Meet Our Staff

Administration

Pastor

Fr. Tom Cavera

Having grown up in nearby Rockford, Fr. Tom is delighted to be assigned to this beautiful parish community. He has been serving here at St. Patrick since 2018 and hopes to continue to bring the gospel message to the people of Parnell for many years to come. Fr. Tom loves hiking and climbing mountains.

frtcavera@spparnell.org

School Ministry Leader

Andrea Wirgau, EdD

I’m truly humbled to be part of the rich and unique legacy of the St. Patrick community. My greatest hope is to help “grow the soul” of every person who steps across our threshold. When I’m not managing schedules, I love spending time outdoors with my husband and our five children, being silly and making memories together.

principal@spparnell.org

Asst. School Ministry Leader

Connie Leckenby

Having been a teacher at St. Patrick School for 12 years, Connie took this role to positively impact the community by supporting teachers & working towards continuous school improvement. As head of the academic support team, she wants to ensure every child sees & feels success in the classroom.

cleckenby@spparnell.org

Education Ministry Director

Scott Czarnopys

It is a privilege and honor to serve Saint Patrick Parish and the entire Saint Patrick community. Every human is a gift from God, and it is my mission to ensure that we provide the highest quality Catholic formation for each and every person.

sczarnopys@spparnell.org

Administrative Assistant

Kari Meulenberg

Kari is excited to be joining the St Patrick staff after being a school parent and substitute teacher in recent years. She enjoys helping out around the school wherever she is needed. Outside of work, Kari loves to spend time with her husband, Justin, and her three wonderful children, Henry, Ada, and Cora.

assistant@spparnell.org

Teachers

Child Enrichment

Pre-School &

Katie Albert

Being able to teach and care for the youngest children of our St. Patrick's family is an absolute honor. I believe that children learn best through play and I strive to create and maintain a safe environment where they can grow while exploring God's world around them.

kalbert@spparnell.org

Transitional Kindergarten

Kate Albert

I am thrilled to be continuing my teaching career here at St. Patrick’s School. I hold a degree in Elementary education with my main concentration in Early Childhood Education. I'm so excited to help your child grow in their love for God while exploring their world around them through play. My family and myself are so blessed to be able to be a part of this community.

katealbert@spparnell.org

Kindergarten

Heather Orlowski

I am very excited for the opportunity continue my journey as a Catholic school teacher at St Patrick's School. I am certified in both elementary education along with special education, and Catholic education has always been a passion of mine. My husband and our daughters are excited to be joining such a wonderful school community.

horlowski@spparnell.org

First Grade

Dorothy Remington

As an alumni of Assumption BVM School, West Catholic High School and Aquinas College, I understand and live the immeasurable value of Catholic education. I aspire to let Christ’s light shine brightly through my love, care and dedication for my students and their families as we work together to grow in education, family and faith...all toward our Heavenly goal.

dremington@spparnell.org

Second Grade

Sydney VanDyken

My hope is to give my students a learning environment that allows them to grow to their fullest potential. I am passionate about providing an experience where I can share my Catholic faith and my students can become who God made them to be. I know that they will bring their gifts and talents to the classroom, our school, and church community.

svandyken@spparnell.org

Third Grade

Elizabeth D'Aurora

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 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, and the world. around them

edaurora@spparnell.org

Fourth Grade

Tara Pigorish

Growing up in Belding, Tara can’t ever remember a time when she wasn’t enthralled with the idea of teaching. For her, teaching in a Catholic school is a wonderful opportunity to share her faith with her students and be able to discuss religion in the classroom. Beyond that, Tara finds it a joy to be able to create a lesson and watch it engage students.

tpigorish@spparnell.org

Fourth Grade

Erica Albert

My husband and I wanted to raise our kids in a faith based community and household, which is why we send our kids to Saint Patrick’s. Now I have the opportunity to team teach fourth grade! I have previously taught for 10 years in a variety of grades and I have a Masters in the Art of Teaching mathematics. I believe in Saint Patrick’s, and I am excited for a successful year.

ealbert@spparnell.org

Fifth Grade

Maureen Markules

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.

mmarkules@spparnell.org

Sixth Grade &

Middle School Math

Traci West

Traci's 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. Traci has been teaching at St Patrick School for over ten years. She enjoys journeying with each student towards success.

twest@spparnell.org

Seventh Grade &

Middle School ELA

Nikki Kevic

Seventh 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 independence, it is my goal to motivate them to love learning and guide them in becoming faith-filled young adults. Nikki seeks to bless her students each day.

nkevic@spparnell.org

Eighth Grade &

Middle School Science

Lynette Gasper

My hope for all students is that they will strive to be the person God wants them to be. I work to instill in them a desire to make choices that are drawing them closer to God. As the time approaches to leave St. Patrick School, I want them to be confident and responsible students who manage their time wisely.

lgasper@spparnell.org