St. Joseph Academy Welcomes New Faculty and Staff for the 2026–2027 School Year
As St. Joseph Academy begins the 2026–2027 school year, we are excited to welcome several new faculty and staff members to the Wildcat Family. Each brings valuable experience, a commitment to students, and a desire to contribute to the continued growth of our school community.
As SJA continues to grow, so does our commitment to surrounding our students with educators, counselors, coaches, and mentors who will challenge them academically, support them personally, and help prepare them for their futures. We are proud to welcome Jennifer Keats, Karly Pratt, Robert Briles, Elizabeth “Liz” Purcell, and Ronn Flaim to St. Joseph Academy.
Jennifer Keats – Mathematics
Jennifer Keats joins the SJA Math Department with more than 30 years of experience in education, having taught middle and high school mathematics and science in Catholic and Christian schools.
Mrs. Keats earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences from the University of Delaware before completing her secondary education credential program at the University of Maryland, earning professional certifications in both mathematics and biology.
Most recently, she served as Director of the Eighth Grade Program and a mathematics teacher at Saint Augustine Preparatory School. She brings to SJA a passion for helping students with varied learning styles build confidence, think critically, and reach their full potential.
Karly Pratt – School Counselor
Karly Pratt joins St. Joseph Academy as a School Counselor, bringing a strong background in student support, social-emotional learning, and individualized counseling.
Ms. Pratt earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Stockton University, with a concentration in Elementary Education and Mental Health and minors in Childhood and Disability Studies. She recently completed her Master of Science in School Counseling at Villanova University and is a certified school counselor in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Ms. Pratt is passionate about helping students navigate academic, personal, and social challenges while developing the confidence and skills necessary to thrive throughout their time at SJA and beyond.
Robert Briles – English & Football
Robert Briles joins the SJA English Department and Wildcat Football program as an Assistant Coach, bringing more than 30 years of experience in education.
Throughout his career, Mr. Briles has taught English and supported students with diverse learning needs at both Delsea Regional and Kingsway Regional School Districts. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts from Villanova University and his Master of Education in Educational Administration from Wilmington University.
Mr. Briles currently serves as an adjunct instructor at Rowan College of South Jersey and was named Delsea Regional High School’s Teacher of the Year in 2023. An experienced educator and coach, he is passionate about building meaningful relationships with students, encouraging thoughtful discussion and critical thinking, and helping young people grow academically and personally.
Elizabeth “Liz” Purcell – Long-Term Substitute & Girls Soccer
Elizabeth “Liz” Purcell joins the SJA community as a long-term substitute teacher and Assistant Girls Soccer Coach, bringing a background in leadership, student engagement, athletics, and community involvement.
A graduate of Neumann University, Ms. Purcell earned her Master of Science in Sport Business while developing valuable leadership experience as captain of the university’s women’s soccer team and an executive member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
Ms. Purcell is passionate about building meaningful relationships with students and creating a positive, supportive environment. Her experience as a student-athlete and leader will allow her to make an impact both in the classroom and on the field.
Ronn Flaim
St. Joseph Academy is also pleased to welcome Ronn Flaim to the Wildcat Family for the 2026–2027 school year. We look forward to the experience and perspective he will bring to our school community and the positive impact he will have on our students.
Continuing to Build the Wildcat Family
The addition of these new faculty and staff members comes at an exciting time for St. Joseph Academy. As our enrollment, academic offerings, extracurricular opportunities, athletics, and Middle School program continue to grow, investing in outstanding people remains an important part of SJA’s future.
We are excited to see the contributions Jennifer Keats, Karly Pratt, Robert Briles, Elizabeth Purcell, and Ronn Flaim will make throughout the year. Please join us in welcoming each of them to the Wildcat Family!
Faith. Family. Future.
