Outdoor Activities

Rita, the FFS premier dog trainer, assumed administrative duties in 2000 when her parents, Tony and Betty Argiros, founders of the school, retired. She was named Program Director in 2011. She was previously associate professor of sociology at St. Cloud State University where her areas of expertise included research methods and statistics, social inequality, and social problems. Rita continues to teach college-level courses in sociology and statistics at FFS. In addition to leading the Dog Corps program, she oversees the Venture Crew on campus. She is the current president of Eagle Valley Search Dogs, and she and her husband, Sid Parham, share their home with search dogs Ripley and Raven.

Jeff is new to the outdoor activities staff but has been a runner since high school where he ran cross country, winter track and spring track.  When FFS formed its cross country team, Jeff offered to help coach and was soon co-coaching the runners along with Tom Cummings and Jenn Culver.  In addition to knowing the technical aspects of the sport, Jeff's experience as a therapist enables him to help the team prepare psychologically, to motivate students to run their best and build mental toughness.  This includes getting students to appreciate the triple hill challenge on the school campus!  Jeff is currently mapping out a campus route which would allow FFS to host interscholastic cross country meets.

A career writer, editor and journalist, Jan is also a gardener and landscaping enthusiast who, for several years, has led student landscaping crews on campus beautification projects.  He began working part time at FFS in 1986 and full time in 2000. His primary duties here include teaching English 12 and Honors Composition, conducting Living Skills classes, and serving as Family Leader of FFS Talbot House. He has also served as principal of the FFS middle school. A celebrated author of award-winning books for children and young adults, Jan has addressed audiences throughout the country and abroad on at-risk teens, addiction, and writing. He lives with his wife, Valray, and daughter, Julia, in Bethany, Pa. where he sits on the Borough Council.

Jenn, a certified dog trainer and behaviorist, joined FFS in 2011 as administrative assistant to FFS program director Rita Argiros, running the Dog Corps program and teaching dog training classes.  She is an experienced veterinary technician and canine good citizen evaluator, and operates her own dog training business, Elite Instinct Canine.  In 2004 Jenn founded the not-for-profit animal rescue organization Life Long Tails and blogs about dogs at www.caninecopilot.com.  She is a member of the Eagle Valley Search and Rescue team, and a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals.  Originally from Syracuse, Jenn now lives in Hancock with her eight dogs.  When she isn't busy with all her dog-related activities, she enjoys hiking and running.

Tom has been on staff at The Family Foundation School since 2001, sharing his love of sports, fitness and the great outdoors with scores of students.  His primary roles at the school include senior student supervisor and golf and cross-country coach.  He is a certified fitness trainer, and is also certified in First Aid/CPR, and in concussion management.  Prior to FFS, Tom worked for Glacier Painting in his native Brooklyn, NY.  He currently lives in Beach Lake, PA with his wife Denise and their children Sydney, Chase and Max.  In his free time he enjoys playing as much golf as he can.

Daughter of The Family Foundation School founders Tony and Betty Argiros, Ann is part of the school's outdoor activities staff as well as an administrator and member of the science faculty.  She joined FFS in 2006 as a chemistry teacher, having previously taught at SUNY Delhi and Sienna College.  In 2011 she was named Dean of Students.  Ann and her husband Gerald also serve as Family Leaders for Betton House.  In addition to canoeing and kayaking, they enjoy hiking and bicycling with the students.  Off campus they are avid backyard farmers and active promoters of local agriculture, including organic produce and dairy products, grass-fed beef and pasture-raised pork. 

Like many staff, Gerald wears more than one hat at The Family Foundation School, including outdoor activities leader.  He joined the faculty in 2006 as a chemistry teacher, has served as Science Department Chair, and in 2011 was named Academic Dean.  He also shares his photographic interests and skills with students in photography class, an extracurricular activity he established in 2007. Gerald and his wife Ann, Dean of Students at FFS, serve as Family Leaders for Betton House. They are both outdoor enthusiasts who have introduced many FFS students to canoeing and kayaking on the Delaware. They live in rural Hancock where they enjoy gardening, bicycling and hiking.

A graduate of The Family Foundation School, Dee joined the FFS staff part-time in 2008 and full time in 2010 as a health and physical education teacher.  She is currently an outdoor activities leader and fitness trainer, and has served on the coaching staff.  A certified athletic trainer and a licensed health and physical education teacher, Dee holds degrees in athletic training and health and physical education from Marywood University.  She was previously employed at the Marywood Fitness Center and at Wilderness Way.   Dee and her husband Dan live in Honesdale, PA with their two children and are avid basketball fans.

Larry has been part of The Family Foundation School since 1996 where he currently serves as fitness trainer as well as student advisor, senior floor staff, physical education teacher, and basketball and softball coach. His extensive coaching background includes working with junior and senior high school boys and girls in basketball, football, softball and Little League, in Carbondale, Forest City, Honesdale, and Kingsley, Pa. His career has included coaching his two sons, both of whom are now coaches themselves. Larry and Cindy, his wife of 30 years, live in Honesdale and have recently become grandparents.

Carlton has been with The Family Foundation School since 1997, and was named Athletic Director in 2010.  His role as outdoor activities leader includes heading up the running club, fitness training, and overseeing the student skateboarders.  He has served as counselor for two family units, as well as facilitator for the student adoption group, and has been part of the admissions staff.  He also serves as the girls' basketball coach.  In 2004 he was named Section IX OCIAA Coach of the Year. Carlton's prior experience includes working in several substance abuse rehabs as an adolescent drug counselor, and with mentally challenged adults. The father of six children, he enjoys spending time with his grandson Isaiah.