Meet the SJA Faculty
Email: arrospide_begona@stjoan.org
Grade: Spanish Teacher
Highest Degree Earned: Master's in Business Administration from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Years Teaching (Total): 12 Years
Years Teaching at SJA: 3 years
Why SJA?: SJA is my dream coming true.
Quote: Faith and Knowledge are superpowers
Email: acuna_andrea@stjoan.org
Subject you are teaching: Media and Pre-K Spanish
Highest Degree Earned: Bachelor of Science in Education
Years Teaching (Total): 29
Years Teaching at SJA: 28
Why SJA? First and foremost, our roots in Catholic faith and biblical values. We are forward facing in our educational approach while upholding deep traditions. Lastly, while there are many good schools, our phenomenal SJA community sets us apart from the rest.
Quote: “Do the best you can until you know better, then when you know better do better” Maya Angelou
Email: alexopoulos_tiffany@stjoan.org
Grade/ Subject you are teaching: First Grade
Highest Degree Earned: Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s Degree in Pre-K/ Primary education from Nova Southeastern University, FL.
Years Teaching (Total): I have been an educator since 2003
Years Teaching at SJA: I have been teaching at Saint Joan of Arc for 13 years.
Why SJA?: I have always taught in Catholic schools, and I am a product of Catholic Education. I chose to teach at Saint Joan of Arc because the shared faith and values create a sense of unity and common purpose, promoting a feeling of belonging and shared identity within the community.
Quote: My favorite quote is by Walt Disney. "If you can dream it, you can do it."
Email: allen_theresa@stjoan.org
Grade/ Subject you are teaching: Second Grade
Highest Degree Earned: Bachelor of Arts
Years Teaching (Total): 8 years
Years Teaching at SJA: 3 years
Why SJA? I chose to teach at SJA because, as a parishioner, I saw the family-like environment filter out into my community. I knew I would only teach in a Catholic School because I believe our world is a better place when we embrace Faith, Family, and Formation.
Quote: I love that I am teaching the year of Sacraments. It is the holiest year of our students' lives, and I am blessed and honored to participate in their education as well as their spiritual growth.
Email: barcia_nancy@stjoan.org
Grade/Subject you are teaching: Fifth and Drama Club
Highest Degree Earned: BA-Elememtary Education
Years Teaching (Total): This is my 29th year
Years Teaching at SJA: 8-This is my ninth year at SJA
Why SJA?: My parents are devout Catholics, and I accepted the gift of faith at a very young age. I attended Catholic School from Kindergarten through High School. My teachers nurtured my love of the Lord through my education. I have only taught at Catholic School, and SJA allows me to teach Catholicism to God’s most precious gift: children.
Quote:” I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.” Philippians 4:13
Email: blair_rosalynda@stjoan.org
Grade: Kindergarten
Highest Degree Earned: Bachelor of Arts from The University of West Florida in Pensacola, FL
Years Teaching (Total): 18 Years
Years Teaching at SJA: 1year
Why SJA?: I can share my love for God and teach my students the path to His glory! My daughter is in sixth grade this year and we chose St. Joan as the perfect transition from her always having been at school with me. My son, who is in second grade, loved the school so much that we decided to transfer him here as well. I was extremely blessed that Mrs. Wachowiz knew about me through my volunteering at CCD and at church events and asked for my resume. I have truly found a home at St. Joan of Arc! May God bless us all.
Quote: “While we try to teach our children about life, our children teach us what life is all about.” – Angela Schwindt
Email: bertanzetti_tracie@stjoan.org
Grade / Subject Teaching: Third Grade
Highest Degree Earned: Bachelor's Degree
Years Teaching (Total): 2 years. Ms. Bertanzetti has been a valued member of the St. Joan of Arc community for the past ten years. She began her journey as a dedicated Teacher Assistant, serving for nine years before stepping into the role of classroom teacher.
Years Teaching at SJA: 2 years
Why SJA? Mrs. Bertanzetti is passionate about fostering both academic excellence and spiritual growth in her students. One of her favorite aspects of teaching at a Catholic school is the unique opportunity to blend faith with academics while being part of a warm, supportive community.
Quote: Her teaching philosophy is guided by her favorite quote: “Actions speak louder than words.” She strives to model kindness, respect, and a love of learning for her students each day.
Outside the classroom, Ms. Bertanzetti values her connection to the St. Joan of Arc family and is grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside her students in both their educational and faith journeys.
Email: bremer_kim@stjoan.org
Grade/Subject you are teaching: Pre-K3
Highest Degree Earned: BA and CDA - Preschool 0-6
Years Teaching (Total): 19 years
Years Teaching at SJA: 3 years
Why SJA: The community feel that SJA offers really makes it a really great place to work. I also love that I can express my faith while teaching the children. Faith is a very important part of my life and I don't think that there is a better way to teach about Jesus Christ, to the little children, than through what I was taught as a child, my experiences with prayer, and my ability to relay Christ's message to the little children.
Quote: "Be kind to others." Ephesians 4:32
Email: brown_neville@stjoan.org
Grade/Subject you are teaching: Middle School Math
Highest Degree Earned: BS in Business and Accounting, and two Master's Degrees. One in Education Administration and the other in Bible and Ministry.
Years Teaching (Total): This is my 40th year
Years Teaching at SJA: 5 years
Why SJA?: SJA was one of the first non-public schools to call me for an interview. I fell in love with the school, and have been here since. I love this place!
Quote: 1) Psalms 50:15 ”When you’re in trouble, call on me, and when I deliver you, give me the glory" 2) Psalms 17:15 ”I know I will see the LORD face to face in righteousness, but I will be satisfied when I awake in his likeness”
Email: Cabrera_alessandra@stjoan.org
Grade/Subject you are teaching: Middle Science
Highest Degree Earned: Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida
Years Teaching (Total): 4 years
Years Teaching at SJA: 1 year
Why SJA?: I chose Saint Joan of Arc because it allows me to combine my love for science with a faith-centered mission. I believe students learn best when they are active participants in their education, which is why my classroom emphasizes hands-on labs, inquiry-based learning, and real-world connections. My goal is to inspire curiosity, foster critical thinking, and encourage students to see the beauty of God’s creation through the lens of science.
Quote: I believe that curiosity is a gift from God, and I encourage my students to ask meaningful questions, explore boldly, and seek truth. As Scripture reminds us, “Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them”(Psalm 111:2).
Email: castelli_jennifer@stjoan.org
Grade/Subject you are teaching: Pre-K3
Highest Degree Earned: Bachelor's in Elementary Education
Years Teaching (Total): 11 years
Years Teaching at SJA: 5 years
Why SJA?: SJA allows me to develop children's learning through play, and I get to watch the children make new discoveries and "aha" moments. SJA also gives me a sense of community and family with the children who enter my room and the individuals I work with.
Quote: Spiritual: "All things are possible to him who believes" (Mark 9:23) and Educational: "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?" (Dr. Seuss)
Email: chaissan_lauren@stjoan.org
Grade/Subject you are teaching: PreKindergarten Age 4
Highest Degree Earned: Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education
Years Teaching (Total):12 years
Years Teaching at SJA: 2 years
Why SJA: Being a part of a proud Alumni Family, St. Joan of Arc is home. Catholic education is what my family is built on. Being able to love, support and inspire future generations to come not just academically but also spiritually is the true blessing!
Quote: Keep the faith because the best is yet to come!
Email: clancy_tricia@stjoan.org
Grade/Subject you are teaching: Middle School Literature
Highest Degree Earned: Master of Arts in Teaching/Bachelor in Media Communications and Music
Years Teaching (Total) 15
Years Teaching at SJA: 2 years
Why SJA: I chose to come to SJA to have the priviledge of teaching to the whole child. Being able to share your faith and passion for what you teach is a huge blessing for a teacher and fosters a genuine bond between teacher and student while encouraging both academic and spiritual growth.
Quote: "If you do what you love, your soul shines on everyone around you" Luisa May Alcott book
Email: correa_antonella@stjoan.org
Grade / Subject: Pre-K4
Highest Education: Associate's in Early Childhood Education (currently continuing my education at FIU towards a bachelor's in Early Childhood Education)
Years teaching total : 8 years
Years teaching at SJA : 1st year
Why SJA? Because I value a faith-based community where children can grow not only academically but also spiritually. I love being part of a school where faith and learning come together each day.
Quote: "My calling as a teacher is to nurture not only young minds but young hearts, reminding every child that they matter."
Email: cremonesi_adelina@stjpan.org
Grade/Subject you are teaching: Pre-K3
Highest Degree Earned: Bachelor of Science/Child Management
Years Teaching (Total): 9 Years
Years Teaching at SJA: 4 years
Why SJA: I chose SJA because of the Catholic Faith and the wonderful community it offers.
Quote: “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” Walt Disney
Email: cortiula_patricia@stjoan.org
Grade/Subject you are teaching: Pre-K4
Highest Degree Earned: Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education
Years Teaching (Total): 25 years
Years Teaching at SJA: 2 years
Why SJA: I chose to work at St. Joan of Arc because there is a strong sense of community, and I feel blessed to be able to integrate faith into my teaching. Working at St. Joan of Arc has personally helped me grow closer to my faith, become more aware of God's presence in all that I do, and share my values and faith with my students.
Quote: "So often you find that the students you're trying to INSPIRE are the ones that end up inspiring you." Sean Junkins
Email: decembrino_jessica@stjoan.org
Grade/Subject you are teaching: First Grade
Highest Degree Earned: Bachelor's of General Studies in Education, Minor in History from Florida Atlantic University.
Years Teaching (Total): 1 year
Years Teaching at SJA: 1 year
Why SJA: I chose to teach at SJA because teaching at a Catholic school as a Catholic allows me to live out my faith while guiding students academically and spiritually. Being a part in forming a faith filled community has given me a deeper purpose.
Quote: My favorite quote is "Everything happens for a reason"
Email: derrico_madison@stjoan.org
Grade/Subject you are teaching: Kindergarten
Highest Degree Earned: Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Boston College
Years Teaching (Total): 4 years
Years Teaching at SJA: 2 years
Why SJA?: I was drawn to St. Joan of Arc because of its strong sense of faith, family, and community. It’s a place where I can nurture young learners academically while also guiding them in their faith journey, helping them discover God’s love in the everyday moments of kindergarten.
Quote: “The future starts today, not tomorrow.” St. John Paul II
Email: early_meghan@stjoan.org
Grade/Subject you are teaching: Second Grade
Highest Degree Earned: Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University.
Years Teaching (Total): 5 years
Years Teaching at SJA: 2 years
Why SJA?: I have a great love and appreciation for the values that guide Catholic education. I am committed to a life of service, prayer, and faith. I want my students to know that they are deeply loved by God and myself and that they are valued. I am so grateful to be a part of their academic and spiritual growth!
Quote: "I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples”- Mother Theresa
Email: eckelkamp_cristina@stjoan.org
Grade/Subject you are teaching: School Counselor
Highest Degree Earned: Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Counseling
Years Teaching (Total): 20 years
Years Teaching at SJA: 3 years
Why SJA: I have been at St. Joan for 3 years now and I love being a part of a community that is dedicated to helping students succeed academically, emotionally and spiritually.
Quote: "Prayer Changes Everything!" - St. Padre Pio and "The Eucharist is the Highway to Heaven"- St. Carlo Acutis
Email: freedman_mary@stjoan.org
Grade: Art Teacher
Highest Degree Earned: BA in Fine Arts and Art Education
Years Teaching (Total): 12 Years
Years Teaching at SJA: 11 years
Why SJA? I have painted my entire life, and I consider my time here at Saint Joan one of the greatest blessings in my life. Sharing my love of art and my talent for teaching and inspiring students brings me joy. I believe Catholic education provides students with a strong foundation of faith for their lives. I fell in love with our school when my own daughter attended from kindergarten to eighth grade.
Quote: " Every child is an Artist" Pablo Picasso
Email: gray_maria@stjoan.org
Grade: PK- 8th Music Teacher
Highest Degree Earned: Bachelor’s in Music Business
Years Teaching (Total): 2 Years
Years Teaching at SJA: 1 year
Why SJA?: I chose SJA for its centered faith in Jesus Christ and for its dedication to teaching about God’s love to the children.
Quote: “Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.” Martin Luther
Email: Herrera_amanda@stjoan.org
Grade: PK-8th Physical Education
Highest Degree Earned: Bachelor's Degree
Years Teaching (Total): 3 Years
Years Teaching at SJA: 3 Years
Why SJA?: St. Joan of Arc embodies the values that are most important to me: faith, family, community, and moral integrity. As a Catholic, I believe education is not only about academic growth but also about nurturing the whole person, mind, body, and spirit. This school’s commitment to guiding students through faith-based education aligns perfectly with my beliefs and my approach to teaching. My daughter is a graduate of St. Joan of Arc. Through her experience, I witnessed firsthand the caring, faith-filled environment that helps students grow into compassionate, responsible, and confident individuals. The sense of community here is truly special; families, teachers, and the parish work together to support one another and to instill strong Catholic values in our children.
Teaching here allows me to give back to the community that has already given so much to my family. I want to be part of a school where faith is at the heart of learning, where moral values are lived out daily, and where students are encouraged to see Christ in themselves and in others.
Quote: Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
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Email: kramer_kelly@stjoan.org
Grade/Subject you are teaching: Fourth Grade
Highest Degree Earned: Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (Business, Communications, and Sociology), Louisiana State University; currently pursuing Master of Education in Instructional Technology, Florida Atlantic University.
Years Teaching (Total): 2 years
Years Teaching at SJA: 2 years
Why SJA?: I am proud to be part of a community where learning is rooted in Christ. At St. Joan of Arc, I have the privilege of guiding students not only in their academic growth but also in their faith journey. I love helping each child discover the joy of learning while growing closer to Christ, and the school’s commitment to Catholic values, STREAM education, and nurturing curious, compassionate hearts makes it the perfect place for me to do just that.
Quote: “Go forward bravely. Fear nothing. Trust in God; all will be well.” – St. Joan of Arc
Email: mcconnell_theresa@stjoan.org
Grade/Subject you are teaching: Resource Teacher
Highest Degree Earned: BS Elementary Education from USF
Total years teaching: 21 years
Years Teaching at SJA: 21 years
Why SJA: I am following in my mother's footsteps. She was the Individualized Reading Teacher at SJA for 22 years.
Quote: I'm a teacher. What's your Superpower?
Email: menendez_maria@stjoan.org
Grade: Spanish Teacher
Highest Degree Earned: A bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, and is certified as a teacher by the State of Florida.
Years Teaching (Total): 22 Years
Years Teaching at SJA: 2 years
Why SJA?: Mrs. Menendez feels greatly blessed to be part of the great SJA community.
Quote: “La educación es un acto de amor, por eso un niño educado es un niño feliz.” “Education is an act of love; therefore, an educated child is a happy child” Gabriela Mistral Chilean poet and educator. Nobel Prize in Literature, 1945.
Email: rhyce_michelle@stjoan.org
Grade/Subject you are teaching: 5th Grade
Highest Degree Earned: Bachelor of Science
Years Teaching (Total): First year teaching as a regular teacher
Years Teaching at SJA: Began substituting at SJA in March 2024
Why SJA: I have always loved SJA, and it has always felt like home to me. I was married here in 1996 and became a confirmed Catholic at the Easter Vigil in 1997. Everywhere we lived, Connecticut and Illinois, even though I liked the Catholic Churches we attended, it did not feel like home to me like SJA does. When we returned to Boca Raton in 2017, we began attending mass once more at SJA, and I am very glad to be back home again.
Quote: "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." Mother Teresa
Email: timmons_thomas@stjoan.org
Grade/Subject you are teaching: Math: 3rd, 6th, 7th, and 8th
Highest Degree Earned: B.S.
Years Teaching (Total): 20 years
Years Teaching at SJA: 3 years
Why SJA: SJA is a family, dedicated to Christian values.
Quote: Math is Fun!
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.
Email: trunk_catherine@stjoan.org
Grade: Kindergarten
Highest Degree Earned: Bachelor's Degree
Years Teaching (Total): 17 Years
Years Teaching at SJA: 5 years
Why SJA?: I chose to teach at St. Joan because it allows me to nurture both faith and learning, guiding children to grow academically while deepening their relationship with God.
Quote: “A teacher plants the seeds of knowledge, sprinkles them with love, and patiently nurtures their growth.”
Email: prezioso_dolores@stjoan.org
Grade/Subject you are teaching: Second Grade
Highest Degree Earned: Bachelor of Arts in English from Brooklyn College
Years Teaching (Total): 10 years
Years Teaching at SJA: 1 year
Why SJA?: I chose to accept a position at St. Joan due to the excellent leadership and dedication of our principal and staff. I sense a strong sense of family here at St. Joan: "I am so happy to share the joy of Jesus Christ with my students and colleagues!
Email: prutzman_coralee@stjoan.org
Grade/Subject you are teaching: 6 - 8 English
Highest Degree Earned: Doctorate
Years Teaching (Total): 25 years
Years Teaching at SJA: 1 year
Why SJA: God directed my steps to SJA from France; working in a faith based educational environment allows me to fulfill my mission - to teach with truth and the love of God.
Quote: So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36
Email: savath_benjamin@stjoan.org
Grade/Subject you are teaching: 4th-8th Physical Education
Highest Degree Earned: Bachelors
Years Teaching (Total): 8
Years Teaching at SJA: 1 year
Why SJA: Christ-centered environment within a great community
Quote: "The things you take for granted, someone else is praying for."
Email: vale_melanie@stjoan.org
Grade/Subject you are teaching: Fourth Grade
Highest Degree Earned: Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Miami.
Years Teaching (Total): 5 years and (2.5 years Teaching Assistant)
Years Teaching at SJA: 5 years
Why SJA: Having spent many years in the parish, I was inspired to find a deeper connection to my faith through service and shared purpose - and SJA was the perfect place to do that.
Quote: “Pray without ceasing.”
Email: varela_aldonny@stjoan.org
Grade: Middle School Religion
Highest Degree Earned: Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and a Master’s Degree in Theology & Philosophy from Ateneo Regina Apostolorum in Rome, Italy; he has a diploma in humanities from Salamanca, Spain. Also, a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from San Ignacio University in Miami.
Years Teaching (Total): 5 Years
Years Teaching at SJA: 5 Years
Why SJA?: I love St. Joan, because it is a school where I found God, peace, and love
Quote: “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13, 34-35
Email: verdu_francisco@stjoan.org
Grade:6th grade World History, 7th grade Civics and Economics, and 8th grade US History
Highest Degree Earned: Bachelors Degree in Political Science and Sociology, minoring in International Studies at the University Complutensis in Madrid, a Masters in Human Resources, Labor and Organizations and Certifications in International Business at UCLA in California. Mr. Verdu holds dual certification in Social Studies (6-12) and in Spanish (K-12) from the State of Florida.
Years Teaching (Total): 12 Years
Years Teaching at SJA: 5 years
Why SJA?: It has been a privilege and honor to be a teacher at SJA. Throughout my professional life and as a Catholic, my objective has always been driven by finding a place where I could share my faith fully, by incorporating core Catholic beliefs and values into my teaching practices.
Quote: “Wherever God has put you is your vocation. It is not what you do but how much love you put into it.” Mother Teresa
Email: white_elizabeth@stjoan.org
Grade/Subject you are teaching: Middle School Math; 3rd-5th STREAM; 4th Grade Advanced Math.
Highest Degree Earned: PhD
Years Teaching (Total): 23
Years Teaching at SJA: 1 year
Why SJA?: SJA allows me to share my Catholic faith while helping students grow academically, spiritually, and morally in a values-centered environment.
Quote: Trust in God, but do your part.