Faculty & Staff

​Dr. Janine Bertolotti, Principal
principal@stjosrcs.org
Dr. Janine Bertolotti holds a Doctor of Education degree 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, summa cum laude. She is a certified principal in 4 states- Maryland, Virginia, Texas, and Florida. In June 2018, she was awarded The Archdiocese of Washington's Rookie Principal of the Year. Dr. Bertolotti began her career in education as a high school science teacher before being promoted as one of Northeast Independent School District’s Instructional Dean of Science in San Antonio, Texas. She is a happily married Jamaican and military wife for over 9 years and her daughter is currently enrolled at St. Joseph's. Her passion is to ensure that students are spiritually, academically, emotionally, and socially prepared for future endeavors so that each child becomes the best version of themselves to live a life that God has ordained for them. 


Mrs. Joelle Taylor, Coordinator of Enrollment, Testing, & Student Services
director@stjosrcs.org
I am very blessed to serve the St. Joseph's community!  I graduated with high honors from DePaul University and received a Bachelor of Arts degree with a dual major in Sociology and Communications.  After working in the nonprofit sector, I went on to earn a Master in City Planning degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, MA.  After graduating from MIT, I worked several years in corporate community relations and philanthropy  before taking on the most challenging and rewarding experience of my life as a work-at-home mom.  More recently, I worked as an adjunct instructor at Montgomery College before serving in various administrative positions at St. Joseph's.  My husband and I are the proud parents of four daughters, two currently attend St. Joseph's and one is a St. Joseph's graduate.


Ms. Corinne Remy, Coordinator of The Extended Care Program
ecp@stjosrcs.org

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Mr. Ben Flores, Maintenance Engineer


Ms. Jocelyn Pagan, Secretary
secretary@stjosrcs.org
Currently, working as a teacher in the Extended Care Program has given me first-hand experience of how rewarding it is to work in the school environment. I feel like going to work is like going to a second home, where I get to see familiar faces that bring me great joy and do work that is nothing short of rewarding...I strongly believe that serving others requires humility, character and a strong work ethic. These are all qualities that I continuously strive to maintain at a high standard.


Mrs. Pamela Kennedy, Resource Teacher
resource@stjosrcs.org
Mrs. Kennedy has a Bachelor’s degree in Educational Psychology from the University of our Savior (Universidad del Salvador, Buenos Aires, Argentina) and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from the George Washington University in Washington DC. She previously worked at Frances Fuchs ECC and was a teacher for the Ivymount Corporation for ten years, at the Ivymount School and the Maddux School.



FACULTY


​Ms. Gina Gomes, Music
music@stjosrcs.org
I am so delighted to be returning for my second year as the Music and Art teacher at Saint Joseph's RCS! In December of 2017, I received my bachelor's degree in Theology and Religious Studies from The Catholic University of America with a minor in Philosophy. During my time at CUA, I was blessed with the opportunity to deepen my knowledge of music and art through participating in the University Singers, studying piano, and studying Christian Renaissance Art. It brings me great joy to teach two Creative Arts disciplines because I believe that striving to create something beautiful can help us grow in our relationship with the One who is perfectly beautiful, Jesus Christ. 


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 45 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. Rachel Brown, Spanish
spanish@stjosrcs.org
​Ms. Rachel Brown graduated magna cum laude from Mount St. Mary’s University with a BA in Spanish with Certification in P-12 Education.  During college, she also studied Spanish at the Costa Rican Language Academy in San José, Costa Rica and traveled to Panamá and Perú.  This is her second year teaching at St. Joseph’s Regional Catholic School.


Ms. Gina Gomes, Art
art@stjosrcs.org
I am so delighted to be returning for my second year as the Music and Art teacher at Saint Joseph's RCS! In December of 2017, I received my bachelor's degree in Theology and Religious Studies from The Catholic University of America with a minor in Philosophy. During my time at CUA, I was blessed with the opportunity to deepen my knowledge of music and art through participating in the University Singers, studying piano, and studying Christian Renaissance Art. It brings me great joy to teach two Creative Arts disciplines because I believe that striving to create something beautiful can help us grow in our relationship with the One who is perfectly beautiful, Jesus Christ. ​

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Mrs. Shanae Moreno, Technology
technology@stjosrcs.org
Mrs. Moreno graduated from Bowie State University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Computer Technology in 2009. While working in the private sector, she went on to obtain a Masters of Science Degree in Information Assurance (Cyber Security) from The University of Maryland University College in 2012. In her free time, she enjoys being with family, traveling, and shopping. She is looking forward to starting a long and prosperous teaching career here at St. Josephs.​


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.

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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 grew up in the St. Joseph’s community. 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. Alyssa Gahunia, Pre-Kindergarten
prek@stjosrcs.org
Mrs. Alyssa Gahunia received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Towson University, and her associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Howard Community College. She has experience of working with children in Early Childhood Centers as an assistant and lead teacher. In addition to early childhood education, Mrs. Gahunia also has experience in teaching Bollywood dance classes to children and adults, and is currently teaching for two dance schools on the weekends. She recently got married, and is so happy that her husband became Catholic this year so that she can share the same faith with her husband. Mrs. Gahunia is ready to begin her journey as a dedicated preschool teacher at St. Joseph’s, and to create a classroom environment that is educational, fun, safe, and Christ-centered.
Teacher’s Aide: Mrs. Dinora Billingslea


Ms. Kelly Konar, Kindergarten
kindergarten@stjosrcs.org
​Ms. Konar graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor’s degree in Deaf studies with a human services track and is proficient in American Sign Language (ASL). St. Joseph’s holds a special place in her heart because not only is this her home parish, but she is an alum of the school.  Ms. Konar is ecstatic to be back for year 2 at the school where she began and ready to have a fantastic school year!
Teacher’s Aide: Mrs. Kaitlyn House


Ms. Colleen Danielson, 1st Grade
grade1@stjosrcs.org
This will be Ms. Danielson's 3rd year at St. Joseph’s. She graduated from The Catholic University of America with a BA in Elementary Education in 2017. She is certified to teach in DC and Maryland. Ms. Danielson is engaged and will be getting married in June 2020! She is super excited to start a new school year!  ​
Teacher’s Aide: Mrs. Runea Laqui


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 and in April 2018, she was awarded the "Golden Diamond" award. In December 2018, she was the recipient of the VFW Teacher of the Year. 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 and she and her husband love spending time with their 2 grandchildren; Mia & Hudson!
Teacher’s Aide: Mrs. Lipika Gomes


​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.   In May of 2019, she received the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching from the Archdiocese of Washington.  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.  Mrs. Russo has been married for fourteen years, and has one daughter.  During her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, and experiencing new adventures.
Teacher’s Aide: Mrs. Amy Sarkar


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.
Teacher’s Aide: Mrs. Amy Sarkar


Mrs. Laurel Montoya, 5th Grade
reled@stjosrcs.org
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. Jacob Greene,  6th Grade
grade6@stjosrcs.org
The study of words is immensely valuable in the pursuit of understanding ourselves and the world around us.  Through LA we learn to better our communication skills (things like word choice, literary cadence, and punctuation), improve our ability to effectively formulate ideas and concepts, and expand our realm of perception through critical thinking.  Having graduated from Washington College with a BA in English Literature, I’ve realized that we should never stop working to refine these skills; we should always strive for self improvement.  It is my goal to instill this desire in my students and help them to meet their full potential.  ​


Mr. Andy House, 7th Grade
grade7@stjosrcs.org
​Mr. House has been teaching in Catholic and Lutheran schools since 1990. He 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, Mr. House is very 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. Runea Laqui, 8th Grade Science and 1st Grade Aide
science8@stjosrcs.org
Mrs. Laqui joined SJRCS as a substitute teacher in 2017. She loved the school so much that she was overjoyed to formally join the family in 2018 as first grade aide to Miss Danielson and 8th grade Science teacher. Originally from the Philippines, she finished her degree in Biology from Philippine Normal University and obtained her teaching certification from De La Salle University, Manila. Before coming to the U.S. in 2008, she taught for 7 years as a Biology teacher in De La Salle Zobel School. A bookworm who loves to eat, Mrs. Laqui is happily married to a Math teacher and lives peacefully in Silver Spring, Md. 


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 taught middle school math and science at St. Joseph’s Regional School since January 2004. Before that, she held several positions in the Childtime Learning Centers including center director and East region training manager. Mrs. Pappas was Teacher of the Year at St. Joseph’s RCS in June of 2008.  In May of 2010, she received the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching from the Archdiocese of Washington. In her free time, Mrs. Pappas loves to spend time with family and travel.