Dauphin County
Technical School

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Administration

Jason Civitello – Administrative Director

Mr. Jason Civitello was named Administrative Director of Dauphin County Technical School in January 2025, after serving in a variety of instructional and administrative roles since joining the DCTS family in 2013. He began his career at the school as a Masonry Instructor and lead advisor for the SkillsUSA Chapter. In 2020, he transitioned to administration as the Assistant to the Director for Student and Facilities Management, where he played a key role in school operations and student services.
 
Mr. Civitello is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University, where he earned both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Education in Workforce Education and Development. His path into education followed a successful career in industry, where he served as a Regional Coordinator for New Construction and Acquisitions for two major corporations. Since 2003, he has also owned and operated a masonry business, further grounding his work in real-world experience.
 
Mr. Civitello is known for his visible, hands-on leadership style and for cultivating a culture built on high expectations, accountability, and trust. He believes that a strong school community is rooted in shared values, particularly Work Ethic, Leadership, Teamwork, Respect, and Pride, which serve as the foundation for DCTS’s Five Keys to Success. He is deeply committed to preparing students for meaningful careers and guiding staff with clarity, purpose, and a collaborative spirit.
 
Outside of his professional role, Mr. Civitello is an avid baseball fan and youth coach who values time spent with family and his local community.
 

Claire Dacko – Assistant Director

Mrs. Claire Dacko was named Assistant Director of Dauphin County Technical School in July 2025, after more than a decade of dedicated service as a Culinary Arts instructor. During her 11 years in the classroom, Mrs. Dacko established herself as a respected leader, serving in multiple key roles including New Teacher Mentor, National Technical Honor Society Advisor, SkillsUSA Advisor, and Team Leader for the Health Sciences and Public Services Division.
 
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management from Paul Smith’s College and earned her CTE Instructional II Certification from Penn State University. Prior to entering education, Mrs. Dacko built a successful career in the hotel, restaurant, and hospitality industry, gaining firsthand experience that she later used to enrich her instruction and connect classroom learning to real-world expectations.
 
Mrs. Dacko is known for her direct, transparent, and student-centered leadership style. She values strong communication, ethical decision-making, and active community engagement as cornerstones of a successful school culture. Her combined experience in industry and education has uniquely prepared her for her current role, where she remains committed to advancing DCTS’s mission by promoting innovation, program excellence, and expanded student opportunities.
 
Outside of school, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time outdoors with family and friends.

Maria Zaharick – Director of Operations

Miss Zaharick joined the staff at Dauphin County Technical School as Business Administrator in January 2002. She started her career at the Harrisburg office KPMG, LLP in October 1997 as an Assistant Accountant and also served as a Supervising Senior Accountant for the firm. Miss Zaharick received her Master’s Degree in School Business Leadership from Wilkes University in 2009, her Bachelor’s Degree from Shippensburg University in 1997, and her Certified Public Accountant license in October 2000.

Matthew Keys – Principal

Mr. Keys is entering his 21st year of education. He started his career as a math teacher (16 years) at East Pennsboro High School. From there, he moved on to become an assistant principal in the Central Dauphin School District at Central Dauphin East High School. He was there for four years. He earned his BS in Mathematics and his BSE in Secondary Education from Bloomsburg University where he also played football. He earned his Masters in Special Education from Shippensburg University and his Principal’s Certificate from California University of Pennsylvania. When time allows, Mr. Keys enjoys spending as much time as possible outdoors. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and watching his son play sports (football, basketball, and track and field). 

Mr. Keys looks forward to serving the DC Tech community, staff, and students. He endeavors to make DC Tech one of the foremost Career and Technical schools in Pennsylvania and he will work tirelessly to provide students with an exceptional academic and career-centered educational experience. Please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Keys with any needs, questions, or concerns you may have. 

 “Wolverine Strong!”

Dr. Gwen Mosteller – Assistant Principal

Dr. Mosteller is a graduate of Clarion University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology/General Science. Gwen received her Masters of Education degree in Educational Administration and Principal Certificate from Shippensburg University. She also obtained her Superintendent Letter of Eligibility from Temple University. Dr. Mosteller previously served as an Assistant Principal at Williams Valley High School.

Christine Estright – Assistant Principal

Mrs. Estright is entering her 26th year of education.  I worked for Harrisburg School District for 25 years as a middle school, science teacher, Dean of Students, and Administration.  Mrs. Estright enjoys spending time with her family and going on adventures.

Ariel Carrasquillo – Technology Director

As the Director of Technology at Dauphin County Technical School, Ariel Carrasquillo brings over 12 years of diverse experience in leveraging technology to enhance educational environments. Prior to his current role, he served as the Director of Technology at an inner-city elementary school in York, where he spearheaded initiatives to bridge the digital divide and empower students through innovative tech solutions. Before transitioning back into the education sector, he continued to honed his expertise as the Social Media and Technology Expert at Tru Advantage Team, a prominent real estate firm known for its high performance. Ariel Carrasquillo’s journey is fueled by a passion for harnessing the power of technology to drive positive change and facilitate growth in various domains.

Betsy Standland – Special Education Director

Betsy Standland became a Wolverine in August of 2023.  Prior to holding this position, Mrs. Standland worked in a number of school settings.  Her journey started when she graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 2000.  Mrs. Standland started her career in Ladysmith, Virginia teaching fourth grade.  During those first two years, Betsy discovered passion for her struggling students.  Subsequently, Mrs. Standland took a position teaching Special Education in King George, Virginia.  In those four years, she taught both elementary (5th grade) and middle school (6-8th grade) Reading and English.  All while completing a Master’s Degree in Special Education from the University of Mary Washington.  With this degree in hand, Mrs. Standland moved to Western North Carolina for the following three years.  Here she supervised the educational aspects of a residential, wilderness alternative school through Eckard Youth Alternatives.  In 2009, Mrs. Standland accepted a position in Pennsylvania teaching Special Education at East Pennsboro High School.  In this position, she has worked with a variety of disabilities and taught or co-taught numerous classes.  In 2019, Mrs. Standland was appointed Department Head and returned to school to pursue her Administrative Certification from Shippensburg University.  Shortly after completing this degree, Ms. Standland accepted her current position.

 

Outside of school, Mrs. Standland is married and raising three boys.  They are active in Boy Scouts, and their high school band.  In her free time, she enjoys watching her boys perform, spending time with friends, and visiting the Adirondacks.

Stephanie Hanford – Adult Education Director

Mrs. Hanford joined the DCTS administration team in July 2020, as the Adult and Continuing Education Director. Her background in marketing with the Frederick Automotive Group for 14 years gives her the perfect skill set to manage, market, and administer Adult Education courses. She also holds certificates in Business Development, Customer Experience, Digital Marketing, and General Management. Before her time as a Marketing Manager, she concentrated on Food Science, working at both Hershey Foods and M&M/Mars over a 13 year period where she focused on ingredient research and developed new products. She holds a Master of Science, in Food Sciences, from the University of Massachusetts and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Lamar University, Beaumont, TX.

Denise Green – Food Service Director

Mrs. Green joined Dauphin County Technical School as the Food Service Director in 2010. She is a graduate of Central Dauphin High School. Mrs. Green began her career in Dietary at Villa Theresa Nursing Home at the age of 16. She has been in food service for over 30 years and in school foodservice since 1998. With the ever-changing Government Regulations and the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, she continually strives to meet the challenges and opportunities to serve our students a healthy, tasty, and enjoyable Breakfast and Lunch every day.

Andrea Bennett – Human Resources Director & SHRM-CP

Mrs. Bennett joined Dauphin County Technical School in July 2000 as the Accounts Payable Bookkeeper. She was promoted to Assistant Business Administrator in July 2012. Mrs. Bennett previously worked in the Banking Industry prior to DCTS.

Jennifer Spangler – Curriculum Instruction & Assessment Director

Jen Spangler started at DCTS as an English teacher in 2018, transitioning into the role of Curriculum Coordinator in 2023, and Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Director in 2024. She earned her Masters of Science in Instructional Technology from Wilkes University, and her Administrative Certification from Millersville University. Prior to DCTS, Mrs. Spangler worked at Rowland Academy as a middle school English teacher. She is committed to supporting teachers and students through deliberate planning and consideration, and believes deeply in the value of comprehensive career and technical education.

In her free time, Mrs. Spangler volunteers as a mentor supporting the FIRST Robotics team, Normality Zero (#2559). She also enjoys knitting and playing board games.