Echoing our "Fishers of Men" newsletter, which emphasizes the need for faithful young men as teachers and role models in Catholic schools, this newsletter highlights the essential role of faithful female educators. Featured here are several women from the fellowship whose witness to Christ's love is beautifully reflected in the stories shared below.
From the earliest days of the Church, women have played an indispensable role in passing on the faith, teaching children to know and love the Lord. Scripture bears witness to their influence—mothers instructing their sons, widows devoting themselves to prayer and good works, and faithful women walking beside Christ, serving as witnesses to His life, death, and resurrection. Today, the work of Catholic education rests heavily on the shoulders of women who embrace a call to teach and dedicate themselves to forming the next generation in both intellect and virtue. Their presence in our schools ensures that young souls are not only well-formed academically but also nourished in the truths of the faith, and loved.
At the Catholic Talent Project, we seek to recruit faithful Catholic women who will carry forth this noble vocation—women whose love for Christ informs their teaching, whose wisdom shapes young minds, and whose example of holiness leaves an indelible mark on their students. Teaching is more than a profession; it is a calling, a participation in the Church's mission to "make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). Through their instruction, their witness, and their daily sacrifices, these educators help lead souls to Christ.
Children learn not only from what is taught in the classroom but from the lives and character of those who teach them. A Catholic education is more than just academic instruction—it is a formation of the whole person, a preparation for both this life and the life to come. Women who teach in Catholic schools do so with a sense of mission, recognizing that their work extends beyond lesson plans and grades. They form habits, nurture virtue, and model lives of faith, offering their students an image of what it means to seek first the Kingdom of God.
We have highlighted below a sampling of the dedicated women who have answered the call to teach through the St. Thomas More Teaching Fellowship, along with reflections on their experience in the classroom. Their work is a labor of love, their influence immeasurable, and their role in the Church's mission irreplaceable. We hope their example inspires others to embrace the call of Catholic education, ensuring that the faith is passed down "to the coming generation, the glorious deeds of the Lord, and His might, and the wonders that He has done" (Psalm 78:4).
Gracie Allen, a graduate of the University of Dallas in Irving, Texas, with a degree in Political Philosophy, has been teaching Middle School English and Religion at St. Mary of the Assumption in Brookline, MA, for the past two years.
"I love my students so much—genuinely. A few weeks ago, for my birthday, my middle-school students surprised me by showing up for early morning Mass at our parish before school. They all gathered around me in the pews, kneeling in prayer, turning to give me a smile and a 'happy birthday' whisper, and it completely lit up my day. Moments like these remind me why I have such a deep passion for education and for forming my students in knowledge, faith and love, and in a profound appreciation for truth, beauty, and goodness.
"One of my greatest joys as a teacher has been mentoring a former student who asked me to be her Confirmation sponsor. When I first arrived, she struggled with her faith and identity, often rejecting what I taught. But over time, her heart opened. One day, through tears, she told me, 'Miss Allen, you changed my life... I love Jesus. I'm all in.' That moment affirmed for me the power of calling on the Holy Spirit daily and the transformative impact of sharing Catholic truth with love. It proved to me that Catholic truth, when shared with love, has the power to transform hearts. It is a gift and a blessing to see the fruits of my labor and to witness firsthand what my vocation makes possible."
"And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." – Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Marie-Sophie Brackstone, a graduate of the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., majored in Philosophy and Music. Last year, she taught 3rd and 4th grade Latin at St. Benedict Classical Academy in Natick, MA. She has since returned to Bermuda, where she now teaches K–8 Music at Mount Saint Agnes Academy in Hamilton.
"After an amazing year at St. Benedict Classical Academy as a St. Thomas More Teaching Fellow, I had to return to my home in Bermuda due to U.S. visa complications. The life of a missionary teacher in a culture that is both lukewarm and hostile to the faith can be difficult, especially at the only Catholic school on an island in the middle of the Atlantic. However, my time as a fellow gave me the momentum to return home with confidence—knowing that this education is my mission and that Catholic education in Bermuda can be both beautiful and life-giving.
"The fellowship taught me that, above all, the witness I give to my students—through virtue, piety, prayer, and joy—is the most transformative gift I can offer. Its mission is not only vital for the Church in the United States but for the whole world. As St. Catherine of Siena said, 'Be who God made you to be, and you will set the world on fire.'"
"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." – Proverbs 31:26
Grace Collins, a graduate of Christendom College in Front Royal, Virginia, majored in History and now serves as the 5th grade teacher at Immaculate Conception in Revere, MA.
"Teaching has been such a joyful experience, though not without its challenges. For me, the most important part is showing my students the love Christ has for them. I've seen children transform from too shy to speak to confidently cracking jokes in class within a year. I have been blessed with the incredible opportunity to witness my students grow—not only academically but also in their love for each other and for Christ."
"We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and His might, and the wonders that He has done." – Psalm 78:4
Rose Dussault, a graduate of Thomas More College in Merrimack, New Hampshire, with a Bachelor's in Liberal Arts, is currently teaching elementary Latin at St. Benedict Classical Academy. Before becoming a teacher, Rose spent several summers working with children as a counselor and lifeguard at a Catholic summer camp. She also brings several years of experience working in both public and college libraries.
"When I first joined the St. Thomas More Teaching Fellowship, I wasn't sure how I felt about teaching. It seemed more like something I had fallen into, rather than something God had called me to.
"Over the course of summer training I began to realize the incredible responsibility I was about to take on. As a teacher, and as a Catholic teacher in particular, I would not only be responsible for my students' minds and bodies, but for their souls as well. Sitting before me in the classroom would be not just children, but young souls. Souls that need to be nourished and formed. Souls that will go on to eternity. I wouldn't be teaching mere children. I would be taking part in the rearing of young immortals.
"Over the course of the nearly two years I have been with the Fellowship, I have realized that God did call me to this vocation; whether for a short while or for life, only time will tell. These past two years have had their share of hardship and toil, but they have also been filled with far more joy and beauty. I feel both blessed and honored to have been called to be a teacher."
"Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." – Luke 1:45
Emma Devine, a graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a B.S. in Mathematics and a B.A. in Music in Piano and Organ Performance, teaches Math at Arlington Catholic High School in Arlington, MA.
"One thing I've quickly learned through teaching is how essential it is to step into my students' shoes. Whether a student is confused by a math problem, battling test anxiety, or just weighed down by something going on in life, I've seen how powerful it can be to respond with humility and compassion. Coming outside of myself to truly see my students' needs—and to serve Christ in them—has required patience, a grace I've come to rely on daily, and a real attentiveness to the Holy Spirit.
"I think of a student—let's call her Rachel—who worked hard and clearly understood the material but continued to earn low test scores. She was so discouraged. I began watching more closely how she studied, quietly affirming her habits and her kindness toward others. Over time, I was able to help her find new strategies to prepare for tests—and her confidence began to grow. I don't believe that was a coincidence. I believe it was grace at work. Teaching continues to stretch me, but it also draws me more deeply into my vocation to love and to serve."
"Wisdom exalts her sons and gives help to those who seek her." – Sirach 4:11
Julie Dwyer, a graduate of Assumption University in Worcester, Massachusetts, holds a B.A. in Spanish and Middle and Secondary Education, with minors in Philosophy and Theology. She currently serves as the Spanish teacher at Blessed Sacrament School in Walpole, MA.
"Childhood and adolescence are filled with confusion, obstacles, and change. It is vital that during these vulnerable years, we introduce students to the one Person who will never be taken away—Jesus Christ—and help them see His presence in every bit of truth they encounter. The passage of Martha and Mary in St. Luke's Gospel reminds us that our relationship with Him is the one thing necessary. As a teacher, I strive to guide my students toward this enduring truth, just as I did during my time as a peer tutor for Spanish and Theology and while working in early education. Teaching is a privilege that allows me to accompany students in both learning and faith."
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." – Proverbs 22:6
Emily Jones, a graduate of Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan, with a degree in History, currently teaches 3rd grade at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus School in Somerville, MA.
"In a season known for suffering, this Lent has brought many joyful and hopeful moments for me as a first-year teacher. One of the most powerful came on a simple Rosary walk with my third graders.
"Eager to enjoy the warmer weather, we took our religion lesson outside, walking through the streets of Somerville while praying the Joyful Mysteries. The children took turns leading the prayers, their voices carrying through the quiet afternoon. As we finished at a nearby park, a man skating nearby approached us.
"'Excuse me?' he said. I instinctively drew the children close, unsure of his intent.
"'Are you from the church down the road? Is it Catholic?' he asked. I nodded.
"'I grew up Catholic,' he continued, 'but I fell away from the Church. I was wondering if I should go back. Should I?'
"'Oh yes!' I said immediately, and my students eagerly joined in. I gave him information about our parish and Mass times, and we wished him well as we left.
"Back in the classroom, I asked my students, 'Does anybody realize what just happened?' They shook their heads. 'That man saw what we were doing—he saw us praying—and by the grace of the Holy Spirit, he was moved to ask if he should return to the Church. Isn't that amazing?' Their eyes filled with wonder as they realized they had been lights in the world, guiding someone back to God.
"May this story be a sign of hope this Lent, a reminder that even in the simplest moments, we may all be fishers of men."
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." — Proverbs 22:6
Kari Lobash, a graduate of North Central College in Naperville, Illinois, with a major in East Asian Studies and a minor in Accounting, has been teaching for the past four years.
Currently, Kari teaches 7th and 8th Grade Theology and serves as the School Librarian at St. Peter's School in Cambridge, MA. Previously, Kari spent two years at Cathedral School in St. Joseph, MO, teaching Middle School ELA, 6th Grade Religion, and serving as the 7th Grade Homeroom teacher. Her first year of teaching was spent in Japan, where she taught English as a Second Language to 1st-6th graders at 13 different elementary schools.
"Teaching—especially in America—forces you to confront yourself. Working with kids brings out both your best and your worst. It's easy to place blame on others, and while there may be some truth to that, the only thing you can truly control is yourself and your response. This profession quickly reveals where your trust lies—will you rely on God, yourself, or others?"
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age." – Matthew 28:19-20
Lily Maciejewski, a graduate of Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, MI, holds a BA in History. She currently teaches Middle School Social Studies and 5th Grade Religion at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus School in Somerville, MA.
"Teaching has been both a sacrifice and a blessing. Some days, it can be hard to find the energy to get up and teach, but amidst the challenges, there are immense blessings, particularly the opportunity to spread the message of the Gospel to my students. One moment that stands out to me is when a fifth grader, struggling with a Social Studies assignment, asked, 'Ms. Maciejewski, why does God make us suffer so much when He doesn't suffer at all?' I paused the lesson, realizing this was a chance to teach him a valuable lesson. I pointed to the crucifix on the wall and explained that, in fact, it was the opposite: God suffered for us. He didn't just let us suffer and wish us luck—He endured the greatest suffering on the cross for our sins. I could tell this lesson would stay with him. Ever since, he's been transfixed by the crucifix, often going up to it, holding it, and asking where he could get one for himself. One of the most beautiful moments I've seen was when my fifth graders took their preschool mass buddies to Mass. Before Mass started, this same student talked to his buddy about the crucifix, pointing to it and explaining how Jesus suffered and died for our sins. That moment made me realize what teaching is all about: inspiring kids to spread the Gospel."
"The wisdom of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down." – Proverbs 14:1
Mary Mawby, a graduate of Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, with a B.A. in Elementary Education, teaches 5th grade at St. Peter's School in Cambridge, MA.
"I discuss with my students how our exterior actions reflect the interior of our hearts. One day, my student Joey asked why we don't kneel when we pray in the classroom if we kneel at Mass. I explained that in a setting outside of a Catholic Church, where Jesus is present in the Eucharist, our actions may be different. However, I told my students that they are always welcome to kneel for morning, lunch, and afternoon prayer in the classroom if they choose. After this conversation, Joey began kneeling during prayer. Soon, many of his classmates followed, and now it has become a regular occurrence in our classroom for students to drop to their knees in prayer.
"After student teaching in public schools, I felt something was missing—something my students longed for in their questions about life. There were truths I wanted to share but couldn't because of the setting. Now, teaching in a Catholic school, I have the freedom to guide my students not only academically but also spiritually. I can help them see the world through the lens of faith, answer their deepest questions, and walk with them in their relationship with God. It's a gift to teach where faith and learning go hand in hand."
"I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you." – Psalm 32:8
Kat Noe, a graduate of Christendom College in Front Royal, Virginia, with a degree in Political Science, teaches Middle School History and Theology at St. Charles School in Woburn, MA.
"Getting to know my female students has been one of my favorite aspects of teaching. At St. Charles, I have been able to start a Ladies Lunch with the 7th and 8th grade girls where we discuss the spiritual component of transitioning from girlhood into womanhood. They often surprise and inspire me with their self-possession and confidence, as I hope the Holy Spirit can inspire them through me. I am blessed to be able to give them a space in my classroom where they can embrace their femininity. I have received positive feedback from parents who are grateful I am able to provide them a space to ask questions about what it means to be a woman of virtue, an ideal that is missing from our modern culture. When they enter my classroom, I aim to help my girls be confident in their identity as a daughter of God."
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God." – Colossians 3:16
Shaela Paganelli, a graduate of King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, holds a B.S. in Medical Studies with minors in Neuroscience and Biology. She teaches Life Science and Physical Science to middle school students at St. Paul's Choir School in Harvard Square.
"One Wednesday afternoon, while I was praying in the choir loft with my boys, preparing to receive Holy Communion, one of my students approached me, whispering, 'Should I become Catholic, Miss Pagnanelli?' With a smile and a thumbs-up, I quietly responded that we could talk about it later. In that moment, my heart overflowed with pure joy, as I silently thanked God for placing me here and for inspiring that beautiful desire in this young man's heart. After Mass, he joined me in my classroom for lunch, where he shared his thoughts and asked questions. He exclaimed, 'I just want to make people happy.' How beautiful it was to hear such words from a young soul, eager to make a difference in the lives of others, even if he was not fully aware that this desire is rooted in a longing to know God. Every day, I see in him a growing love for others, reflecting the love Jesus has for each one of us.
"I was recently reading a meditation by Venerable Madeleine Delbrêl, and I was deeply moved by this powerful message about prayer: '...we soon come to realize that our own powers are inadequate for loving God. We need his love, we need agape. Faith, hope, love (agape) are presents to us from God. He gives them to whoever asks for them. So the prayer that puts us into the presence of the living God will be self-fueling. In teaching us why we love, it will urge us to ask for the power to love. Our desire to offer ourselves as a gift each day, each hour of each day, will become ever stronger and the self we offer will be continually renewed, constantly new...We will have a passionate desire to be more and more like him, reproducing in ourselves even the smallest of his character traits, the least of his thoughts, the slightest of his gestures.'
"This is what teaching is all about: putting aside our own needs and desires and allowing God's love to flow through us to our students. It is by His grace and constant prayer that we are able to love, serve, and care for others with patience, kindness, and humility. What a beautiful gift this is—one that I am continually grateful to God for providing me with strength, allowing me to walk alongside my students, nurturing not only their minds, but their hearts, as they grow in virtue and ultimately His love."
"Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." – Matthew 5:19
Alex Rider, a graduate of Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan, holds a B.A. in English with a minor in Classical Education and serves as the 8th grade homeroom teacher at Sacred Heart STEM School, where she teaches 7th and 8th grade ELA, History, and Theology.
"My greatest takeaway from both my education classes at Hillsdale and my own teaching experience is that compassion, the ability 'to suffer with,' is the heart of a Christian education. Suffering with a student is necessary for them to first understand what love is, and then to practice it with others. This daily call in my job has deepened my personal encounter with the Lord and transformed my understanding of discipleship. Teaching is truly a transformative vocation that must engage the whole person, body and soul, of both student and teacher."
"And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching." – Luke 10:39
Elizabeth Wells, a graduate of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, with a B.S. in Clinical Neuroscience, currently serves as the 3rd grade teacher at East Boston Central Catholic School.
"One of my favorite things about teaching is tapping into my students' natural inclination for imagination and storytelling. While I incorporate storytelling into all subjects, it is especially powerful in religion class, where we bring Bible stories, the lives of the saints, and aspects of the Catholic Church to life through acting and plays. Recently, my students reenacted the story of the Good Samaritan, stepping into the roles of the Levite, the priest, and the Samaritan. By experiencing these scenes firsthand, they enter into the thoughts and emotions of the characters, allowing them to encounter Christ as fully alive and working in their lives."
These educators, among many others, exemplify the spirit of dedication and faith that is foundational to our mission.
Please share this newsletter with anyone who may be interested in supporting or joining our mission. Prospective fellows can direct their inquiries to Peter Nguyen, Executive Director of the St. Thomas More Teaching Fellowship, at pnguyen@saintthomasmorefellows.org or Austin Satrio, the Director of Talent of the St. Thomas More Teaching Fellowship, at asatrio@saintthomasmorefellows.org.
In Christ,
Tom
Thomas W. Carroll
Founder and President
Catholic Talent Project
Cultivating faithful witnesses for our Catholic schools