Staff
Teachers and Staff
We are fortunate to have a stable, professional staff, many of whom have been at Arsenal for ten years or longer and are uniquely capable of serving the diversity of the children in our programs. Our professional teachers and mentors hold Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or Psychology and are dedicated to developing children in a safe and nurturing environment.
MELISSA HANKIN
Executive Director
Melissa has been the Executive Director of Arsenal Family and Children’s Center since 2010. She has more than 25 years of experience in Early Childhood and received her M.ED from Carlow University. Melissa says the Arsenal staff amazes her everyday as they work with the families and children they serve. In her free time, Melissa enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
JANE SMITH
Head Teacher, Senior Room
Jane has spent 26 years working in early childhood education at Arsenal. She enjoys being with the children and sharing information on their development with their families. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Carlow University. In her free time, Jane enjoys bike riding and taking long walks.
KAREN NESBITT
Assistant Teacher, Senior Room
Karen has spent 25 years working with children and teenagers and received her master’s degree in Education from Harvard University. Joining Arsenal in 2008, she has enjoyed interacting with the children, helping them grow and develop readiness skills for kindergarten. Karen’s interests include traveling and reading.
Teachers Karen Nesbitt, left, and Jane Smith, right.
Executive Director Melissa Hankin
LORI BOWER
Co-Teacher, Junior Room
Lori holds a degree from the University of New Mexico where she majored in Child Development and Family Studies. She joined Arsenal in 2023 with 25 years of experience, having been the Director of Chickpeas Childcare in Brooklyn, NY, for nine years prior.
She believes Arsenal is unique because of the thoughtful way in which the teachers interact with the children. Away from work, Lori enjoyes thrift stores, flea markets and antique malls where she sells vintage wares.
BRIANA ZUNGLI
Co-Teacher, Junior Room
Briana holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from Carlow University. She has been in the early childhood field for five years. She enjoys working at Arsenal because of the play-based philosophy, the intimate setting, and the supportive staff. Her hobbies include reading, baking, and traveling.
Lori Bower and Briana Zungli, Junior Room teachers
TANYA MARSHALL
Program Coordinator of Supervised Parenting Programs
Tanya earned her bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Religious Studies from West Chester University. She went on to receive her master’s degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Tanya has spent a total of 25 years in the fields of social work and education. Since joining Arsenal in 2004, she has enjoyed helping parents learn effective parenting techniques and become really enthusiastic about being a better mom or dad. In her spare time, Tanya likes to sing and play music.
Tina Sevin
ACT Coordinator/Facilitator
Tina has been in the field of child development for 20 years. 16 of those years have been shared with Arsenal. She enjoys Arsenal because of the ability to help parents and children have the best relationship and interactions possible. Tina has obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Developmental Psychology and a Masters Degree in Education, both from the University of Pittsburgh. In her free time, Tina enjoys taking hikes, playing board games, and reading with her family.
Laura Pushcar, Office Manager
LAURA PUSHCAR
Office Manager
Laura joined Arsenal in 2024 with more than five years of combined experience in the administrative and early childhood fields. She loves seeing the children learn and grow with the amazing staff at Arsenal. Away from work, Laura enjoys reading, playing the piano, aseball, and spending time with her husband and son.
Arsenal Family & Children’s Center
336 S. Aiken Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
(412) 345-0008
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