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 began working at Saint Rose in the fall of 2014.

I grew up in New Orleans and attended St. Dominic and Mount Carmel Academy. I have a Bachelors of Arts in Communications and Information Sciences from The University of Alabama and a Minor in Business Administration.

My husband, Mitchell, and I have been married since 2008 and we have 4 children: Charlie, Elizabeth, Will and Thomas. All four of our children attend Saint Rose School.

My favorite thing about Saint Rose School is how welcoming everyone is here. We moved here in 2012 knowing no one and now this school is like a second family.

I joined the Saint Rose staff in 2019 as the Bookkeeper for the church office and school. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and am a licensed CPA.

I grew up in Murfreesboro and graduated from Riverdale High School. My husband and I met while attending MTSU. We have been married for over 20 years. Our family has been a member of the Saint Rose parish since 2011 and my daughter Addie is currently a student at Saint Rose School.

We spend most of our time at the soccer fields with Addie but I also enjoy cooking, reading, yoga and watching college football.

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 graduated from George Rodgers Clark High School in Whiting, Indiana in 1986 and went right into the military. I retired 21 years later in 2007 from the United States Navy.

My husband Leo and I were married in 2002 and we moved to Murfreesboro in 2007. We have two boys and our daughter Mya, graduated from Saint Rose in 2018.

I have been an employee at Saint Rose since 1998. I started in the Preschool working in the three year old classroom then moved to Pre-K where I taught for four years. I enjoyed my time in the classroom with the children but later accepted the position as the Assistant Director in the Preschool Office. In the summer of 2017 I was offered the position of Procurement Clerk and Attendance Officer in the school. I was there three years and have now found my home in the Business Office where I continue purchasing and attendance but have added being the parish and schools Safe Environment Coordinator.

In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, crafts and spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy watching college football and I am originally from South Bend Indiana so I am a huge Norte Dame fan…GO IRISH!

My husband Chris and I were married in the summer of 1989. We have two children, our daughter Hannah and our son Dylan. We were recently blessed with a beautiful granddaughter, Lilyann.

I love working at Saint Rose, it has been a huge part of my life and a tremendous blessing for a very long time and I consider it and everyone I work with an extension of my family.

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.

My husband and I moved to Murfreesboro in 2004 from Fort Lauderdale, FL. We have two children, Frankie & Chloe. Both graduated from Saint Rose and attend Blackman Collegiate Academy. In 2010 I began teaching in the preschool.

I love sports! I enjoy playing on the Saint Rose softball team, running, and basically anything outdoors. I am originally from Philadelphia and I am a die-hard Phillies and Eagles fan!

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 began teaching in 2010 and joined Saint Rose School in 2014.

I have a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, along with a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education.

I married my husband, George, on Leap Day in 2012. We have a son, Ryker, who attends Saint Rose School. I enjoy crafting, making T-shirts, exercising, and playing on the parish softball team.

My favorite moment while at Saint Rose has to be Graduation. It’s a time that as a teacher, reminds me of just exactly why I chose to do what I do.

My name is Reece Hagy! I actually attended Saint Rose from Preschool to 3rd grade. I am so excited to be back as a Preschool Teacher. I've always loved children and feel so blessed to have the opportunity to work with them and at such a wonderful school!

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 started at Saint Rose in 2019 and have been a parishioner since 2011. I graduated in 2007 from Western Kentucky University with a Bachelor's degree in Child Studies with a Minor in Social Work. I have worked with all age groups starting with babies all the way through Pre-K.

I am from Nashville and attended St. Edward and Father Ryan when I was younger. I have two children, a daughter named Macie and a son named Colton. As a family we like to go to the movies and swim. We love Notre Dame Football. Go Irish!

We are so lucky and blessed to be a part of Saint Rose! There is no other place we would rather be.

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. 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 three grandchildren.

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

I started teaching at Saint Rose Preschool in 2010. I spent five years in pre-K before moving to the three-year-olds. Before coming to Saint Rose, I was an instructor at the Fleming Training Center in Murfreesboro, teaching courses in water treatment, math, and working in science labs. I have a degree in Environmental Science and Technology from MTSU.

I have been a member of Saint Rose Parish since 1991. My husband, Eric, and I were married here in 1997. We have two children who have graduated from Saint Rose School and now attend Oakland High School and MTSU.

I enjoy gardening and being active outdoors.

I love working at Saint Rose because of the amazing support the teachers and staff have for each other!

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 am originally from Green Bay, WI where I married my husband, Jay in 1995 and had two beautiful daughters. I moved to Chattanooga, TN in 2005 and then to Murfreesboro in 2019. I hold a bachelor’s degree in both Human Development and Psychology. I have been working with young children since 1988 in various careers such as nanny, preschool teacher and autistic specialist. I started teaching at Saint Rose in 2020 in the pre-K 3 “Comets” room.

I enjoy traveling, music, dancing, movies, and playing cards. My favorite thing to do is be with my family. I love teaching young children and molding their future. I look forward to meeting your child!

Wendy Olejniczak

My name is Julie Murphy and I grew up in Nashville attending Christ the King and Father Ryan High School. I have a Bachelor's degree in Child and Family Studies and a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. Go Vols! 

I have taught Kindergarten, 3rd grade, and PreK before beginning at Saint Rose in 2014 and teaching Pre-K. I married my husband, Jacob, in the spring of 2021! We live in Nashville and love to travel! I enjoy spending time outdoors working in our yard, walking, and hiking. I also love to cook and try out new recipes!Saint Rose is a special place and I love working here and getting to know all of the families. That’s why I drive all the way from Nashville everyday :)

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

I have two children that graduated from Saint Rose. Shelby attends Belmont University and Zachary is a student at Siegel High School.

I love the first day of school at Saint Rose, seeing the children return after the summer break. I love to see how much they have grown. I love feeling the excitement of a new year and all the new memories to make. My favorite memory is when Pope Francis was named as our pope. The students and teachers all gathered in the gym and I can still hear the church bells ringing and the emotional reaction from the children was amazing. The bonus was that I was able to share it with my own two children as well as our school family.

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 one amazing little girl named Hazel. 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, 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 began teaching First Graders with Murfreesboro City Schools in 1997 and came to teach at Saint Rose Catholic School in 2005-2006.

My Masters and Bachelors degrees in Early Childhood Education were both earned at Middle Tennessee State University.

I have been a parishioner at Saint Rose of Lima since 2000.

Jim and I married in 1999. We both enjoy sports, and spending time with our families and friends. I love gardening, reading, shopping, and arts/crafts projects.

I love our school because of the wonderful families and friends I have been blessed to meet & know here over the years. We take care of one another, encourage each other, and strive to be our best daily. It is just what we do and I couldn't ask for better.

I am thrilled to be teaching 2nd grade at Saint Rose school! I love preparing children for the two wonderful Sacraments they receive this year.

I was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland and am the 4th of 8 children. I moved to Nashville in 2012 when I entered the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia. I was taught by our Sisters when I was in high school and consider it an incredible blessing to now be one of them.

I was blessed to attend Aquinas College in Nashville and receive my BS in elementary education. Since then, I have taught 2nd grade in St. Louis and Nashville.

I enjoy teaching tremendously, and I always receive more from the children than I give. God bless you!

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 two boys, Alexander (2016) and Ezra(2018). When I am not chasing two very active toddlers around, I enjoy running, sewing, and photography.

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

I am from Morristown in East Tennessee. I have BA degree from UT Knoxville in Human Learning and Behavior. I also have a MS degree from UT Knoxville in Educational Curriculum and Instruction. I taught Kindergarten for one year at Fountain City Elementary in Knoxville. I then taught Second Grade for almost five years at All Saints Episcopal School in Morristown. 

My husband and I moved to Murfreesboro in 1999. I began teaching Kindergarten at Saint Rose in 2000. I taught here for almost four years. Then I had my daughter, Bonnie, and stayed home with her. I came back to Saint Rose in 2007 as a Kindergarten Aide. In 2010 I began teaching third grade at Saint Rose. 

I am married to Steve Moore and we are parishioners at Saint Rose. Our daughter, Bonnie, is a Saint Rose graduate and our son, Hayden, is a student here at Saint Rose. I am a proficient yogi and enjoy spending time with my friends and family. We love vacationing in the mountains and going to the beach. We love living in Murfreesboro! 

I am married to Chip Smith, and we have four children. Our three oldest children, Ben (University of Alabama), Zach (Columbia State), 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.

Originally from London, England, I moved to Nashville in 2016 to enter the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia. I first met our Sisters while studying Biochemistry at university and soon afterward heard the Lord call me to give my life entirely to Him.

I graduated from Aquinas College in Nashville with a M.A.T. in Elementary Education (K-5) and consider it an immense privilege to teach the Faith to children! In my free time, I enjoy the beauty of nature, being outdoors, traveling, and sleeping!

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, literature, vocabulary and spelling.

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 pre-school 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.

I have been teaching for over 30 years. I taught high school math at Cannon County High School for one year, Smyrna High School for 25 years, and Central Magnet School for one year. I began teaching at Saint Rose in 2013.

I have received a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education with a major in Mathematics and minor in psychology from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master’s Degree in Instructional Leadership. I also have 30 hours toward a Ph.D. in Mathematics Instruction.

I am originally from Michigan. I met my husband, Jan, while we were both serving in the United States Air Force. We have been married for over 40 years. We have called Tennessee home for the past 33 years. Our two children are both teachers.

I enjoy traveling, hanging out with my friends and family, and watching Big Bang Theory on TV. I am still a Smyrna Bulldog fan and try to go to some of their games every year.

I love teaching at Saint Rose because it is a Christ Centered environment. As I help the children grow as Christians, I find myself growing deeper in my faith.

Originally from Nashville, I was blessed to attend both St. Henry School and St. Cecilia Academy. In 2018, I received my BA in History from the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts, where I also studied secondary education and received my teaching license. After graduation, I volunteered with AmeriCorps and taught seventh grade at a Nativity-Miguel middle school in Connecticut.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, running, reading, and creating art.

I am excited to be the junior high science teacher here at Saint Rose, and although it is only my first year, I already feel so welcomed by the school community!

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 was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, the oldest of three girls. My sisters are both married. I have four nieces (in grades 6th, 4th, 1st and pre-K) whom I love spending time with when I visit my family. I graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville with a degree in history and theology, and started teaching high school in 2003. I visited the Motherhouse in Nashville after many years of searching for something and immediately felt at home. I found not something but Someone (God!) who was inviting me to be His alone. I entered the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia in Nashville in 2006. "The Lord has done good things for me and holy is His name!" (Lk 1:49). I have most recently taught at St. Cecilia Academy in Nashville and Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga.

I enjoy playing tennis, dabbling in watercolor painting, hiking, and being with my Dominican sisters. I have yet to meet a dessert that has too much chocolate.

I am excited to be at Saint Rose this school year. Thank you for the warm welcome!

In 2003, I began teaching at Saint Rose Catholic School!

I graduated from St. Louis University with a BA Degree in Economics and a Business Certificate. Then, I graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Law with a JD Degree. I also attended MTSU for my post-baccalaureate work in History to complete my Tennessee teaching licensure.

My husband Paul and I have been married for over 30 years and we have three wonderful Saint Rose alumni children: Charlie, Nuclear Reactor Engineer with TVA in Chattanooga; Becca, works in Data Science in Boulder, CO; and Sara, Captain in the United States Air Force.

Favorite Bible verse: Mark 12:31 "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

Motto: Don't worry, work!

Clubs: Geo Club sponsor; National Geographic Geo Bee sponsor, History Channel History Bee sponsor, Student Council Election commissioner, lector training, Social Justice Committee, and Veteran's Day Coordinator

Hobbies: Reading, hiking and traveling

Favorite Saint Rose memory: There are many great Saint Rose School memories (Opening day in 1999, Mardi Gras parades in the back of school, first graduation day, etc.) but the moving of the flagpole and first Veteran's Day Flag Ceremony has to be one of my favorites.

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.

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 (Father Ryan High School). 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 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.

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.

I graduated in 1994 from Western Carolina University and I have a son, Jacob, who is a local Murfreesboro musician. I began teaching in 1997 and started at Saint Rose School in 2005. Previously, I was a founder of the Blackman High School band program and taught Jazz Band, Rock Band, woodwind lessons and wrote music for their halftime shows. 

I've always played music professionally and continue to play today. I've performed with various artists such as Boots Randolph, Jerrod Niemann, Jimmy Fortune (Statler Bros), Ben Jones, Frankie Ford, The Ink Spots, The Drifters, Maurice & the Zodiacs, and many more. I like to bring my performing experience into the classroom and use those techniques to give students a varied musical experience. 

Besides teaching at Saint Rose I travel to other schools to teach classes and lessons. I'm the music committee chairman for the Main St. Jazz Fest, which our own Saint Rose Jazz Band plays for every year.

I graduated from Clemson University in 1993 with a Bachelor degree in Elementary Education and then from the University of Charleston in 1996 with a Masters in Special Education.

My husband, Mike, and I married in 1994. We have three children, Maureen (MIT), Kristina (Maryville College), and Patrick (Father Ryan High School). All three of my children graduated from Saint Rose School.

Favorite memory: being in school when Pope Francis was announced as our new Pope. All three of my children and I celebrated together in the gym with our school family.

Hobbies: cooking, reading, and most importantly, spending time with my family.

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.

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.

I began teaching at Saint Rose in 2001. I started with teaching Pre-K my first three years then moved to the 3-year-olds for 12 years. I "semi-retired" and started working with the aftercare program in 2016. Currently I am the Extended Care Director and am enjoying it very much. I am also Certified Level 1 in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

My husband Larry and I have been married since 1993 and are members here at Saint Rose since 1996. We have two children. Matthew (Jennifer) and Jessica, who attended Saint Rose from 2 years old through 8th grade. In 2019 we welcomed our first grandchild, Maggie!

I am blessed to be a volunteer at Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital in the L&D, Nursery and NICU units one day a week. I enjoy spending time with family, traveling, crafting, reading and collecting sand from different beaches around the world. I feel very blessed to be a part of the Saint Rose family and grateful to have been able to send our daughter to Saint Rose for a wonderful Catholic Education and deep faith foundation. God is good all the time.

My family and I moved to Tennessee in 1986 and have been parishioners here at St. Rose for over 32 years. I started working for Saint Rose School in 2004 as an extended care teacher and transitioned to managing the school lunch program in 2006.

My husband Shane and I met while attending MTSU and have been married for 25 years and all four of our children graduated from Saint Rose School. I enjoy reading, doing anything active outdoors, spending time with family, and vacationing at the beach or in the mountains.

I love Saint Rose and feel blessed to have been a part of this community for so many years!