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St. Mary's Catholic School
2018-19 Faculty and Staff
Pastor
Fr. Keith Koehl
Head of School & Principal
Heidi Zimmerhanzel Altman
B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies - Education, Texas A&M University
M.Ed. Elementary Education with Gifted/Talented Certification, University of North Texas
M.Ed Educational Administration and Curriculum and Instruction, University of North Texas
"St. Mary’s Catholic School is truly a loving place to call home, for the generations past and the generations to come. We thank you for the opportunity to be your partner in the formation of your children, welcome you to our campus, and ask for your prayers. May God bless you and your family abundantly as we embark
on an exciting year together."Psalm 103:1 "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name!"
Romans 8:28 "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose"
Business Manager
Peggy Kuhl"I love working at St. Mary's because of the friendly and caring faculty and staff. We are able to pray and share our faith with each other every day."
Philippians 4:13 "There is nothing I cannot do in the One who strengthens me."
Director of Catechesis & Liturgical Coordination
Religious Education & Faith Formation Teacher
Patrick Heyl"What attracts me to St. Mary's Catholic School in Taylor is the wholesome rural community and its energized visionary leaders who are commited to developing rich Catholic classical education."
John 20:27-28 Jesus said to Thomas, "Take your finger and examine my hands. Put your hand into my side. Do not persist in you unbelief, but believe!" Thomas said in response, "My Lord and my God!".
Director of Admissions & Librarian
Kim Bohac
B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies - Education, Texas A&M University
M.S. Library Science, Certified Reading Specialist"St. Mary’s is my home away from home. The teachers and staff are my best friends. The students fill my heart with love. Attending Mass centers me and brings peace to my days. The Holy Spirit calls me to share my love of reading with our students."
Psalms 136:1 Praise the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever.
Director of Logic & Technology,
Director of PASE &
Logi-Tech Instructor 5-8th
A.A.S. Networking and Systems Administration
B.S. Systems Management
M.S. Information Technology
Microsoft, Unix and Cisco Certifications
Daniel Yezak"St. Mary’s is a place where we are able to share God-given and "learned" talents. Sr. Mary Michael taught us passionately how to love God and one another. She instilled a drive to learn and be true disciples. The partnership between home and school is evident and truly shines here at St. Mary’s. Every day is a gift from God for which we are thankful. May we each choose to "rejoice and be glad" for ourselves and others, share our gifts and live by example; thus demonstrating a true worthiness to enter into God’s kingdom eternally."
Romans 12:6 “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them.”
Proverbs 11:25 “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”
Director of Athletics,
Physical Education Teacher PK3-8th &
Boys Athletic Coach 5th-8th
Paul Salazar"I chose to be a part of St. Mary's Catholic School because of their commitment to Catholic education for over 120 years, and their perseverance in bringing Gospel values to students of today's world."
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Director of Development & Advancement
Tessa Streit"I have been part of the St. Mary's Catholic School Family for over 15 years. This school has always been welcoming and the standard of education is second to none. The faculty and staff is dedicated to encouraging all students to live a life full of service, while setting the expectation of high educational standards. Both of my children have attended this school and it is one our greatest investments."
Galatians 5:22-23 On the other hand the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness and self-control; no law can touch such things as these.
PK3 Teacher
Loriann Miller"I am able to let my inner light of Christ shine and share it with the students as they discover theirs."
Psalms 91:11 “For he commands his angels with regard to you, to guard you wherever you go.”
PK4 Teacher
Jamie Fox"I love St. Mary’s because I can see the body of Christ in action! The teachers, staff, parents, and students work together to make a wonderful community of faith."
Psalms 116: 1,2. I love the Lord because He hears my voice and my prayers for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!
Kindergarten Teacher
Kristel Overfelt
BBA Management, Art History
Master of Arts in Fine and Decorative Art--Sotheby's in England
Early Childhood-4th Grade Teacher's Certification"From the moment I stepped foot on the SMCS campus, I have felt the overwhelming love and joy that each staff member shows towards each other and towards their students. This truly is a family and I am so excited and grateful to be a part of the Saint Mary’s team. I look forward to an amazing year of teaching and sharing God’s love with the students."
John 14:1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.”
“Start by doing what is necessary, then do what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” – Saint Francis of Assisi
First Grade Teacher
Chelsea Lopez
BBA Marketing - St. Edward's University
Early Childhood - 4th Teacher's Certification
Pursuing M.Ed in Instructional Leadership - Concordia University"I love St. Mary’s because it is a welcoming and loving environment where we can praise our creator and teach our students about His unconditional love. St. Mary’s allows each child the opportunity to thrive in not only in education but also in faith and service. Seeing God shine through a child in and out of the classroom is pure joy."
Ephesians 3:20 “Now to him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or imagine according to His power that is at work within us.”
Second Grade Teacher
Kyla McElmurray
B.S. Education - Texas State University
Early Childhood - 4th grade Teacher's Certification"We are a family, united through Christ, and we work and play as a family. Our family is understanding and forgiving--you can “ask a friend” for help at any time. The children are the life of our school and we continue to grow as a family."Psalms 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Third Grade Teacher
Debora Bartosh
B.S. Education
M.Ed Educational Administration"I began teaching at St. Mary's, October 2016. My experience at St. Mary's is filled with daily blessings. The children are precious. I adore the environment St. Mary's provides for our families. It is one of being faithful, focused, and fostering each child to reach their full potential."
Galatians 5:22 In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness.
Fourth Grade Teacher
Athletic Coach
Dave Hewes
B.S. Elementary Education
M.S. Education"I am so grateful to be part of the St. Mary's family this year. This is such a welcoming and loving environment. I am excited to be teaching fourth grade and coaching soccer in the Spring. "
Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged for
the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Fifth Grade Teacher
Melissa McFarlin
B.S. Education"St. Mary’s is a great small community where everyone is welcomed with smiles, a friendly handshake, or hug. The students here are sweet, compassionate, caring individuals who celebrate the Christian faith daily. Additionally, St.Mary’s affords me the opportunity to practice my faith daily, to share it with my students and colleagues, and witness God’s plan in my life."
Matthew 5: 3-11 THE BEATITUDES
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 ”Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 *Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. 6 “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. 7 ”Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” 8 ”Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.” 9 ”Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” 10 ”Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” 11 ”Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me.”
Mathematics & History 6-8th,
Director of PSIA, & NJHS/NEHS AdvisorSandra Lumpkin
B.S. Education"St. Mary’s is a loving Christian community who has given me strength and love and allows me to be the teacher and person I was called to be."
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Science Teacher 6-8th
Tom Allen
B.S. Education
Pursuing M.Ed in Educational Administration - Texas A&M University
"A new kid on the block has a lot to learn and experience before they fall in love. Fitting into an existing situation takes time. This family around me has now become mine."
Psalms 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Spanish Teacher 1-8th
Carmela Stowers"I love St. Mary’s because Jesus loves St. Mary’s! Our Creator trusted Mary to guide and protect Jesus as a little child. Jesus loved his mother. It was so nice that Jesus shared his beloved mother with us to guide and protect us too." “Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!’ And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.” (John 19:27)
Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things in him who strengthens me.”
Faith is to believe in what we do not see and the reward of this faith is to see what we believe. Seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - St. Augustine
Art Teacher PK3-8th, Yearbook,
Physical Education Teacher 5-8th,
& Girls Basketball Coach
Jamie Stefely
B.S. Graphic Design - St. Mary's University of Minnesota
M.A. Visual Art Education - St. Mary's University of Minnesota"St. Mary's is a warm and welcoming community that embraces Catholic values. I enjoy fostering creativity within our students and having the opportunity to teach them about God our creator."
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created heaven and earth.
Music Teacher PK3- 8th &
Cultural Arts 5-8th
Sandy Baker
B.S. Elementary Education"I love being able to teach children to serve God and share their faith through music."
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “ plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Seminarian
Ladd Spears
"I love St. Mary's for its strong Catholic identity."
Psalms 19:14 - "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer."
Pre-Kindergarten Instructional Assistant
Stephanie Bernsen
"I love the sense of community that the teachers, staff and students have at St. Mary's. I felt the welcoming ambiance of St. Mary's community first as a parent and now as a staff member. The teachers are wonderful with the students and have such a good rapport with the parents."
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight
Matthew 17:20
He replied, "Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
Office Manager
Jessica Beltran
Cafeteria Manager
Virginia Knapek
Program of After School Enrichment
Program Coordinators
Cafeteria Assistant
Anita Ruiz
Maintenance
Tom Nemec