Saint Rose of Lima Faculty & Staff

Originally from Upstate New York, I studied classical liberal arts at Thomas Aquinas College in California and finished my undergraduate work at Nazareth College in Rochester, New York. I majored in English with certification in special education and elementary education. In addition, I completed a Masters degree in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville and a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University here in Nashville.

I entered the convent in 1984 and in the years since that time, I have benefited from the joyful living of religious life as a Dominican Sister of St. Cecilia (www.nashvilledominican.org), along with a variety of experiences in the apostolate.

After ten years of teaching in a wide variety of grade levels (primary, junior high and high school), I served as principal at St. Thomas Aquinas Reginal School outside of Washington, DC and also at Overbrook School in Nashville.

I also had the privilege of serving as the vocation director for our sisters and worked in our initial formation program with our youngest sisters.

Prior to coming to Saint Rose, I was the Director of Advancement for Overbrook School and St. Cecilia Academy, where I oversaw building projects, fundraising, alumnae relations and public relations.

With 36 years in the field of education, I come to you filled with the conviction that with all that is wrong in the world, it is at places like Saint Rose that we can begin to set things right. Where Christ is at the heart and center of our lives, a wonderful unity forms that has a power like none other. It is a power that brings together our families, our school and our parish where together we live in the light of God’s love.

I am originally from Hendersonville, North Carolina. My family moved to middle Tennessee when I was in 3rd grade. I attended Catholic schools from K-4th grade and again in high school (Father Ryan). I received my Bachelors of Science in Special Education from the University of Tennessee in 1992 and then my Masters in Elementary Education from Trevecca University in 2008.

I started teaching at Saint Rose in May of 2003. While here, I have taught Pre-K through 2nd grade as well as 7th-8th grade Performing Arts. I was also the director of the Preschool for 2 years. After 17 1/2 years of classroom teaching I accepted the Assistant Principal position in January of 2021.

I have 3 adult children who all attended Saint Rose Catholic School. My older 2, Chandler and Mary Kate, attended from Kindergarten through 8th grade, and my youngest, Hannah, was here from the 2 year old class through 8th grade.

I have never once considered working here as a "job" but as being a part of a family. Saint Rose is an amazing place where I see Christ in others every single day.

I am originally from Louisiana. I graduated from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana in 2003 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Music Performance with a concentration in Education. I later earned my Master’s Degree in Education specializing in Instruction and Curriculum from Middle Tennessee State University. While in Louisiana, I taught in public and Catholic schools at the elementary and high school level.

In 2008 my husband and I moved to Murfreesboro and I began working at Saint Rose the following year as a teacher aide in Kindergarten. Two years later I became the Language Arts teacher for 5th and 6th grade. Unfortunately, my husband’s job brought us back to Louisiana in 2013. Once back in Louisiana I taught middle school for two years at a local Catholic elementary school then became the Assistant Principal for the PK3 through 7th grade school. Now, I am back at Saint Rose as the Preschool Director.

My husband, Dean, and I married in 2007. We have two children: Adele and Jason, both students at Saint Rose School. Saint Rose has always held a special place in my heart and I am so happy to be back in this special place.

I began working at Saint Rose School in 2005 as an assistant to the Athletic Director. I then spent time in the classroom as a Kindergarten Aide before moving into the position as the Director of Admissions. I love meeting new families and welcoming them to our school.

I was born in New Jersey and moved to Tennessee when I was in the 5th grade. I attended Holy Rosary Academy and Saint Bernard Academy before obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee - Knoxville.

My husband, Jim, and I have been married since 1991, and we have 4 children who all graduated from Saint Rose School.

It is a joy to be apart of the Saint Rose Community.

I have been working at Saint Rose as the Administrative Assistant since 2003. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education.

My husband, Charlie and I married in 1974. We have three children: Stacy (husband Steven), Laura, and Chuck (wife Blair). We are also blessed with nine grandchildren: Jackson, Mollie, Nate, Alli, Anthony, Isaiah, AJ, Layne, and Nori.

I love working at Saint Rose and the people that I work with. It's a happy, joyful, very God centered environment. We laugh a lot, cry together, and care for each other.

I am a Middle Tennessee native, born and raised in Mount Juliet, TN, and I moved to Murfreesboro in 2010. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Cumberland University in 2008 and my Doctorate in Nursing Practice, focusing on family nurse practice, from Belmont University in 2016. I was honored to be the first recipient of the Frist Global Health Fellowship at Belmont University, which funded my doctoral project aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality in developing countries. This project involved training healthcare providers around our sister parish in Haiti in a method of natural family planning, a contribution I am immensely proud of.

Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church has played a significant role in my life journey. In 2010, I met Brandon, and after our engagement, we embarked on a journey to find a church for our wedding. Raised in a non-denominational Christian household, and Brandon raised Catholic, we discovered Saint Rose of Lima. I attended my first ever Mass in October 2011 and felt a profound calling to the Catholic Faith. On Easter 2012, I was received into full communion and confirmed in the Catholic Church. Brandon and I were married here at Saint Rose in 2012, and he served as the youth minister from 2011 – 2014, where we made many lifelong friends.

Professionally, I began my career as an ICU nurse. After graduating with my FNP degree, I worked as a pediatric nurse practitioner in Shelbyville for 18 months, then as a family nurse practitioner at Ascension St. Thomas Medical Partners - New Salem for nearly six years. I took a break from my career to spend more time with my two boys, Liam and Aidan, who attend Saint Rose School. This new chapter in our lives laid the foundation for me to take on the role of administrative assistant and school nurse. While this is a new role for me, I am excited about the opportunity to be more involved in my children's school and our parish.

I am a Marvel and Harry Potter fan and an enthusiastic LEGO collector, with our home mostly decorated with various LEGO creations. Our two Icelandic Sheepdogs, Kylo and Nova, keep us active. I cherish quality time with my family, playing board games, and embracing life's joyful moments.

I approach my work and life with the same values, striving for peace, harmony, and a deep connection with those around me. I am committed to providing excellent care and support to the students and staff at Saint Rose of Lima School, ensuring a healthy, nurturing environment for our community.

Retired from State Farm, Bill brings a wealth of skills and experience, both from his career and from his background in coaching different youth sports. A member of the Knights of Columbus, Bill has also served on the Saint Rose Parish Council.

Bill has a wide variety of experience as both an athlete and as a coach. Bill has coached soccer and basketball, while his children attended Saint Rose and recently returned to coaching basketball and soccer. In addition to Saint Rose sports, Bill has coached baseball and soccer in local leagues.

Bill, his wife Patti, and their three children; Patrick, Elizabeth, and Mary Grace are active members of Saint Rose Parish. His children attended Saint Rose School through the 8th grade and all of them participated in a number of sports and went on to play varsity sports in high school.

I am a native of southwestern Virginia and moved to Murfreesboro in 2015. My husband Jerry and I have two sons, Cory, a priest in North Carolina and Micah, a hot air balloon pilot.

Before moving to Murfreesboro, I was a librarian for 20 years. In 2017 I began working at Saint Rose in extended care and as a substitute teacher.

I am originally from Puerto Rico and relocated with my parents to Tennessee in 2001. My husband Luis and I married in 2006 and we have two wonderful boys Jaiden and Yadiel who both attend Saint Rose School.

Before I began teaching preschool in 2024, I was a dental assistant. I absolutely love teaching our littlest Saint Rose Stars!

I am originally from Venezuela. I married my husband Carlos in 2008. We moved to Tennessee in 2022 from Atlanta, Georgia. We have two children, Claudia and Gabriel who both are attending Saint Rose School. I am a tennis and baseball mom. I began teaching at Saint Rose in 2022. I love teaching the sweet Little Dippers! I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family. In my spare time, I like crafting and going to the movies.

I am originally from Michigan, but have called Tennessee home for over twenty years. My husband, Chuck, and I have been married for over twenty-five years. We have three children: Theresa, Chuck III, and Thomas.

Prior to moving to Murfreesboro, I taught preschool and parish religious education at Good Shepherd. I also served as Director of Religious Ed for two years at Good Shepherd.

After my youngest son graduated from high school in 2018, my husband and I relocated to Murfreesboro from Franklin County. I began working at Saint Rose School in the preschool and extended care in the fall of 2018. This school year, I will be teaching full-time in the three-year-old classroom.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family. Some of my hobbies include reading, gardening, hiking, and cross stitch. I feel blessed to be a part of the Saint Rose community!

I am originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin. My family moved to Chattanooga, TN in 2005, then relocated to Murfreesboro in 2019. I have been married since 1995 to my husband, Jay and we have two beautiful daughters, Marissa ad Carley. Both girls are now grown and married and I am now looking forward to one day holding the title of grandmother.

I hold a bachelors degree in both Human Development and Psychology from the University of Green Bay. I have worked with children in a variety of roles, and have over 10 years of experience as a preschool teacher. I began teaching in 2020 at St. Rose in the 3 year old preschool classroom. In 2022, I made the difficult decision to work strictly as a substitute for St. Rose. I am now returning to the 3 year old preschool classroom where my true heart belongs.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing cards, traveling and reading.

I am looking forward to teaching in the preschool classroom and meeting all the littles and their families.

Hello! My name is Mary Anne Plondke and I’m happy to be with Mrs. C and your children in class. I was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, but grew up in South Georgia. My family moved here to Tennessee in 2005.

I have a Bachelors of Fine Arts from Valdosta State University and a separate degree in Graphic Design. I enjoy doing art projects and crafting in my free time. I have many years of experience with teaching and caring for young children. My husband Adam and I have three children, Rachel, Joey, & Emma, who all attend Saint Rose. I am looking forward to being with your children and working with you this year.

I began teaching first grade at Saint Rose School in 2005, and in 2021 I moved to PK4. I have a B.S. from MTSU and a MAT (Master of Arts in Teaching) from Trevecca University.

I married my high school sweetheart, and we were married for almost 34 years before he died in 2015. I have three sons and a daughter (married to Nic Rose our PE teacher) and I have 7 grandchildren.

I love teaching at Saint Rose. Christ is present in the teachers, staff and the children.

I began teaching at Saint Rose preschool in 2008. I have taught the three-year-olds, four-year-olds and I currently teach the two-year-olds while working part-time in the preschool office.

I married my husband Kevin in 2003. We have a son, Dylan, who graduated from Saint Rose and is currently at Oakland High School. When I am not working I enjoy camping, hiking and spending time with my family.

I love being a part of the Saint Rose family!

I began teaching at Saint Rose in 2009 in the preschool after substituting the year prior. One year later I began teaching kindergarten. I have a degree in Speech Language Pathology and a Masters in Elementary Education.

I have two children, Shelby and Zachary. Both are Saint Rose alum and they are my pride and joy.

In my free time I love to spend time with family, read, cook and golf. I have been blessed to be part of our Saint Rose community and love seeing Christ in the faces I am around each and everyday.

I graduated from MTSU with a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology and a Minor in Criminology in 2017. I began pursuing a Masters in Clinical Psychology in August 2017, but switched to education after feeling a strong desire to be in the classroom. I graduated, again from MTSU, in December 2020 with a Masters in Curriculum Instruction with Initial Licensure and started as a Pre-K teacher at Saint Rose in January 2021.

I have been married to my wonderful husband, Luke, since June 2018, and we have we have two amazing girls named Hazel and Josephine. We have been parishioners of Saint Rose since 2015, and I was so happy to start working at the school when a position opened up after I graduated with my masters. In my free time I love to read, run/weight lift, spend time with Hazel and Josephine, crochet, and do calligraphy!

I feel so blessed to be a part of the Saint Rose family. From the moment I started here as a teacher I felt so welcomed by the faculty, parents, and students. I couldn't be more excited to be a teacher, and look forward to never having to work a day in my life.

I have lived in middle Tennessee my whole life. I earned my bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1985, my masters degree in 1995, my Reading Recovery certificate in 1996, and did postgraduate studies in literacy at MTSU and the Center for Dyslexia from 2011-2014. I have been teaching since 1986. First grade is my favorite, but I have taught everything from kindergarten through graduate school. I married my husband in 1986. I have 2 grown children and 4 grandchildren. I enjoy cooking, musical theater, advocating for captive cetaceans, and all things Doctor Who!

I am originally from Melbourne Beach, Florida where my family still lives. I graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a minor in Education. In the years prior to entering the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia, I worked as a high school and middle school youth minister in California and Illinois. Along with my certification in elementary education, I have a Masters in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville and training in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. The greatest gift I have received from God is my calling to be a religious sister, and His bride!

I enjoy being outside, cooking, reading, and being with my sisters. I have taught for 12 years, 10 of those years in 2nd grade.

It is such a joy for me to be with the children and families at our schools as we all strive for happiness and holiness each day. I am excited and privileged to be teaching 2nd grade at St. Rome of Lima.

I grew up in Murfreesboro and have been an active member of Saint Rose Parish since 1995. In 2011 I received my BS in Elementary Education from MTSU and have been teaching ever since! Before having my own classroom, I worked with special needs children. I have previously taught 1st and 3rd grade in Knoxville before moving back to Murfreesboro.

My husband, Jacob, and I married in 2015 and we have three boys, Alexander (2016), Ezra (2018), and Jonah (2022). When I am not chasing two very active boys around, I enjoy being around my large extended family, running, sewing and crafting, and photography.

I feel blessed to be part of a wonderful and supportive family here at Saint Rose Catholic School.

I was born and raised in Lemoore, CA on a sheep ranch. Although growing up in a farming community allowed me to develop a life-long passion for agriculture, I’ve always known I wanted to be an educator. I completed my undergrad in San Luis Obispo, where I received my BA in Liberal Studies. I later moved to San Jose, CA to earn my teaching credential and MA in Education - curriculum and instruction. While in college, I taught preschool, Kindergarten and Fourth grade. I later returned to my hometown to teach Third Grade. My husband, our eldest son and I moved to Spring Hill, TN in 2020. I began working as a Reading Interventionist at College Grove Elementary. I taught here for one year. God then blessed us with two more children and I made the decision to stay home with them. In 2022, we moved to Murfreesboro and discovered St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, where I am excited to continue my teaching journey!

My husband, Marc, and I are parishioners of Saint Rose. We proudly send our son James (3 years old) St. Rose of Lima School and look forward to our twins, Thomas and Henry (2 years old) starting in Fall 2023. I love exploring Murfreesboro and making trips to the beach with family and friends. Motherhood/family time, growing in my faith, teaching, baking and interior design are just a few of my favorite things!

I was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by the culture of Music City. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Dallas in 2023. I was very grateful to join the Saint Rose community for my first year of teaching in the fall of 2023.

I have absolutely loved my time here at Saint Rose where every day allows me an opportunity to grow as a teacher as well as in my relationship with the Lord.

Originally from Minnesota, Sr. Karol Marie joined the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia in 2005. Since that time she has taught multiple grade levels at a variety of schools in which her congregation serves but is thrilled to be returning to the Saint Rose community and has a particular love for the fourth grade. She earned her B.A. in Catholic Studies and Elementary Education with an endorsement in middle school mathematics from the University of St. Thomas and her M.A. in Thomistic Studies from the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C. Sister has a deep love for both St. John Paul the Great for whom she is named and St. Thomas Aquinas, the angelic doctor. She enjoys walking, reading, coffee breaks, and spending time with the Sisters. Sister has deep gratitude for her religious vocation and sharing that joy with others!

I grew up in San Antonio, TX surrounded by a big family, and I was blessed to be sent to Catholic Schools for most of my education. I have known I wanted to be a teacher since I was 10 years old. I graduated from Texas State University in San Marcos, earning a Bachelor Of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Specialization in Reading. I spent the first six years of my profession teaching in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and spent most of that time teaching 4th graders. I married my husband in 1999 and we were moved to Memphis in 2001 by my husband's company, when our first born son Evan was only 1. We had our second son Jaden shortly after we settled in Memphis. I stayed home with my boys for 5 years. When Evan started Catholic School I had the opportunity to start a preschool within the Catholic School, and I was once again blessed with the Director's position there for 10 years.

Time flies and we relocated to Murfreesboro in 2023, where both of my boys are, now in their early 20s. I felt drawn to come back to the classroom, and I decided to substitute teach at St. Rose. I immediately felt at home here. St. Rose is a welcoming, wonderful school full of love for Jesus and compassion and caring for each other. I knew I belonged here and I am beyond thrilled to be part of the family and to be teaching again, where my heart and passion lies.

In 2004, I began teaching at Saint Rose School. I have taught 4th, 5th, and 6th grade. Currently, I am teaching 5th grade Math, Science, and Religion.

In 1987, I graduated from Middle Tennessee with a B.B.A. along with a minor in finance/economics. In 2010, I received a Masters of Education Instruction and Curriculum from Middle Tennessee State University.

I married Matt Vehr on July 2, 1988, at Saint Rose of Lima Church. Saint Rose has been my home since I was born. I received the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation, and Matrimony here.

Matt and I have three children - Katie, Jake, and Rachael. All three graduated from Saint Rose School.

My hobbies are gardening and reading.

Each week at Mass, we join with our preschool prayer partners. It is wonderful to watch the 5th graders grow throughout the year in responsibility and grace as they help their prayer partners participate in the Mass as they sing and pray together.

Certified STEM Teacher

I am originally from Kentucky. I attended the University of Kentucky and earned a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism in 1997. I moved to Tennessee in 2002, student taught here at Saint Rose School in 2005 and completed my Master’s Degree in Elementary Education in 2006. I then began teaching at Saint Rose School full-time in the fall of 2007. I have taught 6th-grade Grammar, Pre-K through 8th-grade library, computers, journalism, and computer programming. Currently, I am teaching 5th-grade Language Arts and Social Studies.

My husband, Jon, and I married in 1998. We have three children, Abbey, a graduate of the University of Kentucky, Caroline (University of Kentucky), and Lucas (University of Kentucky). All three of my children graduated from Saint Rose School and have attended Father Ryan High School.

I adore animals and advocate for the Middle Tennessee Boxer Rescue in Brentwood. In my spare time, I attend my children's activities and love to watch Kentucky Basketball. Go Cats!

I am a Nashville native and I attended Catholic schools in the diocese before studying at the University of Dallas. I have a BA in English with a concentration in American Politics. I have experience teaching in middle and high school in Illinois, Texas and New York. My most recent teaching assignment has been with 5th and 6th graders at Nashville Prep. I am excited to be the moderator for our Forensic Program in partnership with Mrs. Carney.

I received my Bachelor of Science in Education, with a concentration in Middle Grades Mathematics, from the University of Georgia in 1992. My husband, Jay, and I moved to Murfreesboro in 2007 and have 9 children, two of whom are students here at St. Rose. After homeschooling my children for 23 years, I returned to the classroom in 2022 as the Middle School Math teacher, and I quickly remembered why I became a teacher. I look forward to getting to know your children, helping them to know the love of Christ for them, and teaching them how mathematics is the "language in which God has created the universe."

I began teaching in 2002. In 2007 I started at Saint Rose School. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology with a minor in Italian and a concentration in Renaissance Art from the University of Notre Dame. I have a Master's of Arts as a Teaching Reading Specialist. 

My husband, Rich, and I have two children who attend Saint Rose and a son who lives in Baltimore. We are very involved in the old time music community through Rich's and my son's band. I love sports and anything Notre Dame. I am an avid reader.

My favorite moment was making blessing bags for the homeless with the students on our Day of Adoration. I also love watching my 8th graders fall in love with a book we are reading.

I absolutely love working at Saint Rose. It is truly a blessing to work, play and worship here with my family.

I am originally from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Prior to entering the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia, I graduated from the University of Virginia with a B.A. in Psychology (Go Hoos!). I entered the convent in 2019 and have since earned a master’s in Secondary Education. Most recently, I have been teaching middle school science and loved guiding my students to discover the Lord in His creation!

I love St. Therese, hand lettering, horses, cheese and spending time with the Sisters.

I am thrilled to teach religion and to be an 8th grade homeroom teacher and am especially excited to work with the 7th and 8th graders as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

I began teaching at Saint Rose School in 2022. Prior to Saint Rose, I taught at Smyrna West Alternative for 19 years. During that time, I taught social studies, American government, computer literacy, economics, teen living from grades 6-12.

I graduated from MTSU with a BA in history and minored in political science, geography, and secondary education in 2000. In 2009, I graduated from Lipscomb University with a Master of Arts in Learning and Teaching.

My wife Jennifer and I have been married since 2001 and have two daughters: Andrea, a Saint Rose graduate in 2017, and Reagan who currently attends Saint Rose School.

I am a big sports fan and especially enjoy baseball. I am also a share owner of the Green Bay Packers from my native Wisconsin. (Go Pack Go!)

I am a graduate of MTSU with my Bachelors in Art Education and minor in Spanish. I also have my associates degree in Fine Art from Motlow State. I enjoy taking art workshops at the Frist Art Museum and working on my own art when I can! I started at Saint Rose in 2021.

I recently married my high school sweetheart, Brian, and we have a pet bunny named Bambi. We are Nashville natives but our families are from Mexico.

I love Saint Rose and look forward to another great year!

I am married to Chip Smith, and we have four children. Our three oldest children, Ben (Graduate student at University of Alabama), Zach (Murfreesboro Fire Department), and Abbie (University of Arkansas, Little Rock), all graduated from Saint Rose School and Father Ryan High School. Our youngest son, Drew, is a current Saint Rose student. I began my career working in public schools and took time off when my older kids were little. I followed my kids to Saint Rose when my second oldest entered Kindergarten. I have loved teaching 3rd grade since 2007. It is my favorite because the students come in as little kids and leave as big kids. How lucky am I to be a part of this process?

In my free time, I enjoy running, reading, laughing with family and friends and watching my children play sports.

My favorite thing about teaching at Saint Rose is sharing the faith with my students and watching them grow up both in and out of school.

I began teaching at Saint Rose in 2020! I am 27 years old, I have a wife and a daughter who I adore. I graduated from MTSU with a bachelor's degree in exercise science, and am looking into going back to get my masters. I went to high school in West Tennessee where I played football, rugby, and ran track. If you have any sports questions I can probably answer it! The Tennessee Titans will win the Super Bowl next year, and I will be there to see it. I have worked in many job environments, but I always get pulled back into working with children. This is where God wants me to be, I can feel it. I am so excited to be given this opportunity and get to know all of you.

I am originally from Lima, Peru and I moved to Tennessee in 2022. I have over 24 years of teaching experience as well as a Masters Degree in Educational Psychology, and a second major degree in Educational Technology. I am certified as a Trainer of International Positive Discipline with expertise in Spanish literacy, project -based collaborative learning and learning difficulties.

Currently I also enjoy providing support and tutoring programs and promoting my Peruvian pastry on-line business. Santa Rosa of Lima is very important in my personal, family and cultural life. I feel blessed and very grateful to God for the opportunity to be part of this community, serving and living my vocation as a teacher.

Mrs. Lindsey Wortham holds a Bachelor's degree in Music with certifications in vocal and instrumental music education. She has taught voice lessons to students all over Middle Tennessee with students accepted into Mid-State and All-State choirs.

In addition, Mrs. Wortham has a masters degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences, with several years experience as a speech pathologist.

Mrs. Wortham has participated in ensembles touring worldwide and has performed as a soloist with the Bryan Symphony Orchestra (Cookville) and the Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra.

Mrs. Wortham is heavily involved at the Murfreesboro Center for the Arts, where she has performed in various local performances. She has been the cantor and pianist at St. William of Montevergine Parish in Shelbyville, TN since 2006.

As a lifelong Catholic and musician Mrs. Wortham is grateful for the opportunity to pass on her knowledge of both her faith and the arts to the students of Saint Rose School.

Deanna Little has resided in Tennessee since 2002 where she began her career in higher education as Professor of Flute at MTSU.

Dr. Little holds a Bachelor of Music degree in education from the University of Northern Iowa, a Master of Music degree and the Doctor of Music degree from Indiana University, in addition she had the privilege to study flute in England for one year at The Studio with Trevor Wye.

In addition to her teaching duties at MTSU, Little teaches on the faculty of the Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts. She has also taught elementary and middle school instrumental music in Solon, Iowa, held faculty positions at Drake University and the University of the South at Sewanee.

Deanna and Windell Little are thrilled to team teach the instrumental music program at St. Rose. Together we bring a variety of musical experiences to offer our students. Our goals being to instill a love of music along with skills of listening, determination, commitment and the overall awareness of the beauty an arts education brings to the world.

The Little’s have two dogs, Murphy and Jack and their son, TJ, is a student at St. Rose.

From song leader in his hometown church at the age of 11, to rock band drummer in high school, to music major with an emphasis and piano and organ in college, Windell Little has enjoyed a multi-faceted musical background. Mr. Little has held positions in church music since age 18 and is now established as the full-time Director of Music at Lebanon FUMC where he began working in 2006. 

In addition to his duties at Lebanon FUMC , Mr. Little also tunes pianos, accompanies and teaches privately.

Deanna and Windell Little are thrilled to team teach the instrumental music program at St. Rose. Together we bring a variety of musical experiences to offer our students. Our goals being to instill a love of music along with skills of listening, determination, commitment and the overall awareness of the beauty an arts education brings to the world.

The Little’s have two dogs, Murphy and Jack and their son, TJ, is a student at St. Rose. 

I graduated in 1982 from the University of Memphis with a teaching degree in special and gifted education. I taught learning disabled students for ten years and gifted students for twenty three years in the Shelby County public schools system. In May 2015 I retired from full time teaching and moved to Murfreesboro to be closer to my two daughters and five grandchildren. In the fall of 2015 I began teaching part time at Saint Rose.

I was born in Murfreesboro when my father was stationed at Sewart Air Force Base in the early 1960s. My family attended mass at Saint Rose and my older siblings were students here. As a military family we moved around a lot but my family always spoke fondly about their time as members of Saint Rose parish and school. As a young girl I dreamed of returning here one day to teach.

From a young age I witnessed the many sacrifices my parents made in order for my eleven siblings and myself to attend Catholic schools. My goal has always been to give back to the catholic school system in some manner and thankfully SRS has afforded me that opportunity. This school provides children with an excellent education centered in a small teacher to pupil ratio setting. My favorite time of the day at SRS is during morning prayer when the entire school meets to begin our day as a community.

In 1987 I began my teaching career with 2nd graders at Radnor Baptist Academy. From there I taught students with mild to severe disabilities, ranging in age from 3 years old to 22 years of age. I taught students in Kindergarten through 5th grade before I retired in 2018.

In 2023 I came out of retirement to work here at Saint Rose, where two of my grandchildren are students. I am grateful to once again be working with children and in a school that strives for student success not only academically but also in all parts of their life.

I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Religious Studies from Saint Mary's College Notre Dame and a Master's Degree in psychology from Divine Mercy University.

Over the years, I have worked with children and teenagers in classrooms, as a case manager and as a counselor.

My husband, Joseph, and I were married in 1987 and we have four grown children and one granddaughter.

Saint Rose of Lima parish was our first church home in Tennessee, when we moved here in 1994. It was a vibrant parish and preschool at the time and for the last 20 years has offered a terrific school to children in our community.

I am blessed to be a part of this place of learning, love and service.