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Ms. Tracy Kendall- Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Kendall has lived in the Atlanta area for 30 years. She graduated from Kennesaw State University in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in Education, and taught Language Arts at McCleskey Middle School in Cobb County. She stayed at home when her children were young, and taught a Pre-K class at Transfiguration Catholic Church in Marietta and loved working with four and five year olds. As her two children went back to school, so did she! Both of her children attend Holy Spirit Preparatory School, Adam is a rising 9th grader and Jordan is a rising 6th grader. Ms. Kendall continues to take professional development courses in early childhood, writing, is completing the Orton-Gillingham course, is Gesell certified and will begin her fifth year teaching Kindergarten at Holy Spirit. She loves teaching and loves her Kindergartners! She is active with the Georgia Odyssey of the Mind and has been a judge since 2004.
Mrs. Robyn Radosta Tramonte-
Kindergarten Aide
Mrs. Tramonte was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She attended middle school at Immaculate Heart of Mary, and went on to graduate from St. Pius X Catholic High School. Mrs. Tramonte received her Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Family Development from the University of Georgia. In the fall of 2005, she joined Holy Spirit Preparatory Preschool as an Assistant Teacher, then pursued her career with the Lower School. This will be Mrs. Tramonte's fourth year with Holy Spirit Preparatory School and she is looking forward to the 2009-2010 school year. She feels so blessed to be involved with this school community. She and her husband, David are members of the parish at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, as well. She loves spending time with her husband, their dog Charlie and their families and friends.
Mrs. Tamarra Forrer-
Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Forrer graduated from the University of Georgia. Her experiences in college ranged from international studies at the University of Oxford, UK to chairing the Bike for Life committee for the Brain Tumor Foundation. Her love of teaching and children has led her to pursue her Masters in teaching through Mercer University. Mrs. Forrer joined Holy Spirit Prep in 2003. The sense of community and quality education keeps her loyal to the school. She is looking forward to a great year teaching kindergarten. In her spare time, Mrs. Forrer enjoys reading and physical activities such as running, swimming, and biking.
Mrs. Cindy Whelan- Kindergarten Aide
Mrs. Whelan was born in Augusta, Georgia and raised largely in Wilmington, North Carolina where she graduated from Laney High School. Mrs. Whelan holds an A.A. in Liberal Arts from Peace College in Raleigh, North Carolina and a BS in Zoology from North Carolina State University. Her primary focus over the past twenty years has been in raising her own 6 children, 4 of who presently attend Holy Spirit Prep and another who graduated, with honors, with Holy Spirit’s inaugural graduating class. In addition to active volunteer leadership roles with her children’s activities, Mrs. Whelan has served as a Life Teen Youth Minister and was called upon to introduce Life Teen into the Diocese of Charleston, South Carolina. She is still occasionally asked to lead retreats. Mrs. Whelan admits her passion after years of motherhood is to “work with the little ones.”
Ms. Natalie Walker- Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Walker was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, and has been a parishioner of Holy Spirit Church since she was a child. Ms. Walker graduated from Marist High School and the University of Georgia, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Child and Family Development. She graduated with a Masters of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Brenau University in 2009. Prior to joining Holy Spirit Prep in 2008, Ms. Walker worked as a teacher's aide at both Christ the King School and at Warren T. Jackson Elementary.
Mrs. Laura Minnich- Kindergarten Aide
Mrs. Minnich joined Holy Spirit Prep in 2008. Originally from Miami, Florida, she graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Advertising. Mrs. Minnich spent eight years in the Advertising Industry before becoming a full-time mother. Mrs. Minnich and her husband, Steve, live in Sandy Springs with their four children: Bowen, Holy Spirit Prep Class of 2020 and Wyatt, Emery and Piper, Holy Spirit Prep class of 2023.The Minnichs are parishioners at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church where Mrs. Minnich has taught Sunday School for two years.
Mrs. Fickett- Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Fickett was born in Santa Monica, California and raised in Kansas. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English. She had the opportunity to share her love of children’s literature while working in an independent children’s bookstore. There she organized author signings, conducted writing workshops, and led story times. While living in Texas she taught physical education at Christ Episcopal School and second grade at Regents Academy, a classical Christian school. The Ficketts have three children and have lived on the Great Plains of Kansas, in Sonoma County, California, and in the Piney Woods of East Texas. They have recently moved to Georgia and reside in Sandy Springs. Her interests are children’s literature, running, and contemplative prayer.
Mrs. Rita Joseph- Pre-1st Teacher
Mrs. Joseph is native to Karachi, Pakistan. She was raised in a Catholic family in the city of Karachi. Mrs. Joseph attended St. Joseph's Convent School and graduated with a bachelor's degree in education from St. Patrick's College. She completed her Primary Teacher's Training from the Karachi University. Mrs. Joseph began her teaching career in St. John Vianney School and subsequently taught in Holy Trinity School and The Karachi Grammar School. Mrs. Joseph and her family migrated to the United States in 1980. She has been teaching in the U.S.A. For 29 years- first at Piedmont North Academy, then at Pinecrest Academy and now is happily continuing her teaching career for the ninth year at Holy Spirit Preparatory School. Mrs. Joseph has attended courses by the National Consultants for Education in Dallas and Chicago and the 2004 Summer Development Program in Atlanta-Building Academic Excellence in Writing. Mrs. Joseph was on the National Consultants for Education Committee that put together the curriculum for Pre K to Kindergarten. In November 2007, Mrs. Joseph was awarded the Georgia Independent Schools Award for 25 of service in Independent schools. Mrs. Joseph has recently completed The Orton – Gillingham Course. Mrs. Joseph and her husband have five grown children and are enjoying five delightful grandchildren.
Mrs. Melanie Boyd- Pre-1st Aide
Mrs. Boyd was born and raised in Byron, Michigan. She graduated from Ferris State University with a Paralegal degree. After graduation she moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina to work as an Administrative Assistant for the corporate office of a hotel chain. After spending a year and a half in North Carolina she and her husband moved to Atlanta and have been here for 12 years. Since moving to Atlanta, Mrs. Boyd received her Real Estate License and received a Medical Administration degree as well as raising two wonderful children who attend Holy Spirit Preparatory School and has been married to her college sweetheart for 14 years.
Mrs. Christine Garcia- 1st Grade Teacher
Mrs. Garcia was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL where she attended Assumption Catholic School during her elementary years. In 2001 she graduated from the University of North Florida with a Bachelors degree in Pre-Kindergarten/Primary Education. Before joining Holy Spirit in 2007 she taught kindergarten and first grade at Dolvin Elementary, in Alpharetta, and Livingston Elementary, in Jacksonville. While teaching in Jacksonville she was the literacy model teacher for kindergarten, which included two years of intensive literacy training. Mrs. Garcia and her husband Sean relocated to the Atlanta area in 2004. Her hobbies include exercising, cooking, reading, traveling and spending time with friends and family.
Mrs. Virginia Wilson-
1st Grade Aide
Mrs. Wilson was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, where she attended Catholic school from grades one through twelve. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from New York University and worked for several years as an editor at a scientific publishing company. She then went back to school and earned a Juris Doctorate from New York Law School. She clerked for a federal judge in New York, practiced law at a firm in Washington, D.C. and worked in export enforcement at the Department of Commerce. When she married her husband, Roger, she moved to Atlanta. Mrs. Wilson has been at Holy Spirit since 2004 and her daughter, Sara Jewel, is in the class of 2017.
Mrs. Allison Koski- 1st Grade
Teacher
Mrs. Koski was born in Athens, Georgia, where she attended St. Joseph's Catholic School. She graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Early Childhood Education. Her 11 years of teaching experience are comprised of 3 years in Pre-K, 5 years in 2nd grade at St. John the Evangelist, and 4 years at Holy Spirit Preparatory School. Throughout her career, she has attended many professional development courses and has been trained in Readers and Writers Workshop, Guided Reading, Sitton Spelling, SMART board technology, and Orton-Gillingham. She lives in Lilburn with her husband Steven and
their children Rebecca, James, and Michael. Her favorite pastimes are pottery, playing classical violin, making rosaries, and any time spent with her family.
Mrs. Ellen Grisham- 1st Grade
Aide
Mrs. Grisham has been an Atlanta resident for the last 14 years. She graduated in 1987 from Mercer University with a B.A. in English
and after college Mrs. Grisham pursued a retail career. She joined Holy Spirit
Prep in 2008. Mrs. Grisham has three sons and three dogs.
Mrs. Lynn Mooney Slater- 1st Grade Teacher
Mrs. Slater was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She moved to Atlanta in 1993 to attend Georgia State University where she earned a Bachelors of Science in Early Education. She received a Masters in Health Studies from the University of Alabama. She spent seven years teaching both 1st and 2nd grade for Cobb County Schools. While teaching for Cobb County she coordinated an after school/summer school program, tutored students in an after school tutoring program, and acted as a mentor in a school wide mentoring program. She enjoys distance running and spends her free time training for marathons.
Ms. Slater joined Holy Spirit Prep in 2007 and she is looking forward to many fulfilling years at HSP.
Mrs. Silvia Smith- 1st Grade Aide
Mrs. Smith was born in Houston, TX and raised in Nashville, TN. She attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville where she received an undergraduate degree in Psychology. She decided she wanted to go into teaching after working in an after-school care program for the YMCA. Mrs. Smith joined the Holy Spirit Prep team in 2007 and she hopes to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education. She and her husband Nick belong to St. Brendan the Navigator’s Catholic Church in Cumming, GA, and are active members of a small faith community in the parish. They have one son, Isaac, who was born in September of 2008. Mrs. Smith enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Ms. Caroline Bligh- 2nd Grade Teacher
Originally from Long Island, New York, Ms. Bligh was raised in Atlanta where she attended Our Lady of the Assumption School and Marist School. In 2007, she received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Theology from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama. She is excited to share her experiences and love of teaching as she continues in her third year of teaching second grade at Holy Spirit Preparatory School. Ms. Bligh has been a parishioner of OLA since 1991 and stays involved in the community through various services projects. In her spare time she enjoys training for running the annual Peachtree Road Race 10K.
Mrs. Jill Perez- 2nd Grade
Teacher
Mrs. Perez was born and raised in Kansas City. She attended the University of Kansas, where she earned, a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Currently, she is working on her Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction, with an emphasis in Reading. She is about to embark on her second year of teaching. Mrs. Perez enjoys running marathons in her free time. She finds great joy in joining the Holy Spirit Prep family, and looks forward to all that God has in store.
Ms. Mary DeMott-
2nd Grade Teacher
Ms. DeMott was born and raised in Holland, Michigan, the third of five children. She graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theology. Subsequently, she participated in the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) program, through which she obtained her Master's in Education from Notre Dame while teaching third grade at St. Joseph School in Tampa, Florida. During this experience, her passion for teaching and fostering the spiritual growth of children was confirmed. She is excited to continue this ministry as she joins the HSP community!
Mrs. Patricia Amu- 2nd Grade Aide
Mrs. Amu was born and raised in the United Kingdom. She graduated with honors, from the University of Luton
in 1994. Her children attend Holy Spirit Prep School. Nnamdi is in the Holy Spirit Prep class of 2016 and Nki is in the Holy Spirit Prep class of 2017. Mrs. Amu and her family are parishioners of Christ the King.
Ms. Erin Church- 2nd Grade
Intern
Ms. Colleen Rambasek- 3rd Grade Teacher
Ms. Rambasek is originally from Ohio. She attended Catholic schools from kindergarten through high school. During four of those years she attended St. Joseph’s Elementary in Marietta. She graduated Cum Laude from Miami University with a degree in Early Childhood Education and was a member of the swim team. She then earned a Master’s degree in Reading from Miami University and went on to teach second grade for three years at Marshall Elementary in Oxford, Ohio. In 2006 she relocated to Atlanta, and taught for one year in Marietta City Schools. During that time she was recognized by Who's Who Among Teachers. Ms. Rambasek is a member of Holy Spirit Church. She looks forward to the continuing opportunities Holy Spirit Prep School will provide.
Mrs. Carol Dietrich-
3rd Grade Teacher
Carol Broadwell Dietrich was born and raised in Atlanta and holds degrees from Florida College, Georgia State University and is currently pursuing a Master's degree from Western Governor's University. Mrs. Dietrich joined Holy Spirit Preparatory School staff in 2005. In a volunteer capacity she has served as Vice President and President of the Holy Spirit Lower School Parent Association. Prior to coming to Holy Spirit Prep, Mrs. Dietrich spent more than twenty years in Management training with an emphasis in Leadership Development as President of Training Systems International. She has co-authored two books: 101 Ways to Supervise Like a Human Being and The New Supervisor which is currently used as a textbook at Ohio State University. Mrs. Dietrich was also radio talk show host of “Workplace Management, the People Skills Show”. Mrs. Dietrich and her family are currently parishioners of St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church in Sandy Springs. Mrs. Dietrich and her husband Eric have three children attending Holy Spirit Prep in classes of 2013, 2016 and 2017.
Mrs. Brianne Smyth- 3rd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Smyth attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville TN, where she double majored in Early Childhood Education and Child Development. After graduation in May 2002,
Mrs. Smyth moved to Atlanta to begin her teaching career at Norton Park Elementary in Cobb County, where she taught 1st grade for two years. Through Cobb County, she received training in Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop, Guided Reading, Sitton Spelling, and Everyday Counts Calendar Math. While at Norton Park, she was the Model Classroom for K and 1st Georgia Choice Reader’s Workshop. In the fall of 2004,
Mrs. Smyth joined Holy Spirit Prep to teach 2nd grade. Throughout her teaching career,
she has attended many professional development conferences and workshops, and has presented at the GISA
conference. Mrs. Smyth completed her Master's in Reading, Language, and Literacy at Georgia State University, and received her certification as a Reading Specialist in the summer of 2007. After teaching 2nd grade at HSPS for three years, she became the Student Success Director at the Lower School, where she worked with the teachers on professional development, curriculum, and the Personalized Learning Plans. She is currently working on her Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning, with a concentration in Language and Literacy at Georgia State University where she has worked closely with GSU faculty at the Urban Literacy Clinic.
Mrs. Smyth is excited to return to the classroom full time and is looking forward to a fabulous year in 3rd grade!
Mrs. Smyth and her husband, Mitch, are members of Sacred Heart and reside in Midtown.
Ms. Esther Jackman- 3rd Grade Aide
Ms. Jackman was born in San Juan, Trinidad. She moved with her family to New York a few years later, and then to Atlanta in 1996. Ms. Jackman will graduate from the Atlanta Institute of Art with a B.A. in Fine Arts, and plans to continue her studies to become an art teacher. Having always enjoyed working with children at Holy Spirit in her role as a substitute teacher, she feels blessed to join the Holy Spirit Prep family full-time
in 2009 as an aide. Ms. Jackman enjoys designing bulletin boards for the hallways at HSP, and also enjoys painting, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.
Mrs. Patricia Hames- 4th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Hames was born in Chicago, Illinois, and moved to Kansas City, Missouri at the age of seven. She attended Northwest Missouri Sate University where she earned her Bachelors Degree with a triple major in Elementary Education/Learning Disabilities/Behavior Disorders. After college, she married and moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where her husband pursued a degree in Golf Course Design. Mrs. Hames taught for four years in South Carolina until a job offer for her husband, Casey, moved the family to Atlanta. After teaching for three years in Forsyth County schools where she was honored to be selected as the 2002-2003 Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Hames joined the Holy Spirit Preparatory team as a fourth grade teacher in 2003. She has two children: Olivia who is joining us at the lower school for kindergarten this year, and Charlie who attends the nursery. Some of Mrs. Hames’s favorite experiences have been as a Special Olympics coach, an Academic Excellence Coach, Spelling Bee Coordinator, a running club sponsor for children living in rural areas, and a running club sponsor for HSP.
Mrs. Whitney Ingram-
4th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Ingram was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. She attended Christ the King Elementary School and graduated from St. Pius X High School. Mrs. Ingram then attended the College of Charleston in South Carolina, where she graduated Cum Laude with a major in Psychology. Additionally, she has a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Oglethorpe University. Mrs. Ingram has been teaching at Holy Spirit Prep for over three years now. She feels blessed to be teaching in such a faith-filled and spiritual environment! Mrs. Ingram and her family are parishioners of Holy Spirit Church. Shortly after Mrs. Ingram began teaching at Holy Spirit, daughter Henley was born. The Ingram family happily welcomed a second daughter, Mary Addington, just ten months later in December of 2008. The Ingrams enjoy exercising, gardening, and visiting the beach whenever possible.
Mrs. Kimberly Summers- 4th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Summers earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Oglethorpe University. She worked as a nanny while in school, before joining the Holy Spirit Prep community in 2007 as a fourth grade teacher. She enjoys helping students explore their writing talents through the Creative Writing Club. Mrs. Summers currently resides in Suwanee with her husband, their dog, and their newest addition, Daniel Stephen, who was born in April of 2009.
Mrs. MaryAnn Jerrum-
4rd Grade Aide
Mrs. Jerrum grew up in Atlanta where she attended Saint Jude Catholic Elementary and Saint Pius X High School. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia with an ABJ major in Advertising and a split minor in Business and Marketing. Mrs. Jerrum pursued an investment career earning licenses for General Securities and Securities Principles. Experience in investment sales and sales management led to her role as Vice President of Marketing for NationsBank Securities, now Banc of America Investment Services. While in Atlanta, Mrs. Jerrum served simultaneously as a volunteer for the Festival of Trees, benefiting Egleston Hospital for Children from 1985-1992, serving on the 1991 Board of Directors as Vice President of Volunteers. The Jerrum Family spent several years in Charlotte prior to arriving at Holy Spirit Prep where she, and her husband Lee, owned and operated a sports performance training business that worked mainly with the athletic development of children and teens. She and Lee have three children attending Holy Spirit Preparatory, Lee, Christian, and Rhett. Her most rewarding activities include writing, children’s books preferably, and church and school involvement that keep her close in a special way to God and family.
Ms. Jen Tatasciore- 5th & 6th Grade Language Arts Teacher
Ms. Tatasciore was born and raised in New Jersey, right outside of Philadelphia. She received a Catholic education throughout her elementary and high school years. During high school, she taught Sunday school for a Kindergarten class. Ms. Tatasciore graduated from the College of Charleston in December of 2002 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. During her time in Charleston, she worked at Sundrops Montessori School for two and a half years. She then moved to Atlanta and worked at Solidarity School for almost three years teaching 2nd and 3rd grades. Through working at Solidarity, she began working with different Holy Spirit educators and organizations that spent time with the Solidarity students. She loves working here and feels very blessed to be a part of the Holy Spirit family.
Mrs. Jamie Reger-
5th & 6th Grade Language Arts Teacher
Mrs. Reger, a native of Atlanta, attended Catholic school from second grade through high school. After graduating from St. Pius X in Atlanta, she continued her education at the University of Dallas, where she earned a B.A. in German with a concentration in literature. She also holds a M.A. in German and Applied Linguistics from Georgia State University. After receiving her M.A. in 2005, she was married at Holy Spirit Catholic Church to Matthew Reger, and they welcomed their first child, Joseph, in July of 2008. In addition to her interest in foreign languages, Mrs. Reger has a passion for classic literature. Both she and her husband, who teaches Chemistry at the Upper School, feel blessed to be a part of the Holy Spirit community.
Ms. Rebecca Vaughan- 5th and
6th Grade
Intern
Mrs. Carol Diodati - Campus Ministry Assistant, 5th Grade Religion
Teacher
Mrs. Diodati was born and raised in Dublin, GA. After graduating from high school, she attended Davidson College in N.C. and earned a B.A. in Economics. She and her husband Paul have seven children, two graduates of HSP and four currently enrolled. Her background includes leading the youth group at St. Ann’s in Charlotte, N.C., teaching 5th, 6th, and 8th grade CCD, and substitute teaching. She’s excited to begin her second year of teaching at HSP and being part of the spiritual life committee.
Mrs. Angela Olesen- 5th & 6th Grade Math Teacher
Mrs. Olesen grew up in Toledo, Ohio, and attended Blessed Sacrament School and Notre Dame Academy. She graduated cum laude from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree. She met her husband at Ohio State. After their wedding they moved to Georgia to attend graduate school. Mrs. Olesen studied psychology on a fellowship to Emory University. She earned a Master of Education degree from North Georgia College. Her honors include The Ohio State University Biological Sciences Honorary, Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society and Golden Key National Honor Society. She obtained her gifted endorsement and is a member of the Georgia Association For Gifted Children. Before having children she taught science at South Forsyth High School in Cumming, Georgia. The family belongs to Prince of Peace parish in Flowery Branch. Her quadruplet sons, Taylor, Tyler, Kyle and Connor, are all in the Class of 2018 at Holy Spirit Prep. Angela enjoys camping, movies, yoga and Buckeye football.
Mr. Daniel Pepitone- 5th & 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Mr. Pepitone was raised in Dunwoody where he attended Dunwoody High School. He received an Associates Degree from Truett-McConnell College in Business and continued on to Kennesaw State University where he
earned his Bachelors Degree. He is an active member of All Saints Catholic
Church where he received all his holy sacraments. He has been involved with
their youth group and assisting in teaching religion. He has also been involved in the organization and development of youth camps throughout Atlanta. Mr. Pepitone joined Holy Spirit Prep in 2004. and he teaches fifth grade Religion as
well as fifth and sixth grade Social Studies. Mr. Pepitone is also the coach of the
varsity football team.
Ms. Cara McCarthy- 5th & 6th Grade
Science Teacher
Ms. McCarthy was raised in Pennsylvania. She attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Science with a concentration in Chemistry from the Honors College. At Baylor, Ms. McCarthy was a member of student government and served as the Chief Justice of Baylor’s Student Court. Upon graduation, Ms. McCarthy was accepted into the University of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education program. During this time, Ms. McCarthy chaired the math and science department at a Catholic school in Pensacola, Florida, and earned her Master of Science degree in education from the University of Notre Dame.
Mr. Brian Moscona - 6th Grade Religion Teacher
Mr. Brian Moscona was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and attended high school in Baton Rouge. He then studied Marketing and Public Policy at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN. After graduation, Mr. Moscona participated in a two-year teaching program through Notre Dame called the Alliance for Catholic Education. In the ACE program he taught fourth grade in Los Angeles, CA and earned a Masters Degree in education. Mr. Moscona then spent a year discerning a vocation to religious life with the priests and brothers in the Congregation of Holy Cross at Notre Dame while also studying Theology and Philosophy. After leaving the seminary he moved to Atlanta to teach at Holy Spirit Prep. During his first year at HSP Mr. Moscona taught first grade, but has since moved to middle school religion. He serves as a bridge between the two campuses, teaching at the Lower School in the morning and the Upper School in the afternoons. Mr. Moscona also coaches junior high football, basketball and tennis and coordinates retreats. He is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Theology from the University of Notre Dame.
Mrs.
Kiley Jannetta - 5th & 6th Grade Aide
Mrs. Jannetta graduated from Franklin and Marshall College with a BA in Mathematics. She spent seven years as a Learning Lab specialist at The Lovett School, specializing in elementary through upper school math. She continues her math instruction tutoring students privately while also pursuing her master’s degree in Mathematics Education from Western Governors University. Prior to her employment at Lovett, Mrs. Jannetta was an actuarial consultant for Arthur Andersen, LLP. The Jannettas have 3 daughters at Holy Spirit Prep; Molly in the class of 2021 and Abby and Kate in the class of 2024. The Jannettas have been parishioners at Holy Spirit Catholic Church for over 25 years.
Mrs. Carol Bolash- 5th & 6th Grade Aide
Mrs. Bolash was born and raised in Bucks County, just outside of Philadelphia, PA and lived there until she and her husband relocated in 1973 to Connecticut. She earned a B.S. degree in Education from Shippensburg University majoring in English and taught 7th grade English for three years in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. For the next eleven years Mrs. Bolash stayed home with her two sons. She and her family have lived in Connecticut, Georgia, Minnesota, and Texas. Mrs. Bolash first lived in Atlanta from 1981 to 1994 during which time she worked as a paraprofessional in the Gwinnett County School system for twelve years. In addition to her education experience in Bucks County and Gwinnett County, Mrs. Bolash worked at the pre-school level for six years in Texas. Her business
experience includes sales associate and manager for Waldenbooks. She and her
husband recently returned to Georgia to be close to their granddaughters, one of
whom attended Holy Spirit Preschool.
Miss Beth Petrucci- Learning Specialist
Miss Petrucci was born and raised in Waterbury, CT. She attended St. Margaret Catholic School and Holy Cross High School. Beth graduated from Southern Connecticut State University in 1994 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Beth moved to Atlanta in 1994 and worked at a child development center teaching toddler age children for three years. She was accepted to the Georgia State University’s Accelerated Teaching Program in 1998 and received a Master’s in Early Childhood Education in 1999. Beth worked as a third grade teacher at The Schenck School in Atlanta for six years before coming to Holy Spirit Prep. At The Schenck School Beth studied The Orton-Gillingham Method for teaching students with language difficulties (dyslexia, dysgraphia, and language processing.) In 2002 Beth attended and was a facilitator at The International Dyslexic Association Conference which was in Atlanta that year. Beth also attended yearly conferences for the Atlanta Chapter of The International Dyslexic Association. During her years at The Schenck School Beth assisted with an after school program for children with behavioral, emotional, as well as sensory difficulties.
Mrs. Linda Ehlers- Media Specialist
Mrs. Ehlers grew up in Alton, Illinois, which is located on the bluffs above the Mississippi River across from St. Louis, Missouri. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Southern Methodist University, a Master of Education in Library Media from Georgia State University and a Masters of Science Degree in Community Counseling from Georgia State University. She taught fifth grade at the Lovett School when she first came to Atlanta, married, and then raised two daughters, Jennifer and Suzanne. Both are married and live in the Atlanta area. Suzanne and her husband, Mark, have three sons, Jack Henry, Spencer, and Wyatt. Mrs. Ehlers returned to the education field and worked in the libraries at Pace Academy and Georgia Tech. Most recently she was head librarian at Herzing College where she was instrumental in establishing three libraries, due to relocation and expansion. Her husband, Oscar, is an electrical engineer who discovered a love for teaching and teaches electronics and computer courses.
Mrs. Marylu Valek- Media Center Assistant
Marylu Valek grew up in West Hartford, Connecticut, the oldest of six children. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the University of Connecticut, Storrs, Ct. She was employed for 20 years by Aetna Life & Casualty, Inc. in their Information Technology department until the birth of her daughter, Erin. Mrs. Valek, her husband, Jack, and daughter, Erin, moved to Atlanta in March, 2000. Erin is currently in the class of 2012. Mrs. Valek enjoys being in the Media Center as it provides the opportunity to meet every child that attends the Lower School.
Mr. Kevin Evans- Physical Education Teacher
Mr. Evans is excited to return for his eleventh year as physical education teacher. Along with overseeing the lower school physical education program, Mr. Evans has also served many coaching roles at Holy Spirit Prep. Coach Evans was raised in Carrboro, North Carolina where he excelled as a student athlete at Chapel Hill High School before moving on to East Carolina University to play football for the Pirates. He later transferred to North Carolina A&T State University where he graduated with a BS in Health and Physical Education in 1999. Coach Evans is a North Carolina Tar Heel basketball enthusiast and has adopted the Atlanta Falcons as his favorite NFL team.
Mrs. Lori Reinstein- Part-time Physical Education Teacher
Mrs. Reinstein was born and raised in Haddonfield, New Jersey. She attended East Strausburg University where she majored in physical education. Mrs. Reinstein moved to Atlanta in 1989 and married her husband Vincent in 1992. They relocated to Houston for six years, and then returned to Atlanta. The Reinsteins have four children, three of whom attend Holy Spirit Prep School. Mrs. Reinstein has coached basketball and soccer for several seasons at Holy Spirit Prep, and has also volunteered as a Girl Scout leader for the past three years This coming year she will be involved in leading one of the second-grade Brownie troops. Mrs. Reinstein loves to play and teach sports. She also loves to be around children, and to be a part of every aspect of their growth.
Mr. Norman Livermore- Technology Teacher
Originally from Los Angeles, Mr.
Livermore's family moved to Georgia in 1969. Mr. Livermore graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science in Information and Computer Science. Having worked in the aerospace and electric utility industries as well as government contracting and consulting, he brings more than 25 years of work experience to his classroom. In 1996,
Mr. Livermore started an independent software consulting company which specializes in providing customized software solutions to the electric utility industry.
Mr. Livermore has a unique hobby in that for many years now he has played the bagpipe. He and his family are very involved with the local and international Scottish communities. He is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, Royal Museum of Scotland, and sits on the Board of Directors of the Stone Mountain Highland Games where he is responsible for overseeing all of the bagpipe and band related activities of the annual cultural event.
Mr. Livermore also serves on the Clan Macleod USA National Council in charge of matters of culture for the organization.
He has played with the Atlanta Pipe Band since it’s founding in 1970, teaches privately and is presently the instructor for the Atlanta Pipe Band’s developmental unit.
Mr. Livermore resides in Marietta with his wife Rachel and daughter, Meghan. Meghan is a proud member of the Holy Spirit Prep School class of 2009 and a charter student at the school, having attended since kindergarten.
Mrs. Susan Matakis- Lower School Art
Mrs. Susan Matakis was born and raised in West Bend, Wisconsin. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. Susan joined the HSP staff in 2008. Previously she taught art at St. John Neumann Regional Catholic School in Lilburn, GA. Susan has three college age daughters. She resides with her husband in Druid Hills, where they are members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Susan is looking forward to her second year at Holy Spirit Prep.
Ms.
Leanne Aspinall - Kindergarten - First Grade Art
Ms. Aspinall is originally from Melbourne, Australia, where she attended the Melbourne College of Textiles and spent many
years in the Corporate side of the Fashion industry. After moving to the USA in 2003, she joined the Holy Spirit Prep staff in
2005 and has been an active parent volunteer at the school for several years. Ms. Aspinall's son Patrick is in the Holy
Spirit Prep Class of 2016 and Ryan is in the Holy Spirit Prep Class of 2019. The Aspinalls are parishioners at Holy Spirit
Catholic Church.
Mrs. Rosemary Thomasberger- Performing Arts Teacher
Mrs. Thomasberger is looking forward to her 10th year teaching at Holy Spirit Prep. Mrs. Thomasberger joined Holy Spirit Preparatory School in 2000 as the Performing Arts Teacher, Lower School. This is her twenty-fourth year teaching in Catholic schools. Previously, she taught K - 12 in the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey. She received a BA in Music from Caldwell Catholic College, New Jersey, where she also acquired her teacher certification and Catechist certification. Her experience in the music industry includes: Musical Director for several community theatre productions in New Jersey; Section Leader in Columbia University Choir in New York City; and vocalist and pianist for The Silver Starlight Orchestra in New Jersey. Her experience in Church music ministry includes: Choir Director at Westminster Church in New Jersey; Assistant Choir Director at Immaculate Conception Church in Montclair, New Jersey; Youth Music Coordinator at St. Catherine of Siena Church in New Jersey; Youth Music Assistant for World Youth Day, Jubilee 2000, in Rome; and chaperone for Regnum Christi at World Youth Day, Toronto 2002. Rosemary and her husband, David, are music ministers in their parish, St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church in Roswell. David is an Installed Acolyte in his fourth year of studies in the Permanent Deaconate Program of the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Their son, Peter is a composer and a computer systems installer. Their daughter, Kristen recently finished her tour of duty as a Petty Officer in the United States Navy. Rosemary’s niece is an HSP student of the Class of 2014.
Mrs. Paula Garlen - Performing Arts
Mrs. Garlen grew up in York, Pennsylvania where she attended 12 years of Catholic school. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from West Chester University. Her training at West Chester included a focus in early childhood music education techniques such as Orff-Schulwerk and Kodaly. She maintains her professional development as a member of the Music Educators National Conference (MENC) and the Early Childhood Music and Movement Association (ECMMA). Her son, a member of the class of 2014, has attended Holy Spirit Prep since the age of two. Over the years she has participated as a parent volunteer in many different capacities throughout the school. In 2004 she also joined the teaching staff at the Holy Spirit Prep Upper School to help begin the process of building a Performing Arts program. Mrs. Garlen is a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church where she is a member of the Traditional Choir and serves as cantor and soloist. Her goal as a professional educator and musician is to instill as much enthusiasm and love for music in her students as she has.
Mrs. Bibiana Perez- Spanish
Mrs. Perez was born and raised in Germany. She graduated from the Gregorian University in Rome, Italy, with a Bachelor’s of Philosophy and went on to pursue theological studies in Rome and in the United States. She received a Master of Divinity degree from Yale University in 1993. She came to Atlanta in 1995 and gained teaching experience by home schooling her children for nine years from preschool through eighth grade, and teaching a variety of subjects at several private schools in Atlanta. Mrs. Perez knows seven languages and has been teaching at Holy Spirit Preparatory school since the beginning of 2006. She lives in Sandy Springs together with her husband Carlos, originally from Mexico. Four of their children attend HSPS; one son graduated in 2009 and attends college out of state.
Mrs. Gloria Narea- Spanish
Mrs. Narea is originally from Michoacán, México. She graduated in 1988 from Escuela Nacional para Maestras de Jardín de Niños (National School for Kindergarten Teachers) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education in Mexico City. She moved to Toluca, Mexico and worked as a full time teacher at Instituto Cenca for five years. In 1994, she moved to Atlanta to get married. She successfully completed EASL (English as a Second Language) at Mercer University. In 2007, Mrs. Narea joined Holy Spirit Prep to work as Spanish teacher for the Preschool and now she is very excited to be part of the Lower School faculty. Her two children, Monica, class of 2015 and Daniel, class of 2014, are Holy Spirit Prep students. The Narea Family are parishioners at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Marietta.
Mrs.
Helen Prieto - Dean of Faculty/Human
Resources
Mrs. Prieto holds a BS in Business Administration from Barry University, Miami Shores, Florida; and MBA from Nova Southeastern University, Sunrise, Florida; and a Master's Certificate in International Business from Columbia University, New York City. She and her husband moved to Atlanta from Florida in 1995 and are parishioners at Our Lady of the Assumption Church. Prior to joining Holy Spirit Prep in 2002, Mrs. Prieto retired from a 38-year career with BellSouth, where she served as Vice President in International Markets and Vice President of Customer Operations. Mrs. Prieto taught Spanish at Holy Spirit for five years at the Upper school and served as Department Chair until the 2008 School year. She is a member of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese, she has been certified by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, and has a Certificate from the College Board to teach Advanced Placement Spanish. In 2007 Mrs. Prieto assumed the role of Dean of Faculty and Human Resources for all three campuses of Holy Spirit.
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