“I also teach an after-school standards-of-learning (SOL) tutoring/prep program,” Cassels said. “In addition to teaching at the school I am our school’s representative/coach for the Junior Lego League robotics club after school program in which students invent through Legos ways to ‘go green.’”

Cassels noted that one of the biggest hurdles to teaching in Manassas is the language barrier.

“I am looking back now and wishing I had done better in Spanish class,” Cassels said. “It would have been extremely useful in the teaching field down here. I love the area despite the difference from St. Marys, but I feel that I have an extremely rewarding career and future here.”

Cassels described Manassas as being vastly different from St. Marys.

“Manassas would be my pick for things such as beautiful weather and more conveniently located shopping opportunities. However, being as we are so close to the D.C. metro area, traffic is often an issue,” Cassels said. “But obviously, there is no place like home.”

Amanda is the daughter of Natalie and Dan Cassels of St. Marys and the older sister of Danielle Cassels, a senior at Elk County Catholic High School. She is also the granddaughter of MaryLou Iorfida and Donald Cassels and the fiancé of Daniel Wagner.

Growing up in St. Marys she attended grade school at Sacred Heart and Elk County Catholic High School. She attended college at Clarion University of Pennsylvania and earned dual bachelor’s degrees in English Literature and Elementary Education. She also received  Intermediate School Math and Reading certifications.