Faculty & Staff

Faculty and Staff

Administration

Kevin Hoeffner, Ph. D.
Dr. Hoeffner started working at St. Anastasia as the Assistant Principal in 2006. Prior to that, he worked as an administrator at three Florida colleges between 1996-2006 before being called to his vocation at St. Anastasia. He was appointed Principal in 2008. He received his Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of South Florida in 2010. He earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Social Work from Florida International University and worked as an administrator at three Florida colleges before being called to his vocation at St. Anastasia. He is a proud graduate of St. Anastasia and John Carroll High School. His three children will be the fifth generation to benefit from the well-rounded education and faith formation provided by St. Anastasia Church, School, and John Carroll High School.
Educational Philosophy

Karen Richmond
Mrs. Richmond has been an Assistant Principal at St. Anastasia since 2008. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Central Florida and her Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Florida Atlantic University. Prior to becoming the Assistant Principal, she taught kindergarten and 3rd grade. In 2015 she transitioned from the role of Assistant Principal to the role of Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction. She enjoys working behind the scenes with teachers to support them in their planning and classroom management! Mrs. Richmond and her husband have been members of St. Anastasia Church for 26 years. Their three daughters attended St. Anastasia School and John Carroll High School. They love the St. Anastasia and John Carroll community very much!
Educational Philosophy

Maura Cox
Mrs. Cox is excited to join St. Anastasia Catholic School as their Assistant Principal in charge of Student Affairs. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Central Florida and her Master's Degree in Catholic School Educational Leadership from Barry University. Prior to coming to St. Anastasia Catholic School, Mrs Cox was an assistant Principal for Okeechobee Public Schools for one year and the principal of St.Thomas Aquinas Catholic School for nine years. Prior to going into administrator, she taught first grade for eight years and fourth grade for one year. She is excited to get to know the students and staff of St. Anastasia and assisting them in having a safe and faith-filled learning environment that teachers the whole child: mind, body and spirit. Mrs. Cox and her husband joined the St. Anastasia Parish this year . Mrs. Cox is married with two children who will also attend St. Anastasia Catholic School. Mrs. Cox and her family love to travel and spend time together.

Kristopher Takahashi
Kris Takahashi has been working in the IT realm of education for over ten years. He began as a technical intern while a senior at John Carroll High School and has since garnered a degree in Computer Information Technology as well as Cyber-security and Information Management. He has worked in almost every role IT has to offer. From Bench Tech, to Junior Systems Administrator, Systems Administrator, Network Administrator, IT Manager, IT Director, to his newest role. Husband to his loving wife Angela, father to son Alexander, Kris now serves the Saint Anastasia Community as the Director of Information Services. As the owner of E1C Technologies, he also offers consultation for all parts of an IT project's life cycle as well as professional development opportunities for a wide range of education and technical topics, solution oriented computing, web development, and networking services.

Pre-K

Laura Brown
Mrs. Brown graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. She has been teaching for more than 23 years and has experience in the Florida Public School System as well as her years at St. Anastasia as a Preschool teacher since 2000. Happily, Mrs. Brown now calls St. A's "home." Her husband, Mike, and daughter, Mary Catherine, are both graduates of St. Anastasia and John Carroll. Her son, Patrick, also graduated from St. Anastasia and will soon graduate from John Carroll High School. He is looking forward to attending college. Mrs. Brown loves spending time with her family, caring for her orchids and enjoying our beautiful Indian River Lagoon. She and her family are members of St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church.
Educational Philosophy

Julie Brennan
Mrs. Brennan has her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education 1-6 with a certification in Special Learning Disabilities (K-12) from Franciscan University of Steubenville and her Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Florida Atlantic University. She just completed teaching her third year of preschool. She has taught 2nd grade, 5th grade, and Reading Resource at two other Catholic Schools before she had children. She's a parishioner of St. Anastasia Church and her three children attend St. Anastasia School. She enjoys spending quality time with family, friends and church community.
Educational Philosophy

Beverly Thoennissen
Mrs. Thoennissen graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Marketing. She graduated from the Educator Preparation Institute at Indian River State College where she is certified to teach Grades K-6 and ESE Certertified. This is her first year teaching Pre-K. She had been teaching 3rd grade at St. Anastasia for the past 10 years. She enjoys spending time with her family and going to Disney.
Educational Philosophy

Brittany Wingert
Mrs. Wingert is excited to join the Preschool team this year as a first year teacher. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Indian River State College. She has acquired teaching experience through her internship and substitute teaching in the Public School System. Prior to becoming a teacher, she was employed at St. Anastasia over the course of three years as a teacher assistant, aftercare personnel, and teacher assistant substitute. St. Anastasia has always been her "home" starting with her own schooling through Pre-K to eighth grade. Mrs. Winert and her husband are parishioners of St. Anastasia Catholic Church along with her parents Kenneth and Candice Langel. She enjoys spending time with her family, riding her horse, and staying physically active.
Educational Philosophy

Kindergarten

Kimberly Smith
Mrs. Kimberly Smith graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. She is certified to teach grades Pre-K-6th grade and has earned her Staff Credentials for VPK. After college graduation, Mrs. Smith taught first grade at Garden City Elementary School in St. Lucie County for 2 years where she was nominated for the First Year Teacher Award in 1990-91. Being a St. Anastasia Kindergarten teacher since 2014 has brought her much joy and satisfaction. At home, Kimberly enjoys trying new healthy recipes and traveling with her family. She and her husband, David, have three children. David and their two sons, Thomas and Andrew, have all graduated from St. Anastasia and John Carroll. Their daughter, Anna, attends John Carroll. Kimberly and her family attend St. Anastasia Catholic Church.
Educational Philosophy

Jenna Crull
Mrs. Crull is excited to be making the transition from first grade to kindergarten this year. She has her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio. She is certified to teach Pre-K-3 and as an Intervention Specialist K-12. She has been teaching for 16 years. She has been a middle school intervention specialist, reading/math intervention specialist and a first grade teacher for the past 13 years. She also received her Master’s Degree in Teacher Leadership from Wright State University in 2008. Mrs. Crull and her husband have two children. They both attend St. Anastasia. She enjoys reading, cooking, cycling, and spending time with her family. The Crull family attends St. Anastasia Catholic Church.
Educational Philosophy

First Grade

Dina Bush
Mrs. Bush has her Bachelor's Degree in K-6 Elementary Education, K-12 Exceptional Student Education (ESE) and is ESOL Endorsed. She is beginning her 16th year at St. Anastasia and this is her tenth year teaching 1st grade. She is a parishioner of St. Anastasia and loves working in a Catholic school. Mrs. Bush is married with two daughters who are both St. Anastasia grads. She loves spending time with her family and going out on the boat.
Educational Philosophy

Annelies Madden
Mrs. Madden is starting her fourth year at St. Anastasia. She is very excited to be teaching first grade this year. Mrs. Madden graduated from SUNY College at Plattsburgh with her Bachelor's Degree in English and received her Master's Degree in Education from Dowling College in New York. She and her husband, John, moved to Florida in 1991 where she started her teaching career in Miami. She was blessed to be able to spend time at home with her three children. When her youngest started school she returned to teaching in Martin County. All three of her children are John Carroll High School graduates. The Madden family moved to Fort Piece in 2016 and have enjoyed becoming part of the St. Anastasia Catholic Church. In her spare time she enjoys reading, boating, going to the beach and spending time with her family.
Educational Philosophy

Second Grade

Keri Barton
Mrs. Keri Barton earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University and is certified in grades 1-6. She has been teaching for 17 years. She is a proud graduate of John Carroll Catholic High School. She and her husband Donnie have two daughters who are proud St. Anastasia graduates. She enjoys exercising, going to the beach, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. The Barton’s are parishioners of St. Bernadette Catholic Church.
Educational Philosophy

Megan Norton
Ms. Norton earned her Bachelor's Degree in Sport and Exercise Science from Stetson University and worked in the healthcare field before going back to school and graduating from the Educator Preparation Institute at Indian River State College. She is certified to teach grades K-6 and previously worked in the St. Lucie County School District for 13 years. She taught Kindergarten for eight years and Second Grade for the past six years. She is a graduate of John Carroll Catholic High School and is very excited to have returned to the Catholic school setting as an educator. She enjoys going to the beach and anything to do with the water. She also loves spending time with family and friends.
Educational Philosophy

Third Grade

Gene Drum
Mr. Drum is beginning is his fifty-second year as a teacher. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education from the State University of New York at Oswego and his Master’s Degree in Teacher Leadership from the University of Minnesota. He is certified in elementary education and secondary social studies. Mr. Drum taught overseas for over thirty years as well as in New York State and in Florida. Mr. Drum has been married to his wife, Joanie, for fifty-one years. They have one daughter, Damian. This is Mr. Drum’s fifth year at Saint Anastasia. He feels truly blessed to be a part of such a magnificent school.
Educational Philosophy

Kim Brown
Mrs. Brown has her Bachelor’s Degree in Educational Studies and her Master’s Degree in Communication with Emphasis on Education, both from Grand Canyon University. She is certified in Florida to teach K-6. Mrs. Brown started her teaching career when she and her mom opened a pre-school in Okeechobee, Florida in 1986. She has taught pre-school, third grade, fourth grade, and sixth through eighth grade. She was an assistant at St. Anastasia from 2003-2005 while her daughter was attending John Carroll High School. She is very excited to be back as a part of the St. Anastasia family. She is the proud grandmother of eleven grandchildren ranging in ages five to seventeen. She loves reading, traveling and relaxing with her family.
Educational Philosophy

Fourth Grade

Daniela Arteaga
Mrs. Arteaga is very excited to return to St. Anastasia in her new role as fourth grade teacher. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management and a Minor in Education from Indian River State College. She has gained experience while working at St. Anastasia as a teacher assistant for fourth grade and kindergarten. Mrs. Arteaga and her husband have one son, who will be in 1st grade. The Arteaga’s are parishioners of San Juan Diego. Mrs. Arteaga enjoys spending time with her family. Some of her favorites include her family, traveling, watching her son train Jiu JitSu, their dog Mia, exploring new coffee shops, walking, and learning new things.
Educational Philosophy

Valerie Picardi
Ms. Picardi has been in Education for the last 17 years. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Communications at St John's University, Staten Island, NY. She is ESE Certified and looking forward to teaching 4th grade. This is her 5th year at St. Anastasia where she was a full time substitute teacher and so much more! Ms. Picardi taught High School at Moore Catholic, Staten Island, NY and also taught Intensive Reading 6th-8th grade at Renaissance Charter School of St. Lucie. Ms. Picardi has two children, Jake who graduated last year from St. Anastasia and will be attending John Carroll High School and Samantha who is entering Middle School at St. Anastasia. Ms. Picardi can be found on Baseball/Softball fields most weekends and loves the beach when she has a free moment! Watching her kids succeed in school and on fields/courts makes her the happiest! They are parishioners of St. Bernadette Catholic Church.
Educational Philosophy

Fifth Grade

Paula Stapleton
Mrs. Stapleton has been teaching for more than 25 years. This is her 17th year at St. Anastasia. She has a Master’s Degree in Varying Exceptionalities from Florida Atlantic University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Massachusetts. She and her husband, Chris, have two children, Emily and Jake. Both are graduates of John Carroll High School and St. Anastasia. Their oldest child, Emily graduated from the University of Miami Their youngest child Jake attends the University of Florida this fall. They are parishioners of St. Anastasia Church.
Educational Philosophy

Brittany Mascara
Ms. Mascara is a graduate of St. Anastasia Catholic School, and attended John Carroll High School for three years. She is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University and began her teaching career in second grade with the St. Lucie County School District. She has been teaching kindergarten for the past two years at Woodlands Montessori. She appreciates the mission of the school and feels blessed to be welcomed so warmly and openly to the St. Anastasia community.
Educational Philosophy

Middle School

Lisa Metcalf
Mrs. Metcalf teaches Middle School Language Arts. Mrs. Metcalf is a Catholic School alumnus and holds a Master's degree in Education from the University of Florida. She has been teaching at St. Anastasia since 1998. Both of her children have graduated from St.Anastasia, John Carroll and the University of Florida. Mrs. Metcalf loves watching her Gators play any sport and attending Mets games! As an English teacher, she also loves reading!
Educational Philosophy

Becky Springsteen
Mrs. Springsteen celebrates her tenth year teaching at St. Anastasia! She also enters her 20th year in education. Mrs. Springsteen serves as our school's Language Arts Department Chairperson and Middle School ELA teacher. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and Master's Degree in Educational Leadership. at Florida Atlantic University. Mrs. Springsteen and her husband Christian have two sons. Parker, who will finish his final year at St. Anastasia as an 8th grader and Paiten, who will be a senior at John Carroll Catholic High School. Mrs Springsteen is a proud graduate of both St. Anastasia and John Carroll Catholic High School. The Springsteen family attends St. Anastasia Catholic Church.
Educational Philosophy

Antoinette Huseinovic
Mrs. Huseinovic teaches Middle School math. Mrs. Huseinovic is from New York where she received her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Brooklyn College. She taught for 10 years in New York before moving to Florida. She is state certified in Middle School Math and Middle Grades Integrated Curriculum and has been teaching math at St. A's for 16 years. She and her family are members of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.
Educational Philosophy

Middle School (Continued)

Cindy Noelke
Mrs. Noelke teaches Middle School English Language Arts/ESE. She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Nursing from Florida Atlantic University and has been a registered nurse for 37 years. She graduated from the Educators Preparation Institute at Indian River State College and is certified to teach Kindergarten through sixth grade. She completed her Master's of Education focused on curriculum and instruction. Mrs. Noelke also holds certifications in Exceptional Student Education K-12 and Middle School Science Grades 5-9. She has been employed at St. Anastasia Catholic School for nineteen years teaching in first grade for fifteen years and four years in Middle School Science grades 6-8. She and her husband, Dave and three children are parishioners of Saint Anastasia Catholic Church. Mrs. Noelke loves reading historical fiction and mysteries, hiking, camping, kayaking and spending time with her family. Although she continues to work in the field of nursing, teaching is her first love!
Educational Philosophy

Sara Fitzgerald
Miss Fitzgerald is dedicated to sharing the beauty and richness of the Catholic faith to our middle school students. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Spanish and International Trade from Clemson University and a Master's Degree in Theology and Christian Ministry from the Franciscan University of Steubenville. Her hobbies include playing guitar and listening to Christian music, Zumba, walking, cooking, shopping, reading and spending time at the beach. She attends St. Anastasia Catholic Church.
Educational Philosophy

Calise Munne
Mrs. Munne teachers Middle School Social Studies. She is a graduate of St. Anastasia and John Carroll. She is so grateful to be back at St. Anastasia teaching. Her two sons will attend as well as her niece and nephew. Calise is a graduate of University of Central Florida, holding a Bachelor’s of Social Science Education Degree. She taught for one year at St. Andrew’s Academy in Fort Pierce before moving to Southern Oaks Middle School in Port Saint Lucie, where she was Civics department leader. In her spare time she enjoys CrossFit and Powerlifting at CFFP. She also enjoys boating and lobster diving with her family. Both her boys have started playing sports so most weekends she can be found at the baseball/football field. She is also a diehard Miami Dolphins fan! Calise is a member of Notre Dame Catholic Mission.
Educational Philosophy

Jennifer Indiveri
Ms. Indiveri is very excited to return to her alma mater as a teacher. She is a graduate of both St.Anastasia and John Carroll; ram pride runs deep with this one! Ms. Indiveri is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. She enjoys teaching middle school and truly cares for her students. Ms. Indiveri enjoys doing yoga, spending time with family, and going to Disney World! She is a self proclaimed "Disney Fanatic," and loves going to the parks with her four year old daughter. The St. Anastasia community is very important to her and she hopes to instill the love for this community in your children. GO RAMS!
Educational Philosophy

Specialists

Lowell Odom, Athletic Director
Mr. Odom is from Cleveland, TN. (Go Vols!) He attended Lee University where he majored in health and physical education with a minor in science. He has 38 years of teaching experience, the last 34 at St. Anastasia. He enjoys reading and pretty much any sport involving a ball.
Educational Philosophy

Kristin Jones, Music and Choir
Ms. Jones has been the full time General music and choir teacher at St. Anastasia for 10 years. She also serves as the director of Music at St. Anastasia Church, Choir director at John Carroll High School and is an adjunct faculty member in the vocal department at Indian River State College in Fort Pierce, Florida. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree and a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Florida Atlantic University. She is an active member of state and national music affiliations including the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), National Association of Music Education (NAfME), Florida Music Education Association (FMEA), and Florida Vocal Association (FVA). When not serving others through music, she cherishes the love and joy she receives from family and friends here in this Floridian paradise!

Stephen Gabin, Band Director
Mr. Gabin received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education from the University of South Florida and previously received an Associate of Arts Degree with focus in Music from Indian River State College. While attending IRSC, he was Principal Saxophonist of the Wind Ensemble and Lead Saxophonist in the top Jazz Ensemble. He also became Principal Saxophonist of the Symphonic Band Ensemble at the University of South Florida. Mr. Gabin is a member of the Florida Music Education Association (FMEA), the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), the Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA), and Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Association, where he previously was the Vice President of Membership of the Kappa Tau chapter. This will be Mr. Gabin's fourth year teaching at St. Anastasia Catholic School.
Educational Philosophy

Linda Schildwachter, Liturgies Director
Mrs. Schildwachter has her Bachelor's Degree in Exceptional Child Education from the University of Central Florida where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She holds a certification for K-12 ESE and K-6 Elementary Education with over 11 years of teaching experience in both areas. She was born and raised in south Florida where she attended Catholic schools through high school. Mrs. Schildwachter and her family attend St. Anastasia Church and are active in many ministries. All her children attended or still attend St. Anastasia School. She enjoys boating, travel, and spending time with her family.
Educational Philosophy

Jessica Odom, Art
Mrs. Odom was born and raised in small-town Minnesota. She earned her Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Grade 1-6 education at the College of St. Benedict/St. John's University and holds a gifted education endorsement as well as a teaching certificate in K-12 art. She is beginning her 24th year of teaching at St. Anastasia.
Educational Philosophy

Millie Mejia, Spanish, TA
Mrs. Mejia was born in Venezuela and attended Catholic Schools all her life. She went to the University of Venezuela and Bowie State University and graduated from Florida Atlantic University with her Bachelor's Degree. She has been working at Saint Anastasia School since 2007 and loves to teach Spanish. She and her family attend St. Bernadette Catholic Church. Both of her children graduated from St. Anastasia and John Carroll High School.

Linda Hamilton, Speech and Language
Mrs. Hamilton, M.S., CCC-SLP, earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology from the University of Florida. She graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology. Mrs. Hamilton obtained her Certificate of Clinical Competence through the American Speech Language Hearing Association and is certified by the Department of Medical Quality Assurance in Florida to provide speech language therapy services. Her professional experience includes working with adults and children in a variety of settings. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, boating, and relaxing at the beach.
Educational Philosophy

Merry Pat Dillman, Learning Resource
Mrs. Merry Pat Dillman graduated with her Bachelor’s (Magna Cum Laude) and Master’s Degree in Interrelated Areas of Special Education from Florida State University. She has been teaching 41 years, 12 in the Public School System and the last 29 years at St. Anastasia where she developed the first program of its kind in the diocese, The Learning Resource Program. She teaches grades 1-4 Learning Resource. She is a native Floridian, born in Pensacola, Florida. She enjoys playing tennis, reading, traveling, watching FSU football, and being with family and friends.
Educational Philosophy

Stephanie Neill, Guidance
Mrs. Neill is a Fort Pierce native and graduate of St. Anastasia Catholic School and John Carroll Catholic High School. She became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2006 after earning her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Social Work from Florida State University. Prior to joining the Guidance staff at St. Anastasia in 2011, Mrs. Neill spent ten years in the public school system as a behavior and school-based therapist. Mrs. Neill and her husband have twin daughters who attend St. Anastasia. In her free time, Mrs. Neill enjoys spending time with friends and family and cheering for the Seminoles! The Neills are parishioners at St. Anastasia Catholic Church.
Educational Philosophy