Our Staff

Dr. Jill Manczka brings over 23 years of experience as an educator, having served in roles such as special education classroom teacher, online learning program director, assistant principal, and principal. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Point Park University, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Duquesne University, and a bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Additionally, she holds a K-12 Principal Certification and a Level II Instructional Certification in K-12 Special Education.Jill has also worked as an adjunct professor at Westminster College’s Graduate School of Education, where she taught courses in Special Education and Educational Leadership. Dr. Manczka has presented on online learning at both state and national conferences, and she serves on the Digital Learning Collaborative's Conference and Education Planning Committee. In her free time, Jill enjoys distance running, traveling with her husband and son, and reading.

Sarah is a seasoned education professional with 19 years of experience, including 13 years specializing in virtual education at Waterfront Learning. In her current role, she manages enrollment and assists with day-to-day operations, delivers professional development to partner schools, and oversees fiscal reviews and invoicing. Sarah also coordinates the master schedule in the student information system and collaborates with the Systems Administrator to facilitate integrations between the learning management and student information systems.

A recognized leader in virtual learning, Sarah frequently presents at regional and national conferences, including the Digital Learning Annual Conference (DLAC), the Online Learning Consortium (OLC) Innovate & K-12 Symposium, the Mid-Atlantic Conference on Personalized Learning (MACPL), and the Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo and Conference (PETE&C).

Sarah began her journey with Waterfront Learning as an Elementary Teacher and Implementation Specialist before advancing to her current role as Coordinator of Instructional Learning and Technology. She holds a Master of Education in Reading from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Slippery Rock University. She is certified in Elementary Education K-6, Mid-Level English 7-9, and as a K-12 Reading Specialist.

Outside of her professional life, Sarah enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters. A lover of animals, she also enjoys being with her pets, camping and reading in her free time.

Lori has over 18 years of experience in education as a special education teacher, assistant principal, and program supervisor. She holds a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Point Park University and her Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education and Elementary Education from Slippery Rock University. Additionally, she holds a K-12 principal's certification, supervisor of special education certification, and a supervisor of curriculum and instruction certification. Lori is a recent graduate of the PaTTAN Special Education Fellowship Program where she strengthened her foundation of knowledge in supporting special population learners as a participant of cohort 14. She has been honored to present at several professional conferences on effective practices to support special populations students in an online learning environment. When not supporting students, she loves to spend time with her son, read a good book, and enjoy time outside.  

Craig Sinning brings over 20 years of experience in educational information technology, having worked in public schools, higher education, and for the past 14 years with Waterfront at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit. As a Systems Administrator, Craig is responsible for managing Waterfront Learning’s computer fleet, online learning platforms, and student information system. He collaborates closely with Waterfront Learning’s partner districts to integrate systems and ensure students have the necessary technology to access online classes. Craig also leads a statewide user group comprising staff from other Intermediate Units that utilize the Genius Student Information System.

In 2024, Craig was honored with the AIU Mission Possible Award for his work in overhauling the connections between Waterfront’s SIS and its most popular courseware platform. In his free time, Craig enjoys spending time with his family, playing video games, and fly fishing.

With 15 years of experience in education, Erin has inspired young minds as a first--, third-, and fifth-grade teacher. She’s also taken on the role of induction guide, mentoring new educators and helping them flourish in their teaching journeys.

Erin holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Pennsylvania West University, and she further honed her expertise with a master’s degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh. She proudly possesses a Level II Instructional Certification, a PreK-12 Reading Specialist Certification, and a K-12 Principal Certification—demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning and educational excellence.

When she's not in the classroom, Erin loves making memories with her husband and their three wonderful children. Together, they enjoy spending time at the beach, swimming, and going on family adventures with their two dogs, Frankie and Louis. A true believer in the power of connection, Erin treasures her time spent with family and friends, always ready for the next great adventure!

Debbie has been a key member of the Waterfront Learning team since July of 2021. In May of 2022, she was promoted to Data Enrollment Specialist. Before joining the Waterfront Learning Team, Debbie has held administrative support roles at Alcoa, K&L Gates, Elizabeth Forward School District, and Federated Investors. She attended the Bradford School of Business.  Debbie enjoys spending time with her 4 adult children, family, friends, and especially with her grandson.  In her spare time, she loves to entertain and enjoys being outdoors at her family’s cabin.