Faculty & Staff
Dr. Janine Bertolotti, Principal
principal@stjosrcs.org
Dr. Janine Bertolotti holds a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from The University of Florida. She also earned a Master of Arts degree in Curriculum and Instruction from The University of Central Florida after obtaining her Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Psychology and double minors in Biology and Neuroscience from Wesleyan College. Dr. Bertolotti began her career in education as a science teacher before being promoted as one of Northeast Independent School District’s Instructional Dean of Science in San Antonio, Texas. She is happily married and her daughter is currently enrolled in Kindergarten. Her passion is to ensure that students are academically, emotionally, spiritually, and socially prepared for future endeavors.
Mrs. Anne-Marie Miller OFS, Assistant Principal
asstprincipal@stjosrcs.org
Mrs. Anne-Marie Miller OFS graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a BS in Early Childhood Education. Mrs. Miller directed five Head Start centers in Ohio from 1993-1995. She taught in a multi-language preschool in Jerusalem, Israel in 1997, and for ten years she cared for children from 2 months to 3rd grade in her in-home childcare in Emmitsburg, MD. Mrs. Miller taught Kindergarten here at St. Joseph’s for four years before taking on the position as Interim Principal from 2013-2015. In 2015 Mrs. Miller became Asst. Principal and Resource Teacher, she loves being back in the classroom. Mrs. Miller was the teacher of the year in 2013. Mrs. Miller has four wonderful sons in Catholic schools, is a Secular Franciscan and loves Catholic Education.
Ms. Michelle Dunn, Resource Teacher
resource@stjosrcs.org
The interim resource teacher, Michelle Dunn, began her career as a commercial artist specializing in photography and desktop publishing. Eventually, she felt called to make more of a difference, so she returned to school to become a special educator. At the time, her familiarity with computers led her to jobs working with assistive technology. While raising children, she operated a licensed family daycare during the day and tutored in the evenings for eSylvan/Educate Online. Most recently, she has been a Learning Specialist for Calvert Education Services where she managed Verticy Learning. It was through this role of helping students with learning differences where she found her life’s passion. Now she is a Dyslexia Practitioner certified by the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators as well as the International Dyslexia Association. Her goal is empowering all students, and she feels very blessed to be part of St. Joseph’s Regional Catholic School.
Mr. Ben Flores, Maintenance Engineer
Ms. Caitlin Stiffler, Administrative Assistant
secretary@stjosrcs.org
Ms. Caitlin Stiffler received her Bachelors degree in Biology from Westminster College in Pennsylvania. She joins us this year as the Administrative Assistant and is very excited to be joining the Saint Joseph's family. She is eager to return to a Catholic school, as she went to a similar school in her hometown.
Mrs. Ellie Stock, Secretary
schooloffice@stjosrcs.org
Ms. Stock has been an integral part of our St. Joseph's community for 11 years.
FACULTY
Mrs. Wilma Bandong, Music
music@stjosrcs.org
Born and raised in the Philippines, Wilma Evangeline A. Bandong holds a Bachelor degree of Music in Education, a Masters in Special Education and Development Communication and is currently working on her Ph.D. in Communication. She has over 15 years of professional musical experience as a music educator, choir director, performer, author, and arranger. In 2009, she went on to serve as a part time musician and music teacher in the Archdiocese of Washington and has served as a Special Ed catechist for several years.
Mr. John DiGiovanni, Algebra
algebra@stjosrcs.org
I have always been fascinated with the process of how we come to believe in ourselves (self-efficacy), and how that process helps us to establish an identity and become capable adults. During the adolescent years, the psychosocial issue that becomes most pressing is that of identity versus identity diffusion. God has blessed me with many platforms to learn and grow from including graduating from ADW schools (St. Francis Xavier Elementary and St. Johns College High School); earning a Civil Engineering Degree from the Virginia Military Institute; being married for over 44 years and the father of three sons; coaching youth sports, leading scout packs and troops, teaching religious education, and leading youth ministry; and succeeding in careers as Civil Engineer/Senior manager with the Montgomery County Department of Transportation; Associate Director of the ADW Office of Youth Ministry CYO Athletic Program; Math Teacher at St. Vincent Pallotti High School; Math Teacher and Vice principal at St. Mary’s School Rockville; advanced math teacher at St. Joseph's Regional Catholic School; certified leadership trainer/speaker with the John Maxwell Team; and private tutor with the WyzAnt.com. My passion is to help adolescents grow and add value to their lives.
Ms. Cristina Fernandez, Spanish
spanish@stjosrcs.org
When I was very little, I pretended that I could speak many languages. I remember myself inventing words in English and German. However, my dream came true when I was able to travel to other countries plus the education I have received back in Spain at my schools and in college. Languages are my passion, and I am glad I can transmit this passion to the children. I hope that they will continue to be open to other languages and cultures throughout their educational journey.
Mrs. Ellen Lafferty, Art
art@stjosrcs.org
Ms. Ellen Lafferty has lived in the Washington DC area all of her life. She has a BA in Art from St. Mary’s College of Maryland and also studied at Temple University Abroad in Rome, Italy. She formally taught at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Silver Spring, MD. Presently she also teaches both adults and children at VisArts at Rockville and Create Arts Center in Silver Spring.
Mrs. Lea Macatangay- Madarang, Technology
technology@stjosrcs.org
Mrs. Lea Madarang holds a Bachelor Degree in Computer Science. She had more than ten years of experience in the IT field before she became a teacher. She taught Graphic Arts and Computer Applications to Middle School and High School students in New Mexico for two years. St Joseph has been her parish since she moved here in Maryland, in fact, her daughter is an alumna of the school. She is excited to explore the world of Computer Science with the students this school year.
Mr. Paul Martens, Band
pfmartens@verizon.net
Mr. Martens received his Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education K-12 from Messiah College, Grantham PA, in 1977. He began teaching at St. Joseph’s School in September 1981. Since then he has led the band to consistent “Superior” ratings at the Archdiocesan Band Festival, and in 1997 the band was named “The Outstanding Catholic Elementary School Band in the United States” in a tape festival sponsored by the National Catholic Bandmasters Association. He has over 30 years of teaching at St. Joseph’s.
Mrs. Laurel Montoya, Religion
reled@stjosrcs.org
Laurel Montoya is currently the middle school religion teacher at St. Joseph’s Regional Catholic School. In the fall of 2015, she began her position as the Director of Religious Education at St. Joseph’s parish and oversees the preparation of her students to receive the Catholic Sacraments. Mrs. Montoya received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of New Mexico in 1995 and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Salisbury State University in 1998. Her teaching experience began at Queen of Heaven Elementary School in Albuquerque, New Mexico during the 1995-1996 school year. She expanded her experience by working with the Human Ecology Department at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore while teaching early childhood education from 1996-1999. She has been with St. Joseph’s School since August 2000.
Mr. Anthony Murray, Physical Education
pe@stjosrcs.org
Mr. Murray received his B.S. degree from East Carolina University. He worked for 2 years for Prince Georges County Public Schools. Since August 2004, he has been teaching at St. Joseph’s School. He also teaches at St. Mary’s in Rockville. Mr. Murray also coaches swimming at St. John’s College High School and in the local community.
GRADE LEVEL FACULTY
Mrs. Anne-Marie Miller, Pre-Kindergarten
prek@stjosrcs.org
Mrs. Anne-Marie Miller OFS graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a BS in Early Childhood Education. Mrs. Miller directed five Head Start centers in Ohio from 1993-1995. She taught in a multi-language preschool in Jerusalem, Israel in 1997, and for ten years she cared for children from 2 months to 3rd grade in her in-home childcare in Emmitsburg, MD. Mrs. Miller taught Kindergarten here at St. Joseph’s for four years before taking on the position as Interim Principal from 2013-2015. In 2015 Mrs. Miller became Asst. Principal and Resource Teacher, and she loves being back in the classroom. Mrs. Miller was the teacher of the year in 2013. Mrs. Miller has four wonderful sons in Catholic schools, is a Secular Franciscan and loves Catholic Education.
Teacher’s Aide: Mrs. Dinora Billingslea
Mrs. Angeleque Reed, Kindergarten
kindergarten@stjosrcs.org
Ms. Reed has a wealth of experience. She has been serving in her vocation for over 26 years in Catholic schools in various educational capacities, including a kindergarten teacher, special education teacher, reading specialist, literacy coach, and special education coordinator. She is currently pursuing her doctoral studies and is currently working on her dissertation. She currently works with our kids in the Junior Lego League, after-school tutoring, and on the Student Assistance Team.
Teacher’s Aide: Mrs. Linda Coverston
Ms. Colleen Danielson, 1st Grade
grade1@stjosrcs.org
Ms. Colleen Danielson joins St. Joseph's this year as the 1st Grade Teacher. She graduated this past May from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. She received a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education along with a Teacher Certification. St. Joseph's holds a special place in her heart because this is the parish where she grew up. She currently resides in Beltsville, MD and has lived here all of her life. Ms. Danielson is super excited to start her teaching career!
Teacher’s Aide: Mrs. Amy Sarkar
Mrs. Marie Altemus, 2nd Grade
grade2@stjosrcs.org
Mrs. Altemus received her BA degree from the Catholic University of America and earned her teaching certificate in 2012. She served as Title I Teacher at Adelphi Elementary School from 1995 to 1997 and from there went on as an Inclusion Teacher for the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Institute at St. Camillus School from 1997 to 2001 where she received the “Essence” Award. She then taught 3rd grade at St. Camillus from 2001 to 2003. Since September 2003, she has taught 2nd grade here at St. Joseph’s and was recognized in the 9th and 10th Editions of “Who’s Who Among America’s Most Respected Teachers.” She was also “Teacher of the Year” for 2012. Her passion is filling young minds with the love of Christ and learning, and she is also a catechist at the Church of the Resurrection in Burtonsville, Maryland. Mrs. Altemus is married with two grown children and a granddaughter, named Mia Leigh, who she loves spending time with!
Mrs. Marie Russo, 3rd Grade
grade3@stjosrcs.org
Mrs. Marie Russo received a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Maryland, and has her Maryland state teaching certification. A former graduate of St. Josephs, she began her career in 1994 here as the second-grade teacher. Later, she was the 4th-grade instructor at St. Mary’s of the Assumption School in Largo and received “Teacher of the Year” for 2006. In August 2006 she returned “home” as our 3rd-grade teacher. Mrs. Russo was the teacher of the year in 2011. She was also chosen as the Archdiocese's teacher of the week in 2015. Mrs. Russo thoroughly enjoys the time spent with her students. She feels blessed that she has the opportunity to help them develop a better understanding of their faith, and reach their potential as active learners and critical thinkers.
Ms. Meg O’Brien, 4th Grade
grade4@stjosrcs.org
Ms. O’Brien received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Maryland. She worked as a Pre-Kindergarten teacher for 13 years. She also worked at St. Joseph’s Extended Care Program. She has been teaching fourth grade at St. Joseph’s School since August 2006. She was Teacher of the Year for June 2010. In May of 2013, she received the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching from the Archdiocese of Washington
Ms. Sherry Baade, 5th Grade
grade5@stjosrcs.org
Having had a BS in Criminal Science, Miss Baade spent many years in private industry. However, the call to teaching was very strong. In 2008, she endeavored in a change of vocation and graduated from Wilson College in Pennsylvania. Licensed in Pennsylvania, she began long-term substitution for 3 years in the public school system. In 2011, she ventured to the Middle East and taught for four years in the Abu Dhabi emirate in the UAE. Now, fulfilling a lifelong goal of being a Catholic school teacher, Miss Baade has enthusiastically joined Saint Joseph Regional Catholic School as the 5th Grade teacher.
Mrs. Jenny Rella, 6th Grade
grade6@stjosrcs.org
Mrs. Jenny Rella has been an English/Language Arts teacher for St Joseph’s Middle School since the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year. She truly enjoys teaching and loves what she does every day. Her goal is to help shape the lives and minds of our young and talented 6th, 7th and 8th graders.
She attended Tulane University in New Orleans for undergraduate school and attained a B.S. in Psychology. She later attended College of Notre Dame (now Notre Dame of Maryland University) and graduated with a Masters in the Art of Teaching. She is dual certified to teach both General Education as well as Special Education. She taught for several years in Baltimore City Public Schools, where she hopes she made a small difference in urban youth’s lives.
In her former life, Mrs. Rella was a senior manager for a Fortune 500 company. She intends to bring some of her organizational and time management skills to the students at St Joseph’s, to prepare them for high school and beyond. She is passionate about teaching. She hopes that she is a positive role model for our young students and works to mentor every student who enters her classroom. Mrs. Rella believes in interactive, technology-based, hands-on teaching, and encourages students to participate and engage in every lesson. Her classroom is a literacy-rich environment, and her students enjoy cooperative learning and creative activities to increase higher level thinking skills. Mrs. Rella was selected Teacher of the Year for the 2014-2015 school year.
Mr. Andy House, 7th Grade
grade7@stjosrcs.org
Mr. House has been teaching in parochial schools since 1990 having taught in both the Lutheran and Catholic school systems in Texas and Maryland. Mr. House received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Texas Tech University and has completed 36 hours of graduate work from Texas Tech, and Trinity University in Washington, DC. Before coming St. Joseph’s, Mr. House spent one year as the Social Studies Teacher at Holy Family in Hillcrest Heights, and fifteen years as the Social Studies and Religion Teacher at Ascension Lutheran School in Landover Hills. Mr. House is passionate about history, and when not teaching it, lives it as a miller at the Old Wye Mill on the Eastern Shore, or reenacting the Revolutionary War.
Mrs. Kathy Pappas, 8th Grade
grade8@stjosrcs.org
Mrs. Pappas received her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary & middle school curriculum from Frostburg State University. She has held the post of 7th-grade teacher at St. Joseph’s School since January 2004. Before that, she held several positions in the Childtime Learning Centers including director of the Childtime Learning Center in Columbia, the East region training manager for the Childtime Learning Center, and the director of Childtime Learning Center in Baltimore and Washington. In the school year 2007-2008, she started teaching 8th grade. She was Teacher of the Year in June 2008. In May of 2010, she received the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching from the Archdiocese of Washington.
principal@stjosrcs.org
Dr. Janine Bertolotti holds a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from The University of Florida. She also earned a Master of Arts degree in Curriculum and Instruction from The University of Central Florida after obtaining her Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Psychology and double minors in Biology and Neuroscience from Wesleyan College. Dr. Bertolotti began her career in education as a science teacher before being promoted as one of Northeast Independent School District’s Instructional Dean of Science in San Antonio, Texas. She is happily married and her daughter is currently enrolled in Kindergarten. Her passion is to ensure that students are academically, emotionally, spiritually, and socially prepared for future endeavors.
Mrs. Anne-Marie Miller OFS, Assistant Principal
asstprincipal@stjosrcs.org
Mrs. Anne-Marie Miller OFS graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a BS in Early Childhood Education. Mrs. Miller directed five Head Start centers in Ohio from 1993-1995. She taught in a multi-language preschool in Jerusalem, Israel in 1997, and for ten years she cared for children from 2 months to 3rd grade in her in-home childcare in Emmitsburg, MD. Mrs. Miller taught Kindergarten here at St. Joseph’s for four years before taking on the position as Interim Principal from 2013-2015. In 2015 Mrs. Miller became Asst. Principal and Resource Teacher, she loves being back in the classroom. Mrs. Miller was the teacher of the year in 2013. Mrs. Miller has four wonderful sons in Catholic schools, is a Secular Franciscan and loves Catholic Education.
Ms. Michelle Dunn, Resource Teacher
resource@stjosrcs.org
The interim resource teacher, Michelle Dunn, began her career as a commercial artist specializing in photography and desktop publishing. Eventually, she felt called to make more of a difference, so she returned to school to become a special educator. At the time, her familiarity with computers led her to jobs working with assistive technology. While raising children, she operated a licensed family daycare during the day and tutored in the evenings for eSylvan/Educate Online. Most recently, she has been a Learning Specialist for Calvert Education Services where she managed Verticy Learning. It was through this role of helping students with learning differences where she found her life’s passion. Now she is a Dyslexia Practitioner certified by the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators as well as the International Dyslexia Association. Her goal is empowering all students, and she feels very blessed to be part of St. Joseph’s Regional Catholic School.
Mr. Ben Flores, Maintenance Engineer
Ms. Caitlin Stiffler, Administrative Assistant
secretary@stjosrcs.org
Ms. Caitlin Stiffler received her Bachelors degree in Biology from Westminster College in Pennsylvania. She joins us this year as the Administrative Assistant and is very excited to be joining the Saint Joseph's family. She is eager to return to a Catholic school, as she went to a similar school in her hometown.
Mrs. Ellie Stock, Secretary
schooloffice@stjosrcs.org
Ms. Stock has been an integral part of our St. Joseph's community for 11 years.
FACULTY
Mrs. Wilma Bandong, Music
music@stjosrcs.org
Born and raised in the Philippines, Wilma Evangeline A. Bandong holds a Bachelor degree of Music in Education, a Masters in Special Education and Development Communication and is currently working on her Ph.D. in Communication. She has over 15 years of professional musical experience as a music educator, choir director, performer, author, and arranger. In 2009, she went on to serve as a part time musician and music teacher in the Archdiocese of Washington and has served as a Special Ed catechist for several years.
Mr. John DiGiovanni, Algebra
algebra@stjosrcs.org
I have always been fascinated with the process of how we come to believe in ourselves (self-efficacy), and how that process helps us to establish an identity and become capable adults. During the adolescent years, the psychosocial issue that becomes most pressing is that of identity versus identity diffusion. God has blessed me with many platforms to learn and grow from including graduating from ADW schools (St. Francis Xavier Elementary and St. Johns College High School); earning a Civil Engineering Degree from the Virginia Military Institute; being married for over 44 years and the father of three sons; coaching youth sports, leading scout packs and troops, teaching religious education, and leading youth ministry; and succeeding in careers as Civil Engineer/Senior manager with the Montgomery County Department of Transportation; Associate Director of the ADW Office of Youth Ministry CYO Athletic Program; Math Teacher at St. Vincent Pallotti High School; Math Teacher and Vice principal at St. Mary’s School Rockville; advanced math teacher at St. Joseph's Regional Catholic School; certified leadership trainer/speaker with the John Maxwell Team; and private tutor with the WyzAnt.com. My passion is to help adolescents grow and add value to their lives.
Ms. Cristina Fernandez, Spanish
spanish@stjosrcs.org
When I was very little, I pretended that I could speak many languages. I remember myself inventing words in English and German. However, my dream came true when I was able to travel to other countries plus the education I have received back in Spain at my schools and in college. Languages are my passion, and I am glad I can transmit this passion to the children. I hope that they will continue to be open to other languages and cultures throughout their educational journey.
Mrs. Ellen Lafferty, Art
art@stjosrcs.org
Ms. Ellen Lafferty has lived in the Washington DC area all of her life. She has a BA in Art from St. Mary’s College of Maryland and also studied at Temple University Abroad in Rome, Italy. She formally taught at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Silver Spring, MD. Presently she also teaches both adults and children at VisArts at Rockville and Create Arts Center in Silver Spring.
Mrs. Lea Macatangay- Madarang, Technology
technology@stjosrcs.org
Mrs. Lea Madarang holds a Bachelor Degree in Computer Science. She had more than ten years of experience in the IT field before she became a teacher. She taught Graphic Arts and Computer Applications to Middle School and High School students in New Mexico for two years. St Joseph has been her parish since she moved here in Maryland, in fact, her daughter is an alumna of the school. She is excited to explore the world of Computer Science with the students this school year.
Mr. Paul Martens, Band
pfmartens@verizon.net
Mr. Martens received his Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education K-12 from Messiah College, Grantham PA, in 1977. He began teaching at St. Joseph’s School in September 1981. Since then he has led the band to consistent “Superior” ratings at the Archdiocesan Band Festival, and in 1997 the band was named “The Outstanding Catholic Elementary School Band in the United States” in a tape festival sponsored by the National Catholic Bandmasters Association. He has over 30 years of teaching at St. Joseph’s.
Mrs. Laurel Montoya, Religion
reled@stjosrcs.org
Laurel Montoya is currently the middle school religion teacher at St. Joseph’s Regional Catholic School. In the fall of 2015, she began her position as the Director of Religious Education at St. Joseph’s parish and oversees the preparation of her students to receive the Catholic Sacraments. Mrs. Montoya received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of New Mexico in 1995 and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Salisbury State University in 1998. Her teaching experience began at Queen of Heaven Elementary School in Albuquerque, New Mexico during the 1995-1996 school year. She expanded her experience by working with the Human Ecology Department at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore while teaching early childhood education from 1996-1999. She has been with St. Joseph’s School since August 2000.
Mr. Anthony Murray, Physical Education
pe@stjosrcs.org
Mr. Murray received his B.S. degree from East Carolina University. He worked for 2 years for Prince Georges County Public Schools. Since August 2004, he has been teaching at St. Joseph’s School. He also teaches at St. Mary’s in Rockville. Mr. Murray also coaches swimming at St. John’s College High School and in the local community.
GRADE LEVEL FACULTY
Mrs. Anne-Marie Miller, Pre-Kindergarten
prek@stjosrcs.org
Mrs. Anne-Marie Miller OFS graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a BS in Early Childhood Education. Mrs. Miller directed five Head Start centers in Ohio from 1993-1995. She taught in a multi-language preschool in Jerusalem, Israel in 1997, and for ten years she cared for children from 2 months to 3rd grade in her in-home childcare in Emmitsburg, MD. Mrs. Miller taught Kindergarten here at St. Joseph’s for four years before taking on the position as Interim Principal from 2013-2015. In 2015 Mrs. Miller became Asst. Principal and Resource Teacher, and she loves being back in the classroom. Mrs. Miller was the teacher of the year in 2013. Mrs. Miller has four wonderful sons in Catholic schools, is a Secular Franciscan and loves Catholic Education.
Teacher’s Aide: Mrs. Dinora Billingslea
Mrs. Angeleque Reed, Kindergarten
kindergarten@stjosrcs.org
Ms. Reed has a wealth of experience. She has been serving in her vocation for over 26 years in Catholic schools in various educational capacities, including a kindergarten teacher, special education teacher, reading specialist, literacy coach, and special education coordinator. She is currently pursuing her doctoral studies and is currently working on her dissertation. She currently works with our kids in the Junior Lego League, after-school tutoring, and on the Student Assistance Team.
Teacher’s Aide: Mrs. Linda Coverston
Ms. Colleen Danielson, 1st Grade
grade1@stjosrcs.org
Ms. Colleen Danielson joins St. Joseph's this year as the 1st Grade Teacher. She graduated this past May from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. She received a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education along with a Teacher Certification. St. Joseph's holds a special place in her heart because this is the parish where she grew up. She currently resides in Beltsville, MD and has lived here all of her life. Ms. Danielson is super excited to start her teaching career!
Teacher’s Aide: Mrs. Amy Sarkar
Mrs. Marie Altemus, 2nd Grade
grade2@stjosrcs.org
Mrs. Altemus received her BA degree from the Catholic University of America and earned her teaching certificate in 2012. She served as Title I Teacher at Adelphi Elementary School from 1995 to 1997 and from there went on as an Inclusion Teacher for the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Institute at St. Camillus School from 1997 to 2001 where she received the “Essence” Award. She then taught 3rd grade at St. Camillus from 2001 to 2003. Since September 2003, she has taught 2nd grade here at St. Joseph’s and was recognized in the 9th and 10th Editions of “Who’s Who Among America’s Most Respected Teachers.” She was also “Teacher of the Year” for 2012. Her passion is filling young minds with the love of Christ and learning, and she is also a catechist at the Church of the Resurrection in Burtonsville, Maryland. Mrs. Altemus is married with two grown children and a granddaughter, named Mia Leigh, who she loves spending time with!
Mrs. Marie Russo, 3rd Grade
grade3@stjosrcs.org
Mrs. Marie Russo received a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Maryland, and has her Maryland state teaching certification. A former graduate of St. Josephs, she began her career in 1994 here as the second-grade teacher. Later, she was the 4th-grade instructor at St. Mary’s of the Assumption School in Largo and received “Teacher of the Year” for 2006. In August 2006 she returned “home” as our 3rd-grade teacher. Mrs. Russo was the teacher of the year in 2011. She was also chosen as the Archdiocese's teacher of the week in 2015. Mrs. Russo thoroughly enjoys the time spent with her students. She feels blessed that she has the opportunity to help them develop a better understanding of their faith, and reach their potential as active learners and critical thinkers.
Ms. Meg O’Brien, 4th Grade
grade4@stjosrcs.org
Ms. O’Brien received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Maryland. She worked as a Pre-Kindergarten teacher for 13 years. She also worked at St. Joseph’s Extended Care Program. She has been teaching fourth grade at St. Joseph’s School since August 2006. She was Teacher of the Year for June 2010. In May of 2013, she received the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching from the Archdiocese of Washington
Ms. Sherry Baade, 5th Grade
grade5@stjosrcs.org
Having had a BS in Criminal Science, Miss Baade spent many years in private industry. However, the call to teaching was very strong. In 2008, she endeavored in a change of vocation and graduated from Wilson College in Pennsylvania. Licensed in Pennsylvania, she began long-term substitution for 3 years in the public school system. In 2011, she ventured to the Middle East and taught for four years in the Abu Dhabi emirate in the UAE. Now, fulfilling a lifelong goal of being a Catholic school teacher, Miss Baade has enthusiastically joined Saint Joseph Regional Catholic School as the 5th Grade teacher.
Mrs. Jenny Rella, 6th Grade
grade6@stjosrcs.org
Mrs. Jenny Rella has been an English/Language Arts teacher for St Joseph’s Middle School since the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year. She truly enjoys teaching and loves what she does every day. Her goal is to help shape the lives and minds of our young and talented 6th, 7th and 8th graders.
She attended Tulane University in New Orleans for undergraduate school and attained a B.S. in Psychology. She later attended College of Notre Dame (now Notre Dame of Maryland University) and graduated with a Masters in the Art of Teaching. She is dual certified to teach both General Education as well as Special Education. She taught for several years in Baltimore City Public Schools, where she hopes she made a small difference in urban youth’s lives.
In her former life, Mrs. Rella was a senior manager for a Fortune 500 company. She intends to bring some of her organizational and time management skills to the students at St Joseph’s, to prepare them for high school and beyond. She is passionate about teaching. She hopes that she is a positive role model for our young students and works to mentor every student who enters her classroom. Mrs. Rella believes in interactive, technology-based, hands-on teaching, and encourages students to participate and engage in every lesson. Her classroom is a literacy-rich environment, and her students enjoy cooperative learning and creative activities to increase higher level thinking skills. Mrs. Rella was selected Teacher of the Year for the 2014-2015 school year.
Mr. Andy House, 7th Grade
grade7@stjosrcs.org
Mr. House has been teaching in parochial schools since 1990 having taught in both the Lutheran and Catholic school systems in Texas and Maryland. Mr. House received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Texas Tech University and has completed 36 hours of graduate work from Texas Tech, and Trinity University in Washington, DC. Before coming St. Joseph’s, Mr. House spent one year as the Social Studies Teacher at Holy Family in Hillcrest Heights, and fifteen years as the Social Studies and Religion Teacher at Ascension Lutheran School in Landover Hills. Mr. House is passionate about history, and when not teaching it, lives it as a miller at the Old Wye Mill on the Eastern Shore, or reenacting the Revolutionary War.
Mrs. Kathy Pappas, 8th Grade
grade8@stjosrcs.org
Mrs. Pappas received her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary & middle school curriculum from Frostburg State University. She has held the post of 7th-grade teacher at St. Joseph’s School since January 2004. Before that, she held several positions in the Childtime Learning Centers including director of the Childtime Learning Center in Columbia, the East region training manager for the Childtime Learning Center, and the director of Childtime Learning Center in Baltimore and Washington. In the school year 2007-2008, she started teaching 8th grade. She was Teacher of the Year in June 2008. In May of 2010, she received the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching from the Archdiocese of Washington.