Rev. John Donia
pastor
Msgr. John Conway
Parochial Vicar
Kate Fitzpatrick
principal
St. E is definitely the place to be! I am thrilled to be leading Saint Elizabeth Parish School as the fourth principal! I am a lifelong supporter of Catholic education and believe that there are no better places to learn than in the schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. I attended Catholic schools from Grade 1 through Graduate School. After four wonderful years at West Catholic High School, I was blessed to be taught and inspired by the IHM Sisters at Immaculata College, where I earned a B.A. in History and an Elementary Education Teaching Certificate in 1997. I am honored to be a Villanova Wildcat graduating with an M.A. in Secondary Education in 2005. I have been teaching in the schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia since 1997, including SS.Clement-Irenaeus School (my grade school), Holy Cross School, St. Cornelius School, and Ss. Colman-John Neumann School. I also served as principal at Holy Cross for several years. My goal is to work with our parents and teachers to foster a supportive and collaborative community, which will help to develop lifelong learners who are encouraged and excited to grow in faith and knowledge.
Teri Golus
administrative secretary to the principal
Amy Mermelstein
Pre-K 4 Teacher
I am a St. Elizabeth parishioner, parent, and teacher. I am so excited and blessed to have been in Pre-K4 since 2021. I have experience in Speech Language Pathology, offering me an extensive knowledge of childhood development. I earned a Master’s Degree of Science in Speech Language Pathology, and hold a current PA state Speech Language Pathology license and ASHA certification. Throughout my career, I have found that I especially love teaching in the classroom! I specifically enjoy working with preschool age children because I appreciate the value in both work and play. I will challenge your children academically, while also integrating activities and play into their daily routine in order to encourage cognitive, gross motor, fine motor, and literacy skill development. St. Elizabeth provides a literacy-based preschool program, encouraging me to focus on phonetic and pre-reading skills with your children. We will have so much fun playing, learning, exploring, and praying together.
Emily Gabrysiak
Pre-K4 Teacher Aide
I have been a St. Elizabeth parishioner since 2016. I have three children attending the school. I have been an aide in Pre-K4 since 2023. I earned a Bachelor of Nursing from Villanova before working as a nurse at Duke Hospital for eight years before moving back to Pennsylvania after my children were born. I love being in the preschool classroom while nurturing young minds, fostering creativity, and providing a strong foundation for lifelong learning. I believe that every child is unique and has their own learning style and pace. I am blessed to be a part of the St. Elizabeth community.
Lori Holmes
Pre-K4 Teacher
Hello! I have been teaching in Catholic Education since 2003. I began my teaching career as a first grade teacher at Holy Family School in Phoenixville, before the opportunity arose to teach first grade at St Elizabeth Parish School in 2005 when they opened their doors. I currently teach Pre-K4, since helping to grow our Pre-K program in 2021. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from West Chester University and continue to take classes to further my education and knowledge to help our littlest learners grow. I have Phonemic Awareness training, Dibles in both Math and ELA, Wilson, Fundations and IST training, I also mentor newly hired teachers. I have a passion for working with our youngest learners! Helping each child grow in all areas of their development- social, emotional, academic language and motor, is a challenge I am honored to accept daily. I strive to create a community of learners, nurturing your child’s growth in a positive, fun environment.
Pat Kasper
Pre-K4 Teacher Aide
I have worked as a teacher aide at Saint Elizabeth Parish School since its opening in 2006. I have been involved with children of all ages through youth ministry at Saint Elizabeth since the parish was founded in 2000, in addition to serving as a catechist for Elementary Faith Formation since 1991. Prior to education, I was employed as a buyer for Clover Stores for 20 years. My love of God and His children is the motivation for what I do.
Emily Benner
Kindergarten
Hello! I am the kindergarten A teacher here at Saint Elizabeth Parish School! I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Penn State Harrisburg. I began teaching in 2017 and I enjoy teaching at Saint Elizabeth for many reasons, including the values a Catholic education offers each individual student, the strong sense of community within our school, and the individualized attention available for students in the classroom. I also enjoy forming connections and relationships with my students and families. As an educator, I really enjoy teaching kindergarten due to the immense growth you see in the children throughout the year. I strive to make sure I do my part to ‘kick-off’ their educational journey and make learning fun and exciting! My goal is to see my students love learning new things and applying them in their everyday life. I love seeing them reach for the stars!
Melissa Honold
Kindergarten Teacher Aide
Hello and welcome to Saint Elizabeth Parish School! I have been the Kindergarten Aide since 2020. I also run the “Artist’s Club” for select kindergarten students to help improve and strengthen their fine motor skills with oversight from the CCIU. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Seton Hall University, and previously worked thirteen plus years at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. I stayed home for several years to raise my two children, until I began volunteering at St. Elizabeth’s in 2013. As a parent and parishioner of St. Elizabeth, a Catholic education is important to me. I am blessed to be a part of a community of families and teachers that believe in helping the students grow academically, spiritually and socially.
Mary Booth
Kindergarten Teacher
Hello, St. E’s families. I am thrilled to be returning to the classroom this year. I have a BSED in Elementary Education (K-8), and a MED with a concentration in Language Arts/Literature. I am also in the process of earning my doctorate in Education. I began my teaching career in 1985 and worked the first 11 years as a middle school English Literature/Language Arts teacher, followed by five years as a 3rd and 4th grade teacher. In 2001, I left the classroom to raise my children. In 2019, I accepted a teaching position at St. Elizabeth as a 7th grade English/Language Arts teacher, and a 5th/6th grade Social Studies teacher,before serving as the aide in the Pre-K classroom. I became one of our Kindergarten teachers in 2023.
My teaching philosophy is simple. The primary curriculum should always be LOVE. I work hard at recognizing the special talents in my students and fostering their confidence. With my experience in English and Literature, I strive to cultivate a literature-rich environment that includes practice in all of the Language Arts: reading, writing, and oral expression. Additionally, I am a lover of Christian music and love to share Faith, fun and laughter with the children. As they say: Sing Once - Pray Twice.
Melissa Mastroly
kindergarten Teacher Aide
Carly Kee
First Grade
I excitedly joined St. Elizabeth as the First Grade teacher in 2023. My participation in St. Elizabeth started well before that, joining the parish in 2017, enrolling my children in school in 2018 , and serving as a substitute teacher there since 2020. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Bloomsburg University in 2000. Soon after, I studied at Holy Family University, earning a Master’s in Education with a concentration in Reading and Elementary Education. I taught in the Quakertown Community School District for twelve years; two years as a 5th Grade teacher and ten serving as Learning Support for Grades 1-5, before taking time off to raise my children. In addition to my Elementary Ed, Special Ed and Reading certifications, I also hold certifications in English as a Second Language, ELA 7-9, and Wilson Reading System (WRS).
I immediately knew I wanted to accept a position as a St. Elizabeth teacher as my involvement as a parent and substitute revealed the top-notch academic standards within the school. Additionally, there is an incredible sense of spiritual community that encompasses the school and sets it apart. This community atmosphere creates a safe environment which is vital to a child’s academic, social, and emotional growth. As an educator, I strive to create this same sense of community within my classroom.
Mary Boyce
First Grade Teacher
Bio coming soon!
Meghan Hickey
Second Grade
Hello! I teach 2nd grade. I started teaching at Saint Elizabeth in 2018. I graduated from Millersville University with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Athletic Coaching. I was a 4-year member of the women's swim team during college. One of the many reasons I enjoy working at Saint Elizabeth is our community atmosphere. Our school works hard to ensure each child receives the best education while also nurturing the spirit. I also enjoy teaching second grade because it’s a special year! We have so much fun preparing for Penance/Reconciliation and Holy Communion. Every year I tell my students we have a lot to learn in 2nd grade but we will have fun doing it! When I am not teaching, I love to spend time with my family, friends, and my dog, Cooper.
Melissa Nemic
Third Grade
Hello St. Elizabeth Families! I have been teaching 3rd grade here at St. Elizabeth since 2011. I graduated from York College of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. I started teaching in 2008 and in 2010 I received my certification in English as a Second Language. There are many reasons I love teaching at St. Elizabeth. Our school community is like no other. The staff and families of our school are like family to me. Our school cares for and supports one another, and we always strive to do what is best for every student in our classrooms. Third Grade in particular is fantastic! I love watching my students grow and learn, both in the area of academics and in faith. I want my students to know that they are cared for and that I always have faith in them. I have a frame on my desk that says, “Teachers who love teaching, teach children to love learning”. I believe that we are all lifelong learners, and it is my goal to instill that love of learning when they are in my classroom.
JoAnna Shope
Fourth Grade
I am so happy to have been at St. Elizabeth since 2009. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, I began my teaching career there in 1977. In 1982, I paused my career to raise our three children and finally returned to teaching in 2009. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a Master of Education from the University of Pittsburgh. For the past 12 years, I have been a member of Middle States Accreditation peer review teams with 6 of those serving as the Chairperson. It seems my entire life has revolved around education: from experiencing my own growth, helping my children navigate their path, and now encouraging my classroom students. I believe that education is a team effort between the student, teacher, and parents. Learning is discovery, and every child possesses unique gifts from God. I look forward to working with my students and having a fantastic year.
Charles Parrish
Grade 5; Homeroom, Math, Religion, ELA
grade 6: ELA
Maria Fraser
Grade 6 Homeroom, Science (Grades 5 & 6), Math (Grades 6 & 7), Algebra (Grade 8)
Hello St. Elizabeth families! I am thankful to be a part of St. Elizabeth Parish School as an educator and former parent, as well as a member of our vibrant parish! Our family joined the parish before our building was even finished and I became involved in the formation of our students before my own children attended the school through my direction of the 8th grade’s presentation of the Living Stations of the Cross. Having been blessed with a Catholic education, I was excited to discover that St. Elizabeth offered a challenging curriculum in an affirming environment that develops the entire student - intellectually, emotionally, physically and spiritually. All four of my children are St. E’s alumni and have thrived from the educational foundation and friendships they established here.
I have an engineering background, having earned my bachelor’s degree from Villanova University in Electrical Engineering, continuing my master’s work at Boston University, before earning a Master’s in Manufacturing Engineering along with an MBA. I discovered my love for teaching while working as an engineer for the Gillette company, teaching and instructing local high school students in the field of robotics. As our family grew, I transitioned to education, using my strengths and experience in the subjects of Math and Science. I love the challenge that comes with teaching multiple classes and various subjects and all levels of math, science, and religion, including Confirmation preparation. I love the thrill of seeing that “Aha!” moment when a student discovers the “why” behind what they are learning. Their smiles and enthusiasm lift me everyday!
Kathy Newhard
ELA (Grades 7 & 8)
Bio Coming soon!
Andrew Shirker
Grade 7 Homeroom, Religion (grade 7), Social Studies (Grades 6, 7 & 8), Foundations of Algebra (Grade 8)
Hello and welcome to St. Elizabeth School! I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from York College of Pennsylvania. I started teaching in 1996 in the Cocalico School District. My wife and I have 3 boys (2 of which graduated from St. Elizabeth). I have also taught at St. Norbert, St. Basil the Great, and St. Mary Magdalen. I am thrilled to have been at St. Elizabeth since 2016. It has been an absolute pleasure working with the St. Elizabeth students as they grow and mature. My goal as a teacher is to try to help each student actually enjoy the learning experience, gain confidence, and achieve their highest potential. As a teacher, one of my greatest pleasures is having parents tell me how topics and discussions in class have led to discussions at home. I look forward to another great year at St. Elizabeth!
Jen Nangle
Grade 8 Homeroom, Science (Grades 7 & 8), Social Studies (Grade 5), Religion (Grades 6 & 8)
I have been teaching in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia since 2002, joining St. Elizabeth in 2006. After receiving my degree in sociology and elementary education certification from Immaculata University, I initially worked in the public school system. For a majority of my career, I have taught middle school science and enjoy showing the students my love of science and how we use it everyday. My goal in the classroom is to support and nourish the student’s learning.
Sandi Schoen
Honors Math Grades 4-8
Hello St. Elizabeth families! I have dedicated my career to teaching within Catholic schools. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Holy Family University in Philadelphia. After teaching one year of Pre-K, I moved on to St. Matthew School in Northeast Philadelphia for 10 years. When my family moved to the Chester County area, I began looking for a new school to work in. I thought it was truly a sign from God when I found out that a new school was being built for St. Elizabeth Parish. I was lucky enough to get a job at St. Elizabeth Parish School and have been teaching here since it opened in 2006. I am proud to say that I will be beginning my 28th year of teaching this year and 27 of them were spent in Catholic education. Math is my passion and I am very fortunate that I get to teach it all day. I want my students to know how much I believe in them. There is a quote by Bob Talbert that I believe in strongly as an educator. “Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best.”
Dr. Mary Ellen Carnuccio
Library Media
Hello and welcome to St. Elizabeth Parish School. I am excited to begin a new year as the librarian/media specialist! After attending Catholic grade school and high school, I graduated from Immaculata University with a B.A. in psychology and certification in early childhood and elementary education. While teaching full-time, I earned an M.Ed. and Ph.D. in Psychoeducational Processes in the College of Education at Temple University. For continued personal growth, I pursued an M.A. in Religious Studies at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary and also earned a Certificate in Catholic Religious Studies. In 1988, I began my career teaching fifth-grade students at Florence V. Evans Elementary School in the Evesham Township School District located in Marlton, NJ. After enjoying 29 years in New Jersey, I began teaching locally in Pennsylvania. Over the past few years, I have had the opportunity to fill long-term substitute positions in 4th and 6th grades at Pope John Paul II Regional Catholic Elementary School and 3rd grade, librarian, and acting principal at St. Elizabeth Parish School. I am grateful to return for a third year in the school library and to be a part of the St. Elizabeth Parish School community. The opportunity to work in a Catholic school setting with dedicated administrators, teachers, and staff, partnering with families and the parish community, feels like coming home to me. As an educator, I have always treasured, and continue to promote, positive interactions and connections with the students in my classes.
Virginia Gomez
Spanish
Bio coming soon!
Amy Laughlin
Physical Education
Hello, St. Elizabeth families! I excitedly joined St. Elizabeth Parish School as the Physical Education teacher in 2024 . While I have my educational background in Sociology and experience as an Information Technology professional, I also developed a love of coaching after I had my three children. I have 15 years of coaching experience in multiple sports ranging from t-ball to college softball. I am honored to bring my coaching experience to St. Elizabeth’s Physical Education program. As an educator, I believe in incorporating the Catholic way of life with the love of games and physical education. My philosophy is to treat both teammates and opponents with the same respect while still giving their best effort. I believe that all children will succeed if they try their best regardless of the outcome. I strive for them to see Jesus in all students at St. Elizabeth’s. I love to see my students having fun, but also encouraging their classmates. As a parent, I chose St. Elizabeth Parish School for all three of my own children, leaving me extremely happy with the education they received. I have come to appreciate how wonderful the community is here even more after joining the faculty. It is a pleasure to work with educators who care about each and every student!
Sarah Schmalbach
Art
Hello St. Elizabeth families! I have been the Art Teacher at St. Elizabeth for Pre-K through 8th grade since 2020. I have a BA in History from Millersville University. Between St. Elizabeth and the YMCA, I have been teaching art to children for since 2010. My goal is for each student to leave my classroom feeling empowered in their creative abilities. Each grade receives a different focus of art from basic art elements, art through the ages, and art from around the world. My personal belief is that there is no wrong way to create art! I encourage each child to TRY and I help them learn that “imperfection” is not a mistake but an opportunity for reflection and growth.
Louise Shanley
Music // Technology Media
I have been teaching Music at St. Elizabeth since 2008. Music has always been a passion since I started playing the piano at 5 years old. I have a BS from Cornell University, and continuing education at Immaculata University. I have recently renewed my Google Educator Certificate, too. You can visit my class webpage to see what we will do in Music class. For many years, I have been using ever changing technology to support music class. I have been attending Archdiocesan Summer Tech Academies for years, just to keep up with the new applications that are developing. I am looking forward to applying this training in my new position as Technology teacher. I know how positively the students have reacted to using technology to supplement music classes, and I can’t wait to see what they’ll do with all of the applications we will learn in Technology. These new skills will have cross-curricular applications, giving students the ability to research and present across various subjects, while exploring the power of media and technology.
Kathleen Brady
Coordinator of Communications & Advancement
Having attended Catholic School myself for 17 years, and choosing St. Elizabeth for my own child, I appreciate the rich spiritual and academic tradition in a tight-knit family environment. I believe in the St. Elizabeth experience, and the children who inherit the gifts of faith, confidence, intellectual curiosity, and service. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English & Communications from Cabrini University, and have worked in Advancement for Catholic Education since 2012, taking a break for several years as a stay at home parent. I value capturing the St. Elizabeth community ethos and strive to tell our story through photography, print and digital media, supporting marketing, enrollment, and advancement endeavors within our Parish school.
Karen Midwood
Nurse
I have been in the nursing profession since 1973. I am a graduate of Hartford (Conn.) Hospital and Central Connecticut University. I have held various positions in the Emergency Room, Intensive Care Unit, and in the Visiting Nurse Association. After relocating to Pennsylvania, I worked at Albert Einstein Medical Center, and retired from the Temple Heart Failure Program in Philadelphia after 15 years.
John Rowe
Coordinator of Maintenance and Facilities.
Hello St. Elizabeth families. I have been a part of the staff since 2010, holding positions of increasing responsibility throughout my tenure at Saint Elizabeth’s. Starting as a custodian and now the Coordinator of Maintenance and Facilities. Prior to St. Elizabeth my professional background spanned several, diverse industries including real estate, warehouse management and general contracting. My educational background is twelve years of catholic education, West Chester University, and a number of other schools for professional designations. One of the most valuable things I learned working for the parish is that everyone is willing to help, no matter what is needed. “In that way our parish staff is more like your family away from home.” I have been married to wife Michelle (Mickey) for 33 years and have three grown children: John III, Allison and Ralph.