Faculty and Staff - Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy

Kate Brandley Regional Director

C.A.G.S. Educational Leadership, University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth

M.Ed., Guidance and Counseling, Providence College
BA, Psychology, College of the Holy Cross

Kate Brandley has served as Regional Director of Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy (SJPIICA) since July of 2016. The promotion was a recognition of her excellent work as the principal of the Neponset Campus of the Academy from 2006 to 2016. Kate has spent her entire career in Catholic education. After completing her Bachelor of Arts in psychology at College of the Holy Cross, she received her Master of Education in guidance and counseling from Providence College. She received her principal licensure from the University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth. Kate is also a graduate of the Lynch Leadership Academy at Boston College. Kate’s experience prior to SJPIICA includes serving as vice principal of student life, guidance counselor and director of admissions at Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro, MA.

Anne Gallagher Principal, Columbia Campus

Salli Ford Principal, Neponset Campus

Lisa Warshafsky Principal, Lower Mills Campus

Expected M.Ed., School Leadership, Boston College
MSW, Social Work, Boston College
Dual Degree, Lasell College

Lisa Warshafsky has been working in urban education for more than 20 years and has a passion for working with students, teachers, families and community partners. She has been the Principal of Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy, Lower Mills Campus, in Dorchester for over four years. Prior to becoming Principal, Lisa was a Guidance Counselor and Director of Guidance for Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy for 6 years. In addition to earning a Master of Social Work degree from Boston College and completing coursework towards a Master of Education in School Leadership at Boston College, Ms. Warshafsky is the recipient of the 2011 Yawkey Award for Teaching Excellence, graduate of the prestigious Lynch Leadership Academy and Boston College Lynch School, graduate of the Roach Center for Catholic Education, Emmaus Leadership Program, the Boston Family Engagement Partnership (BFEP), and the 2017 recipient for the NCEA Innovations in Catholic Education (ICE) Award for Total Community Involvement. Lisa is on the Boston Compact Steering Committee for the City of Boston and previously served on the Boston Compact Equity and Diversity Committee where she worked on elevating student voice for all and ensuring that students in the City of Boston receive high quality instruction. Lisa is the proud mother of a teenage daughter and loves spending time with her.

Caroline Jones Vice Principal

Lyndsay Eldridge Vice Principal

Timothy Ruggere Vice Principal

Argentina Diaz Pre K Teacher

Leah Manfra Grade 5 Teacher

Samantha Hayes Grade 3 Teacher

Megan Fennelly Grade 4 Teacher

Marissa Balcarek Pre K Teacher

Anisha Pacheco Pre K Teacher

Crystal Wyse 2.9 Aide

Jack Turo Guidance Counselor

Erin Hellmuth K2 Aide

Robin Carney Pre K Aide

Patrycja Gradziuk Grade 1 Teacher

Mackenzie Hughes Grade 6 and ELA

Shalini Shweta Grade 6 and Science

Gloria Anzures K2 Aide

Maria Martin Family Engagement Liaison

Adriana Alfonseca Toddler Aide

Thomas McNamee Grade 7 Teacher

Jenny Andrade Pre K Aide

Isabelle Conway K2 Teacher

Rachel Marinella Grade 4 Teacher

Meaghan Noone Grade 3 Teacher

Jessica Leroy Grade 4 Teacher

Saniyah Correia K1 Aide

Meghan Kelly Grade 2 Teacher

Amanda Donohue Grade 6 Teacher

Molly Sullivan K2 Teacher

Tina Higgins Director of Finance and Operations

Francois Alcindor Extended Day Coordinator

If you could be one super hero, who would it be and why?
Really do not know anything about super heroes, find my inspiration from the saints of the past and those I meet along my path.

Cindy Altieri KI Teacher

Claire Amabile Grade 3 Teacher

Vania Andrade PreK Aide

Jacqueline Barden KI Teacher
CLASS WEBSITE >

BA, Liberal Studies, University of the Pacific
California Teaching Credential

Years in teaching
17

What is something your students have taught you?
We can fix most mistakes.

If you could be one super hero, who would it be and why?
I’d be AquaWoman. That’s the ultimate swimming with dolphins (and others) experience.

What are your first impressions of Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy?
SJP has always been welcoming.

What are your hobbies and interest?
I enjoy doing everything with my awesome family. We like being outdoors,traveling and cooking.

Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students do not know.
I know how to ride a horse.

Chenelle Barros Pre K Teacher

Julia Becker K2 Teacher

Dahiana Betances Toddler Aide

Deloris Borders Lunch Coordinator

Colby Bosse 2.9 Teacher

Unique Brown 2.9 Teacher

Karen Burk K1 Teacher
CLASS WEBSITE >

B.S., Psychology, Pennsylvania State University
M.A., Child and Developmental Psychology, University of Connecticut

Years in teaching
11 years

What is something your students have taught you?
The importance of vigilance and planning ahead.

What were your first impressions of Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy?
This was about 2 1/2 years ago at the Mattapan campus, now closed. The children were napping at the time. The surroundings seemed very charming, with the original wood floors, old-school chalk boards, super high ceilings, solid wood doors and window frames. My first impressions were of a warm, cozy environment.

What are your hobbies and interest?
Being outdoors, reading, crossword puzzles, my cats, learning about local wildlife

Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students do not know.
This would come as no surprise to anyone older than my students, but they can be very interested in the fact that I have a mom and dad, drive a car, and live in a home.

Janine Bushman 2.9 Teacher

Ayesha Butler K2 Aide

Laniah Butler K1 Aide

Fran Camilo K1 Aide

Paula Callahan Early Education Coordinator

BA, Theater Arts & Early Childhood Ed, Wheelock

Years in teaching
26

What is something your students have taught you?
Students teach me to laugh more!

If you could be one super hero, who would it be and why?
Superhero ….Wonder Woman because she is amazing.

What was your first impression of Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy?
Welcoming, loving, spiritual environment.

What are your hobbies and interest?
Spending time with my family, traveling and cooking.

Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students do not know.
My students do not know I live outside of our classroom!

Jeanne Carrara KI Teacher
CLASS WEBSITE >

Early Childhood, Bridgewater State University

Years in teaching
31

What is something your students have taught you?
Live spontaneously and enjoy life’s simple pleasures!

If you could be one super hero, who would it be and why?
I would be Captain America because his leadership and dedication to doing the right thing impresses me!

What are your first impressions of Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy?
SJP is a friendly and accepting environment!

What are your hobbies and interest?
Walking, biking,and reading

Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students do not know.
I like to spend my summers in Cape Cod!

Schanecqua Christmas Family Engagement Coordinator

Mebis Castillo K1 Teacher

Chris Coleman Grade 7 and Math

Laura Conway Greek/Latin Teacher
CLASS WEBSITE >

BS Psychology, SUNY Stony Brook
DC, NYCC New York Chiropractic College

A graduate of SUNY Stony Brook, Mrs. Conway received her BS in Psychology in ’87 and then pursued my Doctor of Chiropractic at NYCC, graduating in ’91. After 4 years of substitute teaching in the Milton Public Schools, she joined Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy in 2011, teaching grades 5 to 8 Latin & Greek Word Roots at all four campuses.

As a student growing up, Mrs. Conway’s favorite subject was math – especially Algebra. However, she was, and still is, an avid reader and have strived to instill this passion in her own kids and students. One of her all time favorite series is Harry Potter, for which she is known to reference the “word origin” of spells and even character names.

Her students and family would describe her as a “word nerd,” and she hopes to pass along this love of “breaking down” words to their roots to them.

Years in teaching?
12

What is something your students have taught you?
My students have taught me how to have a sense of humor and greater patience with myself.

If you could be one super hero, who would it be and why?
If I could be any one super hero, it would be Wonder Woman. She has the power of flight, which if I had would allow me to visit my family who live out of state more often. And unknown to most, she has omnilingualism, which means she can speak the language of anyone she meets.

What are your first impressions of Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy?
My first impression of SJP was that it was a warm and welcoming community.

What are your hobbies and interest?
I love to read, cook, complete puzzles, and garden.

Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students do not know.
I had the opportunity to meet a few different Red Sox players when I was working for a Chiropractic Practice in Boston.

Jeanette Cook K2 Teacher

Bridget Crane Grade 3 Teacher

Marina Cubellis K2 Teacher

Mary Ann Dana K1 Aide

Patrice DeAngelo Accounting Associate

Come join our class and see what we are working on. Feel free to try out our links!

Mrs DeAngelo’s Computer Room Page >

http://www.mrsdeangelo.weebly.com

Christine DeCarolis Math Coach

Luisa Fernandez De Morel Toddler Teacher

Delaina Santos DePina 2.9 Aide

Delilah Demopoulos Grade 5 Teacher

Hannah Denhof Grade 1 Teacher

Oksana DiCamillo Grade 6 Teacher

Tia DiRienzo Administrative Assistant

BS, Sociology, Salem State University

Years in teaching
10

What is something your students have taught you?
My students have taught me to stay young at heart.

If you could be one super hero, who would it be and why?
If I could be any super hero it would be Wonder Woman because she’s intelligent, stunning, and strong!

What were your first impressions of Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy?
My first impression of the St. John Paul Catholic Academy Lower Mills Campus was that it’s a beautiful campus with a warm, strong sense of community.

What are your hobbies and interest?
Things that I love to do are- dance, sing, bowl, workout, play cards, and spend time with my family & friends!

Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students do not know.
Something interesting about me is that I was a resident assistant & a basketball cheerleader at Salem State College.

Meghan Drielak Art Teacher

Years in teaching
11

What is something your students have taught you?
Embrace the moment, enjoy the past and look forward to tomorrow.

If you could be one super hero, who would it be and why?
I’d be a teacher, they are the ultimate superhero. They have the ultimate power of knowledge, they are able to multi-task, have supervision and hearing and they can help others learn their true superpowers too.

Kathleen Duggan Student Programs Coordinator

Christy Durazo Mission and Formation Director

Rhonda Eaton Grade 6 Teacher
CLASS WEBSITE >

BA, English, Bridgewater State Univeristy
MFA, Creative Writing of Fiction, Southern New Hampshire University

Years in teaching
20+

What is something your students have taught you?
Despite the changing of time and advancement of technology, children still thrive on fundementals which money cannot buy. I am reminded and in awe that society demands efficiency and a high tech lifestyle, yet children demand love and a listening heart. They are afraid of their future, and who can blame them?

If you could be one super hero, who would it be and why?
Superwoman because it would be nice to be able to do it all!

What was your first impression of Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy?
I have been with the Academy for 7 years. These are not first impressions, but we are a unit of strong educators who place the safety and education, academic and spiritual, ahead of all else.

What are your hobbies and interest?
I adore being with my family. I read classic literature and write young adult fiction and poetry.

Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students do not know.
I have written a book I am apprehensive to send to a publisher!

My name is Rhonda Eaton; this will be my seventh year with SJPII. Prior to my time with all of you, I worked for Avon Public Schools for fifteen years. I attended Massasoit Community College and transferred to Bridgewater State University graduating Summa cum laude and earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English with a Writing Concentration. I earned my Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing of Fiction from Southern New Hampshire University. My poetry has been published in The Bridge, and I have performed my writing in invitational public forums. My eventual goal is to add college-level teaching to my current repertoire while continuing to teach 5-8 (the student population I love most!) I always look forward to paying forward my love of writing to all of my students.

I listen, and I share. I tell it like it is, no pulling punches. Honesty and integrity are of utmost importance in life. Lying to others is bad enough, but lying to oneself is worse. Treating others as we would want to be treated expresses God’s desire for humans to be humane. Humanity exemplifies unity; we are all one being, no one better or worse but equal. Let us fulfill God’s desire for us and treat one another with humanity, dignity, and compassion.

Tanya Ezekiel School Nurse

Megan Falvey Grade 3 Teacher

Cristel Fernandez Early Education Aide

Charlene Folan Nurse

RN, ADN

Years in education
1

What was your first impression of Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy?
I fell in love with SJP when I enrolled my daughter in K1 in 2014. The feeling of community and the wonderful staff was one of the main reasons I chose this job

What are your hobbies and interest?
I love reading, real estate, traveling and spending time with my family and friends

Eileen Frain Grade 5 Teacher

Marie Frejuste Pre K Aide

Michael Gabelus Grade 8 Teacher

Karen Gaylord PreK Teacher

BS, Sociology, Northeastern University

Years in teaching
14

What is something your students have taught you?
My students have taught me to appreciate small things. Our class takes a neighborhood walk several times each week and the children are so excited to see fall
leaves, pigeons eating crumbs or a garbage truck. They are so interested and excited about the world around them.

If you could be one super hero, who would it be and why?
I’m not sure if they’re superheroes but I think I would be a member of the Paw Patrol. “No job too big, no pup too small.” They’re inspirational for small children and non violent.

What was your first impression of Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy?
I love that the staff really cares about the students.

What are your hobbies and interest?
I enjoy running, reading, and eating out.

Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students do not know.
My students don’t know that I live close enough to walk to work.

Dionne Greendidge Technology Teacher

Emily Hart Grade 2 Teacher

Vincenza Hart K1 Teacher

Mary Hebard Music Teacher

BS, Elementary Education, UMass/Boston
BA, Music, UMass/Boston

Years in teaching
27 years

What is something your students have taught you?
I have learned to enjoy what I am doing when I am doing it- to fully participate in the now because if I’m remembering the past or worrying about the future, I miss out on the wonder of the present.

If you could be one super hero, who would it be and why?
I guess Aquaman, because I wish I could live and breathe in the water.

What are your first impressions of Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy?
I get to experience all the campuses and I like that all the campuses share the same mission, the same goals, but each campus also has its own personality and celebrates what makes them unique.

What are your hobbies and interest?
Anything with music- listening to it, dancing, singing, playing. I love to read and do a number of different crafts- knitting, crocheting, cross-stitch embroidery, making things from recycled materials. I also really enjoy cooking for people.

Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students do not know.
When I was 21, I learned to surf in Hawaii. I was able to stay up on the board longer than the three friends I went with, but I could never do it now.

Cathy Hegarty Extended Day Coordinator

Mark Hegarty Business Office Coordinator

Olga Hegarty K1 Aide

Biandy Hernandez PreK Aide

Mike Higgins Director of Facilities

Samiksha Joshi Computer/Library Teacher

Kristyn Joy Government and State Programs Coordinator

Jessica Laureano 2.9 Aide

David Lehr Grade 8 and Religion

Rusy Lopez KI Aide

Laura Lyle PreK Teacher

Janique Lynch Lunch Coordinator

Christine Maher Guidance

Aracely Marcario 2.9 Aide

Lynne McAteer Administrative Assistant

Years in teaching
20 years

Zach McDaniel Title 1 Coordinator

Annie McDonnell Grade 4 Teacher

Claire McDonnell Business office

Elizabeth McMahon Grade 1 Teacher

Nicole McManus K1 Aide

Emily Meehan Pre K Teacher

Susan Moscat 2.9 Aide

Hannah Mullaly K2 Aide

Maria Nascimento Pre K Aide

Ann Nolan PreK Aide

Meaghan Noone Grade 3 Teacher

Caroline O'Brien Grade 2 Teacher

Jennifer Pellegrine Grade 1 Teacher

Lorenza Pena K2 Aide

Riqueldys Pena Administrative Assistant

Gloria Pierre Lunch Staff

Beth Plunkett K2 Teacher

Kristin Prout Administrative Assistant

Caelan Radigan Art Teacher

Sara Richard Berndt STREAM Coach

BS, English and Liberal Arts, Eastern Nazarene College
M.Ed, University of Phoenix

Years in teaching
14

What is something your students have taught you?
My students have taught to me to have continued patience, and to always laugh. They have helped me to find the joy in the little things.

If you could be one super hero, who would it be and why?
Though she is not a true super hero; I would love to be Miss Frizzle.

What was your first impression of Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy?
When I first entered the doors 8 years ago, I could feel the warmth from the people around me. It felt like and instant family. Eight years later, we are still that crazy family. I have never met a group of adults who are as dedicated and supportive as these men and women are.

What are your hobbies and interest?
I love to read and spend time with my family.

Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students do not know.
If I wasn’t a teacher I would have been a Nascar driver. 🙂

Zoe Robertson Grade 4 Teacher

Kimberley Morse Röell Media Center

BS, Education, Wheelock College, Hospitalized Child Program
M. Ed, Middle School Science, Cambridge College

Years in teaching
25

What is something your students have taught you?
How important it is to learn new things every day. I want to experience the wonder of learning every day

If you could be one super hero, who would it be and why?
I would be Wonder Woman – she is powerful, strong willed, and peace loving. She has a strong moral compass and is compassionate.

What was your first impression of Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy?
I truly felt called to be teach there within my first week. I love watching my students there learn as I teach them about the world around them It is very rewarding as a teacher to have students come back and visit and appreciate that you made them try and do their best and be their best.

What are your hobbies and interest?
Gardening, kayaking,tennis,cooking,reading

Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students do not know.
I run a lay church group called Pastoral Response Team , that provides support to parishioners in need of pastoral care at my church. I am also a mentor to confirmands.

I have been teaching in both public and private settings for twenty five years and am happily starting my 6th year at SJP. I absolutely love teaching here with my wonderful colleagues, amazing students and dedicated parents. It is a privilege to teach in a Catholic school where faith grounds us as we learn and develop together while explore the wonders of the world around us. It is inspiring to participate in the faith formation of my students as we all strive to be the light of Christ.

When I am not teaching I enjoy time with my two grown children and grandchild. We enjoy many activities together such as playing tennis, kayaking, hiking, and playing cards and board games. I also enjoy reading ( I am in two book groups, one for over 20 years), gardening (I grow many of my own vegetables) and cooking (particularly when the food was foraged from the woods or sea). I have a chocolate lab named Layla, who is my constant companion. We enjoy our daily walks around the neighborhood visiting all the children.

Deborah Ruggere Lunch Staff

Siobhan Salani Grade 1 Teacher

Brother Paul Santoro Lunch Coordinator

Morgan Seghezzi Grade 1 Teacher

Jennifer Sellon Title I Tutor

Bachelor’s Degree, Early Childhood Education, Boston University
Master’s Degree, Early Childhood Education, American International

Years in teaching
25

What is something your students have taught you?
To appreciate & enjoy the “little moments” of humor, kindness, love that happen throughout the day

If you could be one super hero, who would it be and why?
One who could travel back in time, because there’s never enough to do all the lessons AND all the fun things you want to with the kids

What was your first impression of Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy?
I was at St. Gregory’s Elementary School while the Academy was being formed…I guess feelings of hope, mixed with anxiety. (Not always so great with big changes.)

What are your hobbies and interest?
I love spending time at the Cape, the beach, especially if any of my nieces or nephews are with me… going to their games & school events; books, movies, shopping. I’ve been very good about walking for health the past few years-we have a family Fitbit competition, which helps us all get our daily/weekly steps in!

Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students do not know.
Trying to think of what they don’t know…having been in the building for 16 years, I’ve shared a lot! Current students don’t know that much yet…we’re only on Day 12, but I’m sure they will soon enough!

Beth Sheehan Grade 2 Teacher

BS, Sociology
Elementary Education Certification. Regis College

Years in teaching
33 years

What is something your students have taught you?
That each person is an individual and brings gifts to the world.

If you could be one super hero, who would it be and why?
Wonder Woman because she is so strong and protects those in need.

What was your first impression of Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy?
That Catholic education is important to the Boston community.

What are your hobbies and interest?
I love photography and spending time at the beach.

Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students do not know.
That I would love to go to Fatima to see the Shrine of Our Lady and the graves of Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco.

Talia Siravo Literacy Coach

Claire Sheridan Social Media Coordinator

Nicole Spaulding Grade 5 Teacher

Bachelors, English, Simmons University
M.Ed., Elementary Education, Simmons University

Years in teaching
5 years as a classroom teacher at SJP. 11 years in education

What is something your students have taught you?
My students have taught me to slow down and enjoy the world around me, whether it is paying attention to a beautiful sky, or sharing a new perspective on something that we’ve learned.

If you could be one super hero, who would it be and why?
Captain Marvel – She is all powerful, and could fix many of the issues in our world. Also, I’d love to be able to fly.

What was your first impression of Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy?
When I first came to SJP I was overwhelmed with the love I was shown, and that is shown to our kids. From praying for hurt or sick family members, to little gifts, to just checking up on you, the true respect and love the Academy has for its staff is admirable.

What are your hobbies and interest?
I swim, fence, and run 5ks. I love knitting, painting, sewing, and other crafts.

Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students do not know.
I got to meet Ruby Bridges a few years ago.

Katherine Strumm Grade 8 Teacher

BS, English and Creative Writing, Lesley College

Years in teaching
5

What is something your students have taught you?
My students have taught me the importance of creativity, flexibility, and patience.

If you could be one super hero, who would it be and why?
I think all teachers are superheroes already!

What are your first impressions of Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy?
My first impression starts far back – I attended St. Margaret School and Blessed Mother Teresa School, which are both schools that later came to be a part of SJP2CA. From the time I started in K2 to the today, it has always felt like home to me.

What are your hobbies and interest?
I love camping in remote areas, making recipes I haven’t already made, and being an armchair detective.

Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students do not know.
I briefly worked for a newspaper, a TV show, and a music venue, and love exploring creative avenues.

Caleigh Sullivan Grade 2 Teacher

Mary Tiernan Chief Development Officer

Patricia Thompson K1 Teacher

BS in Business Mgt./Marketing from UMass/Boston
MEd in Early Childhood Education from UMass/Boston

Years in teaching
12

What is something your students have taught you?
My students have taught me that each child learns in their own way, and at a different rate. What works for one child won’t necessarily work for another. You need to figure out each student’s style, and help them learn all that they can.

If you could be one super hero, who would it be and why?
I would love to be “Captain Patience” I would have the power of Unlimited Patience!

What was your first impressions of Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy?
My first impression was how open and welcoming the Academy is. It definitely has a family atmosphere.

What are your hobbies and interest?
I love going to the beach.

Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students do not know.
I love ice cream. Coffee is my favorite!