Faculty and Staff Directory

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 and Special Education from 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 a year and a half.

In 2020, I accepted the position as principal back at Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School. 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. As I begin my third year as Principal, I have a renewed commitment to enhancing our Catholic identity and the spiritual lives of our students and families. 

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 Jennifer Butler, I work in the school office as an administrative assistant and assistant to the principal. I have been at Epiphany 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 new parents to our precious seven month old granddaughter, Norah. I have a degree in Music Education from Kennesaw State University and taught elementary music for two 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!  

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!

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.

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!  

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! 

Mrs. Tylka is originally from Ohio and most recently lived in Northern Virginia prior to moving to Florida in 2020.  She has taught in all 3 States in various roles including Substitute Teacher, Title I Reading Specialist, Elementary Classroom Teacher, School-wide Intervention Resource Teacher and Coach, and has been a mentor for pre-service teachers.  She earned an Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education from Stark State College (Ohio), a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education with Reading Endorsement from Walsh University (Ohio), and a Master of Arts in Education with a focus on Curriculum Instruction and Design from Eastern Mennonite University (Virginia).  Mrs. Tylka believes that establishing positive relationships and rapport with her colleagues, students, and their families is the foundation to helping each child be successful.  She lives with her husband; John and they have 3 adult children. Returning to a Catholic School truly feels like home to her and she looks forward to sharing her faith and serving the students and families of Epiphany Cathedral School

I moved to Venice a year and a half ago from Charlotte, North Carolina. This school year will be my 22nd year as a School Counselor. I received my Bachelor’s degree from Francis Marion University and my Masters degree from the University of South Carolina.

 
My daughter ,Elizabeth , is a sophomore at Western Carolina University and my son, Anthony, is a Senior at Venice High.  My husband and I have been married for 22 years! We love the beautiful beaches of Venice and enjoy being outside! I am very excited to join Epiphany this school year! I look forward to meeting everyone and working with others to share God’s love. 
 

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.”

I am so excited for the 2022-2023 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 17 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.

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

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! Last year I taught Kindergarten at Epiphany, and this year I will be an assistant in the Pre-school. 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! 

I just moved to Venice, Florida three years ago with my husband and17-year-old daughter. We moved here from Littleton, Colorado. I taught Pre-K in a charter school for 6 years while working on my degree. In my free time, I enjoy doing things outdoors with my husband and daughter. I especially love hiking, biking, and kayaking. When I lived in Colorado, it was my mission to hike to every waterfall. I also enjoy playing games. My family and I have created a tradition of playing either a board game or card game while eating dinner together. Another thing I like to do is listen to stand-up comedy. I just recently graduated with my Bachelor's degree in early childhood education! With this degree, I received my reading and ESOL endorsement. This will be my first year teaching at Epiphany, but I have done some fieldwork in this school. During my time here, I fell in love with the school and the staff and look forward to being part of the team. There is nothing more special to me than to be able to teach a faith-filled curriculum! I look forward to teaching as it has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. I believe every student can learn but maybe not in the same way or at the same pace. It is my mission to try to help every student feel and be successful. My hope is to instill a love of learning and a growth mindset in each of my students. Most importantly, I also hope to instill a love for and trust in God and his teachings. 

Hello, I'm Ann Schiffer and this will be my second full time year at Epiphany. 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. 

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.

Hi, I’m Julie Collins and I am the 4th 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 8th, 7th, and 3rd.  

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?” 

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

Listen to directions
Enter and exit prepared
Always try your best
Respect others
No excuses

“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. 

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.  

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

Hello, my name is Faith Allen, and I am the school librarian.  This will be my 11th 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!

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 3rd 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.

My name is Alicia Radefeld and 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!