Scott Czarnopys
Principal
Grand Valley State University
Undergraduate: Integrated Science Major, Elementary Education
Graduate: Masters in Educational Leadership
It is a privilege and honor to serve Saint Patrick School and the entire Saint Patrick community. Every child is a gift from God, and it is my mission to ensure that we provide the highest quality Catholic Education for each and every student.
Sally Wojciakowski
Administrative Assistant
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday Mornings.
I have been blessed to serve our staff, students and families of Saint Patrick for twenty two thankful years.
Under the amazing leadership, dedication and enthusiasm of our principal, Mr. Czarnopys, my hopes and dreams have been met. He has put together a fantastic working team. He is highly respected by all the staff, as well as the students and parents.
Cheryl Emmette LMSW
Social Worker/Therapist
Undergraduate Degree: Lake Superior State University (Biology, Chemistry, Education)
Graduate Degree: Western Michigan University (Masters of Social Work)
I am looking forward to working with parents, students, and teachers to help all students achieve their potential through a collaborative approach. I hope that I can support our children through any bumps in the road that may come up throughout the school year. My hope and dream is that all students feel welcome to share with me their successes along with their worries, concerns, struggles and anything else that may come up that could be a barrier to learning and achieving their potential here at St. Patrick’s. I am currently the Pastoral Associate and High School Youth Ministry Coordinator here and look forward to being available to our school children.
Kristina Gwisdalla
Child Care Director/Early Childhood Teacher
Child Care Director/Preschool Teacher/Dev. KG Teacher
CDA (Child Development Credential)
Associate Degree: Early Childhood Education
Bachelor Degree (IP): Early Childhood Education
It is my mission to provide a faith filled environment that motivates and challenges each child to reach their highest potential. To take an active role in shaping the experiences that promotes the uniqueness and creativity of each child. To encourage, nurture and support each child through my interaction, dedication and commitment to this community.
Courtney Krebill
KG Teacher
Bachelor's Degree : Central Michigan University (K-5, Elementary Education, 6-8 Reading)
Kindergarten is such an exciting year of learning. I have a passion for watching children grow and develop. I love being able to teach the social and readiness skills, bible stories and starting them on the path for their educational journey. I hope to encourage and foster a love for learning in every child.
Michelle Doyle
First Grade Teacher
Bachelor's Degree: Aquinas College (English/Reading)
Master's in Reading: Western Michigan University
Connie Leckenby
Second Grade Teacher
Bachelor’s Degree: Elementary Education, Endorsements in Math, Science, and Early Childhood Education (Saginaw Valley State University)
Master’s (in progress): Educational Differentiation (Grand Valley State University)
My hope for every second grade student is that they will grow to be responsible and independent students, using their creativity and critical thinking skills in everything that they do. I hope to instill a curiosity for learning and help students grow to their full potential, without a fear of failing. Finally, I hope that students are true examples of Christ’s teachings when interacting with others.
Elizabeth D’Aurora
Third Grade Teacher
Bachelor's Degree:
Saint Mary's College (Notre Dame) in Elementary Education (K-6)
My hope is that my students leave third grade as capable, confident and curious people. I hope to show my students that by using what they learn from books, from the Gospel and from the people around them, each one of them is capable of incredible things. I want my students to discover that each one of them is a scientist, a mathematician, an artist, a reader and an author that has something to offer to their families, our class, our parish, Saint Patrick school and the world around them.
Hannah Faber
Fourth Grade Teacher
Bachelor’s Degree: Madonna University (K-5, Elementary Education, and 6-8, Language Arts)
It is my hope that throughout this year the fourth graders will grow closer to God and learn more about themselves and the world around them. As my students work to deepen their critical thinking skills and maintain positive work habits, I hope to encourage in them a love for learning, a desire to follow God’s plan, and a willingness to be a light for Christ by serving others.
Maureen Markules
Fifth Grade Teacher
I spent 12 years as a student in the Diocese of Grand Rapids, and my four children have also grown up in the Catholic School System. I have seen firsthand the importance of a Christ Centered Education. I am looking forward to guiding my students next year as they grow in their faith and hope to inspire in them a love of God and service to others.
Nikki Kevic
Sixth Grade Homeroom - ELA 6-8
Bachelor's Degree: CSU Long Beach (liberal studies/math minor)
Master's Degree: CSU Long Beach (curriculum and instruction)
6th grade is a time of great transition. As students enter the teen years, they form strong attitudes and opinions that will shape their future. As they seek to be more independent, it is my goal to motivate them to love learning and guide them in becoming faith-filled young adults.
Traci West
7th Grade Homeroom - Math 6-8
Degree: B.S. Business Education
My hope is to create a positive learning environment for all students that focuses on caring relationships and values the gifts that each child brings with them to the classroom.
Lynette Gasper
Eighth Grade Homeroom - Science 6-8
Bachelor of Science: Grand Valley State University
Master in Education: Grand Valley State University
My hope for all students is that they will strive to be the person God wants them to be. This is a time when students move from knowing who they are in their family to determining who they are in the world in which they live. I work to instill in them a desire to make choices that are drawing them closer to God and to discover and use their gifts and talents to help those around them. As the time approaches to leave St. Patrick School, I want them to be confident responsible students who manage their time wisely.
Erica Albert
Middle School Math
BA in Mathematics (Susquehanna University)
Masters in the Arts of Teaching Secondary Mathematics (University of Pittsburgh)
Growing up my parents surrounded my family in both a faith based community and household. My husband and I wanted to instill the same values in our children, which is why we choose to send our kids to Saint Patrick’s School. Now I have the opportunity to contribute to the school by teaching mathematics to the middle school students. I have previously taught for 4 years, and I enjoy making math fun and accessible to my students. I believe in Saint Patrick’s and I am excited for many successful years.
Matt Palmieri
Middle School Band Instructor
Bachelor’s Degree: Western Michigan University in Music Education
Master’s in Reading: Western Michigan University in Music Education
I love teaching band at all levels, but especially to beginners and middle school students. These are the years when we go from knowing nothing about our instrument, to making wonderful music. In addition to learning to play an instrument in band, we practice work ethic, good attitude, concentration, learning to work through hard spots without giving up, and how to know when we should stand out on our own or when we should fit in to the group. These are all important lessons for life, not just band. My hope is that all of my students will be able to take these lessons and apply them to life. I hope that all of my students will continue to enjoy music as a part of their life for many years by continuing to play their instruments, or making music in any other way.
Karen Richmond
Academic Support
I spent 16 years myself in Catholic schools in Ohio, and I feel very strongly about the benefits and importance of a Catholic education! I enjoy working with kids and helping them make progress toward a strong reading and math foundation. I am looking forward to assisting students at St. Patrick in this capacity!
Kathy Walsh and Teddy
Reading Volunteers
Working with the students at St. Patrick's is a great experience. While raising 3 sons, I was always active in their schools and enjoy working with children. Teddybear gives me the opportunity to share my love of dogs while helping kids improve their reading skills. Teddy and I are volunteers with West Michigan Therapy Dogs, Inc. based in Grand Rapids. The Ruff Reader program is used at most KDL's as well as a number of schools and just recently, as part of the education program established at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. Kids of all ages love to snuggle with Teddy and read him a story. He never judges and is always ready to reward with kisses.
