St. John’s Parish Day School provides education in a spiritual environment for the children of the parish and community it serves. Our objectives are to help each child explore the loving relationship we have with God and each other; to encourage children to see themselves as separate persons, unique and capable; and to consider the child as a "whole person," with equal attention paid to emotional, intellectual, moral, physical, and social development. We welcome children of all faiths, race, color, national, and ethnic origin.
The St. John’s Mission
Our Approach
At St. John’s Parish Day School, children learn in a safe and nurturing environment that is academically rigorous and provides hands-on learning. Our Preschool and Lower School programs provide the foundation necessary to thrive and excel in an ever changing and complex world. At St. John’s one of the unique facets of being an Episcopal School is our dedication to providing a well-rounded academic program while fostering the spiritual development of our children. We see each child as a complete and unique individual and we hold the solemn responsibility of guiding each of our children through day-to-day learning experiences that will help them develop into men and women of honor, with high moral character, and compassion for their world. Our highly capable teachers and specialists work together to create a comprehensive and exciting program focused on educating the whole child: mind, body, and spirit.
Featured Staff Blog
News from Mrs. Illar's Class! Nov 13, 2008
If you want to hear about Teddy Bears dancing, read on!Great Learning and Fun in Mrs. Joerdens' Class Sep 22, 2008
Did Mrs. Joerdens' friends find the lost gingerbread girl and boy? How do you make yourself into an art project? and What fun projects can you make with shapes? To find out the answer to all these questions click on "Read More."Butterflies Abound! Aug 6, 2008
The first garden planted by students next to the Center for Ministry and Education has thriving butterfly bushes and Crepe Myrtle. On any given day, visitors see a plethora of butterflies gracing the bushes!Meet The Staff
Mrs. Tiffany Rath Lower School Director
View bioMrs. Rath is excited to begin another year at St. John’s. She studied
childhood education and psychology at SUNY Geneseo. The favorite part of her
day is being with the children in their learning process. It is the
dedication, creativity and joyfulness of staff, parents and students that
make the magical moments in our school everyday. When Mrs. Rath is not at
school, she loves to bike, sing, and read. Spending time with her family is
also a true joy in her life. On weekends, you can often find Mrs. Rath and
her husband biking while discovering new areas in Maryland.
childhood education and psychology at SUNY Geneseo. The favorite part of her
day is being with the children in their learning process. It is the
dedication, creativity and joyfulness of staff, parents and students that
make the magical moments in our school everyday. When Mrs. Rath is not at
school, she loves to bike, sing, and read. Spending time with her family is
also a true joy in her life. On weekends, you can often find Mrs. Rath and
her husband biking while discovering new areas in Maryland.
Mrs. Renee Harry
View bioFor the past 12 years while raising her children, Mrs. Harry has worked out of her home as a paralegal/consultant. She is excited to now be a part of the St. John’s family. Mrs. Harry lives in Mount Airy with her husband, Mike, two teenage children and their Welsh Corgie dog. In her spare time, she enjoys golf, swimming, cooking and gardening.
Dr. Sharon Runge Director of Development
View bioDr. Runge has served for the last seven years as Director of Development. She has a BS in child/family studies from the University of New Hampshire, an MA in education from Boston College, and a Ph.D. from New York University in Higher Education Administration. She has worked in a number of college administration positions prior to moving to Maryland, most recently at Ithaca College. When she is not planning the gala or writing a grant, she loves traveling and camping with her family, reading, knitting, and running. Dr. Runge is involved with outreach at the church, and traveled to Kenya last fall with Kenya Connect and Rev. Rosemary to further our relationship with the Mbaikini School. This past summer she and her family traveled to Scotland. She and her husband, Michael, have two daughters, Emma in fifth grade at St. John’s and Megan in Middle School.
Mrs. Deb Abel Preschool Office Administrator
View bioDeb Abel has worked at St. John�s for 16 years. She is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a BS in elementary and special education. St. John�s is like family to her and she loves watching the students grow from age three when they start at the school and then continue through the Lower School. She and her husband have two grown children who are alumni of the preschool.
Mrs. Jane Tolen Office Assistant and Admissions Assistant
View bioMrs. Tolen has been an office assistant at the Day School for 11 years, and a parishioner at St. John�s Episcopal Church almost her entire life. She holds a Bachelors Degree from Towson University and loves working at St. John�s. She loves interacting with the teachers, parents and students. Her hobbies include needlework, reading, gardening and performing in the handbell choir for the church. She and her husband have a 26 year old daughter who is an alumna of the school.
Mrs. Meg Same Business Manager
View bioMrs. Same has worked at St John’s for five years, first as a kindergarten assistant and now as the school’s business manager. She loves working with the great people of St John’s, including staff, parents and children. The warm and cooperative atmosphere is thoroughly enjoyable. A Michigan native, Mrs. Same has lived in Ellicott City for 25 years with her husband and three children. Mrs. Same holds a BS and an MBA from the University of Michigan. When not in school she likes to travel with her family back to Michigan, or to her husband’s home town, Rochester, NY. She also enjoys reading and sewing.
Ms. Judy Robbins Director of the Preschool
View bioJudy Robbins began assisting and teaching at St. John’s in 1981, becoming Director of the Preschool in 1986. She holds a BS in Child Development from Syracuse University. Ms. Robbins is an ex-officio Board Member of the Mid-Atlantic Episcopal Schools Association, and former member of the Governing Board of the National Association of Episcopal Schools. She says her passion in early childhood education is best answered in a poem by Robyn Squire titled “Kids are my Business” which explores the luck, pride, and gratefulness that she feels in working with children, helping them stay safe, and watching them play and grow. She is the mother of two St. John’s PDS alums, and grandmother to “4 incredible grandsons”, ages 8, 10, 13, and 14. When not at school, Ms. Robbins is an active member at St. John’s Church, spends time with her grandsons during “weekends at Grammy’s”, enjoys gardening, needlepoint, reading, Beatrix Potter, and England!
Ms. Susan Hennick PS Assistant
View bioSusan Hennick is an assistant in the three year old program. Ms. Hennick graduated from Centennial School district and attend Howard Community College where she earned her Associates degree. She married her high school sweetheart at age 21 and began taking classes at Maryland University for her teaching certification. Ms. Hennick was married 10 1/2 years when her husband died suddenly from an undetected heart defect. Her twins, Christopher and Rebecca, loved being a part of the St. John’s community and currently are attending Northfield Elementary School. For the past 5 years Ms. Hennick has been very involved with the organization called Mothers of Multiples. She has served on their board and other committees.
Mrs. Sue Grosso Three Year Old Teacher
View bioThis is Mrs. Grosso’s sixth year at St. John’s. She is a graduate of Lafayette College, where she met her husband, an orthopedic surgeon. Having spent 20 years in the army, they called many countries home including Korea. She is the former St. John’s Staff Representative to the Board of Trustees and has enjoyed over a decade of service to the Girl Scouts. She has two daughters and loves spending her summers in Stone Harbor, New Jersey.
Mrs. Carole Baumann Three Year Old Teacher
View bioMrs. Baumann has been teaching at St. John’s for seven years and is currently a teacher for the three-year-olds. She has a BS from Northeastern University in Boston. Her favorite part of the school day is standing at her door each morning, greeting all of the smiling faces as they walk down the hall to her classroom. She and her husband have three children ranging in age from 11 to 18 years. She enjoys tennis and teaching herself how to knit.
Mrs. Elizabeth Coppolino Four Year Old Teacher
View bioMrs. Coppolino has taught students of all ages from all over the world for over 20 years. She has a B.A. in Languages and Linguistics and a MA in Education specializing in teaching English to speakers of other languages. She loves teaching young children and watching their language and literacy skills develop. Outside of school she and her husband enjoy traveling, yoga, and hiking with their dogs. They have a wonderful son who is off exploring the world and attending university.
Mrs. Jenny Abel Preschool Assistant
View bioMrs. Abel has been on the staff for seven years and spent the past four years as an assistant with three year olds. She has a Bachelors Degree in English from Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. She loves the entire St. John�s Parish Day School Community, especially the camaraderie of the staff. She and her family have been parishioners of St. John�s Episcopal Church for 19 years and have been involved with many church activities. She and her husband have two children.
Mrs. Mary Jane Rudnicki Three Year Old Teacher
View bioMrs. Rudnicki is proud to be entering her 20th year as a Preschool teacher of three year olds. She has a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and a Masters in early childhood education from Penn State. Mrs. Rudnicki is the proud Mom of Jeff, an economist and Jill, a hotel hospitality specialist. She is on the Board of Directors of Howard County Youth Progam (HCYP) as well as the Auxillary Board of Howard County General Hospital.
Mrs. Valerie Mockapetris Preschool Assistant
View bioMrs. Mockapetris attended Westchester State College for four years and studied Math/Chemistry in secondary education. Mrs. Mockapetris family includes her husband David and two daughters, Teyha, 18 and Trisha, 13. This is her third year at St. John’s. She enjoys the children and their love of learning. One of her favorite parts of her work is when the children finally get the task they are learning such as learning how to cut with scissors correctly or putting together a new craft for the first time. At home, Mrs. Mockapetris enjoys crafts, tennis, and watching her children in their activities.
Ms. Tiffany Smith Preschool Assistant
View bioMs. Smith has served as an assistant in the Preschool and Lower School. She studied art in Belgium and is fluent in Dutch. She loves reading and works at a bookstore on the weekends and in the summer to support her book habit. Her daughter, her pride and joy, Madison, entered second grade in Mrs. Schoenhut’s class.
Mrs. Beverly Startt Preschool Assistant
View bioMrs. Startt joined the staff six years ago and is a teaching assistant in the four year old program. She has a Bachelors degree from James Madison University. Her philosophy about St. John’s is that "it is all about the children". She is very proud of her own daughters, one of whom is a doctor and the other a teacher at Wilde Lake High School. Her hobbies include sewing, although she doesn’t have much free time to enjoy it!
Mrs. Vickie Baldwin Preschool Assistant
View bioMrs. Baldwin is an assistant in the four-year old program and has been involved with St. Johnââ?¬â?¢s since 1985 through her two children who attended the school. Both daughters are working in the school this year. Her passion is horses ââ?¬â?? she owns two horses and a large pony. She and her husband have been married 28 years.
Mrs. Heather Vest Preschool Assistant
View bioMrs. Vest is a teaching assistant in the four year old program. She and her husband have a daughter, Haley, in the second grade at St. John�s, as well as two dogs, Max and Roxy. She loves the nurturing environment St. John�s provides as well as the values the children gain. Before Haley was born, Mrs. Vest worked for Mercantile Bank as a Recruiter for ten years. She is very excited to be a part of the St. John�s staff.
Mrs. Victoria Donaldson Preschool Assistant
View bioMrs. Donaldson is an assistant in the three year old program. She has worked with both three and four year old children. She is married and has a five year old son and a three year old daughter (who attends St. John's). Her mom and sister also work at St. John's.
Mrs. Nicole Dutra Art Specialist
View bioMrs. Dutra is married to Kurt and has two children in St. John’s Lower School. Nicole has a BSW from Eastern University. She enjoys reading, photography, jewelry making, and spending time outdoors.
Mrs. Judy Anderson Four Year Old Teacher
View bioMrs. Anderson has been part of the St. John’s family for 18 years (and a parishioner for 19 years). She has a BS from the University of Rhode Island and is currently working on her Masters in Pastoral and Spiritual Care from Loyola. She loves her Chapel Time at the school. She and her husband have been married for 38 years and have two children. When she isn’t teaching or being taught, she loves to quilt, knit, cook, read, hit the yoga mat and spend time with her new grandson!
Mrs. Margie Joerdens Four Year Old Teacher
View bioMrs. Joerdens has been teaching at St. John�s for 11 years and presently teaches in the four year old program. She has a BA and MA in early childhood education from Hood College. She is passionate about St. John�s because she loves working with young children. She and her husband have three children. They have entered a new life stage, "the empty nest" or more correctly, "the boomerang nest!" During her time away from school she loves playing tennis, is trying to learn to play golf, enjoys reading, and walking her dog, Natty Boh.
Mrs. Barbara Mansfield Four Year Old Teacher
View bioMrs. Mansfield has been teaching at St. John’s for two years in the four year old program. She has more than 20 years of teaching in special education including the visually impaired and is certified to teach elementary grades K-5. She has a Masters Degree in Special Education and Infant Development. She and her husband have two sons. Her hobbies include playing the piano, scrapbooking, crocheting, and other arts and crafts projects. She is part of her church’s choir and is a Cub Scout den leader.
Mrs. Mary Pat Andreas Three Year Old Teacher
View bioMrs. Andreas has been very involved in St. John’s while her four children, ages 8-15, have attended our preschool. She is currently teaching in the three year old program. She grew up in Hagerstown and attended Hood College in Frederick where she graduated with a degree in early childhood education. In their spare time, Mrs. Andreas and her husband are very busy with their children’s various activities including basketball, soccer, volleyball and Kangaroo Kids jump rope team.
Mrs. Stacey Benzig Preschool Assistant
View bioMrs. Benzig graduated from Randolph Macon College with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. After graduating, she obtained her Master's degree in Elementary Education from the College of Notre Dame. She has taught 3rd grade in Richmond, VA and 7th and 8th grade in Connecticut. She was then a stay-at-home Mom to her three children whom now attend Northfield Elementary School. She will serve as an assistant in the three year old program.
Mrs. Liz Coolahan PE Specialist
View bioMrs. Coolahan has been teaching at St. Johns for 22 years and is currently the Preschool Physical Education teacher (and musical accompanist for special programs). She has an Associates Degree from Catonsville Community College. She loves "the people, the children, and what this school is." She and her husband live in Ellicott City and have three children who are alumni of the Preschool. When shes not teaching physical education, she devotes her time to her other job as Contemporary Music Director at Resurrection Catholic Church.
Mrs. Alison Enokian Music Specialist
View bioMrs. Enokian has been teaching preschool music for five years. She is a graduate of Bucknell University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. She spent time living and working in New York City and then moved to Maryland, joined the Army and sang and traveled with the Soldiers' Chorus for eight years. She also sings with Concert Artists of Maryland. She and her husband have two children who are graduates of St. John’s preschool. She enjoys knitting and brings her projects to school in case she has a free minute or two to knit.
Mrs. Donna Smith Science Specialist
View bioMrs. Smith is the Preschool Science Specialist. She is a graduate of Mary Baldwin College in Virginia with a degree in Chemistry and formerly worked as a research chemist. Mrs. Smith loves the innocence of the children and their natural curiosity and enthusiasm. She and her husband have two children who both attended the Preschool. She also has a cat and two dogs. Mrs. Smith does a lot of volunteer work in her free time for the parish, her children’s schools and activities, and the Junior League in Baltimore. She also enjoys gardening, especially her water garden, and reading.
Mrs. Janet Dickinson Four Year Old Teacher
View bioJanet Dickinson is new to St. Johns and new to Maryland. She will be teaching Full Day Four Year Olds. Mrs. Dickinson is not new, however, to the field of Early Childhood Education, having taught Preschool for over 30 years. She taught for the last 3 years at the Montclair Community Pre-K in Montclair, N. J. , a private Pre-K very similar to St. Johns. She and her husband are very happy to join their daughter and grandchildren here in Ellicott city, and Mrs. Dickinson is very excited about joining the teaching staff at St. Johns!
Mrs. Deb Abel Preschool Office Administrator
View bioDeb Abel has worked at St. John�s for 16 years. She is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a BS in elementary and special education. St. John�s is like family to her and she loves watching the students grow from age three when they start at the school and then continue through the Lower School. She and her husband have two grown children who are alumni of the preschool.
Mrs. Mickey Heaton Preschool Assistant
View bioMrs. Heaton graduated from the University of Maryland in Finance. Her experience with children includes helping out as a Sunday School teacher for several years and working as an assistant in the St. John's Lunch and Learn program. Her daughter, Lillian, attended St. John's for Preschool . She has always had the desire and love to help and teach God's children.
Ms. Annie Kao Preschool Assistant
View bioMs. Kao was born in Taiwan, but grew up in Columbia, Maryland. She received her B.A. in Mathematics from the University of Maryland, a MBA in Finance from American University, and an Executive MBA from Georgetown University. Before joining St. John's, Ms. Kao was Financial Controller for Citibank in Taiwan. Along with assisting in the four year old program, Ms. Ko teaches Chinese after school. She has a daughter in the 2nd grade.
Mrs. Maureen Illar Three Year Old Preschool Teacher
View bioMrs. Illar is excited about joining the St. Johns staff. She will be teaching the three year olds. She is a graduate of Radford University with a B.S. degree in Child Development and she has been teaching preschool for the last seven years. She and her husband have two children; a daughter in college and a son in high school. In addition to working with young children, she loves to read and attend her sons sporting events including soccer, basketball, and swimming.
Mrs. Shirley Beserock Preschool Assistant
View bioMrs. Beserock is excited and happy to join the staff at St. John's. She comes with nineteen years of experience working with preschoolers. She is dedicated to her family and enjoys spending time with her two granddaughters.
Ms. Judy Robbins Director of the Preschool
View bioJudy Robbins began assisting and teaching at St. John’s in 1981, becoming Director of the Preschool in 1986. She holds a BS in Child Development from Syracuse University. Ms. Robbins is an ex-officio Board Member of the Mid-Atlantic Episcopal Schools Association, and former member of the Governing Board of the National Association of Episcopal Schools. She says her passion in early childhood education is best answered in a poem by Robyn Squire titled “Kids are my Business” which explores the luck, pride, and gratefulness that she feels in working with children, helping them stay safe, and watching them play and grow. She is the mother of two St. John’s PDS alums, and grandmother to “4 incredible grandsons”, ages 8, 10, 13, and 14. When not at school, Ms. Robbins is an active member at St. John’s Church, spends time with her grandsons during “weekends at Grammy’s”, enjoys gardening, needlepoint, reading, Beatrix Potter, and England!
Damita Robinson Kindergarten Teacher
View bioMrs. Robinson is a graduate from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland where she achieved a B.A. Degree in Elementary Education. She has a total of five years teaching experience, as a student teacher, a preschool teacher, and a kindergarten teacher. Mrs. Robinson has been happily married for nine years and has two wonderful sons, Nathan and Michael. Nathan is in the fourth grade and is currently in the Gifted and Talented program and Michael is in the second grade and is a natural athlete and is always full of energy. Mrs. Robinson’s family is a huge part of her reason for her love of teaching and children.
Mrs. Karen Walker Lower School Assistant - Transitional Kindergarten
View bioMrs. Walker has been assisting at St. John’s since 2001. She really enjoys the children at St. John’s, especially their energy and enthusiasm. She has a BA in biology from Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College). She and her husband have two children and they enjoy being involved in their activities.
Mrs. Marni Beyer Media Specialist
View bioMrs. Beyer is the new library media specialist at St. John’s. She earned her BA in English and Master’s in Teaching from UVa. After teaching for 6 years in Baltimore County Public Schools, she worked part-time in the Education Department at Maryland Public Television for 9 years. While there, she earned her Master’s in Instructional Technology with a concentration in School Library Media from Towson University. She lives in Catonsville with her husband, Jimmy, and three sons, Noah, Nate, and Eli who are all huge sports fans! She is excited to be returning to a school where she can share her love of books!
Mrs. Angie Pontier Transitional Kindergarten Teacher
View bioMrs. Pontier is the Transitional Kindergarten teacher. She was born and raised in Maryland and has been involved in working with children for over 16 years. She loves spending time with her family, while getting used to the "empty nest" syndrome. She loves gardening and pursuing many crafty projects and finding new ideas to share in the classroom.
Mrs. Trisha Heath Kindergarten Teacher
View bioMrs. Heath is in her sixth year at St. John’s. Prior to St. John’s she had more than 18 years of teaching experience from the Harford County Public Schools and Howard County preschools. In addition she has 18 credits in advanced study in education with a concentration in reading. Mrs. Heath enjoys the loving community that is fostered at St. John’s. She is enjoys a dual role as both a teacher and a parent at the school with her son Cameron currently in the 4th grade. Mrs. Heath and her husband have three sons and enjoy spending their free time relaxing at the beach. This summer they enjoyed 11 fun-filled days in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico where her sons snorkeled, jet skied, surfed, and tried water skiing, while she and her husband enjoyed the beach, the pool, sight-seeing and improving their bargaining skills!
Mrs. Kirsten Durkee First Grade Teacher
View bioMrs. Durkee is excited to begin her 5th year at St. Johns. She earned a M.A. in Elementary Education from Miami University in Ohio and a Masters Degree in Reading from Towson University. Kirsten has taught in both Baltimore City and Harford County before taking time off to be with her 3 children, Andrew, Allie, and Matthew. Returning to St. Johns to continue her career has been a gift. She and her husband enjoy traveling, golfing, and supporting their childrens many endeavors.
Mrs. Diane Rotella First Grade Teacher
View bioMrs. Rotella has more than 25 years of teaching experience including nine years in both the Preschool and Lower School at St. John’s. She is a graduate of the State College of New York at Brockport and earned her Masters in Elementary Education at SUNY Buffalo. Mrs. Rotella became a teacher because she loves working with children. Her passion in teaching is watching children become readers and seeing their joy and love of reading grow. She and her husband have one son, two grandchildren, and a dog.
Mrs. Robyn Bates Fifth Grade Teacher
View bioMrs. Bates love of children and passion for teaching started at an early age. She graduated from UMBC with a degree in psychology and certificate in education and then taught in Baltimore County and Georgia. She is thrilled to be teaching at St. John’s. She and her husband, Bobby, have been married for ten years. Her other passions include travel, yoga and cooking.
Mrs. Anne Schoenhut Second Grade Teacher
View bioMrs. Schoenhut is a second grade teacher with 39 years of classroom experience. She has a BA in education from Upper Iowa University and a Masters in Education in Gifted Child Education from Nova Southeastern University. While teaching in Florida, she received the Little Red School House award for her innovative project of a literature based garden. Mrs. Schoenhut�s love of gardening transfers to the students at St. John�s through her work with the Howard County Junior Garden Club. The second grade students are all members of this group and spend time learning about the outdoors. She serves as Secretary in the Howard County Historical Society and is active in the Howard County Garden Club. She and her husband, Tom, have one grown son who just moved to Maryland with a Masters in Education Leadership and is teaching fifth grade in Howard County. She also has two cats named Cassidy and Sundance. This summer she attended the American Horticultural Society's Symposium on Children's Gardening with Janet Klingaman. Together they offer a Junior Master Gardener Program after school.
Mrs. Ginny Appelbaum Fourth Grade Teacher
View bioMrs. Appelbaum received her AA from Villa Julie College, a BA from UMBC, and recently received her Masters in Education from Johns Hopkins University. Prior to joining St. John’s in 2004, she worked with the Howard County Schools. Mrs. Appelbaum loves teaching in a Christian environment and sharing her beliefs. She and her husband have three children; their oldest is a senior at Towson University and the younger two children are in high school. This spring Mrs. Appelbaum went to Cape Canaveral to see the lift-off of the Space Shuttle Atlantis with their friend Lt. Clay Anderson who is now on the International Space Station!
Mrs. Tami Green Third Grade Teacher
View bioMrs. Green is a graduate of Elon College in North Carolina with a degree in Elementary Education. She previously taught school in both the Howard County and Anne Arundel County Public School systems. Mrs. Green’s favorite things about St. John’s are the values and morals taught to the students. She loves empowering her students to be individuals and loves teaching third grade because they are excited to be at school and learn new things. Mrs. Green has two children who currently attend St. John’s and enjoys playing sports in her spare time – especially golf!
Mrs. Jenny Obrebska Fifth Grade Teacher, Curriculum Director
View bioMrs. Obrebska is a fifth grade teacher and Curriculum Director. She is a graduate of De Montfort University in the UK, with a BA in History and Politics. She also has a Post Graduate Certificate in Primary Education from Canterbury Christ Church University College. Mrs. Obrebska has over four years experience as a classroom teacher in the UK school system. She loves to watch children grow, learn, and become confident in all they do. She is very excited to be part of the St. John’s teaching team. Mrs. Obrebska recently immigrated to the United States from the UK to unite with her American husband. She has spent her summer eagerly decorating her new home and has had a great time laying a new hardware floor with her husband. She is also enjoying getting to know her new Siamese cat, Claudius.
Mrs. Dana Wingert Second Grade Assistant
View bioMrs. Wingert has served as a Preschool and Lower School assistant. This year she is an assistant to Mrs. Brunner and Mrs. Schoenhut in 2nd grade. She has been a parent at St. John’s for six years with Mitch in the fourth grade and Madi in second. Mrs. Wingert graduated from Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania with an AA in Respiratory Therapy and a BS in General Science. She worked many years in local hospitals and then was a stay at home mom. Mrs. Wingert loves the nurturing and safe environment at St. John’s. When not at St. Johns Mrs. Wingert enjoys tennis, golf, and traveling.
Mrs. Lisa Tabor Kindergarten Assistant
View bioMrs. Tabor is an assistant in Mrs. Heath’s Kindergarten Class. Mrs. Tabor’s previous experience originated in the medical profession, where her experience includes administration and clerical work as well as training in patient care. She especially likes to work with the elderly. She has enjoyed her 13 year hiatus from the working world as she devoted her time and energy to raising her children and volunteering in their schools. When she is not enjoying her children’s activities she spends time camping with her husband and family and playing with her three beautiful dogs.
Mrs. Mary Down Kindergarten Assistant
View bioMrs. Down has been a teachers assistant for 15 years at St. Johns in the Preschool and Kindergarten. Mrs. Downs favorite things about St. Johns are the children! She loves watching their eyes light up when they have made an accomplishment. A former banker originally from Massachusetts, Mrs. Down and her husband have been in Ellicott City for 29 years. Mrs. Down is the mother to two St. Johns PDS alums, Philip, age 25, and Michael, age 22. Mrs. Down enjoys traveling, golfing, and skiing.
Mrs. Fran Brown First Grade Assistant
View bioThis is Mrs. Brown’s sixth year working as a first grade assistant. She holds a Bachelors Degree from McDaniel College in Social Work and Psychology. Prior to having a family, she worked in Human Resources as a recruiter and employee relations specialist at a Baltimore hospital for several years. She was also the director of an ecumenical emergency relief center in Towson. Her high school aged children attended St. Johns as preschoolers. She loved being part of the St. Johns community as a parent and was thrilled to be able to return to St. Johns as a staff member. Working with first graders is a joy. They are so excited about learning, eager to please, and just plain adorable! It is amazing to watch them grow as readers, writers, and mathematicians!
Mrs. Beth Hardon Learning Specialist
View bioThis is Mrs. Hardon’s first year as the Learning Specialist at St. John’s. After graduating from Lafayette College with a BA in International Affairs and French, Mrs. Hardon worked for a large corporation in the financial services industry for several years. Mrs. Hardon then successfully pursued her teaching certification and Masters Degree in Elementary Education from Cabrini College. Mrs. Hardon’s teaching experience has included fourth grade positions at Haverford School in Haverford, PA and McDonough School. One favorite teaching experience was tutoring students in Camp Jemicy, which utilizes the Orton Gillingham method. Mrs. Hardon loves working with small groups of children to better maximize their learning opportunities and tailor materials to fit their unique needs. With two young children, William and Margot, Mrs. Hardon and her husband, Chris, thrive on an active lifestyle including biking, tennis, skiing, and more.
Mrs. Daryl Bentivenga Media Specialist
View bioDaryl Bentivenga is a Media Center teacher starting her fifth year at St. John�s. She earned her BA in Biology from Kean College and her Masters of Library Science and Information Service focusing on scientific information from Rutgers University. Her passion in teaching is to be a role model of respect and kindness for the children. When she is not teaching Media, she enjoys teaching Vacation Bible School and assisting with daughter Grace�s Girl Scout Troop and son Michael�s Boy Scout Patrol.
Mrs. Janet Klingaman Science Specialist
View bioMrs. Klingaman is the Lower School Science Specialist at St. Johnââ?¬â?¢s. Prior to taking that position in 1993, she taught science in the Preschool. She graduated with a BA from Muhlenberg College and received her Masters in Science from Drexel University. She said "this is the happiest job Iââ?¬â?¢ve ever had ââ?¬â?? teaching young children". She and her husband have two adult children, and live in Columbia. When sheââ?¬â?¢s not teaching science, she plays tennis, reads, gardens, and is an avid bird watcher. This summer she enjoyed watching her beagle, Gemma, try to catch frogs!
Miss Stephanie Rovnan First Grade Teacher
View bioMiss Stephanie Rovnan (1st Grade)- Miss Rovnan is very excited to join the St. Johns team this year! As a graduate from West Virginia Wesleyan College with a degree in Elementary Education, she is looking forward to sharing her love of learning with her students. Miss Rovnan believes that all children learn differently and each child is a special individual! She loves hands-on learning where students learn through doing. When Miss Rovnan is not teaching you could find her spending time with family and friends, scrapbooking, and watching professional football!
Ms. Francesca Pescetto Third, Fourth and Fifth Grade Assistant
View bioMs. Pescetto was born and raised in Ellicott Citty. Her passion is in hair and she has over 10 years experience in cosmetology. She enjoys singing and is a member of the Interfaith Howard County choir. She looks forward to working with the St. Johns students and is excited to be an assistant this year in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades!
Mrs. Olga Perez Spanish Teacher
View bioSenora Perez is teaching Spanish to the Lower School. Prior to teaching, Mrs. Perez worked as an accountant and as a family daycare provider. Originally from Honduras, Senora Perez has been in Columbia, MD for eight years. She is married with two daughters, Merary in fifth grade and Mercy in second. Mrs. Perez loves the great community and the staff and St. John’s. Her passion in teaching is the love she has for the children. Senora loves the culture of her heritage and loves the Spanish language and she feels it is a blessing to share it with the St. John’s children. When Mrs. Perez is not at school, she is lovingly caring for her family, helping her husband in Christian ministry, reading, gardening, and cooking.
Mr. Brian O'Neill Physical Education Teacher
View bioMr. O’Neill is a graduate of Frostburg State with a BS and MEd in Health and Physical Education. "Coach" as many of the students refer to him, has taught on all levels from kindergarten to college. He has had over 25 years of experience in both private and public schools with teaching physical education and coaching. He also loves the family atmosphere. Coach O’Neill has three children who are current St. John’s students. In his spare time he loves to read, spend time with family, and of course, play and watch sports.
Mrs. Margaret Prechtl Strings Teacher
View bioMrs. Prechtl has been part of the St. John�s teaching staff for four years. She introduces all fourth grade students to violin which they play through fifth grade. Along with her responsibilities at St. John�s, Mrs. Prechtl is the Director for Children and Family Ministries at Glen Mar UMC. After receiving her BM and MM from the University of Michigan, Mrs. Prechtl pursued a career in orchestra performing including Principal Viola with both the Toledo Symphony Orchestra and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. Her husband, Brian, is a percussionist with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and they have three children --Jason and Naomi at Centennial High School and Adam in third grade at St. John�s. The Prechtl family spends the month of August in Jackson, Wyoming, where both she and her husband perform with the Grand Teton Music Festival along with hiking, biking, and camping. She loves working with the awesome students at St. John�s and the community and staff at the school.
Mrs. Toni Sheppard First Grade Assistant
View bioMrs. Sheppard is the classroom assistant for first grade. She is a graduate of Loyola College in Baltimore and has been at St. Johns for eleven years (both in the Preschool and Lower School). Mrs. Sheppard loves to see faces of the children light up during the learning process. She enjoys integrating the "special classes" especially music into classroom work. She immigrated to the United States from Korea when she was 11 years old and is bilingual. She and her husband have two children (both alumni of St. Johns). Her daughter, Phoebe, is in her second year the University of Maryland, and son Jeremy is beginning his freshman year at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
Mrs. Sabrina Scott Kindergarten Assistant
View bioMrs. Scott is a Kindergarten Assistant in kindergarten. She has been a Day School parent for 10 years and served as the Parent Association President for the 2007-08 school year. She is excited to be working with the Kindergarten program this year. Mrs. Scott has three children, Xavier (8th grade), Alexander (5th grade) and Sherise (4th grade).
Mr. Gregory Wright Technology
View bioThis is Gregory Wrights second year at St. Johns and first year teaching Technology. After receiving a B.A. in Philosphy from the University of Maryland, he spent a year teaching English in South Korea. He is currently working toward a Masters in the Art of Teaching at Goucher College. When Mr. Wright is not working or studying, he enjoys bowling, watching movies, reading short stories, playing with his dog, and caring for his fish. He is also a very avid fan of the Capitals, Orioles, and Ravens, in that order. He is very excited to be at St. John’s.
Mrs. Katie Ficca Art Specialist
View bioMrs. Ficca is the Lower School Art teacher at St. John’s. She is a graduate from Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Psychology and an emphasis in Art. She also holds a Masters in Elementary Education from Marymount University. She has worked in both public and private schools for the past seven years as an assistant, an early intervention technician with autistic children, kindergarten teacher, first grade teacher, and an art teacher. Her ability to adapt to new environments and take on new challenges has supplied her with a diverse background which she applies to all she does. Her true passion is to inspire children and make learning fun. She has a colorful personality, is very enthusiastic about art and is anxious to share her talents with all her students. When Mrs. Ficca is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Mike, her two daughters, Lilly and Nina, and her Jack Russell, Mikayla. She loves being active, making people smile, photography, and soaking up the world around her,.
Mrs. Katherine Khandjian Music Specialist
View bioMrs. Khandjian has taught various levels of music for the last 24 years in between raising her family. Growing up in Nashville, faith and music were a part of her daily life and still are today. This led her to attend Belhaven College in Jackson, MS where she received her BM in Voice. There she met her husband, Mike, who is the Senior Pastor of Chapelgate Presbyterian Church. The Khandjian’s have been married 26 years and have 3 children: Kevin who lives in Orlando Fl, Emily, a freshman at HCC and Erin, a sophomore at Chapelgate Academy. Her favorite activities are spending time with family and friends, going to the beach, traveling, sewing or watching Cary Grant movies. Seeing a child have success in giving a voice to their talent and using it to minister to others is one of her greatest joys and she looks forward to this new year at St John’s.
Mrs. Lisa Morgan School Nurse
View bioLisa has been the nurse here at St John’s since 2006. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland and worked as a staff nurse and a charge nurse in a local hospital for several years before coming here. She is very familiar with St. John’s because two of her three children attended St. Johns for preschool and kindergarten. In her spare time, Mrs. Morgan reads, sews, plays piano, and volunteers with her children’s activities.