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 graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1989 with a Bachelor Degree. While teaching, I later earned my Master Degree in Special Education. Before working at Saint Rose, I taught in the public schools at the middle school and high school level.

In 2001, I began teaching first grade students at Saint Rose School. After years in the classroom, I transitioned to my current positions, serving as Assistant Principal & Academic Dean and also coordinating student special services.

My husband Jeff and I married in 1990 and we have three children: Mary (Evan Allen), Anna Brock, and Samuel. They all attended Saint Rose School from two years old until their 8th grade graduation. Saint Rose has always been a special place to my family and me and I am glad to call it my second home.

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 and I also get to fulfill my true passion of being in the classroom, teaching 5th grade religion and social studies!

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.

I have been married for 27 years and have four children who have 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.

My name is Suzanne Thompson and I am an Administrative Assistant. I have been an employee at Saint Rose School and Preschool since 1997.

I started 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 but later moved to the preschool office and have recently joined the "big" school in the purchasing department.

I enjoy gardening, crafts and spending time with friends and family. My husband and I have been married for over 30 years and we have two children and one granddaughter.

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 began teaching at Saint Rose in 1996 and I have always taught the 2-year olds. I was born and raised in Murfreesboro and my husband, Eddie, and I have been married for over 45 years. We have three children and eight grandchildren. I enjoy scrapbooking, painting and photography.

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.

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.

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 started teaching at Saint Rose Preschool in 2010. I spent fivr 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 that have graduated from Saint Rose School and now attend Oakland High School.

I enjoy gardening and supporting my kids in their activities – band and soccer.

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!

My name is Julie Murphy and I grew up in Nashville attending Christ the King and Father Ryan High School. 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 moved to Kindergarten in 2016 and I love working with this age group.

I love the outdoors, hiking and spending time with my fiance, whom I will marry in October!

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 will complete my Masters in Elementary Education this fall.

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 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 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 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 began teaching at Saint Rose in 2003! My first two years were in 1st grade, 6 years in kindergarten, two years PreK, and have been in 2nd grade ever since. I have a Bachelor of Science in Special Ed from The University of Tennessee - Knoxville, and a Masters in Elementary Education from Trevecca Nazarene.

I have been married to Stephen for over 25 years. We have three children, all Saint Rose graduates, Chandler, Mary Kate, and Hannah. In addition to teaching 2nd grade, I am the Forensics (Public Speaking) coach and I teach a Performing Arts 7th & 8th grade elective.

I love teaching at Saint Rose because it's more like being a part of a loving, giving family than going to work every day.

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 (University of Tennessee), and Abbie (Father Ryan High School) all graduated from Saint Rose School. Our youngest son, Drew is a current Saint Rose student. I began my career working in public schools, teaching middle school Language Arts and 4th grade. I took time off when my older kids were little and came to Saint Rose in 2007 when they entered school. I have loved teaching 3rd grade for more than a decade.

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 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 (Clemson University), 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 started teaching at Saint Rose in 2013 after graduating from Middle Tennessee State University with a bachelors degree in Interdisciplinary Studies K-6.

I went to Riverdale High School and that is where I met my husband, Ben. We have been married since 2014. Our baby girl, Marin, was born this past spring. I love to spend time with my family on the Gulf coast and I also love reading!

I love teaching at Saint Rose because of the opportunity to share and practice my faith with my students. I love being able to go to Mass and adoration during the week with the whole school. I am truly grateful to be a part of the Saint Rose family!

I am excited to be at Saint Rose teaching 5th and 6th grade!

I am from Ohio originally and am the oldest of four children. Most of my family is still back in Ohio. I joined the Saint Cecilia Dominicans in 2012. I graduated with my undergraduate from the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio, and my graduate work from Aquinas College here in Nashville.

I love being at Saint Rose! I also love teaching religion and getting to tell people every day how much God loves them.

I enjoy being outside, reading, sports in general (and frisbee and football in particular), and playing my guitar.

I pray that God blesses your school year!

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 Friday 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 am originally from Indiana. I met my husband, Shane, in college and we were married in 1998. We lived in Avon, Indiana until we moved to Tennessee in 2007. We have two beautiful daughters, Brooke and Sydney. I enjoy coaching Saint Rose volleyball and we are big St. Louis Cardinals fans.

I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from DePauw University Greencastle, IN. and a Master's Degree in Education from Trevecca University Nashville, TN.

I am a 6th grade homeroom teacher, and I teach Language Arts for 5th and 6th grade. I enjoy teaching at St. Rose School because it is a place where students are encouraged to learn and also grow in their faith. St. Rose School is a Christ centered environment that demonstrates its mission of Learning, Love, and Service.

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.

I have been teaching science since 2008 when I began teaching at Saint Rose.

I have a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University with a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry and I have a TN teaching license to teach Secondary Science.

My husband, Matt, and I have lived in Murfreesboro since 1999. We have two daughters, Ana and Becky who both have attended Saint Rose School. I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and gardening.

My favorite thing about teaching at Saint Rose is the students and watching them discover something new about their world.

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 from Birmingham, Alabama and the oldest of four children. I was taught by the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia when I was in school and was later happy to join them in their following of Christ and their sharing in His preaching.

I graduated from Aquinas College in Nashville with a degree in Secondary English Education.

I enjoy teaching in the junior high and high school classrooms. I also love reading, enjoying the beauty of art, rooting on southern sports teams, good food, nature, and being outside.

I am very excited to have joined the Saint Rose community and I am grateful for the opportunity to get to know its lovely parishioners!

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.

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 have been married since 1998. We have three wonderful children all of whom have attended Saint Rose.

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 here at Saint Rose in 2013 after I received my degree from MTSU in Music Education.

I also hold my Orff certification and incorporate those ideas which foster movement, improvisation, and creativity within the music classroom.

I have been a life-long parishioner here and grew up singing and making music. In addition to teaching, I also sing with the Nashville Symphony Chorus.

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 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 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.

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.

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!