Meet Our Faculty : Explore Our Curriculum
PRINCIPAL
Sr. Theresa Darga

Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Mary Manse College, Toledo
Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from University of Toledo
Teaching and administrative experience in several states
17 years in administration at St. Joseph School
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Jon Myers

Master's Degree in Educational Leadership and Principal Certification from Northern Arizona University
Bachelor's Degree in elementary education from Michigan State University
5 years in administration at St. Joseph School
I have had the privilege of leading St. Joseph School through many years of transformation and growth. I am proud to work with our dedicated faculty members whose passion for teaching is equaled by their deep faith and personal investment in prayer. Together with an involved and supportive parent community, we are called to challenge our students academically, to strengthen their prayer life, and to help them become confident leaders of tomorrow.I am blessed to be a parent, husband, teacher leader, and minister. God called me to leave my career in public education and join the faith filled ministry of education at St. Joseph School. I have been able to use my expertise and God-given talents to collaborate in the academic, physical and spiritual formation of our youth. It is a pleasure and an honor to work with Sister Theresa in leading this school community.
GUIDANCE COUNSELOR
Anne Jackson [website]

Bachelor of Science in Clinical/ Community Psychology from the University of Michigan
Master of Arts in Counseling from Oakland University
Licensed Counselor by the State of Michigan
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Mike Hessen

Graduated from Central Michigan University with a B.S. in Management
Member of the Catholic League Hall of Fame for Officiating
10 years at St. Joseph School
I am thrilled to serve as the Guidance Counselor for St. Joseph School, as it is such a faith-filled, nurturing environment. It is a blessing for me to be able to encourage our wonderufl children to see all the beautiful gifts that God has given to each of them, and to feel great about who they are. The entire staff works together to create a total educational experience for our children, encouraging them to challenge themselves in a positive manner. Also, the awesome parental involvement and support each and every day makes our school complete. It is simply a wonderful environment for children to grow and learn, and I am proud to be a part of this special community!I am fortunate to coordinate the athletic program, at St. Joseph. With the support of the parish and school administration, teachers, coaches and parents, our student athletes are provided with a wonderful opportunity to participate in the CYO Athletic Program. St. Joseph provides an excellent opportunity for athletes of all skill levels to be introduced to CYO athletics and prepare them with the opportunity to continue to participate in high school athletics. I am thankful to work in an environment where all work together to have an athletic program which teaches the Catholic Faith and Values as an important part of its athletic program.

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KINDERGARTEN
Deborah Jacobson

Bachelor's Degree, University of Denver; Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology
Attended grad school at St. Xavier College in Blue Island, Illinois; earned 15 credit hours in Special Education
6 years teaching at St. Joseph School
KINDERGARTEN
Christine Livingston

Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education from Wayne State University
Master Degree in Early Childhood Education from Oakland University
ZA Endorsement
3 years teaching at St. Joseph School as part-time Kindergarten teacher
After many years teaching in the public schools, I made the decision to teach at a Catholic school. I always felt there was something missing and realize now that it was prayer. St. Joseph School has become a second family to me and I know that the students feel the same warm and caring feeling.I feel very blessed to be a part of St. Joseph School. It is wonderful to work in an atmosphere of love – love for the children, love of our work, and above all, the love of our Lord. St. Joseph School is a very special place.
FIRST GRADE
Kathleen Roesner

B.S. in Science from Central Michigan University
9 years teaching at St. Joseph School
FIRST GRADE
Joan Hennessy

BS in Education from St. John's University
MS in Curriculum and Teaching from Michigan State
9 years teaching at St. Joseph School
I have chosen to teach at St. Joseph School because of the wonderful parents, students and staff. It is a faith filled community of caring and compassionate people. It is a wonderful place to work!I love being on staff at St. Joe's because it keeps me motivated and enriches my experience as a teacher. I feel supported by the caring, family atmosphere that is unique to our school. A combination of high standards set for the faculty and curriculum and dedicated parental involvement consistently inspire me to challenge the students to do and be their best. It is an added joy to be able to live and share my faith as I teach.
SECOND GRADE
Nancy Oller

B.A. from Oakland University
M.A.T. (Reading) from Oakland University
Z.A. Endorsement (Early Childhood) from Oakland University
13 years teaching at St. Joseph School
SECOND GRADE
Mary Kay Nusselt

M.A. in Teaching Reading and Language Arts (MAT) from Oakland University
Michigan Reading Specialist endorsement
B.A. in Elementary Education, major in Language Arts from Oakland University
7 years teaching at St. Joseph School
I love teaching at St. Joseph School because I can share my faith with my students. I also appreciate the community spirit I feel from the faculty, staff, and families.My love of God and his guiding hand, has lead me to work in a Catholic School. It is an environment where I can enrich my students with a belief of the strong love of God and a belief in the Eucharist.

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THIRD GRADE
Mary Ann Wirth

B.A. in Regular Ed, K-8 with Special Ed. K-12 Emotionally Impaired from M.S.U. Master of Counseling with endorsement in special ed. Learning disabled from Oakland University
9 years teaching at St. Joseph School
THIRD GRADE
Mary Wencley

Bachelor of Science with a major in Education from Loyola University, Chicago
3 years teaching at St. Joseph School
The reason I teach at and believe in a Catholic school education is because of the great sense of community and support that exists within the school – between the teachers, students, parents and staff. I believe the entire school community works together in providing and promoting a very positive growth environment that meets the students spiritual, emotional and educational needs with the final product being very generous, spiritual and academically talented students.It is a great honor to be a part of the St. Joseph School Community. It is a community which challenges students academically and surrounds them with faith. It is a wonderful place to be!
FOURTH GRADE
Kelly Walter [website]

BA in Accounting – Walsh College
Masters of Education – University of Phoenix
Reading Specialist Endorsement – Oakland University (Currently Attending Classes)
3 years teaching at St. Joseph School
FOURTH GRADE
Jon Myers [website]
I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to work with the faculty and families at St. Joseph. I am constantly amazed by how automatically the school community reaches out and welcomes everyone into their loving family.Mr. Myers will teach 4th grade through the end of this semester.
FIFTH GRADE
Jennifer Bero [website]

BA from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN
M. Ed in curriculum and instruction from University of Nevada
M. Ed in Educational Administration from Michigan State University
5 years teaching at St. Joseph School
FIFTH GRADE
Peggy Boggs [website]

Master of Arts in Teaching from Wayne State University
13 years teaching at St. Joseph School
Having spent virtually my entire life involved with education – either going to schools or teaching in them, I believe that the single greatest advantage offered by St. Joseph School, relative to its public or private school counterparts, is the sense of “Family” that is instilled in the children. St. Joseph School provides an atmosphere where young minds not only learn the skills that are necessary to succeed in life, but they also learn how to live a rich and fulfilling life supported by the foundation of faith, family and community.I choose to teach at SJS because it is wonderful to be a part of such a committed faculty and staff. I am honored to be a member of a group of highly educated and trained individuals who put their heart and soul into teaching SJS students every day.

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SIXTH GRADE
Sherry Brandon [website]

Bachelor of Science from Oakland University with a major in psychology and a minor in Sociology
Teaching Certification - University of Detroit, Mercy
7 years teaching at St. Joseph School
SIXTH GRADE
Debbie Grimm [website]

Master of Arts Curriculum and Instruction, University of Detroit Mercy
EX (Math) and DX (Science)
Master of Arts in Social Work, Wayne State University
BA – University of Michigan-Dearborn, dual major in psychology and mathematics and a minor in Science
4 Years teaching at SJS
I love teaching at St. Joseph School. What a wonderful opportunity to help your child grow spiritually, academically, and emotionally. Teaching is my ministry and I’m happy to have the privilege to touch your child. I love God. I love St. Joseph School. I love to teach!I love teaching at St. Joseph School! I feel like a member of a warm, loving family! The staff and parents work as a team towards developing faith-filled students, as well as fostering each child’s academic excellence and self-actualization.
SEVENTH GRADE
Kristine Fuhr [website]

B.S. in Secondary Education -Social Studies, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
6 years teaching at St. Joseph School
SEVENTH GRADE
Bridget Dean

BA in Literature Madonna University
Elementary Certification U of D Mercy
Currently completing MA in Curriculum and Instruction
Endorsements in Language Arts and Social Studies
I believe that every student has an opportunity to learn and to become a valuable citizen of our nation and the world. I enjoy teaching at St. Joseph School because it enables me to encourage my students to develop into these valuable citizens through discovery, learning, and exploring, with God’s help.I am truly blessed to have been called to the community of St. Joseph. I have been teaching in Catholic Schools for six years, and I believe it is my vocation to remain as a Catholic School teacher rather than in the public school system. The community here amazes me each day, and the students consistently refresh my beliefs.
EIGHTH GRADE
Sue Tyner [website]

BS with a major in Elementary Education, minors in Science and Physical Education/Health from Oakland University
MA in Educational Technology from Central Michigan University
16 years at St. Joseph School
I have actually spent my entire teaching career (over 20 years now) at Catholic schools. What keeps me here at SJS is the sense of family and support throughout the entire school community. The administration, the staff, the parents, and students really care about each other and support each other. The faith is reinforced in everyone’s lives. . . not just during Religion class or when we are in the church.
ART
Donna Ferstle

• B.S. in Elementary Education from Wayne State University
• 8 years teaching at St. Joseph School
COMPUTERS
Gail Kozyra [website]

Bachelors in Business Administration from University of Detroit
Masters in Computer Science from University of Detroit
Michigan Certification: K-5 all subjects
Endorsements: Math, Computer Science, Economics
4 years teaching at St. Joseph School
I teach at a Catholic School because it allows me the freedom to share my faith with my students. It is fulfilling to teach the students how God and our religious beliefs have inspired art and artists throughout history. St. Joseph School is a community that is warm and embracing, whether you are a student, a parent or a staff member. I feel like part of a family here.As a Catholic woman, mother and teacher, I am able to weave my catholic beliefs into a state-of-the-art technology curriculum. Further, I am working with an excellent and dedicated staff that share my strong catholic values. Lastly, it's a wonderful experience to teach students, including my own!
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
John Schemel

B.S. in Education from Wayne State University
Michigan Certification: Physical Education K-12 (MB), Health Education 7-12 (MA)
3 years teaching at St. Joseph
MUSIC
Katie Cudnohufsky

Bachelor of Music Education with a minor in Choral Music from Central Michigan University
Certified K-12 Music
3 years teaching at St. Joseph School
I teach at a Catholic School because it allows me the freedom to share my faith with my students. It is fulfilling to teach the students how God and our religious beliefs have inspired art and artists throughout history. St. Joseph School is a community that is warm and embracing, whether you are a student, a parent or a staff member. I feel like part of a family here. I am a lifelong member of the church, and have always felt a strong sense of community here, so I knew that St. Joseph School was a perfect fit for me.  I feel so blessed to be working with such a dedicated group of people who share my love of God and teaching.  I love bringing music to each child’s life, and performing meaningful music where we can openly praise God! 
BAND
Paul Finazzo

Oakland University Music Major
6 years teaching at St. Joseph School
16+ years teaching
Music Director for St. Paul Church in Northville
Professional Musician
Active member of American Federation of Musicians and American Guild of Organists
READING SPECIALIST
Christine Coffin

Bachelor of Science, Western Michigan University
Teaching Certification, Eastern Michigan University
Master's in Reading and Language Arts,  Oakland University
Reading Specialist Endorsement
7 years teaching at St. Joseph School
The Band program here at St Joe’s has grown year after year, and it’s very exciting to see the children progress. It has become a close group of students sharing in fellowship and music. I am very blessed to be here at St. Joseph School and hope to see you at one of our band concerts.I consider myself very fortunate to be able to teach at SJS.  I enjoy teaching here because of the sincere feeling of care and compassion I witness between teachers, students, and parents.  Students are given the chance to grow in their faith while being academically challenged.  I truly believe there is no better school environment in which to work and raise our children.
View our complete staff listing.

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St. Joseph School • 703 N. Lapeer Road, Lake Orion, Michigan 48362 • Phone: 248.693.6215 • Fax: 248.693.0958