Written by: Mckennah Anderson and Delaney Flanigan
Providence Academy is overjoyed to welcome new faculty members in the Lower School and Middle School this school year. Each of them brings new insights and lots of enthusiasm to PA to inspire students and colleagues alike.
Mrs. Stacie Iannone is teaching Kindergarten this year. Prior to teaching at Providence, Mrs. Iannone taught Kindergarten at Ave Maria Academy and J.B. Atkinson Academy in Kentucky for a total of seven years of teaching. She is looking forward to going to sporting events, concerts, and school plays. A fun fact about her is that she has lived in eight states and has flown an airplane!
Iannone’s favorite thing about teaching is seeing the growth of each student from when she meets them on the first day of school to the final day of the school year. “I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to instill a love of learning in students that will last for years to come. There is a special sense of community here. Staff, parents, and students have been so welcoming at Providence and it already feels like home,” Iannone commented.
Joining the second grade team at PA is Mrs. Siena Bianca. Before coming to Providence, she taught first grade at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School. Her favorite aspect of teaching at PA is working with exceptional students, families, and staff. Mrs. Bianca also is a Lifelong Lion. She attended PA from Pre-K through 12th Grade and is thrilled to be back.
“I am most looking forward to Catholic Schools Week and also when my second graders get their First Holy Communion and Reconciliation later this year,” Bianca said.
Ms. Lucy Hoelscher is teaching fourth grade this year. This is her second year teaching and she taught Kindergarten at Albertville Primary School last year. She is looking forward to having fun with her students. A fun fact about Ms. Hoelscher is that she has sailed down the coast of the Sea of Cortez during a three month program in Baja California, Mexico.
“My favorite aspect of teaching at PA is how I get to share my passion for teaching with my love for God,” Hoelscher commented.
Along with Ms. Hoelscher, Mrs. Cait Burckhard is also teaching fourth grade. Before teaching at PA, she taught for 12 years in Fargo, North Dakota. Mrs. Burckhard is looking forward to building relationships with her fourth graders and their families. A fun fact about her is that she welcomed a little boy, named Harvey, into her family 10 months ago.
“It is so refreshing to be around staff and students who love to learn and be their best selves each day. Faith-based learning has already taught me so much and reminds me of my purpose each day as a teacher,” Burckhard said.
Mrs. Bromley before teaching her next P.E. class. PAW Photo Credit: Mckennah Anderson.
Teaching Lower School Physical Education this year at PA is Mrs. Amber Bromley. Mrs. Bromley was teaching in Columbia Heights Public Schools before coming to Providence for a total of 12 years of teaching. She is looking forward to collaborating with the P.E. Department and other colleagues, and is also excited to teach young learners at PA about teamwork and collaboration. Mrs. Bromley’s son, Banks, is in Kindergarten this year at PA. It has been exciting for her to start this new chapter of life together with her son.
“The community at Providence is unlike anything I have ever experienced. The people are so genuine, helpful, and appreciative. I am so grateful and blessed to join the amazing PA family,” said Bromley.
Mrs. Kateri Soukoup is a new Math Specialist at Providence Academy. Before coming to PA, she taught high school math in New Orleans, Louisiana, making this her third year of teaching. She is looking forward to going to Mass on Mondays with the Lower School and getting to know her students. A fun fact about her is that she is from Cincinnati, Ohio and loves running, hiking, baking, and finding new ice cream shops to try.
Soukup’s favorite aspect of teaching at PA so far is the students and faculty. “All of the faculty have been so welcoming and the students are so engaged and excited to learn. It is fun to come into the classroom every day,” she said.
Mrs. Jessica Zacharias is joining the faculty this year as the Lower School French teacher. She previously taught at Aldine 9th in Houston, Texas, and has taught for two years. She is looking forward to getting to know her students better and teaching them about France. A fun fact about her is that she lived and worked in Gap, France for one year while her husband played semi-professional hockey there.
Mrs. Zacharias helping fourth graders with their French workbook activity. PAW Photo Credit: Delaney Flanigan.
Her favorite thing about teaching at PA is the students and faculty. “I love how friendly and excited the students and staff are to be here every day,” she commented.
Finally, Mr. Daniel Furey is teaching Middle School Latin. He previously taught at Chesterton Academy of the St. Croix Valley and Trinity School at River Ridge and came to PA with five years of teaching. Furey is looking forward to seeing his first-year Latin students’ improvement as they move through the year. Also, Furey brews kombucha as a hobby!
Furey appreciates the focus on faith at PA. “I love that we pray and worship together while we also grow in knowledge of God and his creation,” he said.
Providence Academy is devoted to having passionate and inspiring faculty members. This new lineup of teachers is sure to bring joy to PA.