Teachers and Teachers' Aides

Kindergarten

Kelly Fiepke - Hi, my name is Kelly Fiepke and I will be teaching kindergarten this year. I am a native of Louisville, and have lived in Elizabethtown since 2000. I graduated from the University of Louisville with a degree in Early Elementary Education. I am currently completing my Masters Degree at Western Kentucky University. I am married to Jamie and we have two boys, Jacob and Luke. I am a big believer in Catholic Education and am thrilled to be part of the St. James School Community.

Cheryl Quiros-Classroom AssistantMy name is Cheryl Quiros and this will be my 5th year with St. James as a teacher assistant. I live here in Elizabethtown with my husband Manfredo and two sons Ricky, 18 and Marco, 15. I am very proud to be a part of St. James School and parish. My goal is to help teachers with providing students with a positive learning experience, both intellectual and spiritual in a safe and loving environment.

Danika Peak -Teacher - I have been teaching for 10 years and 5 of those here at St. James. I graduated with my Bachelors in 2000 from Murray State University and am currently pursuing a Masters in Special Education from WGU. I live here in Elizabethtown with my husband Frankie (a SJS alum), and my three children Grace, 5; Frankie, 3; and Callie, 10 months. I love teaching Kindergarten! Kindergarten is my favorite age since they are so eager and just like little sponges, waiting to absorb anything and everything! They are also some of the funniest and loving people I have ever met!

Angie Smith-Classroom Assistant - I am one of the kindergarten aides and a member of St. James parrish. I have two children that attend this school, Reagan and Jonah. Originally from Richmond, KY, I graduated from EKU and moved to Etown after I graduated in 1995. And I have to say it's such a blessing to have a job you love so much that you actually look forward to coming to work everyday. That's what I have here at St. James!!

First Grade

Noelle Smith - Hello. My name is Noelle Smith. I will be beginning my fifth year as a first grade teacher at St. James School in the fall of 2010. I am from Bardstown and I live there with my husband, Neal and our two daughters, Addie and Avery. I enjoy reading, music, nature, cooking, learning, and spending time with family. I received my Bachelor’s in Education from Spalding University in 2005. I am currently finishing up my Masters degree at Spalding with an endorsement in reading and writing. I believe in making all students feel successful and creating a nurturing learning experience.
Class Webpage
Debbie Howlett - Classroom Assistant-I live in Glendale and have lived in Hardin County all my life. I am married to John Howlett. We have five grown children and one thirteen year old attending Saint James. I love working at Saint James. My goal at Saint James is to assist Mrs. Smith at any capacity and at the same time make sure that each child knows how important an education is to them and never stop reaching for that dream.

Megan Berry -As a first year teacher, I am thrilled to join the faculty of St. James School as a first grade teacher! In May 2010, I completed my Masters of Arts in Teaching at Bellarmine University and was the recipient of the Nancy Howard Faculty Merit award. Before coming to the teaching profession, I studied Vocal Performance at Samford University in Birmingham, AL and traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe as a singer. My love of music and movement is evident in my teaching style. Teaching is definitely a calling for me – I firmly believe in the importance of nurturing the next generation and instilling in them a love of learning, a faith-filled spirit, and a desire to make their mark on the world in a positive way!

Sheryl Edmondson - Classroom Assistant -I live in Elizabethtown with my husband, John. We have 1 son, Matthew who teaches middle school here in Hardin County, 2 daughters, 2 sons-in-law, and 2 grandsons. ( Leslie and Sean Lewis have a son Cooper. Sean is pursuing a masters degree in accounting. Leslie teaches Family and Consumer Science at Central Hardin. Sarah and Scott Holzerland have a son Nate. Scott is in the military and they currently live in North Carolina, but will be moving soon due to re-assignment. Sarah is a recent graduate of Fayetteville State University and may pursue a teaching career.) As you can see, education is very important to my family. My goal is to help our first graders enjoy learning and recognize how important education is.

Second Grade

Margaret Belcher -I have been a teacher for 19 years in elementary schools. Before I moved to Elizabethtown, I lived in Paducah, KY where I taught at St. John Elementary for 18 years. I have two children, Christy and Todd and they both live in Louisville. I am so excited to be employed at St. James. I love teaching and I often think my body will wear out before my passion for teaching wears out.

Shellee Godfrey - It is an honor for me to be back at Saint James School as a second grade teacher after leaving five years ago from a first grade teaching position to stay home with my youngest child. I am married and have two children ages five and fifteen, the latter of which is a graduate of Saint James School. My Bachelor’s degree is from the University of Kentucky with a duel major in elementary education K-4,5,6 and special education K-12. I have a Master’s degree in early childhood interdisciplinary education birth- age 4, also from the University of Kentucky. In June of 2000, I was a presenter at the National Conference for the Division of Early Childhood in Albuquerque, New Mexico. My presentation focused on active student responding (THESIS) which was later published in the August 2003 educational journal issue, The Education and Treatment of Children. Most recently I completed my endorsement in gifted and talented education in December 2010 from Western Kentucky University. I believe in the philosophy of Saint James School and have seen first hand the benefits bestowed upon the students who complete their primary and middle school educations here. I look forward renewing my association with the Saint James School community!

Kim Shultz - Classroom Assistant for Gr. 2G and Gr. 3B - I am from Hardin County and I live in Elizabethtown. I have worked at SJS full time since 2004 and I enjoy my job very much. This year will be a bit more challenging in that I will be assisting in two classrooms instead of one. I will do my best to provide the same quality assistance as I have in past years. My hobbie is writing children's literature and I have a degree in "funology"!

Third Grade

Cathy Basham -My name is Cathy Basham. I have lived all of my life in Elizabethtown and attended St. James School for eight years. I have been teaching here at St. James since 1999. My philosophy is that the care and safety of the children is my first priority. The second is to help instill Catholic values and beliefs in my students. Finally, I try to expose the students to as much information as possible in nine months using various approaches. I truly love what I do and enjoy interacting with the children. My prayer is that God will help me fulfill my duties in educating your children.

Angela Eby -I began teaching third grade at SJS in August of 1991. SJS is special to me for several reasons: a supportive faculty and staff; involved parents, well-mannered, enthusiastic students; and up-to-date facilities and resources. Teaching here is not a "job". It is a JOY!! I hope to help my students develop a positive attitude about school and learning. I also hope to instill that in life the only one we are competing with is ourself-that we should continually strive to become better individuals.

Sherri Yates - Classroom Assistant for Gr. 2B and Gr. 3E

Fourth Grade

Mary Riney - My name is Mary Riney and I this is my 6th year at St. James and my 17th year of teaching. My goal for 4th graders is to help them develop good study habits, become more responsible for themselves, and gain a love of learning. I hope this year builds a strong foundation for the rest of their education. My catholic faith is at the center of my life. I want to pass on the values and teachings that I learned as a child growing up in a Catholic school on to my students.

Kristy Stuecker - My name is Kristy Stuecker and I teach fourth grade. This is my 10th year of teaching and I am honored to be a teacher at St. James. In May of 2001, I received a Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies with an emphasis in Elementary Education from Western Kentucky University. In December if 2002, I received my Masters of Arts in Teaching from Bellarmine University. I am currently a student at the University of Louisville. I am working on my Rank I in Elementary Education (Literacy). I believe an effective teacher is the key to every student’s learning. My goal is to communicate and provide developmentally appropriate curriculum, instruction, and assessment in a genuine setting that inspires my students to perform and achieve at their highest level. The children that I will be teaching are the children of our future. I want to help them grow and become stronger people. Children are unique and special individuals. Teaching is enlightening, I will always keep learning and it will keep me on my toes!

Fifth Grade

Kathy Book -My name is Kathy Book, and I am a 5th grade teacher. This is my sixth year of teaching. I have a B.S. in Business from Indiana University, and I earned my teaching certification from Western Kentucky University. I am currently working on my Master's Degree and am taking graduate classes through WKU. I have two sons, Brad, 21, and Greg, 19: both attended St. James from Preschool through 8th grade. I am married to Bruce, who is a former member of the St. James School School Board and Athletic Committee. My goal is to create a classroom community of learners who demonstrate Catholic values and beliefs, care about and respect one another, and academically achieve at their highest level. I want to include a variety of hands-on activities and opportunities that make learning fun. At the end of each school year, I am confident my 5th grade students are well-prepared and ready to enter 6th grade.

Linda Lee -I am looking forward to teaching at St. James School for the 2011-12 school year. With over thirty years of teaching experience in the Hardin County Schools, ECTC, and St. James School, my goal is always to make each school year an exciting and productive experience for my students and for me as we grow intellectually and mentally. I am a graduate of Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky and of Western Kentucky University, where I received my master’s degree in education and completed a Rank I program. My husband is a retired teacher and an author. We are the parents of two sons. I enjoy genealogy, scrapbooking, and playing the piano for my own enjoyment. Working at St. James School, both in the library and in the classroom, has been a wonderful experience for me, and I am happy to be returning for another year of teaching fifth grade.

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Sixth Grade

Anna Mattingly -Hello! I am Anna Mattingly, a sixth grade homeroom teacher. This is my twelfth year of teaching at St. James School. I am honored to be working with the students and parents of St. James School. There is an attitude of caring and acceptance of others which the students have. The students come with a positive attitude toward learning and growing spiritually and mentally. My teaching certificate is for middle school and high school from the University of Kentucky with my masters and Rank I from Western Kentucky University. It is truly a pleasure to come and work with the students of St. James every day.

Kim Conway - This is my first year teaching and am so happy that it is within the St. James family. I am a recent graduate from the University of Kentucky (Go Big Blue) where I received my degree in Middle School Education focusing on Social Studies and Mathematics. I am from Bardstown, Kentucky and there my husband and I are member of St. Joseph Parish. Also I attended St. Joe Elementary School and Bethlehem High School. This year I am helping out with and coaching quick recall and safety patrol. I am very eager, energetic, and enthusiastic about beginning my teaching journey here at St. James.

Becky McGuffin -Science Teacher - I began my teaching career at St. James in 1993. Currently, I teach science to all middle school students. I earned a Bachelor's degree in education with math and science as areas of emphasis at Kentucky Christian University. My master's degree in middle school education and Rank I in educational leadership were earned at Western Kentucky University. As an educator, one of my goals is to expose students to as much new information as possible during our nine months together. Realizing it is impossible to cover all the material in a subject, I hope to teach my students how to learn and think independently. My second goal is to use a variety of activities, approaches, and resources to make learning enjoyable and interesting for my students.

Seventh Grade

Sharon Hernandez -– The 2009-2010 school year is my eighth year at St. James School and my 20th year teaching. After graduating from Lindsey Wilson College in 1990, I spent 12 years teaching in the public school system. In 1996 I received my Master’s Degree in middle grades education from Western Kentucky University. St. James students are a joy to work with each and every day. They bring with them a desire to grow both spiritually and academically. Seventh and eighth graders certainly keep me on my toes! They are unique individuals who bring joy to my life each and every day. God willing, I plan to teach at St. James for many years to come.

Hugh O'Brien -2004-2005 will be my 14th year teaching middle school math. It will be my 5th year teaching at SJS. I have a master's degree in middle school education. This year, I will also be coaching the 7th and 8th grade boys' basketball teams. I am looking forward to the chance to work with the boy us in an extra-curricular setting. Hopefully, we will hae a good time this season. Both in the classroom and in the gym, I take pleasure (and some pride) in seeing students grow in all aspects of their lives (spiritually, academically, athletically, and socially.)

Eighth Grade

Julie McKean - I have been teaching at St. James for many years. I worked with the Kindergarten students for 19 years and I will be teaching 6th, 7th and 8th grade reading and religion classes for the 2010 - 2011 school year. I enjoy the students and feel as though I learn more from them than they could ever learn from me.

Penny Osborne -I retired from the public school system in 2010 with 28 years of experience. This will be my second year at St. James School. I received my B.S. from Spalding University and M. Ed./Rank I from the University of Louisville. In 2004, I earned my National Board Certification as a Middle School Generalist. I have two sons, James and William. James just received his Master's degree at U of L and William earned his Bachelor's degree from U of K. I also have four cats and 2 dogs (Yorkies). While I have taught grades 3-8, my passion has always been interacting with and teaching middle school students. I truly believe in open dialogue with parents and students. Please feel free to email or call me with any concerns or questions. Thank you to the staff, parents and students for welcoming me to St. James, and I look forward to another successful school year.

Speciality Teachers

Brenda Martin...Music (Grs. 3-8)-I am Brenda Martin I have been teaching music at St. James for 20 years. I have a Bachelor's degree in music from Campbellsville College with a focus in Church Music, with an emphasis in voice and piano. I am currently a church accompanist at Buffalo Baptist Church, and involved in choir, quartets and solo performances. I am married with 2 children, and a dog. I enjoy working with children, helping them better understand and appreciate different kinds of styles and concepts of music.

Pat Berry...Music (Primary Grs. K-2) -Pat Berry is thrilled to be joining the staff at SJS and to return to elementary music. Retired from her position as an Arts/Humanities and Director of Choral Activities with Nelson County Schools, Pat spent her brief hiatus from teaching, taking art lessons, enjoying the outdoors, and spending time with her children(Matthew-Campbellsville University senior; Megan-SJS first grade teacher). Pat has been a music educator specializing in K-12 music for over 25 years. She also served in various capacities throughout her tenure with Nelson County. These include coaching nationally ranked cheer and dance squads, overseeing Student Council, and sponsoring Pep Club. Pat loves sharing her enthusiasm for the Fine Arts with learners of all ages and emphasizes the importance of music in the life of children. She hopes to help our students "make a joyful noise" in our school, our Church, and our community!

Linda Yates...Librarian-Hello! I’m Linda Yates, the librarian. I am a retired public school teacher and librarian with 36 years experience, 30 or those years as a librarian. I am housed in the Middle School Library, but do the purchasing and administration for both the Middle School and the Primary libraries. I received my Bachelor’s Degree from WKU with a triple major in Library Science, Home Economics and English. I received my Master’s Degree in Counseling from WKU, and my Rank I in Technology from University of Louisville. I live in Rineyville and am married to Jack Yates, a retired Science and Physics teacher who taught at North Hardin. We have one daughter, two sons and seven grandsons. I am beginning my third year at Saint James and feel blessed each day to have the opportunity to work with your children…to instill in them the love and joy of reading. I truly love what I do and I enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of Saint James. Thank you for sharing your children with me.

Cathy Schieber...Libray (Primary) -My name is Cathy Schieber and I am the library skills teacher for the primary library. I teach skills for students from kindergarten through 3rd grade. I am also responsible for checkout in the primary grades and preschool storytime. I have been at St. James School for 9 years. My goal is to instill a love for reading through various library activities.

Debbie Freyberger...P.E. -My family and I have been members of St. James for 15 years. I began helping at St. James School when my children began attending. Later, I began teaching Physical Education and Health. This is my 5th year here at SJS. It is important to me for each student to have fun and participate in all activities. I let them know they are all winners when they exercise and have fun. I also teach Health to the 6-8th grades to prepare our students even more with valuable life skills, nutrition and injury prevention lessons. With grade K-5th , I touch on the basics of nutrition and exercise throughout the year to help them develop healthy eating and exercise habits to ensure a healthy life. It is our goal to create an environment where all students feel comfortable within their own bodies and to understand the importance of overall health, fitness, and wellness.

Tom Franklin...Art -Hi! I'm Tom Franklin, the art teacher. I am a retired public school teacher starting my 36th year and I hope to instill the appreciation of art in the students of Saint James. This will be my 5th year at Saint James. I earned a Bachelor's Degree and Master's of Arts Degree from Western Kentucky. I am currently working on my Rank I. My goal for the students is to develop a love of art and an appreciation for it. Finally, I try to expose the students to different kinds of art and keep them abreast with as much information as possible using various approaches and keeping up to date with the goals of the Archdiocese and with the state testing program. I truly love what I do and enjou having the support from the parents, school staff, and the entire church community as we all work toward a common goal. My prayer is that God will give me strength to help me fulfill my duties in educating children.

Hortensia Mayer..Spanish Teacher - Grades 4-8 - I was born in El Salvador, Central America. Spanish is my native language. When I moved to the United States in 1979, I did not know English, so I made an effort to learn the English language. It is my belief that when you are able to relate to other cultures in their own language, you can understand them better. By working in this wonderful school I have come full circle, and now I am teaching my native language.

Marlene Pickerrell...Technology Coordinator -Hi...This is my 23rd year at St. James as Technology Coordinator. I am also in charge of overseeing the Video/Broadcasting program for students in grades 5-8. I have two sons, Wes and Matt and two granddaughters, Kyleigh and Keagan, who keep me young! My goals are to keep up with the many changes in technology. And continue to keep the school's present technology running smoothly and efficiently for staff, teachers, and students. Also to help St. James implement new ideas and growth in the area of technology.

Donna Rovinski...Middle School Computer Skills Instructor -This will be my 3rd year as the Computer Skills teacher for grades 4-8. I instruct the students on the proper techniques of keyboarding, enhance their skills and abilities in the Office Suite, as well as Internet safety and usage. I love watching the student’s reactions when I teach them something new and exciting that they did not know how to do. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology from Sullivan University. I also work at Hardin Memorial Hospital and ECTC in the Continuing Education department. I live in Elizabethtown with my husband Greg and my 2 children, Logan and Molly.

Laurie Swink...Primary School Computer Skills Instructor -I am the Computer Skills teacher in the primary building. I teach computer skills for students from preschool through third grade. The 2011-2012 school year will be my fourth year of teaching at St James School. I really love being a part of the St James School community. There is no place that I would rather work! The students at St James are really great to work with. Along with working at St James, I am currently continuing my education at the University of Louisville. My family and I moved to Elizabethtown several years ago. My sons are now 13 and 15. They are my greatest accomplishment!

Counselor

Audrey McDonald Carney LPC, NBCC- My name is Audrey McDonald Carney. I am the counselor at St. James School. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, a National Board Certified Counselor, and an author. I worked with students in grades Pre-8th. I provide counseling for students indivdually and for familes of our school. I have been at SJS for 11 years. I am on school site 2 1/2 days per week. I greatly enjoyed working with the studnets and families of St. James School.

Learning Consulant

Debbie Zoglmann - My name is Debbie Zoglmann and I am the Learning Consultant/Special Needs Coordinator for St. James School. I received my B.S. and Masters in Elementary Education and Special Education K-12 from the University of Kentucky. I am married to Bob Zoglmann and we have 3 children, all of whom were fortunate enough to graduate from St. James. We have 3 grandchildren with another expected in the fall. They will be the next generation of St. James graduates! We have been members of St. James Catholic Church since 1977 and I have worked at St. James School since 1987 as the Developer and Director of St. James Preschool for 18 years and then the Special Needs Coordinator for 6 years. I am very proud to be a part of the staff as we work together to provide the excellent education at St. James.