Maureen Tovey has been teaching at Angelus Academy since 2008. She graduated from Franciscan University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Early Education. She is licensed for Pre-K through third grade with a reading endorsement. Upon graduation she taught at a Catholic school in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Her husband’s job brought her to Northern Virginia and she discovered Angelus Academy. She taught second grade for one year before her daughter Nora was born. She now teaches the Little Messenger’s Preschool Program. In this program she incorporates Core Knowledge with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
“I knew by the faculty and staff as well as the students that this was a special school. I truly feel like I am part of a school family.”
PRIMARY LEVEL FACULTY
KINDERGARTEN Mary Grippo is a 1996 graduate of the Diocese of Arlington Master Catechist Training program. She has been the kindergarten teacher at Angelus Academy since 2003. Mary loves working with the children and it shows in the classroom. It continues to be her goal to strive to instill a love of excellence and of learning in her students. She tells parents at the beginning of each year, "Kindergarten is the most important year in your child's life. How he/she feels about school when they walk out of my classroom on the last day of school will be how they feel about school throughout their entire academic career.” To that end I work hard to make sure that they are as excited about school on the last day as they were the first day." Mary is thrilled to be at Angelus Academy because of the Core Knowledge program which enables teachers to expand on topics in the curriculum.
"I awake every morning excited to come to school and feel blessed to have a job that I love."
FIRST GRADE Lisa McCrumb has been teaching first grade at Angelus Academy since 2005. She has her Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary studies along with her PreK-6th grade teaching certification from Regent University. Her love for the children and enthusiasm for teaching are evident in everything she does. Lisa enjoys teaching at Angelus Academy because of the Core Knowledge Curriculum, the John Bosco philosophy of discipline and the strong commitment to integrating the Catholic faith into the children's daily life. The small class size allows her the opportunity to form a relationship with each child and foster their God given gifts.
"From the first moment I walked through the doors at Angelus Academy, I knew there was something special about it. Christ is at the center of everything we do and our faith is part of our daily life, not just something we teach during religion. I enjoy fostering the children's academic and spiritual growth."
SECOND GRADE Theresa Mullen has a Bachelors Degree in Music Education from West Texas A&M University. She taught in Texas for seven years in the public schools and has taught private lessons continuously since her college days. She has enjoyed teaching at Angelus Academy for the past three years as both the second grade teacher and band director.
"All four of my children have attended Angelus Academy. I appreciate the exceptional education they have received and I continue to teach here because I want to give a quality education to everyone who attends here."
ELEMENTARY LEVEL FACULTY
THIRD GRADE Tammy Fantz has been involved with Angelus Academy from the beginning. She taught Music and Band from 2000-2008 at which time she transitioned to Third Grade classroom teacher. Mrs. Fantz has a Bachelor of Music Education degree and also completed a Masters Degree in Music specializing in clarinet. She finds the Core Knowledge curriculum to be an engaging way to educate the whole child and it allows wide possibilities for enrichment. It is especially rewarding to be able to teach the History and Science curricula through the eyes of our Faith.
"I have especially treasured an environment where clarity and faithfulness to the Church are priorities. Angelus Academy has been a wonderful safe haven for my children and for me."
FOURTH GRADE Clarissa Trono has been teaching for 13 years. She first obtained her teaching certification and licensure in New Jersey then continued her professional development studies on Special Education. She joined the Angelus Academy Faculty in 2004 as the 4th grade teacher.
"Working in Angelus Academy is like being a part of a big family. Everyone is ready to lend their help and support. Also, we value the child's overall growth: character, spiritual, and academic formation. My son has just started Little Messengers and he excitedly tells me what he learned that day."
FIFTH GRADE James Waalkes is a philosophy graduate from the University of Mary Washington, where he was an ongoing member of the Catholic Campus Ministry. Before working at Angelus Academy he worked at a summer camp for kids, teaching scripture, games and songs in the great outdoors. Mr. Waalkes is thankful for Angelus Academy’s dedication to the development of the whole person in Christ.
"I’m very blessed to have the job that I have. The school’s dedication to the Church and Jesus Christ is heart warming and glorious.”
Carmen Billeaud- Spanish K-4th Grade;Art 3-5th Grade
Luisa Moldonado- K - 3rd Grade
JUNIOR HIGH LEVEL FACULTY
Julie Maimone has been teaching at Angelus Academy since 2002. Her main focus through the years has been teaching Latin to the 5th – 8th graders, but she is also currently responsible for teaching middle school religion. She has her Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Composition from George Mason University. Julie is a founding member of the Women’s Apostolate to Youth (WAY). Her favorite thing about teaching at Angelus Academy is the way in which all disciplines—not just religion classes—point the children toward God.
“Children ask such profound questions, especially in religion class, and I am constantly kept on my toes providing answers for them. I don’t take lightly this sacred trust of explaining the faith to middle-schoolers, especially as they prepare for Confirmation.”
Susan Hunt has been part of the middle school teaching team at Angelus Academy since 2003. She has her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and her Masters degree in Biotechnology. She enjoys interacting with the middle school students and seeing them grow in love for God and learning. She especially enjoys hands-on lab activities and word problems.
“I enjoy the frequently scheduled opportunities for prayer during the day, the great teacher-student ratio and our supportive parents and administration. I send two of my children to Angelus Academy. Striving to live a virtuous life is becoming a habit in them. Their classmates (and their families) have similar goals. It is a great environment for the developing conscience.”
Virginia Osella History and Language Arts
Tracy Frelk 7th Grade Math
SPECIAL SUBJECTS FACULTY
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Sheila Bruen
has a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Troy University. She served as a military officer for ten years with the U.S. Army. In 2006, she joined Angelus Academy and became an aide to the second grade teacher. In 2007, she became the third grade teacher and then in 2008 she became the Physical Education teacher for grades K-8. Her energy and enthusiasm for teaching physical education has motivated many of the students to achieve fitness awards in the Presidential Physical Fitness program.
“I enjoy motivating and challenging kids to take good care of their bodies through the use of exercise. I tell the children that the body is their temple and that by exercising, they are taking good care of their temple.”
Angelus Academy is accredited by NAPC*IS (National Association of Private Catholic* & Independent Schools). Angelus Academy is a 501(3)(c) tax-exempt organization. All donations are tax-deductible.
Angelus Academy admits students of any race, color, national, or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national, or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other school administered programs.
