SOUTH BOSTON CATHOLIC ACADEMY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Founding Member of Filipino
- Music Teacher
Filipino baritone Carlo Miguel C. Bunyi is a Boston-based soloist and teacher whose dedication to his craft and stylistic versatility has led him to explore a diversified range of musical activities both domestically and internationally.
Carlo is a founding member of Filipino vocal ensemble Pasipo, and an artistic member of the Lyric Opera of the Philippines. He holds a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance and Music Education from the Longy School of Music of Bard College (Cambridge, MA) and a Bachelor of Music degree in Voice from the University of Santo Tomas (Manila, Philippines).
Job Titles:
- K2 Lead Teacher / E.Bourque Sbcatholicacademy.Org
Mr. Bourque is a new and excited member of the SBCA family. He received his BA in Early Education and Care In Inclusive settings from the University of Massachusetts Boston. Mr. Bourque is a welcoming and accepting teacher who will provide a safe and fun environment. In his free time you can find Mr. Bourque working at Fenway Park for the Kids crew or hanging out with family and friends.
Mrs. Barbuto has a Bachelor of Science in Education from Boston State College. She is a licensed, certified teacher through the state of Massachusetts. Mrs. Barbuto has been a Kindergarten teacher for over 30 years, and her training includes work with Literacy Collaborative through Lesley University as well as the Collins Writing Program. She works closely collaborating with colleagues in the Lynch Foundation Early Childhood Program.
Through the years Mrs. Barbuto was a swimming instructor and coach at the Boys and Girls Club in South Boston. Mrs. Barbuto enjoys spending time with her family, her husband, Peter and three sons, daughters-in law, and grandchildren. In her spare time Mrs. Barbuto participates in water aerobics, zumba and bowling.
Denise Moriarty graduated from University College Cork, Ireland with Bachelor of Arts degree in Math Science, followed by a postgraduate Diploma in Education. She received her Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Emmanuel College, Boston. Mrs. Moriarty enjoyed eleven years as a grade 6 teacher at South Boston Catholic Academy; proudly facilitating the transition of students to the finest of public and private schools.
Prior to joining the South Boston Catholic Academy community in 2009, Mrs. Moriarty held teaching positions in both public and private schools. In addition, Mrs. Moriarty worked for eleven years in the private sector, as a Business Systems Analyst and team manager.
Mrs. Moriarty's three children attended Catholic schools, pre-k through grade 12; a testament to the value she places in Catholic education.
Job Titles:
- Director of Admissions and Program Advancement
Jamie Brown has been at South Boston Catholic Academy for over a decade, where she has previously worked as a teacher, instructional leader, and as the Assistant Principal. She was a member of the Lynch Leadership Academy's fifth cohort, where she obtained a principal's license as well as sharpened her educational leadership skills through her professional coursework and coaching. Mrs. Brown has also served on the Boston Foundation's Teacher Advisory Board.
Originally from New Jersey, she moved to Massachusetts to attend Boston College where she received a B.A. in Elementary Education/Human Development. She continued her work at Boston College where she received an M.A. in Applied Developmental and Educational Psychology and went on to run the International Teaching Practicum Program. She presently lives in the Seaport with her husband and children, Piper & Remy.
Ms. Janice Hynes is a wonderful asset to the Early Childhood program where she works as an aide. Her experience as a mother of four children and grandmother of five has prepared her for the challenge. Janice's ability to gently encourage each child and make them feel special has added to their desire to be in school. Janice is quick to do any and everything that is asked of her; she is an intricate part of the Early Childhood team.
Kara earned her psychology degree from Saint Anselm College and her Masters in early childhood education from American International College. Prior to coming to SBCA, she was a special education preschool teacher for 8 years. She has worked in early education for over twenty years and even worked at what was once St. Brigid's after her first child was born. Early Childhood Education is her passion and she believes it is the foundation of one's education.
She presently lives in Wakefield with her three children, Hannah, Jack & Patrick.
Susan Connolly is a dedicated early childhood educator who has been teaching in South Boston for several years. She received her Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Boston University and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Bridgewater State College. She attends workshops and courses to share new ideas and information with her students and colleagues.
Mrs. Connolly enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, playing Scrabble, reading, and visiting Cape Cod.
Susan is a Reading Recovery teacher. She is a graduate of Lesley University and also received a master's degree from Lesley University. Before coming to South Boston Catholic Academy, she taught 2nd and 3rd grade for 25 years at Atkinson Academy in Atkinson, NH. Mrs. Swirbalus lives in South Boston with her husband Bob. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and traveling. Susan looks forward to sharing her passion for literacy with the students at SBCA.
Ms. Alexa Massey is a K0 teacher here at SBCA, This is her 8th year
here. She attended Bay State College in Boston, MA where she
received her associate's degree. She obtained her Infant, Toddler,
Ann Gavin has a BFA in painting. She has worked with children for many years in different capacities such as a preschool teacher, daycare, nanny, her own art after school program and as an art camp teacher.
Ann lives in in West Roxbury with her husband Michael. In her free time Ann enjoys spending time with her young adult children Senan, Una, and Niamh, and the family dog Mozzie.
Ms. Gannon is from Hingham, MA. She is a graduate of Providence College where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary and Special Education. After college she attended Bridgewater State University to attain her Masters of Education in Reading and Literacy. In her free time, Ms. Gannon enjoys running, traveling, going to the beach, and spending time with her family and friends!
Colleen Lombard is a Sheltered English Instruction (SEI) teacher and earned her Master of Education in English as a Second Language in 2021. This will be Colleen's third year at South Boston Catholic Academy (SBCA). Prior to working at SBCA, Colleen volunteered for two years in SEI classrooms at the Condon Elementary School in South Boston. In addition, Colleen volunteered teaching English through the Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts and coached basketball with various youth organizations.
Colleen's two daughters are both former students of SBCA.
Job Titles:
- K1 Lead Teacher / C.Sudhalter Sbcatholicacademy.Org
Erin Finn is returning for her second year at SBCA. She has a Bachelor's Degree and is looking forward to earning her Master's Degree in Education in the upcoming future.
Erin lives in South Boston with her husband and their two children. Her sons, Mason and Frankie, both attend SBCA. In her free time she enjoys traveling with her family, reading and shopping!
Ms. Faith Smith received her Post Baccalaureate in Elementary Education from Bridgewater State University. Previous to that she earned a BS in Journalism/English from Suffolk University. Ms. Smith has also been awarded her Masters in Curriculum and Teaching.
This is Ms. Smith's fourth year at SBCA. She teaches ELA and Social Studies in fifth grade and ELA as part of the sixth grade team. Ms. Smith also facilitates the school newspaper, The SBCA Observer and is part of the homework club team.
Ms. Smith enjoys reading, running, the beach and travelling. She loves spending time with her family, friends and enjoys being a part of the SBCA community.
Ms. Gretchen attended UMass Boston and Quincy College, graduating in 2003 with an Associates Degree in Science and MA Teacher's Certification. She has been a substitute teacher at SBCA since 2014 and a teacher's aide since 2019.
Her 3 children graduated from SBCA. Ms. Gretchen, her 5 older siblings, and her husband graduated from St. Brigid School! She most enjoys spending time with my family, sailing, and boating out of the SBYC & BHYC.
Job Titles:
- K1 Lead Teacher / H.Vareika Sbcatholicacademy.Org
Ms. Hope Vareika is a K1 teacher here at SBCA. She attended Boston College for undergrad, and received her masters in Early Childhood Education from the Lynch School at B.C. this past spring. Hope is passionate about early childhood education and is thrilled to join the K1 team this year. In her free time, Hope enjoys spending time with her friends and family, cheering on Boston College (go Eagles!), and going for walks with her dog Percy.
Ms. Jacqulyn is a K0 teacher at South Boston Catholic Academy. She graduated from UMass Boston in 2019. She is starting a Masters of Early Education program this year. She believes the best way to work with kids is to make them think you are one! She knows how it feels to be a parent and to want your child to feel safe, independent, and have fun when you're not around and she works to make them feel that way. She loves spending time with her three year old son Beckham and her family, going for walks around Castle Island, and watching Disney movies! She also attended SBCA herself (back when it was St. Brigid's) exactly 10 years before she began working here!
"Nurse Jaime" has been a registered nurse for almost 18 years.
She graduated from UMass Boston with Bachelor's degree in Psychology, she then went on to pursue a degree in nursing at Quincy College. She started her nursing career in pediatrics, followed by work in the surgical sphere. She then went on to work at an urgent care clinic and VNA settings before focusing on school nursing certifications.
Her free time is spent with her family and friends. She is very proud of her two sons who are seniors in high school. She also finds joy with her beloved dog Roxy.
Job Titles:
- Reading Support Specialist
Ms. McCarthy, a long time former first grade teacher, teaches reading, phonics, and spelling skills as an Orton-Gillingham specialist. She obtained her initial training and certificate through the Carroll School in Waltham. Ms. McCarthy chose to pursue a higher level of certification through the Orton-Gillingham Academy in New York. She was conferred Academy status as an Associate Member in 2019. Ms. McCarthy also holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a specialization in Early Childhood from Lesley University. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, photography, and trips to Maine
Ms. Sammarco is from Long Island, New York and got her Bachelor's Degree from Mount Saint Mary College in Mathematics and Elementary Education. She is thrilled to be teaching 3rd Grade at South Boston Catholic Academy. Ms. Sammarco creates a welcoming and caring environment in her classroom while also fostering learning. In her free time, you can find Ms. Sammarco listening to Taylor Swift, eating ice cream or trying new restaurants in the Boston area.
Kathy Toomey has worked in Early Childhood since 1999 as a lead teacher. She is excited to be a part of the team during the day as well as in the extended day program.
After taking a break to have 2 boys ages 11 (grade 5) & 8 (grade 2) both students here at Sbca, Katie is happy to be back in the same classroom she was in 14 years ago. Working with children has always been something that Katie enjoys, both in the classroom & as a nanny, as well as helping to take care of her nieces & nephews.
Katie is the middle child of 5 & was born & raised in South Boston. She enjoys spending her summers on the cape with her family and has traveled extensively
Ms. Keough is so happy to be teaching first grade here at SBCA! She graduated from Saint Anselm College in 2020 with a degree in Elementary Education and received her masters in Early Childhood Education at Merrimack College in May. After teaching first grade for two years in Milton and second grade at SBCA last year, she is thrilled to be back in first grade! In her free time, you can find Ms. Keough by the beach, eating ice cream, or enjoying her favorite coffee from Annie's Bakery!
Job Titles:
- Grade 6 Homeroom / STEM Teacher / L.Monaghan Sbcatholicacademy.Org
Ms.Monaghan is the STEM and 6th Grade Homeroom Teacher South Boston Catholic Academy! She is a graduate of Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Educational Technology. For most of her own youth, Ms.Monaghan has worked with children of various ages in a multitude of settings, cherishing the importance of being a positive influence and helping to guide students to success both within the four walls of the classroom as well as the community. In her spare time, Ms.Monaghan enjoys reading, going to the beach, and getting coffee from Annie's Bakery. Ms.Monaghan is so happy to be a part of the SBCA family and loves cultivating meaningful memories, magic, and instruction here in the STEM classroom!
Ms. Dolan is a dedicated K2 teacher at South Boston Catholic Academy. Ms. Dolan graduated from Saint Anselm College where she received a bachelor's degree in Sociology in 2018. In the spring of 2021, she received her Masters of Education in Moderate Disabilities from Cambridge College. In her free time, Ms. Dolan enjoys going to the beach, working out, traveling, and spending time with family and friends!
Job Titles:
- Religion Teacher / Teacher 's Aide
Ms. Leslie is from Westchester, NY. She is a graduate of Providence College where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary and Special Education as well as a Masters of Education in School Counseling. In her free time, Ms. Leslie enjoys walking, spending time with family and friends, and eating ice cream!
Job Titles:
- Grade 1 / Primary Literacy Coach
Ms. Byrne is a first grade teacher at South Boston Catholic Academy. Miss Byrne is also the Literacy Coordinator/Coach/Trainer for Kindergarten, First and Second Grade. She enjoys working with her students as they journey across first grade-encouraging them to use their imagination and creativity!
Miss Byrne taught first grade at Gate of Heaven School for twenty nine years and implemented the After School Program. She has worked at South Boston Catholic Academy since 2009. She attended Boston State College and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education K-8. She received her Literacy Training at Lesley University in 2005. She attends workshops, courses, and literacy conventions to learn new ideas and information to share with her students and co-workers.
And of course, everyone knows she loves M&Ms and shopping on the weekend!!
Ms. Guildford is a proud fourth grade school teacher at the South Boston Catholic Academy. She was born and raised in the West Palm Beach area of South Florida. Ms. Guildford received her four-year bachelors teaching degree in general education and special education from Providence College in Rhode Island. Following graduation, she returned to her home in Jupiter, Florida where she worked inside the Palm Beach County School District. That year, she was honored to receive the prestigious Beginning Teacher of the Year Award which included all of Palm Beach County.
Ms. Guildford, along with her loving dog, moved to South Boston in the summer of 2022. She is blessed to have found South Boston Catholic Academy as her new "home away from home". Her hobbies include traveling, boating, volleyball, and working-out.
Job Titles:
- Director of Learning Support
- New Member
Ms. Olsen is excited to be a new member of the South Boston Catholic Academy community as a second grade teacher. Ms. Olsen received her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Psychology from Bridgewater State University. While teaching Ms. Olsen is passionate about creating an exciting and safe learning environment in her classroom. In her free time, Ms. Olsen likes spending time with her family and friends, going to the beach, and rollerblading at Castle Island!
Ms. Taylor is a K0 teacher at South Boston Catholic Academy. Previously she was an aide in a K1 classroom. She is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and minored in Human Development and Family Studies. Ms. Taylor was born and raised in South Boston, and in her spare time, she enjoys beach days, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Early Childhood Librarian
Ms. Teresa DeAmicis is a wonderful asset to South Boston Catholic Academy and the Extended Day Program. Ms. Teresa worked for the Boston Public Library for 12 years. Teresa brings a love for children, reading and exploration to her position. She also has a love of languages which comes from her first language, Italian. She is an accomplished photographer and a respected and intricate part of our team. Teresa is also a teacher in the Religious Education Program for St. Brigid and Gate of Heaven Parishes. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking, reading, photography and going to yard sales.
Job Titles:
- Intermediate Literacy Coach
Therese Evans joined SBCA staff in 2011 and currently is the literacy coach for teachers grades 3 - 6. She previously taught grade 6 ELA and Social Studies and provided learning support to grades 2 - 6 via small group instruction. She also has taught Social Studies and ELA for BPS English Language Learners as well as tutored in both charter and Catholic school settings. Prior to school settings, she taught adult
English Language Learners classes offered through the South Boston Action Center. Before teaching, she worked in the communications field as a publications editor and copywriter for MassHousing and the Federal Reserve Bank. She earned a B.A. in Communications from Simmons College and an M.A. in Applied Linguistics from UMass/Boston.
Valerie Szmurlo is excited for her third year at SBCA teaching Art. She attended Central Connecticut State University for her Bachelors's and has her teaching license for PreK-12 in CT and PreK-8 in MA. Valerie's favorite art medium is ceramics. She enjoys working with clay and throwing on the wheel. In her free time, Valerie enjoys rock climbing, hiking, and playing with her two black cats: Sushi and Tea.
Fr. Casey was born in Boston, MA and raised in Milton and Dorchester, MA. The Son of Catherine (Kaveney) and John Casey, he is one of 7 children (Sr. Maureen, SND; John; Jeannine; Kate; Paula and Patricia). He attended St. Mark's and St. Gregory's Elementary School, Christopher Columbus Catholic High School in the North End, and received a B.A. in Biology from St. Anselm College, Manchester, NH in 1981. He entered St. Anselm Abbey after graduation and was welcomed as Benedictine Monk until 1984 when he transferred to St. John's Seminary in Boston, and was ordained a priest in June of 1987 for the Archdiocese of Boston. Before being appointed Pastor of St. Brigid Parish in early 2000 and Gate of Heaven Parish in 2002, Fr. Casey served as Team Minster at St. Joseph Parish and Sacred Heart Parish and later Holy Family Parish in Amesbury, as parochial vicar at St. Mary's Parish, Charlestown, and St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Medford, MA. Fr. Casey was a Catholic Chaplain for the Medford Fire Department from 1987 to 1992 and Assistant Chaplian for the Boston Fire Department from 2004 - 2017 and has been Catholic Chaplain for the Medford Police Department since 1988.