Staff Directory

Mrs. Mari Jo Hanson brings over twenty years’ experience and accomplishments in Education. Mrs. Hanson completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Purdue University; her Master’s Degree in Teaching and Learning from DePaul University; and she completed her Educational Leadership coursework at the University of Illinois. Mrs. Hanson has taught Middle School, been an Assistant Principal, and Principal in both public and private education. Most recently she was a principal at a Catholic school in Chicago. She recently moved to Sarasota with her husband, Ken, and her two boys, John and Michael, who attend St. Martha. She is grateful to be part of such a wonderful community.

Ms. Elizabeth Carey is originally from Philadelphia, PA, but grew up in Alexandria, VA. She earned a BA in Elementary Education at Marymount University and a Master's Degree at The University of South Florida. Ms. Carey has been teaching at St. Martha Catholic School since 2011. She is certified in K-6 Elementary Education as well as Educational Leadership K-12. She is also the Curriculum Specialist and is a co-chair of the St. Martha Service Club. Ms. Carey loves teaching at St. Martha Catholic School!

Mr. Farnsworth is a Florida native and was raised in the Englewood area. Mr. Farnsworth received his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Troy State University in Alabama. Mr. Farnsworth is a Florida certified teacher in Elementary Education and K-12 Computer Science. Mr. Farnsworth spent twenty one years in Technology with the Diocese of Venice, taught at St. Martha Catholic School and was named Assistant Principal in 2016.

Fr. George Suszko was ordained in Poland in 1989 where he served in the Pallottine parish in Warsaw. After, he worked in the missions in Papua New Guinea for 5 years and before coming to Sarasota, he worked for 24 years in the Archdiocese of St. Andrews and Edinburgh in Scotland, U.K. Fr. George is a member of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottine Fathers), established by St. Vincent Pallotti in 1830 in Rome to revive faith and rekindle love among the lay members of the Church and to respond to various apostolic needs of the time.

Fr. George was appointed as Pastor of St. Martha Parish on May 14, 2022 by Bishop Frank J. Dewane.

Mrs. Kimber Marshall, Finance Manager, is originally from Massachusetts. Mrs. Marshall earned her Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Northeastern University. She earned a Masters Degree in Taxation from Bentley College. Mrs. Marshall previously worked as a Corporate Tax Accountant for a number of global corporations before relocating to Sarasota with her family.

Mrs. Julie Rouse was born and raised in Buffalo, New York and moved to Sarasota with her husband in 1997. She has a degree in Health and Human Services, specializing in Early Childhood Development. She has a son and daughter, who both attended St. Martha Catholic School. Mrs. Rouse enjoys the sense of community at our school, which exists because of the amazing families we have at St. Martha Catholic School, and our wonderful faculty and staff.

Mrs. Laura Kompanijec is originally from Rochester, NY and moved to Sarasota in 2013. She serves as the Director of Marketing & Public Relations at St. Martha Catholic School. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Marketing from Mercyhurst University and her Master’s Degree in Strategic Marketing from Roberts Wesleyan College. Prior to moving to Florida, she spent 15 years as the Assistant to the Chairman / Communications at Camp Good Days and Special Times in Rochester.

Mrs. Brigitte Martinez has worked in the field of Early Education for over 14 years, first as a teacher assistant in different private and public settings, and most recently as one of the lead teachers in the P3 classroom here at SMCS. Mrs. Martinez earned an AAS degree in Early Childhood Education from Kaplan University and  a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Administration from Purdue University Global. 

This is Mrs. Martinez 7th year at St. Martha’s. She feels extremely blessed to be the Co-teacher and Spanish teacher in the P3 classroom, and to be a part of this wonderful community both as an educator and a St. Martha's mom.

Mrs. Stephanie Hare is originally from Columbus, Ohio. She and her family moved to Florida in 2014. She has three children. One attends St. Martha Catholic School, she has a daughter at Cardinal Mooney and her oldest daughter attends the University of Miami. Mrs. Hare has been involved in elementary religious education and youth ministry for over 11 years. Mrs. Hare is a Teaching Assistant in the PK4 class. She feels truly blessed to be a part of the St. Martha Catholic School family.

Mrs. Barbara Baez has been a teacher for over ten years. She has a Bachelor of Education from St. Thomas University and a Master of Law in Education from Nova Southeastern University. She is a product of a Catholic education having attended parochial school for elementary and high school. Mrs. Baez and her family recently relocated to the Sarasota area and she is excited to be part of the St. Martha School Family.

Mrs. Christina Via-Reque was born in Chicago, IL. She moved to Lakewood Ranch a few years ago after her husband retired. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Fitness Leadership from Northern Illinois University and continued on to earn her Masters in Teaching from National Louis University. She feels very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with a great staff and community at St. Martha. She has three daughters and in her free time she enjoys photography, watching the Chicago Blackhawks, and educating her girls on Star Wars!

Mrs. Courtney Knowles comes to St. Martha by way of Sarasota County schools. She worked as a 1st Grade teacher for five years in Sarasota. Before that she worked in the Hillsborough Public school district for 14 years as a 1st and 2nd grade teacher. She graduated from The University of South Florida with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, ESOL endorsed. She is currently a 1st Grade teacher at St. Martha and is so happy to have joined the school family. She loves spending time with her family, including her three daughters, in her spare time, and volunteering as her nine-year-old's Girl Scout Leader.

Ms. Cameron Lewis is originally from Mobile, Alabama. She graduated with a B.S. Degree in Early Childhood Education from The University of South Alabama. Ms. Lewis has been teaching since 1985 and has taught PK4, Kindergarten, and First Grade. She finds it a true joy to experience a child’s love of learning. Her experience has been primarily in Catholic schools, and she feels it is a true blessing to be a part of such a caring and loving environment here at St. Martha Catholic School.

Mrs. Marcy Olah has been working at St. Martha Catholic School since 2013. She grew up attending Catholic school in New York, and truly understands the importance of a Catholic education. Mrs. Olah is a Florida Certified Teacher and holds a Master’s Degree. Outside of school, she volunteers at her church and teaches their Children’s Liturgy. She also enjoys spending time with her family and traveling. She feels very blessed and excited to be teaching at St. Martha Catholic School. Her goal is to positively influence all of her students and help to instill a love of learning and a love of Jesus!

Ms. Binky Ravazzoli was born in Sarasota, Florida. She attended St. Martha Catholic School and Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School. Ms. Ravazzoli graduated from Florida Southern College with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. She has been teaching for more than 25 years in the Diocese of Venice. Besides teaching, Ms. Ravazzoli enjoys going to the beach, walking, vacationing and camping with her family and friends.

Mrs. Andrea Tonitis is originally from Bowling Green, Kentucky. After completing a B.A. in Elementary Education from The University of South Florida, she has taught a variety of grade levels including 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. In Sarasota County she also served for three years on the Assessment Team for No Child Left Behind.

Mrs. Sheila Coffey was born in Berea, Ohio. She attended the University of Cincinnati and earned a Bachelor’s of Business Administration degree in 1991. In 2007, Sheila received her degree in Elementary Education from Manatee Community College. She has been an assistant and a teacher at St. Martha Catholic School for more than 15 years. According to her, St. Martha Catholic School is a great place to work. She believes the staff, parents, and students are the best around!

Ms. Joanne White received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Cabrini Catholic College, located in Radnor, PA. She has been a faculty member at St. Martha Catholic School since 2004. Ms. White experiences joy as she shares in the growth and spirituality of her students. “It is truly a blessing and privilege to guide each child to reflect the Good News of Jesus Christ in their daily lives.”

Mrs. Jane Greenamoyer came to St. Martha Catholic School after eight years in the Manatee County School District. She hails from Wilmington, DE and graduated from the University of Delaware with a BS in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Human Resources. She previously taught for fifteen years at several public and parochial schools in Delaware. She and her husband moved to Lakewood Ranch in 2009 with their four children.They recently welcomed their first grandchild, Luke Matthew. She is currently a sacristan and Faith Formation instructor at Our Lady of the Angels Parish. Mrs. Greenamoyer feels blessed to be in a community where she is able to share her faith everyday with her students.

Mrs. Christine Riedel was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. She moved to Bradenton in 2013 with her husband. She has three grown children and four grandchildren. She has been an active member of the SS Peter and Paul Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society for five years serving as the treasurer for the last three years. She is the Teaching Assistant in one of the Kindergarten classes. She feels blessed to be here at St. Martha and loves her kindergarten class.

Mrs. Sandra Larson was born and raised in Michigan. She moved to the south in 1982. She is the proud mom of three St. Martha Catholic School graduates and has been a Teaching Assistant at the school since 2001. She is currently the Teaching Assistant in one of the Kindergarten classes and coordinates the Aftercare Program. She feels blessed to be part of such a wonderful school that is supported by dedicated teachers, staff and families.

Mrs. Debbie Lamielle was born in Canton, Ohio and has lived in Sarasota, Florida since 1989. She has been at St. Martha Catholic School since 1994 as a Teaching Assistant. Mrs. Lamielle has worked in both the third and first grade levels, with first grade being her passion. Her years of in field and hands on experience ignite her enthusiasm to welcome students each school year. What she loves about St. Martha is the close-knit, family feeling that she receives when she walks through the doors. Mrs. Lamielle credits both faculty, staff and our families for creating such a loving environment. “We all look out for each other and strive to make our school the best that it can be.” She loves watching the children grow and learn as they progress through each grade at St. Martha Catholic School.

Sister Cathy Bonfield, SSND is a native Floridian, who was raised in the St. Petersburg area. She is a member of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, an international community of women religious, and is a graduate of Notre Dame of Maryland University. Sister Cathy has spent almost five decades teaching elementary and middle school students in Orlando, Tampa, Washington, DC, and has been at St. Martha Catholic School since 1995. Presently, she teaches sixth grade Religion and Language Arts and enjoys using technology to make her teaching come alive. For a month in the summer of 2013, she taught English to and with her SSND Hungarian Sisters in Budapest and Mako, Hungary. She has connected her Sixth Grade students to students in Mako, Hungary, through Skyping and letter writing. In spring of 2014, Sister Cathy, several other St. Martha Catholic School Teachers, and the Sixth Graders received one of two national awards for an Innovative Project in Technology from the National Catholic Teachers Association. She has had articles and ideas printed in Today’s Catholic Teacher. Sister Cathy sees St. Martha Catholic School as a place where faith, family, education, and social justice have united and become a truly Catholic school.

Mrs. Nicole Drayton was born and raised in Farrell, PA. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and minor in Political Science. She is certified in K-6 Elementary Education, as well as Social Science 6-12. Mrs. Drayton has been teaching for six years. She has previously taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Social Studies, as well as 3rd grade Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Mrs. Drayton is currently teaching 6th grade Social Studies, 5th and 6th Grade Science, and Personal Finance. Mrs. Drayton loves teaching and is proud to be a part of the St. Martha Catholic School family.

Dr. Anne Scarbrough is originally from Memphis, TN. She has a Bachelor of Science in Journalism, Master of Arts in Mass Communication, and Doctor of Philosophy in Mass Communication from the University of Florida. Dr. Scarbrough has taught Middle and High School (English, Literature, Composition, including Honors and AP). While a PhD candidate, Dr. Scarbrough taught undergraduate courses in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications and in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Florida. As a professor, she taught undergraduate and graduate courses in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Florida International University. Dr. Scarbrough volunteers at Our Lady of the Angels for Children’s Liturgy of the Word. In addition to being a Homeroom Teacher, Dr. Scarbrough teaches Middle School Language Arts. She and her two daughters feel truly blessed to be at St. Martha Catholic School in such a wonderful, caring, and supportive Catholic environment.

Mrs. Neunder is a Certified Teacher for Middle School grades in the areas of Math 6-9, Biology 6-12, Health K-12, and Physical Education K-12. She has taught science for 10 years. She is also a children's book author and a guest columnist for Venice Gondolier newspaper. Previous to joining St. Martha Catholic School, Mrs. Neunder taught at Epiphany Cathedral and worked at the Health Department. In addition to her multiple skills, Mrs. Neunder is fluent in Spanish and she fills her heart with Jesus, gardening and her 3 boys. 

Mrs. Maria Paben was born and raised in Sarasota, Florida. She attended Incarnation Catholic School and Cardinal Mooney High School. Maria attended the University of Florida where she graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and in 2002 with a Masters in Elementary Education with a Specialization in Educational Technology. She taught for five years here in Sarasota County before she had her boys. Since both of her children are now in school, Maria decided to go back to her passion of teaching. Currently, she is teaching Technology Integration classes for our PK3 through 8th Grade and helping our teachers integrate technology into their everyday lessons. She also has an Eighth Grade Homeroom and one section of Eighth Grade Religion. Maria is excited to be working at St. Martha with such an exceptional staff. She values her Catholic education and can’t wait to teach her students and help them reach new heights on their Catholic school journey.

Mrs. Danielle Morris is from Anaheim, California, where she earned a Bachelor Degree in English from California State University at Fullerton and a Master’s Degree in Education from Claremont Graduate University. She started out as a 9th Grade English Teacher at West Covina High School in 1999, then worked as a Sylvan Learning Center Director in Bradenton before joining the staff at St. Martha in 2003. Mrs. Morris feels that St. Martha is a caring and family-centered environment where students are truly encouraged to grow in their faith and academics.

Mr. Shuck has lived in the area for a little over five years. He and his wife grew up in Missouri and have traveled with their careers to many different parts of the Midwest. Prior to moving to Sarasota they lived for 12 years in Hartland Wisconsin which is a Western Suburb of Milwaukee. They are blessed to have two daughters. One is a student at St. Martha and the other a student at Cardinal Mooney High School. Mr. Shuck has a B.S. Degree in Mass Communications, Teaching Certification (Wisconsin) 5th – 8th All Subjects, and a Masters in Middle School Education. He teaches 8th Grade Social Studies, 7th Grade Science, and 7th Grade Language Arts.

Mrs. Maria Smith was born in Weirton, WV and moved to Florida at a young age. She attended Epiphany Cathedral School, Cardinal Mooney High School, and graduated from the University of Central Florida with a BS in Elementary Education. She is certified in K-6 Elementary Education as well as Middle Grade Mathematics 5-9. She currently teaches 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Math and 7th Grade Religion. She is also the Admissions Director and is a co-chair of the St. Martha Service Club. Mrs. Smith loves teaching at St. Martha Catholic School for many reasons, but her students and families are what makes her happy!

Mrs. Salomone was born in Illinois. She has been at St. Martha School since 2002. She graduated from Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art Education (K-12). Mrs. Salomone has also studied at. St Ambrose University, University of Illinois, Purdue University, Florida Southern College, State College of Florida, and Illinois Valley Community College. She feels that the St. Martha School's students have displayed their many talents through the awards that they have won in both local and national art contests. God has truly blessed our students. We offer all that we create for the honor and glory of God through the intercession of the Blessed Mother. Mrs. Salomone is very happy to take part in their education.

Victoria Young is originally from Yardley, Pennsylvania.  She is excited to begin teaching Music at St. Martha and St. Mary school.  She previously worked in Philadelphia, PA as a 2nd grade teacher, Librarian, and Resource teacher for the past 5 years.  She was also a member of her church choir as well as a regular Sunday cantor for many years.  For 4 years, she directed a small parish children’s choir and was also an assistant choir director at a catholic school in Ewing, NJ for one year.  Her bachelor’s degree is in Elementary, Early Childhood and Special Education from Gwynedd-Mercy College in Ambler, PA.  Her master’s degree is in Reading from Holy Family University in Philadelphia, PA.  She looks forward to working with the students from both schools and being able to instill her love for music to them.  Her parents and younger brother have all recently moved to Venice and are excited to begin their next chapter in the great state of Florida!

Leslie Lambert is the Media Specialist for St. Martha Catholic School. In addition to teaching her library classes, Mrs. Lambert sponsors the Knights Newsletter and organizes KNN along with Mr. Farnsworth. Originally from Indiana, Mrs. Lambert has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Social Sciences from Butler University and a teaching certificate from Calumet College of St. Joseph. She is a member of the Florida Association for Media in Education. Mrs. Lambert enjoys reading and learning new technology to advance our school mission of strength in faith, excellence in knowledge, and character in service.

Miss Jill Rowoldt was raised in Janesville, Wisconsin. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin- LaCrosse in 1982, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education. She has been teaching for several years, with more than 25 years at St. Martha. Miss Rowoldt believes that St. Martha is the hidden gem in the community and enjoys the family atmosphere that the school presents.

Ms. DeGarmo is originally from Wisconsin. She completed her undergraduate work at the University Wisconsin-Eau Claire and has a Bachelor of Arts. She has her teaching degree from the State College of Florida. She has been teaching at St. Martha Catholic School since 2002, and enjoys walking, swimming and bike riding in her free time.

Mrs. Becky Boydston is originally from the Seattle, Washington area where she earned her Bachelor of Arts from Western Washington University in Elementary Education and English in 1991. She taught primary grades and earned her Master of Education in Special Education in 1997. In 1999 Becky moved to Greenville, SC where she  earned an endorsement in Early Childhood Education and taught Pre-K for five years. In 2004 she moved to Winston Salem, NC and taught Stretch and Grow (exercise classes) for over 10 years to preschool children ages 2, 3 and 4. She and her family moved to Sarasota five years ago and her boys have attended St. Martha Catholic School where she has enjoyed volunteering and welcomes the opportunity to teach PE part-time to Pre-K and Kindergarten classes. She is passionate about her Catholic faith and feels incredibly blessed to be in a community with such an outstanding staff while doing what she loves most, teaching exercises to young learners. Besides spending time with her family, Mrs. Boydston enjoys reading, exercising. She grew up showing horses and dogs and currently has three dogs she adores.

Mrs. Melissa James grew up in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. Her Catholic upbringing and education inspired her to want to teach in a Catholic school setting. Mrs. James received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from West Chester University in West Chester, PA. She taught Second and Third Grade for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. While teaching, she studied at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA, and earned a Master of Science Degree in Special Education and Reading Development. Mrs. James has served as the Resource Teacher at St. Martha Catholic School since 2005. She is dedicated to the academic, spiritual, and social growth and development of every child.

Mrs. Peters has spent nearly 20 years in Sarasota as a School Counselor. Mrs. Peters has a Master’s Degree in School Counseling K-12 and a Bachelor’s of Science in Specific Learning Disabilities K-12; both from the University of South Florida. Born and raised in Sarasota, she has come to appreciate the wonderful opportunities this region has to offer. Together with her husband, Jason, they are raising their two children, Ryan and Kelly, who both attend St. Martha Catholic School. It is a privilege to be able to provide our children with the wonderful education offered here. In her free time, she loves working with St. Vincent de Paul Society, traveling to Maine in the summer, and swimming. Thank you for entrusting the staff of St. Martha Catholic School and St. Mary Academy with your child’s education. Together we make a strong team for your child.

Read her blog and resources page.

Ms. Angie Wilson is originally from Pennsylvania where she earned her BA in Elementary Education and a Masters in Education Administration from Shippensburg University. She has taken several courses in STEM education including workshops with NASA at Langley, Virginia, and in their Endeavor Program. Ms. Wilson recently moved from North Carolina where she was at St. Mary Magdalene teaching science, social studies, and reading.  She is now excited to teach STREAM at St. Martha Catholic School as it encourages creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.

Chef Caldwell has been working at St.Martha Catholic School since 2007. Prior to her employment, her and her husband were the proud owners of Chef Caldwell’s Restaurant for over 16 years. Ever since she took over the lunchroom, Chef Caldwell has made significant strides to improve the school’s lunch program. Local fruits, vegetables, and herbs are grown in the school’s vegetable and tower gardens play a crucial role in her menu development, where she seeks out the freshest and best ingredients for the students. Her creativity and innate understanding of providing nutritional cuisine are helping guide St. Martha Catholic School and St. Mary Academy into the future. Chef Caldwell continues to create an innovative menu by reinventing recipes and presenting the freshest and most intense flavors. Besides cooking for the wonderful students she enjoys baking, spending time with her husband and dog Mo, and visiting her daughter.

Ms. Brady is originally from Miami Florida, and has been a School Nurse at St. Martha Catholic School since 2005. She has an A.S. Degree in Nursing and graduated from Manatee College. She graduated from Manatee VoTech as an L.P.N., and her primary nursing experience was in the hospital setting, ranging from newborn through geriatric population. She is also a Licensed Aesthetician, and has a Degree in Fine Art from Miami Dade College.