Faculty and Staff

At St. Mary's Catholic School, our faculty and staff is made up of accomplished and dedicated professionals. Each day, they engage students, encourage them to become life-long learners, instill a love of their faith and prepare them to succeed. in life.

They maintain the highest integrity and concern for every students education and personal growth. For our faculty members, teaching isn't a job -- its a commitment and a way of life.

St. Mary's Catholic School
2020-21 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, Information Systems, Program of After School Enrichment & Student Succes Seminar Daniel Yezak A.A.S. Networking and Systems Administration B.S. Systems Management M.S. Information Technology Microsoft, Unix and Cisco Certifications "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 & Soccer Coach 5th-8th 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." 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 & Cheer Coach Tessa Streit "I have been part of the St. Mary's Catholic School Family for over 10 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.  All three 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. Instructional Specialist Reading Intervention Chelsea Lopez BBA Marketing - St. Edward's University Early Childhood - 4th Teacher's Certification 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.” Director of Curriculum DeAnn Stuart, Ph.D.   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."   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 Monica Keith

"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 Amber Owen

"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 Betsy Hime

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

Psalms 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Third Grade Teacher MAJDA PRAIZ International Bachelors with Teaching Certificate - Bethel University Teacher Training Program - Nagasaki University Master of Philosophy - Philosophy and Religous Studies - University of Zagreb/Sveuciliste u Zagrebu

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

Fourth Grade Teacher Rebecca Doak  B.A. Classics & English- Texas A&M University M.A. History - College of William & Mary

"The most encouraging thing about St. Mary's is the loving, joyful atmosphere.  Everyone loves one another, the staff truly desires to serve the students and families, and through it all, God is there.  Everyone involved with St. Mary's shows a desire to proclaim Christ's love by being joyful servants, and I am so excited to share in this beautiful work!" Romans 15:13  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the holy Spirit.

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 Advisor Sandra 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.

English Language Arts Teacher 6-8th

Judy Schroeder
B.S. University of Texas
Teacher in Taylor ISD until retirement

"St. Mary's is a wonderful place to teach and a wonderful place for students to learn.  I not only teach my students, but I learn from them as they learn, they teach me.  It's a beautiful relationship."

Psalm 46:!0 Be still, and know that I am God.

Science Teacher 6-10th Catherine Lyman

"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 1-5th and 8th PASE Guitar Instructor 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 PK3-10th Chandra Gonzales

Ecclesiates 3:11 "He has made everything beautiful in its time."

Music Teacher PK3- 10th & Choir Abigail Colmark Bachelor of Music: Teacher Licensure Option, Instrumental Concentration

"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.”

Dyslexia/Reading Intervention Mary Ellen Krueger 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." 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."   Upper School Dayspring Brock B.A. History, DBU M. S. Humanities, University of Dallas "I love St. Mary's Catholic School because of its tradition and the strong commitment to building a culture of love and support for the community." Isaiah 41:10 "Do not fear:  I am with you; do not be anxious:  I am your God.  I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." Upper School PAULA NEMEC   "I love St. Mary's Catholic School because of its tradition and the strong commitment to building a culture of love and support for the community." Isaiah 41:10 "Do not fear:  I am with you; do not be anxious:  I am your God.  I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." Office Manager Jessica Beltran

Cafeteria Manager Virginia Knapek

Cafeteria Assistant Anita Ruiz

School Nurse Amy Quebe, LVN

Maintenance Tom Nemec

Program of After School Enrichment
Program Coordinators