I am blessed to be starting my second year at St. Anthony of Padua. Over my seventeen years in education, I have been fortunate to have worked with fantastic professionals, students and parents. I can honestly say that I have not worked with a more caring, positive group of people.
This school year, our school motto is We are in this together . I cannot think of a more profound saying with what is going on in our world today. St. Anthony School is a place that comes collectively in order to do good for all. We want to continue this tradition, but can only do it together.
I am a firm believer in a positive mindset. Saying that, I believe we have a great opportunity this school year to do awesome things. Every day is going to be different. We will have bumps in the road. There maybe times in which we question things going on….I can promise to you things will get better. God Bless You.
Words that describe me: Positive, Flexible, Collaboration
Favorite Quote: “A child miseducated is a child lost.”
Favorite Saint: St. Thomas Aquinas
Favorite Children’s Book: The original – Boxcar Children
Favorite Place in NEO: Jacobs Field
Favorite thing to do outside of work: Play with my 3 children – Nolan, Henry and Jack
Education: B.A. – Kent State University Masters – Notre Dame College
Bachelors of Science: Secondary Education and History from Baldwin Wallace College, Masters Degree in Curriculum from Ashland University
Years Teaching: Substitute Teacher – 4 years
Lorain City Schools – 6 years
St. Anthony School- 7 years
Hello. My name is Nicole Zientarski. I have been teaching preschool now for 5 years. I started my teaching career at St. Anthony School 21 years ago. I taught here for 2 years and then moved on to Lorain City Schools for 6 years. I then resigned to stay home with my 3 children and did not return until my youngest started Kindergarten here at St. Anthony School. After being a substitute teacher for 2 years, I was hired by St. Anthony School as the 3 year old preschool teacher. I truly have the best job in the world! I am a lifelong member of St. Anthony’s Parish and could not be happier to be home.
I am Mrs. Huss and I love teaching the Pre-School class at St. Anthony of Padua Parish School! I have been in my current role since 2008, where I have the privilege of working with children who have such an eagerness to learn! It is my goal to give our students the best foundation for spiritual, emotional and academic growth to achieve the education they deserve. I grew up at St. Anthony of Padua Parish and am a proud alumna of St. Anthony School, Magnificat High School and John Carroll University. It is an honor to return to St. Anthony’s as an educator. Welcome to Pre-School!
Years Teaching: Preschool Teacher ( 1987-1994 ), Elementary Bilingual Aide ( 1994-2002 ), Summer camp Idea special education ( 2002-2012 ), Lorain High School Special Education Instructional Aide ( 2002-2012 )
Hello I’m Vanessa Arocho, Instructional Aide, I started in February of 2016. I enjoy Art and Music. I’m currently in a 9 piece band called Latin City Soul, I sing and my husband plays the bass. I have two wonderful children and a dog . I’m happy to be part of Saint Anthony School.
Hello. I am Susan Delgado and I teach Kindergarten! It is not only my job but it has been my vocation for over 30 years and is truly what I love to do. I am a native Lorainite and love living and working in Lorain by beautiful Lake Erie. I am a graduate of Lorain High School and of The Ohio State University. My husband Tony and I are proud that our three children are alumni of St Anthony School. We chose St. Anthony School as we wanted our children to live, love and learn in this Catholic community. Our school is a wonderful, faith based school with a strong emphasis on academics. I am proud to be a part of St Anthony School and look forward to the start of each new school year.
Favorite Quote: “God gave you 2 ears and 1 mouth so you could listen twice as much as you talk.” (Fr. Joseph West)
Favorite Saint: St. Francis of Assisi
Favorite Children’s Book: Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
Bachelor of Science: Elementary Education K-8 from Ashland University
Years Teaching: 21
St. Anthony’s is home to me. My mother, my siblings and I, and my children are alumni of this school. My children are proof of what an amazing place this is. It is such a privilege to be a part of the children’s lives, and to watch them grow into amazing young men and women. I can’t imagine teaching anywhere else. I love my job, and I love LOVE 1st grade!
1. Words that describe you? Ambitious, positive, caring
2. Favorite Quote: “You’re never fully dressed without a smile.”
3. Favorite Saint: St. Francis
4. Favorite Children’s Book: Elmer
5. Favorite Place in NEO: Anywhere by the lake, metro parks, or river
6. Favorite thing to do outside of work: Go on hikes and new adventures with my two dogs and fiance
7. Education: Bachelor’s degree from Slippery Rock University, Master’s degree from Grand Canyon University
Hello! I am Miss Cichon, the 2nd grade teacher! This will be my second year teaching my 2nd grade friends at St. Anthony, and I am so excited for a wonderful year! I was born and raised in a small town in Pennsylvania where my family still resides. I received my bachelor’s degree in Resort Recreation & Hospitality Management from Slippery Rock University in 2015 which took me to South Carolina for four wonderful years. During that time, I realized I wasn’t doing what I was called to do, which is working with and teaching children. I decided to go back to school and received my master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Grand Canyon University in 2018. In my spare time, I enjoy going on hikes and new adventures with my two dogs and fiance, traveling, rock climbing, spending time on the water, and spending time with my friends and family.
Words that describe me: Reliable, Helpful, Hardworking
Favorite Quote: “Life is what you make it”
Favorite Saint: St. Patrick
Favorite Children’s Book: Bad Kitty
Favorite Place in NEO: Cedar Point
Favorite thing to do outside of work: Play Video Games
Education: Bachelor’s Degree from Bowling Green State University & Reading Endorsement from Walsh University
I graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. I received my K-12 reading endorsement from Walsh University in 2018. I taught second grade for one year and first grade for five years in Cleveland. This will be my second year teaching third grade at St. Anthony’s.
Words that describe me: Creative, Energetic, Empathetic
Favorite Quote: “Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.”
Favorite Saint: St. Francis of Assisi
Favorite Children’s Book: God Made Me – I wrote a song to go with it for my daugther. 🙂
Favorite Place in NEO: French Creek Hiking Trail
Favorite thing to do outside of work: Making Art – Watercolor Painting
Education: Doctor of Musical Arts Degree – The University of South Carolina
Heather Rentz teaches Fourth and Fifth Grade Reading and Science at St. Anthony of Padua School in Lorain, Ohio. Dr. Rentz has also taught music, reading, and math for twenty years as a classroom teacher and tutor. She has previously taught at the college, high school, and elementary and pre-school levels in private, public, charter, and Montessori schools. Rentz earned a Post-Graduate Certificate in Flute Performance and Pedagogy from Carnegie Mellon University, a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree from The University of South Carolina, a Master of Music degree from The University of North Texas, and a Bachelor of Music degree from Ohio Wesleyan University. She actively performs in churches, ensembles, and performs as a flute and vocal soloist throughout Northeastern Ohio. Rentz is passionate about reading and literacy, and the library is her favorite place to go with her daughter. She lives in Sheffield Lake, Ohio with her husband, Jay, and daughter, Quinn, who attends St. Anthony in first grade. Rentz enjoys teaching in her private piano and flute studio, swimming, playing tennis, gardening, making art, and cooking.
Anna Schultz – Long Term Substitute 4th/5th grade Math/Social Studies
Hi! My name is Mrs. Schultz. I retired in 2017 after 41 years of teaching–three years at Whittier Junior High, twenty years at St. John the Baptist School, and eighteen years here at St. Anthony of Padua School. It was a “prime” time to retire! I loved teaching and enjoy coming back to St. Anthony of Padua School to substitute when needed. I graduated from West Virginia Institute of Technology (now WVU-Tech), with a B.S. degree in mathematics education, and moved to Lorain soon after. My husband, Al, and I have been married for 47 years, and we have one son, Charlie, who is a graduate of St. Anthony of Padua School, Lorain Catholic HIgh School, and LCCC. I enjoy going to the races and watching him compete. I also love working puzzles of all kinds, and I love to read!
Words that describe me: Compassionate, Caring, Easy-going, Faithful
Favorite Quote: “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” (Mother Teresa)
Favorite Saint: St. Clare – My Confirmation Saint
Favorite Children’s Book: The Rainbow Fish
Favorite Place in NEO: Cleveland Metroparks
Favorite thing to do outside of work: Spending time with my family!
Education: Bachelors Degree in Middle Childhood Education
Hello! My name is Miss. Standish. I am the 6th grade homeroom teacher as well as middle school English Language Arts. This is my 2nd year here at St. Anthony’s. Prior to being at St. Anthony’s I worked at Shiloh Middle School in Parma as a tutor in all subjects focusing most on Math and Language Arts. I attended both Ohio University and Cleveland State University for college, earning my Bachelor’s degree in Middle Childhood Education from Cleveland State University. I love to spend time with my family, read, and watch sports. I am excited to be back at St. Anthony’s for another fantastic year!
Jenny Pogorelc
7th Grade Homeroom Teacher; Middle School Science/Religion Teacher
Bachelor of Science: Elementary Education (1-8) from Kent State University
Years Teaching: Currently in my 19th year at St. Anthony’s
St. Anthony’s is the place where I started my teaching career and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. I absolutely love my job, the students and the staff here at St. Anthony’s. My husband, Chriss and I are also grateful our son, Maxx, is a student at St. Anthony’s and loves it just as much. It truly is a blessing to be a part of such a wonderful place.
Alyssa Hansinger
8th Grade Homeroom Teacher; Middle School Math Teacher
Words that describe me: Motivated, Passionate, Caring
Favorite Quote: “Your life isn’t yours if you are worring what others thing.”
Favorite Saint: Saint Mary
Favorite Children’s Book: Love You Forever
Favorite Place in NEO: Ohio City
Favorite thing to do outside of work: Running, Yoga
Education: Ohio University
Bachelor of Science: Middle Childhood Education (4-9) Mathematics and History from Ohio University
Masters of Science: Administration from Ohio University
Years Teaching: 5
Hello! I am Miss Hansinger and I am the 8th Grade homeroom teacher as well as the middle school math and social studies teacher. This is my 2nd year at St. Anthony’s and I am so excited to be back and working in such a family environment with wonderful students. I grew up in and attended Olmsted Falls schools where my parents currently still reside. Prior to joining St. Anthonys I worked for 3 years in Cleveland as a middle school math teacher. My passions outside of school include running, yoga, being with friends/family, hiking with my dog and traveling. I am so excited to get to work at St. Anthony’s and see how much each student learns and grows each year. Welcome to 8th grade!
George Joseph
Phyical Education & Health Teacher; Before & After Care Teacher
Favorite Quote: “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.”
Favorite Saint: St. Francis of Assisi
Favorite Children’s Book: The Umbrella by Jan Brett
Favorite Place in NEO: Lakeview Park
Favorite thing to do outside of work: Kayak
Education: Bachelors Degree in Journalism
Retired in 2017 (sort of) from Social Service field
While a Junior in college, I had the opportunity to study for one quarter abroad in Jalapa, Veracruz, Mexico. I studied Spanish exclusively and two other students and I lived with a family that did not speak English. That experience inspired me to choose a career in which I could utilize my capability to speak Spanish and led me to El Centro de Servicios Sociales and the Nord Center where I assisted mentally ill Spanish speakers in accessing a variety of functions.
As I begin my third year of teaching at St. Anthony, I hope to pass my passion for the Spanish Language and the Hispanic Culture on to my students.
There are two St. Anthony alumni in our household, my wife Rebecca Jones and our daughter, Olivia, who begins her second year of study at Elyria Catholic. I have three grown sons and six grandchildren.
Resourceful – I can find just about any answer, instructions or data using the web. I am able to figure things out relatively easily. I was asked in an internship to create a balloon arch because we could not afford the large price tag to hire someone and so I cut the cost down to less than 1/4 and made a balloon arch. Was it the most efficient way? Could there have been a better option? Was the road to the final product relatively random an unorganized? Yes, all of the above. But, I am able to solve many problems and devise ways to get to the end goal by using the resources, expertise and time that I have.
Lifelong Learner – I love learning new things.
Maker Mindset – I love making things and helping others get a grasp on the same love for creativity.
Favorite Quote: There are so many that it is very hard to choose. My indecisiveness has come with the thought that every situation can lend to a specific quote. There are quotes for various situations and having one define myself is a hard choice to make!
Favorite Saint: St. Anthony!
Favorite Children’s Book: Everything by Jann Brett
Favorite Place in NEO: I don’t know that I have a specific favorite! I am an introvert and extrovert in various situations and I don’t know that I can choose just one place! One would be my home and in specifics my couch where I binge watch netflix and do various research on my laptop and the other may be Lorain County Community College because I was inspired to become the person I am today while working at the Teacher Education Resource Center and participating in Student Senate and utilizing the Fab Lab.
Favorite thing to do outside of work: MAKE & EXPLORE! I enjoy drawing, painting and going to professional development opportunities. I am aware that being a teacher means that you are a lifelong learner and I most definitely take that to heart. I enjoy learning about new ways to meet my students needs to the fullest. I also love travelling! I have been to Colorado, Bulgaria, Canada, Ireland, Cancun, Texas, Florida and various other places. I feel it is very important to see and learn about other people and places in order to bring that understanding into the classroom and into daily life. I value experiences much more than I value materialistic things.
Education: I hold a Bachelor’s degree with various endorsements. I consistently attend Professional Development opportunities with topics including STEM, Science, Coding, “Conscious Discipline” a Positive Behavior System, Google and various others.
Here is a little bit about me; I am the STEM and Computer Science Teacher here at St. Anthony of Padua School! I have about 30 chickens at home, 1 dog named Khaleesi and 4 step dogs named Gene, Angel, Jolie and Johnny. I love crafting and creating and of course pretending to be a farmer with all of my chickens! I hate poison ivy and mosquitos but I love doing things outdoors like canoeing, camping and riding ATVs and RZRs. I graduated from Ashland University with a Bachelor’s Degree with several Endorsements. I am currently pursuing an Endorsement for K-12 Instructional Technology. I have attended over 300 hours of Professional development over this summer so you can say I believe in being a lifelong learner! I love teaching students STEM and 21st Century skills and I love seeing my students enjoy learning and remember content that is taught! In my class we use high-tech robots and machines and low-tech sewing supplies and modeling to teach STEM/STEAM and 21st century skills. I love finding new opportunities for my students to experience and learn about new technology and jobs available to them in the future. For example, we added the Chick-Quest program to our school last year and now students are learning science and math standards through hatching chicks and learning about the different jobs associated with chickens and small scale farming!
