Art Instructor

Mrs. Laurie Comerford was born in Buffalo, NY, lived in the Poconos before moving to Lancaster to attend Millersville University for Art Education.  She lives in Lancaster with her husband, daughter, baby Comerford (due in January 2010), and dog.  She loves life and enjoys painting, gardening, cooking, music, and all creative endeavors.

She has been teaching at St. Anne for four years and has enjoyed every minute!  She also has experience in Marketing/Advertising, Business Management, Interior Design and Fashion Merchandising.

 

Challenge Program Teacher

Mr. George Garbrick is a professed member of the Secular Franciscan Order.  He earned his BA degree from St. Francis University in Loreto, Pa.  He has his permanent certification in English and an Advanced/Ongoing Catechetical Certification from the Diocese of Harrisburg.  This will be his 43rd year at St. Anne’s.  In his semi-retirement, he enjoys oil and watercolor painting and cooking. 

Mission Statement:
“To bring compassion and humor into the learning environment.”

 

 

Latin Teacher

Mr. Tom Harkins received his BA from Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. He attended graduate school at Stony Brook University State of New York. Mr. Harkins has 33 years of teaching experience in both private and parochial schools.  He has taught English, Latin in middle schools and in high school.  He lives in Leola with his wife, Phyllis.  He has a daughter, Monica, married to Brian Cloonan, police officer in East Lampeter.  He loves spending time with his three grandchildren, Sean, 4th grader at St. Anne School, and twin girls, Caroline and Elizabeth, in St. Anne’s kindergarten.

 

 

Library Instructor

Mrs. Sheellah Kennedy was born and raised in Canada.  Although she was born in Toronto, she spent most of her years growing up in Grasmere, British Columbia.  She spent a lot of time reading outdoors in her tree house and always looked forward to her trips to the local library to check out more books.

Mrs. Kennedy graduated from Loyalist College of Applied Arts and Technology in Ontario, Canada in 1992 with a degree in Travel and Tourism.  Prior to moving to Lancaster, she spent several years substituting for the public and private schools in Virginia Beach, VA.  She has taught Kindergarten, First Grade, Fifth Grade, and Sixth Grade and has worked as a Reading Specialist, Special Education Assistant and Library Media Specialist.

Mrs. Kennedy moved with her husband, Chris, and three children, Ryan, Adrienne, and Erika to Lancaster, PA in July 2007.  She loves her job as the Library Media Specialist/Librarian at St. Anne School and couldn’t think of a better place to be with her family. Along with reading, Mrs. Kennedy loves to travel and try new outdoor activities.  Her favorites are zip lining and scuba diving!  She also enjoys playing her trumpet.  You may have heard her at one of the previous school masses.  She loves getting the students of St. Anne excited about reading and strives to keep her lessons with the students creative, yet educational.

 

Music Instructor

Mrs. Josephine Martin was born and raised in New York City, New York.   She attended St. John's University and the City University of New York at Queens College and Hunter College. She taught in urban schools for 15 years and was appointed to be Music Director and "talent scout" by the local diocese. Some of her students went on to play on Broadway and even attained TV spots on children's programs such as "Sesame Street" and the Disney channel.   In 1997 she moved to Lancaster from Long Island, New York with her 4 children and was fortunate to join the faculty of St. Anne's in 1999 as librarian and music instructor.

 

Mission Statement: “To guide the children towards the greatest of teachers, Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

 

Physical Education Instructor

Mrs. Tammy Bechtold was born and raised in Lancaster, PA.  She graduated from Lancaster Catholic High School and is certified in Kids and Teens fitness. She worked in two athletic health clubs as a personal trainer and as a step-instructor before joining St. Anne’s.

This is her fourth year at St. Anne School, four as a pre-school aide and three years as the Physical education instructor. Her passion is exercise and she enjoys teaching children the importance of exercise and healthy habits.  She loves educating them in all sports and fitness. She and her husband, Jeff, have three daughters.  Her oldest daughter is at Lancaster Catholic and her youngest two attend St. Anne’s.

 

 

Spanish Instructor

Mrs. Soraya Vazquez was born and raised in Puebla, Mexico. Her native language is Spanish and she studied in Catholic schools all of her life. She is committed to support the principles and spirit of the Catholic education system. She graduated from the American College School of Puebla where she studied business administration. Mrs. Vazquez gained experience developing  and implementing Global Training programs for a Steel Technology company. She has global experience, living in  Mexico, Australia, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,  and the United Kingdom. Mrs. Vazquez moved to Manheim Township with her husband and three kids, in 2005.

 

 

Technology Teacher

Miss Maria D’Isabella was born and raised in Lancaster, PA.  She attended local Catholic elementary and high schools.  After graduating from Millersville University with a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education, she was a home/school liaison and instructor for PA Migrant Education.  She joined St. Anne School in 1994 and has taught first, second, sixth, and junior high math classes.  She is presently the Computer teacher and Technology Coordinator for the school and loves seeing the different age groups on a daily basis. 

Mission Statement:
“I believe that I have been called by God to teach.  I believe in children, young and old, each in need of learning.  I am dedicated to make a difference in their lives by my words and actions.”

 

Technology Teacher

Mrs. Nicole Augustine received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. She joined St. Anne’s in 2006. She grew up in Dillsburg, PA, just north of York.  She and her husband, Jared, live in Denver, PA.

Mission statement:
"To develop life-long learners who trust in the Lord."