Our People

Meet the Highland Academy Staff

An experienced team that makes our small private school feel like an extended family.

Phyllis Pitale

Director · 5th–8th Grade Math Teacher

Phyllis's passion for teaching first blossomed at a private school in Absecon, leading her to found Highland Academy in September 2001 with just seven students; it now welcomes hundreds from preschool through 8th grade. With a background in child-care development and elementary education, she regards her certification in Choice Theory/Reality Therapy as a cornerstone of her philosophy — emphasizing relationship-building and each student's unique needs. Both her children are Highland graduates; her daughter Tori returned as a teacher. Phyllis is an active member and past president of the Absecon-Galloway Rotary, was named among the Press of Atlantic City's 40 Under 40, and serves as president of the Highland Academy Board of Trustees.

Tammy Pleydle

Language Arts & Computer Technology Teacher · Business Administrator

At Highland since 1999, Tammy has ignited a love of reading and writing in countless students and embraced teaching Computer Technology. She became Business Administrator in 2016, is stage manager for the annual school plays, Director of Highland Academy Summer Camp at Stockton University, PTO Treasurer, and Treasurer on the Executive Board of Highland Academy II. Certified in Choice Theory/Reality Therapy. She enjoys life with her husband and three adult children; her passions include pickleball, paddleboarding, and photography.

Lea Tripoli

Art & History Teacher

A cornerstone of Highland since 2001, Lea began teaching preschool, moved to the K–1 room, then specialized in art and social studies (K–8); she currently teaches 3rd/4th grade math and spelling. She holds a B.S. in Interior Design from Drexel University and attended Stockton University's teacher-education program (elementary education); she's certified in the Wilson Reading program and trained in Choice Theory and Reality Therapy. She's set designer for the school plays and Vice-President of the PTO Executive Board.

Tori Pitale

Kindergarten–2nd Grade Teacher

A lifelong member of the Highland community, Tori started at 14 as a counselor-in-training at Summer Camp, became head Camp Counselor, then a Preschool Teacher's Aide. Promoted to Head Preschool Teacher in 2015–16 and to K–2 Teacher in 2018–19, she lovingly calls her students 'Her Kids.' She holds an Associate's in Early Childhood Development from Atlantic Cape Community College and a B.A. in Psychology from Rutgers University (2018).

Melissa Snyder-Vila

PreK–Kindergarten Teacher

Known as 'Miss Missy,' Melissa began at Highland in 2002 as a Pre-K assistant and quickly became head Pre-K teacher for over a decade. After a sabbatical, she returned in 2019. Her daughter Jasmine attends Highland. She holds an Associate's from Ocean County College and is trained in Choice Theory with CPR certification.

Theresa LaNave Bankes

Theater Arts & Science Teacher

At Highland since 2011, Theresa teaches and directs the school's annual musical productions — including The Little Mermaid, Into the Woods, Shrek the Musical, Peter Pan, The Addams Family, and Annie. She holds a Bachelor's in Theater and is pursuing a Master's.

Christine Culligan

Front Office Supervisor

'Chrissy' has been part of the Highland family since 2006 when her eldest children enrolled. Active in the PTO, she became staff in 2015 and now supervises the front office, creating a welcoming environment for students, parents, and staff. She's pursuing an Associate's in Special Education at Atlantic Cape Community College.

Madeline Bankes

Music

A proud Highland alumna (K–8, graduated 2016), Madeline began at 14 as a Summer Camp counselor-in-training and rose to senior counselor. She graduated from Stockton University in 2024 with a B.S. in Health Science (Pre-Communication Disorders). She returned to Highland in 2024 as Music Teacher and is pursuing a Master's in Speech-Language Pathology.

Looking for a school that helps your child reach their full potential?

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