Josh Arnone

Josh Arnone joins Benchmark as our Music Teacher. Most recently, Josh was teaching at Belmont Hills Elementary School and teaching drums at West Chester Music Academy. Josh also supported the music program at Black Rock Middle School in Villanova, and served as Co-Pep Band Director of the Harriton Rams High School Drumline at Harriton High School in Bryn Mawr.

Josh graduated from Temple University’s Boyer College of Music and Dance with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education with a percussion concentration. While at Temple, Josh served as the Drumline Captain.

Kirsten Bieljeski

Kirsten Bieljeski is our new Library Assistant as well as the parent of Benchmark 8th grader Ryland Bieljeski. Her previous roles include serving as Curriculum Writer and Online Instructor for Accelerate Education and as a teacher and elementary coordinator at Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School in West Chester.

Kirsten has a BA in Education from Shippensburg University and a master’s degree in Elementary Education with a focus in reading.

Judi Clay

Judi Clay is no stranger to Benchmark School, having served as a teacher for several spans of years since 2007. We’re pleased to welcome Judi back this year as a Co-Teacher in the Middle School. In addition to her many years of teaching experience, Judi also formerly owned Lizelle's Bridal Boutique in Havertown.

Judi has a BA in English from Villanova University. 

Leaida Dever

Leaida Dever has moved from her role as an Intern on the Child and Family Support Services team and will now be serving as both a CFSS Counselor and our DEIB Coordinator. Leaida recently completed her MSS (Masters in Social Service) at Bryn Mawr College, where she also completed the School Social Work Certification Program. While at Bryn Mawr, Leaida held the role of President of the Association of Black Social Workers (ABSW), Bryn Mawr College Chapter.

In addition to her training in social work, Leaida is also a certified paralegal. 

Yatta Holder

Yatta Holder joins Benchmark as a Middle School Co-Teacher. Yatta most recently completed her student teaching at Strath Haven Middle School in Wallingford as well as her practicum in ELA at Kennett Middle School in Kennett Square.

Yatta has a BS in Middle Grades Education from West Chester University, where she was honored with the Outstanding Teacher Education award in 2026.

Kimberly Kennedy

Kimberly Kennedy joins Benchmark as a Lower School Co-Teacher. She brings 31 years of experience in education, including 20 years as a fifth grade classroom teacher and the past decade supporting gifted learners in grades K–5 at Coopertown Elementary School. 

Kimberly holds a BS in Elementary Education from Marywood University and a MA in Education Leadership/Supervisory from St. Joseph's University.

Ian Kosten

Ian Kosten joins the Child and Family Support Services team as a Counselor. Ian most recently completed internships with the Council for Relationships and the Fairmount Behavioral Health System in Philadelphia. Ian is also the owner of Kosten Expediting, LLC, supporting construction projects in Philadelphia. He also has a deep background in coaching youth climbing programs in San Diego, California.

Ian has an undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware and master’s degree from Bryn Mawr College’s Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research.

Thomas McFalls

Thomas McFalls comes to Benchmark as a Co-Teacher in the Middle School. Prior to coming to Benchmark, Thomas worked at the Saint Laurence School in Upper Darby as a 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher and at Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation in Newtown Square as a History Teacher. Thomas also worked in Operations Management with the rank of Infantry 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army.

Thomas has a BA in History from Georgia State University, an MA in History from the University of North Georgia, and a master’s degree in Secondary Education from West Chester University.

Amanda Smith

Amanda Smith joins our team as a Co-Teacher in the Middle School. Amanda most recently held the roles of Assistant Teacher and Head Teacher at The School in Rose Valley. She has also taught at The Blue Oak School in Napa, California and at The Calhoun School in New York, New York. In addition to teaching, Amanda has deployed her sales experience at Longwood Gardens and Terrain in Glen Mills.

Amanda earned a BS in Elementary Education from Millersville University and an MA in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University.