The SPS faculty incudes a Golden Apple Award-winning Principal and several Golden Apple Award-winning teachers.  In addition, we also employ specialized instructors who provide formal courses in Spanish, Computer, Fine Arts, and Music for all grades.  The dedication of our fabulous teachers extends well beyond the classroom. Each of our staff is also involved in "SPS Classroom+" programs that help to develop  the whole child.  These include extracurricular activities and clubs, academic enrichment, and learning support. Learn more about our stellar faculty below.

 

Sister Geraldine Marr, S.C., Principal

“The children at St. Philip are some of the most delightful and precious I have ever met.  They steal my heart.”

 

Awards / Distinctions:

• Diocese of Pittsburgh Golden Apple Award for Excellent Performance in School Administration.

• 17th consecutive Sister of Charity to serve as SPS Principal since the school opened in 1915. 

Education / Certifications:

• Master’s in Guidance Counseling (Duquesne University)

• Master’s in Education and School Administration (Duquesne University)

• Master’s Equivalent in Theology (University of Notre Dame)   

• Bachelor’s in Education and Psychology (Seton Hill University)

Experience:

• 14 years teaching

• 19 Years as a Catholic Elementary School Principal in Greensburg and Pittsburgh

• 20 Years as SPS Principal

Classroom+: 

SPS Advancement Committee; SAP (Student Assistance Program); Olweus Anti-Bullying Program; Safety Committee

 

Mrs. Faith Moore, Preschool / Pre-K Lead Teacher

“St. Philip is a close-knit school with a caring staff and administration, where everybody knows the students and families and supports one another.”

 

Education / Certifications

• B.S. in Early Childhood/Elementary Education (University of Pittsburgh)

Experience:

• 20 Years at SPS

 

Miss Heidi Rodgers, Kindergarten

"We have a great community of teachers, students and families who are all truly invested in reaching one goal - making SPS the best it can be."

 

Education / Certifications:

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

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

Experience:

•12 Years as SPS Primary Grades Teacher

•16 Years as SPS Afterschool & Summer Camp Instructor

• 2 Years as SPS 3- and 4-year-old Child Care Instructor

• Second generation in her family to attend SPS

• Second generation in her family to teach at SPS

Classroom+:

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

 

Nicole Seitz, Kindergarten

“My goal is to teach kids to love school and find opportunities to learn everywhere around them.  It’s so important to build these foundations in Kindergarten.”   

 

Education / Certifications:

• Bachelor’s in Education (Duquesne University)

Experience:

• 20 years teaching

• 18 years at SPS

SPS Legacy:

• Her two sons represent the second generation in her family to attend SPS

Classroom+:

Safety Committee; Faculty Rep for Parent Teacher Guild; SAP (Student Assistance Program)

 

Mrs. Carol Ann Druga, First Grade

“I love how invested the parents are in their children’s education and I love that I’m free to teach their children about the Catholic faith.”'

 

Awards / Distinctions:

Education/Certifications

• Master’s in Language Communications (University of Pittsburgh)

• Dual Bachelor’s in Elementary and Special Education (Edinboro University)

Experience:

• 6 years teaching Primary Grades at South Park School District

• 1 year as K-3 Learning Support Teacher at Kane Elementary, Hopewell

• 15 years teaching 1A at SPS

Classroom+:

Craft Club, Talent Show

 

Mrs. Samantha Wilfert, First Grade

"Teaching is a work of Heart."

Education / Certifications:

• Master’s Degree in Special Education (Slippery Rock University)

• Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education with dual-minors in Elementary School Mathematics and Special Education (Slippery Rock University)

• Pennsylvania Certifications in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special Education, 

Middle School Mathematics, and Middle School Language Arts

Experience:

• 9 years teaching

• 7 years as 3A Teacher at SPS

 Classroom+: 

Talent Show, Yearbook, Middle School Musical, Safety Committee

 

 

 

 

Mrs. Heather Ravenstahl, Second Grade

 "I am thrilled to be back at St. Philip for another exciting year!"

 

Education/Certifications:

• M.S. in Education with a specialty in Instructional Technology (Duquesne University)

• B.S. in Education (Edinboro University of Pennsylvania)

• Pennsylvania Certification in Early Childhood and Elementary Education

• Pennsylvania Certification in Instructional Technology

Experience:

• 10+ years as 2A Teacher at SPS

 SPS Legacy:

• Her two daughters represent the fourth generation in her family to attend SPS.

Classroom+: 

• SPS Instructional Technology Specialist, STEAM Advancement Committee

 

Miss Kati Rodgers, Second Grade

“My peers here and the families I meet are so helpful and encouraging.”

 

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:

• 13 years as 3B Teacher at SPS

• 18 years as SPS Afterschool & Summer Camp Instructor

SPS Legacy:

• Second Generation in her family to attend SPS

• Second Generation in her family to teach at SPS

Classroom+: 

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

 

 

Mrs. Megan Pattinato, Third Grade

 "The tight-knit community of teachers here makes such a positive impact on what we can accomplish with the students."

 

Education / Certifications:

• Master’s Degree in Elementary Education (University of Pittsburgh)

• Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Arts (University of Pittsburgh)

• Pennsylvania Certifications in Special Education, K-12 & Elementary Education, K-6

Experience:

• 9 years teaching

• 7 years as 4B Teacher

Classroom+:

Afterschool Study Sessions; Safety Committee; SAP (Student Assistance Program)

 

Mrs. Robin Sanders, Fourth Grade

"The main reason I love teaching at St. Philip is the sense of community among the administration, faculty, and families that has been around and remains a constant since I started here in 2001"

 

Education / Certifications:

• Master's in Education (Duquesne University)

• Bachelor's in Health Service Management (Robert Morris University)

Experience:

• 16 years teaching

• 15 years as 5A Teacher at SPS

SPS Legacy:

• Her two children currently attend SPS

Classroom+: 

Elementary Student Assistance Program Coordinator, Spell-a-thon, Craft Club, Talent Show, Afterschool Tutoring; Safety Committee.

 

Mr. Jeff Aiello, Fifth Grade

"My principal gives me the freedom to teach in a way that is most effective for me to succeed as an educator."

 

Education / Certifications:

• M.A. in Elementary Education (Duquesne University)

• B.A. in English Writing (University of Pittsburgh)

• Elementary Education Certification, Grades K-6, all subjects

• DASH Certification (Developmental Approaches to Science and Health) - Univ. of Hawaii at Manoa

• FAST Certification (Fundamental Approaches to Science and Health) - Univ. of Hawaii at Manoa

• STS Certification (Science Technology and Society) – University of Pittsburgh

• Proud graduate of Central Catholic High School

Experience:

• 19 years teaching Grades 5, 6 & 8 at SPS

Classroom+: 

St. Philip Athletic Association President; Co-Moderator of Student Council.

 

Miss Lauren Astwood, Middle School

“The community atmosphere, the faculty, and the amazing students and families are just a few reasons why there is no other place I’d rather be teaching.”

Awards / Distinctions:

• Diocesan Golden Apple Award for Excellent Performance in the Classroom

Education / Certifications:

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

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

Experience:

• 11 years as 6B Teacher

SPS Legacy:

• Proud SPS Alumna

• Established Middle School Newspaper in 2006

Classroom+: Director of Middle School Musical, VP for Cheerleading, Morning Math Help, Co-Moderator of Student Council and Middle School Newspaper, Yearbook, Safety Committee

 

Mrs. Ellen Hodgson Petersen, Middle School

 "I really enjoy teaching middle schoolers – their enthusiasm is contagious."

 

Awards / Distinctions:

• Diocesan Golden Apple Award for Excellent Performance in the Classroom

Education / Certifications:

• B.S. in Biology (State University of New York, Stony Brook)

• Pennsylvania Board-Certification in Middle School Math, Science and Biology

Experience:

• 30 years at SPS Middle School

Classroom+:  Morning Math Help, Safety Committee, Forensics

 

Mr. Roy Fischer, Middle School

"The teachers at St. Philip will never let a student down."

 

Education / Certifications:

• B.A. in Education (Carlow University)

Experience:

• 5 years as Afterschool & Summer Camp Instructor

• 2 years as SPS Middle School Teacher

SPS Legacy:

• Proud SPS alumnus

Classroom+:  Newspaper, Chess Club, Middle School Musical, Afterschool Program; Summer Camp.

 

Mrs. Shelley Davis, Middle School

“It is my belief that each child is a unique individual who will thrive in a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere.  It is within this atmosphere at SPS that I hope to help my students grow and mature spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, physically, socially, and receive the vital skills and tools that are necessary to succeed in the future."

 

Education/Certifications:

• Master's in Special Education, Robert Morris University

• Bachelors in Education with a Minor in Reading, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Experience:

•5 years teaching

•3 years at SPS

Classroom+: Middle School Musical

 

Mrs. Catherine Huth, Computers/Academic Enrichment

 “The beautiful children, the wonderful families they come from, the spiritual environment, and the encouragement and support to introduce new programs, new ways of learning, and new opportunities to help our students grow are what make St. Philip so special.  I love my job.”

 

Awards / Distinctions:

• Diocesan Golden Apple Award for Excellent Performance in the Classroom

Education / Certifications:

• Master's in Instructional Technology (Duquesne University)

• B.S. in Elementary Education (Duquesne University)

• Level II PA Certification for Grades K-12 in Elementary Education and Business-Computer-Information Technology (Duquesne University)

• IC3 Digital Literacy Certification

• Teacher Training at the Kennedy Space Center

Experience:

• 25 years teaching

• 20 years as SPS Computer Teacher

SPS Legacy:

• Mrs. Huth, her husband, and all six of their children attended SPS

Classroom+:  Moderator for Thinking Caps, Academic Enrichment, Forensics (Speech & Debate), STEAM Advancement, Chess Club, Respect Life, and GRACE (Gifts Reassuring a Catholic Education)

 

Mrs. Janet Bartlett, Fine Arts & Library

 "So many schools put their arts programs on the chopping block, but not here. The arts will always have a home at St. Philip."

 

Awards / Distinctions:

• Diocesan Golden Apple Award for Excellent Performance in the Classroom

• Who’s Who in American Teachers

Education / Certifications:

• Master’s Degree in Elementary Education (University of Pittsburgh)

• B.S. in Elementary and Special Education (Clarion University)

Experience:

• 26 years as SPS’ Fine Arts Teacher

SPS Legacy

• Became St. Philip’s first dedicated Fine Arts teacher in 1990

• Originated the SPS Middle School Musical, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2016

• Brought the annual 3-day Diocesan Art Exhibit to SPS

Classroom+:  Diocese of Pittsburgh Annual Art Exhibit; Catholic Schools Week “Glow Room.”

 

Miss Nancy Marshall, Spanish Teacher

“I love teaching at St. Philip because there is no mediocrity or complacency here, and we are continually striving for excellence. We can honestly say that we get better and better each year.”

 

Education / Certifications:

• B.S. in Communications (Mansfield University)

• Master’s Equivalent in Spanish and English as a Second Language (California State at San Bernardino and University of California at Riverside)

Experience:

• 10 years teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) in California 

• 2 years teaching ESL in Spain

• 8 years as SPS Spanish teacher

• 3 years teaching Spanish at CCAC

• 5 years as ESL tutor for Pitt & CMU graduate students

• 3 years as ESL instructor with the AIU 

SPS Legacy:

• Became St. Philip’s first dedicated Spanish teacher in 2007, teaching Spanish as a core subject to Grades 6-8 and on a rotating schedule to Grades K-5. 

Classroom+:  Spanish Christmas Mass at St. Paul's Cathedral; Spanish Christmas Music Program for Grades K-8; Annual Middle School Cinco de Mayo celebration.

 

Mrs. Virginia Roth, Physical Education

"My hope is to pass along my knowledge and passion for sports and fitness so the students develop healthy, active lifestyles."