Faculty

St. Philomena School Faculty

The teaching faculty and support staff are dedicated to supporting high achievement by implementing various teaching strategies, differentiated learning structures, best teaching practices, and summative and formative assessments. Further, they are committed to having a positive home/school partnership that is built on effective communication and mutual trust and respect. The school’s faculty and staff are professionals who keep current with up-to-date staff development in academics, religion, and annual Safe Environment refresher courses, and yearly First Aid/CPR training.

Mrs. Meghan Hoyer – 8th Grade Homeroom and Literature, Algebra, Geometry, 6-8th Grade science

Mrs. Hoyer has been teaching for 24 years, 22 of which have been at St. Philomena. Meghan graduated from Central Washington University with a B.S. in Math/Science Education and a B.A. in Elementary Education. Meghan has been married to her husband Nate for 17 years. They enjoy golfing together, are Seattle Kraken season ticket holders, and avid travelers. She likes to get up in the air at least once every year and has a goal to go to every continent…three down…four to go! When asked what she likes about her job she said, “I absolutely love going to 6th grade environmental ed. camp and watching my students explore the world around them!”

Mrs. Shannon Foster- 7th Grade Homeroom, 6th & 8th Grade History, Math 3, 7th Grade ELA, 8th Religion

Mrs. Foster has been teaching middle school for ten years. This is her sixth year teaching at St. Philomena. Shannon came to Washington from Kentucky, but she grew up in Texas. She has been married for 20 years and has three children, two of which graduated from St. Philomena. Mrs. Foster returned to college after the birth of her three children, and she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Thomas More College (a private, Catholic University in Northern Kentucky). She received her BA in Elementary Education and Middle School Studies with a focus on English/Language Arts and Social Studies. She taught social studies and English/Language Arts at both private and public schools in Kentucky. Shannon loves teaching, and feels blessed to be a part of the St. Philomena community.

Ms. Melissa Tarabochia- 8th English, Librarian and Art Teacher (Prek-8th)

Melissa started at St. Philomena in first grade and has been a member of the community ever since, first as a student and then a parent and teacher. Melissa graduated from St. Philomena in 1985, Kennedy Catholic High School in 1989 and Eastern Washington University in 1984 with a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education and has spent her entire teaching career in Catholic education. Both her children continued the tradition by attending St. Philomena School. Her daughter Lucy graduated from Western Washington University in Spring of 2021 and her son, Emmett, will be starting his sophmore year at Central Washington University. She is an avid reader who shares her love of good books with the entire school community (even the parents). She also enjoys camping in the summer, knitting and attending as many Mariners games as she can. Ms.T is excited to be starting her 20th year of teaching by bringing a full time art program back to St.Philomena.

Katy Korzeniecki- 6th Grade Homeroom, 6th English, Math 1, Resource Teacher

Mrs. Katy Korzeniecki has worked at St. Philomena School for the past nine years. Graduating from Central Washington University in 2009 with a degree in elementary and early childhood education, she started working at St. Phil's as the Title I/Resource teacher. While taking on different roles over the past several years including teaching library, she currently has taken on the role of 6th grade homeroom teacher and 6th grade English while continuing to also teach middle school math (Math I). The rest of the time she coordinates the Title program while also being a resource teacher. Having grown up in the Des Moines area, Mrs. Korzeniecki is married to a St. Philomena alum (Matt) and has two children, Bailey (7th grade) and Colton (4th grade). In her spare time she loves to read and spend time with her family. Mrs. Korzeniecki loves teaching and being a part of the St. Phil community!

Mrs. Christina Barton – 6th Grade Religion & Literature, 7th Religion

Mrs. Barton is a Kennedy Catholic High School and Gonzaga University graduate. While at Gonzaga University, she earned her Bachelor's degree in Special Education, and later a Master's degree in Educational Leadership. She taught 9 years in Special Education at middle school level in public school setting before coming to St. Philomena Catholic School. Mrs. Barton took some time off to start a family, subbed in the interim, and then held the Title 1 position for St. Philomena School before becoming the 6th grade teacher in 2012. She is married to love of her life, Kieran, for 23 years and is blessed with three amazing gifts from God: Nickolas (16), Charlotte(13) and Bennett(5) She loves being with her family, all things outdoors and cheering for her favorite athletes- her children. She feels very fortunate to be able to share her faith and Catholic values with the school community and truly teach the whole child.

Mr. Tyler Evans- 5th Grade

This will be Mr. Tyler's eighth year of teaching here at St. Philomena. Tyler was born and raised in Federal Way, Washington and has lived in the state his entire life. He is a proud alumni of St. Philomena and loved the school so much that he decided to come back and teach here! He graduated from Kennedy high school, he completed his B.A. in Psychology from Western Washington University, and his Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Western Governors University. He is a huge fan of both watching and playing all sports. His two favorite teams are the Mariners and the Eagles. His favorite subject in school has always been writing and that is the subject he most enjoys teaching as well. His favorite part of the job is getting to know his students, creating a positive and exciting classroom, and trying to make all students enjoy coming to school every day.

Mrs. Teri O’Connor – 4th Grade

Teri celebrated her 27th year in teaching, and all of those years have been at St. Philomena! She has taught 5th grade, P.E., Resource, and is now enjoying her 15th year in 4th grade. Mrs. O’Connor earned her B.A. in Special Education and teaching certificate at Central Washington University. Teri is married to her high school sweetheart, Patrick, and they are the proud parents of Jordan (25) and Dylan (21). Teri loves teaching all subjects, however religion, science and math are her favorites. When asked what she loves about her job she said, “I love watching the students grow in their faith, learning that even at their age they can make a difference in this world by, "Doing small things with great love!" - Mother Teresa. I love watching them explore and make discoveries that surprise them and excite them about learning!”

Mrs. Amy Apthorp – 3rd Grade

This is Amy's 25th year teaching! Of those 25 years, this will be her 18th year teaching third grade! Amy earned a Bachelors of Arts Degree from Central Washington University with a Major in Early Childhood Education and Minor in Elementary Education. She earned her Masters Degree from City University in Educational Technology. In addition to St. Philomena, she has taught in the Highline School District, All Saints Catholic School in Puyallup and Holy Rosary Catholic School in Tacoma.
Amy and her husband, David, have been married for 25 years. They live in Federal Way. They have two daughters, Paige (20) and Lauren (18). Paige and Lauren are graduates of St. Philomena! Amy has lived in the South Seattle area for most of her life. She attended St. Francis of Assisi School in Seahurst as a child for grades K-8! Catholic Schools have been a big part of her life as a student, teacher and parent.
"I love working in partnership with families to help their children grow academically, socially and spiritually."

Miss Karen Constantino- 2nd Grade

Miss Constantino is a long time Seattle resident, and graduated from Kennedy High School. She has been teaching for 33 years, first working in the Highline School District before being hired in the Archdiocese with 28 years at St. Brendan, a year at St. Francis, and this is her second year at St. Philomena. Her nephews are graduates of St. Philomena. She holds an Associates of Arts degree from Highline College, and a B.A. in Education with a double major from Central Washington University. Miss Constantino spends her time doing genealogy work for her family and has created a family history. She is also passionate about football and baseball, and loves to travel. Her favorite subjects to teach are reading and social studies. It brings her great joy to watch her students have those AHA moments as they become more confident. Her favorite quote is, “Be how God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” St. Catherine of Siena.

Miss A’ndria Salcedo – 1st Grade

This will be A’ndria Salcedo’s 21st year of teaching, all of which have been at St. Philomena School! She was born and raised in Federal Way, Washington. A’ndria graduated from St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School and John F. Kennedy High School. She has earned her A.A., B.A. and Master’s Degree in Education from Central Washington University. A’ndria is an avid traveler who loves to learn about different cultures. She also enjoys staying physical fit by going to the gym, snowboarding, sailing, hiking and playing a variety of sports. A’ndria also loves to read and listen to old time radio shows. Miss Salcedo’s loves teaching all subjects but Reading and Religion are her favorites. When asked what her favorite part of her job is she said, “I love seeing the students eyes light up when they have learned something new and it’s clicked for them.”

Mrs. Mary Horn- Kindergarten

This is Mrs. Horn’s 12th year teaching at St. Philomena School and her 17th year of service within the Seattle Archdiocese. She earned her Master's Degree in Education, as well as endorsements in elementary education, reading and ELL for grades Pre-K-12. Mary loves teaching the primary grades--especially kindergarten--- because of the dramatic growth, enthusiasm and love of learning the children demonstrate at this precious age. When Mrs. Horn is not in school---or busy preparing for school projects---she loves spending time with family and friends, traveling, cooking, reading and walking on Alki!

Mrs. Jill Hilstad- PreKindergarten

This is Jill Hilstad’s 12th year at St. Philomena School. She started the Pre K program here at St. Philomena in 2012 and the program has been going strong since. She comes to us from Grace Lutheran Preschool, where she taught for 2 years. Jill attended St. Pius X grade school and then went to Bishop Blanchet High School. She graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in Elementary Education and Psychology. She loves being able to work in a Catholic school where she can share her faith and love of God. Jill and her husband Cameron have been parish members of St. Philomena Church for 19 years. They have three wonderful children, all of whom attended St. Philomena School. Jill loves working with four and five year olds because they are so excited about learning, and they actually enjoy getting homework! She loves to watch the growth of the students throughout the year. When she’s not working, Jill likes to spend time with her family and friends.

Ms. Marlys Smidt - Music K-5, Math 2, Liturgical Coordinator

Marlys Smidt is a graduate of St. Philomena School, Holy Names Academy, and Santa Clara University with a Bachelor's in Music and a minor in Chemistry. While attending Santa Clara University, Marlys served as Liturgy Intern for Music in Campus Ministry and Assistant Conductor of the university’s choirs. She began teaching elementary music in San Francisco area public schools with the nonprofit, Music for Minors. Isaac, her 4 year old son, is now the light of her life. They enjoy swimming and going on walks to the park.

Mr. Matt Gregory- PE, Technology and 8th Grade Math

This will be Mr. Gregory's 15th year teaching, and his 12th here at St. Philomena. He is responsible for the multitude of technology needs at St. Phils, 5th-8th grade PE, and math (Pre-Algebra). Matt and his wife Sophia live in Lacey with their 2 sons Cameron (7) and Kane (1.5). Cameron attends St. Philomena and is in the second grade. Matt was a student of Dr. Morissette during his first year as a principal at Holy Family before moving on to O’Dea High School and ultimately Santa Clara University. He is the oldest of 5 children. Matt enjoys sports (Huskies, Mariners, Seahawks, Sounders) and is the varsity soccer coach at O'Dea.

Mr. Sam Morissette- Prek-4th grade PE Teacher

Mr. Sam Morissette has worked at St. Philomena School for the past nine years in Kids' Club, as an instructional aide and now as the PreK-4th grade PE Teacher. He graduated from Fife High School where his favorite subject was English. He is currently attending WGU in the teacher certification program. He is certified in the Sparks PE program. He is married to his wife, Asley. He loves to play video games, read and watch sports. His favorite sport to watch is soccer and the Sounders are his favorite team. He is also a Yankees and Patriots fan and he loves his cat, Binx.