Council+Member+Bios

Please locate your name below and add a short bio beneath your name so that other members can get to know you. ( At the end of your bio if you skip a line or two and add a dash you'll give yourself a visual white space which will help with readability."

Bio: ====// I have been teaching Spanish K-5 for the past nine years at St. Mark Catholic School in Huntersville. For the past three years, I have been teaching an introductory class to French for 7th and 8th graders there as well. I have a BA in Spanish and French and a Graduate Certificate in Teaching Spanish and French, K-12, from the University of North Carolina in Charlotte. I have also lived and studied in my native Bolivia, and in Germany, Switzerland, and France. I am currently enrolled in the MAT program at UNCC. //====
 * =**Council Members and Bio Information**= ||
 * Alejandra Ahrensdorf**, Saint Mark Catholic School (Charlotte Region) Content: World Language, Grade Level: Elementary
 * Alejandra Ahrensdorf**, Saint Mark Catholic School (Charlotte Region) Content: World Language, Grade Level: Elementary

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 * Anna Bragg**, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School (Triad Region) Content: Technology, Grade Level: Middle School
 * Anna Bragg**, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School (Triad Region) Content: Technology, Grade Level: Middle School

- || Bio: I was born and raised in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico and I am a native Spanish speaker. I hold a BA in Architecture and Graduate Certificate in Teaching Spanish K- 12 from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I have taught elementary and middle-school in the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools since 1999. In addition to my teaching duties, I am a is faculty adviser to the Junior National Honor Society at Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School. I am married with two children, and I am member of St. Gabriel parish in Charlotte where I have lived for over thirty years. - || Bio:
 * Socky Davaz**, Holy Trinity Catholic School (Charlotte Region) Content: World Language, Grade Level: Middle School
 * Socky Davaz**, Holy Trinity Catholic School (Charlotte Region) Content: World Language, Grade Level: Middle School
 * Linda Dempsey**, Holy Trinity Catholic School (Charlotte Region) Content: Religion, Grade Level: Middle School
 * Linda Dempsey**, Holy Trinity Catholic School (Charlotte Region) Content: Religion, Grade Level: Middle School

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 * Betsy DesNoyer**, Saint Gabriel Catholic School (Charlotte Region) Content: Religion, Grade Level: Elementary
 * Betsy DesNoyer**, Saint Gabriel Catholic School (Charlotte Region) Content: Religion, Grade Level: Elementary

- || Bio: //I have been teaching for 30 years, with 28 years being in the Diocese of Wilmington (DE), Archdiocese of Chicago,// //and the Diocese of Charlotte. I have taught in Grades K through 5. I hold a degree in Elementary Education with a Master's Degree in Technology in Education. My husband Ted and I were both born and raised in the Chicago area. We have two children who attended MACS from K through CCHS. Our oldest, Laura and her husband Jay graduated from UNC Chapel Hill and Carolina Law Chapel Hill and are both practicing in Virginia. Our son Brian graduated from Virginia Tech in Landscape Architecture and is working for an engineering firm in Savannah. I am thrilled to serve on this committee and looking forward to meeting everyone.//
 * Patti Dickson**, Saint Matthew Catholic School (Charlotte Region) Content: Science, Grade Level: Lower Elementary
 * Patti Dickson**, Saint Matthew Catholic School (Charlotte Region) Content: Science, Grade Level: Lower Elementary

- || Bio: //I've been teaching in Catholic schools for over 13 years. I began my teaching career in 2000 as an Art and Computer teacher in Denver, Colorado. Moving to Charlotte and Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School in the summer of 2004 I was hired as a computer teacher, becoming the technology coordinator in 2007 stepping out of the role of full-time teacher and into the role of providing technology support and instructional technology integration for the teachers. Most recently I accepted the position of Director of Educational Technology and Special Programs for the Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools. In this role I am working to help drive and build technology initiatives in the diocese' 19 schools and working with schools and teachers to integrate technology and build our strong and vibrant Catholic educational programs. In my leisure time I'm in a graduate program in Instructional Technology, and for pleasure I am an artist, enjoy jewelry design and a good book. My husband, Keith and I are originally from New Hampshire and we have 3 children (all of whom attended Catholic schools from Kindergarten through Charlotte Catholic High School), one a senior at UNCW, one a rising senior at CCHS and the youngest a rising Sophomore. I am very excited about this committee and look forward to working with everyone! //
 * Jacqui Durrett,** Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools Office, At Large Member
 * Jacqui Durrett,** Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools Office, At Large Member

- || Bio: I am beginning my sixth year as Librarian at St. Michael’s. I received a B.S. in Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing and a Minor in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a Master’s Degree in Business Education from Winthrop University, and a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Prior to coming to SMCS, I was employed as an adjunct instructor at Cleveland Community College and also served as a high school teacher. Prior to teaching, I was fortunate to be a stay at home mom when my children were younger. I have been married to my husband Greg for 24 years, and I have two children. My daughter, Alexis, is a freshman at UNC-Chapel Hill, and my youngest daughter, Erica, is currently in high school. I enjoy crafting and reading in my spare time.
 * Tammy Eason**, Saint Michael Catholic School (Charlotte Region) Content: Media, Grade Level: Elementary/Middle School
 * Tammy Eason**, Saint Michael Catholic School (Charlotte Region) Content: Media, Grade Level: Elementary/Middle School

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 * Nancy Farmer**, Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School (Triad Region) Content: Science, Grade Level: Middle School
 * Nancy Farmer**, Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School (Triad Region) Content: Science, Grade Level: Middle School

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 * Patty Fischer**, Saint Matthew Catholic School (Charlotte Region) Content: Technology, Grade Level: Elementary
 * Patty Fischer**, Saint Matthew Catholic School (Charlotte Region) Content: Technology, Grade Level: Elementary

- || Bio: I received my MFA from Tulane University and my BA from Appalachian State I began teaching art at St. Pius X in 1996 and moved to Bishop McGuinness in 2005. I teach a number of different classes within the visual arts discipline including Honors and AP (Studio and Art History), Photography, Pottery, Graphic Design and, for the past 3 years, - Yearbook. I love my students and feel very fortunate to work in the environment of Catholic education and Bishop McGuinness in particular. I am also a yoga teacher, avid walker, traveller and tree hugger. My children are grown and still live nearby for which I am very happy.
 * Martha Garrett**, Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School (Triad Region) Content: Visual Arts, Grade Level: High School
 * Martha Garrett**, Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School (Triad Region) Content: Visual Arts, Grade Level: High School

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 * Julie Gehling**, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School (Triad Region) Content: Counselor, Grade Level: Elementary/ Middle School
 * Julie Gehling**, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School (Triad Region) Content: Counselor, Grade Level: Elementary/ Middle School

- || Bio: //I started my career as an high school English teacher in an all-girls Catholic high school in Michigan, and have subsequently worked as a secondary school counselor in Ohio, North Carolina and Illinois. Aside from 3 years at Mooresville senior high school, my 30+ years of experience have been at Catholic schools. I earned my bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of Michigan.//
 * Karen Grauman**, Charlotte Catholic High School (Charlotte Region) Content: Counselor, Grade Level: High School
 * Karen Grauman**, Charlotte Catholic High School (Charlotte Region) Content: Counselor, Grade Level: High School

//I enjoy various types of needlework, and traditionally bake cupcakes to remember the birthdays of my department members--working through Martha Stewart's book! I just finished three t-shirt quilts for nieces' and a nephew's high school graduation, and am most grateful that the next graduation is three years hence. My book group keeps me reading--I've been with them since I moved to NC in 1993!//

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 * Alan Hirsh**, Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School (Triad Region) Content: Music, Grade Level: High School
 * Alan Hirsh**, Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School (Triad Region) Content: Music, Grade Level: High School

- || Bio: //This is my ninth year teaching history at St. Mark Catholic School. Prior to this, I taught in a public junior high school in New York City. I have always had a passion for history. Both my bachelor's and master's degrees were earned at The City University of New York. I began work on a PhD in Holocaust history prior to moving to North Carolina. I currently teach several history courses related to the Holocaust at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, including a new study abroad course to Poland. I also serve as a regional educator for the Anti-Defamation League as well as The University of Southern California Shoah Foundation Institute. I am also a US Holocaust Memorial Museaum Teacher Fellow. I live in Cornelius with my husband, two daughters, and a great dog!//
 * Judy LaPietra**, Saint Mark Catholic School (Charlotte Region) Content: Social Studies, Grade Level: Middle School
 * Judy LaPietra**, Saint Mark Catholic School (Charlotte Region) Content: Social Studies, Grade Level: Middle School

- || Bio: //I have taught all levels of mathematics at Charlotte Catholic High School since 1999. I have been the Mathematics Department Chairperson since 2002. Prior to coming to CCHS, I taught at Divine Child High School in Dearborn, MI and Alexander Graham Middle School in Charlotte. I earned my bachelor's degree at Clemson University and my master's degree at Eastern Michigan University.//
 * Libby Lerner**, Charlotte Catholic High School (Charlotte Region) Content: Math, Grade Level: High School
 * Libby Lerner**, Charlotte Catholic High School (Charlotte Region) Content: Math, Grade Level: High School

- || Bio: //Having been a part of the Counseling Program at Bishop McGuinness since 1986, I have watched the school grow from 265 students to 550. It has been an exciting journey over the past 27 years watching the growth and the many changes that have taken place.// //Prior to coming to BMHS, I taught English and Psychology in the High School Diploma Program at Forsyth Technical Community College. While I am originally from North Carolina, I spent nine years in Germantown, Tennessee where I worked as Youth Director in the Germantown United Methodist Church.// //When I am not sewing and enjoying time with my four grandchildren and their parents, I like to cook and entertain with friends.// //I am excited about being a part of this Curriculum Council and working with so many people from different schools in the Diocese.//
 * Carol London**, Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School (Triad Region) Content: Counselor, Grade Level: High School
 * Carol London**, Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School (Triad Region) Content: Counselor, Grade Level: High School

- || Bio: //This is my 34th year of being an educator! I was a special education teacher for 18 years in Virginia Beach (7 years at the elementary level and 11 at the high school level) teaching students with intellectual and learning disabilities. I was the principal of Sacred Heart Catholic School in Salisbury for 9 years and then went back to special education in a central office public school position for 7 years before becoming the assistant superintendent. I am glad to be back with the Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools!//
 * Kathleen Miller,** Assistant Superintendent, Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools Office
 * Kathleen Miller,** Assistant Superintendent, Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools Office

//My undergraduate degree is in special education for the intellectually disabled. I have a Master's in Education with a major in learning disabilities. I have completed all coursework towards a doctorate in Educational Leadership but have not written my dissertation, yet!//

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Bio:This is my twelfth year at Bishop McGuinness H.S.moving to Bishop after five years teaching at Our Lady of Grace. I have also taught in the Archdiocese of Newark. I hold a BS in microbiology with a minor in chemistry (30 cr), an MAT with a concentration in Judaeo-Christian Study, an MA in Theological studies, and a PhD in Educational studies in Educational leadership and cultural foundations. I enjoy teaching Sacraments and Morality to junior level students and look for ways to bring 21st century educational techniques to my classroom.
 * Danita Ostasiewski**, Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School (Triad Region) Content: Religion, Grade Level: High School
 * Danita Ostasiewski**, Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School (Triad Region) Content: Religion, Grade Level: High School

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 * Connie Rafferty**, Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School (Triad Region) Content: English Language Arts, Grade Level: High School
 * Connie Rafferty**, Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School (Triad Region) Content: English Language Arts, Grade Level: High School

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 * Erin Read**, Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School (Triad Region) Content: English Language Arts, Grade Level: Middle School
 * Erin Read**, Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School (Triad Region) Content: English Language Arts, Grade Level: Middle School

- || Bio: //I have spent my entire career in education and while most of my career has been in Catholic schools, I have experience in public education as well. I began as a special area teacher Pre-K-8 and moved into teaching elementary school. I have taught every grade Pre-K- to 5th. The most challenging and rewarding experience was in multi-age education. From the classroom I moved into administration working first as a teaching assistant principal, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent and finally superintendent//.
 * Janice Ritter,** Superintendent**,** Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools Office
 * Janice Ritter,** Superintendent**,** Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools Office

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Bio: I have been teaching in Catholic schools for 21 years. Prior to coming to Saint Ann in Charlotte, I taught in Fairfax, VA and Little Rock AR. I earned my bachelor degree in education at the University of Arkansas. I have been a kindergarten teacher for the last 13 years. I have two children who graduated from Charlotte Catholic High School and are now in college.
 * Kay Roberts**, Saint Ann Catholic School (Charlotte Region) Content: Math, Grade Level: Lower Elementary

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 * Rhonda Shear**, Charlotte Catholic High School (Charlotte Region) Content: Science, Grade Level: High School
 * Rhonda Shear**, Charlotte Catholic High School (Charlotte Region) Content: Science, Grade Level: High School

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 * Jean Spegal**, Saint Gabriel Catholic School (Charlotte Region) Content: English Language Arts, Grade Level: Upper Elementary
 * Jean Spegal**, Saint Gabriel Catholic School (Charlotte Region) Content: English Language Arts, Grade Level: Upper Elementary

- || Bio: //I have been a Librarian at CCHS for 8 years. Prior to this I was part time for 3 years as a CCHS Library Assistant. My passion in the library is research, plagiarism prevention, and preparing students for their information needs at the college level. For many years, I was a stay at home mom with an enormous amount of school volunteer hours before completing my Masters at UNC-G. I have 3 sons that are CCHS and NCSU graduates.//
 * Terri Taylor**, Charlotte Catholic High School (Charlotte Region) Content: Media, Grade Level: High School
 * Terri Taylor**, Charlotte Catholic High School (Charlotte Region) Content: Media, Grade Level: High School

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 * Ramon Villacura**, Charlotte Catholic High School (Charlotte Region) Content: World Language, Grade Level: High School
 * Ramon Villacura**, Charlotte Catholic High School (Charlotte Region) Content: World Language, Grade Level: High School

//I am originally from Chile, and established myself in the United States in January 2000. I've been working in education/business for about 20 plus years and teaching Spanish in the US for about 9. My passion is to design, develop and implement new ways to help our students to learn. Working for CMS, in the IB Diploma program and AP Lang. & Lit., I was able to contribute to NCDPI in the development and implementation of the new k-12 WL Standards (Modern Languages). I tested and supported the implementation of e-Linguafolio and I was also invited by the NCDPI to participate in the identification and evaluation of assessment tools for the new national WL proficiency levels. Currently, I have plans to finish my PhD and I am working on my presentation for the Annual State World Language Conference in Oct (FLANC).// //This past year was my first year at Charlotte Catholic as a teacher. However, my family and I have been involved with St. Patrick's, Holy Trinity, and Charlotte Catholic as parents and volunteers, and in our parish St. Vincent de Paul's as catechists and youth group volunteers... and certainly will be involved for many more, since Matias, my youngest, is a raising 5th grade student at St. Pat's.// //I am honored with the opportunity to be a part of such great group of professionals, and together contribute to our Catholic education.// - || Bio: I am currently a fourth grade teacher at St. Matthew School in Charlotte. I have been teaching for 30 years and my experience has consisted of Elementary levels including 4th Grade, 2nd Grade, and Computer Education as well as Middle School Math. My undergraduate degree is in Elementary Education/Math and my Master’s Degree is in Educational Computing. I have also done graduate work in Special Education. Having taught in both public and private schools, I most enjoy the ministry of teaching in a Catholic School. It is a privilege to teach in a God-centered environment where we can integrate our faith in each subject we teach and into our interactions with our students and colleagues. - || T**odd Wilson**, Asheville Catholic School (Mountains Region) Content: Math, Grade Level: Middle School Bio:
 * Trish Wendover**, Saint Matthew Catholic School (Charlotte Region) Content: Math, Grade Level: Upper Elementary
 * Trish Wendover**, Saint Matthew Catholic School (Charlotte Region) Content: Math, Grade Level: Upper Elementary

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