Faculty & Staff
Felice Karlitz, Director of Education
“Ms. K” is responsible for all aspects of the school’s operations, including providing educational leadership, administration of all programs and services, overseeing the school’s growth, and managing the facilities. Ms. Karlitz has been with Saratoga Independent School since 1995. Her thirty-five years of experience reflect her passion and commitment to elementary education. Included in that experience is developing enrichment materials for a New York City school district, and conducting staff development workshops for New York City schoolteachers and principals. Ms. Karlitz received her BS in Education from State University College at Buffalo, and an MS in Education from Long Island University
Maegan Conley, Assistant to the Director
“Miss Maegan” offers administrative support with an emphasis on managing communications and paperwork related directly to the students, families, prospective families, enrichment class participants, summer campers and alumni. She also focuses on the daily financial responsibilities at the school including tuition, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, record keeping, and preparing financial reports for the Board of Trustees.
Morgan Lansing, Administrative Aide
“Ms. Morgan” offers daily support to the Pre-K Wrap-Around Program, working alongside Ms. Melinda. She also provides coverage and support to the faculty by working alongside Ms. Lampert at lunchtime. In addition she offers support in the day-to-day office operations of the school.
Jane Lampert, Lunch Program Coordinator
“Ms. Lampert” creates and serves enticing and healthy lunches for our students daily. Her warm personality makes lunchtime a favorite part of the students’ day!
Lisa-Renee Ackermann, Spanish Teacher
“Señora Chocolate” has over 20 years teaching experience. She has studied at the Las Mariposa Language Center and has been a private Spanish tutor through SUNY Adirondack College. In addition to teaching Spanish at our school, she has owned and directed a music and arts studio in the capital region.
Kim Blystone, Pre-K Teacher’s Assistant
“Miss Kim” joined Saratoga Independent School in 2010. She previously was a head pre-school teacher in the Discovery Preschool Program at KinderCare Learning Center in Niskayuna. She also has several years of experience working with children at the Town of Halfmoon Recreational Summer Program, as a counselor, trip coordinator, and site supervisor of counselors and campers. Miss Kim has medical certifications in CPR for the Professional Rescuer and AED, Adult and Child CPR, and Responding to Emergencies. She graduated with a BS in Elementary Education from SUNY Oneonta and holds her NYS Childhood Education Certification in grades 1-6.
Betty Chambers, Science and Intermediate Language Arts Teacher
“Ms. Chambers” began teaching at Saratoga Independent School in 2006. Her previous experience includes teaching at Greenwich Central School and Argyle Central School. Ms. Chambers also served as a child development specialist with Saratoga County Head Start and as Director/Head Teacher of Pooh's Corner Preschool. She is a graduate of SUNY Plattsburgh and received her MA. in Elementary Education from Castleton State College.
Melinda Fant, Teacher, Pre-K Discover and Play Wrap-Around Program Teacher
"Ms. Melinda" runs our Pre-K Discover and Play Wrap-Around Program. She has been a Pre-K teacher with us since 2003. Ms. Melinda received her degree in Elementary Education from the University of Maine and has taught in a variety of early childhood classroom settings. As the teacher of our Pre-K Wrap-Around Program, her goal is to provide the children with activities that encourage them to explore their environment and to develop their social skills.
Elizabeth McGinnis, Pre-K Teacher
“Miss Liz” is the lead teacher in our Pre-K program for 3 and 4 year old children. She has been with the school since 2003. Previously she worked with Kindergarten and Pre-K classes at Lake George Elementary and the Brown School. Miss Liz is a graduate of The Ohio State University and received her MS in Elementary Education from the College of St. Rose. She also earned 24 credit hours of graduate literacy course work from College of St. Joseph. She is certified in New York State as an elementary grade teacher (Pre-K-6).
Marilyn Parker, Arts Teacher
Since 1997, “Ms. Parker” has designed and implemented the art program at Saratoga Independent School. In addition she serves as a substitute teacher, an enrichment class teacher, and a summer camp staff member at the school. Ms. Parker taught art classes to children at the Saratoga County Arts Council, served as a K-12 substitute teacher at Ballston Spa Schools, and taught and supervised at a K-6 Sunday school. Ms. Parker studied art at the Boston School of the Museum of Fine Arts and the New England School of Art and Design. She continues to create an art experience that attempts to draw on the individual potential of each child.
Taryn Reese, Music Teacher
With previous experience teaching music to Pre-K through grade 8, as well as having conducted band, worked with choruses, and instructed students in private voice and instrument lessons, “Ms. Reese” joined the Saratoga Independent School in 2009. She also has held the position of Manager, Instructor and Counselor of the Maine Summer Youth Music program. In order to reach all learning styles, Ms. Reese presents musical concepts through singing, moving, composing, playing, reading and dancing. Ms. Reese received her BA in Music Education from Castleton State College, Vermont and her Masters from the University of Maine.
Mary Sacks, Social Studies and Intermediate Language Arts Teacher
“Ms. Sacks” has been with Saratoga Independent School since 2007. She has a deep commitment to education and learning through meaningful learning activities. A graduate of SUNY Buffalo, Ms. Sacks received her MS. in Childhood Education from the College of Saint Rose. She also served as a Workshop Teacher for Girls Inc. and as Director of the Girls’ Summer Day Program at Emma Willard School.
Heather Swatling, Math Teacher
“Ms. S.” has been teaching at Saratoga Independent School since 1999. She serves as the primary math teacher for all students and also provides instruction and guidance in the Kindergarten learning centers. Ms. Swatling also taught summers in the Skidmore College HEOP Math program for incoming students. She has a BA from Castleton State College in Vermont and a MS in Reading from SUNY Albany.
Shauna Swinimer, Kindergarten Teacher
“Miss Shauna” has been the Saratoga Independent School Kindergarten teacher since 2001. She is a native of Canada and received her B. Ed. degree from McGill University in Montreal and also has an MS Ed in Elementary Reading and Literacy. Previously she served as Director/Teacher at the Montessori School of the Redwoods in Felton, CA.
Dustin Verga, Physical Education Teacher
“Coach V” joined our faculty in 2011. He is a graduate of the State University of New York at Cortland and holds his NYS Teaching Certification in Physical Education and Adapted Physical Education, as well as his NYS Professional Coaching Certification. Coach spent three months teaching in Australia and completed the remainder of his student teaching locally in Schenectady.