heading up the internship program, and serving as Alumni Liaison.
Carroll C. Odhner, Library Director

BA, MA, University of Michigan
267-502-2547 | carroll.odhner@brynathyn.edu

Carroll Odhner serves as Director of the Swedenborg Library at Bryn Athyn College. She is responsible for all library operations—budgeting, staffing, and services. She represents the library on campus and with other academic institutions, professional organizations, and the scholarly world, and is also responsible for reference services and maintaining library systems.
Grant H. Odhner, Assistant Professor of Religion

BS, State University of New York–Plattsburgh, MDiv, Bryn Athyn College
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.
Christina S. Orthwein, Lecturer in Fine Arts

BFA, Tyler School of Art
Nina G. Phillips, Head of Education Major, Assistant Professor of Education

BA, Pennsylvania State University, MS, Bridgeport University
Pendleton Hall 9 | 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.
Eugene R. Potapov, Assistant Professor of Biology

MSc, University of Leningrad, DPhil, University of Oxford
Doering Center 205 | 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.
Francis Reinprecht, Instructor in Physical Education

BS and MNS, Arizona State University
267-502-2545 | francis.reinprecht@ancss.org

Mr. Reinprecht is an avid bow hunter and has been the instructor for the Bryn Athyn College Archery course since 2004. His course emphasizes students developing correct form and consistency in archery, while also enjoying this life sport.
Kiri K. Rogers, Dean of Students, Instructor in Education and Psychology

BSW, West Chester University, MSW, Temple University
Pendleton Hall 109 | 267-502-2551
Amanda Rogers-Petro, Instructor in Fine Arts

BA, Macalester College, MFA, University of Michigan
Pendleton Hall 17 | 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.
Angela Rose, Instructor in Education and Math

BS, Pennsylvania State University, MEd, Antioch University New England
Pendleton Hall 8 | 267-502-2566 | angela.rose@brynathyn.edu

Angela Rose was a classroom teacher for 17 years. She has taught kindergarten through eighth grade in a variety of settings including The Kempton New Church School, The Sheltering Arms Daycare and Kindergarten, The Quaker School at Horsham for Children Who Learn Differently, and Camellia Waldorf School.
D. Gregory Rose, Assistant Professor of History and Political Science

BA, Bryn Athyn College, MA, U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
Doering Center 209 | 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.
Grant Schnarr, Instructor in Religion

BS, MDiv, Bryn Athyn College
Doering Center 304
Ray J. Silverman, Assistant Professor of Religion

BA, St. Lawrence University, MDiv, Bryn Athyn College, MAT, Wesleyan University, PhD, University of Michigan
Doering Center 208 | 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).
Neil Simonetti, Head of Business, Math, and Computer Science Area, Associate Professor of Computer Science and Mathematics

BA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, MS, PhD, Carnegie Mellon University
Doering Center 106 | 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.
Adrian I. Smith, Lecturer in Physical Education

BS, Ealing School of Business
Dan A. Synnestvedt, Associate Professor of Philosophy

BA, Bryn Athyn College, MA, Bowling Green State University, PhD, Temple University
Doering 111 | 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 published by the Swedenborg Scientific Association in its journal The New Philosophy. His research areas include the perennial philosophy, ethics, political thought and naturalism. He was general editor for The World Transformed: Swedenborg and the Last Judgment (2011) and authored "Naturalism and the Last Judgment," an article in the book. He recently served as Chair of the college’s Faculty Council.
James Tepper, Lecturer in Business

BS, LaSalle University, MBA, Liberty University
Doering Center 215
Margaret M. Walker, Instructor in Spanish

BA, University of Pennsylvania, JD, Villanova School of Law
267-502-4605
Christopher Waltrich, Lecturer in Business

BA, Temple University, MBA, LaSalle University
Doering Center 215
Sonia S. Werner, Assistant Professor of Education and Psychology

BA, West Connecticut State University, MS, PhD, Iowa State University
Doering 310 | 267-502-2502 | soni.werner@brynathyn.edu

Dr. Werner teaches seminars to juniors and seniors in the Interdisciplinary Major, guiding students through their capstone experiences. She also spends a portion of her time in the Theological School, teaching Conflict Resolution Skills and Group Dynamics to future ministers. She has many special interests including: human resources management, moral and spiritual development, women’s roles in society, the human brain, and promotion of mental health. She recently published a book entitled Searching for Mary Magdalene, which includes her analysis of this female character in the New Testament, as well as her own theory of spiritual growth. Currently, she is working on another book called Growth of the Female Mind, which expands on the theory of female spiritual growth explained in the previous book. In addition, this book is illustrated with paintings of female Biblical characters who personify various levels of spiritual maturity.
Jane K. Williams-Hogan, Professor of Social Science

BA, MA, PhD, University of Pennsylvania
Pendleton Hall 117 Theo | 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.
Aram Yardumian, Lecturer in Anthropology

MA, University of Pennsylvania, MA, University of Texas at Austin
Pendleton Hall 31 | 267-502-2586