PATRICK - Key Persons
I have always known I wanted to be a teacher ever since my high school years, when I participated in a program that places students in a preschool setting to gain experience working with children. I knew then, I had found my career! Working with children was my passion!
Ever since I was a little girl, I loved to work with and help younger children. I knew that I wanted to be a teacher when I was in grade school. My kindergarten teacher inspired me and she still does. She showed me how a teacher inspires children to be the best they can be and that teachers are a big part of a child's life. She is still a kindergarten teacher and I often have the opportunity to talk to her. There is no other career for me, I wouldn't want to do any other. St. Pat's is my second family. I love having my daughter at St. Patrick School with me.
Job Titles:
- Education & Certifications
Background:
My name is Barbara Miller and I love being a teacher. I grew up in Hometown, PA. I taught Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and 1st grade over the course of my 18 years of teaching. After graduating from Temple University and receiving my degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education, I taught at St. Peter's School in Philadelphia. During my time teaching, I met my husband and we had a beautiful daughter. I decided to be a stay at home mom and manage my own home daycare. Once my daughter was of school age, I returned to teaching at Mother Teresa Regional Catholic School, and Conshohocken Catholic Early Childhood Center. I am very excited to begin teaching at St. Patrick School and getting acquainted with my students and their families.
Personal:
I live in King of Prussia with my husband Matthew, our 15-year-old daughter Alexandra, and our dog, Winston. We enjoy traveling and going to the beach. Our weekends are very busy with our daughter's traveling softball schedule. I love gardening, reading, shopping and listening to smooth jazz.
I grew up in Delaware County where I attended Catholic elementary school and then went on to Padua Academy in Wilmington Delaware for high school. I then attended Saint Joseph University where my love for English grew in my english classes there. I earned a Bachelors of Science in English with minors in Educational Studies and Linguistics. I was unsure exactly what I wanted to do but I knew I loved English and loved working with kids from my field experiences in college so teaching is where I landed.
Background:
My name is Cindy Leonard and I taught 2nd grade, Kindergarten, and PreK 4 for the past few years. I taught at Saint Cosmas and Damian School, Conshohocken Catholic, and Saint Matthew's Early Childhood Center. I always wanted to be a teacher. I used to play school at home with my stuffed animals when I was little.
Personal:
I live in King of Prussia with my husband Bob and we have 2 adult children Sean and Andrew. We also have 2 cats, Tom and Gerri. I love to spend time with my family, bake and I love to read.
My three children went to St. Pat's - it has always been a special place for me.
I am a local girl at heart! Born and raised in Berwyn, I attended St. Norbert's School and graduated from Villa Maria Academy High School. After high school I spent 4 years at Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT where I majored in both history and education. My inspiration to become a teacher was born of my fondness for both the Little House on the Prairie books and TV series. As life has its twists and turns, I entered the business world after college. I worked in banking for a few years and then as a marketing director for a manufacturing company for 15 years. I might be the only elementary school teacher you know who has an MBA!
I grew up outside of Baltimore, Maryland and decided in the 7th grade that I wanted to be a History teacher. I have always loved studying history and discovering stories from the past. I pursued this dream at the University of Delaware and followed up with graduate school at Towson University. I was hired right from college to teach in a high school where I stayed for 6 years, teaching American Government, U.S. History, and Economics and loving every minute of it!
I never imagined myself as anyone other than a wife, mother and a teacher. As a young person, to go a different route never entered my mind. I love teaching and the relationships that I have made along the way. St. Patrick School was a choice my husband and I made together as part of our vocation to the Church. I am here at St. Patrick because I want to be here.
Being a teacher is a calling; it is something you cannot deny. I have often daydreamed about other careers, with bigger salaries, expense accounts and impressive perks. But I know I wouldn't be honoring my gifts and talents if I were anywhere outside of a classroom. Inspiring children to be curious and independent learners, kind and generous friends, and faithful Catholics proves to be challenging, but even more rewarding! I can't imagine doing anything else with my life. I don't make a million dollars, but I like to think I make a difference.
After studying two dimensional art and art therapy at Seton Hill catholic University in Greensburg Pennsylvania, I instructed art for six years to all ages. It was during this time I was able to recognize my desire to teach all I knew about art to the next generations. Besides teaching art and art history to the students in the classrooms at Saint Pats, I also teach art to my fifteen nieces and nephews.
After completing my bachelor's degree in business administration (focus on marketing and public relations), I worked in various roles specializing in internal and external communications (reading, writing, and editing) until I decided to go back to school to become an educator. I received my master's degree in secondary education from West Chester University while working as a learning and emotional support aide in the Tredyffrin-Easttown school district. I have since worked with three-year-olds at Paoli Methodist Nursery School all the way up to juniors and seniors at Methacton High School. My true love lies with middle-school-aged kids! My most favorite years of teaching have been at the middle level and I am super excited for the opportunity to teach sixth and seventh grade ELA at SPS!
Background:
My name is Jeanne Christy, and I have nearly twenty years of teaching experience. Thirteen of those years were spent in Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 at both St. Isaac Jogues Preschool and Mother Teresa Regional Catholic School. I also spent two years in second grade at Annunciation B.V.M. School, three years in third grade at St. Michael the Archangel School, and one year in special education at St. Katherine Day School. Being a teacher is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I love the sense of community I have experienced teaching in Catholic Schools, as it empowers me.
Personal:
My faith, family, friends, and fitness are essential aspects in my life, as well. I believe a balanced lifestyle enables one to live with purpose. Giving back is most important to me. I volunteer at local soup kitchens and involve my four grown children to volunteer with me as their schedules permit. When I am not in Philadelphia, I consider myself a "Jersey Girl". The beach will always be my home away from home.
After growing up in Philadelphia and attending Catholic grade school and high school, I went on to attend college at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. I loved going to school in our nation's capital and studied History and Philosophy. After graduating college, I began to work on my master's degree in education. I completed my student teaching at a Catholic elementary school in Northwest DC. After completing graduate school, I taught middle school and 5th grade at a Catholic elementary school in Alexandria, VA. Needless to say, I am very passionate about Catholic education!
I was born in California and have lived all across the United States. I enjoy Pennsylvania the most! I have enjoyed teaching at Saint Helena School in Blue Bell for the past 14 years and now feel very blessed to be a part of the St. Patrick's team!
I always knew I wanted to be a teacher since high school. I took a child development class, had my own preschool buddy and loved it. Since then I have been a counselor, specialist, and assistant director at various summer camps around the area. When it was time for college I knew education was the path I wanted to take. I studied Early Education with a minor in STEM at Millersville University. I graduated in 2021. Right out of college I was a substitute teacher. Then I decided to try out kindergarten. STEM has always been my passion, so I am excited to now be the STEM teacher at St. Pats!
I have been teaching for 25 years at most grade levels from Pre-K through second. I hold Bachelor ‘s Degrees in Human Resources from Cabrini College. I am Pennsylvania State Certified in Elementary Education I earned a Master of Education from Cabrini College. I received my Montessori Certification from Chestnut Hill College. I taught first grade for Horizons this past summer. Horizons helps low income students build the gap between summer and school. I am committed to my Catholic faith and the mission of Catholic Schools. St. Patrick is much more to me than a school; it is a big, Christ-centered family.
I have been teaching for 20 years at most grade levels from Pre-K through 8th. I hold Bachelor Degrees and I am Pennsylvania State Certified in both Elementary Education and Special Education. I earned a Master of Education Degree and Reading Specialist Certificate in December 2012. I am a Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner who works with students after school. I am currently enrolled in Creighton University's Catholic School Leadership Graduate Certificate Program. I am committed to my Catholic faith and the mission of Catholic Schools. St. Patrick is much more to me than a school; it is a big, Christ-centered family.
I attended SPS from Kindergarten until 8th grade. When I was there, I was fortunate enough to have an amazing 1st grade teacher. The impression she left on me was immeasurable and I can still remember some of the lessons she used because they were so unique. I knew then that I wanted to become a teacher so I could try and make the same positive impact on children, and what better place to do that than at St. Pat's? This school helped to shape who I am as a person and gave me strong morals and values-I knew I had to be a part of it.
When I was in Kindergarten, I loved watching my teacher go about her day, seeing what types of stationery she used (the best was her pointer with the apple on the end), and taking note of many of her mannerisms. I would then bring all this information home and play school with my younger sisters, trying to be exactly like my teacher. This sparked a desire within me to become a teacher that continued to burn throughout the entirety of my school career. Only one year after my college graduation, I was given the opportunity to achieve my ambitions and begin my vocation as a kindergarten teacher at St. Patrick School. I even get to use a pointer with an apple on the end!
My love for teaching began when I was a little girl playing school every day in my basement. After graduating from West Chester University with a degree in Elementary Education, I began teaching fourth grade at Saint Charles Borromeo, Drexel Hill. After five years I left teaching when I had my first child. I returned to teaching as an Early Childhood Educator when my youngest child went to kindergarten. I love working with little children and creating an inviting environment to play, learn and grow. After eight years working at a local preschool in Paoli, I assisted in the launch of the preschool program at Saint Elizabeth Parish in Chester Springs. I am thrilled to be working with the faculty and staff in my home parish during this exciting year as we prepare to open the doors to the new building!
I was born and raised in Phoenixville and went to Eastern University knowing I wanted to be a teacher. In 2019, I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Middle Level Education with a science concentration. I was a substitute teacher in the Phoenixville School District for a while and then taught 6th grade science in 2020. I am beyond excited to be a part of the SPS community and share my passion for STEM with my students.
Background:
Hi! My name is Miss Montanez, but the students call me Miss M. ! This is my 2nd year at Saint Pat's! I am very passionate about teaching and plan to provide students with a warm, positive, and welcoming environment! I love to learn new things and am constantly expanding my knowledge!
Personal:
I am a first year teacher and I am enjoying every second of it ! In my spare time I enjoy reading, traveling, and shopping! I also really love to spend time with my family and friends!
I have always wanted to be a teacher (except a brief time where I wanted to be a marine biologist)! I have taught Pre-K, 1st grade and 3rd grade. I taught 3rd grade for a few years at Saint Elizabeth before becoming a stay at home mom. I decided to rekindle my love for teaching 2 years ago, when I joined this wonderful faculty here at St. Pat's. After 2 years in PreK3, I'm moving on up! I love the small community feel and our entire family began at St. Patrick's - starting in 2010 when my husband and I got married here! Both of my boys were baptized at St. Patrick's and I truly love that we are all a part of the St. Patrick's School family now!
I am originally from New Orleans, Louisiana where I taught both middle and high school for 10 years. In 2012, my family and I moved to Pennsylvania for my husband's job. Since we moved here, SPS has become a second family to us. I love the sense of community here. I feel like my children have so many people that care for them.
Background:
My name is Patricia O'Donnell and the "Luck of the Irish" has allowed me to be the principal of this wonderful school for the past nine years. I am the oldest of five daughters and I have eight nieces and two nephews. I grew up in Flemington, New Jersey - some of my family still lives there - and, I will always be a "Jersey Girl" at heart!
I remember way back to when I was in 7th grade and I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I followed that dream and have been blessed with many educational opportunities and experiences. I taught 6th-8th grades for 10 years and loved it - they are my favorite age group. I have been a principal for 23 years in New Jersey, Virginia Beach, VA and here at St. Pat's.
Personal:
In my free time I love to go to the beach, read, color with pointy crayons only, ride my bike, watch Notre Dame sports, and garden. I have run in marathons, half-marathons, 10Ks and 5Ks as well as completed a few triathlons. I enjoy the training and then have fun and relax during the event. I am slow but steady and do love crossing the finish line! Right now, I am just running for fun - no more races for me! I keep an active "Bucket List" and have accomplished many items on it. Some of these have been skydiving, hot air balloon ride, hang gliding, snorkeling, driving a race car at the Pocono Raceway, watching Peyton Manning play golf at Pebble Beach, CA, going to the Women's Final Four, and white water rafting. The list never ends, I just keep adding to it once I have accomplished something on it.
Read Ms. O'Donnell's Blog to learn more about her life, educational philosophy and experience at St.
I have always wanted to be a teacher since I was a young girl. My feelings became stronger in high school. I have been teaching for 37 years and have always loved working with children and helping them to reach their goals and have fun while doing it. I chose St. Pat's because I heard it was a friendly, family-oriented school that wanted the best for its students. I heard this through my friends Tricia and Mike Allan. I love St. Pat's because of the children, their families and the staff. It is a welcoming community that wants the best for everyone. In addition to teaching Spanish, I am the director of the Advanced Choir here at St. Pat's.
This is my first year at St. Patrick School, and I am truly excited to be here. I was born and raised in Clinton, Ohio, a small town near Akron. I graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.S. in Medical Technology and Science. I moved to Phoenixville, my husband's hometown, with him and our children 15 years ago. I received my Private School Teaching Certificate of Pa after living here a few years and knowing that I had a passion to teach children. I have been teaching in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for 8 years.
After a 15-year career in the mutual fund industry, I stayed home to raise my family. My children attended my alma mater, St. Patrick School. I worked as a recess monitor volunteer and in my favorite place, the library. I also coached the 6th grade MathCounts team. When my fourth and youngest child started Kindergarten, I began my second career as a school librarian.
After graduating from Little Flower Catholic High School, I was hired as a bank teller. I worked with wonderful people who supported me as I chose to enter the Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. At the time of my entrance into the I.H.M. Community, education was the main focus. Here is where I began my education at Immaculata University in the field of Elementary Education.
I graduated from Cabrini University this past spring with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education PreK-4th and Special Education PreK-8th. I plan on spending a few years teaching and then would love to return to school to receive my masters in special education. I grew up attending Catholic school from first grade all the way through college and I believe this experience has made me the person I am today. My faith is a huge part of who I am and I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to work at Saint Patrick's School.
I grew up in Austria and graduated high school with a diploma in early childhood education. I then taught for 2 years in a preschool in Austria. After spending 2 years in the US as an Au-Pair, I decided to get my Bachelor's in Early Grades Education at West Chester University.