About Guidance Counselor Mr. Grant: My name is Peyton Grant. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The University of Southern Mississippi and a Masters in School Counseling from William Carey University. I have worked in Mental Health for 11 years and have been a counselor at the academy for 1 year. My favorite subjects when I was in school were Reading and Science.
About Gym Mr. Kolack: My name is Josh Kolack and I have been teaching gym at the academy for two years. I graduated from Curry College and I love to teach basketball and I introduced lacrosse this past year to the students of Mattapan. I am also a co-moderator of Strong Boys Strong Men. I spend my free time coaching sports in Milton, where I grew up. I love what I do and I love working with these great kids.
About Music Mrs. McCourt:My name is Michelle McCourt. I have been teaching in Dorchester Catholic schools since 1983 I received my B.A. In Music Performance from Emmanuel College in Boston and my teaching certificate as a music specialist in MA in 1973. I was conferred my M.Mus. from the Boston Conservatory of Music in 1975 and continued study in the doctorate of
musical arts program at Boston University where I competed and won the Concerto-Aria Competition.
I teach music to grades 2.9 through Grade 5 at Mattapan campus at Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy. I also direct the Mattapan school choir. In K-2 and Grade 1 we learn music through the study of solfege by singing and through performance on the handbells. In Grade 2 we apply solfege study to the study of glockenspiel. In grades 3 and 4 we learn music through the study of two- part songs and the study of the tin whistle. I enjoy watching my students have fun as they develop in their music study.
musical arts program at Boston University where I competed and won the Concerto-Aria Competition.
I teach music to grades 2.9 through Grade 5 at Mattapan campus at Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy. I also direct the Mattapan school choir. In K-2 and Grade 1 we learn music through the study of solfege by singing and through performance on the handbells. In Grade 2 we apply solfege study to the study of glockenspiel. In grades 3 and 4 we learn music through the study of two- part songs and the study of the tin whistle. I enjoy watching my students have fun as they develop in their music study.
About Latin Mrs. Conway: I teach 4th and 5th Grade Latin & Greek Word Roots once per week on Fridays. This will be my
5th year with the Academy, where I teach at all 4 campuses, primarily in grades 5-8.
My favorite subject in school was math but I am an avid reader and definite "word nerd".
About Latin Mrs. Conway: I teach 4th and 5th Grade Latin & Greek Word Roots once per week on Fridays. This will be my
5th year with the Academy, where I teach at all 4 campuses, primarily in grades 5-8.
My favorite subject in school was math but I am an avid reader and definite "word nerd".
About Grade 5 Ms. Joy: My name is Kristyn Joy. I am a New England native and graduate of Boston
University and Emmanuel College. I have been a teacher working within Saint
John Paul II Catholic Academy since 2009. I have taught multiple grade levels
throughout my teaching career. I am returning to the Mattapan Campus teaching
5th grade all academic subjects and 4th grade science teacher. I am hoping to share new
experiences and help all my students learn new concepts and try new
strategies. I genuinely enjoy teaching and learning. I will work hard to
bring out the best in all of us.
A few things about me:
I have two beautiful children at home who are growing up faster than I can
believe. My favorite color is purple. Some of my hobbies include playing
sports, painting and doing do-it-yourself projects around the house.
I am looking forward to an inspiring year and am eager to begin.
University and Emmanuel College. I have been a teacher working within Saint
John Paul II Catholic Academy since 2009. I have taught multiple grade levels
throughout my teaching career. I am returning to the Mattapan Campus teaching
5th grade all academic subjects and 4th grade science teacher. I am hoping to share new
experiences and help all my students learn new concepts and try new
strategies. I genuinely enjoy teaching and learning. I will work hard to
bring out the best in all of us.
A few things about me:
I have two beautiful children at home who are growing up faster than I can
believe. My favorite color is purple. Some of my hobbies include playing
sports, painting and doing do-it-yourself projects around the house.
I am looking forward to an inspiring year and am eager to begin.
About Grade 4 Ms. Duggan: My name is Kathleen Duggan, I have a Bachelor of Science in
Education from Bridgewater State University. I've been teaching 20 years going into my 21 st. I like to read Charlottes web . I liked math and social studies. I am a co-coordinator of our school's extended day program.
Education from Bridgewater State University. I've been teaching 20 years going into my 21 st. I like to read Charlottes web . I liked math and social studies. I am a co-coordinator of our school's extended day program.
About Grade 3 Ms. Winkler: I teach 3rd grade and I have been teaching for 3 years. I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education 1-6 with a concentration English. I received my Master of Education in Literacy from Lesley University. I love working with all ages in the after school program here on campus, you can often find me in the early childhood rooms! My favorite book to read to my class is Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes. My favorite subject in school was Math. Even though I have only taught here a year, I have fallen in love with the children and families of Mattapan.
About Grade 2 Ms. Sheehan: My name is Miss Beth Sheehan. I have a Bachelors Degree from Regis College. I have been teaching for 29 years. I have been teaching in this school, this building, first for 20 years as Saint Angela School and for the past 8 years as Saint John Paul II - Mattapan Campus. I have been teaching Grade Two for all my years in this building, 28 years. I am also a co-coordinator of the extended day program at this campus. I love to introduce my students to Ruby Bridges and Wilma Rudolph through their biographies. My students are always interested in how they went through what they did and came through it all to be amazing people.When I was in Catholic grade school "back in the day" things were very different, but I enjoyed Math class the most. I found it was something that I could do well.I want all my students to know that they are special and they can do anything they set their minds toward.
About Grade 1 Ms. Kerrigan:My name is Caitlin Kerrigan. I teach first grade at St. John Paul II Catholic academy at the Mattapan campus. The 2016-2017 school year will be my 3rd year teaching here. I have been in the teaching profession since 2009 after graduating with my Bachelors Degree from Fitchburg State University. I have been a paraprofessional and teacher throughout this time. I have a strong background in special needs and behavioral management. My favorite book to read to first grade is the Elephant and Piggy series, they are a very dramatic read that first grade loves. My favorite subject to teach is reading and religion. Building a strong foundation in reading fundementals is crucial in any young child's life, especially in grade one. I am very excited about this upcoming school year and look forward to watching your child grow.
About K2 Ms. Desola: I am a Kindergarten assistant teacher.I have taught elementary school students for seven years.
My favorite books to read to the class are stories by Dr. Seuss, Bible stories, or whichever books the children are most interested in.
My favorite subject in school was Reading. (This was the most difficult question, because I enjoyed everything I studied). I have a Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Lesley University (2001), and a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Penn State University (1994).
I taught preschoolers at Catholic Charities’ Laboure center in South Boston from 2013-2015. I successfully planned and implemented developmentally appropriate curriculum for children two through five years old, based on the Massachusetts Preschool Curriculum Frameworks. Prior to that
I taught computer classes to Kindergarten through eighth grade students at Franco-American School in Lowell, MA. Although I was working as an independent contractor through R & R Consultants, I did my best to incorporate the classroom teachers’ themes to ensure continuity within the school and to make my lessons relevant.
About K2 Mrs. Barden: My name is Jacki Barden. I love the excitement of helping a child learn and every year is a new adventure in kindergarten. Although I've taught many grades over 16 years it is wonderful sharing an old favorite story, like Blueberries for Sal, and discovering new books with friends. Best of all is when we can combine our language arts and math through play and discovery.
About K2 Mrs. Carrara: My name is Jeanne Carrara. I am a lifelong Boston resident and married mother of four. I have been teaching in the Archdiocese of Boston for 28 years, primarily at the K-1/K-2 level. I attended Northeastern University in the Radiology Technology Program, but I found my true passion while working with children and soon after I pursued my dream and enrolled at Bridgewater University, where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Education. I strive to find the best in others while giving the best of myself. Sharing my knowledge with others, especially children, will always remain a positive motivating force to me. My favorite subject is ELA/Reading. I am a huge fan of children’s books. Some of my all-time favorites are “The Giving Tree,” “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom,” “One,” and anything by Dr. Seuss. My hobbies include reading and any outside activity!
About K1 Ms. Ellis: My name is Nicole Ellis and I have been teaching K1 at SJP for 3 years but have been teaching children since I was in high school. I used to teach competitive gymnastics throughout high school and college and that is when I decided to become a teacher. I used to teach preschool and toddlers in Hingham and Brockton prior to Mattapan. I am a graduate of Curry College and I am currently attending The University of Massachusetts Boston to get my Masters in Education Administration. My favorite book to read to my class is "Make Way for Ducklings" or anything by Dr. Seuss. My favorite subject in school was World History. As a child I attended public school. In high school, I had the opportunity to go to catholic high school and that is where I fell in love with learning and school. Being at SJP gives me the same feeling as when I attended my beloved high school and I hope my students value the catholic education they are getting just as much as I once did.
About K1 Mrs. Lopez: My name is Rusy Lopez and I have been working with children in general for over 17 years. This is my 8th year working with preschoolers at Mattapan Campus and I am currently working as a K-1 Paraprofessional. I enjoy every minute I spend teaching children and taking care of them. I also enjoy spending time with my family. I am a wife, have wonderful twin daughters and a dog. I love reading books. My favorite books to read in the class are “The Children’s Bible” and “Tomas, The Strongest Tree in Tree Land”, which I had the pleasure of writing. We are a great teaching team and I believe our K-1 class is a great place where your child will enjoy and love learning.
About Prek Mrs. Duncan: I'm Krystal Duncan, the pre-K teacher at the Mattapan Campus of Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy. I'm a graduate of Emmanuel College, and I have been teaching full time for almost 4 years. I am coming up on my second year of employment at SJP. I love reading "A Hat for Minerva Louise" to my class. It's an easy book for the children to get involved in, and everyone has a lot of laughs listening to the funny things Minerva does. My favorite subject in school was always English and Literature, and I like to think that the knowledge I gained prepared me for my educational life at Saint John Paul!
About Prek Ms. Gaylord: My name is Emily Gaylord. I have been volunteering and working in the field of education since 2013. In the past, I had been a youth mentor in choir, and assisted students at the Lower Mills campus of Pope John Paul! I have worked with children ranging in grade from prek to 8th grade. I have also been a sailing instructor, teaching children from age 8 to adulthood. Previously I was employed at the Horace Mann School for the deaf as an intern. I have been volunteering at Pope John Paul Academy since 2013.