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Faculty & Staff

Administrative Staff

Father Esteban DeLeon

Father Esteban DeLeon

Pastor
Dr. Carey Averill

Dr. Carey Averill

Principal

Dr. Carey Averill was appointed as principal at Star of the Sea Catholic School in 2017. Dr. Averill's career has been blessed with a variety of experiences and opportunities that have taken her all over the world. She began her teaching career with the Department of Defense Dependent Schools teaching in Seoul, Korea, which is where she met her husband. She then had the opportunity to teach in Schweinfurt, Germany, and Fort Bragg, NC on Army bases. She also taught in public schools in FL and NC and served as a crisis counselor in Syracuse, NY.

Dr. Averill earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Purdue University, a Master of Education in School Counseling from Campbell University and a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from George Washington University where her research focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Education. Blessed with numerous military moves, she had the opportunity to earn additional endorsements in Gifted Education, Middle School Mathematics, and School Leadership as well as serve as a STREAM Coordinator.

Dr. Averill's goal is to enhance the educational and spiritual opportunities for all students at Star of the Sea. With recent renovations and an administrative addition, she is excited for the new opportunities this affords current and future students. She encourages everyone to tour and experience the welcoming school and environment that her amazing teachers and staff provide!

Dr. Averill and her husband, retired Army LTC, reside in Virginia Beach with their two sons and Boston Terrier. You can find them on a basketball court, lacrosse field, or at a cross country or track meet. She invites everyone to become a STAR!

Donna Odanga

Donna Odanga

Bookkeeper

Sarah Carlson

Administrative Assistant

Sarah Carlson

Sarah Carlson

Administrative Assistant
Jackie Ankley

Jackie Ankley

Development
Dr. Michelle Pereira

Dr. Michelle Pereira

Admissions Coordinator

Support Staff

Jennefer Powers

After Care Coordinator

Jennefer Powers

Jennefer Powers

After Care Coordinator

Julie Pagano

Kitchen Manager

Julie Pagano

Julie Pagano

Kitchen Manager
Monica Baragar

Monica Baragar

Nurse

Myriam Traub

Segura Representative

Myriam Traub

Myriam Traub

Segura Representative
Samantha Wood

Samantha Wood

Nurse

Thomas Lyle

Maintenance

Thomas Lyle

Thomas Lyle

Maintenance

Virginia Canissario

Cafeteria Assistant

Virginia Canissario

Virginia Canissario

Cafeteria Assistant

Elementary Homeroom Teachers

Cary Ressler

Cary Ressler

PreK 3
Isabel Valentini

Isabel Valentini

PreK 4
Maryanna Oshana

Maryanna Oshana

PreK 3

Hello! My name is Maryanna Oshana, I am 24 years old, and I have grown up in Virginia Beach the last 14 years.I recently received my degree at Franciscan University with a Bachelors of Arts in Theology. My excitement to begin this adventure at Star of the Sea as a Pre K teacher is growing day by day. I have a special place in my heart for Star of the Sea school and parish, as I was a student here during my 6th and 7th grade year, seven years ago! Star of the Sea has been a part of my growth and to be able to teach this upcoming school year is truly a gift!

I have spent two summers working as a missionary at a youth summer camp and that experience has been a pivotal aspect in my faith journey. Through my time as a missionary I had fallen in love with the Catholic faith, and grown in relationship with Jesus Christ, which led me to study theology. Throughout the last two years at Franciscan I have truly learned the importance of what it means to practice our faith and to spend time always learning and growing in my identity as a daughter of the Lord. My interests and hobbies include reading, writing, working out, and crafting from time to time. A few fun facts are that I was born in Sydney Australia and my name Maryanna actualty translates into Star of the Sea, so I have always had a devotion to Our Lady Star of the Sea! I am so excited and looking forward to a beautiful school year!

Lindsey Shallis

Kindergarten

Lindsey Shallis

Lindsey Shallis

Kindergarten

Lindsey recently earned a Bachelor of Liberal Studies from the University of San Diego. As a Navy veteran with a deep commitment to service, she is proud to support her husband, who is currently serving in the Navy. They reside in Virginia Beach with their daughter and two pups. In their free time, you can find them soaking up the sun on the beach or exploring the woods through hiking and camping adventures. Lindsey is thrilled to become part of the Star of the Sea family!

Michelle Vonusa

Kindergarten

Michelle Vonusa

Michelle Vonusa

Kindergarten

Diana Socha

1st Grade & Vice Principal

Diana Socha

Diana Socha

1st Grade & Vice Principal
Glenn Perry

Glenn Perry

2nd Grade
Michelle Magnini

Michelle Magnini

3rd Grade
Theresa Baldwin (Flemings)

Theresa Baldwin (Flemings)

3rd Grade

Mark Jones

4th Grade

Mark Jones

Mark Jones

4th Grade
Marianne Padrick

Marianne Padrick

5th Grade
Dr. Anne Landress (Calloway)

Dr. Anne Landress (Calloway)

5th Grade

My name is Dr. Annie Calloway and I am a native of North Carolina and enjoyed teaching and leadership roles during my career in the Tarheel state. After “retiring” in August 2023 and relocating to Virginia Beach, I had the pleasure of getting to know the school last year as a substitute and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve in a full time capacity this year as a math and science teacher.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, dancing, and exploring my new home in historic Virginia. How fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful place! My daughter, Dana, is also a teacher in Madison, Wisconsin.

Middle School Homeroom Teachers

Amberjean Gallagher

5th - 8th Grade Theology

Amberjean Gallagher

Amberjean Gallagher

5th - 8th Grade Theology

Caitlin Radigan

Social Studies

Caitlin Radigan

Caitlin Radigan

Social Studies

Christina Ely

Language Arts

Christina Ely

Christina Ely

Language Arts

My name is Christina Ely and I come to Star of the Sea Catholic School with over 35 years teaching experience. I have taught in New Mexico, Mississippi and Virginia. While pursuing my teaching career, I was also a published author. My love for language is at the core of my teaching philosophy.

I hold a B.A. and M.A. in Educational Leadership and Spanish, and I am endorsed in Bilingual and Teaching English as a Second Language by New Mexico. English Language Arts is my specialty, and I am eager to share my love of language with Star of the Sea students. I have three grown children and five grandchildren that are my whole world.

Meg Bibeau

Mathematics

Meg Bibeau

Meg Bibeau

Mathematics
Nancy Chase

Nancy Chase

Science

Ms. Nancy Chase, Middle School Science teacher, is from Chesapeake, Va and attended ODU for her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology with minors in Spanish and Biology and her Master’s from the Univ. of SC in Kinesiology.

Nancy has taught science in middle and high school in North Caroline, Florida and Virginia. She enjoys traveling, sports, swimming, and photography as well as time and the beach and mountains.

Non-Homeroom Teachers and Aides

Karen Bray

Kindergarten Assistant

Karen Bray

Karen Bray

Kindergarten Assistant

Leah Dollahan

PreK 3 Assistant

Leah Dollahan

Leah Dollahan

PreK 3 Assistant

Lindsey Dutko

Grade 1 Assistant

Lindsey Dutko

Lindsey Dutko

Grade 1 Assistant

Tara McNally

Kindergarten Assistant

Tara McNally

Tara McNally

Kindergarten Assistant

Tricia Smigel

PreK 4 Assistant

Tricia Smigel

Tricia Smigel

PreK 4 Assistant

Specials Teachers

Alexa Odanga

Alexa Odanga

Art

Annette Martinez

World Language, Spanish Teacher

Annette Martinez

Annette Martinez

World Language, Spanish Teacher
Dr. Barbara Salter

Dr. Barbara Salter

Music
Gina Signorello

Gina Signorello

Counselor
I attended Oakland University in Michigan and received my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 2001. Currently, I am in my third year of graduate school at Regent University and completing my internship at a Christian counseling practice in Virginia Beach. I will graduate in May with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and work as a Resident in Counseling (LRIC) while pursuing professional licensure (LPC).

After graduating college, I worked as a long-term substitute for the San Diego Unified School District. After moving to Virginia, I taught 3rd and 4th grade at Willard Model Elementary School in Norfolk. After taking a brief career sabbatical to have children, I taught Junior K at St. John the Apostle Catholic School. During this time, I was a member of the Master Curriculum Council for the Diocese of Richmond for the development of the Early Childhood Curriculum. I then taught 1st grade at St. John the Apostle Catholic School up until last year when I became the Reading and Math Resource teacher. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experiences teaching children and working with parents over the past twenty years.

I am originally from Michigan and have attended Catholic schools from preschool to 12th grade. I am a proud military spouse of 22 years and a mother of two girls, aged 15 and 18. In my free time, I enjoy doing pilates, going to the beach, kayaking, and spending time with family and friends. I am thrilled to be a part of the Star of the Sea family!

Jeffery Kwiatkowski

PE Teacher & Athletic Director

Jeffery Kwiatkowski

Jeffery Kwiatkowski

PE Teacher & Athletic Director
Jeffery Kwiatkowski has dedicated the past 25 years to shaping young minds and fostering athletic talent as a Special Education teacher and coach for Virginia Beach Public Schools. His commitment to education and coaching has positively impacted countless students, both in the classroom and on the field. Jeffery holds a bachelor’s degree and a teaching certification from Old Dominion University. His expertise and passion for teaching are matched by his dedication to coaching, where he has helped lead successful swimming and softball teams, inspiring young athletes to excel both in sports and in life. Having attended Catholic schools from 2nd grade through high school, Jeffery is particularly excited about the opportunity to teach at a Catholic school, where he can blend his professional experience with his personal educational background.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Jeffery is a proud father to three daughters: Taylor, Kayla, and Emily. Each of his daughters is currently pursuing higher education. Outside of his work and family life, Jeffery enjoys an active lifestyle. He can often be found surfing at 1st Street or skateboarding with his friends, embracing the vibrant community and natural beauty of Virginia Beach.

Laura Polt

Technology

Laura Polt

Laura Polt

Technology

Resource Staff

Christian Miller

Resource Teacher

Christian Miller

Christian Miller

Resource Teacher
Jackie Lloyd

Jackie Lloyd

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