St. Mary School, Hyde Park

Faculty Bios

Administration

Suzy McBrayer Name: Suzy McBrayer
Years Teaching: 15 (1 at SMS)
Position: Principal
Why do I like
teaching?:		 I love to see the excitement of the students when they learn something new, master a challenge, and begin to grasp the relationshop between learning, knowledge, wisdom, and faith.
Philosophy
of Life:		 With God all things are possible.
Hobbies: Reading, traveling, and supporting my children in their academic, athletic,and faith forming endeavors. Bill and I are big sports fans. We enjoy attending games and watching Notre Dame, Ohio State, the Bengals, Reds, and Cleveland Cavs.
Rebecca Jane Laudeman Name: Rebecca Jane Laudeman
Years Teaching: 18 (18 at SMS)
Position: Administrative Assistant
Why do I like
teaching?:		 I enjoy the challenges each day presents. I love that each day is a little different and you don’t know what to expect. But most of all I love the students; young or old; small or tall they all make me pause a second and thank God for putting me in such a special place
Philosophy
of Life:		 Treat everyone the same and remember the Golden Rule do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Hobbies: Colleting antiques, gardening, sewing, reading, walking enjoying special time with my family (my children and my grandchildren)
Beth Mock Name: Beth Mock
Years Teaching: 6 (6 at SMS)
Position: Development and Public Relations
Why do I like
teaching?:		 I am so blessed to be a part of SMS...the students, teachers, and parents are so inspiring
Philosophy
of Life:		 Kindness, love, hard work lead to happiness
Hobbies: My family, walking the dog, exercise, reading, and dreaming!

Primary Teachers

Jen Reker-Murphy Name: Jen Reker-Murphy
Years Teaching: 11 (3 at SMS)
Position: Kindergarten Teacher
Why do I like
teaching?:		 I like teaching because I love seeing the world through the eyes of 5 & 6 year olds. Each day is a new discovery! Not only do the students learn something new, I do too!
Philosophy
of Life:		 For it is in giving we receive (St. Francis of Assisi)
Hobbies: Being with my family, scrapbooking, cooking, gardening and travel
Barbara Schrader Name: Barbara Schrader
Years Teaching: 23 (7 at SMS)
Position: Kindergarten Teacher
Why do I like
teaching?:		 It is so rewarding to watch children be so excited about new skills. I really enjoy teaching beginning reading and watching children begin to sound out words. They are so proud!
Philosophy
of Life:		 Man plans and God laughs.
Hobbies: Music, travel, reading, collecting children's books, visits to the zoo, theater, and museums
Suzanne Doyle Name: Suzanne Doyle
Years Teaching: 21 (21 at SMS)
Position: 1st Grade Teacher
Why do I like
teaching?:		 First graders are awesome! I like teaching first grade because it is such an important and changin year for my students. They learn the basics of reading, writing, and addition/subtraction. I love teaching with Jeanne Wilkens and being at SMS!
Philosophy
of Life:		 A teacher's purpose is not to create students in her own image, but to develop students who can create their own image!
Hobbies: My wonderful children, golf, tennis, gardening, reading, and traveling
Jeanne Wilkens Name: Jeanne Wilkens
Years Teaching: 30 (21 at SMS)
Position: 1st Grade Teacher
Why do I like
teaching?:		 I love children and love helping them learn something new
Philosophy
of Life:		 Every day is a great day! Be happy!
Hobbies: Reading, shopping, watching! sports, suntanning!
Jeanne Collins Name: Jeanne Collins
Years Teaching: 36 (27 at SMS)
Position: 2nd grade Teacher
Why do I like
teaching?:		 Teaching is a rewarding profession. Each day to have the opportunity to observe and support children growing academically, spiritually and physically is a blessing in my life.
Philosophy
of Life:		 Each day is a gift from God. Treat others the way you want to be treated. No act of kindness is too small.
Hobbies: Reading, movies, helping others, & gardening
Jean Ann McAuliffe Name: Jean Ann McAuliffe
Years Teaching: 38 (23 at SMS)
Position: 2nd Grade Teacher
Why do I like
teaching?:		 I love to see the light go on in their eyes when they learn something new or understand a concept.
Philosophy
of Life:		 To keep a sense of humor in all things and to remember to be patient and kind to everyone because God is not finished with them yet!
Hobbies: Reading, doing things with my family, enjoying life.
Pat Danneman Name: Pat Danneman
Years Teaching: 39 (26 at SMS)
Position: 3rd Grade Teacher
Why do I like
teaching?:		 Every day is different. I love being with the children. Their energy energizes me!
Philosophy
of Life:		 Love one another. Let go Let God
Hobbies: Reading historical fiction, watching or attending sporting events
Sandie McIntosh Name: Sandie McIntosh
Years Teaching: 34 (34 at SMS)
Position: 3rd Grade Teacher
Why do I like
teaching?:		 I enjoy the newness of each day when working with 8 and 9 year olds. I get a great deal of satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment from being an educator.
Philosophy
of Life:		 Be conscientious and you'll always feel satisfied.
Hobbies: Reading, gardening, and walking my dog.

Intermediate Teachers

Bev Wahl Name: Bev Wahl
Years Teaching: 35 (33 at SMS)
Position: 4th Grade Teacher
Why do I like
teaching?:		 This is my second life and family. I love children and want only the best for them.
Philosophy
of Life:		 The children are our future so teach them with love and teach them well.
Hobbies: Sewing, crossword puzzles, and grandchildren.
Cheryl Zalzal Name: Cheryl Zalzal
Years Teaching: 16 (16 at SMS)
Position: 4th Grade Teacher
Why do I like
teaching?:		 It gives me great satisfaction and joy
Philosophy
of Life:		 Life is a gift to be treasured. Ask for God's blessings on each day and embrace it with all its gifts. Love and be loved.
Hobbies: I enjoy hiking, camping, sailing, gardening, and growing roses.
Rita Miller Name: Rita Miller
Years Teaching: 27 (4 at SMS)
Position: 5th Grade Teacher
Why do I like
teaching?:		 I've always loved being with children. I enjoy helping them learn and understand. I enjoy to hear their ideas and explanations.
Philosophy
of Life:		 Look for the good in all situations, try your best and never give up
Hobbies: Walking, reading, crocheting, spending time with my family
Donna Levine Name: Donna Levine
Years Teaching: 25 (23 at SMS)
Position: 5th Grade Teacher
Why do I like
teaching?:		 I enjoy helping students grow in their knowledge of math and science
Philosophy
of Life:		 Live life to the fullest and answer when opportunity knocks.
Hobbies: Reading, gardening, crafts, travel, and antiques.

Junior High Teachers

Linda Peitz Name: Linda Peitz
Years Teaching: 35 (5 at SMS)
Position: 6th grade Homeroom – Jr. High Language Arts and Religion
Why do I like
teaching?:		 I love young people and like to share my enthusiasm for learning with them. I'd like to know I have made a differnece for someone.
Philosophy
of Life:		 Live each minute, do all you can and then move on.
Hobbies: Reading, driving, canoeing, laughing out loud.
Pam Pompelia Name: Pam Pompelia
Years Teaching: 22 (1 at SMS)
Position: 6th grade HR, 6th grade LA, 7th grade Math
Why do I like
teaching?:		 I know that what I am doing is important and is making a difference in the lives of the students I teach. No two days are alike. There is always something new and exciting happening in a classroom.
Philosophy
of Life:		 Life is a gift so celebrate it!
Hobbies: Reading, decorating, cooking, and running
Lillian Pater Name: Lillian Pater
Years Teaching: 44 (20 at SMS)
Position: 7th Grade Homeroom - Jr. High Science and Religion
Why do I like
teaching?:		 I enjoy being with the students and seeing those ahha moments when they grasp a concept through hands on science.
Philosophy
of Life:		 Give each day to the Lord and you will reap a bounty of gifts.
Hobbies: Baking cakes/desserts, making crafts, and travel.
Sean Laudeman Name: Sean Laudeman
Years Teaching: 3 (1 at SMS)
Position: 7th Grade homeroom - Grade 6 Science / Grade 7 Social Studies / Grade 8 Religion
Why do I like
teaching?:		 I like teaching because I feel that as a teacher in the Catholic School I can not only teach classroom subject but I can also reach beyond the classroom and become a positive solid role model.
Philosophy
of Life:		 I believe that education is the cornerstone in which we build the rest of ours lives. As a teacher it is my goal to help mold this foundation by reaching students both at an educational and spiritual level.
Hobbies: Cooking, hiking, and working on projects around my house
Joann Caskey Name: Joann Caskey
Years Teaching: 8 (8 at SMS)
Position: 8th grade Homeroom – Jr. High Math and Social Studies
Why do I like
teaching?:		 I enjoy the creative energy in the classroom
Philosophy
of Life:		 Don't be afraid to try something different
Hobbies: Spending time with my family, running, tennis, and reading
Cathy Venezia Name: Cathy Venezia
Years Teaching: 10 (7 at SMS)
Position: Math teacher
Why do I like
teaching?:		 I enjoy working with children and witnessing the light bulb going off.
Philosophy
of Life:		 Work hard, do your best, and enjoy the fun times!
Hobbies: Gardening, scrapbooking, riding bikes, and boating

Special Subjects

Peg Bailey Name: Peg Bailey
Years Teaching: 19 (11 at SMS)
Position: Algebra Teacher
Why do I like
teaching?:		 I enjoy challenging my students and preparing them for advanced classses in high school
Philosophy
of Life:		 I try to live each day to the fullest, being a good wife, nother, and teacher.
Hobbies: Piano, tennis, golf, and quilting
Janet Gorman Name: Janet Gorman
Years Teaching: 18 (13 at SMS)
Position: Art Teacher
Why do I like
teaching?:		 I like the creative aspect of teaching art. Every day ofers new opportunities for inspiring young minds to think in creative ways and appreciate the beauty of the world around them.
Philosophy
of Life:		 Every day is a gift to be appreciated. Your attitude shapes your life and impacts those around you.
Hobbies: Volleyball, walking, reading, family activities
Beth Savard Name: Beth Savard
Years Teaching: 23 (12 at SMS)
Position: Music Teacher
Why do I like
teaching?:		 It's hard to find words to describe the satisfaction of watching students' faces beam with pride over their musical accomplishments.
Philosophy
of Life:		 Don't sweat the small stuff and it's all really small stuff.
Hobbies: Going to movies and restaurants!
Kathy Greiner Name: Kathy Greiner
Years Teaching: 11 (11 at SMS)
Position: Technology Integration Specialist K-5
Why do I like
teaching?:		 I really enjoy working with children at all grade levels.
Philosophy
of Life:		 Love all, laugh often, learn something new everyday and always give your best effort.
Hobbies: Running, baking, and eating!
Mary Martin Name: Mary Martin
Years Teaching: 7 (4 at SMS)
Position: Spanish Grades 1-5
Why do I like
teaching?:		 I love projects and its great to see learners progress and succeed.
Philosophy
of Life:		 Everybody is important
Hobbies: Tennis, music, and reading
Leah Scandy Name: Leah Scandy
Years Teaching: 5 (5 at SMS)
Position: Jr. High Spanish
Why do I like
teaching?:		 I love helping students become passionate about learning new and interesting things.
Philosophy
of Life:		 Live each day to the fullest
Hobbies: Academia, traveling, cycling, and cooking
Lindsey Tyberg Steuer Name: Lindsey Tyberg Steuer
Years Teaching: 11 (3 at SMS)
Position: Physical Education and Health
Why do I like
teaching?:		 Because every day is a new adventure and you can never really know what to expect.
Philosophy
of Life:		 To provide students with the knowledge and opportunity to develop a healthy self awareness as well as a lifetime appreciation for physical activity.
Hobbies: Any physical activity (especially soccer), Playing with my kids, Puzzles, Cooking
Janey Knollman Name: Janey Knollman
Years Teaching: 36 (2 at SMS)
Position: Librarian
Why do I like
teaching?:		 The enthusiasm that the children bring to the educational setting is always refreshing! It is exciting to learn from each other.
Philosophy
of Life:		 Life is a series of choices. With God’s help we are able to make the right ones.
Hobbies: Reading, sewing, walking
Keith Pfaller Name: Keith Pfaller
Years Teaching: 5 (5 at SMS)
Position: Youth Minister
Why do I like
teaching?:		 I enjoy working with kids because you get to collaborate and learn from the greatest minds around-kids!
Philosophy
of Life:		 The longer you live the more you experience and the more you learn.
Hobbies: Math, soduku, poetry, and nature.
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© St Mary School 2006