School Principal – Miss Julie Onacila

I have called Saint Brendan my home for 19 years and have been in Catholic education for 30 years.  It is a true blessing to part of a welcoming and nurturing Catholic school and parish family.  Sharing this vocation with a team of dedicated faculty and staff, who firmly believe in the mission, of what they are doing is a gift.  Having a pastor, that actively supports the school contributes to the overall warm and positive atmosphere.  Being able to work with students through teaching, moderating the Liturgy Club, substituting on occasion, counseling, visiting them in the classroom, and other capacities enables me to keep the mission of what our school encompasses is what I value most.  

School Secretary – Mrs. Tammy Dobrzeniecki

Hello from Tammy Dobrzeniecki, alias Mrs. D., school secretary.  This name was chosen for me when I started working in Catholic education in 1999…it made it easy for students and parents to pronounce, plus it was less formal.  My career started at the school that my children attended and I have been in love with the experience ever since!!  Being able to incorporate prayer, learning and fun have stuck with me since I was in Catholic grade school and high school.  I am blessed that God’s direction led me to St. Brendan in 2014.  There is a true sense of unity, faith and togetherness that can be felt when you enter our doors.  

3’s & 4’s Pre-Kindergarten Teacher/Physical Education K-8 - Ms. Charlotte Thomas: 

Kindergarten Teacher – Miss Kerry McGovern

I have been blessed to call St. Brendan’s my first school family as this is my second year as a full-time teacher and working in Catholic education. I chose Catholic education because I not only wanted to share my faith and Jesus’ word with my students, but also strengthen and grow my own personal relationship with God. My passions in teaching include seeing how much my student’s grow and progress over time, and watching their faces light up when they learn something new and exciting. I love being able to grow personal relationships with my students as well by getting to know their interests, and incorporating those interests into our daily lessons. I enjoy engaging my students in a variety of multimodal activities and providing them with a foundation for lifelong learning. 

Second-Grade Teacher – Ms. Leanna Guelker

Hi! My name is Leanna Guelker. I am the second grade teacher at St. Brendan School. I have been a Catholic school teacher for 18 years. Being a teacher is one of my greatest joys! In my day to day lessons, I strive to find ways to incorporate activities that actively engage students in their learning that goes beyond the text book. When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my three beautiful daughters Grace, Emma and Olivia. A year ago, I purchased a 128 year old house and in my spare time I enjoy working on renovation projects.

Third-Grade Teacher – Mrs. Rachel Lammers

Fourth-Grade Teacher – Mrs. Daisy Johnson

Hello! I am Daisy Johnson. I have been a part of the Saint Brendan Community since 2015. I currently teach fourth grade, and also third grade Reading. I have been a Catholic educator since 2002. I received a Masters’ Degree in Literacy Development in 2014. I am dedicated to helping students develop a love for reading. I enjoy using age appropriate picture books and novels of all genres to develop literacy skills. I serve as the co-coordinator for the Saint Brendan yearbook. In my free time I enjoy boating and hiking with my husband and my faithful companion, my golden retriever, Stella.

Fifth-Grade Homeroom & ELA/5th-8th Religion Teacher – Mrs. Sue Caroscio

Mrs. Sue Caroscio has been at St. Brendan since 2005 as a substitute and full time since 2018. She lives in Middleburg Heights, St. Bartholomew Parish, with her husband for over 35 years raising their three children. She, her husband, and children are all a product of the Catholic school system kindergarten through high school. She is deeply rooted in faith, community and Catholic education. 

I have been a parish catechist for over 20 years. My family and I are members of St. Martin of Tours, Valley City. My husband Herb and I have been married for 24 years and have 4 children, Alexandra (22), Beck (19), Evelyn (16), and Kenneth (14). Our family enjoys nature, art, music, going on vacations, sports, hiking, board games and cards – but most of all having fun together. 

Additionally, I graduated from Kent State university with a Bachelor’s degree in Geology and I currently have an Alternative Teaching License for Ohio. I have been teaching in the Science classroom for 6 years, and I love all things science, history, and learning!

 I am excited to join the Saint Brendan Navigators community this 2022-2023 school year and look forward to getting to know everyone!

Seventh-Grade Homeroom/6th-8th Grade English Language Arts – Mrs. Emily Sinclair

Mrs. Sinclair has been teaching at St. Brendan since 2018, and has taught for a total of eight years. She finds teaching in a Catholic school to be a delightful experience, and a familiar feeling since she attended St. Patrick West Park school and St. Joseph Academy. Mrs. Sinclair earned her Bachelor of the Arts from Cleveland State University and has completed some graduate courses. She loves St. Brendan’s small class sizes which allows her to learn more about her students on an individual level. Her favorite part of teaching is analyzing stories with students and bringing them to life in her classroom.

Eighth-Grade Homeroom/5th-8th Math – Mr. Ryan Schlitter

Fifth-Eighth Grade Social Studies/K-8 Computer Technology - Mr. Noah Patera

Mr. Patera is the Junior High Social Studies and K-8 Computer teacher. He has 24 years of experience of which 22 have been here at Saint Brendan. Mr. Patera is a strong student advocate and firmly believes in individual student responsibility and encourages students to strive for continued growth in their faith and academics. Mr. Patera holds degrees from Cuyahoga Community College and Akron University. Outside of the classroom, he is involved in multiple vintage car clubs and continues to restore a few more classics. He also enjoys his time performing throughout the year and touring during the summers in his various bands and attending his children’s performances as well.

Library/Maker Space – Mrs. Mary Welch

Educational Aide – Mrs. Faith Manning

My name is Faith Manning and I am the Educational Aide at St. Brendan School.  I have been in this position for 16 years.  You will find me all over the school – in the classroom, lunch/recess, and in the office.  St. Brendan School holds a special place in my heart since I am a graduate myself (Class of 1981), a parishioner, and my 2 children both graduated from SBS.  I feel so blessed to be able to share my faith with the students and staff every day and to grow in our faith journey together!