Steppingstone Scholars Staff

The Steppingstone Scholars staff is a dedicated group of professionals who are committed to carrying out the organization's mission.

Nina Weisbord, President, joined Steppingstone Scholars, Inc. in May, 2006. Previously she served as Director of Institutional Advancement at The Baldwin School in Bryn Mawr, PA for five years.  From 1998-2000, she was Director of Development at the Presidio Hill School in San Francisco, CA. Weisbord’s experience in education and development is a great asset to Steppingstone. Prior to her work in the field of education Weisbord owned and operated a San Francisco manufacturing business with five retail stores, which she ran for 15 years.  A resident of Bryn Mawr, Pa., Weisbord has an MBA from JFK University, and a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College.
215-508-5150 ext. 14   
nweisbord@steppingstonescholars.org

 

Edward Mensah, Director of the Scholars Program, has been with Steppingstone Scholars since 2001 and coaches girls’ varsity soccer at William Penn Charter School.  Prior to joining Steppingstone, he taught at Abington Friends School where he was the head of the soccer program and a member of the Admissions Committee and Diversity Committee.  A native of Ghana, Mensah attended an international boarding school in Canada prior to receiving his B.A. in Economics from Franklin and Marshall College. He is currently studying Educational Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania.
215-508-5150 ext. 11
emensah@steppingstonescholars.org

 

Allison Parks, Director of Support Services, a native of Detroit and professional artist, taught Fine Art at the Detroit Country Day School for four years.  While there, she also coached dance, track and field.  She served on the financial aid selection (scholarship) committee of the Admissions Department.  Her work with students includes developing diversity in youth leadership through experiential education. Parks received her B.A. in business from Ferris State University.
215-508-5150 ext. 13
aparks@steppingstonescholars.org

 

Caryn Rivers, Director of Admissions, is a graduate of Harvard University and holds a Master's in Urban Policy Analysis and Management from the New School for Social Research.  Rivers has admitted promising students to the Scholars’ Program since 2005.  Her personal and professional experiences have led her through various private, public and nonprofit sector settings giving her excellent preparation for a commitment to educational access and excellence.
215-508-5150 ext. 17   
crivers@steppingstonescholars.org

 

Kendra Kirk, Director of Development, was the Director of Development Operations at The Haverford School prior to joining Steppingstone Scholars, Inc. in September of 2008.  During her time at Haverford, she led, shaped and organized operational development functions throughout their Capital Campaign.  Prior to her interest in the non-profit sector, Kirk had a successful career in retail as the Merchandise Manager for Hartstrings, LLC., and also worked as a Retail Director for Nine West Group International. Kirk received her Bachelor of Science in Marketing at Pennsylvania State University.
215-508-5150 ext. 15   
kkirk@steppingstonescholars.org

 

Christine M. Beady, Director of Administration, is a graduate of Peirce College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Management.  Beady has over 15 years of educational non-profit administrative and office management experience.  Prior to working for Steppingstone Scholars, she worked for the Philadelphia Academies, Inc. where she is also an alumna. 
215-508-5150 ext. 23 
cbeady@steppingstonescholars.org

 

Laura Bryan, Development Associate, is a graduate of Middlebury College and earned a certificate of completion in Fundamentals of Fundraising from Villanova University and the Association of Fundraising Professionals.  Prior to working at Steppingstone, Bryan volunteered extensively for William Penn Charter School and the Keystone State Boychoir from 2002 -2010, assisting in development for both organizations.
215-508-5150 ext. 22
lbryan@steppingstonescholars.org