Faculty & Staff

Coming from the South Florida city of Pompano Beach, I can say heat and humidity are old friends of mine. Vero Beach will feel like home! Being raised in a family of 6 children I am indebted to my parents, Joe and Jackie, for their witness of faith, family and love they showed each of us.

My education was in the Catholic school system: St. Clement’s in Wilton Manors and Cardinal Gibbons High School in Ft. Lauderdale. I went on to study and receive a Baccalaureate of Science Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of North Florida. After practicing a short time at Holy Cross Hospital, I decided to enter religious life with the Salesians of Don Bosco in 1999. My formation carried me both around the country and world as far away as Jerusalem where I attended Sts. Peter and Paul Seminarium Theologicum Salesianum. I was ordained to the priesthood on July 2, 2011.

For six years I worked in high-school ministry as a teacher, coach, coordinator of youth ministry and administrator. In 2017, I was sent as director and pastor of our parish in Belle Glade, Florida. Recently, I made the decision through careful discernment to remain in the diocese of Palm Beach and Bishop Barbarito has asked me to serve this community as the parochial administrator.  It is my sincere joy to be among you.  My prayer is for our mutual growth toward the hearts of Jesus and Mary.  

Mrs. Debbie Irish is our school Principal. She is so excited and blessed to be the Principal again this year at SHCS. Mrs. Irish brings over 25 years of experience in the field of education.  She has served as a special and general education teacher of children ages Pre-K through college.  She was also a District Resource Specialist, a Preschool Director, and an Assistant Principal.  Mrs. Irish is an alumni of St. Anastasia School and John Carroll High School.

She received her Master’s in Educational Leadership from American College of Education.  She attended the University of South Florida for her Bachelor’s degree.  Mrs. Irish is Florida certified in Elementary Education, Middle School Education, and Special Education. She has certificates in Reading, ESOL, and Preschool Education.  In addition, she is a parishioner, lector, and Eucharistic Minister at St. Helen’s Church. Mrs. Irish resides in Fort Pierce with her husband. She has three sons, a daughter-in-law, and her first grandbaby. Her youngest son, Michael, is attending St. Helen’s.
 

Mrs. Annie Kathman is the Assistant to the Principal. Mrs. Kathman’s career in education began as a teacher in Winter Park, Florida, where she taught for seven years. Prior to accepting the AP position, she served as the Director of Enrollment and Advancement at St. Helen Catholic School. Mrs. Kathman earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Rollins College and holds a Florida Teaching Certificate for grades K-6, with an ESOL endorsement. Additionally, she will graduate with her Master’s in Educational Leadership in fall 2024. Mrs. Kathman is thrilled to take on a leadership role and aims to continue the mission of “making good things happen” at St. Helen Catholic School. Mrs. Kathman is married with three daughters, all currently attending SHCS, and resides in Vero Beach.

Mrs. Mary Beth Albert is the Preschool Director and VPK teacher. She is working to develop a brand new preschool program on the St. Helen Catholic School campus. Mrs. Albert began her teaching career at Lincoln Park Academy as a Theatre Director where she taught acting, prepared students for performance assessments, and directed musicals for eight years. In addition to her time at LPA, Mrs. Albert has served as an instructor at Riverside Children’s Theatre. After having two children, Mrs. Albert returned to the classroom as a VPK teacher at Gracie’s Preschool. Mrs. Albert earned a Bachelor’s degree from Stetson University, majoring in Theatre and minoring in Education. She is a VPK credentialed instructor and will complete her VPK Directors Credential in the spring of 2024. Mrs. Albert loves helping young children fall in love with learning. Through books, music, faith, and movement, she creates a classroom that is filled with fun! Mrs. Albert married her husband - a high school band director - in 2011, they have one son who currently attends SHCS and a daughter who will become a St. Helen Falcon in the Fall. 

This will be Mr. Bock’s first year teaching at St Helen’s as the middle school mathematics teacher. Chris comes from Atlanta, GA where he spent the past two years teaching and coaching HS basketball at Mount Pisgah Christian School. Chris graduated from the University of South Florida with a Communication degree. Chris completed the Educator Preparation Institute Program at St. John’s River State College and is professionally certified in middle grades mathematics 5-9. Chris’ hobbies include golfing, coaching basketball and enjoying new restaurants. Chris is looking forward to joining the community of St. Helen’s. 

Laura Bois will be teaching 6th grade science and art. Laura graduated from Converse College with a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. She is also a graduate from the University of S.C. with a B.A. in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis in studio art.  She is certified in middle level science, visual art, and elementary education. Laura has 18 years of experience as a middle school science teacher and middle school art teacher. She has acted as a mentor teacher and worked in curriculum development for science, social studies and art. She recently celebrated her 26th wedding anniversary and has a son and a daughter. She and her family have lived in Sebastian, Fl. since 2016 after relocating from South Carolina.  

Kathlenia Carter has over 30 years of Business Management experience with the Diocese of Palm Beach, starting out in 1990 at St. Anastasia School. Mrs. Carter attended St. Leo College. Prior to moving to south Florida she taught ESOL and did remedial teaching at an alternative middle school in central Florida. The Carter’s reside in Sebastian, they have 2 grown daughters and 2 grandsons.

Mrs. Colwell brings nearly 14 years of teaching experience in grades K-6 to St. Helen Catholic School and is very excited to be teaching third grade. She holds a FL Educator Certificate for grades K-6, and is currently working toward her reading endorsement. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education from Georgia Southern University and went on to serve in the Peace Corps in Peru from 2009-2011 where she learned Spanish. She earned her Master of Arts degree in Bilingual Education from Teachers College at Columbia University while teaching in New York City in a high needs area as a Peace Corps Fellow. In 2021, Mrs. Colwell completed studies with Liberty University and earned her doctorate degree in Educational Leadership. In an effort to live closer to family, Mrs. Colwell recently relocated to Vero Beach with her husband and toddler son from Long Island, New York, where she lived and taught for several years. She is thrilled to serve the families of St. Helen Catholic School and to put down roots here in Vero Beach! 

This year will be Mr. Colwell’s first year teaching at St. Helen’s. He spent the previous ten years teaching in New York City Schools. Mr. Colwell attended SUNY Cortland and has a Master’s Degree in Education from Adelphi University. Mr. Colwell grew up playing mostly every sport one can think of. His favorites are lacrosse, hockey, and football. Mr. Colwell is married and has a son. They reside in Vero Beach and are looking forward to becoming a part of the St. Helen’s Community.

Mrs. Laura D’alexis is the school counselor at St. Helen’s Catholic School. She has joined the faculty and staff in the 2022-2023 school year. Mrs. Laura D’alexis has moved to Ft. Pierce, FL from Kansas City, MO with her husband. She previously was at Glendale Elementary located in the Independence School District in Independence, MO. Mrs. Laura D’alexis grew up in Dubuque, IA. She has been a part of education for 26 years. She began her career as a first-grade teacher and has spent the far majority as an elementary school counselor. Mrs. Laura D’alexis received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Saint Mary’s of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, IN. She received a Master’s of Instruction in Elementary Education from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in Winona, MN. She received a Master’s of Education in K-12 School Counseling from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA. It is a privilege for her to be a part of St. Helen’s School.

Mrs. Carolyn Dean is our Music teacher. She has 35+ years teaching experience in numerous subject areas including Pre-School, Science, Math, Religion and Music. She served as the Music Director of Synaxis Music Ensemble for the Sunday afternoon Mass for over 30 years, and Contemporary and Youth Masses from the 1980’s until 2008.  In addition to her regular teaching duties, Mrs. Dean writes and directs our Christmas Program, helps facilitate our Variety Show, and assists with Drama.  She has also been our Equations Academic Games coach.  Mrs. Dean earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education with an emphasis in Science at Florida Atlantic University.  She is certified in the areas of Early Childhood, Elementary, Math grades 7-9, Science grades 7-9, and Music grades K-12. She also holds the MA Theology and Pastoral Ministry from Franciscan University of Steubenville, and teaches various adult classes.  Mrs. Dean has two grown children, both alumni of St. Helen School and John Carroll High School.

Miss Victoria Emanuele, a graduate of Indian River State College, holds an Associate degree in Health Sciences and is actively completing her Bachelor's degree in Organizational Management. She has over 15 years of customer and patient-facing experience.

Mrs. Caitlin Freedman joined St. Helen Catholic School for the 2014-2015 school year, coming from Vero Beach Elementary with 12 years of teaching experience. This is her 17th year of teaching. Mrs. Freedman has taught grades K – 3, specializing in STEM education. Mrs Freedman served as a grade-level chair and is a certified instructional coach through Indian River County. Florida certified, Mrs. Freedman holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts with an emphasis on Learning Disabilities from Furman University. Mrs. Freedman was selected as “Teacher of the Year” for 2015 at Vero Beach Elementary.  She was also a Finalist for Indian River County Teacher of the Year.  In addition to her regular teaching duties, Mrs. Freedman is the school’s science coordinator, is on the committee for Accelerated Reader and serves as a Mentor teacher and Assistant Soccer Coach. Mrs. Freedman is married to Coogie Freedman with two children and lives in Vero Beach.

Mrs. Jennifer Glass is in her sixth year at St. Helen Catholic School. Mrs. Glass has over 18 years of experience in Elementary and Pre-K education.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from Florida State University. She successfully completed the Educator Preparation Institute at Indian River State College and is Florida certified in Elementary Education grades Pre-K through 6th, and ESE grades K through 12.  Married with two children, Mrs. Glass lives in Vero Beach.

Mrs. Jillian Goddard comes to St. Helen with seven years of teaching various grade levels, from kindergarten through middle school. She attended Epiphany Catholic School in Miami before moving to Vero Beach and graduating the International Baccalaureate program from Sebastian River High School. She graduated from Grand Canyon University with a degree in education. Mrs. Goddard has substituted at St. Helen and is excited to return! She has two daughters, one of whom attends St. Helen Catholic School currently and one who will attend when she is old enough. 

Mrs. Emily Gunther is our First Grade teacher. Mrs. Gunther earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University in May of 2016. Emily’s practicum hours included a semester in a 2nd Grade Gifted classroom in Boca Raton, Florida and a full-time internship in Kindergarten at Lakewood Park Elementary in Ft. Pierce, Florida. Upon completion of her student teaching at Lakewood Park Elementary, Emily served as a Kindergarten teacher for the 2016-2017 school year. Mrs. Gunther holds a Florida Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education with an English for Speakers of Other Languages endorsement. A proud St. Helen alumnus, Emily is happy to now be teaching full-time at her Alma Mater. She is a life-long resident of Vero Beach.

Mrs. Abigail Harbin brings 14 years of elementary school teaching experience to St. Helen Catholic School. Prior to joining SHCS she taught at Title One Schools in Indian River County. Mrs. Harbin has experience in 1st through 5th grade. She has served as grade level chair and worked to foster and implement a school-wide writing curriculum. Mrs. Harbin earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University and successfully completed the Educator Preparation Institute at Indian River State College. She holds a Florida Teacher Certificate for grades K-6, with an ESOL endorsement. After her first year of teaching, Mrs. Harbin was selected as St. Lucie County’s “First Year Teacher of the Year.”  Married with two children, she resides in Vero Beach and is a proud St. Helen alumnus.

Mrs. Cindy Kapcar is our new Administrative Assistant.  She has been a parishioner of St. Helen Catholic Church for over 25 years.  She attended Indian River Community College and has worked as a Medical Practice Manager for over 30 years.  She is married with one daughter who is an alum of St. Helen and John Carroll High School.  Mrs. Kapcar is glad to now be joining the St. Helen School family.  

Ms. Kristin (Kay) Ladd is our Middle School Science Teacher.  She comes to St. Helen Catholic School after working as the Publishing Director for Indian River Communications, Inc. for 15 years. Kay has an extensive academic Science background. She studied Nursing and has a degree in Health Information Technology. Kay comes to us with over 25 years of work experience in the fields of Publishing, Corporate Training, and Management. She is currently working on obtaining her Florida Teaching Certificate for Middle Grades Science 5-9. Kay moved to Vero Beach from Maui, HI in 2000. Kay’s son and daughter are both graduates of St. Helen Catholic School.

Mrs. Mary Lewis has 33 years teaching experience, with the last 15 being here at St. Helen Catholic School. Her area of specialty is Reading and Special Education. Florida certified, Mrs. Lewis received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Special Education from the University of Tennessee, and her master’s degree in education and Reading from Adelphia University. In addition to her regular teaching duties, Mrs. Lewis has served as Science Fair Assistant and Assistant Coach for Social Studies Academic Games. In 2015, Mrs. Lewis received the Award of Merit from the St. Helen Knights of Columbus.  She has a son and daughter and lives with her husband in Vero Beach. 

Mrs. Ana Liebman is our K-5 Spanish instructor. She has been with St. Helen Catholic School since 2014 and assisted with implementing the Spanish Language Program for our elementary grades.  Before teaching at St. Helen, Mrs. Liebman offered private Spanish classes to small groups of elementary-aged children.  She has professional experience as an Insurance Company translator. Mrs. Liebman received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from La Universidad  Regiomontana de Hotelería y Administration in Mexico.  She resides in Vero Beach with her husband, they have two daughters, all St. Helen alumni, one of whom attends VBHS at present and one of whom is a Freshman at the University of Florida at Gainesville.

Mrs. Mistretta comes to St. Helen Catholic School after retiring from her legal career as a Child Welfare Attorney.  She is a graduate of University of Maryland, University College with a Bachelors Degree in History and Juris Doctor from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago. She resides in Vero Beach with her husband and 11 year-old son who attends St. Helen Catholic School.

Mrs. Maria Morgan is our Middle School Spanish teacher. Mrs. Morgan began teaching at St. Helen Catholic School in 1998. She has over 35 years teaching experience. She presently serves as Curriculum Leader. In addition to her regular teaching duties, Mrs. Morgan serves as a Mentor teacher. Florida certified in Early Childhood, Elementary Education, ESOL, and World Languages K-12, Mrs. Morgan received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and Spanish from St. Mary’s College, and her master’s in early childhood education from Florida Atlantic University. She was chosen as Beachland Elementary School’s “Teacher of the Year” for 1997 and received the Award of Excellence in the Elementary Division from the Education Foundation in 2005. Mrs. Morgan is married with three sons, all St. Helen alumni, and resides in Vero Beach.

Mrs. Clara Myers is our First Grade Teachers Aid and joined St.Helen Catholic School in 2022.  In addition, she is new to the Vero Beach area, moving here from Ocala, FL.  Her teaching career started 12 years ago at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Dunnellon, FL.  She has taught Children’s Faith Formation to 2nd, 5th and 6th graders. She also held the position of Children’s Faith Formation Coordinator from July 2019 through May 2022.
Mrs. Myers has an Associates of Arts Degree in Business/Accounting from Charron  Williams College in Miami, FL and an Advanced Catechist Degree from the Diocese of Orlando.  She is excited and thankful for this opportunity at St. Helen’s Catholic School.

Mrs. Piscitelli was born and raised in Connecticut. She is an Alumni of John Carroll High School, and a graduate of Barry University, with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. Kim came to St. Helen Catholic School in 2017, bringing with her 17 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. She has been a Catechist with the Religious Education program at St. Helen for the past 19 years, and is active on several Parish committees. Mrs. Piscitelli is the mother of two daughters, Emily & Nicola, and a son Matthew, who is currently a seventh grade student at St. Helen’s.
 

Mrs. Gia Rizzo is our Aftercare Coordinator. She grew up in Milford, Pennsylvania near the Pocono Mountains and moved to Florida with her family in 2017. She is a proud Falcon mom with three daughters, two of which are currently attending St. Helen’s Catholic School. Mrs. Rizzo is actively pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education at Indian River State College. She is excited to begin her first year at St. Helens. 

Miss Serafina Ruggeri is a graduate of Indian River State college where she earned her Bachelors in Public Administration. She is our IT Coordinator & K-5 Technology Teacher. She has been an active parishioner in St. Helen Catholic Church her whole life and is excited to start her second year at St. Helens.

Ms. Sangiorgi is a new comer to St Helen's since September 2023. She is working part-time as a teacher assistant for 2nd grade, and also works with the aftercare program. She relocated from New York 10 years ago and feels lucky to have her 3 children and 5 grandchildren living in Vero also. She is a retired medical assistant. She has an associate degree from Berkeley College, in Merchandising and Marketing. In her free time, she works at the Riverside Theatre and volunteers with the Vero Beach Youth Guidance program. 

Mrs. Karen Santangelo is our office assistant, having come to St. Helen Catholic School in 2002. She has worked as an Instructional Aide in Grades one through eight, School Bookkeeper and as our Technical Coordinator. Originally from Niagara Falls, New York, Mrs. Santangelo attended Niagara County Community College and moved to Vero Beach with her family in 2000. In addition to her regular office responsibilities, Mrs. Santangelo is our Compliance Administrator and Registrar. She is married and resides in Vero Beach. All four of her children are St. Helen and John Carroll High School alumni.
 

Miss Meaghan Sherer is a lifelong resident of Vero Beach and is an alumna of St. Helen Catholic School and John Carroll Catholic High School. She received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Seton Hill University in Greensburg, Pennsylvania and holds a Florida Certificate for Kindergarten through 6th grade. Miss Sherer knew she wanted to be a teacher at a very young age and loves that she is able to teach and share her faith at St. Helen Catholic School. The 2023-2024 school year will be her sixth year teaching at SHCS.

Julia Tomacelli is a retired elementary school teacher of 31 years from Cumberland County in Fayetteville, North Carolina.  She had the privilege of teaching grades Kindergarten through 3rd grades with several grades being multi-age classrooms. 
She graduated with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degree from the University of North Carolina in Pembroke, (formally called Pembroke State University). In her years as an educator, she was a Mentor for beginning teachers, served as a grade level chair and was nominated by her colleagues at her school for Teacher of the Year. She also had the pleasure of having several student teachers during her time as an educator. 
She and her husband reside in Vero Beach, Florida.
 

Mrs. Grace Torrent came to St. Helen Catholic School in 2013 with 19 years of teaching experience, having taught Pre-K through Second grade at Vero Beach Elementary School. Her specialty is Language Arts. Mrs. Torrent is bilingual and maintains a Florida teaching certificate, with an ESOL endorsement. Mrs. Torrent earned both her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and her Master of Arts in Early Childhood from the University of Central Florida.  She was named “Teacher of the Year” at Vero Beach Elementary School in 2010. In addition to her regular teaching duties, Mrs. Torrent serves as the coach for Junior Varsity volleyball and is the moderator for our Lego Club. Married with two children, Mrs. Torrent resides in Vero Beach.

Mrs. Whipple is a proud St. Helen Catholic School alumna. Mrs. Whipple graduated from the University of Central Florida with a BS in Elementary Education with endorsements in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Reading. She has been teaching for over fourteen years across all grade levels and curricula and has served as her School Development Committee Chair, Yearbook Coordinator, and has served on the English Language Arts Goal Team.