Eden Hall Upper Elementary

Pine-Richland School District is pleased to announce the hiring of a new principal for Eden Hall Upper Elementary School. The board approved the hiring of Mrs. Colleen Berezo at its combined meeting on December 12, 2022.

Mrs. Berezo is currently principal of Pittsburgh Arlington PreK-8. She earned a bachelor of science degree in education from Duquesne University, a master of science in education from Johns Hopkins University, and principal certification from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. 

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the Eden Hall Upper Elementary community and am eager to contribute to the high level of excellence that already exists at Pine-Richland,” said Mrs. Berezo. 

In her current role, Mrs. Berezo has focused on improving the Positive Behavior and Intervention Support (PBIS) system. She implemented a new student and school culture development program called The Positivity Project, adjusted the school’s master schedule to embed intervention periods and professional learning communities throughout the school day to support student and staff growth, prioritized frequent professional development, collaborated with APlus Schools to target chronic absenteeism, and worked closely with committees, families and community partners to ensure strong relationships in efforts to provide the best opportunity for students. 

“We are elated to welcome Mrs. Berezo to Pine-Richland and into the role of principal at Eden Hall Upper Elementary School,” said Dr. Kristen Justus, assistant superintendent for elementary education and curriculum. “Mrs. Berezo is an empathetic, strategic, instructional leader with a clear passion for student learning and demonstrated results in the area of student growth. Her instructional coaching experience and systematic, collaborative approach to sustaining improvement efforts align well with the philosophy at Pine-Richland.”

Prior to joining Pittsburgh Arlington, Mrs. Berezo worked as a district math academic coach, where she facilitated professional development at the school and district levels, conducted coaching cycles with teachers to support effective instruction, and continuously monitored school-wide data to measure success in meeting school improvement goals. She also served as the school assessment coordinator, technology liaison and faculty committee chair. Mrs. Berezo’s experience also includes teaching English language arts and math. 

“I look forward to fostering strong relationships with students, staff, families and the community,” said Mrs. Berezo. “I am thrilled to use my skills as an instructional leader and partner with all stakeholders to ensure each child reaches their highest potential of success."

Mrs. Berezo will start early in 2023. She replaces Steve Smith, who has served as a great asset to the district for more than nine years.