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. Andrea Ferrisi Alvarez, Business Manager, is originally from New Jersey and relocated to Florida in July 2022. She earned her A.A.S. and B.S. degrees in Accounting and Business Management from Berkeley College. Mrs. Alvarez previously worked as a Financial Corporate Controller and brings 20 years of broad industry experience, including Supply Chain, Finance, and Operations. What she loves most is being part of a strong, united team that makes a meaningful impact by helping others grow and thrive. Outside of work, she enjoys going to the beach, challenging herself with sprints on the track, or simply taking a long run on a trail. Mrs. Alvarez values quality time with her loved ones and cherishes being surrounded by family and friends.

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.

Miss Lindsey Reel is originally from Toledo and moved to Sarasota in 2019. She attended The University of Toledo and Nova Southeastern University. She has worked as a School Psychology Assistant, RN in surgery, pre-op, and recovery and has also been a Personal Trainer, Sub Teacher/Nurse and Biometric Health Screener. In her free time she enjoys kickboxing, working out, going to the beach, singing and cooking and baking.

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. Carolyn Ryan is from Chicago, IL and moved to Sarasota in 2021. She has her BS in Sociology from Arizona State University and previously served as a Teacher's Assistant. In her free time she enjoys walking and reading.

Mrs. Mayden is from Portage, IN and moved to Sarasota in 2015. She has a BA in Creative Arts/Interior Design from PUrdue University. She spent two years as a Commercial Space Planner and eight years teaching Art at St. Patrick School in Chesterton, IN. Most recently she spent six years as a private family nanny. She enjoys cooking, indoor gardening, reading, puzzles and soduku. She and her husband have four children.

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. Price is from Griffith, IN and moved to Sarasota approximately 10 years ago. She has her Certification in Early Childhood Development DCFS Indiana and Florida. She has been a Teacher Assistant, Preschool Teacher, and was the Owner & Teacher of Kathie's Preschool and Daycare. She enjoys reading and scrapbooking in her free time.

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.
 

Miss Basha is originally from Syracuse, NY and moved to Sarasota in 2023. She earned her Bachelor's Degree at Rochester Institute of Technology. She has previously worked as a Kindergarten Assistant Teacher, as well as in Hotel Sales Management and Hotel Front Desk. In her free time she enjoys Pilates, barre and tennis.

Miss Insley is from Saint Cloud, MN and moved to Sarasota in 2022. She has her Bachelor's Degree from the University of North Dakota and has previously worked as Operations Manager at Lilly Pulitzer and Community Relations Coordinator for Girls, Inc. In her free time she enjoys reading, crafting and golf.

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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

Miss Christine Tejeiro is from Newton, MA and moved to Sarasota in 2024. She has a BA in English from Framingham State University and Masters ECE Mass Teacher Licensure from Lesley University. She has previously taught VPK, Kindergarten and Preschool and has been the Director of an Early Learning Center and an Education Coach. She enjoys reading, spending time at the beach, traveling and spending time with family.

Mrs. Milholland is originally from Tallahassee and has been in Sarasota for more than 40 years. She has her BS in Criminology from FSU and has worked in Office Management and been a Small Business Owner. In her free time she enjoys reading and knitting.

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.
 

Mrs. Liz McGowan is originally from Culiacan, Mexico and moved to Sarasota nearly 20 years ago. She has her degree in Industrial Engineering from a university in Mexico and has worked as an ESOL and ESE Paraprofessional. She loves spending time with her family, traveling and taking walks.

Mrs. Emily Costello is originally from West Palm Beach and moved to the Sarasota area nearly 10 years ago. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from The University of Central Florida and has previously taught 2nd, 3rd, and 5th Grades. In her free time she enjoys cooking, reading, gardening, playing tennis and going to the beach.

Mrs. Erin Dessert is from East Greenwich, RI and moved to Sarasota in May 2025. She has her BA in Elementary Education from the University of Rhode Island and her Masters in Reading from Benedictine University. She has previously taught 3rd, 4th and 6th Grades. In her free time she enjoys walking, reading and watching college football.

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.

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.

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.

 

Sister Cathy Bonfield, SSND is a native Floridian, who was raised in the St. Petersburg area. She is a graduate of Notre Dame of Maryland with a BA in Elementary Education. Sister Cathy has spent moe than five decades teaching elementary and middle school students in Orlando, Tampa, Washington, DC, and has been at St. Martha Catholic School since 1995. When not teaching, she enjoys crafts, sewing, reading and tending to her plants.
 

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. Kinter is from St. Petersburg, FL and moved to Sarasota in 2024. She attended the University of Central Florida, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education of English Language Arts. She previously taught in Orange County and Pinellas County. She enjoys reading, shopping, going to the beach, cooking and pickleball.

Ms. Morris is from Anaheim, CA and moved to Sarasota 25 years ago. She has her Master of Education from Claremont Graduate University and Bachelor of Arts in English from California State University, Fullerton. She has previously worked as a Director of Sylvan Learning Center and as a Florist. She loves spending time with her family and gardening.

Miss Sarai Rodriguez is from Miami and moved to Sarasota in June 2025. She has her Bachelor's Degree in Biology Education from Miami Dade College. Before working as a teacher, she was a pharmacy technician. She did her internship at South Miami Community Middle School and after graduation she worked at Glades Middle School. She was the club sponsor for the "gator wellness club" and coached the soccer team with an assistant coach and parent. She likes to crochet, roller skate, draw, paint and color, and she loves animals and nature.

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. Paben was born and raised in Sarasota and attended Incarnation Catholic School and Cardinal Mooney Catholic Hight School. She holds a Bachelor's and Master's Degree, both from the University of Florida. In addition to her Middle School classes, she also serves as the Technology Integration Specialist. Prior to coming to St. Martha, she taught at Wilkinson Elementary School. She enjoys working out in her free time.

Mr. Shuck is originally from Cape Girardeau, MO and moved to Sarasota 12 years ago. He has his Bachelor's Degree from Southeast Missouri State University and his Master's from Marquette University. Mr. Shuck previously taught in the Milwaukee Public Schools and Wauwatosa Wisconsin Public Schools. He has been teaching for nearly 25 years and also has previous experience in Corporate Retail and Hospital Administration. In his free time, he enjoys boating and being an active member of the American Legion.

Mrs. Drayton is originally from Farrell, PA and moved to Sarasota more than 10 years ago. She has her degree from University of North Florida and has previously taught in Hillsborough Public Schools. She loves to spend time with her family, watch sports, go for walks, read and relax.

Dr. Scarbrough moved to Sarasota in 1987, having grown up between Memphis, TN and the Cayman Islands. Her PhD is from the University of Florida, and she also has her MSEd Leadership from Lynn University and LLB (Hons.) from University of Liverpool (Truman Bodden Law School). She has taught previously at The Classical Academy, Florida International University, and the University of Florida, as well as worked as an Attorney for the Appleby International Law Firm in the Cayman Islands. She enjoys reading, writing, walking, running, and, most of all, spending time with her family. She has four children, three of whom attended St. Martha.

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. 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.

Dr. Cardenas is originally from Olean, NY and moved to Sarasota in July 2025. She has her EdD from the University of Phoenix, and her BA in Spanish from Thiel College. She has taught Elementary, Middle School and High School Spanish, as well as Middle School and High School English, Religion and Social Studies. She has also worked as an Interpreter/Translator, a Private Tutor, and an Elderly Caregiver. She enjoys working on her autobiography and watching mystery movies and documentaries. She has traveled extensively and lived in Mexico for 15 years and Taiwan for one year. She has been married for more than 40 years and has three children and three grandchildren.

Mrs. Levya-Escobar is originally from Santa Clara, Cuba and moved to Sarasota more than five years ago. She has her Master's Degree from the University Martha Abreu de Las Villas, Cuba and has previously worked as a PK and Spanish Teacher. She loves to travel, read, bake, go to the beach and spend time with her children and family, and she loves to dance salsa!

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.

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.

Mr. Ray Ortiz Abraham is originally from Roselle Park, NJ and has been in Sarasota for more than 25 years. He has his Associate in Business from Sawyer Business School and previously worked as the Shipping & Receiving Supervisor at Parker Hannifin. In his free time, he enjoys boxing, gardening and reading.