Below are biographical sketches of the faculty and staff at St.
Michael's Parish Day School. We are pleased to highlight their talents,
accomplishments and commitment to excellence.
BARRY BEDRICK
Education
6th Year Diploma: Educational Administration & Certification
Sacred Heart University
Master of Arts: Education
Trinity College
Bachelor of Science: Biology
Trinity College
Position
Headmaster
Mr. Bedrick graduated from Trinity College, Connecticut, with
a Bachelor of Science in biology. He holds a Masters Degree
in education from Trinity and a Sixth Year diploma in educational
administration from Sacred Heart University. Mr. Bedrick was appointed
in May 2006, and came to St. Michael's from Abington Friends School,
a pre-K-12 school in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, founded in 1697,
with approximately 700 students. He served there as the Assistant
Head of School for Academic Affairs and Director of the Upper School
from 1999 to 2006. His rich background of educational
leadership includes serving as Head of School at Aspen Community
School in Colorado and Pine Point School in Connecticut, as well
as Middle School Principal at the Latin School of Chicago. He enjoys
music, especially jazz and roots; baseball, especially the Boston
Red Sox; creative writing; reading; alpine skiing; hiking; and
Mexican food.
MARY ANDERSON
Education
Bachelor of Science: Elementary Education
Fort Hays State University, Kansas
Position
Teacher: Grade 2
Mary Anderson joined the St. Michael's faculty as a second grade
teacher in 2001. Prior to teaching at St. Michael's, she spent eleven
years as a special education paraprofessional at an elementary school
in Oberlin, Kansas. After obtaining her teaching credentials she
spent four years teaching a variety of subjects at a variety of
grade levels, including social studies and language arts at a middle
school. Just prior to her move to Tucson, she spent one year as
a long term substitute at the primary level. Mary is married and
the mother of two grown children. For hobbies, she enjoys reading,
writing, fiction, and listening to all kinds of music. She is proud
to be working with the students, parents, and staff at St. Michael's.
TONY ANTISTA
Education
Doctorate: Voice Performance & Opera
University of Arizona
Master of Arts: Voice Performance
California State University, Fullerton
Bachelor of Arts: Voice Performance
California State University, Fullerton
Position
Teacher: Grade 4 - 8, Music
A native of Southern California, Tony attended California State
University at Fullerton where he received a Bachelors degree and
a Masters Degree in Voice Performance. Recently, Tony has completed
his Doctoral work in Voice Performance and Opera Directing at the
University of Arizona. Before moving to Arizona with his wife, Tracey,
and their three children, Joel, Andrew, and Rachel, Tony performed
many operatic and musical theater roles around the Southern California
area. Tony has performed with the Los Angeles Opera, Opera Pacific,
San Diego Opera, Orange County Opera, Inland Opera, Opera Works,
and many civic theaters in the area. Tony's teaching experience
ranges from teaching and directing music with young people ages
K-8, to directing operas at the University of Arizona, California
State University at Fullerton, and California Baptist University.
KARISE BEDWELL
Education
Master of Arts: Education in Language, Reading, and Culture
University of Arizona
Post Baccalaureate: Elementary Education
University of Arizona
Bachelor of Arts: Interior Design/Marketing
University of Arizona
Position
Teacher: Kindergarten
Karise Bedwell joins the St. Michael's faculty as a kindergarten
teacher. Karise is a native of Tucson, Arizona and received her
undergraduate degree and teaching certification from the University
of Arizona. After teaching grades first through third for four years,
she obtained her Masters in Education in Language, Reading, and
Culture from the University of Arizona. Over nine years, she has
taught kindergarten, first grade, and third grade in Elgin, Arizona
and Tucson Unified School District. Karise is an avid U of A, Diamondbacks,
Boston Red Sox, and Dallas Cowboys fan. She is married to Chris
and is the mother of Cooper and Lilly. She enjoys reading, dancing,
yoga, art, music, knitting, and sports. She is excited and honored
to be a part of the St. Michael's community.
JUDI BREAULT
Education
Bachelor of Science: Mathematics
University of Connecticut
Position
Assistant Head and Middle School Coordinator
Teacher: Middle School, Math
Mrs. Breault started substituting at St. Michael's in 1978, taking
a part-time position as Girls' P.E. instructor in 1979 and a full-time
second grade position in 1981. After teaching second grade for five
years, she taught fifth grade for another five years and has been
teaching middle school math ever since. She assumed the role of
Assistant Head in 1994. Mrs. Breault is a member of the National
Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Middle School
Association. She performs occasionally with a dance troop and enjoys
tap dancing, travel, and challenging her students with problem-solving
puzzles.
DARCY BROOKS
Education
Post degree coursework:
University of Arizona
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education
Art Minor
Arizona State University
Position
Teacher: Grade 3
Darcy's professional career began as a sixth grade teacher at
Galveston Elementary School in Chandler, Arizona, followed by
a position at Safford Elementary School in Tucson as a fourth/fifth
grade teacher. After ten years of being at home with two sons until
each was enrolled in elementary school, she returned to teaching
for a year at Vail Elementary School, after which she taught first
grade at St. Michael's School for three years. This was followed
by eighteen years of public school teaching in first grade and
kindergarten in the Marana District. Darcy is once again at St.
Michael's, this time as a third grade teacher.
Darcy is a member of the National Education Association
and the Tucson Area Reading Council. She is also on the board
of the Comstock Children's Foundation.
Darcy's free time is spent traveling, reading,
gardening, and keeping in touch with family members who no longer
live in Tucson. An interest in the arts, music, and dance will
hopefully fill additional time in the future.
HALEY CAMPBELL
Education
Bachelor of Science: Meteorology
Minor: Global Business
Pennsylvania State University
Position
Teacher: Grade 6, Earth Science, Math
Teacher: Grade 7, Math
Mrs. Campbell grew up in Mobile, Alabama, where she attended high
school. She then moved to Pennsylvania and earned her BS
in Meteorology from Pennsylvania State University. After
college, she began working in the public school system in Columbus,
Mississippi. She was a substitute teacher at Lee Middle School
and Columbus High School and was also a math tutor for the high
school. Mrs. Campbell moved to Tucson in spring of 2007
with her husband, Todd, who is a pilot in the US Air Force. She
began teaching at St. Michael's in the fall of 2007. She
really enjoys running, playing tennis and soccer, cheering on Penn
State to football victories, and being outdoors with her husband
and Golden Retriever, Polly.
KRISTI COMBS
Education
Master of Arts: Curriculum Design and Instruction
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Arts: Human Services; Minor: Psychology
George Washington University
Post Baccalaureate, Teaching Certificate
University of Phoenix
Position
Teacher: Middle School Math and Technology
Mrs. Combs began teaching at St. Michael’s in the fall of
1999. She is an alumnus of St. Michael's Parish Day School, and
is pleased to return to us as an educator. Mrs. Combs received her
undergraduate degree from the George Washington University in Washington,
D.C., and her Masters degree in Curriculum Design and Instruction
from the University of Phoenix. She is also a member of various
educational organizations focused on the development and education
of children. Mrs. Combs enjoys working with each of the children
in the class and looks forward to many more years of teaching.
SUSAN CRANE
Education
Master of Arts: Educational Leadership
Northern Arizona University
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education
University of Arizona
Position
Teacher: Grades 3 - 5, Science
Susan began her teaching career in Show Low, Arizona, where she
was a junior high school teacher for six years. Curricular duties
included language arts and the computer education classes. Susan
was accepted from a national search of teachers to serve a two-year
contract in Colombia, South America, where she taught fifth grade.
She has also served as McNary Public School District's acting Superintendent
and principal on the White Mountain Apache Reservation. Susan worked
as a community coordinator for youth programs in the tri-city area
of Pinetop/Lakeside, Show Low, and Snowflake, Arizona. While serving
in this capacity she was awarded several community grant funds and
also served as statewide representative to the Governor’s
Council on Children’s Issues, sponsored by the University
of Arizona. Susan has also taught kindergarten for Sequoia Village
in Linden, Arizona. Susan is currently teaching third, fourth, and
fifth grade science.
BARBARA CROFT
Education
Master of Arts: Classics
University of Iowa
Bachelor of Arts: History
Utah State University
Position
Teacher: Middle School, Latin
Miss Croft is excited to be returning to St. Michael’s for
her fifth year of teaching Latin in the Middle School. Miss Croft
refuses to admit that Latin is a 'dead' language and enjoys pointing
out that over 60% of English comes from Latin. She previously taught
Latin at Bethel High School in Connecticut and undergraduate courses
at the University of Iowa. She enjoys spending time with family
and friends, reading, writing, and being active in church activities.
GERARD DARR
Education
Master of Arts: Educational Administration
Southwest Texas State University
Bachelor of Arts: History
University of California, Berkeley
Position
Network Administrator
Mr. Darr came to St. Michael's after spending five years as the
technology director at St. Gabriel’s Catholic School in Austin,
Texas. He has worked in the private sector doing networking and
technical support for Dell Computers. He is a Microsoft Certified
Systems Engineer (MCSE) and A+ certified PC technician. He spent
twelve years teaching social studies and special populations in
the Texas public school system. Mr. Darr has a passionate interest
in the meaningful integration of technology into both instruction
and school management.
AMY DIVIJAK
Education
Master of Arts: Teaching and Teacher Education
University of Arizona
Bachelor of Arts: Anthropology
University of Arizona
Teaching Certificate: Secondary Teaching Credential
Social Studies Teaching Certificate, Middle School Endorsement,
State of Arizona
University of Arizona
Position
Teacher: Middle School, History
This is Mrs. Divijak's sixth year at St. Michael's. Before coming
to St. Michael’s, Mrs. Divijak taught middle school social
studies in the Amphitheater School District for ten years. She is
a member of the National Council for Social Studies, the Arizona
Geographic Alliance, Who's Who Among American Teachers, and Phi
Beta Kappa. Mrs. Divijak is married and has a young daughter. She
is originally from Pennsylvania, but has lived in Tucson for the
past twenty years. She spends her summers at Chautauqua Institution
in New York. Mrs. Divijak enjoys outdoor activities, reading, traveling,
and planning the eighth grade spring trip to Washington, D.C.
ALISON DOUGLAS
Education
Bachelor of Science: Health/Secondary Education
Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina
Position
Teacher: Grade 1
Alison (Kelly) Douglas joined the St. Michael's faculty
in the fall of 2007 as a first grade teacher. Prior to teaching
at St. Michael's, she spent twenty years as an international
flight attendant for American Airlines. During her flying
career she continued to be involved in education by substituting
at both elementary and secondary level schools. Alison and
her family have lived in Tucson since 1997 and are presently
active in the St. Michael's community. She has two
children and enjoys horseback riding, swimming, and other outdoor
activities. She is committed to enhancing our children's
lives with the love of learning, respect for others, and our school
community.
LILA DUFFY
Education
Bachelor of Arts: French
Colby College
Position
Director of Development
Lila comes to St. Michael's via Maine, bringing a background of
teaching, coaching, advertising, business development, and foundation
experience. Upon graduating from Colby College, Lila taught high
school French at a private school. Most recently, Lila was an
Assistant Vice President at MBNA America, a Fortune 500 company
that was recently purchased by Bank of America. Lila worked in
marketing and business development positions, managing accounts
such as the Boston Red Sox, Celtics, and state bar and medical
associations. She was asked by the company to work in Ottawa,
Canada, during start-up operations for the country. Upon returning
to the States, Lila worked for the MBNA Education Foundation, serving
as an advocate for teachers and managing the Library Grants Program.
Lila plays USTA League tennis. She also enjoys acting and was
very involved in the local civic theatre in Camden, Maine. You
can see her on the big screen in Stephen King's "Pet Sematary," acting
the role of the Budget Rent-a-Car Agent.
HEATHER FAIRCLOTH
Education
Master of Education: Physical Education and Health
University of Georgia
Bachelor of Science: Exercise and Sports Science
University of Georgia
Position
Athletic Director
Teacher:
Grades 6- 8, Physical Education
Mrs. Faircloth grew up and graduated from high school in Minnesota.
She then attended Brigham Young University for two years before
transferring to the University of Georgia. She earned both her Bachelors
and Masters degrees at UGA, where she also competed for the equestrian
team, placing 6th in the nation in 1993. Following graduate school,
Mrs. Faircloth began teaching Physical Education and Health for
Franklin County Middle School, where she also coached girls fast-pitch
softball and track. Following her work at Franklin County, Heather
was married to Jay Faircloth, and they relocated to Thomasville,
Georgia. Here she ran an equine boarding, training, and lesson facility
where she taught riding lessons and looked after dozens of horses
while beginning a family. She also coached girls softball and basketball
for Brookwood, a private school in Thomas County. Heather and her
family moved in July of 2002 to Tucson where Jay works at Al-Marah
Arabians as the Breeding Manager. At home, Heather operates Gotcha'
in Stitches, a home based embroidery business, and enjoys riding
her horse. Heather and Jay have two children as well as three horses,
two dogs, two cats, two birds, two desert tortoises, two rabbits,
and a beta fish.
BARBARA FALTICO
Education
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education
University of Northern Colorado
Position
Teacher: Grades K - 3, Art and Music
Coordinator: Primary Division
Supervisor : Day Care
Barbara began her teaching career in Minnesota as a first and second
grade teacher. She left education for several years and worked in
the computer field as a consultant and trainer in California. In
1993 she joined the faculty at St. Michael's, where she taught kindergarten
for one year, first grade for four years, and now teaches art and
music to kindergarten, first, second and third grades. Barbara also
acts as Primary Division Coordinator and Supervisor for the Extended
Day Care. She is a member of the Arizona Reading Association and
the National Art and Music Association. She enjoys outdoor activities
with her family, as well as music, art, cooking, and reading.
KATHLEEN FLAGG
Education
Registered Nurse
St. Mary Hospital School of Nursing
Hoboken, New Jersey
Position
School Nurse
Ms. Flagg grew up in Highland Falls, New York. Her nursing career
primarily involved children's healthcare. She has worked in obstetrics,
allergy, and pediatrics, and has managed pediatric, surgery and
allergy offices for a large multi-specialty group. Just prior to
coming to St. Michael's, Ms. Flagg worked at Tucson Medical Center,
evaluating and counseling postpartum mothers and their infants.
Mrs. Flagg also worked as a substitute nurse for the Foothills School
District until she was hired as St. Michael's first school nurse.
Ms. Flagg feels fortunate to have her entire immediate family in
Tucson, including her three grandchildren, two of whom are attending
St. Michael's. She enjoys traveling, reading, movies, music, dance,
symphonies and plays. Ms. Flagg also tries to incorporate exercise
into her very busy life.
PATTI GARCIA
Education
Bachelor of Arts: General Studies, History & Psychology
University of Arizona
Teaching Certificate: Elementary Education
University of Arizona
Position
Teacher: Grade 4
Ms. Garcia began her career at St. Michael’s in 1987. She
taught physical education while her children attended school here
and she was pursuing her Bachelor of Arts and teaching certificate.
She began teaching third grade in 1994. She has also taught fifth
grade and is now one of the fourth grade teachers. Besides being
a life-long learner, Ms. Garcia loves to travel, read, entertain,
and spend time with family and friends.
PAUL GREEN
Education
Master of Arts: Foundations of Education
University of Utah
Bachelor of Arts: English
University of Utah
Teacher's Certificate: Learning Disabilities, K-12, with
endorsement in Gifted/Talented
University of Utah
Position
Teacher: Grade 2
Paul accepted his first teaching position children in 1983,
after his first year in a doctoral degree program at Teachers College
Columbia University, New York City, New York. After teaching first
grade and fourth grade at Rowland Hall-St. Mark's
School in Salt Lake City for seven years, he entered another Ph.D.
program, this time at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.
Before finishing that degree, he accepted an invitation to found
and direct a new private independent school that flourishes to
this day in Palo Alto, California. After three years with that
school, Paul entered the business world for several years, working
in finance. Entering Grade 2 in 2007 at St. Michael's, Paul is
glad to re-engage what he considers his true vocation of education.
Paul's first love is language in all its expressions: Writing,
speaking, reading, and generally making meaning! Paul has two daughters,
one a student at UA, and the other a graduate of Lawrence University
in Wisconsin. His wife Kasandra is a Suzuki violin teacher here
in Tucson.
ANN HAND
Education
Bachelor of Arts: Early Childhood Education
University of Arizona
Position
Teacher: Grade 5
Ann began her teaching career in the 1960s with Operation Headstart.
Since then she has taught every grade from preschool through fifth.
She began teaching at St. Michael's in the 1970s when both of her
sons attended the school. After many years working in retail, managing
gourmet cookware stores and developing cooking classes for children
and adults, Ann returned to St. Michael's in 1990. Ann is faculty
advisor for Eagle's Quill, St. Michael's art and literary
magazine and coordinator of the Summer Reading Program, as well
as editor of the weekly Eagle Express. In addition to cooking, her
interests include singing, gardening, and reading. Ann was listed
in the 2002 and 2006 volumes of Who's Who Among America's Teachers.
ALEX HAWES
Education
Master of Education: Elementary Education
University of Arizona
Master of Arts: Non-Fiction/Science Writing
Johns Hopkins University
Bachelor of Arts: Anthropology
Yale University
Position
Teacher: Grade 6, Language Arts
Teacher: Grade 7, English
Alex has taught at St. Michael's since 2003. Before
going into teaching, he was a writer and editor for ZooGoer
Magazine at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. He also worked
in the photo-editing department at National Geographic
Magazine. Alex is an avid nature writer and photographer and occasionally
writes freelance articles for wildlife publications. At St. Michael's,
he is a faculty advisor to Eagle's Quill, the school's
literary magazine.
PENELOPE JANE HAYWARD
Education
Bachelor of Science: Elementary Education;
Minor: Behavioral Science
University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
Position
Teacher: Grade 5
Coordinator: Intermediate Division
Coordinator: Calendar
Ms. Hayward grew up in Barre, Vermont. She attended the University
of Vermont, majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in Behavioral
Science. In 1983 she moved to Tucson, Arizona. Ms. Hayward taught
at Abbie Loveland Tuller Episcopal School for the next fourteen
years, gathering experience in many grades, including kindergarten,
fourth, sixth, and eighth. Ms. Hayward joined the staff at St. Michael's
in 1998. Ms. Hayward presently is the Intermediate Division Coordinator,
Calendar Coordinator, and Fifth Grade Teacher. Ms. Hayward is a
member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and was
chosen in 2005 and 2006 for Who's Who Among American Teachers. Ms.
Hayward enjoys spending her free time with her two children: Derek,
a 2002 graduate of St. Michael's, and Brittany, currently attending
St. Michael's. She is a huge baseball fan, her favorite team being
the New York Yankees. She also enjoys yoga, reading, swimming and
walking.
HELEN HOLLIDAY
Education
Master of Education Administration
Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education
Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas
Position
Teacher: Grade 4
Helen was born and raised in a suburb of Chicago, Illinois. She
attended boarding school in Charleston, South Carolina, and then
went to the University of Georgia for a year. Before leaving the
Southeast, she went to nursing school and received a license for
practical nursing. She moved to Texas in 1973 and went on to get
her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Trinity University
in San Antonio, then relocated thirteen years later in El Paso.
She and her husband, John Baffert, moved to Tucson in July, 2005,
after living in El Paso for nineteen years. She is a current member
of the National Council for the Social Studies. Helen is a 'cradle
Episcopalian' and was very active at a small Episcopal parish
in many ways. John and Helen have seven
children and six grandchildren. As for Helen, St. Michael's
is a perfect fit and she is looking forward with excitement
to another terrific year!
TRACY HOLSINGER
Education
Bachelor of Science: Business
University of Phoenix
Position
Administrative Coordinator
Tracy started at St. Michael's in January of 2006 after enjoying
ten years of retirement. She had worked at Carondelet Health Care
for twenty years and left to raise her two sons. During retirement
Tracy spent her time working part-time at a scrapbook store and
teaching Tae Kwon Do. She still enjoys scrap booking and reading,
as well as dancing with a performing tap dance company.
LYNN JACKSON
Education
Bachelor of Science: Elementary Education
University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire
Position
Teacher: Grades 4 - 8, Religion
Teacher: Grade 8, Math
In addition to her work at St. Michael’s, Ms. Jackson was
the Director of Children’s Religious Education at the University
of Arizona Catholic Newman Center for eleven years. She has taught
religion classes to blind and visually impaired children at the
Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind for nine years,
led children and parenting groups while employed at Tucson Shalom
House, taught summer classes for children in self-esteem and spirituality,
and served as a volunteer tutor/special friend for Child Protective
Services. Ms. Jackson continues her education by attending seminars
and workshops in all areas of Religious Education. Ms. Jackson has
been at St. Michael's since 1991.
JULIE LARSEN
Education
Bachelor of Arts: English
Albion College
Position
Teacher: Middle School, English
Since 1987, Ms. Larsen has been teaching, advising, and "coaching"
in a variety of independent schools on both coasts. A graduate
of the University of Michigan, she enjoys incorporating dance and
English into her curriculum: dancers write and writers dance.
When not grading papers, quizzes, and tests, Ms. Larsen enjoys
swimming, cycling, hiking, attending arts events, traveling,
knitting, choreographing, gardening, and playing tennis. Her
best friend and travel buddy is Berkeley, a Westipoo.
SUZANNE McCULLOUGH
Education
Post Graduate Studies: Museum Conservation & Early Childhood
Education, Art History
University of Arizona
Bachelor of Arts: Dance, Art History
University of Arizona
Bachelor of Arts & Science: Anthropology
University of Arizona
Teaching Certificate: Elementary K- 8
University of Arizona
Position
Teacher: Kindergarten
Suzanne is a life-long learner and holds degrees in Anthropology,
Museum Studies, and Dance. She has taught after-school ballet at
St. Michael's for several years. Suzanne has a great interest in
history, politics, and world affairs. She has danced and traveled
extensively, enjoys reading, and has recently returned to stained
glass making. Her two youngest children attend St. Michael's School.
ELISABETH MONSMA
Education
Master of Arts: Art Education
University of Arizona
Bachelor of Arts: Studio Art
Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota
Position
Teacher: Grade 4 - 8, Art
Born and raised on a farm in Michigan, Elisabeth earned her Bachelor
of Arts in studio art in Minnesota and her Master of Arts in art
education from the University of Arizona. She has gradually moved
west, with sojourns in Wisconsin and Minnesota before coming to
Arizona for graduate school about 10 years ago. Elisabeth and her
husband, Fred Heron, are enthusiastic transplants to this desert
community. Four of their five grown children have also migrated
to Arizona. Elisabeth has taught Art for five years at a Tucson
charter school and is looking forward to connecting with the
St. Michael's community. She loves teaching art and also enjoys
international folk dancing, gardening, reading, and knitting baby
blankets for her grandchildren.
RICHARD NEWCOMER
Position
Business Manager
Mr. Newcomer holds a Bachelor's Degree in accounting and has completed
one year of a Master's program at UCLA. He spent the majority of
his career as a CPA and administrative manager with several government
contractors and private businesses in the Washington, D.C. area.
Prior to joining St. Michael's he was Vice President of Finance
and Administration for KEMA Consulting, a worldwide engineering
group working on major electrical projects in India, Europe, and
Southeast Asia. He was especially attracted to St. Michael's and
Tucson because he could pursue his love of the outdoors year round.
MATT SANTUCCI
Education
Coursework towards Master of Science: Elementary Education
University of New Haven
Bachelor of Arts: Psychology
University of Connecticut
Position
Teacher: Physical Education, Grade K - 5
Mr. Santucci has taught at St. Michael's since 2006. He previously
spent a year as an intern in special education while completing
his Masters degree coursework. Also, he spent three months substituting
in Connecticut after finishing his student teaching at a fifth
grade classroom. Mr. Santucci moved to Tucson to fill the physical
education vacancy in spring of 2007, and is incredibly excited
to have been asked to return for the 2007 - 2008 school year.
He enjoys spending time with his family and friends, reading, and
rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles and (like any true sports fan)
the Boston Red Sox.
SANDRA SCHULTZ
Education
Master of Arts: Early and Middle Childhood Education
Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
Bachelor of Science: Elementary Education
Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
Position
Coordinator: Curriculum
Teacher: Grade 3
Sandy has taught in public and private schools in Ohio, Colorado,
and Arizona. She has also held positions as Area Manager and Administrator
for a private school organization, and served as an Educational
Consultant. She loves the beauty of the St. Michael’s campus,
the dedication of the faculty, the support of the parents, and the
enthusiasm of the children. Sandy leads the curriculum development
and implementation team at St. Michael's. She is a member of the
Tucson Reading Council, the International Association of Teachers
of English, the American Association of Curriculum Development,
and Phi Beta. She enjoys walking, gardening, and travel.
ROBERT SMITH
Education
Bachelor of Arts: Secondary Education
University of Arizona
Position
Teacher: Middle School, Science
Mr. Smith is currently in his 30th year of teaching. Prior to joining
the St. Michael's faculty in 1985, he taught for nine years at Sts.
Peter and Paul Catholic School, where his duties included teaching
science and social studies. He also served as social studies department
head and student council advisor. At St. Michael's, Mr. Smith has
acted as advisor to the Yearbook Committee and as a chaperone eighteen
times on the annual eighth grade trip to Washington, D.C. Mr. Smith
also serves as an eighth grade advisor. Mr. Smith has also served
on the curriculum development team at Tucson Botanical Gardens and
implemented this curriculum during summer gardening and botany courses.
He has also taught watercolor, sculpture, and cooking in the St.
Michael's Summer School Program. Mr. Smith is a member of the National
Science Teachers of American, and enjoys painting, fishing, and
gardening.
PAMELA STALKFLEET
Education
Bachelor of Arts: Psychology
Coe College, Iowa
Position
Teacher: Grade 1
Pamela taught for ten years at Carden Christian Academy before
coming to St. Michael's in 2001. She has experience in grades kindergarten
through sixth. Mrs. Stalkfleet was a St. Michael's parent for two
years before she was hired as a first grade teacher. In addition
to being a classroom teacher, she has organized school science fairs,
started a school garden, coordinated recycling and composting, chaired
fundraisers, and was a Girl Scout troop leader. She loves the dedication
and professionalism of the faculty at St. Michael's, the enthusiasm
of the students, and the support and involvement of the families.
ANGELA STOUT
Education
Bachelor of Arts: Music Education
Minor: Spanish
University of Arizona
Position
Teacher: Grade 6 - 8, Spanish
A native to Tucson, Angela is a recent graduate of the Honors College
at the University of Arizona. She is excited to teach both Spanish
and band because her passions are languages and music. Angela holds
a BM in Music Education with a minor in Spanish from the University
of Arizona. She has also studied language and culture in Valencia,
Spain, while living with a host family and traveled to Spanish cities
such as Madrid, Toledo, and Granada. Angela is a former director
of the University of Arizona Middle School Outreach Band, and she
currently teaches private clarinet lessons to students of various
ages. She is a member of the Music Education National Conference.
She enjoys spending time with her husband, Matt, attending University
of Arizona football games, and playing clarinet in the Arizona Symphonic
Winds. Angela looks forward to sharing her love of learning, sense
of humor, and enthusiasm with her students.
MARY THILTGES
Education
Bachelor of Science: Elementary Education
Utah State University
Bachelor of Arts: Speech Communication
Utah State University
Position
Teacher: Grade 6, History
Mrs. Thiltges originally taught sixth grade in her home state of
Utah. Upon moving to Arizona, she became the coordinator for the
University of Arizona, Co-op/Summer work programs, recruiting and
preparing college students for summer and semester work experiences.
In 1992, she began substituting in grades K – 8. She returned
to full-time teaching in 1998 as St. Michael's sixth grade language
arts and history teacher. She currently supervises the middle school
Student Council. She is a member of the National Council for the
Social Studies and the National Association of Student Councils.
Mrs. Thiltges has participated in numerous biological surveys of
desert tortoises and other species. She enjoys hiking, kayaking,
and snorkeling.
JENNIFER UNDERWOOD
Education
Bachelor of Arts: Global Studies
University of Minnesota
Position
Daycare Director
A recent transplant from Minnesota, Jenny is looking forward to
working with St. Michael's primary students. Jenny is a geography
buff and is excited to share her passion with her students. Her
hobbies include reading, listening to world music, and cooking.
SARA VAN STRAALEN
Education
Master of Arts: Education
Claremont University
Bachelor of Arts: Education
Pitzer College, Claremont University
Credential: Bilingual Cross Cultural Education
Position
Teacher: Grade 1 - 5, Spanish
Sara, current parent (mother of second grader, Claire), is excited
to join the staff as our part-time Spanish instructor. Sara has
over fourteen years of experience as a bilingual elementary teacher
working with students whose native language was Spanish. She earned
her BA at Pitzer College and her MA in Education at Claremont University,
both in Claremont, California. Along with her teacher credentials
in elementary education she also has earned the bilingual Cross
Cultural Credential which focuses primarily on Spanish Language
and Culture. Sara has also thoroughly enjoyed teaching Spanish to
our incoming students for the past three summers here at St. Michael's.
Revised: 11-20-07 |
