Our Caring Faculty and Staff
Creating a safe and healthy environment where students thrive
Elizabeth Tokodi, Principal
Elizabeth Tokodi is the Principal of St. Mary Catholic School. She is an alumni of St. Mary Catholic School, Parkersburg Catholic High School, and graduated with an Elementary Education degree with a special Ed certificate K-12. She has her MBA from the Kellar Graduate School with a specialization in Healthcare Management. She enjoys spending time with her 2 daughters Mary and Annie, spending time with her nieces and nephews, running, reading and cooking. Ms. Tokodi looks forward to preparing our students to be leaders in their faith, their communities and Church and building a loving school community and improving how the school looks and operates each year.
Brenda Burkey, Secretary
Mrs. Brenda Burkey, the one that keeps St. Mary Catholic School operating on a daily basis! Mrs. Burkey has been a St. Mary Catholic School employee for over 30 years. She is married to Jeff, has 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren who she enjoys spending time with, watching their sports or activities, shopping, traveling and being with family & friends. We are thankful for Mrs. Burkey everyday of the school year!
Tammi Bradley, Marketing
Tammi has been with St. Mary Catholic School in many roles and is beginning her 17th year with St. Mary Catholic School. Tammi lives in Marietta, has two daughters Emilee and Gabrielle, who are both St. Mary Catholic School Alumni. She graduated from Ohio University in 1992 with a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Services. She enjoys spending time with family & friends, traveling, especially to the beach, shopping & decorating for holidays.
Mya Huffman, School Nurse
Mya is a 2018 graduate of Fort Frye High School and a 2021 graduate of Washington State with her LPN and a 2022 graduate with her Associate’s in Applied Science of Nursing. She is married to Issac Huffman and has a precious baby Eden. Mya enjoys shopping, spending time with family and friends, playing with her dog Molly and watching and coaching sports. Her goals at St. Mary Catholic School is to teach the students the importance of a healthy lifestyle and to respect the human body and it’s systems and to educated students on the human body.
Jenny Altenburger, Treasurer
Jenny Altenburger is the St. Mary School Treasurer. She graduated in 1992 from Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Upon graduation, she worked for almost 10 years with the State Auditor’s Office before being a stay-at-home mom for several years. Jenny’s family moved to Marietta in 2009, and she began working at St. Mary Catholic School in 2010. She’s married to Andy Altenburger and has three children; Jill, age 22; Matt, age 19; and Morgan, age 15. Jenny enjoys attending athletic events, spending time with family, and just being a busy mom!
Kim Kytta, Preschool & After School Care
Mrs. Kim Kytta is St. Mary Catholic School Preschool teacher and after school care coordinator. Mrs. Kytta has two sons, Hayden and Tyler and her sweet dog LuLu. She has taught preschool for over 20 years and uses a blended curriculum approach to reach all of her students. She is an active member of The Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption, loves decorating and organizing. Her goals as a teacher at St. Mary is to teach every child about God and how much he loves them. Miss Kim is a truly special staff member who shows love, care and compassion for all around her! We are blessed to have Miss Kim as a teacher at St. Mary Catholic School!
Stephanie McCutcheon
Miss McCutcheon is our Preschool 4 teacher for St. Mary Catholic School. Stephanie has an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education from Washington State, her Bachelors degree from Marietta College with an Endorsement in 4 & 5 year old’s and her Masters Degree in Education from Muskingum University. Stephanie has 9 years of experience in the Preschool setting. She loves spending time with her 2 sisters, likes to read, music crafting and crocheting. Her goals as a Preschool teacher is to create a loving Christ centered classroom where every child feels valued and accepted, model kindness, patience, compassion, forgiveness and respect in everyday interactions. To incorporate faith naturally into daily routines, lessons, songs, and classroom activities. She looks forward to continuing to learn about early childhood education, child development and learning styles for each student.
Meredith Becker, PreK teacher
Mrs. Becker joined St. Mary Catholic School in 2022 as a teachers aide in the PreK classroom. The following year she had the opportunity and privilege to have her own classroom and serves as the LEAD preschool teacher. She has a love of working with kids and has volunteered over the years with Marietta City Schools mentoring and helping students learn to read. She has 3 adult children two daughters, Bailey and Sydney, a son, Griffin and his fiancé , Luisa. Meredith loves to listen to music and enjoys live concerts, traveling to new places and spending time with family and friends. Her goals as a PreK teacher is to help every child grow in confidence, independence, communication and school readiness.
Mrs. Heather Rogers, Pre-K
Mrs. Heather Rogers is beginning her 2nd year of being a fantastic PreK teacher at St. Mary Catholic School. Mrs. Rogers has her Bachelor’s Degree from West Virginia University and was the Director of Joyful Sound Daycare and Preschool for 23 years before coming to St. Mary’s. She has been married for 24 years, has 3 children and has a grandson, Haulsten. She enjoys spending time with family and loves cats & dogs. Her goals as a teacher at St. Mary is to provide a safe, nurturing environment where children can grow academically, socially and emotionally. She also strives to have FUN while learning!
Emily Hockenberry, Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Emily Hockenberry is in her 8th year of teaching Kindergarten at St. Mary Catholic School. She received her Master’s Degree in Reading Education from Muskingum University in 2025. Emily is married to Aaron and she enjoys outdoor activities involving music, camping, hiking, fishing, farming and spending time with her sisters and niece and nephew. She is active in her Church and community and her goals as a St. Mary Catholic School teacher is to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of her students. She wants to create a classroom where every child feels safe, loved, valued, and encouraged to believe in themselves. She hopes to set expectations high while supporting each student in reaching their potential. She strives to model Christ’s love through kindness, compassion, patience and faith. Most importantly, I want my students to leave my classroom knowing they are capable, loved and important. I hope to plant seeds of knowledge and faith that will continue to grow long after they leave the Kindergarten classroom.
Mrs. Ashley Greene, Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Ashley Greene is a graduate of Fairmont State University and has 22 years of experience having taught grades PreK, Kindergarten, 1st and 3rd grades. She and her husband Tad have 4 daughters, Haley in her last year of nursing school at Washington College of Ohio, Grace, a Sophomore at WVU majoring in Journalism, Libby at Freshman at PHS and Ellie, a 6th grade student at St. Mary. The family has two cats, Minnie & Simba and two dogs, Sophie & Penelope. Mrs. Greene enjoys attending her girls activities and reading and her goals as a Kindergarten teacher is believing a strong education begins with hands-on engagement. She believes that students learn best when they can explore, interact, and grow through real world experiences. Her goal is to create an atmosphere supported by interactive teaching. She wants to equip her students with critical thinking skills for their educational journey. She also hopes to instill Christian values in her classroom daily!
Neva Kern, First Grade
Mrs. Kern received her BA in Elementary Education from Kent State University and her Masters degree from Walden University with a specialization in reading. She recently retired from Frontier Local Schools after teaching for 35 years. While teaching at Frontier, she taught 7th/8th grade, 4th grade, 1st grade and as a reading specialist/coach for the State of Ohio for 7 years. Neva is married to Mike and they reside in Marietta. In her free time she enjoys reading, playing the piano, traveling and spending time with family and friends. Neva is very passionate about helping her students discover a love for learning through an environment that focuses on creativity, curiosity and kindness. Neva gives credit to her mom and the St. Mary Catholic sister Delores and Mrs. Normand for instilling the love of learning.
Andrea Place-Frederick, First Grade
Mrs. Andrea Frederick is starting her second year as a 1st grade teacher at St. Mary Catholic School. She graduated from Warren High School and Rio Grande with a Bachelor’s Degree in PreK-5 General K-12 Intervention with an Endorsement in Sensory Impairments. She is married to Isaiah and they have a 2 year old son named Forrest and are expecting their second child this spring. She enjoys spending time with family, especially her son, traveling, shopping and watching sports. Her goals as a teacher are to see each student grow academically, socially and spiritually. She wants her students to be excited about coming to school and proud of their accomplishments and progress.
Cathy Rauch, Second Grade
Mrs. Cathy Rauch begins her 22nd year of teaching and has a vast amount of experience with different grade levels. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from The Ohio State University. Cathy is married to David Rauch with four daughters, Sarah, Katie, Laura and Marie all of whom are St. Mary Catholic School alumni. She is a lifelong member of The Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption and an alumni /8th grade graduate of St. Mary Catholic School. Cathy enjoys spending time with her family, boating, and playing piano, gardening, canning, scrapbooking and sewing. Mrs. Rauch’s goals as a teacher of 2nd grade is to promote spiritual, moral, and academic growth in her classroom. She loves sharing her faith with the kids and watching them grow in their knowledge and faith throughout this very special 2nd grade year.
Katie Offenberger, 2nd Grade
Ms. Offenberger begins her second year at St. Mary Catholic School transitioning to 2nd grade. Katie has her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education K-6 from West Virginia University of Parkersburg. She is engaged to Justin Moore with a wedding right around the corner! Katie enjoys swimming, camping, spending time with family & friends. Her goals as a teacher at St. Mary is to build a classroom community where her students are confident and capable learners.
Third Grade
Mrs. Mindi Bichard, 4th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Mindi Bichard has her BA from Marietta College and is beginning her third year of teaching at St. Mary Catholic School. She is married to JJ and their children Emily & Conner are both St. Mary Catholic School graduates. She enjoys reading and cooking and her goals as a St. Mary Catholic School teacher are to create a Christ centered classroom where every student is challenged to grow academically, spiritually, socially and emotionally.
Jaime Cunningham, Fifth Grade
Mrs. Jaime Cunningham, our 5th Grade teacher who received her Bachelor’s Degree from Marietta College with a K – 8 Reading endorsement and her Masters Degree in Education from Muskingum University with a gifted education licensure. She has previously taught 3rd grade, gifted intervention and coordinated gifted services. Mrs. Cunningham is our 5th grade Homeroom teacher who also teaches 5th – 7th grade Social Studies. She and her husband Ben have 3 children Matthew, Kenzi and Carson who are in High School at Warren. Mrs. Cunningham enjoys reading, flowers and watching her kids play soccer and Ohio State football. Her goals as a St. Mary Catholic School teacher are to help guide her students to be successful in their futures and develop a strong foundation of faith in their lives.
Lacey Worthington, Sixth Grade
Mrs. Lacey Worthington is a graduate of Fort Frye High School and a 2015 graduate of the Franciscan University of Steubenville with a mathematical and science education degree. She also has her Masters in Education from Franciscan and is certified to teach math grades 7-12 and special ed grades K-12. She has previously taught math at Fort Frye grades 7-12 and was a elementary math and science teacher for Parkersburg Catholic Elementary grades 4-6. She is married to Daniel and together they have 4 children, Eli, Alice, Wesley and Leo, 3 of whom are students at St. Mary’s! Mrs. Worthington enjoys basketball, running, horses and baking. Her goals as a teacher are to help each student become the best versions of themselves, be who God created them to be, and be confident in problem solving, critical thinking and math of course!
Mrs. Yvonne Huck, Junior High Religion
St. Mary Catholic School is pleased to have Mrs. Yvonne Huck who teaches 3rd grade & 6th – 8th grade Religion. She also serves as a Preschool Aide within the school. Mrs. Huck has her Associates Degree from Marietta College and Basic, Advanced and Professional certifications from the Diocese of Steubenville. She is the current Catechetical Leader at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, serves as the Youth Director and has led two groups of teens to the World Youth Days. She also serves as the CCD Coordinator and the OCIA Director as well as leading the Cheerful Cherubs and Vacation Bible School. This busy mom of 6 was happily married to her husband of 40 years before his passing in 2015. She has 25 grandchildren and 2 great grandchild. In her free time, Mrs. Huck enjoys horseback riding, walking, Fort Frye football, the Buckeyes and the Cincinnati Bengals. Her goals for her students are to bring the teaching of our Catholic Faith in a time and culture where it is desperately needed. She hopes to have them grow deeper in their faith journey and become the best version of themselves. We are blessed to have Mrs. Huck as a member of the St. Mary Catholic School staff!
Melissia Birge-Eighth Grade
Mrs. Melissia Birge is our 8th Grade homeroom teacher with a BS in Education who teaches 5th – 8th grades ELA. She is very involved in school clubs such as the Irish Times School newspaper and Student Council. She is married to Ryan and together they have 3 children, Alex, Zach and Maddy who are all St. Mary Catholic School graduates. Mrs. Birge enjoys walking and reading and her goals as a St. Mary Catholic School teacher are to help every student grow as a confident reader, writer and communicator while encouraging them to use their gifts, treat others with kindness, and become responsible, compassionate people who live out our Catholic values.
Amy Huck Middle 7th Grade Homeroom, Middle School Science and TAG
Mrs. Huck serves as the 7th Grade Homeroom teacher, teaches 5th – 8th grade Science and TAG grades K – 8. She attended Washington State & Wilmington College. She is married to Jay and they have a daughter Liv, who are both St. Mary Catholic School alumni. Mrs. Huck has worn several different hats within St. Mary Catholic School and is entering her third year doing what she loves the most, Middle School Science! She enjoys traveling, spending time with family and getting lost in a good book. Her goals for this school year is to always strive to become a better educator while creating a classroom where students feel excited to learn in a safe environment. She also hopes to inspire her students to develop a lifelong love and curiosity for Science.
Melissa Corcoran, Speech
Melissa Corcoran is the Speech teacher. She graduated from the Ohio State University in 2007 with a Master’s degree in speech language pathology. Melissa has served in hospital, clinic, and school settings. Before serving at Saint Mary, she worked in the Belpre City School district. She enjoys singing and spending time with her husband, three sons, and three daughters.
John Ontko, Music & Band
John Ontko is the music and band teacher. He received his B.M. degree in Music Education from Capital University in Columbus, OH in 1991. He received a M.M. in Trumpet Performance from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN in 1994. John is a 1981 graduate of St. Mary Catholic School where he began to play trumpet in 5th Grade with the school band. While in 7th grade, he began playing organ for masses at (then) St. Mary Church. While attending Warren Local HS, he participated in Band, Choir, and Handbell Choir, at the same time continuing to play organ at St. Mary’s and a local church. John has taught at St. Mary Catholic School since 1994. Teaching General Music for pre-school–4th grade, Instrumental Music for 5th–8th grades, and Handbells for 5th–8th grades. In November of 1994, he also began the job of Music Director/ Organist for St. Mary Church (now the Basilica) where he plays for masses each weekend, plans the liturgies, and directs the Basilica Choir, Handbell Choir, and Cantors.
Bri Moore, Title 1
Brianne Moore is our Title 1 teacher and encourages all students to feel capable, smart and successful! She has teaching experience in grade levels Kindergarten – 4th grade and she is also a Professor of Child Development and Education for WVU-P. She and her husband Kevin have tow boys, Kyle and Brad who are students at St. Mary Catholic School. Bri enjoys organizing photographs and memories, digital scrapbooking and going to her kids sports and activities.
Alyson Brockmeier, Intervention Specialist
Mrs. Alyson Brockmeier is our Intervention Specialist. Alyson has a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University in Social Work and a Post B.A. in Education with a specialty in Special Ed. She has previously worked as a behavioral therapist at the Center for Autism & related disorders. She and her husband Evan have 5 children, 3 of whom attend St. Mary Catholic School. Her hobbies include spending time with family & her kid’s sporting events, Marietta College sports, traveling and trying new foods and reading. Her goal as a staff member is to spread kindness and teach the Love of God and to use her gifts from God to make the world a kinder place!
Mr. Seth Allen-Technology & STEM
Mr. Allen enters his third year as the St. Mary Catholic School Technology and STEM teacher. Mr. Allen recently got married and is expecting his first child in the spring. Mr. Allen has his degree from WVUP and spent 9 years teaching English in Japan. He enjoys reading and video games and his goal as a teach is to help students leant to think and problem solve in different ways.
Shawna Linscott, Art
Mrs. Shawna Linscott was born in Charleston, WV and grew up in Konna, WV. She attended Ripley, WV schools through High School. She attended Barton College in Wilson, NC, a small Liberal Arts School where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Studio Art, with a concentration in drawing and photography. She is married to Dr. Chris Linscott and together they have a daughter Sophia who is a St. Mary alumni. Mrs. Linscott stays very active outside of school hours with 7 dogs, 3 cats, 1 fish and 40 chickens! She also enjoys gardening, collecting unique houseplants, creating art, training dogs and attending and competing in Confirmation & Rally Dog Shows. Her goals as Art teacher is to show her students that Art isn’t about perfection, it is to be fun, engaging and a creative outlet. She wants to teach them new to them art techniques and to see them develop an appreciation for what they create!
Mr. Wyatt Miracle, Physical Education
We welcome St. Mary Catholic School alumni Wyatt Miracle “Coach” as our PE teacher and Preschool Aide for his 4th year. Mr. Miracle has an Associate’s degree in Science from Ohio University. He enjoys coaching basketball and is looking forward to inspiring the students to love sports!
Angela Bennett, Secretary
Angela Bennett is an auxiliary Secretary through Marietta City Schools and has worked with St. Mary Catholic School since 2005. She is married to Brian and has three children, all of whom graduated from St. Mary Catholic School. Angela is a member of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption.
Mrs. Robin Cleveland – Lunch Coordinator & School Aide
Jill Schwendeman, School Aide
Amy Handschumacher, School Aide
We welcome Mrs. Amy Handschumacher to our staff for the 2026-2027 school year! Amy joins us as a school aide and can be found here, there and everywhere throughout the building! She is a graduate of Frontier High School and Washington State College of Ohio. She is married to Adam and they have 5 children, 4 of whom attend St. Mary Catholic School. She enjoys family time, gardening and spending time outside. Sunshine is good for the soul! She and her family grow flowers and mums. She prays that our students feel safe and valued when she is around and that she can be a bright light for St. Mary Catholic School.