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, has been an Assistant Principal, and Principal in both public and private education. Prior to moving to Sarasota with her husband, Ken, and her two boys, John and Michael, who attended St. Martha, she was the Principal at a Catholic School in Chicago.

Mrs. Elizabeth Davis 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. Mrs. Davis has been teaching at St. Martha Catholic School since 2011 and currently serves as the Assistant Principal. She is certified in K-6 Elementary Education as well as Educational Leadership K-12. 

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 has spent more than 20 years in Technology with the Diocese of Venice, including teaching at St. Martha Catholic School, serving as Assistant Principal and in his current role as Director of Technology and Facilities.

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. Lubrano is originally from Powers Lake, WI and moved to Sarasota more than 20 years ago. She has attended University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Manatee Community College, and University of South Florida and holds a degree in Mass Communications. She has previously worked as an Advertising Operations Manager, e-Marketing Specialist, Event Manager, Sales Manager and Philanthropy Manager. She enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters, making jewelry, traveling, and all things involving being in or on the water.

Ms. Landers is originally from Los Angeles, CA, but grew up in Sarasota and attended Pine View School. She has an AS in Early Childhood Education from the State College of Florida and BA in Psychology and Child Welfare from the University of West Florida. She has previously taught as a Preschool Teacher and has been a Columnist for Global Grind. Her hobbies include Animal Rescue, being a baseball and gymnastics mom, gardening, boating, and baseball.
 

Ms. Mishra is originally from Gorakhpur, India and moved to Sarasota just over 10 years ago. She has a Bachelors of Arts / CDA and enjoys reading books and she loves to cook Indian food and invite people for lunch and dinner.

Mrs. Tasch is originally from Arlington Heights, IL and moved to Sarasota about 10 years ago. She has a BS in Education from Illinois State University. She previously taught First Grade at Saints Peter and Paul in Cary, IL for 25 years and taught First Grade at St. Paul of the Cross in Park Ridge, IL for three years. She enjoys reading very much.

Mrs. Kovack is originally from Sacramento, CA, but has moved around a lot during her life because her father was in the Air Force and her husband was in the Navy. She moved back to Florida after being away for 20 years, after her husband retired from the Navy. She has a BS in Family and Child Sciences from Florida State University and has previously worked as a Social Worker, Children Abuse Investigator, and Preschool and First Grade Teacher. She loves being outside, especially at the beach and on the water, and her goal in her classroom is to set the foundation for the love of learning.  



 

Mrs. Fitzgerald recently moved to the Sarasota area from Barrington, IL. She previously worked as a Dental Assistant for 20 years and as a Paraprofessional in an Elementary School for three years. She enjoys cooking, yoga, enjoying the outdoors, and walking her dog, King.
 

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. 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 and previously 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 loves spending time with her family, including her three daughters, and volunteering as a Girl Scout Leader.

Mrs. Logan is originally from Mobile, Alabama. She graduated with a B.S. Degree in Early Childhood Education from The University of South Alabama. She 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 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. Palmer is originally from Zanesville, OH and moved to Sarasota about five years ago. She earned a B.S. from The Ohio State University in Family Studies and a Master of Reading from Florida Gulf Coast University. She has taught Fifth Grade, Preschool and worked with students K-12 as a Franchise Partner with Mathnasium Learning Centers. Mrs. Palmer is a proud product of Catholic education from elementary through high school. Her son and daughter both attend St. Martha and they are thrilled to be a part of this wonderful community!

Mrs. Evans is originally from La Canada Flintridge, CA and recently relocated to the Sarasota area. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UCLA and Clear Multiple Subject Credential from Cal State Northridge. She spent 20 years teaching in Southern California Catholic Schools, primarily 2nd Grade but also 1st, 4th and 5th Grades. Her last job prior to moving was teaching 2nd Grade at the Catholic School she attended as a child, St. Bede the Venerable. Mrs. Evans has four children and enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time at the beach.
 

Ms. Zimmerman is originally from Daytona Beach, FL and recently moved to the Sarasota area. She attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and earned an Aviation Business Administration degree with a minor in Psychology. She also attended Valencia College and completed Educator Prep Institute. She has taught PreK, K, 4th, 5th, & 6th Grades and she enjoys traveling and beach days.

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.”

.Ms. Reitz is originally from Winter Park, FL and recently moved to Sarasota. She has a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from Florida State University. She previously worked for the Diocese of Orlando for 25 years, teaching 3rd Grade - 6th Grade. Her Grandparents were Catholic School Teachers and she has had the privilege of teaching many of their former students' children. In her free time she enjoys going to the beach and kayaking.

 

Mr. Kolowith is originally from Milwaukee, WI and moved to Sarasota more than 10 years ago. He has a BS from Purdue University, and his Masters from Florida Southern College. He has taught all grades, K-8. He enjoys gardening, games and building.

Mrs. Gough is originally from Boston, MA and moved to the Sarasota area a few years ago. She has a BA in Psychology and Spanish from Saint Michael's College and a MS in Teaching and Learning from University of Southern Maine. She has been an Environmental Educator in RI, MA, DC, and ME through various non-profit organizations; spent three years teaching Spanish in public schools in Southern Maine; and 10 years as a Spanish public school teacher in Massachusetts. She enjoys traveling with her family in her spare time.

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.

Mrs. Mitten is originally from Bartlett, IL and has been in the Sarasota area for more than 10 years. She has a BS from John Carroll University and previously worked as an Upper School Math Teacher at Holy Spirit Preparatory School and as an IT Consultant. Mrs. Mitten and her husband have two sons and in her free time she enjoys working out and reading.

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, serving as the treasurer for 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 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.

Mrs. Whitacre is originally from Cincinnati, OH and moved to Sarasota over 20 years ago. She attended the University of Cincinnati and has her BA in Graphic Design. She has previously worked as a Graphic Designer at a variety of places. She enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with her family.

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 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 be teaching Music at St. Martha Catholic School and St. Mary Academy.  She previously worked in Philadelphia, PA as a 2nd grade teacher, Librarian, and Resource teacher.  She was also a member of her church choir as well as a regular Sunday cantor for many years.  She has directed a small parish children’s choir and was also an Assistant Choir Director at a Catholic school in Ewing, NJ.  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 loves working with the students from both schools and being able to instill her love for music to them.  

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. Mrs. Boydston moved to Greenville, SC where she earned an endorsement in Early Childhood Education and taught Pre-K for five years. She then 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 more than five years ago and her boys attended St. Martha Catholic School where she has enjoyed 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 and exercising. 

Mrs. Herold is from Chicago, IL and moved to Sarasota in the summer of 2024. She has her degree in Elementary Education and Spanish from the University of St. Thomas. She has taught PK - High School and is a Certified Positive Discipline Trainer and Coach (Faculty and Parents). In her free time she enjoys reading, hiking and cooking.

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. Pellegrino is originally from The Woodlands, TX and moved to the Sarasota area more than five years ago. She has a Bachelor's in Psychology and Elementary Education from Connecticut College, a Masters in Special Education from Simmons College in Boston, and ESOL and Reading Endorsement in the State of Florida. She previously taught 2nd Grade in Newton, MA for 11 years, with two years teaching as a co-taught special education teacher. After moving to Sarasota, she taught Special Education Resource in Sarasota County for six years. She is excited to be at St. Martha, her husband's Alma Mater, and in her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, water polo, and traveling.

Mrs. Peters has spent more than 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 attended St. Martha Catholic School. In her free time, she loves working with St. Vincent de Paul Society, traveling to Maine in the summer, and swimming. 

Read her blog and resources page.

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.

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.

Mrs. Young is originally from Philadelphia and moved to the Sarasota area a few years ago. She has her Bachelor's in Marketing from LaSalle University and has previously worked as a Lunch Recess Aide and Cafeteria Aide. In her free time she enjoys running and drawing.