Meet Our Team
Administration
Fr. Jeff Statz
Pastor
Mark Schwerdt
Principal
Office Team
Kali Ross
Front Office
Christina Garand
Admissions & Business
Your Incredible Educators
Mrs. Donna Page, Preschool
Mrs. Donna Page is a graduate of Notre Dame College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development. She brings over 30+ years of experience teaching preschool children at Ste. Marie Childcare Center, where she also served as Assistant Director and bus driver.
Donna lives in Bedford with her husband, Frank, their two children, Audrey and Jackson, and their beautiful Golden Retriever, Glory.
In her free time, Donna enjoys walking her dog and creating Herbalife teas and shakes. She is an active member of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish and has a passion for praise and worship music. Donna is dedicated to nurturing young learners and creating a warm, loving environment where every child can thrive.
Miss Elizabeth McGree, Preschool Aide
Miss McGee lives in Concord, New Hampshire and is studying Health and Wellness with the University of New Hampshire. She graduated from Holy Family Academy in 2025 and is passionate about supporting children in their Catholic education. Miss McGee has experience nannying young children, teaching Faith Formation at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, and coaching Jr. High soccer. For fun, Miss McGee enjoys thrifting and spending time with her friends and family.”
Miss Vanessa Garcia, Prekindergarten
Miss Garcia comes to us with 5 years of experience in Montessori classrooms and hands-on learning environments that allow children to flourish. After graduating from Holy Family Academy, Vanessa spent a year serving in active ministry as a missionary with NET Ministries. In 2021, Vanessa graduated from NHTI. Her greatest joy is bringing Jesus into the classroom and watching children of all ages encounter the Lord in their daily lives. Outside of the classroom she has experience working with children in residential foster care in Greater Manchester. Vanessa resides in Manchester and is an active parishioner at Ste. Marie Parish where she helps lead the youth ministry. In her free time, you can find her painting or spending time by the ocean.
Miss Margaret Six, Prekindergarten Aide
Miss Six is a recent graduate from Thomas More College of Liberal Arts in Merrimack, NH, where she continued to work as the Residence Director after graduating. As a new member of the staff at St. Francis of Assisi, she is excited to join the community. She lives in Manchester, NH. In her free time, Miss Six enjoys visiting museums, reading medieval literature, and spending time with her many nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Kim Poltak, Kindergarten 1
Mrs. Poltak attended the University of New Hampshire where she graduated with a B.A in Psychology. While in school she focused her time studying developmental psychology. She has more than 15 years experience working with children in many different settings including as an EFL tutor, paraprofessional, classroom aide and soccer coach. Mrs. Poltak has two daughters who currently attend St. Francis. When not at school, Mrs. Poltak likes baking treats and skiing in the winter with her family.
Mrs. Magdalena Whittemore, Kindergarten 2
whittemorem@StFrancisSchoolNH.org
Mrs. Magdalena Whittemore will be teaching our second section of Kindergarten next year. Mrs. Whittemore grew up in Poland and moved to the United States at the age of twenty-one. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University in 2020. She has been an active member of St. Francis Parish since 2021 and for the last four years has been teaching 2nd grade in the Faith Formation Program, helping prepare children for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Prior to serving at St. Francis, she also taught Religious Education at St. Jude Parish in Londonderry. Mrs. Whittemore is a warm, kind, and gentle soul who clearly loves children and the Catholic Faith. In her free time, she enjoys cooking traditional Polish meals, cross-country skiing in the winter, and bike riding in the summer with her husband and daughter.
Mrs. Monica Love, Kindergarten Aide
Mrs. Carey Follansbee, First Grade
follansbeec@StFrancisSchoolNH.org
Mrs. Follansbee lives in Londonderry NH with her husband Steve and her three children Haley, Abby, and Brady. She is a parishioner of St Mark’s Church in Londonderry. Carey is a core member to the Edge youth group program and has taught summer CCD for many years.
Carey received her Bachelor’s Degree in American History from Franklin Pierce College and is currently pursuing her NH teacher certification at NHTI through their TECP elementary education and general special education program.
She has enjoyed working as an aide at St Francis of Assisi School. She has also worked as a substitute teacher, a special education assistant, and a tutor for the Londonderry School district for over 10 years.
Mrs. Karen Guepy, St. Clare Atrium Director and First Grade Aide
Mrs. Guepy lives in Manchester NH with her husband Greg of 23 years and their 4 children. She is a long time parishioner of St Matthews Church in Windham NH where she has also been the Faith Formation Coordinator for grades K-5 for the past 4 years. At St Matthews, she also enjoys running the Faith and Play program where she teaches young children about the Gospels with puppets and other hands on learning activities. In between fun summer days at Long Sands Beach in York ME, Karen and her family enjoy participating in the Vacation Bible School Program.
Ms. Cara Mulcahy, Second Grade
mulcahyc@StFrancisSchoolNH.org
Ms. Mulcahy has 9 years’ experience teaching both first and second grade in a variety of school cultures and is very excited to be at Saint Francis. Ms. Mulcahy is passionate about creating a hands-on and engaging classroom culture. She has a master’s degree in Elementary Education, and was a D1 lacrosse player in college at Saint Mary’s College of California. There are things that Ms. Mulcahy learned on the field that have made her a strong leader and teacher. When she’s not in the classroom, you’ll most likely find her playing outside with her children Rylan (age 6) and Josie (age 4).
Mrs. Emilie Fulchino, Second Grade Aide
fulchino.emilie@StFrancisSchoolNH.org
Mrs. Fulchino is originally from Anchorage, Alaska and holds her B.A. in Political Science. She loves history, exploring the outdoors of New Hampshire, and relaxing on the beach with her family and a good book. She has volunteered at St. Francis of Assisi since 2015 and has been a teacher’s helper and classroom aide throughout the years. She also teaches middle school youth ministry at St. John Neumann and lives in Amherst, NH with her husband John and their four children who have all attended St. Francis School.
Mrs. Karen Walsh, Third Grade
Mrs. Walsh received her Master’s Degree in Education from Lesley University in 2001. Her undergraduate studies were completed at North Adams State College where she earned a B.S. in Education and a B.A. in Sociology. She has over 18 years of teaching experience working with children grades Pre-K through 5th grade in both general education and special education classrooms. Mrs. Walsh lives in Candia, NH with her husband, three children, and a yellow lab named Martha. The Walshes are parishioners at St Joseph’s Parish in Epping.
Mrs. Ellie Noonan, Fourth Grade
Mrs. Noonan is a New Hampshire native, though has lived in many interesting places. She has a B.A. in Theology/Catechetics/English from Franciscan University of Steubenville and an M.A. in Education from the University of Mississippi. She has been teaching for eleven years at schools in Mississippi, New England, and the Washington, D.C. area. She lives in Nashua with her husband and two young daughters and attends Christ the King Parish in Concord. She enjoys reading and running.
Mrs. Wenda Schultz, Fifth Grade
schultzw@StFrancisSchoolNH.org
Mrs. Leah Easley, Sixth Grade
Mrs. Easley holds a B.A. in English Literature and Secondary Education from Wheaton College (Wheaton, IL) and an M.A. in History from Gordon-Conwell Seminary (Hamilton, MA). She has over ten years of classroom teaching experience in a variety of subjects from pre-K through high school. She also has over ten years of training and experience in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She lives with her husband and daughter in Hooksett along with their two dogs and one cat. They are avid Tolkien fans and love spending as much time as possible in the woods and the waters and the mountains.
Miss Cecelia Boyle, Substitute Teacher, Aide
Ms. Boyle has been part of the St Francis community for a year and a half. She is a classroom aid for various grades as well as a substitute teacher.
Ms. Boyle received an Associates degree in general studies from Franciscan University. After college Cecelia worked in nursing homes, as a daycare infant teacher and is now tremendously blessed to work at St Francis of Assisi School.
Cecelia is a parishioner at St Joseph Church in Salem, NH where she leads the Women’s group. She is passionate about teaching and her faith. She has always had a love for children being from a large family of 9 with 5 nieces and nephews. Cecelia loves going to adoration and daily mass, reading, baking and adventuring with family and friends.
Ms. Julia Keena, PPC Secretary
ppcoffice@StfrancisSchoolNH.org
Though she has lived in seven states, only New Hampshire has felt like home to Julia. She holds a BA from Franciscan University of Steubenville in Western and World Literature with a minor in Writing, and has worked in Catholic schools for over six years. She loves art, music, and learning about language. If she is carrying a bag, chances are great there is a book inside. She can usually be found exploring the forests or baking for family events at home with her three children, all of whom attend St. Francis school.
Mrs. Sheryl Gallagan, Music & Director of After School
gallagans@StFrancisSchoolNH.org
Mrs. Gallagan has been a member of St Francis of Assisi School staff for 22 years. She is a member of the Church choir, a cantor, and a communicant of our parish. Mrs. Gallagan has lived with her husband Brian in Manchester since 1997. She has two adult children Michael and Megan, both are teachers.
Mrs. Peg Robinson, Art Teacher
robinsonp@StFrancisSchoolNH.org
Mrs. Robinson lives in Manchester NH with her husband and two dogs Linus and Lincoln. They are parishioners of Ste. Marie’s church. She is the mother of three adult children and “Nana” to two adorable grandsons.
She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in art from Marymount College, and a Master’s degree in Expressive Therapy/ Art Therapy from Lesley University.
Mrs. Robinson’s history with St. Francis school dates back to 2001 becoming the first art teacher at the school and later joined ASG and Fun in the Sun summer camp as a counselor. Her children are alumni of the school and she had the pleasure of teaching two of them. She worked at the school until 2016.
She enjoys time with her family, taking day trips with her husband, being creative, antiquing, reading, walks with her dogs and going to the beach. She has recently taken up knitting.
Mrs. Katie Jennings, TimberNook, Gym, and Athletic Director
jenningsk@StFrancisSchoolNH.org
Mrs. Jennings is a member of St. Francis Parish where she runs the St. Francis Friars youth group. After being homeschooled for many years, her two children, Michael and Mary, now attend St. Francis School. Mrs. Jennings has a degree in engineering and was a collegiate athlete. She taught math and science at a Catholic high school for eight years and she has experience coaching both youth and varsity sports. She lives in Billerica, MA with her husband and kids, along with their dog and chickens.
Mrs. Rochelle Boufford, Farm Manager, Lunch & Recess Staff, Aftercare
bouffordr@StFrancisSchoolNH.org
Ms. Rochelle is delighted to be part of the St. Francis community, where she wears many hats throughout the school day. She helps serve our students at lunch, supervises recess, works with children in aftercare, and manages and cares for the animals and grounds of the school farm. She especially enjoys giving students opportunities to learn through hands-on experiences with animals, gardening, nature, and the outdoors.
As a St. Francis parent herself, Ms. Rochelle feels blessed to be part of a school community that supports children academically, spiritually, and personally.
Miss Rochelle enjoys spending time with her husband, Justin, and their two boys. Outside of school, she loves caring for her family’s animals and gardens, spending time outdoors, and heading out on family adventures whenever they get the chance.
Mrs. Colleen Correia, TimberNook Aide
Mrs. Correia lives in Bedford, New Hampshire with her husband Josh, and her three children, Jarrett, Alice and Elizabeth, who have all attended St. Francis of Assisi School. She loves spending time outdoors, hiking, boating, camping and walking their family dog, Misty. She holds a B.S. degree in Management from Bentley University and a joint J.D./M.B.A. degree from Suffolk University. She brings a diverse professional background in leadership, operations, and contract management, having worked for organizations such as BAE Systems and Raytheon. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she brings strong organizational skills, energy and a willingness to support students in outdoor learning and play based experiences. As a newly certified TimberNook provider, she is excited to be the aide for TimberNook programing at St. Francis of Assisi School.
Mrs. Nancy Flanagan, Guidance Counselor
Mrs. Flanagan received her Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Providence College. She also earned her undergraduate degree in Art Education from Providence College. Mrs. Flanagan brings more than 29 years of experience in education, having served students from Pre-K through high school in both teaching and guidance roles. Originally from Rhode Island, she now resides in Salem with her husband of 30 years and their Yorkie rescue, Miss Charlie. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, singing, and sharing her love of animals.
Mrs. Cindy Lynch, Reading & Math Interventionist, Title 1
Mrs. Rose Van Uden, Librarian
vanudenr@StFrancisSchoolNH.org
Mrs. Van Uden graduated from Notre Dame College with a BA in Paralegal Studies and from New Hampshire College with a Masters in Business Administration. She worked for over a decade as a paralegal and as a paralegal educator before joining the St. Francis School staff. She is currently beginning her 23rd year as School Librarian. Mrs. Van Uden lives in Manchester with her husband of 33 years, Michael, and has two adult children. She is a long time parishioner at St. Francis of Assisi. Mrs. Van Uden enjoys reading, particularly biographies of the saints and American History, cross country skiing, hiking in the mountains, traveling to historic homes of U.S. Presidents, live traditional Irish music and spending time with her family.
Mrs. Emily Schwerdt, Latin K-2
Mrs. Schwerdt is originally from the Washington, DC area and holds a B.A. in Theology from Christendom College. She has served as the Director of Communications for St. Francis Parish since 2023. Mrs. Schwerdt was blessed to learn and later delight in the study of Latin as a student and often incorporated the language in her 10+ years of teaching middle school students in Maryland and New Hampshire. She is the proud mother of one alumni of St. Francis and two current students, and is, as you might have guessed, married to the Principal!
Mrs. Sue Huettner, Upper Elementary Latin
Mrs. Huettner comes to Saint Francis with 25 years of teaching experience at Hampstead Academy. She has taught Theater to grades 1-8 and Language Arts and Latin to grades 6-8. Mrs. Huettner has a Master of Education from Lesley University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education from Salem State University. She is excited to teach at SFS where two of her grandchildren are students. Recently retired, Mrs. Huettner enjoys reading, sketching, and swimming.