Dr. Carrie Frohnapfel

Dr. Frohnapfel joined North Allegheny in 2024 after spending 14 years at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) as Director of Preschool Early Intervention, Training and Consultation Coordinator, and School Improvement Implementation and Monitoring Coordinator. She began her career in education in 1998, teaching for seven years in the Anderson Alternative Program at the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit as an emotional support teacher for students in grades 6-12. Additionally, she worked as an educational consultant for the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN). Her areas of concentration at PaTTAN included supporting schools and districts as a School-wide Facilitator in the PA PBS Network, as well as work on the behavior, autism, and inclusive practices initiatives. Dr. Frohnapfel received a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education from Misericordia University, a Master of Science in Special Education Leadership from St. Joseph’s University, and a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership as well as her Principal Certificate and Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility from Point Park University.

Mrs. Allison Frank

Mrs. Allison Frank joined the North Allegheny team as Coordinator of Special Education and Gifted Education in 2025. She previously served as the Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) Coordinator for the Franklin Regional School District, where she led the development and implementation of a comprehensive MTSS framework. Mrs. Frank also brings extensive experience as a Learning Support Teacher, supporting students’ unique learning profiles while fostering collaboration among staff and families. She holds a Principal K–12 Certification from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master of Education in Literacy along with a Reading Specialist Certification from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood and Special Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Stephanie Svilar

Dr. Stephanie Svilar, a seasoned professional in Special Education services, steps into the role of Coordinator of Gifted and Special Education at North Allegheny. Her most recent role was at Pittsburgh Technical College, where she served as the Dean of Counseling & Student Development. Dr. Svilar's extensive experience includes serving as an Assistant Principal and as the Transition Coordinator at the high school in the Pine-Richland School District. She holds a B.A. in Communication Arts from Allegheny College, an M.S.Ed. in School Counseling from Duquesne University, and an Ed.D. in Leadership & Administration from Point Park University.

Ms. Patty Tkacik

Ms. Tkacik started teaching in 1989 and spent five years in the Philadelphia area as a life skills teacher. After teaching one year in Cherry Hill, NJ in a private school as the emotional support reading teacher for grades 8–12, Ms. Tkacik began at the McKeesport Area School District in McKeesport, PA, in August 1995 as an Instructional Support Teacher. Ms. Tkacik was the Supervisor of Special Education and later was appointed Director of Special Education at McKeesport Area School District. Ms. Tkacik received her Supervisor of Special Education certificate from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master of Education in Reading and Language Arts along with a Reading Specialist certificate from Temple University and has a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Pennsylvania State University.