Lombardy Elementary School
Administrative Team
Mr. Michael McDermott
Principal
My name is Michael McDermott, and it is my honor to be the Principal of Lombardy Elementary School. I’m very blessed to have a wonderful wife who teaches at Concord High School. Together, we have 3 amazing kids, all of whom attend schools in the Brandywine School District.
Most educators have at least one former teacher that inspired them to get into the field of education. Though I had many amazing teachers, the one who made the greatest impact on my life is Tom Twilley, former Biology teacher at Brandywine High School. Mr. Twilley built a classroom culture by making us feel loved and connected. He also challenged us on a daily basis through fun and exciting labs and activities. As I began my teaching career, I did my very best to recreate the “Mr. Twilley” experience for all of my students. Now, as Lombardy Elementary's proud principal, my mission is to embrace, inspire and challenge every student every day.
Lombardy Elementary is truly amazing school. Our highly trained teachers and staff challenge students in a fun, exciting and supportive learning environment. We understand each student’s needs and love working with all children. Our school is home to many exciting programs designed to meet the various needs of students. Programs include: Bookworms, Eureka Math, PBS/MTSS, Leader Core, sports, robotics, extra-curricular activities, and much more. I hope you will give us the opportunity to show you how amazing our school really is!
Educational Employment:
- 2000-2008: 5th Grade Teacher (P.S. Dupont)
- 2008-2012: Dean, Athletic Director, Assistant Principal (P.S. Dupont)
- 2012-2017: Assistant Principal (Forwood)
- 2017-2020: Principal (Forwood)
Degrees and/or Certificates:
- Elementary Teacher 1-8
- Teacher of General Science Grades 6-8
- Elementary Guidance Counselor
- Principal/Assistant Principal
- Teacher of Middle School Language Arts Grades 6-8
- Teacher of Middle School Social Studies Grades 6-8
Other Interests:
Michael enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, outdoor activities, playing adult league soccer, reading, and traveling.
Mrs. Jessica Crawford
Assistant Principal
My name is Jessica Crawford and it is my pleasure to be given the opportunity to serve Lombardy community as the Assistant Principal. Prior to serving as Assistant Principal, I served as the Dean of Students here at Lombardy. For the past nine years, I have been a special education teacher at Harlan Elementary ensuring that all students have a caring place to learn. While there, I was the Equity Champion and also worked hard to receive the recognition of being Teacher of the Year.
My goal at Lombardy is to work collaboratively with students, family, and staff to provide a safe, equitable, and culturally sensitive learning environment. This environment will help students to reach their full potentially academically, socially, and emotionally. I hope to build authentic relationships where students know that we are a team working together!
Educational Employment
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2012-2014- Hospital Teacher at the Rockford Center
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2014-2022- Special Education Teacher at Harlan Elementary
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2022-2026 - Dean of Students at Lombardy Elementary
Degrees
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Early Childhood Curriculum Coordinator with Degree
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Early Childhood teacher
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School Aged Administrator
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PA and DE Department of Education Teacher Certification (Elementary k-5 and Special Education N-12)
Other Interests
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Spending time with my family- my husband and my one year old son, Kaseem
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Played volleyball and basketball in college
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Lover of all Philly Sports Teams! Go Birds!
Mrs. Tara Nardone
Dean of Students
My name is Tara Nardone and I am excited to serve as the Dean of Students at Lombardy Elementary School. As I begin my sixth year at Lombardy, I truly feel that this school is home. With 20 years of experience in the Brandywine School District, including teaching kindergarten and first grade, I have dedicated my career to helping young learners grow and succeed.
My goal is to support every student by fostering a safe, equitable, and challenging learning environment where all children can reach their full academic, social, and emotional potential. I believe that building strong relationships with students, families, and staff is essential to creating a positive school community where every child feels valued and supported.
In addition to my role as Dean of Students, I continue to work on curriculum development for the Brandywine School District and serve as Lombardy's MTSS co-lead. I enjoy collaborating with educators to strengthen instruction and provide the support students need to be successful. I look forward to partnering with our students, families, and staff to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
Educational Employment:
2000-2007: Early Childhood Instructor and Master Teacher of the University of Delaware Laboratory Preschool
2007-2009: Kindergarten Teacher (Forwood)
2009-2016: Kindergarten Teacher (Hanby)
2016-2021: 1st Grade Teacher (Hanby)
2021-2026: Kindergarten Teacher (Lombardy)
Degrees and Certificates:
B.S and M.S. Early Childhood Development and Education
M.S. in School Administration
DE Teacher Certificate - K-6
DE School Administrator Certificate
National Board-Certified Teacher - Elementary
Other Interests:
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Spending time with my children
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Reading, baking, and traveling
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Huge Philly Sports Fan, especially the Eagles. Go Birds!
Administrative Assistants
- Christine Bradley, Administrative Assistant
- Tryphaena Alexander, Administrative Assistant