Dr. Steven Dziekonski joined CPFA in 2021 as Head Administrator of the program. Prior to joining PALCS/CPFA, he held leadership roles in arts education, including Director of Arts Programs at Pacific Ridge School in Carlsbad, California; Performing Arts Chair at the Windward School in Los Angeles; and Music Department Chair at the Oakwood School in North Hollywood, California.

Dr. Dziekonski earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Film Scoring from Berklee College of Music, a Master of Arts in Music Education from California State University, Northridge, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Boston University. His teaching experience spans higher education, independent schools, and public school systems, and includes instruction in choir, orchestra, band, AP Music Theory, musical theater, music technology, and digital music production.

Dr. Dziekonski’s educational philosophy reflects CPFA’s commitment to inclusive, student-centered arts education. He views arts educators as facilitators who guide students toward creative independence, collaboration, and critical thinking across artistic disciplines. Emphasizing active, experiential learning, technology integration, and diverse creative pathways, his approach encourages students to create, perform, and reflect in meaningful ways. Grounded in restorative practices, he prioritizes relationship-building, empathy, and a strong sense of community, with the goal of empowering students to become confident, lifelong artists and creative thinkers.

Ms. Sophia Severson has served as the CPFA Administrative Assistant at PALCS since 2021, supporting daily operations and enrollment, coordinating communication and scheduling, and helping ensure a positive, enriching experience for students and families. In addition to being a member of the CPFA Student Support Team, Sophia works closely with the CPFA Parents Association, the PALCS Business Office, the CPFA Admissions Team, the PALCS Safety Committee, and other key partners.

During her undergraduate studies at Shippensburg University, Sophia earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, a minor in Integral Development and Spanish, and a certificate from the Peace Corps Prep Program. She was also an active campus leader, serving as President of the International Studies Club, Philanthropy Chair for Alpha Phi Sorority, and a member of the Shippensburg Chamber Singers and Order of Omega Honors Society.

As an avid traveler, Sophia has had the privilege of exploring a number of countries and regions including Jamaica, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador, and the British Isles. She has found her passion in immersing herself in the culture, language, arts, and history that make life so richly diverse and is honored to be a part of an educational  institution that fosters the very passion, leadership, and creativity that inspired her professional career.

Ms. Amanda Friesen joined CPFA in January 2025 as the Front Desk Receptionist, where she supports daily operations including student attendance, family communications, and helping to ensure a welcoming and artistically vibrant environment. In her role, Amanda works closely with other members of the CPFA Student Support Team, partnering with faculty and staff to foster the close-knit, collaborative community that makes CPFA unique.

A graduate of West Chester University, Amanda earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance with a concentration in flute and low flutes, along with a minor in Music History and Russian Language. Outside of CPFA, she enjoys collaborating on artistic projects with colleagues and fellow performers. She is especially passionate about performing in pit orchestras for local theatre productions, where teamwork, creativity, and trust are essential- mirroring the close-knit, collaborative spirit she values at CPFA. 

Amanda is dedicated to supporting students throughout their artistic and academic journeys and is committed to ensuring that every student and family feels welcomed, supported, and connected within the CPFA community. Through her work, she strives to nurture an environment where creativity, collaboration, and personal growth thrive, helping every individual feel inspired and valued as part of the CPFA family.

Mrs. Jennifer Amanulla is a Certified School Nurse at the Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School. She serves as the Virtual Middle School Nurse for PALCS and also provides on-site nursing services at CPFA. Jennifer has been a member of the PALCS community since 2021.

Her professional background includes experience in emergency medicine, urgent care, and perioperative nursing, bringing a broad clinical perspective to her role in school health services.

Outside of nursing, she enjoys supporting animal rescue efforts and traveling.

Ms. Lauren Mazzio is the High School Counselor at the Center for Performing and Fine Arts, proudly supporting CPFA students and families since 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Loyola University Maryland and an Masters in Education in School Counseling from Eastern University. As a school counselor, Lauren partners with students to support their academic, social, and emotional well-being, helping them set goals, navigate high school challenges, and prepare for life after graduation. 

A lifelong lover of the arts, Lauren has participated in theatre, dance, and music throughout her life, and she brings that passion for creative expression into her work with CPFA students. Her experiences in the performing and fine arts help her connect with students pursuing artistic paths and advocate for their unique needs.

When she’s not working with students, Lauren enjoys reading, perfecting the art of the charcuterie board, and wrangling her French Bulldog, Winston. She values building genuine relationships with students and supporting them in discovering confidence, resilience, and personal success.

Mrs. April Brauch is the Middle School Counselor at the Center for Performing and Fine Arts. She has been part of the PALCS community since 2020, previously serving as the 504 Coordinator, and joined CPFA in January 2025. April earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Bloomsburg University and her Master’s degree in Education with a concentration in School Counseling from Marywood University.

April is passionate about partnering with students to support their academic, social, and emotional well-being. With experience working with students in grades K–12, she understands the unique challenges of childhood and adolescence. She brings a calm, collaborative approach to her work and values strong partnerships with families and support teams to help students balance school responsibilities, life experiences, and extracurricular activities.

When she’s not at CPFA, April is likely being outpaced by her two energetic dogs on a walk. She also enjoys traveling with her family, getting her hands dirty in the garden, and putting her creative talents to use by restoring old furniture—proving that a little patience, vision, and elbow grease can go a long way (a lesson she happily brings to her work with students, too!).

Mx. Alyx Matchett has served as the College and Financial Aid Advisor at PALCS since 2021. They support students and families in navigating the postsecondary planning process, including preparing college applications, submitting financial aid documents, identifying scholarship opportunities, and building resumes and college lists. After two years working with PALCS through the College Advising Corps in partnership with AmeriCorps and Franklin & Marshall College, Mx. Matchett joined PALCS full-time in 2023.

Throughout the school year, Mx. Matchett hosts virtual and in-person workshops to help high school students explore college, career, and training pathways. One of their favorite annual CPFA traditions is the Scholarship Pizza Party—an engaging session where students learn about scholarship opportunities, ask questions, and enjoy pizza together. They regularly visit CPFA to meet with students on site and collaborate with Ms. Mazzio and additional staff to support students as they prepare for life after graduation.

Mx. Matchett earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary English Education (Grades 7–12) and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Millersville University. During their undergraduate studies, they served as a tour guide for the Admissions Office, founded the American Sign Language Club, and served as treasurer of the Creative Writer’s Guild. They are currently pursuing a Master of Education in Social and Emotional Learning at Endicott College, with an anticipated graduation in 2027.