Mr. Schifko has over 20 years of experience in education at the alternative, middle and high school levels. He began his educational career graduating from Shippensburg University, earning a bachelor's degree in Psychology. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Schifko earned a master's degree in Secondary School Counseling from Lehigh University. 
Prior to Innovative Arts Academy, Mr. Schifko was instrumental in assisting in the development of Easton Area School District's alternative education program, and served as the Assistant Director for the next six years. During the twelve years that followed, Mr. Schifko worked as a School Counselor, both at the middle and high school levels, also in the Easton Area School District. 
Mr. Schifko began at Innovative Arts Academy, in the fall of 2016, as a School Counselor. The following year, Mr. Schifko transitioned into the role of Assistant Principal. From there, Mr. Schifko continued his professional growth at IAA, transitioning from Assistant Principal to Principal / Interim CEO. Currently, Mr. Schifko takes tremendous pride in serving as the CEO for IAA.
bschifko@iaacslv.net

Mr. Seiler has been with IAA as the Chief Operations Officer for 2 years. He has 26 years of educational experience with 17 years of experience as an administrator and 9 years as a technology teacher. During his time in education he has held many positions that include teacher, coach, Director of Technology, Principal and Educational Consultant.  He has been able to use his experiences to help in all areas within the school. His responsibilities include managing the areas of Human Resources, Facilities, Food Services, Purchasing, Student Services, Contracted Services, Transportation, and assist with the applications for Title I, II, III, and IV and also IDEA.
Mr. Seiler graduated from East Stroudsburg University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Health and Physical Education and Wilkes University with 2 Master’s degrees in Educational Technology and Educational Leadership. His certifications include a PA Level II Teaching Certificate, PA Level II Administrative Principal Certificate, Superintendent Commission Qualification Letter, and NIAAA Registered Athletic Administrator.
Along with his educational profession, Mr. Seiler is also a proud combat veteran. He served in the United States Marine Corps for 10 years (4 years Active duty and 6 years Reserve duty). He was actively involved in Operations Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Desert Saber, and Post-War Occupation. Mr. Seiler was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant.
rseiler@iaacslv.net

Mr. Malmberg has twenty years in education planning, developing, and implementing state of the art information solutions facilitating growth.  Prior to joining Innovative Arts Academy Erik worked for Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit as their IT Manager, and then moved on to Southern Lehigh School District as their Director of Technology.  During his tenure with SLSD they became a National Template for 1-1 schools, credited by Apple, Google, and several Government Agencies.  Mr. Malmberg is looking forward to helping facilitate growth for the staff and students of IAA.
emalmberg@iaacslv.net

Mr. Patel has over 15 years of experience in education, ranging from elementary to post-secondary levels. He began his education career graduating from Montclair State University and earned a master's degree in educational leadership from Kean University. He started IAA as an Instructional Coach and then became the Assistant Principal. These years were formative in his growth as an educational leader as they provided a foundation of quality leadership at the middle school and high school levels. Currently, Mr. Patel has the honor and privilege of serving as the Principal.

Fostering the academic and behavioral growth of students is a genuine passion of Mrs. Gaeta-Miles. Mrs. Gaeta-Miles obtained her Bachelor of Science in Education with a specialization in secondary English from Kutztown University and then proceeded to acquire her Master of Science in Education with a specialization in Curriculum and Instruction with a certification in Administration also from Kutztown University. Prior to starting her teaching career, she worked as a Therapeutic Support Specialist for children who required individual behavioral interventions and support. Mrs. Gaeta-Miles has been working at Innovative Arts Academy since its inception in 2016 in the capacity of a teacher, and department chair, and now is ecstatic to work for the administration as the Assistant Principal. 

Ernest Batha has served schools and districts for the last 26 years in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, teaching students from preschool through high school.  He has also taught undergraduate courses for 8 years as an adjunct professor for Fairleigh Dickinson University.  Prior to joining the IAA Leadership Team Ernest served as a Principal for the Great Meadows Regional, Lebanon Township, and Flemington-Raritan School Districts.  While in Great Meadows Ernest championed the district's move to full-day Kindergarten and one-to-one rollout of technology while also serving as the Federal Grants Coordinator.  In Lebanon Township Ernest streamlined the Intervention and Referral Service procedures to help expedite and improve targeted interventions.  Ernest joined Innovative Arts in 2018 with a focus on improving the quality of instruction students receive while further enhancing the standards of excellence demonstrated by teachers and staff.
ebatha@iaacslv.net

Mrs. Morris has been part of the IAA family since 2016. She has worked her way up from being a Paraprofessional, Student Recruiter, Office Coordinator to most recently, the Director of Admissions. Mrs. Morris was born and raised in the Bronx, New York, and obtained her Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education at the City University of New York, Bronx Community College. She attended a four-year college but paused her education when she moved to Pennsylvania. Mrs. Morris will be resuming her education to complete her Bachelor's in Business. Throughout the years, Mrs. Morris has helped many students and families enroll at IAA. Even after enrollment, she continues to help families with any needs that might arise. She enjoys spending her free time doing anything that involves her family and friends.
gmorris@iaacslv.net

Ms. Rank has been with IAA since opening in August 2016. She has worked in many areas including enrollment, marketing, events, and more!  Ms. Rank was born and raised here in the Lehigh Valley, and is a graduate of Northampton High School. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Bloomsburg University. After college she went to work for her father in the restaurant industry for 14 years, helping run and manage their 3 independent, family-owned restaurants.Ms. Rank is dedicated to helping the IAA and the students succeed. She currently resides in Northampton with her son. Outside of work, family is her priority.
lrank@iaacslv.net

Mr. Maxsim has been part of the IAA family since 2016. He has a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice. Mr. Maxsim worked 23 years for Kidspeace in residential treatment centers as a House Manager and in charge of directing treatment for children and young adults in crisis. Mr. Maxsim came to IAA with the excitement to build something new and to work more with students from the community. He has worked with and coached children of all ages and looks forward to helping students make positive choices. Mr. Maxsims goal is to help make IAA a safe environment where students can feel comfortable and being able to express themselves to adults who listen. Mr. Maxsim looks forward to working with all of IAA students and parents for years to come.
dmaxsim@iaacslv.net

Mrs. Asaro was born and raised in St. Augustine, Florida, and has lived in Pennsylvania since 1999. She completed both her undergraduate and graduate studies at Kutztown University and has previously taught Secondary Level English. She has the absolute cutest son in the whole world (at least in her opinion) and is without question an introverted cat person.
jasaro@iaacslv.net

Ms. Petrie was born and raised in Hellertown, Pennsylvania and has lived in the Lehigh Valley all of her life. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Morvian College and obtained her Master's Degree in School Counseling in May of 2022 through Centenary University in Hackettstown, New Jersey. Prior to starting her career in guidance, she worked as a Therapeutic Support Specialist, a Family- based Therapist, a Functional Family therapist, and also served as a paraprofessional/teacher aide for 2 years around the Lehigh Valley. Ms. Petrie is happy to be on board and excited to work with all staff and students. Ms. Petrie is also FFT certified, and has many background knowledge and skills when it comes to communication, coping, and also relationship building in terms of social interactions. Ms. Petrie outside of school hours enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and pets as she was raised and grew up on a farm. As a school counselor, she also enjoys dedicating her own time of self-care and relaxation through meditation, reading, and enjoys booking facials and massages for her own peace of mind. Aside from that, she also loves spending time with her 10-month old kitten Luna, who is her pride and joy!
apetrie@iaacslv.net

Mr. Rush is a graduate of Liberty High School (Bethlehem, PA).  He went on to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Education and Criminal Justice from Penn West University Edinboro.   Mr. Rush attended The Allentown Police Academy and completed a professional career, retiring from the Allentown Police Department.  Mr. Rush has been a varsity assistant football coach for Eastside Youth Center since 2016.  He enjoys vacationing at the Jersey Shore, fishing, and spending time with his wife and family.  Mr. Rush is committed to facilitating a positive and safe learning environment with a focus on integrity, leadership, and accountability.
jrush@iaacslv.net