Preparing Boys for Life

Meet the Faculty

Matt Ator

B.S. Skidmore College, M.Ed. Villanova University

After graduating from Skidmore College in 2007 I initially pursued a career in graphic design. After three years I found that I did not have a lasting passion for the industry. My years of experience as a camp leader led me to then seek employment in education. I taught upper school math and coached JV basketball and soccer at The Hun School of Princeton for five years. In 2016-17 I elected to take a year off of teaching and get my master's in education from Villanova University. After a year working in the West Chester Area School District, I was excited to begin work at The Haverford School. I have a passion for problem solving and leadership, which I believe go hand-in-hand, in and out of the classroom. Outside of school I enjoy rock climbing, biking, golf, cooking, and going out to eat with my wife. 

Andrew Franz

Andrew Franz Upper School Mathematics

B.S. Ursinus College, M.A. Cabrini College

I began teaching at The Haverford School in 2007. I spent nine years in the Middle School where I taught Algebra and Geometry to I and II Formers and coached golf, basketball and baseball at various times. In 2016, I transitioned into the Upper School Math Department. I enjoy attending most of the varsity athletic contests and operate the clock at football, basketball, and lacrosse games. I reside in Havertown with my wife and four children.

Mark Gottlieb

Mark Gottlieb Upper School Mathematics

B.S. Villanova University, M.A, Ph.D Temple University

I joined the Haverford faculty in 2002, after teaching for six years at Rutgers Preparatory School. I have taught all levels of mathematics, as well as philosophy and economics. Since 2009 I have served as assistant coach of the varsity tennis team. As a teacher, I aim to integrate the study of mathematics into a broader understanding of the world through applications of mathematical ideas to the natural and social sciences. I enjoy tennis, music, and reading and live in Wayne with my wife and three daughters.

Barbara LaPenta

B.S. Temple University, M.A. Michigan State University 

After graduating from Temple University, I began teaching in the city of Philadelphia in several different types of school settings, most recently String Theory Schools. While there, I discovered my passion for integrating technology into my teaching and went to Michigan State University for my M.A. in Educational Technology. Since graduating from MSU, I have had the pleasure of presenting at various conferences nationally, most recently at ISTE in San Antonio, in integrating technology and project into mathematic classrooms. In my free time you can find me traveling the globe, rooting for my favorite college football teams, or trying all the wonderful restaurants that the Philadelphia region has to offer with my husband.

Sam Walters

Sam Walters Upper School Mathematics

B.S. Northwestern University, M.S.Ed Saint Joseph's University

Before discovering my passion for teaching, I pursued two very different career paths: the first as a business process reengineering analyst at a government consulting firm and the second as an actor trying to break into the film business in Los Angeles. To support my fledgling acting career, I tutored area independent school students in physics and mathematics and coached cross country and lacrosse, through which I discovered my true passion, working with kids. In subsequent years, I taught physics and precalculus at The Hill School and Avon Old Farms School in Avon, CT. I came to Haverford in 2009 and have since taught a range of our courses, but particularly geometry, a subject in which I participated in a research project examining how proof is taught and more specifically how the knowledge is built towards writing mathematical proof. Our Geometry courses currently use an in-house text book based on this research. Away from school, I enjoy spending time with my kids, playing board games and card games, watching movies, and playing ultimate frisbee.

Nathan Bridge

Nathan Bridge Upper School Mathematics

B.A. Bucknell University, M.A. University of Chicago

After graduating from the University of Chicago, I discovered a love of teaching and working with students while lecturing philosophy classes at the college level, substitute teaching first and third grade and coaching high school soccer. I spent time in Morocco teaching math and the Theory of Knowledge in the IB Diploma Program. At Haverford, I teach math and serve as an assistant coach for the varsity soccer team. Outside of work, I enjoy having adventures with my family.

Justin Gaudreau

Justin Gaudreau Upper School Mathematics

B.A. Lafayette College, M.S.Ed St Joseph's University

After graduating from Lafayette in 2003, I began teaching mathematics and history at The Kiski School in Saltsburg, PA. After three years there, I accepted a position at The Haverford School as a full-time mathematics instructor. During my time at Haverford I have taught all sections of mathematics ranging from Algebra I through Calculus. I also act as a faculty mentor to the Character Mentorship Program and serve as Head Varsity Diving Coach. During the summers, I enjoy coaching diving at Martin’s Dam Swim Club. When time allows, I enjoy hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities that I can share with my wife and son.

Katharine Hudson

Katharine Hudson Upper School Mathematics

B.S. Kent State University, M.S. Drexel University

While teaching Physics recitation classes in graduate school in 2005, I discovered my passion for teaching. After earning my master's degree and two stints teaching Physics at Rowan University and Springside Academy, I came to Haverford as the math and science specialist in the Enrichment and Learning Center. In 2013 I began teaching Python for the Software Programming I elective and eventually developed a sequel to the course. I am also a faculty mentor for Diversity Alliance and the faculty advisor for the "Coding Club". You can often find me after school in the Enrichment & Learning Center or in the Design & Engineering Studio working on my latest project. I reside in Philadelphia with my partner and two cats.

Stephen Patrylak

Stephen Patrylak Upper School Mathematics

B.A. Temple University, M.S. Temple University, M.A. LaSalle University

After college, I spent 28 years working as an actuary, specializing in the pension and related financial fields. I was also the General Principal and the Financial and Operations Principal of my company’s brokerage firm, which was responsible for the running a proprietary mutual fund. In 2001, I began teaching mathematics at The Haverford School; I have taught all levels of the subject through Calculus and Statistics; Theory of Interest and Portfolio Analysis are among my favorites. My areas of expertise include incorporating technology and project-based learning into the classroom; these are the essential tools for deepening students’ understanding of and appreciation for all levels of mathematics.