Faculty and Staff

1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves.

I graduated from Florida Tech in 1993 with an AS in Electronic/Computer Repair.

I married Vicki and moved to San Diego, Ca. where I worked at 5th Avenue Computers. We returned to Florida in 1995 and I eventually started working at American Computer Express in Sarasota. A.C.E. closed its doors in 1997 and as I was looking in other directions God led me to Epiphany. I was the first computer technician to be hired when all the schools in the diocese were still having teachers try to fix their technology problems.

I wear many hats here as I am responsible for all the maintenance and upkeep of the networks, the computers, printers, servers, tvs, radios, all electronic components, and all the technology programs here at the school and at the Cathedral. I coach some of the school teams which have included boys and girls soccer, boys and girls basketball, and golf. I also drive the bus when needed.

Life for me is a blessing. I Love my family, I Love my job, and I Love my life. To be here around all our children who share their love with me is very satisfying and fulfilling. When God directs your life great things happen and for me this is one of those things.

I hope and pray that when you look back on your school days here at Epiphany you think of me and smile, and when I think of you I do the same.

Always remember that God loves you unconditionally and I strive to do the same.

My name is Jennifer Butler, I work in the school office as an administrative assistant and assistant to the principal. I have been at ECS since June 2017. My husband, Brian, and I moved here from North Georgia. We have four adult children, Luke, Jake, Silas and Abbie. Luke and his wife, April, are expecting a baby, so we are excited about becoming grandparents this year. I have a degree in Music Education from Kennesaw State University and taught elementary music for 2 years before becoming a stay-at-home Mom. When I returned to work in 2015, I began working in a school office. Being in the front office, I get to know all the students and their families and the faculty and staff. It is such a blessing to work with these wonderful people. I also enjoy being one of the cantors for Mass at the Cathedral. My husband and I are parishioners here.  

When we were planning the move to Venice, I kept praying Proverbs 3:5-6, asking the Lord to direct my path. I am so thankful he led me to Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School and Parish!  

Hello ~ My name is Shannon Dalton and I am the Lead Resource Teacher at Epiphany Cathedral School.  I have been a proud part of Epiphany since 1995 and consider this special place to be my ‘second home’.  I am originally from Upstate New York and hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from the State University of New York at Oneonta with a minor in Educational Psychology.

I provide children with support and/or enrichment to ensure a positive and successful academic year. Every child I teach holds a place in my heart. I believe children are unique and bring something special to a class. Smiles are an important part of everyday.  I always say “A smile happens quickly, but the memory of it lasts a long time”. 

A little information about me… My husband Maurice and I are the proud parents of two amazing boys, Evan and Carter.  Both boys attended Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School. Evan is now a college student and Carter is now a high school student.  We enjoy spending time together as a family and playing with our silly dogs. 

A bit of wisdom:  Learning is a life-long journey, and every day is a new adventure.  Grab ahold of that excitement and never stop exploring the beautiful world God gave us to enjoy!

One of my favorite prayers is the Peace Prayer of St. Francis.

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light; Where there is sadness, joy.

O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

To be consoled as to console;

To be understood as to understand; To be loved as to love;

For it is in giving that we receive, It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

And it is in dying that wear are born to eternal life.

God Bless! 

I was born and raised in Brooklyn New York. I grew up in a family of educators, which included my own parents, who were both high school teachers.

I always dreamed of becoming an elementary school teacher and had a love for children from early on in my life. After graduating college in 1991 from Washington University in St. Louis Missouri with a B.A. in History, my life went in a different direction. I began working in Manhattan at a law firm as a paralegal and then at various financial institutions for the next 13 years.

After experiencing first-hand, the events that took place during 9/11, I decided to pursue my passion and become a teacher. I began working for the Diocese of Brooklyn in 2002 as an elementary school teacher. I took on numerous responsibilities and after school projects to support the children and provide engaging and unique experiences for all students. I had a love of education and finally found my calling in Catholic education.

At that time, married with two children I entered a program and earned my M.S. in Education form Touro college and continued on to receive my M.Ed. in Educational Leadership at the University of Cincinnati. I served as a teacher for close to 10 years in the Diocese of Brooklyn and then went on to become a director, assistant principal and then interim principal.

My husband and I made the decision in 2017 to relocate to Florida with our two children, who are now in college. I immediately began working for Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School in the Diocese of Venice as a preschool director, teacher and then assistant principal. I was then offered a position in Sebring at St. Catherine Catholic school where I was principal for the last year and a half.

Last year, I accepted a position as principal back at Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School for the 2020-2021 school year. I am aware of the many challenges families, educators and administrators are facing in today’s world, as children begin returning to school in the wake of the pandemic. Prayer, commitment, and adherence to safety protocols will be my primary focus this year. The children are always my number one priority.

I am proud to be an alum of Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School, class of 1994. I also attended Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, class of 1998. I then went on to play volleyball at the University of Montevallo and was pursuing a degree in Elementary Education when I made the decision to transfer to University of Florida. I graduated with a degree in English and went on to teach at Cardinal Mooney, Mount Pisgah Christian School (Alpharetta, GA) and King’s Ridge Christian School (Alpharetta, GA). In 2016, I pursued my dream of coaching volleyball at the collegiate level at The College of Coastal Georgia. We spent the past four years immersed in college volleyball and it was a wonderful experience! In May 2020, we moved back home to Venice and are happy to be here. I began as the Director of Development in August 2020. It feels great to be back at Epiphany as parishioners and as parents!  

Mark 11:24

Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

I am a Wisconsin grown, cheese loving, Packer backer!  In 2007 I married the love of my life and with God’s loving hand we have created a beautiful, blended family.  I am a mother of 5, stepmother of 5 and a grandmother of 8.  In 2018, after much prayer and thought my husband and I decided to relocate our family to Florida.  We were instantly attracted to Venice because of Epiphany, the beach and the community.  I feel God’s hand guiding me every day to Epiphany!  We enrolled our 4 youngest children at Epiphany and now I am also working at Epiphany, God hears our prayers.  

We love to spend time at the beach, searching for shark teeth and shells.  Our favorite way to spend time as a family indoors is to play cards.  We love to play Uno, 100 Point Rummy and Canasta.  

God has never left my side and he has walked this amazing path with me.  Jesus, I Trust in You!

Whatever it is, Pray on it, Pray over it, but most of all Pray Through It!

My name is Angela Cain and I am proud to call Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School my new home. I have been working in childcare since I was in high school and have always dreamed of working with children as my career. I am excited to be working with your little ones at Epiphany this year. My husband and I have three children and we love to go to the beach in our free time. We are huge Green Bay Packers fans! I am excited to get to meet our new students and families! We are going to have a great school year. 

I am so excited for the 2021-22 school year! We have so many fun things planned, and I am thrilled your child will be at Epiphany this year. I grew up right here in sunny Venice, Florida and I have my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I have been teaching children between the ages of 1-7 years old for 16 years. My husband and I have two children and one dog, and we love to stay busy outdoors and spending time with friends and family.  

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” Proverbs 31:26 

My name is Mrs. Gaither and I cannot wait for this school year to begin! I was born and raised in Florida. I married my high school sweetheart and we have three beautiful daughters. I love spending time with my family and friends. We enjoy getting out to the local beaches and parks! I have a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and have worked with ages birth-5 years old. This is my ninth year working in the field.  I have a passion for working with young children and being a part of their growth and development in the early years. I am excited to be able to get to know and work with you and your children this school year.

Hello, I am Mrs. Jacqueline Stuart.   I really love teaching!  Everyday is always a new adventure and a gift from God.  The children's wonderful smiles and great stories always fill my heart with joy. I joined the staff of Epiphany Cathedral School in 1992. I am so blessed to be a part of this community where I am able to share my faith every day with my students.

I attended the University of South Florida and graduated with my Bachelors of Science degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education.   I later attended Barry University and earned my Master of Science degree in Exceptional Student Education.

My Florida certifications include

• Director Credential
• Primary Education
• Elementary Education
• Varying Exceptionalities
• VPK

From the Diocese of Venice, I have my Intermediate Catechist certification.

Junior Kindergarten is a year of great exploration with an emphasis on phonemic awareness skills and number sense development. In our class we enjoy many STREAM activities. Cooking in our classroom is a marvelous activity that includes all of our five senses that God has given to us.  The rule is everyone must take a two bite taste test.  To this day, the taste test rule is used in the homes of former students who are now parents.

A great educational and spiritual foundation is what I strive to give to all my students.  I believe that a positive self-image and strong self-esteem are two of the greatest assets a child can possess. I strive to insure that all my students achieve these qualities. A well- rounded holistic, social, emotional, academic program is provided in this Catholic Environment.

The song, All Are Welcome by Marty Haugen exemplifies how our Catholic identity and faith are share in my classroom.

Let us build a house where love can dwell and all can safely live, a place where saints and children tell how hearts learn to forgive. Built of hopes and dreams and visions, rock of faith and vault of grace; here the love of Christ shall end divisions. All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, relaxing at the beach especially at sunset.  Reading, often with my granddaughter, biking, sightseeing, baking, and cooking in general are wonderful family activities I enjoy. My husband says, “Our kitchen always smells like something yummy.”

My name is Chris Collins.  I have an A.A. Degree from Manatee Community College, Venice, FL, and a CDA Degree also from Manatee Community College.  In addition to my degrees, I have taken continuing educational classes thru USF and Sarasota Technical School.  I started at Epiphany Early Childhood in Feb. 1991 in the After School Program and became the Junior Kindergarten Assistant in Aug. 1991 to the present time.

I believe in a Catholic Education because it is rich in academics and rooted in faith.  My parents gave me a Catholic education because they saw the importance of having religion in my life.   The students that attended the Preschool are now college graduates and responsible adults.  Several of Epiphany graduates have become doctors and lawyers. I enjoy working with the children on the computer and see how they improve their skills, proficiency and independence.  

My teaching philosophy: All children are miracles and they deserve the opportunity to show it.

My favorite quote: “We are shaped and fashioned by what we love.”    Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

My favorite Bible verse: In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success. Proverbs 3:6

Welcome to Second Grade!  I am Dr. Lisa M. Richardson. This is my eighth year at Epiphany Cathedral School and 18^th year teaching. I moved from Chicago, Illinois eight years ago and spent one year educating at Island Village Montessori School. Prior to that, I taught First Grade at St. Mary Immaculate Parish School in Plainfield, Illinois.  

I have my Doctorate and Educational Specialist degrees in Educational Leadership from National Louis University. I completed my Master’s Degree in Online Teaching and Learning from the University of South Florida. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of St. Francis.  Additionally, I have Montessori training, am ESOL certified, and have my Educational Leadership certification for principal in the state of Florida.

My family is the heart of my life! I am a mother of seven fantastic kids through a blended family with my partner, Gregg. Our children range from 29 years to 16 years old. They keep us busy and grounded.

I have an amazing year planned for our class. The most important thing is that I am blessed to be able to share with my students and their families two Sacraments this year, First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Together with Stephen McEntegart, they will be well prepared. 

Throughout the year, students are given a variety of learning experiences to foster independence and growth. I encourage a hands-on approach to the curriculum with art, manipulatives, acting, music, and technology to enrich our learning and make it come alive. There is 30 minutes of homework daily from Mondays through Thursdays.

My expectations for students are that they treat each other with respect and kindness (follow the Great Commandment), they try their best in everything they do, listen to others when they speak, and follow directions quickly. We use good manners and respect our school. This helps us not only with preparing ourselves for Reconciliation and Communion, but for being a good Catholic where ever we go in life.

I look forward to a great year!

Hi, I’m Julie Collins and I am the 4^th grade teacher at Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School. This is my fourth year teaching at Epiphany, but I was a substitute here for seven years before that! I was born in Peoria, Illinois and moved to Tampa when I was 10 years old. I attended Catholic school from Kindergarten through high school. I studied Elementary Education at Wingate University in Wingate, North Carolina and graduated from there in 2001. I began teaching at the elementary level and taught for six years until my husband (Epiphany Alum) and I started our family and I stayed home to be with our daughters. Currently, our daughters all attend Epiphany and are in grades 6^th, 4^th, and 1^st.  

I grew up in a Catholic family that valued education. I truly love teaching at a Catholic school and enjoy attending mass on Fridays with our students. I feel blessed that I can share my Catholic faith with my students. Teaching our students to be kind and loving is my most important job—in fact, you’ll find me and several other teachers wearing our Be Kind shirts on Tuesdays! It’s a great reminder for us and our students to Be Kind!  

I enjoy reading, running, and spending time with my family. My girls take up most of my free time since they are involved in dance, gymnastics, soccer, and anything related to arts and crafts! They definitely keep us busy! 

My favorite Bible verse is Matthew 6:25-34. “Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” 

My name is Mary Guarino and I am the first grade teacher.  I have been at the Epiphany Cathedral School for the past 10 years. 

My passion is teaching children and I have worked in this field for over 30 years after receiving my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Rivier College in Nashua, New Hampshire. Along the way I have taken countless courses and workshops to keep current as teaching strategies and theories continue to evolve.

I grew up in a Catholic family and always believed that helping others and being kind is the greatest way to be true to my Catholic faith.  I enjoy attending church on Fridays with the children and helping them to understand the mass. Teaching the children to be loving and honest human beings is the most important part of my job.

My family and I moved from Massachusetts to Venice several years ago to get away from those frigid winters! We love the small town feel of Venice to go along with the most beautiful beaches we have seen. My son Dante is 23 and is working on his MBA in Business Analytics.

I enjoy drawing, painting and especially running. I am part of the Venice V-Pack Running Group and participate in many of the local races. The children love to hear how the races have gone and what place I came in!

My experience educating children has run from 3 months to 7 years of age. I love learning all of their unique personalities and styles so that I can present material in the most effective way.

My expectations for the children are that they are always rested and ready to learn each day. That they will use kind words with each other and remember the “Golden Rule”, which is to treat others as you want to be treated. They also need to use good manners and follow directions the first time they are given.

I believe it is critical that a teacher makes every child feel comfortable and confident. I take pride in creating an enjoyable environment that every child wants to be a part of each day.

Hello! My name is Erin Phillips. I am a passionate, energetic educator with the aim to instill a lifelong love of learning within my students! I am entering my 2nd year of teaching. I am a proud alum of ECS (class of ’05). I graduated from Maryville College in Maryville, TN. My husband and I have two amazing children who keep us on our toes. I am so excited about the opportunity to work with my students this year. Go Tigers!!

My name is Linda Slak and I am from Frankfort, Illinois where I graduated from Concordia University. Last summer, I moved to Florida with my husband and youngest daughter to be closer to my two older daughters. I have extensive teaching experience from substitute teaching in K-8 to teaching first and second grade. I thought I was going to retire after moving, but I missed teaching and the children too much! This will be my first year teaching Kindergarten, however, I worked as a classroom aide and took over a maternity leave for this age group. Ever since I was in first grade, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. The biggest joy for me is seeing children learning how to read and developing a love for books. In my free time, I love to create new games and activities for my classroom. I believe learning should be fun for the children! 

The entire law is summed up in a single command:  “Love your neighbor as yourself.”   Galatians 5:14

The 2021-2022 school year will be my sixteenth year teaching at Epiphany Cathedral School. I earned my Associates Degree in Elementary Education from Manatee Community College and my Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida. I am certified in both Elementary Education and English for Speakers of Other Languages.

I attended Epiphany Cathedral School (Class of '95!) and Venice High School (Class of '99!). I am very fortunate to still be residing in Nokomis with my husband, Jesse, our beautiful daughter Emma (Epiphany alumni) and our handsome son Jack(Epiphany 6th grader). 

I am very anxious to meet each of my students along with their wonderful families and am looking forward to a spectacular year!

My Teaching Philosophy

I truly believe that every child deserves to and can learn; however not on the same day or the same way. Because of this I feel teaching through differentiated instruction will best benefit the student.  I also believe that children learn best when they are part of a positive, non-threatening learning environment. This type of environment helps to develop a sense of self confidence which in turn assists in promoting an eager learner. Also, being part of a social environment where children can converse with other children, helps to expand language and their thinking. This is where I believe cooperative learning groups are necessary.  Children learn best through “hands-on” experiences where they are encouraged to question, explore, and discover. I feel through an integrated curriculum children can be engaged in real-life activities and learning centers. I believe that I need to set high expectations for my students and encourage them to show courage, practice honesty, have compassion, and be fair. I will have an open communication with my students that will not only build their trust but also show them that I too am human and make mistakes. I feel children learn best when there are positive parental influences not only in the home, but also involved with the school and in the classroom. I want my room to be comfortable for my students and their parents as well.

The teacher
Said to the students,
“Come to the edge.”
They replied,
“We might fall.”
The teacher again said,
“Come to the edge.”
They responded,
“It’s too high!”
The teacher demanded.
And they came…
Then
the teacher 
pushed them…
and they…flew.
                                    ~Anonymous

Classroom Expectations

1. Listen to directions
2. Enter and exit prepared
3. Always try your best
4. Respect others
5. No excuses

My name is pronounced “Mary-elle”, and I am a recent graduate of the University of South Florida’s English Literature Graduate program. I love reading, music, and sharing books and stories with others. I have a passion for learning and traveling. In the classroom, I do my best to teach in a way that sparks interest and passion in my students so that they too can engage happily in every learning experience in the classroom and beyond. 

This is my first year at Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School, and my first opportunity to work with elementary students. My previous experience is in teaching college students, and beginning this year I will be teaching high school-aged students. I am very excited to be expanding my understanding of teaching students of all ages, and engaging with a faith-based curriculum and pedagogy for the first time. I have always prayed for my students, but being able to assure them of this will be a new pleasure in teaching. 

I look forward to meeting the parents and families of ECC this year and getting to be a part of the growing lives in our classrooms. 

Hello, I'm Ann Schiffer and this will be my first full time year at Epiphany. Last year, I was a substitute teacher and this year I will be the Kindergarten Assistant. I am originally from Toledo, Ohio and attended the University of Toledo where I earned my Bachelor's degree in 2003. I moved to Venice, FL in 2019 and am currently working on my Teacher Accreditation at the University of South Florida. I love learning and encouraging students to never stop learning! My hobbies include all different activities, from craft projects to swimming and kayaking. I am also a huge animal lover and spent 10 years working at the Toledo Humane Society. I can't wait to be a part of the ECCS family. 

I am originally from Kenosha Wisconsin. I enlisted in the Army at 17 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant after attending ROTC at Marquette University in 1985. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin Parkside in 1988 with degrees in History, Sociology, and Education. After graduation, I went back to active-duty Army and served in Japan, Korea before going back to teach History in Wisconsin public schools. While teaching and being a member of the National Guard, I earned three Master Degree from Aurora University ( MA Education), the US Army War College (MA Strategic Planning), and Cardinal Stritch (MA, Educational Leadership). In 2007 I was mobilized for three years to serve in Afghanistan. I retired as a Full Colonel from the military in 2013 after serving for a total of 33 years.  In 2016 I retired as a public-school teacher after 24 years in the classroom and became a military contractor in Beirut, Lebanon. Upon returning from Lebanon, I became a Curriculum Coordinator for a Therapeutic School serving students with emotionally disturbed behaviors and Autism. I then became the Dean of Students at St Margaret Mary’s in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and eventually served as the Secondary Principal at Faith Christian School in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. I feel God has called me to be a servant leader and that my purpose in this life is to disciple young people to be a follower of Christ. 

My name is Stephen Morganelli and I am very excited to be teaching at Epiphany Cathedral School. I was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, home to the wonderful Boston Red Soxs! I come from a large Italian family which includes my mother, three brothers, one sister, seven nieces, one nephew, and many first cousins. After high school, I attended the University of Massachusetts and majored in Zoology, receiving a Bachelors of Science degree in 1974. Upon graduation I began my teaching career in a western Massachusetts regional school, teaching science and math. In 1982, I transferred to a newly founded private school and taught math and science. It was exciting being a major part in establishing this school and seeing its tremendous growth over the years. This school has just celebrated its 32nd anniversary. In 1997, I had the opportunity of transferring to Toronto, Canada and working at a religious educational retreat facility with the Franciscan Frairs from the Order of the Immaculate Conception. During this time I completed my Masters in Education in 2001. As a member of the staff at St. Francis Center, I was able to create programs in spirituality as well as programs which allowed one to fully appreciate God's beautiful creations in nature. I joined ECS in 2005. Epiphany affords me the opportunity to excite children into discoveries of science and to strengthen my Catholic faith. It has truly been a rewarding experience. Epiphany Cathedral School is a true family that cares for others.

My favorite Bible verse is John 15:12......"This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."  We as Christians need to reach out to those around us and offer assistance. It is through our actions and kind deeds that we are able to do God's will. Allow others to see Christ in you through your deeds and in your words.
Science classes will have a range of formats. Classes will include lectures, discussions, laboratory experiments, group activities, and individual projects. Students will be required to have fun in science, appreciate and marvel at God's wonderful world, and to do their best whatever the task may be. Homework will be given on certain nights to reinforce the concepts discussed in class. Some assignments may be long range (i.e projects). A schedule would be designed to help students plan time accordingly.

Students are requested to have a 3-ringed binder notebook, package of notebook paper, and ballpoint pens (black/blue). In addition, students in grades 6 and 7 will also need colored pencils for laboratory sketches. All assignments, handouts, and notes taken in class will be kept in the binder. It will become a wonderful reference for each student by the end of the school year! Students will also have the opportunity to enter our school Science Fair and hopefully move on to the county level Science Fair at the first of the year. Students look forward to exploration and all that science has to offer.

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Elementary Education. After attending Catholic schools myself, I have always had a strong desire to do my teaching in a Catholic school. My first teaching job was at St. Basil Catholic School in Michigan where I taught grades 6-8th Math and Science for two years. At that time, my husband and I moved to Florida and I accepted a high school math position. I taught classes ranging from Algebra 1 thru College Algebra at Key West High School for six years. When I was offered a position to teach grades 6-8th Math and Science at The Basilica School in Key West I could not refuse. When our second son was born we moved and I began to stay home with our boys. We now call Venice our home and love the Church and all it has to offer. 

 I am so thankful for the Catholic education that I received while growing up and would not be the person I am today without it. Teaching in the Catholic schools allows me to give back to our faith community. I am excited to be able to share my love of teaching with my students while always instilling a love for God and the Catholic faith.  

“Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” ~Colossians 3:17

As I enter my 6th year at Epiphany Cathedral School, my heart is filled with gratitude for a vocation where I can not only share my gift for teaching but my passion for our Catholic faith. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in English and Master’s Degree in Education from Washington University, St Louis. Having spent 16 years teaching in the public schools, I know what it’s like to teach, guide and counsel children without the benefit of faith. I believe the faith factor is the critical piece to help insure our children will grow into loving adults who will make a positive contribution through their families and/or vocations. I take my catechese pledge seriously and strive to incorporate it each day into my lessons and classroom. My goal is that each student builds a personal relationship with Christ, not just knowledge of Christ.

This year I will embark on two new assignments. I will be the Religion instructor for our middle school students as well as the Religious Director for our entire school. I am honored to have been chosen for these roles and eager to give my best through the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

In my years of experience, I have never met a child who did not have a special gift or talent given by God that makes them a gift to the world. I value the unique learning styles in each person and strive to insure all grow both academically and spiritually.

I respect and honor the role of parents in the formation of their children. The family is, after all, according to Pope John Paul II, the “Domestic Church”, the place where the groundwork of faith is laid and nurtured. It is in partnership with this Domestic Church where our children are best served.

I am blessed with a wonderful husband, Patrick, as we enjoy our personal sanctuary home here in Venice. We love spending our leisure time together creating a space that is soothing and inspiring for ourselves,our family, friends and neighbors....Translated that means lots of yard work!

I reflect each day on my intention to go where He leads me and only where He leads me and to be worthy of the vocational gift I’ve been given.

Ms. Garces is from South Florida and has been a middle school English Language Arts teacher for 6 years. She has a Bachelor's degree in English Literature with a minor in history, and a Masters in Business Adminstration. She is a product of Catholic education, both in elementary school and high school, and she is looking foward to working with Epiphany Catherdral School in fostering the sense of family and community through Christ. 

My name is Alicia (Radefeld) Dragash. I have a background in sports, philanthropy, and 10 years of teaching experience. 

I was welcomed to the Epiphany family in 2016.

Our PreK3 & PreK4 attend P.E. once a week and K-8th attend P.E. twice a week. Our students participate in the Presidential Fitness Challenge, Elks Hoop Shoot and Knights of Columbus Free- Throw Shooting Contest. 

I earned a master's degree in Sports Business from New York University.  I have a passion for health and fitness and hope to bring that enthusiasm to our Physical Education class! 

Go ECCS Tigers! 

"Today a reader, tomorrow a leader!" ~Margaret Fuller

Hello, my name is Faith Allen, and I am the school librarian.  This will be my tenth year at ECS after spending several years working in the Sarasota County Schools.

I was born and raised in the great state of Ohio, where I received my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Varying Exceptionalities from Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio.  I was a resource teacher at both the elementary and middle school grade levels before taking time off to raise our children. 

My husband Bill and I moved to Florida in 1993, and loved raising our children in the wonderful community of Venice. I am the proud "Grandma" of three fun-loving grandchildren who fill our lives with a tremendous sense of happiness and pride.

I am very excited to be starting my new role in the library at ECS after being in the classroom as a teacher's assistant for the past nine years. There is absolutely nothing I enjoy more than sharing my love of reading with our students. I am thrilled that I now have the wonderful opportunity to interact with every student, from our eager little preschoolers to our resourceful  8th graders! 

I consider it a true blessing to be a part of such a remarkable and caring school, and am looking forward to a fun filled year of developing each student's love for reading while encouraging them to use their knowledge and imagination to achieve their dreams!

This is my 20th year of teaching at Epiphany! Oh, how the time flies! I grew up on Long Island, and still have friends and family that I visit when I can. Venice is my home and ECCS is part of my family. I am proud to reside here.

I grew up in a musical family. Sunday afternoon was spent playing records and Dad loved the Big Band Era. I picked the flute to play in the 4th grade and loved it immediately. Throughout school I was involved in chorus, orchestra, and band. I attended Missouri Valley College in Marshall Mo. Where I received my BA in Music Education. I love both music and learning! Music has always been an important part of my life. It has opened many doors for me and brought me a sense of joy and peace. 

One of the greatest joys as a music teacher is watching my students become musicians. Then they can experience the joy of music making for themselves. Music education is vital to a well-rounded learning experience. I am also humbled to serve as Mass choir director for the school masses every week, and to serve as the flutist for my church where I get to play with amazing musicians. I honestly believe in music and the potential that it unlocks in many facets of our lives. Please feel free to contact me if you need anything. 

Just like your child's classroom teacher I have a few rules in the music classroom that I expect to be followed. They are: Follow all directions the first time. Raise your hand to talk. Use your best singing voice. Unfortunately, rules are not always followed so I have established a list of possible consequence in my room.

1. Warning

2 Time out (in the room)

3. Time out (beside the door)

4. Recess detention.

5. A visit with the principal

6. A call to mom and dad. 

I hope this gives you just a little glimpse into your child's music classroom. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call. I thank you for the opportunity to do music with your child. It is a gift to watch them develop in this area. I hope they are sharing their love for music with you at home!

Psalm 118:1-2 This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.

I look forward to my 7th year teaching at Epiphany and am excited to become our Technology Teacher and STREAM Coach. I am a daughter of God, wife to Ken, and mother to Matthew, who just graduated from Epiphany in May.

My path can be summed up by Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. I am a career changer, coming from the business world with an AAS in Business Administration from Briarcliffe College (NY) and a BS in Accounting from SUNY Old Westbury. I was blessed to stay home with my son before he started school. We moved to Florida from Stony Brook, NY in 2010, and since then I have volunteered at Englewood Elementary, taught in an afterschool reading program, worked at Venice Middle as a paraprofessional and a secretary, and attended a Teacher Certification program at SCF. I was called to volunteer as a Catechist in Epiphany's Sunday School program, which led to filling a long-term substitute position and I was proud to be hired at the end of that year.

One of my favorite things about teaching at Epiphany are the students! I love watching them learn and grow throughout the years, and now I get to work with all students each year. I am especially proud when I see my students lead in church by being our Altar Servers, Lectors, Cantors and choir members.  It is blessing to start each day in prayer with my students and fellow teachers. I fell in love with this school community at my very first morning gathering!

In my free time, I love to read (my students are NOT surprised!) and spend time with my family. The best perk about living in Florida is being able to go to the beach year-round! I have always enjoyed sharing literature with my students and now I am looking forward to sharing technology with them. My goal is to instill a love of learning and encourage them to become lifelong learners.  

St. Monica is near and dear to my heart, and Blessed Carlo Acutis will be the patron saint of the Technoloy Lab this year.

Miss Koolakian is a preschool-eighth grade Spanish teacher. This will be her 3^rd year teaching Spanish at Epiphany Cathedral School. She has taught elementary and middle school Spanish for the past 27 years and various other private schools. She received her bachelor’s degree in Accounting from SUNY Oswego, NY, and her Master’s degree in Education with a concentration in Spanish. She is looking forward to another great school year.

Nicole Rawley is a professional violinist performing and teaching in Sarasota, Myakka City, and Venice, Florida. She has a Master of Music Degree in Violin Performance with a concentration in Suzuki Pedagogy. Nicole is trained and registered with the Suzuki Association of the Americas to teach all ten volumes of the Suzuki Violin repertoire, and currently teaches violin, viola, and beginning cello.  While not performing or teaching, Nicole enjoys spending time with her husband and their two dogs.