The premier independent preschool to eighth grade school in Buffalo, NY.
Elmwood Franklin School
  • About
    • Welcome to EFS
    • Mission and Core Values
    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
    • School Leadership
    • Board of Trustees
    • Faculty
    • Strategic Plan
    • Facilities
    • History
    • Careers at Elmwood Franklin
  • Admissions
    • Welcome
    • Admissions Events
    • EFS At a Glance
    • Admissions Process
    • Tuition & Value
  • Academics
    • Academic Philosophy
    • Faculty
    • Curriculum Maps
    • Prep
    • Lower School
    • Upper School
  • Student Life
    • Afterschool Program
    • After School Clubs
    • Arts
    • Athletics
    • Dress Code
    • Dining Service
    • Outdoor Education
    • Service Learning
    • Student Support Services
    • Summer Camp
    • Technology
    • Transportation
  • My EFS
    • Parents/Guardians
    • Alumni
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • EFS Store
  • Giving
    • Annual Fund
    • 125 Endowment Campaign
    • Gifts of Stock
    • Auction
    • Giving Impact Report
    • Planned Giving
    • Volunteer
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Location

School Leadership

HEAD OF SCHOOL
Johnathan M. Letcher
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Johnathan Letcher has over twenty years of experience in public, international, and independent schools, serving as a teacher, principal, deputy superintendent, and head of school. As a second-generation educator, he is recognized as a servant leader who “listens, reflects, then acts,” fostering environments where adults are empowered, and students are valued.

As Head of School at Summers-Knoll School in Ann Arbor, Johnathan led the transition from a co-op to a mission-driven independent school. He established academic standards, implemented norm-referenced assessments, improved family communication, and enhanced teaching practices. The school expanded access, increased full-pay enrollment, and stabilized faculty retention. Working with trustees, he also facilitated a strategic merger with a local 6–12 school to ensure long-term stability for students and staff.

Previously, as Head of School at the American School of Creative Science in Dubai, he doubled enrollment in one year, achieved early full NEASC accreditation, and introduced programs that integrated creativity, problem-solving, and academic rigor, earning national recognition.

As a public school principal in the Seattle area, Johnathan’s school received state and national recognition for accelerated student growth, including among multilingual learners, while fostering a safe, collaborative culture. As Deputy Superintendent in Massachusetts and School Improvement Officer in Washington, D.C., he led district-wide instructional improvements, managed budgets, and advanced student support initiatives based on evidence and equity.

Throughout his career, Johnathan has been valued for empowering others through clear communication, establishing shared goals, and promoting collaboration. References describe him as organized, forward-thinking, and relational. He seeks feedback, addresses complex issues directly and respectfully, and consistently prioritizes students and teachers in every decision.
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HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL / ASSOCIATE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Mrs. Annie LoTempio
Annie LoTempio joined Elmwood Franklin School in 2017 as the Head of Upper School. She brought with her over 15 years of experience in the field of education, both as a teacher and administrator.
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A native of Buffalo, Annie holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the State University of New York at Fredonia, a master’s degree in Educational Psychology from the University at Buffalo, and an M.Ed. in Private School Leadership from Columbia University’s Teachers College.
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HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL
Dr. Bobbie Finocchio
Dr. Bobbie Finocchio joined Elmwood Franklin School as Head of Lower School in 2023, bringing with her a strong background in school leadership and elementary education. She has served as both a principal and special educator in Massachusetts. Locally, Bobbie has also been an instructor at the University at Buffalo's Graduate School of Education.
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A native of Massachusetts, Bobbie holds a B.A. in Psychology from Regis College. She earned her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Salem State University, a master’s degree in Special Education from Regis College, and her doctorate in Educational Administration from Boston College.

Administrative Team

Ms. Emily Beckwith 📧
Director of Athletics
​Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Ms. Cheryl Colpoys 📧
Director of Technology

Mr. Thomas Huebsch 📧
Interim Director of Finance

Mrs. Moira Lewis 📧
Director of Development

Mrs. Mary Logan 📧
School Psychologist

Mrs. Stephanie Katzman 📧
Director of Admissions

Mr. Patrick Kilian 📧
Building and Grounds Supervisor

Ms. Rebecca Murak 📧
Director of Communications

​Staff
Mrs. Lisa Edelman, Assistant to the Heads 📧
Mrs. Kim Partyka, Receptionist/Office Support 📧
Mr. Rafael Juillet, Horizons Afterschool Program 📧
Ms Bridgette Prentiss, Horizons Afterschool Program 📧

Development
Ms. Olivia Knauss, Development Associate 📧

Business Office
Ms. Tricia Luke, Business Office Manager 📧

Technology
Mr. Michael Hopkins, Technology Specialist 📧​

Building and Grounds
Mr. Devin Borowski, Building Maintenance Assistant 📧

Elmwood Franklin School
Mission

Elmwood Franklin School prepares children to lead a thriving life.

At a Glance
Grades: three-year-old program to eighth grade (11 grades)
Enrollment: 314
Average Class Sizes
​Prep: 10
Lower School: 18
Upper School: 12

Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
Number of Faculty: 44
Average Tenure at EFS:
12 years
Founded: 1895

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Elmwood Franklin School prepares children to lead thriving lives.


© Elmwood Franklin School | 104 New Amsterdam Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14216
[email protected] | 716-877-5035 | fax 716-877-9680

​Elmwood Franklin School is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools and a member of the National Association of Independent Schools. 

Contact Us | Location | Careers at Elmwood Franklin