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

Ms. Fischer is beginning her 29th year in education.  She has served in a variety of capacities from classroom teacher, Math Specialist, Reading Interventionist, Assistant Principal, Principal, and most recently as an Instructional Coach here at IAA.  She is an advocate of school choice, and dedicated to working with families so they can find the best educational fit for their child.
lfischer@iaacslv.net

Mr. Pigdeon has 31 years in education as a Teacher building administrator and central office administrator. Mr. Pigdeon started his career as a Health and Physical Education teacher for Colonial IU #20.  Mr. Pidgeon started an outdoor education program for the students he was engaged with.  Then he moved to building administration as an Assistant Principal and then a Principal.  Although leaving the building was a difficult decision he moved into central office as the Director of Human Resources for Colonial IU #20.  In total he served 27 years at CIU20.  An opportunity presented itself and he moved to the Allentown School District as the Executive Director of Human Resources, a position he held for 4 years.  He then moved to the Southern Lehigh School District as the Director of Human Resources for the past 2 years.  

Mr. Pigdeon graduated from East Stroudsburg University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Health and Physical Education.  He also graduated from East Stroudsburg University with a Masters in Educational Leadership.  He has served as a coach in various sports including football, basketball and lacrosse. He is married and has 4 sons.  

Mr. Pigdeon has now joined the Leadership team of Innovative Arts Academy as the Principal of the building.  He has returned to the building level to directly work with the students.  He hopes to focus on students and working with the faculty and staff to provide a positive environment for all involved.  
tpidgeon@iaacslv.net

mmakhoul@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

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

Attended Bloomsburg University to study psychology and philosophy and graduated 2017. In 2020 he started his masters degree in School Counseling at Kutztown University, graduating in 2023.  His passion for working with students began while working in Special Education, first at NewStory in Berwick for 2 years, then as a behavior technician in Bethlehem for 4 years. His favorite aspect of his current role as a school counselor is that he is privileged to know/work with students on a 1 - 1 level. He finds it rewarding to assist students towards reaching their academic goals while also helping them build skills towards becoming their ideal self! In his free time he loves to snowboard, run, and more recently enjoys watching black and white cinema by Japanese director Akira Kurosawa.

babrams@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