ABOUT NEBINGER

Ms. Townsend received her grade school education and is a proud alumni of the Cheltenham School District. While attending Cheltenham High School, Ms. Townsend worked diligently as a student athlete, earning All-American and graduating with a track scholarship to Florida State University. At Florida State, she earned a degree in Economics and Accounting and travelled the world participating in Track and Field. Two years after graduating she earned an M.Ed in Elementary Education from Cheyney University and an Ed.S in Educational Leadership from Argosy University. Ms. Townsend has served 17 years in Education. (3 years in Atlanta and 14 years in Philadelphia, 11 of which at Nebinger Elementary.)

Ms. Townsend has a passion for “educating the whole child, and every child," valuing difference and diversity, amongst our community and maintaining a culture of respect and acceptance. Her reflective nature and approach makes her approachable to all members of the school community. One of Ms. Townsend’s greatest strengths is her willingness to accept and provide input and ask clarifying questions. 

Ms. Townsend has two wonderful children, Germaine 22 years old and Jenna, 11 years old. When spending time outside of her Nebinger Family, Ms. Townsend loves adventure, traveling, decorating, and spending time with her family. She will do whatever it takes to support her teachers so they can do what they do best- ensure the students receive a world class education.

Mrs. Massa started her career in education as a Speech Language Pathologist. She then returned to Temple University to receive her Masters degree in Early Childhood and Special Education. Having completed her student teaching in 2019 at Nebinger, she was able to take on the position as an ILS teacher at Nebinger and then transitioned to Autistic Support. She loves to be involved in all things Nebinger and is happy to lead the events committee this school year. Mrs. Massa lives in South Philly with her husband, two daughters and wacky Bull Terrier, Pippa. She enjoys crafting, sewing and shopping with her daughters. She attends football and basketball games as a proud cheer mom. She and her husband are avid Temple fans and enjoy hiking and gardening.

Caroline Pomrink is a seasoned educator with over two decades of dedicated service in the Philadelphia School District. As the Assistant Principal at Nebinger Elementary School, she brings a wealth of experience and a passionate commitment to educational excellence and student development. A proud alumna of Saint Joseph's University, Caroline holds dual Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Elementary, Reading, and Special Education, earned in 2005. Her comprehensive educational training has been the cornerstone of her dynamic career in education. Ms. Pomrink's professional trajectory at Nebinger Elementary School exemplifies her leadership and versatility. Joining the school in 2014 as an ESOL teacher, she quickly distinguished herself by taking on multiple leadership roles, including Scheduler, Roster Chair, and SIS Coach. In 2021, she was appointed Interim Assistant Principal and subsequently secured the permanent position.  As an instructional leader, Ms. Pomrink is deeply committed to supporting teachers and nurturing student growth. She places special emphasis on students' social and emotional well-being, often spending time with students during recess to build meaningful connections. Her approach is characterized by establishing trust, fostering relationships, and maintaining a lifelong learning mindset. Outside of her professional responsibilities, Ms. Pomrink finds joy in spending summers along the beaches of North Wildwood, cherishing time with her friends and family.

Leslie Grace has been teaching visual arts since 2004. In 2014, she began her tenure at Nebinger Elementary. Ms. Grace serves as the President of the Pennsylvania Art Education Association and is also the founder/leader of the Philadelphia Art Teachers Alliance, which strives to keep Philadelphia art teachers connected and supported. In addition, Ms. Grace adjuncts at the University of the Arts, and Moore College of Art and Design, as well as serving on the Moore College of Art and Design Advisory Board for their Art Education Program. Ms. Grace was recognized by BillyPenn.com as a leader under 40 in the field of education in 2015 and was awarded the PAEA 2016 Award for Outstanding Elementary Art Educator. In 2019, she became a graduate of the National Art Education Association’s (NAEA) School for Art Leaders. In 2022, Ms. Grace was awarded the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching from the School District of Philadelphia. Most recently, she was accepted into the NAEA program for creating Connected Art Networks (CAN) which will focus on the promotion of ED&I and SEL instruction and learning.