SCHOOL STAFF

Fr. Joe Sellas

Pastor

Michelle Gavin

Principal

My Husband, Rob and I married in 1988, and have been members of Holy Trinity Parish for 35 years. Together we raised two children, Tommy and Marie who attended Holy Trinity K-8th grade. I am enjoying my new role as grandmother to three and one on the way. With more than thirty years in the field of education, I have worked as a special education teacher, fourth-grade teacher, and administrator in both public and Catholic schools, in urban, suburban and rural settings. I enjoy time outdoors; flower gardening and hiking with my family.

Monica

Kendrick

Secretary

I moved to Paola, KS and started working at Holy Trinity almost 2 years ago. I also made Holy Trinity my home parish after visiting it off and on with my family for over 25 years. I believe this school provides an excellent education for all children. Curriculum is taught by caring teachers with compassion and love in a safe, nurturing environment. 

Sheila

Tappan

Secretary

I love my job at Holy Trinity as the school secretary. I am in my 2nd full year as a part of the Holy Trinity Family. In the past, I worked in the Olathe School District as a paraprofessional/job coach in the Special Education Program for 18 years. My passion is helping others learn and succeed one way or another through life's challenges.

For myself, I love being with my family and outside being active. My husband, Don and I bought a farm two years ago and we love it! I love flower/veggie gardening, watching the sun rise through the seasons and tending to bees along with many other things around the farm. We have two young adult children Kayla and Cody along with 4 dogs and 3 cats. 
 

Becky Scroggie

Pre-K

My name is Becky Scroggie and I am excited to be your child's Pre-K teacher! I am an avid reader and my favorite part of our Pre-K day is reading to your children! 

I grew up in Paola and am a proud alumni of HTS. My husband Carl and I have four children who are also graduates of HTS. Nora still lives at home and is a Junior at Paola High School. I look forward to getting to know your family and partnering with you to make this year a fun learning experience for your child!

Jennifer Seaman

Kindergarten

I am excited to be your child's kindergarten teacher this year.

 Here is a little bit about me..... I graduated from Emporia State University in 1994. I have been

blessed to teach here at Holy Trinity School since the fall of 1994. My family

consists of Jason, my husband. We have two wonderful children Katie and Nathan. I grew up on a farm in Ottawa and attended Sacred Heart elementary school.

 As an adult, I now realize what an impact my Catholic education made in my life. I have told my parents thank you so many times for giving me the opportunity to grow in

my faith. Now, I have the best job in the world. I love HTS!

Suzanne Colwell

First and Second Grade

I graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Elementary Education. I began teaching after serving four years in the U.S. Air Force. I’ve been teaching first grade at Holy Trinity since 2008 and am now in my 18th year.

I enjoy nature walks at Miola Lake, reading fiction, watching movies, and spending time with my family and pets—my Sheltie, Maggie, and two cats, Skippy and Pete.

Converting to Catholicism was one of the most life-changing decisions of my life. Teaching at Holy Trinity continues to deepen my faith as I guide students in their learning and prepare them for the sacraments of reconciliation and first communion—true highlights of every school year.

Natalie Ball

Second and third Grade

 I moved to Paola in 2017. I have been an educator since 2003. With a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, a Master's in Instructional Design and Technology, and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Administration, I am deeply committed to enhancing the learning experience for students. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy camping, traveling, and spending quality time with my four children and husband. 

Breanna Wagner

third and Fourth Grades

 I graduated from Emporia State University with my B.S. in elementary education. I worked as a Title teacher for the first two years. This is my fifth year teaching at Holy Trinity. I have been teaching for a total of seven years. I enjoy reading, gardening, going on walks, playing with my cat, teaching religion and spending time with my family / friends. I love coffee and chocolate.


Nancy Geiger

fifth-eight grade

I grew up in NY and attended Holy Trinity school/parish in Whitestone, NY. After elementary school I went to Msgr. Scanlan High School in the Bronx. I attended Avila University in Kansas City, where I settled, married and had a family.


I have been married to my husband Todd for 32 years and we have three daughters and five grandchildren. 


In my spare time, I enjoy reading, gardening, taking walks and learning how to quilt.


I spent most of my career in management at The Kansas City Star, a few years ago I had an opportunity to teach here at Holy Trinity. It is truly one of the best decisions that I have made. I am on a wonderful journey with extraordinary students and staff teaching in a loving, faith based community. Everyday is a new adventure. I love every student and enjoy watching them grow in faith and knowledge.

Patrick Poetter

Fifth-Eight grade

Hello, my name is Patrick Poetter, and I am honored to be your children’s teacher this year.

I am a proud father of two wonderful kids, and together we love adventure and spending time outdoors. Whether it’s exploring new places, hiking, or simply enjoying nature, being outside is one of my favorite ways to recharge. I also enjoy reading in my free time.

I graduated from MidAmerica Nazarene University with a degree in education, and I am passionate about helping every child grow and succeed. 


Amber French

Resource

Amber French is Holy Trinity's Student Improvement Team Leader. Amber supports teachers in helping students achieve success. She works at St Rose in Garnett on Tuesdays, Sacred Heart in Ottawa on Monday and Wednesdays and at Holy Trinity on Thursday and Friday. Amber and her husband David have four children who attend Holy Trinity. When Amber is not at school, you can find her tending her chickens and ducks or at her kid’s sports practices or games. 

Alexis Harwood

Music

Mrs. Harwood is originally from New Jersey, but just moved here from Utah. She enjoys baking, doing crafts, watching movies with her husband, and making music! She plays the trombone, flute, and piano and is excited to share her love of music with the students at Holy Trinity!


Jeannie Fedor

Physical education
Virtue Education

I received my BS in Physical Education K-12 from Castleton University in Vermont. 

I have taught Physical Education 25 years,

coached varsity track for 18 years and taught religion for 20 years combined in Vermont and Kansas. 

I have been a DRE of Holy Trinity Catholic School and taught chastity for 5 years in Vermont. I am passionate about teaching students life skills and the importance of staying healthy through exercise and eating a healthy diet. 

My favorite subject is teaching about Jesus, the Virtues, and bringing our students to Adoration to worship our Lord. 


Jamie Behrendt

Para-Educator

As an educator at a Catholic School I strive to embody the values of faith, goodness, and love for creation. Being a mother and a lover of animals I find joy in nurturing and caring for others in all aspects in my life. I also enjoy staying active and exploring the outdoors, finding solace and inspiration in the beauty of God's creation.

Wendy Kuhlman

Para-educator

I am very fortunate this is my 3rd year at Holy Trinity. I have worked in public schools Olathe and Desoto for 15 years combined as early childhood special education, Autism instruction and resource. I also spent 14 years at the Leigh Ann Britain Development center as Para Professional in classrooms and therapy sessions for infants to age 6. 

I am married to my Husband, Ralph, and 3 Children: Sheldon 33, Brent 31, Devin 22. 


Marie Sullivan

Marketing and Development

I am excited to serve as the new Marketing and Development Director at Holy Trinity. For the past seven years, I taught 5th and 6th grade at Corpus Christi in Lawrence and Most Pure Heart of Mary in Topeka. Teaching gave me such a love for working with students, families, and the wider parish community, and I’m looking forward to continuing that connection in a new way through this role.

I recently transitioned into this position so I could  spend more time with my children, Hudson and Finley. I feel very blessed to be able to balance family life with continuing to serve the Church community, and I’m eager to share my gifts to help support the mission of Holy Trinity.

Lisa Rojas

Lunch Program manager

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our students each day through the lunch program. My hope is that the cafeteria is not just a place to eat, but also a space filled with kindness and joy. I enjoy being part of our Catholic school community and feel blessed to share in the students’ daily lives. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, trying new recipes, baking and gardening. I look forward to getting to know each student and family as we share this school year together.

Wyatt Ramsdell

Custodian

Brent McBride

Custodian