Faculty and Staff
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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 
Gayle Forget
Mrs. Forget teaches Pre-K 4 in St. Anastasia’s Preschool program. Mrs. Forget is from Georgia where she graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been a kindergarten, third grade and preschool teacher for 23 years spending the last 20 years at St. Anastasia School. Mrs. Forget was St. Anastasia School’s “Teacher of the Year” in 2001 and holds a State of Florida Professional Educator’s Certificate for Pre-Kindergarten and Primary Education to Third Grade. Mrs. Forget and her husband, Louis, have been parishioners of St. Mark’s the Evangelist Catholic Church for 42 years. Their three children, Court, Brad and Anna are third generation graduates from St. Anastasia and John Carroll High School returning to St. Lucie County after their college graduations. She welcomed her first grandchildren, Dane and Olivia, last year enjoying lots more hugs, extra family gatherings, traveling, UF Gators and reading. 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 
Allison Flynn
Mrs. Flynn graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing and Minors in Education and Leadership. She completed the University of West Florida's Educator Preparation Institute, and is certified in Pre-Kindergarten Primary Education (Pre-K - 3) and Elementary Education (K - 6). Having grown up in St. Lucie County, Mrs. Flynn and her husband returned to the area in 2013 to be near family and raise their son, who now attends St. Anastasia. She spent 2 years as a substitute teacher at St. Anastasia before becoming a Pre-K teacher in 2017. Mrs. Flynn and her family attend St. Lucie Catholic Church. 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. The past five years as a kindergarten teacher has brought her much joy and satisfaction. At home, Kimberly enjoys trying new healthy recipes; watching documentaries; traveling with her family; and learning about historical places and events. 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 
Sandy Picano
Mrs. Picano comes to St. Anastasia after retiring from the St. Lucie County Public School System where she's been a kindergarten and first grade teacher for 38 years. She spent the 21 years at Frances K. Sweet Magnet School and was awarded Teacher of the Year while there, among many other accolades! She has her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University and is certified in Early Childhood (PK-K), Elementary Education (1-8) and Gifted and ESOL Endorsed. Mrs. Picano is a parishioner of St. Anastasia Church and her children attended St. Anastasia School. 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 has worked at St. Anastasia for 15 years and this is her ninth 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. A grads. She loves spending time with her family and going out on the boat. Educational Philosophy 
Jenna Crull
Mrs. Crull is from Ohio. 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 13 years. She has been a middle school intervention specialist, reading/math intervention specialist and a first grade teacher for the past nine years. She also received her Master’s Degree in Teacher Leadership from Wright State University in 2008. She has enjoyed spending the last year as a substitute teacher at St. Anastasia and is excited to be teaching first grade this year. Mrs. Crull and her husband have two children. They both attend St. Anastasia. She enjoys reading, cooking, running and spending time with her family. The Crull family attends St. Anastasia Catholic Church. 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 16 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 |
Third Grade
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. She has been teaching 3rd grade at St. Anastasia for the past 7 years. She and her husband Chuck, and daughter Rebecca attend St. Lucie Catholic Church. She enjoys spending time with her family, going to Disney and attending Florida State football games. Educational Philosophy 
Gene Drum
Mr. Drum is beginning his forty-eighth 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 more than 30 years as well as in New York State and Florida. Mr. Drum has been married to his wife, Joanie, for 48 years. They have one daughter, Damian. This is Mr. Drum's second year at St. Anastasia and is looking forward to welcoming his new students. He feels truly blessed to be part of such a magnificent school. Educational Philosophy Fourth Grade
Tara McGowan
Mrs. McGowan has been in Catholic education for 14 years. This is her 3rd year at Saint Anastasia. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University, and is certified in grades 1-6. Mrs. McGowan is a proud graduate of John Carroll High School. She is married to her husband Brian McGowan and has three children, Scott, Andrew, and Sophia. She enjoys watching her boys play baseball and spending time with her family. The McGowan’s are parishioners of St. Anastasia Catholic Church. 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 
Annelies Madden
Mrs. Madden is very happy to be returning to St. Anastasia for her second year. She will be teaching 5th grade Reading/Language Arts and Science. 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 before returning to teaching in Martin County. All three of her children are John Carroll High School graduates. In her spare time she enjoys reading, boating, going to the beach and spending time with her family. The Madden family attends St. Anastasia Catholic Church. 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 teaches Middle School Language Arts. Mrs. Springsteen is a proud graduate of Saint Anastasia and John Carroll. She is thankful for her years at both schools and the lasting friendships she made. She loves that her own children attend the school just like she and her husband did as well. Even though Mrs. Springsteen is a big Gator fan, she graduated from Florida Atlantic University with her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education (2000) and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership (2004). In her spare time she enjoys going out on the boat, watching her boys play sports, and just simply being with her family and friends. 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 
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 
Megan Canataline, Learning Resource
Mrs. Cantaline is the Middle School resource teacher. She has her Elementary Education degree and her Master's Degree in Reading Education from FAU. Having started college at Florida State University (and the reason she is a huge Seminole fan), she transferred to FAU to finish her studies. This is her 8th year teaching at St. Anastasia and loves her job dearly. She has three daughters, Celeste, Mary-Alice and Mattie. In her free time, she loves to watch football, spend time with her family and enjoy the sunshine! Educational Philosophy 
Cindy Noelke
Mrs. Noelke teaches Middle School Science. She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Nursing from Florida Atlantic University and has been a registered nurse for 36 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 eighteen years teaching in first grade for fifteen years and three 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 
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 |
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 nine 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! 
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. Mrs. Hamilton also teaches Introduction to Public Speaking at John Carroll High School. 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 39 years, 12 in the Public School System and the last 27 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 |