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, University of Toledo
Teaching and administrative experience in several states
20 years in administration at St. Joseph School
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Amanda Lund

Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Central Michigan University.
Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, Saginaw Valley State U.
Teaching and administrative experience within the Archdiocese of Detroit
First year of 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 truly blessed to be a part of the St. Joseph School family. I believe that parents are the primary educators of their children, and am pleased that so many families have chosen St. Joseph School as their partner in education. As a team, we educate the whole child: mind, body, and spirit. I am proud to play a role in the education of our newest Christian leaders.
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
13 years at St. Joseph School
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.

DOWNLOAD CURRICULUM: Grade 1 CurriculumGrade 2 Curriculum
VISIT GRADE LEVEL WEBSITES: PreschoolKindergartenFirst GradeSecond Grade

PRESCHOOL
Lori Ryding

Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education & Development from Oakland University

4 years teaching at St. Joseph School

I feel so blessed to be part of a loving and supportive school. It is wonderful to be able to pray, teach and show God's love to children every day!
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
10 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
7 years teaching at St. Joseph School
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
13 years teaching at St. Joseph School
FIRST GRADE
Julie Defever

Bachelor's Degree from Central Michigan University w/focus in Child Development
4 years 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 have chosen to teach at St. Joseph because of the rich learning environment. Even though this is my first year of teaching, I am not a stranger to the faith community. I attended Holy Name School from K to 8th grade. Then I furthered my education at Marian High School. I am very excited to begin my teaching career at a wonderful school, with a wonderful staff, and wonderful parents and students.
SECOND GRADE
Jeanette Henry

Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University
Early Childhood Endorsement (ZA)
Reading Endorsement
3 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
11 years teaching at St. Joseph School
I am very excited to have the opportunity to be teaching at St. Joseph School. I am looking forward to being part of such a wonderful environment of teachers, parents, and students and to work in a place where we can share our love of learning and our faith. 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.

DOWNLOAD CURRICULUM: Grade 3 CurriculumGrade 4 CurriculumGrade 5 Curriculum
VISIT GRADE LEVEL WEBSITES: Third GradeFourth GradeFifth Grade

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
13 years teaching at St. Joseph School
THIRD GRADE
Mary Tucker

B.A. in Language Arts from Madonna University
M.A. in Reading and Language Arts from Oakland University (completing)
M.A. in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville (completing)
4 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.I am blessed and feel privileged to be a part of St. Joseph School. I strongly believe in Catholic school education because it provides a safe and nurturing environment with academically high standards. What impresses me most about St. Joseph’s is the sense of family and genuine concern for one another. In this loving environment, children pray and learn about their faith to become holy men and women of God in a society that greatly needs their witness.
FOURTH GRADE
Kelly Walter

BA in Accounting – Walsh College
Masters of Education – University of Phoenix
Reading Specialist Endorsement – Oakland University (Currently Attending Classes)
7 years teaching at St. Joseph School
FOURTH GRADE
Alicia Marsee

B.A in Elementary Education from the University of Michigan
Endorsements in Language Arts and Social Studies
M.A. in Reading and Language Arts from Oakland University (completing)
4 years teaching at St.Joseph School
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.I feel truly blessed to be a part of such a wonderful school community. At St.Joseph's, the staff support one another, the parents are involved in all aspects of their child's education, and the students work hard to grow both spiritually and academically. Teaching at St.Joseph's gives me the opportunity to share with my students my love for learning as well as my love for God. St.Joseph's is a great school!
FIFTH GRADE
Jennifer Bero

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
9 years teaching at St. Joseph School
FIFTH GRADE
Nicole Sprague

B.A. from Madonna University in Elementary Education.
Teaching major and endorsement in Language Arts.
3 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 am thrilled to have the opportunity to join the St. Joseph family. As a new member of the faculty, I was welcomed with open arms by the most dedicated, and caring group of teachers, administrators and staff members. I feel so incredibly blessed to have the chance to work with such wonderful students, parents and staff. I am looking forward to sharing my passion for teaching, and love of faith with the students and community at St. Joseph School.

DOWNLOAD CURRICULUM: Grade 6 CurriculumGrade 7 CurriculumGrade 8 Curriculum
VISIT GRADE LEVEL WEBSITES: Middle School

SIXTH GRADE
Alison Pace

B.A. in English and Communication Studies; University of Michigan
Master of Arts in Education; University of Michigan
2 years teaching at St. Joseph School
SIXTH GRADE
Debbie Grimm

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
8 Years teaching at St. Joseph School
I have been called to the teaching profession, and I am truly blessed that God has allowed me to be part of the St. Joseph School community. I believe that students truly benefit from a school community that is rooted in Christian morals and traditions, and I am eager to help them continue to grow in their faith. St. Joseph School is a family, and I believe that all of our students benefit from the strong sense of community and support that is shown through all of the St. Joseph School staff. 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

B.S. in Secondary Education -Social Studies, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
10 years teaching at St. Joseph School
SEVENTH GRADE
Sherry Brandon

BA in Psychology-Oakland University
Elementary Certification-University of Detroit Mercy
Endorsement in Language Arts-University of Detroit
11 years teaching at St. Joseph School
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 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!
EIGHTH GRADE
Sue Tyner

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
20 years at St. Joseph School
EIGHTH GRADE
Bridget Dean

BA in Literature Madonna University
Elementary Certification U of D Mercy
MA in Curriculum and Instruction
Endorsements in Language Arts and Social Studies
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.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.
ART
Ashley Bailey

BA in Studio Art K-12 Education Oakland University
Specialization in Painting
International Baccalaureate Certification: PYP Level 1 Curriculum, PYP Level 2 Promoting International-Mindedness
1st year at St. Joseph School
COMPUTERS & MID. SCHOOL MATH
Gail Kozyra
[websites: computers, middle school]

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
7 years teaching at St. Joseph School
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 [website]

B.S. in Education from Wayne State University
Michigan Certification: Physical Education K-12 (MB), Health Education 7-12 (MA)
6 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
6 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
Ken Fuhr

• Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the University of Illinois
• Masters classes in conducting and composition
• 2 years teaching at St. Joseph School
READING SPECIALIST & K-1 COMPUTERS
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
10 years teaching at St. Joseph School
After many years of volunteer work with youth and involvement in community ensembles it is truly a joy to once again be directing an instrumental music program. The time I have with the students at SJS is a vital part of my life as I see these talented young people improve so quickly and perform at such a fine level. It is my goal that the band program be a source of pride for the entire school and a witness to the wonderful gifts these students have been given.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