top of page

Mr. Dan Baker - 7th Grade

Email: dbaker@guardianangelacademy.org

Teacher Page

Education:

  • Bachelor in Elementary Education (Duquesne University)

  • Masters in Curriculum Design and Technology

 

Certification/Accreditation:

  • PA Instructional Level II

  • Diocesan Accreditation

  • Middle Level Math

  • Google Classroom

 

Experience:

  • Over 20 years of teaching for the Diocese of Pittsburgh at all grade levels. I have taught a variety of subjects including Math, Algebra, Geometry, Social Studies, Science, Gym, Health, and Computers.

 

Beyond the Classroom:

  • Before and After school Tutoring, Safe 2 Say Something Team, Helped organize fundraisers

new-Dan-180x180.jpg

Ms. Melissa Benovitch - 5th Grade

Email: mbenovitch@guardianangelacademy.org

Teacher Page

Education / Certifications:  

  • Education/Certifications: I attended

  • Bachelor's in Elementary and Kindergarten Education (Penn State University)

  • Reading Specialist certification (Duquesne University)

  • DIBELS mentor in Reading certification

  • Level 1 Google Educator

Experience:

  • 23 years teaching for the Diocese of Pittsburgh: St. Katherine Drexel/St. Germaine in Bethel Park, St. Agnes in West Mifflin, St. Margaret of Scotland, and Guardian Angel Academy

Beyond the Classroom:

  • Yearbook, newspaper, Forensics, and spelling bees.

Benovich.JPG

Mrs. Sara Cornetti - Kindergarten

Email: scornetti@guardianangelacademy.org

Teacher Page

Education / Certifications:  

  • Bachelor's in Education(Clarion University)

  • Certifications in Elementary and Special Education


Experience:

  • 5 years at St. Philip

  • 4 years at PA Learners Online (AIU3)

  • 12 years at Director/Teacher at CUM Child Learning Center


Beyond the Classroom:  

  • Shepherds and Lambs Program

  • SPS Chairperson of Uniform Exchange

  • SPS Afterschool Program

SaraCornetti.jpg

Ms. Rebekah Dennis - Spanish

Email: rdennis@guardianangelacademy.org

Teacher Page

Education / Certifications:  

  • Bethany College (2011-2014)

  • Arizona State University (currently working on Bachelor´s inSpanish)


Experience:

  • Taught a Spanish language practice lab for 1 semester at Bethany

  • Taught Spanish K-3 at Archangel Gabriel School Nov 2021-present

  • Immersion/life experience with the language working in Mexican restaurants and through friendships/relationships


Beyond the Classroom:  

  • Have tutored Spanish and other subjects since high school

  • Have worked as a medical secretary for 5 years

  • I love learning, reading, walking, playing board/card games, Rubik´s
    cube, Mexican food (to eat and to cook!), listening to Spanish music

RDennis.jpg

Miss Linda Gerrity - 2nd Grade

Email: lgerrity@guardianangelacademy.org

Teacher Page

Education / Certifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education & Elementary Education (Point Park University)

  • Associate’s Degree in Elementary Education (Community College of Allegheny County)

  • Pennsylvania Certifications: Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education

  • Catechetical Certifications: Provisional, Advanced, and Renewal

Experience:

  • 33 years as second grade teacher at St. Margaret

  • 33 years preparing students for Sacraments of Reconciliation & Eucharist at St. Margaret 

Beyond the Classroom:

  • Student Assistance Program Team Member, After School Art Club Coordinator (Grades 1-5), After School Service Club Coordinator (Grades K-8), Living Rosary Coordinator (Grades K-8), Living Stations Coordinator (Middle School), Student Council Advisor (Middle School), PTG Teacher Representative, and Health & Safety Plan Committee Member

Linda Gerrity - Bio Photo.jpg

Mrs. Rae Iacchetti - 8th Grade

Email: riacchetti@guardianangelacademy.org

Teacher Page

Education / Certifications:

  • Bachelor's in Music Education (Carlow College)

  • Elementary Education (University of Pittsburgh) Instructional II: Mid-Level Science 7-9 and Elementary K-6

  • Diocesan Certifications: Renewal Certification and CVOL Certification

  • Student Assistance Program: Certified membership since 1991
     

Experience:

  • Over 51 years in grades 1-8 in a variety of subjects including Science, English, Math, Religion and Music
     

Beyond the Classroom: 

  • Over the past years I have prepared students for the sacrament of
    Confirmation as well as lectors for our weekly school liturgies. I sponsored
    students for P.J.A.S. (Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science). I also work the
    morning and after school care programs. I have coordinated many activities such as May Crowning, Space Camp Week and graduation.

unnamed.jpg

Mrs. Louella Joseph - 5th Grade

Email: ljoseph@guardianangelacademy.org

Teacher Page

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Education (Duquesne University)

  • Master of Science Degree in Education majoring in Reading and Language Arts (Duquesne University)

 

Certifications/Accreditation:

  • PA Instructional Level II 

  • Diocesan Accreditation 

  • Elementary Education K-6

  • Middle School Science 7-9

  • Google Educator Level I 

 

Experience:

  • I have been teaching in the Diocese of Pittsburgh since 2004. Last year I was the 5th grade homeroom teacher and computer teacher (K-4) at St. Margaret of Scotland. Prior to teaching at St. Margaret’s, I was the 7th grade homeroom teacher at Saints Peter and Paul in Beaver. During that time, I taught science to elementary and middle school students.     

 

Beyond the Classroom:

  • In years past, I have been a teacher sponsor for PJAS, the PASR spelling bee, Student Council, and the Beaver County Honor’s League.

 

Hobbies:

  •  Spending time with family, skating, cooking, and traveling.

Resized_20210801_104451.jpeg

Ms. Olga Kaiser - Kindergarten

Email: okaiser@guardianangelacademy.org

Teacher Page

Education / Certifications:    

  • Edinboro University of Pennsylvania

  • Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Early Childhood

  • Instructional II

  • Permanent Certification

  • Diocesan Accreditation

 

Experience:

  • Taught children in grades K, 1st, 4th, 5th, and 6th

  • Developed the full day kindergarten program and the curriculum 

  • Tutored children in grades K-6 in Reading and Math

Beyond the Classroom:

  • Forensics Moderator - coaching students in grades 5 - 8 to develop their public speaking skills through competition

  • Oversee the Before and After-School Care Program

 

Hobbies:

  • Reading, riding horses, gardening, hiking, and spending time at the beach

_storage_emulated_0_VZPics_18877.JPEG

Mrs. Michelle Keiper - Music

Email: mkeiper@guardianangelacademy.org

Education / Certifications:    

  • Bachelor’s of Music in Music Education from Slippery Rock University

  • PA Instructional II, Music PreK-12

 

Experience:

  • Over a decade teaching music within the Diocese of Pittsburgh

  • Currently teaching at Guardian Angel Academy, Mother of Mercy Academy, and Bishop Canevin

Beyond the Classroom:

  • After school band program

 

Hobbies:

  • I love to cook, bake, and do all things crafty

MKeiper.jpg

Mr. Daniel Kochman - 8th Grade

Email: dkochman@guardianangelacademy.org

Teacher Page

Education / Certifications:

  • Bachelors of Science in Education-Secondary (7-12) Social Studies through Duquesne University

  • Bachelors of Arts in History through Duquesne University

  • Masters of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction with a Teaching and Leadership Concentration through Point Park University
     

Education / Certifications:

  • Student teaching at South Fayette Township High School

  • Substitute teaching in a few different public schools for 3 academic years serving in a variety of positions
     

Beyond the Classroom:

  • Served as the elected Executive Vice President of the Commuter Council at Duquesne University

  • Served as an advisor for Student Government organizations

  • Serving my community through home improvement and construction needs since 2017
     

Hobbies:

  • My wife and I enjoy nature activities ranging from hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, skiing, and wilderness exploring.

Picture-Kochman.PNG

Mrs. Anne Peterson - 6th Grade

Email: apeterson@guardianangelacademy.org

Teacher Page

Education:

  • Duquesne University Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education
     

Certification:

  • PA Instructional Level II

  • Diocesan Accreditation

  • Elementary Education K-6

  • Middle School Mathematics 7-9

  • Google Educator Level I

 

Experience:

  • Middle School Math and Algebra, Spanish, History and World Cultures at Holy Child Catholic School for 15 years

  • Third grade teacher at St. Philip for 5 years

 

Beyond the Classroom:

  • Student Council Sponsor focusing on fundraising for charity, Forensics Coach, Spelling Bee Sponsor, America Bowl Coach, Reading Festival Sponsor, Phipps Conservatory Healthy Challenge Coordinator, and After School Tutoring

 

Hobbies: 

  • Riding my bike, Hiking, Gardening, and Cooking

AnnePeterson.jpg

Ms. Catherine Rodgers - 3rd Grade

Email: crodgers@guardianangelacademy.org

Teacher Page

Education / Certifications:

  • Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction (Clarion University)

  • Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Elementary Education, and Special Education (Carlow University)

 

Experience:

  • 14 years as a third grade Teacher at SPS

  • 3 years as a second grade Teacher at SPS

  • 2 years as a first grade Teacher at SPS

  • 23 years as a SPS Afterschool & Summer Camp Instructor

  • 4 Years as a Camp Invention Director

 

Beyond the Classroom: 

  • Craft Club, Talent Show, Afterschool Tutoring, Afterschool Program, Summer Camp, Yearbook, Camp Invention

KatiRodgers.jpg

Ms. Heidi Rodgers - 1st Grade

Email: hrodgers@guardianangelacademy.org

Teacher Page

Education / Certifications:

  • Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction (Clarion University)

  • Dual Certification in Elementary Education and Early Childhood (Carlow University)
     

Experience:

  • 8 Years as SPS First Grade Teacher

  • 9 Years as SPS Kindergarten Teacher

  • 21 Years as SPS Afterschool & Summer Camp Instructor

 

Beyond the Classroom: 

  • Summer Camp, Afterschool Program, Craft Club, Talent Show, Yearbook, Afterschool Tutoring, Camp Invention Instructor since 2017

HeidiRodgers.jpg

Mrs. Valerie Romanovich - 4th Grade

Email: vromanovich@guardianangelacademy.org

Teacher Page

Education / Certifications:

  • Bachelor in Elementary Education (Duquesne University)

  • Elementary Education K-5

  • Continuing education working on my masters in School Administration, completed 24 credits (Duquesne University)
     

Experience:

  • 5 years as an aid in the preschool

  • Taught Kindergarten (2yrs), First (1yr), Second (1yr) and 7/8th (2yrs)

 

Beyond the Classroom: 

  • Organize and created Helping Hands Club with the Catholic Charities

  • Aftercare
     

Hobbies: 

  • I love to bake, read and travel (Disney/DVC). My heart belongs to my two children, Tyler (27) and Sophia (10) and the most supportive husband I could have ever wished for, Craig.

Valerie profile picture.jpg

Mrs. Lauren Streshenkoff - 6th Grade

Email: lastwood@guardianangelacademy.org
Teacher Page

Education:

  • Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction (Clarion University)

  • Bachelor’s in Elementary Education with a Minor in Psychology (Clarion University)

Certifications/Accreditation:

  • Elementary Education K-6

  • Diocesan Golden Apple Award for Excellent Performance in the Classroom; Distinguished Alumni (Saint Philip School)

 

Experience:

  • 14 years with 6th grade (Math, ELA, Ancient World History)

  • 1 year with 4th grade (ELA)

  • 2 years with 5th grade (ELA)

Beyond the Classroom:

  • Producer/Director/Choreographer of Musical Theatre, Coach and VP of Cheerleading, Tutor, Student Council Advisor, Middle School Newspaper Founder, Yearbook, Safety Committee, Academic Support Coordinator

Hobbies: 

  • Outside of the classroom I tutor and work at DanceTime Studio where I teach Musical Theatre and Hip-Hop

Miss_Astwood_2019-2020_-5279.jpg

Mrs. Jaclyn Walsh - 4th Grade

Email: jwalsh@guardianangelacademy.org
Teacher Page

Education / Certifications:

  • B.A. in Elementary Education, Thiel College

  • Diocesan Accreditation

  • Google Educator Level I, Common Sense Media Educator, and EverFi Champion Teacher

Experience:

  • I began my career in public school, but knew my true calling was to teach in the Catholic School environment. I’m a product of Catholic education having attended St. Margaret of Scotland School & Bishop Canevin High School. I taught at the following schools within the Diocese of Pittsburgh: St. Rosalia, St. John Bosco, St. Bernard, St. Margaret of Scotland, and most recently Sacred Heart Elementary. 

 

Beyond the Classroom:

  • Advent Program, Academic Quiz Bowl, Invention Convention, Hatch the Chicken, Seedlings for Schools partnership with the PA Game Commission’s Howard Nursery, Math 24 Club, Student Leaders, & Culture Club.

00000022_477_DD57.jpg

Mr. Jordan Wiegand - Health and Physical Education

Education / Certifications:

  • Bachelor Degree in Health and Physical Education from Slippery Rock University

  • Master degree in Sports Administration from Lock Haven University

Experience:

  • 11 years teaching (The Campus School of Carlow and Winchester Thurston)
    Currently teach at Bishop Canevin.

 

Beyond the Classroom:

  • Head Boys Varsity soccer coach at Pine-Richland. Owns and coaches Pittsburgh City Futsal Club.

image0 (5).jpeg

Ms. Alyson Woodall - Preschool

Email: awoodall@guardianangelacademy.org

Teacher Page

Education / Certifications:

  • Bachelor's in Early Childhood and Elementary Education (Carlow University)

  • Master's in Education and Dyslexia Certification (Carlow University)

  • Certifications: Early childhood (n-3), elementary (k-6), and reading specialist (PreK-12) 

Experience: 

  • Teacher with the diocese since 2007

  • Nursery school teacher at St. Bernard

  • Preschool, first grade, fourth grade, sixth grade literature, and middle school health at St. Margaret

Beyond the Classroom:

  • Student assistance program, Safe 2 Say Something Team, and helped organize several fundraisers and service projects

Hobbies:

  • Outside of the classroom I like to draw, walk my dog, and do Zumba.

image0 (4).jpeg
bottom of page