Staff Bios

Miriam Jones

St. Michael Catholic School Principal


I have been an educator since 1985, spending my first ten years teaching elementary grades in public school – first in South Carolina, then in Mississippi.  In 1995, I began my work in Catholic education as a teacher and later as administrator serving the community of St. Alphonsus Parish in the Diocese of Biloxi, and beginning in 2009, I serve the community of St. Michael Parish. 

My academic education – BS/Elementary Education, MA/Elementary Curriculum and Instruction, and EdS/Educational Leadership, and my religious and spiritual education and enrichment – being the wife of a deacon, learning through the New Wine program, and working in Cursillo, guide my understanding and commitment to Catholic education. 

I am truly blessed to journey with the companions God gives me each day.  I work to promote students’ development of their God-given talents to be lifelong learners and responsible caring citizens of this world and the next.  I join my personal philosophy to that of St. Michael Catholic School to provide ‘Excellence in Education and Respect for Life’.

I have shared my life with my husband, Bob, since 1975 and we have two married sons, and five grandchildren.  I enjoy the beach, reading, handcrafts, singing, and attending sporting events.

Helen Altomari

2nd Grade Teacher

One of the best things about my job is being able to prepare my students to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion.

Past employment includes: State of Rhode Island, Department of Attorney General (1983-2000), Assistant Attorney General.

7th grade teacher, 6-8 grade math teacher, St. Anthony’s Catholic School, Yonkers, New York

Erie Community Day School – 7th grade teacher

Cranston Public School System, substitute teacher.

Education: JD. Suffolk University Law School, Providence College.

Marie Carpenter

Media Specialist / Librarian

This year (2009), begins my eighth year teaching at Saint Michael Catholic School. Before moving to South Carolina and accepting a position at Saint Michael Catholic School, I was employed at Real Estate Capital Partners, in New York City. My position was Administrative Assistant to the President of the firm. Before that position, I worked at Saint Joseph High School, an elite high school in Metuchen, New Jersey. I was Administrative Assistant to the President of the school and also instructed students in computer.

In my spare time, I give piano lessons in my home. I have been a piano instructor for over 20 years and enjoy sharing my love of music with others. I also enjoy gardening, reading, cooking, shelling on the beach, jewelry making and spending time with my husband John and our two Ragdoll cats, Summer and Dakota.

Nancy Esposito

Administrative Assistant

WHAT I DO AT ST. MICHAEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL: Administrative Assistant. Run the everyday operations of the school office. YEARS AT ST. MICHAEL: Since the opening of the school in Aug. of 1999 REASON FOR JOINING THE STAFF: Due to a job move for my husband Joe, we relocated from Meriden, CT. I was previously employed at the time at Sacred Heart Academy in Hamden, CT. Sacred Heart is an all-girls college preparatory school. Being employed in a Catholic School setting for a number of years, and also coming from such a strong Catholic family background, I knew that this was something I wanted to continue. I love children and enjoy working in an environment that brings such inspiration and grace. I truly feel blessed to be a part of St. Michael Catholic School. INTERESTS/HOBBIES: I enjoy sports, exercise, cooking, being outdoors and spending time with my family and friends. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Happily married for 34 years. My husband Joe and I (both die-hard Red Sox Fans) are blessed with 2 wonderful children. My daughter Amy, who lives in Cumberland, RI with her husband Ronnie and my son, Joey who lives in Meriden, CT. We also enjoy and spend a lot of our time with our pet Chihuahua, “Bigglz”.

Debbie Floyd

Bookkeeper

Years at St. Michael: Since January 2006


Reasoning for joining staff: Started off volunteering in the Cafeteria and tutoring children who needed extra attention. I enjoy working with children and was impressed with the dedication and love that the teachers provide to each of the students. After volunteering in the cafeteria, I was the 1st grade aide for 1 1/2 years.  I now have moved into the school office and work as the bookkeeper. Occasionally I still get the opportunity to work with the children if needed.


Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of South Carolina at Coastal.


Experience:  I worked in a Corporate Office for 15 years as the Assistant Corporate Accounting Manager. 


Hobbies: I enjoy all sports, I especially enjoy going to see Myrtle Beach Pelicans Baseball.


Additional information: I have been married to my husband Bob for 17 years. I have (1) son, Bobby who currently is in fifth grade at St. Michael. I moved from Connecticut to Conway in 1979 to attend Coastal Carolina College and have lived in Conway ever since.

Joanne Gaboriau

5th Grade Homeroom Teacher/5th-8th grade social studies/reading

Joanne Gaboriau moved here from New Bedford, MA two years ao. She just wanted to get out of shoveling snow and wipe some sand from her feet.

She taught at St. Anthony’s Catholic School in New Bedford for four years where she taught grades 5-8 history, social studies, science, math and geography. Mrs. G began her career at St. Michael in 2005 as a substitute teacher before accepting the fifth grade position.


She attended Massasoit Community College and graduated in 1986 with an Associates Degree.
She then received a bachelor’s degree (double major) in Education and English in 1999 from Bridgewater State College.

Before accepting her position at St. Anthony’s, she volunteered in the Retired Reading program in Plymouth, MA where she tutored students in reading at Manoment Elementary School.

Joanne truly enjoys teaching. Here’s the poem that inspired her career in education:
“It will not matter how much money I had in my checking account, what style clothes I wore or the kind of car I drove. What matters is I touched the life of a child.” Author Unknown

Anne Harris

Kindergarten

Mrs. Harris grew up in the Washington D.C. area. She got a degree in Elementary Education from Mount Saint Mary’s College in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Mrs Harris taught for 6 years at 2 Catholic schools in the D.C. area before moving to South Carolina. Mrs. Harris taught grades 2, 4, 5 and 6th and 7th.

Mrs. Harris moved to South Carolina 13 years ago. This is her second year here at St. Michael’s and her first as kindergarten teacher. She has been involved with the MOMS Club of Surfside, First Baptist WeeSchool, and continues to coordinate donations for Help 4 Kids.

Sarah Kelly

Fine Arts and Classical Studies

Mrs. Kelly joined the St. Michael Catholic School staff in 2006. In addition to teaching Music, Art, Latin, and Roman History at St. Michael’s, she is an instructor of Music History and Italian at Coastal Carolina University. Before moving to the South Carolina coast with her husband in 2006, Mrs. Kelly ran a private music studio and served in various Catholic music ministries for many years. She is the author of historical novels for young readers, including “The Red Priest’s Annina” and “Jazz Girl,” and co-founder of Bel Canto Press, which publishes Catholic-appropriate books that serve as fundraising and educational tools for Catholic schools and churches. A native of Richmond, Virginia, Mrs. Kelly holds a BA in English and MLA in Liberal Arts from the University of Richmond, as well as an MA in Music from the University of Virginia. Her special interests include musical performance, cultural studies, foreign languages, and creative writing. Mrs. Kelly loves sharing the joy of learning and serving our Creator with the St. Michael School family!

Marla Marks

First Grade Teacher at St. Michael Catholic School

Reason For Joining Staff:

  • Started at St. Michael Catholic School in 2003.
  • Marla wanted to teach school in a Christian environment.
  • “I love to be able to incorporate our faith in my teaching.”


Work History

  • Forestbrook Middle School – Special Education and Resource and Inclusion.
  • St. Andrews Catholic School. taught, first grade, fourth grade and fifth grade.
  • Syosset, NY, taught first grade.

Education:

  • Bachelor Degree in Education K-12
  • Bachelor Degree in Special Education from CW Post College, Long Island University in Brookville, NY.

Additional Information:

Married to husband John for 25 years. She has lived here for over 20 years. Marla and John have a son John and two daughters, Loren and Jenna. In addtion to teaching, Marla enjoys bike riding, the beach, aerobics, cooking and baking, and loves spending time with family and friends.

Chompy Michaels

School Mascot
Personal Information: Born: Everglades, FLA. 
Parents: Father, Wally (Actor), Mother, Allie (Private InvestiGATOR) 
Birthday: 1-23-04 Favorite Food: Sushi 
Favorite Drink: GATORade 
Favorite Store: The Lazy Gator – Restaurant Row, Murrells Inlet 
Favorite Hobby: Dancing! 
Biggest Accomplishment: Standing on two legs! 
Adopted: October 18, 2006 
Follow me on Facebook! Search under Chompy Michaels to check out my page.
What brought you to St. Michael Catholic School? Before my arrival at St. Michael Catholic School, I was living in a nearby marsh. I couldn’t imagine going through another harsh winter. My skin is scaly enough! My gator friends told me about a school named “Saint Michael Catholic School” who named their team “The Gators” after us. Since everyone raved about your school, I thought I would check it out for myself. The night before I left the marsh, I wrote a letter to Sister Roberta and the students asking for their permission to live at the school. I packed my alligator bags and headed down Cypress Avenue. I waited outside until after lunch, and watched Ms. Jeri and the students practice their basketball skills. They were AMAZING! I guess you could say they were real “intimaGATORS”. I snuck in behind the stage and waited until all the students were in the gym. I finally got my nerve up and jumped through the curtain – hoping Sister Roberta and the students would agree to let me live at the school.  Everyone was so friendly and hospitable! I was so happy I started to do my “happy dance”! I finally feel like I have a real home and I love my new family! Thank you GATORS for making me feel so welcome. 
Work Experience: Before joining the staff at St. Michael, I modeled for a company called Lacoste (formerly known as Izod). I had no idea what I was posing for until I saw my likeness on all those shirts!  I wasn’t at Lacoste for long, but I think I made a lasting impression. I decided retail wasn’t for me when a lot of clothing companies started making belts and shoes from materials that, for some reason, made me very nervous.  After that, I moved to the beach and worked at various golf courses up and down the Grand Strand. I tried to make friends with the golfers, but most of them would run from me when I tried to get close enough to give them some friendly advice about their golf swing! Do you know how much it hurt my feelings to constantly hear them say, “Relax Bob, it’s not an alligator, it’s just a log!”  Thank goodness I have tough skin. 
Most Memorable Moment:  I will never forget how happy I felt when I arrived at Saint Michael Catholic School on October 18, 2006. This is definitely my new home for the next 245 million years.

Kristen Montsinger

Seventh Grade Teacher


I grew up in the Washington, DC area. I graduated in 1996 from East Carolina University with a BS in Elementary Education. After college I lived briefly in Wilmington, NC where I worked at Huntington Learning Center and as a substitute and resource teacher in Brunswick County Schools. I relocated to the Myrtle Beach area in 1998 and began working at Sylvan Learning Center. I started as a substitute teacher at St. Michael during its first year of existence. In the 2000-2001 school year I began teaching the first 5th grade class at St. Michael. I continued in that position for the next 5 school years before taking a break from teaching to spend more time with my young son. I returned to St. Michael for the 2007-2008 school year as a substitute teacher and tutor before becoming this year’s seventh grade teacher.

In addition to teaching and tutoring, I enjoy doing all kinds of arts and crafts, reading, being outdoors, and spending time with my husband, Chris, and son, Lucas. 

Brenda Morris

Kindergarten Teacher Aide

Mrs. Morris grew up in the Washington D.C. area. I started volunteering at Saint Michael’s School when my son Shawn started Kindergarten in 2001. I was volunteering all the time so Sister Roberta decided it was time to put me to work full-time in 2002, and I’ve been the Kindergarten Aide ever since. I truly love working with the children in our classroom.

Brandi Murphy

After School Enrichment Program Coordinator

Years at St.Michael: Since August of 2008.


Reason for joining the staff: I have been volunteering at the school since my daughter started Pre-K here in the fall of 2007. I enjoy helping in the Cafeteria and tutoring some of the reading groups. When the opportunity became available in the fall of 2008 for me to join the After School Enrichment Program I was very grateful for the chance to become more involved with the school and the children.

Education and Work Experience: Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from Coastal Carolina University. I worked for several years at a local veterinary hospital before I had my daughter and decided to stay home full time with her.

Hobbies and Interests: I enjoy reading, bike riding, being outdoors and most of all spending time with family and friends.

Additional Information: My husband Daniel and I have been married since 1994 and have one daughter, Catherine, who will be entering 1st Grade this fall. We have attended St.Michael Catholic Church since 1996. As parents, our child’s school environment is very important to us and we feel very blessed to giving our daughter such a wonderful start on her educational and spiritual journey.

Kyle Myres

Junior High Math & Science Teacher at St. Michael Catholic School

Reason For Joining Staff:


  • I grew up in St. Andrews Catholic School and I believe a Catholic Education is best for children.

Work History:


  • Participated in “Project Seed” in Dallas, TX, a nationally acclaimed mathmatics program targeting “at-risk” students.

  • Fort Worth Adult Education, taught “English as Second Language”.

  • Radio Shack Corporate Office, Project Manager and Systems Analyst.

  • St. Theresa’s Residential Treatment Center

Education:


  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at Duke University

Awards and Additional Information:


  • Named an Elite Teacher of South Carolina by the SC Council on Economic Education. Elite Teachers are our ambassadors of economic education.

  • Awarded Merrill Lynch Distinguished Advisor Award for the State of South Carolina for creative use of teaching economics and use of the Stock Market Game. Won an all expense paid trip to the New York Stock Exchange Teachers Workshop in July 2006

  • 2006 Coached nationally winning science team consisting of four sixth grade students. Team was recognized for their winning entry for the ExploraVision Awards sponsored by Toshiba. The team received “Honorable Mention” on their “Cancer Identification System” from a total of 4,503 entries submitted by a total of 13,942 students and 897 coaches. Click here for full story.

  • North Crowley High School Parent Student Association board member for two year.

  • Taught “Toastmasters Youth Leadership Workshop at St. Peter Catholic School for three semesters.

  • Volunteer of the year award at St. Peter Catholic School for two years.

  • 1995 Founding member of RadioShack Toastmasters; earned rank of Competent Toastmaster, Able Toasmaster Bronze and Competent Leader; member 1995-2001

  • Full time volunteer for the Catholic Charities youth services for one year 1988-89

  • Founder and coordinator of weekly faith support program in the Duke Catholic student community – two years

  • Sunday school teacher at St. Ignatious Catholic Church, two years.

Teresa Carol Poirier

4th Grade teacher since 1999 and tutor of students K-5

Reason for joining staff:

My husband, Bob, and I had moved from Prince William County, VA to Murrells Inlet in June 2000. After teaching in public elementary schools for the last 32 years I was not ready to retire. The possibility of making an impact in a Catholic School was very appealing. Having been raised a Catholic and having attended Catholic Elementary School, Grades 1-8 myself, I was excited about returning to that kind of environment and making a faith filled contribution. Here was an opportunity to teach as well as spread the Gospel to our youth.

Past Employment:

  • Antietam Elementary, Woodbridge, Prince William County,VA 1990-2000 Grade 4
  • Pattie Elementary, Dumfries, Prince William County,VA 1978-1990 Grade 4
  • Sharon Springs Central, Sharon Springs, New York 1965-1975 Grades K-6

Education:


  • Bachelor of Arts Degree 1965
    Elementary Education K and Common Branch Subjects and Early Secondary Social Studies
    State University of New York, Oneonta, NY

  • Master of Science Degree 1969
    Elementary Education K – Elementary 1-7 with specialization in History and Social Sciences
    State University of New York, Oneonta, NY

  • Postgraduate work at State University of New York, Oneonta, NY
    Postgraduate work at George Mason University, VA, and University of Virginia

  • Total credits: MS plus 27 hours

  • Permanent certification from New York

Awards/Other Information:


  • Served as 4th grade level chairperson and lead teacher in mathematics in Virginia.

  • Served as the organizer and faculty advisor to the Student Council Association in two county schools.

  • Scored Writing Samples for the Literacy Passport Tests.

  • Drafter proposals for and received educational grants for Student Council work in two Prince William County Schools(Washington Post Award)

  • Drafted proposals and received grant for a 1996 Olympic Celebration held at Antietam Elementary School in Prince William County, Virginia.

  • Served as administrator for the United States Olympic Development Soccer teams at the local, state and national level. Duties included planning trips to tournaments in the United States and abroad, scheduling games, arranging room and board, airline reservations, conflict resolution, and field work.

  • Served as a member of faculty and the National Advisory Board of the Civil War Education Association. Conducted seminars and tours of eastern battlefields and sites especially where Clara Barton served.

  • Past president and co-founder to the “Friends of Clara Barton” at Glen Echo, Maryland National Historical Site.

  • Published articles on Clara Barton in The Washington Times.

  • Performed “living history” programs on Clara Barton’s Civil War work.

  • Assisted husband with the research, field work, and drafting of two Civil War Books.

  • Interests and hobbies include reading, travel, golf, knitting, and gardening.

Edward Pott

Staff - Computers

Reason For Joining Staff:


  • I retired from the business world and volunteered at Saint Michael School to provide leadership in computer technology.


Work History:

  • TRW / Northrop Grumman for 31 years specializing in the design and development of advanced state-of-the-art satellite ground processing computer systems.


Education:

  • Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Illinois.

  • Completed the coursework requirements for a PHD in Computer Science.

  • Post-Graduate courses at University of California (UCLA) in advanced system engineering.


Military Experience:

  • United States Air Force February 14, 1963. Served in advance Radar Maintenance maintaining aircraft used for surveillance missions over Cuba and Vietnam. Stationed at McCoy Air Force Base in Florida through August of 1967.


Awards:

  • Managed the development of the Earth Observing System ground system processing at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Goddard, MD. Received personal and team honors from NASA for outstanding leadership and distinguished service during the 9/11 national tragedy.

Juan Rojas

Spanish Teacher, Grades K-8

Hello,
My name is Juan Manuel Rojas. I am originally from Bogota, Colombia located in South America. This 2005-2006 school year is my third consecutive year teaching here at Saint Michael’s.

I earned my Bachelors in Science degree in Industrial Engineering and Certification as an Industrial Engineer from the University of America in Colombia, South America. I came to the United States to study English and fell in love with South Carolina, as well as my wonderful wife. As much as I love residing in the United States, I of course miss my Country of Origin, Colombia. This is what led me to my teaching career. Teaching Spanish allows me to share the Spanish culture and language with wonderful, curious, young minds.

Before I moved to the U.S.A, I worked as an Industrial Engineer for Poliform, which is a large manufacturing Company in Bogota, Colombia. I also taught courses on Auto-CAD to in-training employees. Following my move to the U.S.A, I worked for Horry County Public School System as a Spanish teacher, and provided translating services for public school meetings and local businesses. I then became aware of the opening for a Spanish teacher at Saint Michael’s Catholic School and felt that this is where God wanted me to be. I continue to provide verbal and written translation services for various local businesses as well.

I consider it a privilege to share my culture and language with the students and faculty here at Saint Michael’s Catholic School. I believe that a good education is one of the greatest gifts that we can give our children, and I am honored to be taking part in providing an excellent educational foundation for our youth here at Saint Michael’s. God Bless.

Yours Truly,
Juan M. Rojas

Beth Romano

Eighth Grade/ 5th-8th Science

Teach Junior High Science, Health, Environmental Issues, Newspaper Publishing and Photography.



Education:



  • B.S. in Biology, State University of New York, College at Oneonta

  • M.S. in Science Education, Hofstra University

  • Current South Carolina and New York Certified Teacher: Middle School Science, Biology, and General Science.


Work Experience:



  • Taught Biology and Environmental Science at Aynor High School, Aynor, SC

  • Nature & Science Specialist for Maplewood School and Summer Camp, Wantagh, NY

  • Athletic Communications, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY


Additional Information:



  • Member of the National Science Teacher’s Association

  • Volunteer at St. Mary’s Children’s Hospital, Bayside, NY

  • Completed many charity walks for organizations including the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Grand Strand Miracle League and Autism Speaks.

Louanna L. Sowa

Pre-K Teacher at St. Michael Catholic School

Reason For Joining Staff:


  • Louanna joined staff in 2005 to start the four year old Pre-K program at St. Michael.
  • She wanted to work with pre-school children in a Catholic environment.
Work History:

  • Four years teaching pre-school at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.
  • Four years at Low Country Day School teaching third and fourth grades combined
  • Three years teaching fourth grade, two years teaching middle school at St. James Middle School
  • and three years teaching high school english.
Education:

  • Graduate of USC with degree in secondary education, english.
  • Certified in early childhood education, elementary education, middle school language arts, and high school English. 
  • Continues to take graduate courses in field of expertise.
Additional Information:

  • Married to Stan Sowa and has two children – Michael and Sherrie. Louanna has three grandsons.
  • She enjoys reading, swimming, spending time with family and friends, and RV’ing.
  • Louanna is currently a Eucharistic Minister for school masses at St. Michael Church.
Louanna has a S.C. certification in Secondary English, Middle School Language Arts, Elementary Education, and Early Childhood Education. She continues taking graduate courses while at St. Michael School to maintain current certification and to keep current in the field of Early Childhood education.

Paige Stih

Gifted & Volunteer Programs

I began working at St. Michael Catholic School the year we opened – 11 years ago!  I taught First Grade the first four years we were open, and have been running the Tutoring program for the last 7 years. I work with students from St. Michael after school and during the Summer months. In addition, I tutor students from Waccamaw Elementary, Waccamaw Intermediate, and Lowcountry Day School.  Previously, I taught at All Saints Day School and St. Anthony Catholic School in Florence, SC. Before that, I attended the College of Charleston and graduated from Francis Marion University with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education. 


I have one daughter who attended St. Michael School from the 2nd grade through the 8th grade. She will be in college next year!  I grew up at Pawleys Island and reside there now with my husband, Jimmy.  As a parent and teacher, I feel that I see all aspects of our school, and I couldn’t be happier.  My daughter, Shelby, was very well prepared for High School Honors classes and has done super well as a result of the education she got here.  Being a teacher here I feel that I have the “inside scoop” of how the school has grown and of what goes on “behind the scenes”, and I would have my daughter attend St. Michael School all over again! It was such a good experience for her that she continues to tell me how much she misses being here. The academics, the teachers, the new administration, and the entire staff excel what I as a teacher and a parent would look for in a school. 

Joan Williams

Third Grade Teacher at St. Michael Catholic School

Reason For Joining Staff:


  • To teach in a religious setting.

  • Began teaching at St. Michael Catholic School in 2005

Work History:


  • Arcadia Unified School District in California. Taught four years of kindergarten, two years in first grade.

  • Horry County School District (Homewood Elementary) one year in first grade.

Education:


  • Received a BS in Elementary Education from SUNY Oneonta and MS in Reading Education from SUNY Cortland.

Awards and Additional Information:


  • In 2006, Mrs. WIlliams class received the school’s highest scores on the IOWA standardized test.

  • Compared with students around the nation, the third grade class topped 83 percent of other students.

  • The average school score was 72 percent while the national norm is 50 percent.

  • While working at Archadia, Joan and co-workers contributed to Baldwin Stocker Elementary School becoming a “distinguished school.” Joan is married to fellow teacher, David Williams and have two children and a golden retriever named Madison.
Excellence in Education. Respect for Life.