Our Principals

Dr. Barker received his Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration from Immaculata University.  He earned his Master of Science degree in Educational Administration and his K-12 Principal Certification from Gwynedd Mercy College and his teaching certificate in Science from Calvin College, Michigan.  Prior to joining Downingtown West High School, Dr. Barker taught Biology/Anatomy and Physiology at Abington High School and served as an Assistant High School Principal in the Unionville/Chadds Ford School District.

Dr. Barker is a resident of the Downingtown Borough. He and his wife Sarah, a Downingtown High School graduate, have three children. One is currently enrolled at Beaver Creek Elementary School, one is enrolled at Downingtown High School West and one is a graduate of STEM Academy.

Caitlin Leonard is joining the administrative team as an Assistant Principal at Downingtown West from her previous position in DASD as Supervisor of Special Education for East, West, and STEM. 

Mrs. Leonard holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education and Early Grades from West Chester University, a Masters of Special Education (concentration in Assistive Technology/UDL) from West Chester University, and a Post Masters Supervisor of Special Education Certification from Slippery Rock University. 

Mrs. Leonard began her career at Avon Grove Charter School as a special education teacher and subsequently served as a Supervisor of Special Education and the Director of Special Education.  

Mrs. Raines is joining the administrative team as an Assistant Principal at Downingtown West from her previous position as an Assistant Principal of Student Affairs at Radnor High School. Prior to this, she held positions at Radnor Middle School, where she has served as a School Counselor and Science and Math teacher since joining the district in 2006. She started her teaching career in North Carolina as a High School Physics teacher before heading back to Pennsylvania to be a Middle School Science teacher in her alma mater, Upper Darby School District. Throughout her journey, her focus has always been to support students so they can reach their goals. 

Mrs. Raines attended East Carolina University for her Bachelor's of Science in Science Education with a concentration in Physics.  She then attended West Chester University where she earned her Master of Science in School Counseling and Higher Education/Post Secondary Counseling. Mrs. Raines attended Immaculata University for her K-12 Educational Leadership certificate and has continued to take courses that help her understand the current trends of education.  

Mr. Falconio earned his Master of Education in Educational Leadership, K-12 Principal Certification, and Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education from The Pennsylvania State University.  Before joining the Downingtown High School West team, he was a biology teacher, department chair, instructional coach, and then an assistant principal at Freire Charter High School in Philadelphia, PA.

Mr. Falconio is a resident of Ardmore, PA.  He is excited to serve the Downingtown School District and West High School students, families, and staff.