BIOGRAPHIES

Dr. Frohnapfel joined North Allegheny in 2024 after spending 14 years at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) as Director of Preschool Early Intervention, Training and Consultation Coordinator, and School Improvement Implementation and Monitoring Coordinator. She began her career in education in 1998, teaching for seven years in the Anderson Alternative Program at the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit as an emotional support teacher for students in grades 6-12. Additionally, she worked as an educational consultant for the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN). Her areas of concentration at PaTTAN included supporting schools and districts as a School-wide Facilitator in the PA PBS Network, as well as work on the behavior, autism, and inclusive practices initiatives. Dr. Frohnapfel received a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education from Misericordia University, a Master of Science in Special Education Leadership from St. Joseph’s University, and a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership as well as her Principal Certificate and Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility from Point Park University.

Ms. McKenzie began her teaching career at Pittsburgh Public School District, in Squirrel Hill, PA as a Multicultural Partner Teacher and then an Inclusion Teacher at Taylor Allderdice High School in 1992. Ms. McKenzie obtained her Supervisor of Special Education certificate from the University of Pittsburgh and has a Bachelor of Science in Special Education and Elementary Education from Edinboro University. Ms. McKenzie has over twenty years of experience facilitating the education and development of children and the well-being of families. She has an intuitive understanding of children and demonstrated commitment to their growth and welfare.

As the Coordinators of Gifted and Special Education, Ms. Tkacik and Ms. McKenzie are responsible for, but are not limited to:

• Assisting and contributing to the planning, organization, management, and coordination of gifted and special education programs.
• Evaluating existing programs as an on-going responsibility and recommending changes and additions as needed.
• Assisting in the hiring selection and recommendation of gifted and special education personnel.
• Directing, administering, coordinating, and collaborating with gifted and special education staff, building level administrators, and central office administrators to ensure compliance with regulations and laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the federal government.
• Evaluating, on an on-going basis, all gifted and special education programs, curriculum, procedures, and individual student’s needs and achievements.

Dr. Stephanie Svilar, a seasoned professional in Special Education services, steps into the role of Coordinator of Gifted and Special Education at North Allegheny. Her most recent role was at Pittsburgh Technical College, where she served as the Dean of Counseling & Student Development. Dr. Svilar's extensive experience includes serving as an Assistant Principal and as the Transition Coordinator at the high school in the Pine-Richland School District. She holds a B.A. in Communication Arts from Allegheny College, an M.S.Ed. in School Counseling from Duquesne University, and an Ed.D. in Leadership & Administration from Point Park University.

Ms. Tkacik started teaching in 1989 and spent five years in the Philadelphia area as a life skills teacher. After teaching one year in Cherry Hill, NJ in a private school as the emotional support reading teacher for grades 8-12, Ms. Tkacik began at the McKeesport Area School District in McKeesport, PA, in August 1995 as an Instructional Support Teacher. Ms. Tkacik was the Supervisor of Special Education and later was appointed Director of Special Education at McKeesport Area School District. Ms. Tkacik received her Supervisor of Special Education certificate from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master of Education in Reading and Language Arts along with a Reading Specialist certificate from Temple University and has a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Pennsylvania State University.