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Father Arthur F. Wright
Pastor
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Ms. Lisa Fasano joined the faculty of St. Mary of the Hills School as a 6th Grade teacher in 1997. During her years at St. Mary's, Ms. Fasano has served as Academic Advisor, Vice Principal, and Principal of Grades 5-8. Ms. Fasano assumed the role of Principal for Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8 in 2010. Ms. Fasano graduated form Braintree High School and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Child Study from Colby-Sawyer College in NH. Ms. Fasano holds her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Bridgewater State College and a CAGS certificate in Educational Leadership from Cambridge College. In her time away from her duties as Principal, Ms. Fasano enjoys traveling to warm climates, reading at the beach and sewing. Ms. Fasano’s Grandmother Mary is the person she admires most. “At the age of 13 my grandmother, Mary Fasano, was taken out of school to work in the mills and was not able to return to her schooling until she was seventy-one years old. She finally graduated from high school and for the next 18 years she studied at Harvard University and graduated at the age of 89. In October of 2007, she passed away at the age of 99, but to all who knew her, her passion and thirst for knowledge will live on forever.” Ms. Fasano’s favorite book is The Great Gatsby and her favorite movie is Freedom Writers. Ms. Fasano’s favorite vacation destination is Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. “I have spent many February vacations there. I have seen all of the sites, so I am able to relax.”
Mrs. Pamela Vasta joined the faculty of St. Mary of the Hills in 2002. Mrs. Vasta attended St. Francis Xavier Elementary School and graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Weymouth, MA. She enrolled at Bridgewater State College and received her B.S. Degree in Elementary Education (certified K-8). Mrs. Vasta received her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership (certified Elementary and Middle School) from Bridgewater State College.
Mrs. Vasta taught for six years in Quincy Public Schools in K-8. She has over 20 years of experience in catholic education and also as Religious Education Director at her parish. Mrs. Vasta loves being apart of the St. Mary of the Hills School and Parish community “for an abundance of reasons, but most of all because of the warm and welcoming feeling I got from the moment I walked through the door. This feeling was confirmed after meeting Father Wright. I knew I wanted to be here with a man who truly wanted to support such a wonderful catholic school.” Mrs. Vasta wishes every child could have the opportunity to receive an excellent education with strong Christian values in a safe environment, surrounded by caring teachers who encourage their students to work to their full potential.
Mrs. Vasta’s favorite pastime is spending time with her large extended family. “The most important people in my life are my husband John, my son Chris, my daughter-in-law Caitlin, and -the JOY of our lives- our granddaughters, Michaela and Mia. My parents are my heroes. They raised six children and I had a wonderful childhood. They always put their children first and knew what was important in life. They gave me my faith, my family and always supported me in fulfilling my dream of teaching children.” Mrs. Vasta loves people and loves learning about them.
She loves the beach and reading at the beach, especially in the late afternoon. She loves to sing, travel and plan events. She enjoyed running, skiing, swimming and playing tennis for many years, but these days prefer spending her spare time with my granddaughters. Mrs. Vasta’s favorite book is The Red Tent by Anita Diamont and she enjoys watching The Sound of Music. “I have taken MANY wonderful vacations, including a cruise with my entire family, and trips to Disney ( I can’t wait to take Michaela and Mia!). However, the best vacation so far was a two week trip to Italy with my family: Rome, the Amalfi Coast and, one of the most picturesque places in the world, San Gimignano.”
Mrs. Brett Marcotte joined St. Mary of the Hills School in 1998. Mrs. Marcotte graduated from Thayer Academy and received her Bachelor’s Degree with a Management major and a Human Behavior minor from Babson College. Mrs. Marcotte completed her graduate studies with a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Lesley University. The most endearing quality about St. Mary’s is “the administration’s willingness to allow me flexibility to remain a part of the School community and be home for my family.” Mrs. Marcotte wishes St. Mary’s had a money tree in the back yard that would allow any parent the opportunity to send their children to St. Mary’s and to afford the teacher’s wish lists to be fulfilled immediately.
Mrs. Marcotte admires her parents. “They taught me the meaning of hard work and perseverance. It is better to set your expectations high, work hard to achieve something, and be proud of your accomplishment.” Mrs. Marcotte is a Disney fanatic. She loves to watch Disney movies with her children. “My favorite vacation memories are the three trips to Disney World when each of my children saw (and happily hugged) Mickey Mouse for the first time.”
Mrs. Mary Jane Campbell officially joined the staff of St. Mary of the Hills School in 1997 after years of being a Parishioner and School parent. Mrs. Campbell is a graduate of Fontbonne Academy. For Mrs. Campbell, it is spirituality, friendships, and morning prayer that are the most important aspects of the St. Mary’s community. Mrs. Campbell admires Sharon Sinnott (former St. Mary of the Hills School Principal) because she shares her knowledge and spirituality without hesitation and she is a visionary with a positive attitude. Mrs. Campbell wishes she could be an at-home Mom again or a singer in ABBA. In her spare time, Mrs. Campbell can be found reading, walking, playing tennis, or baking. However her favorite activity is taking care of her grandchildren. Mrs. Campbell’s favorite book is Gone With The Wind and her favorite movie is Dancing with Wolves. If Mrs. Campbell goes missing, the first place to check for her would be the island of Bermuda!
Mrs. Eileen Paris started at St. Mary’s for the 2003-2004 school year. Mrs. Paris attended St. Rose High School, Chelsea, MA. Her favorite part of being a member of the St. Mary’s community is the students. “I love seeing their smiling faces every day! I love seeing them in the halls and hearing “HI, MRS. PARIS!!” She wishes that everyone would follow the Golden Rule – treat others as we wish to be treated. “Life doesn’t get any easier than that.” Mrs. Paris’ favorite thing to do is going to the beach. “I love to collect rocks, seashells & sea glass in every color of the rainbow! Did you know that it’s really, really hard to find a “blue” rock or shell or sea glass? I usually end up having everyone with me look for something blue.” Mrs. Paris admires Mother Theresa. “She was selfless and truly loved and cared for the poor. I hope I can be just a tiny bit like her in my life and treat everyone I meet with respect.” Mrs. Paris’ favorite book is Mrs. Mike by Benedict & Nancy Freedman and her all-time favorite movie is Mary Poppins, but she loves all Disney movies…The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Aladdin and Pocahontas are close seconds! Mrs. Paris loves being able to visit Disney World, of course!
Mrs. Colleen Hession started at St. Mary’s in 2000. She is a graduate of St. Mary's High School in New York. Mrs. Hession attended State University of New York at Plattsburgh and earned her BSN in Nursing. Mrs. Hessions’s favorite aspect of the St. Mary’s community is working with the children and the terrific faculty. Mrs. Hession admires her parents because they demonstrate love and were good role models. Mrs. Hession wishes there were more hours in the day. Her favorite book is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Mrs. Hession’s favorite vacation spot is Cape Cod (or anyplace with a beach)!
Mrs. Janice Powell started at St. Mary of the Hills as a school parent in 1985 when her oldest child started 1st grade (there was not an ECC way back then). She became involved in the PTO as a member and then became Treasurer. She co-chaired the PTO with Mrs. Farrell (the current Pre-K teacher). All three of Mrs. Powell's children attended St. Mary of the Hills School, and she finally joined the ranks of "parent of alumni" in 2002. Mrs. Powell became the Parish & School Business Manager under Fr. Thomas C. Foley in September, 1995. Mrs. Powell attended Burdett College and hastaken many continuing education classes. She is a Certified Business Manager through a year long course I attended through the Archdiocese of Boston. Mrs. Powell attended Catholic School from Kindergarten through high school and is a graduate of St. Clare High School in Roslindale, MA. Mrs. Powell's favorite part of being a member of the St. Mary's community is watching the it grow and flourish. "I love being a part of this wonderful school community!" Mrs. Powell wishes the school had the resources to build a gym for the students. Mrs. Powell's favorite pastime, now that her children are grown, is traveling with her husband. She loves to read all sorts of books and can't really think of just one favorite!! "I'm not a movie watcher, but if I had to list a favorite movie I would say A Wonderful Life." During the years since her youngest graduated high school, Mrs. Powell and her husband husband have traveled to some wonderful places, but "I think I would have to say I love traveling with my husband and our children to Marco Island in Florida. Our family has such wonderful memories of past vacations there." The Powell family has spent many April vacations on Marco Island visiting "my parents who wintered there for many, many years. Now that my parents are gone, our whole family continues to go back as often as we can!"
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Mr. John Holleran
Custodian
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Mr. John Holleran started at St. Mary of the Hills in December, 1999. After graduating from North Quincy High School, Mr. Holleran earned his Bachelors’ Degree in History and education from Boston Teachers College. Mr. Holleran’s favorite part of being a member of the SMH community is the smiling faces of the students everyday and “when the 1st graders finally say hello to me, which is around November. They don’t warm up to me right away. But when I earn their trust, nothing feels better!” Mr. Holleran’s wish is for “the uncertainty of funding would be taken away so that we could all relax and just enjoy the company of our peers and the children we instruct.” In his spare time, Mr. Holleran read’s his Bible--the Boston Globe Sports Page! He also enjoys taking 4 mile walks to Canton Center and thinking about all the things that he has to clean the next day! Mr. Holleran admires his sister Cathy because of the way she treats people and the way she’s treated by people. “If I could emulate her behavior I know I would be successful. And she feeds me once a week!” Mr. Holleran’s choice for expanding his literary horizons is the The Boston Globe. He reads it every day, front to back! His favorite movie is Cheyenne (a western) with Clint Walker. Mr. Holleran’s favorite vacation is visiting Martha’s Vineyard with my family.
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Mr. Michael Braga
Maintenance
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Mr. Mike Braga started at St. Mary’s in 2000. After graduating from Durfee High School, Fall River, MA, Mr. Braga joined the Army Reserve National Guard and was based out of Fort Sill, OK for Basic Training. Mr. Braga then entered the Navy and sailed on the U.S.S. America CV66 and cruised the Mediterranean. Mr. Braga says, “I loved traveling and saw half the world!”
Mr. Braga’s favorite part of being a member of the St. Mary’s community is the education that the children receive. “I love how they treat each other and that God is discussed daily.” Mr. Braga wishes he started at St. Mary’s 10 years earlier. In his spare time, Mr. Braga loves to fresh-water fish! Ask him about “the one that got away!” Mr. Braga admires Janice Powell, our Business Manager. “I admire her dedication and her problem-solving abilities. She always has a smile on her face and a kind word for everyone. She loves everything about the St. Mary of the Hills community!” Mr. Braga’s favorite author is Stephen King and his favorite movie is Good Will Hunting. Mr. Braga’s favorite vacation spot is Virginia Beach.
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Pre-Kindergarten - Grade 4 Faculty
Mrs. Joan Hulme started at St. Mary of the Hills in 2000. Mrs. Hulme is a graduate of Roslindale High School and received her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Bridgewater State College. Mrs. Hulme's favorite part of St. Mary's is "seeing her former students growing older, and getting that elusive hug from them." Mrs. Hulme wishes to retire in a house overlooking the ocean. In her spare time, Mrs. Hulme enjoys photography, swimming, and reading a good book at the beach. The person Mrs. Hulme admires the most is her Mother-in-Law. "Even with six kids, she had the cleanest house in the world and still does!" Mrs. Hulme's favorite book is North and South, and her favorite movie is Casablanca. Mrs. Hulme's favorite vacation destination is Aruba.
Mrs. Kathleen Cavanaugh joined the St. Mary’s community in 2005. Mrs. Cavanaugh attended West Yarmouth Regional High School and earned her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. The best part of being a faculty member is the wonderful atmosphere—“Everyone is like extended family.” Mrs. Cavanaugh wishes that every child has the privilege of attending St. Mary of the Hills School. The person Mrs. Cavanaugh admires most is her friend Patty who faced life and death with dignity and courage. Mrs. Cavanaugh enjoys reading, walking her dog, and spending a day at the beach. Her favorite book is Gone With The Wind, and her favorite movie is The Sound of Music. A favorite vacation memory for Mrs. Cavanaugh is a family trip—aunts, uncles, cousins and one generous grandmother! Mrs. Furey attended North Quincy High School and received her degree in Early Childhood Education from Quincy College. Joining the staff of St. Mary of the Hills in 2007, Mrs. Furey worked primarily with our Pre-Kindergarten children. This year, however, she can be found sitting on the floor reading stories, playing with blocks and creating art projects with the children in the ECC's Pilot "Early Fours" program. Mrs. Furey is an avid health and fitness fan. She regularly works out and surfs with her husband and four children all over New England (that is why her favorite vacation spot is Hawaii!). When she does take a minute to sit down, she enjoys watching her favorite movie "The Patriot".
Mrs. Mary Field joined St. Mary of the Hills School in 1993. Mrs. Field attended St. Clare High School in Roslindale and received a B.S. in Elementary Education from Boston State College and holds a Montessori Institute, AMS Certification Ages 3-6.
There are many things she loves about St. Mary’s, but “I have to say that my favorite part is working with my wonderful team of colleagues in the Early Childhood Center. They're LOTS of fun, and they LOVE the children! We are truly a little family and a comforting "home away from home" for the children who come to us every day." Mrs. Field wishes she could be like Miss America and wish for world peace, but what would make her the happiest is if her first grandson and his wonderful Mom & Dad did not live 3,000 miles away! Fortunately for her family, Mrs. Field’s favorite thing to do is travel—anywhere! In her spare time, Mrs. Field loves to read and (although ashamed to admit it) she watches and enjoys certain reality shows like Top Chef and Project Runway
The person Mrs. Field admires the most is her Mother. “I loved the way she let me roll out the extra pie dough and make my own little cakes (even though she could have sent me off to play). I loved the way she read my poems and told me they were the best she had ever read. I loved the way she loved each one of her children from the cut-ups to the angel (me, of course!). She was all I can only hope to be both as a mother and as a grandmother.” Mrs. Field’s favorite book is Little Women, and her favorite movie is It's A Wonderful Life. Mrs. Field (ever the diplomat) had a difficult time choosing her most favorite vacation--spending a week in southern Spain to celebrate her daughter's wedding or spending a week in the high plains of West Texas to celebrate her son's wedding.
Mrs. Mary Ann Farrell started at St. Mary’s as an Eighth Grade Religion teacher in 1996 and joined the Early Childhood staff in 1998. After graduating from Fontbonne Academy, Mrs. Farrell received her B.S. Degree from Boston College. Mrs. Farrell is truly appreciative of the wonderful children and the supportive parents that are part of the St. Mary’s community. She wishes families wouldn’t leave prematurely. I wish people could appreciate the upper grades. I know first hand….my four children graduated from St. Mary’s and had an outstanding foundation with which to build. It was a decision my husband and I never regretted.”
Mrs. Farrell admires her parents, but her “ports in a storm” are her Aunts. “Two are in religious orders and the other is single. I admire their intelligence, faith, selflessness and ability to enjoy life.” In her spare time, Mrs. Farrell enjoys shopping, reading, and babysitting her grandson. Mrs. Farrell’s favorite books are Fountainhead, Wicked Lamb, and Poisonwood Bible. Her favorite movies are The Graduate and Gone With The Wind. Mrs. Farrell’s favorite vacation is Disney—the happiest place on earth! Mrs. Fedewa joined the St. Mary of the Hills community in 1997, when her daughter began Kindergarten. Recognizing her many talents, she was quickly asked to join the Early Childhood Staff as a part-time Kindergarten aide, as well as serving as the part time librarian for grades 1-5. Currently, along with being a full time Kindergarten aide, Mrs. Fedewa teaches music to both Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten (she is also the Mrs. Fix-it for the school's laminating machine, and oversees the "gently used uniform" sales). When she is not at school, Mrs. Fedewa can be heard most weekends cantoring the Masses at St. Mary of the Hills Church. In the little spare time she has left, Mrs. Fedewa loves to cook, sew and read!
Ms. Molly Norton started at St. Mary of the Hills in 2006. A graduate of Milton High School, Ms. Norton received her Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science from UMASS Boston and is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Special Education (K-8) from Cambridge College. Ms. Norton’s favorite part of being a member of the St. Mary’s community is being a part of a group of people. Ms. Norton wishes “that more money could be raised to find cures for many of the diseases that afflict our families.” In her spare time, Ms. Norton plays ice hockey and being around family and friends. Ms. Norton admires her Mother because of her strength and perseverance. Ms. Norton’s favorite book is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, and her favorite movie is The Mighty Ducks. Her favorite vacation destinations are Sebago Lake, Maine and Cape Cod.
Mrs. Kathy Pungitore started at St. Mary’s in 1999. After attending Canton High School, Mrs. Pungitore earned a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Bridgewater State College. Mrs. Pungitore likes being a part of a “dedicated and talented group of professionals who work together with supportive parents in order to benefit the wonderful children who attend the school.” In her spare time, she likes reading, skiing, scrapbooking, going to movies or dinner with friends and family. Mrs. Pungitore’s favorite book is Marley and Me. The vacation memory that is most special to Mrs. Pungitore is the time she went to Florida and swam with the dolphins. “It was amazing!”
Mrs. Ginny Flynn came to St Mary's in 1984. After attending Notre Dame Academy in Roxbury, Mrs. Flynn earned her B.S.Ed. from Boston State College. The aspect of St. Mary’s that Mrs. Flynn appreciates most is the professional and caring faculty and staff. Mrs. Flynn’s favorite book is Make Way For Ducklings. Her favorite vacation is Christmas vacation because of all the family time. Ms. Nancia Kavaltzis started at St. Mary of the Hills School in 2007. Ms. Kavaltzis is a graduate of Milton High School, Class of 2001. Ms. Kavaltzis attended Westfield State College; graduating in 2005 with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary education with a concentration in Reading.
Ms. Devon King joined the faculty in 2005. Ms. King attended Thayer Academy and graduated from the University of Maine, Orono with a Major in Education (K-8) and a Minor in Psychology. The aspect that is so appealing to Ms. King about St. Mary’s is the diverse population that accepts all people. Ms. King admires all cancer survivors because of their strength and positive attitudes and all of the men and women fighting for our country. Ms. King wishes the war would stop and the troops would return home safely. In her spare time, Ms. King enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends. Ms. King’s favorite book is The Ultimate Gift, and her favorite movie is The Notebook. The place Ms. King enjoys visiting the most is Aruba. Mrs. Mary Sue Faherty has been a member of the St. Mary of the Hills School community for many years as a parishioner, parent, and CCD teacher. She joined the School faculty in 1999. Mrs. Faherty attended Mount St. Joseph Academy in Brighton. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Suffolk University and her Master of Education in Elementary Education from UMASS Boston. Mrs. Faherty truly enjoys working at St. Mary’s because of the committed professional educators and the faith-filled community. Mrs. Faherty admires Jesus and hopes to live her life as He did.
Mrs. Faherty’s wish for St. Mary’s is to have more updated computers and more funding to not have to spend so much of her own resources on my classroom. Mrs. Faherty’s enjoys spending time with her family and likes to read, attend book club, garden, and teach CCD in her spare time. Her favorite book is Poisonwood Bible and her favorite movie is One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Mrs. Faherty’s favorite vacation was to Kinsale, Ireland. She and her husband took their daughter (a student at BC) to Ireland for her semester abroad. Mrs. Susan Joyce started at St. Mary's in 1997. After attending Dedham high School, Mrs. Joyce graduated from Stonehill College with a Bachelor's Degree inEducation. The aspect that Mrs. Joyce likes the most about St. Mary's is "how everyone- faculty. parents, children, extended families-are welcomed into the St. Mary's community and it's warm and nurturing environment." Mrs. Joyce wishes that there wasn't so much stress and competitiveness in today's society and that children could just enjoy being children.
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Grade 5-8 Faculty & Specialists
Mrs. Alexia Etienne first came to St. Mary's as a substitute teacher. After witnessing her love for the students and her deep faith, Mrs. Etienne was hired as the 5th Grade teacher in 2006. After completing high school in her native Dominica, Mrs. Etienne received her Bachelor's degree from Lesley University. She is happy to be a part of the St. Mary of the Hills community because she "can be herself regardless of ethnicity and culture and be a part of a big, loving family."
Mrs. Etienne admires Jesus Christ. "He will never disappoint. He has suffered many hardships, failures, persecution, and tribulations, but in the end, he showed great strength, class, love, and dignity." Mrs. Etienne wishes more parents would "understand the value of sending their children to St. Mary's through 8th Grade graduation. The solid foundation the students receive is a benefit and an integral part of their future success." In her spare time, Mrs. Etienne enjoys theater, dancing, singing, reading, and journaling. Her favorite books are Parker Palmer and The Courage To Teach. Her favorite movie is Dead Poet's Society. Mrs. Etienne enjoys vacationing with her family in the Dominica.
Mrs. Christine Norton joined the faculty of St. Mary of the Hills School in 2007. Mrs. Norton graduated from St. Mary of the Assumption High School in Brookline, MA and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Boston State College. Mrs. Norton’s favorite part of being a member of the St. Mary’s community is the inherent cultural diversity within the School. Mrs. Norton wishes for world peace and hope for people who have lost their jobs. In her spare time, Mrs. Norton enjoys reading, walking, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Mrs. Norton’s favorite book is Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Album, and her favorite movie is Gone With The Wind. Mrs. Norton's favorite vacation destination is Sebago Lake, Maine.
Mrs. Julie Marotta joined the faculty of St. Mary’s in 2006 after witnessing first hand as a parent what a terrific school it is. Mrs. Marotta attended Fontbonne Academy. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from Regis College and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education at Bridgewater State College. Mrs. Marotta loves that St. Mary’s is a very caring community. “The staff, parents, and students are supportive of each other.”
Mrs. Andrea Pratt started at St. Mary’s in 2008 after attending Brockton High School and earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. Mrs. Pratt is appreciative of the dedicated professionals with whom she is fortunate to work. In her spare time, Mrs. Pratt likes to go any place where there is a beach.
Mrs. Marianne Ruggiero joined the faculty in 1996. After graduating from Ursuline Academy, Mrs. Ruggiero received her B.S. Degree in Elementary Education from Bridgewater State College. Her favorite part of St. Mary’s is the family-like atmosphere.
Ms. Katie Frossard joined the faculty of St. Mary of the Hills School in 2007. After graduating from Milton High School (Class of 2002), Ms. Frossard earned her B.A. in Earth and Geographic Sciences from UMASS Boston. She is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree at UMASS Boston. Ms. Frossard’s favorite part of being a member of the SMH community is the faculty and staff. “They are truly dedicated and caring individuals who want the very best for their students, I love my middle school team!”
Ms. Frossard wishes she could have been alive to see the landing on the moon, or hear JFK or MLK Jr. speak in person. She hopes to be alive to see the day that man or woman steps foot on another planet. Ms. Frossard’s favorite pastimes are playing ice hockey, supporting my New England sports teams and RECYCLING, of course!! Ms. Frossard admires her Mother—“All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.”(Lincoln). Ms. Frossard’s favorite book is Mr. Popper’s Penguins and anything written by Dennis Lehane or James Patterson. Her favorite movies are Braveheart, The Sandlot, and Finding Nemo. Ms. Frossard would love to take a vacation to the Aleutian Islands or Fiji, but nothing beats that Cape Cod air.
Mr. Ara Asadoorian (a.k.a Mr. A) started at St. Mary’s in 2008. Mr. A attended Wachusett Regional High School in Holden, MA followed by enrolling at Assumption College in Worcester where he received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees. The aspect of St. Mary’s that is most appealing to Mr. A is the students. “I love the students and how much fun they are to have in class. I also enjoy that they seem to like my classes.” Mr. A is wishing and hoping for a school gym.
In his spare time, Mr. A. loves to work out, play volleyball, football, and baseball; but his favorite sport is ice hockey. He is also an avid scuba diver and enjoys watching the Patriots, Celtics, Red Sox and Bruins. Mr. A. chose his Grandfather as the person he admires most. “I would have to say my grandfather because he was the kindest, strongest person I have ever known. He survived the Armenian Genocide of 1915 and in 1996 was severely burned in a fire. He survived but unfortunately passed away 28 days later.” When he was younger, Mr. A. was a fan of Catcher In the Rye. But lately it is the Harry Potter series, especially Deathly Hallows, that keeps him turning pages. Mr. A.’s favorite movie is The Karate Kid. A beautiful destination like Hawaii with boogie boarding, volcano exploring, and food sampling is a favorite of Mr. A.’s.
Mrs. Christina Hughes joined the faculty of St. Mary of the Hills in 2004. She earned her B.S. in Early Childhood and Physical Education at Bridgewater State College and her M.Ed. in Education at Cambridge College. The best thing about St. Mary’s for Mrs. Hughes is the children with whom she gets to work. “Seeing their smiling faces as they are greeting me in the morning is very uplifting. Witnessing the children playing together, caring for and helping each other is very heartwarming. I also like the fact that it is a Catholic school where we pray, attend masses and feel closer to Jesus.”
Mrs. Hughes wishes for world peace and prays for that daily. In her spare time, Mrs. Hughes enjoys exercising, ten-pin bowling, playing tennis, movies, traveling and spending time with her family. The person that Mrs. Hughes admires most is her husband who is her beacon of inspiration and best friend. “Through his example and kind words, he encourages, helps, and motivates me to attempt new and exciting things, take chances and make great choices for our health and well being.” Mrs. Hughes’ favorite book is The Little Engine That Could and her favorite movie is Sleepless In Seattle.
It is hard for Mrs. Hughes to pick her favorite vacation. It is a choice between Italy and Greece. “In Italy, we went to La Maddalena, Sardinia. After a plane, train and two ferry rides, we arrived at our final destination and enjoyed outdoor dining and dancing, swimming in the Mediterranean and lunch on the beach. It was very beautiful and picturesque.” A trip to Greece allowed for visits to Athens and Crete. “I witnessed the changing of the guard ceremony in front of the Greek Parliament building in Athen’s Syntagma Square. We also went to the Acropolis to see the Parthenon. In Crete, we visited a village and went into the house where my grandfather was born. I also had a chance to meet many of my mother’s cousins in Crete. They prepared a delicious meal that we thoroughly enjoyed; we listened and danced to Greek music while they threw plates at our feet and yelled "Opa!" Mrs. Jennifer Daly started at St. Mary of the Hills School in 2008. After attending Chesire High School (Cheshire, CT), Mrs. Daly earned a BA in Psychology from Merrimack College and her Masters’s Degree from Quinnipiac University in CT. For Mrs. Daly, it is working with such wonderful people and seeing the smiles on the children’s faces every day” that she likes most about being a St. Mary’s faculty member. Mrs. Daly admires her parents for “always supporting me and always being there for me.” Mrs. Daly wishes for peace, health, and happiness. In her spare time, Mrs. Daly is an avid Red Sox fan and enjoys tennis, travelling and spending time with her family. Her favorite book is Matilda, and her favorite movie is My Best Friend’s Wedding. Mrs. Daly’s favorite vacation destination is Hawaii.
Jean Maniscalco joined the faculty of St. Mary of the Hills in 2004 as an Art Teacher. She is a practicing artist with a concentration in oil painting. Her latest work, however, is with steel sculpture featuring recycled metals and found objects. She holds a B.A. in Secondary Education/Art from Bridgewater State College. She enjoys sharing her passion for Art with all of the students at St. Mary of the Hills School.
Teaching at St. Mary of the Hills has been such a gift. It is a welcoming, non-judgmental, richly-diverse community. The faculty and staff are committed to providing a top-notch academic experience with a whole life approach. Each student is valued for their individuality and nurtured in those areas.
Visual Art is a vital part of any student’s curriculum. “Art is the signature of civilizations” is a quote which is ever present in her mind as she prepares her daily lessons. Were it not for the art and architecture left behind by our ancestors, we would know very little of their ancient civilizations. What we create today will deliver clues of our lives to future generations.
Mrs. Maniscalco is the mother of four and grandmother of one beautiful little girl. Her favorite pastimes are gardening, interior decorating, studying Italian culture; and she considers herself an amateur genealogist, as well. Her favorite vacations are to the Alps of Northern Italy.
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