Administration
Miss Kathy Lynch
Principal
I am pleased to welcome you to the new school year. I have been at Our Lady of Angels School for 33 years. I taught first grade, third grade as well as seventh and eighth grade prior to becoming principal 15 years ago. I earned my Bachelor of Education degree from Kent State University and my Master's in Educational Administration from Ursuline College. I am grateful to have been affiliated with OLA for so many years and I am blessed to be part of the lives of the children, past and present. I look forward to a happy and healthy school year for all of our families.
Ms. Ellie Munday
Assistant Principal
Teacher, Grade 7
I serve as the Assistant Principal. I also have a seventh grade homeroom. I teach seventh grade Reading and Language Arts. I am a graduate of St. John College of Cleveland. I love to read, cheer on the Cleveland Indians, and spoil my great niece and nephews. I enjoy teaching at Our Lady of Angels School. I am looking forward to having a great year with the many fun activities planned.
Mrs. Sue Biggs
Assistant Principal for Development
As a second year administrator, I feel honored to be working at OLA. I find Catholic education very rewarding in my own life as well as in the lives of the students. I have taught in the classroom at OLA for seven years, but have twenty years of teaching experience. I live in North Olmsted with my husband, four children, and two dogs. I love using the computer, working in the yard, and participating in many school activities. I am looking forward to another year of surprises and rewards as an administrattor because I know OLA is a welcoming community that wants to continue providing quality Catholic education for many years to come.
Believe and Achieve Greatness!
Mrs. Ronnie Rook
Secretary
I am the school secretary. I have been at Our Lady of Angels since 1983. My first job with the school was a substitute for the school guards. I then became secretary. All of my children attended OLA. I have three sons and one daughter. All of my children are married. So now I am the proud Nanna of 7 (soon to be 8) grandchildren. At this time, we have 6 girls and 1 boy. Another grandson is due to be born in September, Hooray! Decorating cakes is another passion of mine. I have been making cakes since 1971. Of course, with all my little grandchildren, I certainly keep busy making more cakes. My husband and I have been married for 42 years. We have been members of OLA since 1970.
Mrs. Peggy Bocci
Bookkeeper
I have been working here at OLA as a bookkeeper since 1992. My office is the “Hub” of the school. Visitors report to my office first. Attendance comes to my office. The teachers’ mailboxes are also in my office, so I see a lot of people during the day. Outside of OLA, my husband and I own OMEGA Sport Shop – so I am busy. I love working at OLA - the students are very special to me. When I am not working, I love to cook and bake. I love to collect recipes also. I am blessed to have one grandson who is almost two years old.
Kindergarten
Mrs. Susan Antall
Welcome to Kindergarten at Our Lady of Angels. I feel so blessed and honored to be able to engage the families into our OLA family. I am a graduate of John Carroll University where I received a Bachelor’s in Education. Although my teaching experience includes second and seventh grade, my love is kindergarten where I have been for nine years. My husband Jim and I are active members of our OLA parish. We are proud of our five children who are each presently engaged in Catholic institutions. Here at OLA, I am involved with the First Saturday Club, the PEACE Committee, and the Ski Club. Next to my family and my spiritual life, exercise and gardening keep me busy.
Mrs. Colleen Lull
Welcome to Room 22 Kindergarten. This is my twelfth year at OLA and my eleventh year teaching Kindergarten. I am a graduate of Cleveland State University where I received my Bachelor’s in Education with a concentration in Early Childhood. I grew up in the West Park neighborhood and currently live here with my husband and two children. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, bike riding, and swimming with my family. I also enjoy most sports and I am a member of the OLA PEACE Committee. I look forward to another exciting and successful year!
Mrs. Sue Hric
Teacher’s Aide
A big welcome to all our little Angels in Kindergarten. I know it will be a fun and exciting year for everyone. This is my 14th year as a teacher’s aide. My husband and I have lived in the OLA parish for over thirty years and have been very active members. We have three adult children and three beautiful granddaughters. We are both very avid gardeners and also enjoy reading and camping. I look forward to a wonderful school year.
Mrs. Colleen Barry
Teacher’s Aide
Welcome! I am very excited to be starting my fourth year at OLA as a Kindergarten Aide! My family and I live in Westpark. My daughter, Bridget, graduated from OLA in 2009 and is now a freshman at Magnificat High School. I served on the PTU board for five years and continue to be an active member. I also help with the After School Program. I enjoy going for walks, reading, and spending time with my family. It is great to be part of such a wonderful community here at OLA.
Grade 1
Mrs. Marisha Novicky
Welcome to First Grade! I am always excited to begin a new year with a wonderful new group of students. I am a graduate of Cleveland State University and am currently working on a Master’s Degree in Special Education at Ursuline College. I grew up in the OLA parish and am a graduate of OLA as well. In my free time, I enjoy camping with my family.
Miss Katy Pohorence
Welcome to adventurous first grade! I am excited to begin my ninth year of teaching. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Ashland University and a Masters Degree in Educational Technology from Ursuline College. I help with creating the yearbook. I also have started an ink cartridge and used cell phone recycling program here at OLA.
Grade 2
Mrs. Patty McGinty
Welcome to the second grade! This is my second year of teaching at O.L.A. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Cleveland State University and am pursuing a Master’s of Curriculum and Instruction. I am also a licensed Early Childhood Intervention Specialist. My family and I live in West Park. My husband Tom, an OLA Alumnus, is a Lieutenant with the Cleveland Fire Department. My daughter Maura is a sophomore at St. Joseph Academy and my daughter Erin is a seventh grade student at St. Mark School. I enjoy running, reading and spending time with my family.
Mrs. Vicki O’Rourke
Welcome to the second grade. I am very happy to be teaching second grade this year. I have been teaching at Our Lady of Angels for more than 20 years. Most of those years have been in the second grade. The reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist will make this year very special. My husband and I live in Fairview Park. For relaxation, I enjoy reading and gardening. I am looking forward to another great school year at Our Lady of
Angels School.
Grade 3
Mrs. Sarah Fischer
Welcome to our 3rd grade team! This is my sixth year teaching at OLA and my 5th year teaching 3rd grade. I taught Kindergarten the first year. I am a graduate of Baldwin-Wallace College where I earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Education. I completed my Masters Degree in Curriculum & Instruction through Indiana Wesleyan University last April. I was married in July of 2008. My husband and I live in Avon. My dog Brady loves his new house! With all of the exciting things that are happening, I know this year will be fun-filled!
Miss Christina Stark
Welcome to 3rd grade! I am so excited to be teaching third grade this year! This is my second year teaching 3rd grade. I am a former student of Our Lady of Angels School, and it was always a dream to be able to come back to OLA and teach. I went to Ohio University were I received my Bachelor of Science in Education in June 2007. I was born and raised in West Park, and I still currently live in the neighborhood. I coach the 5th grade girls Volleyball team here at OLA, and I also work at the After School Program. I am very excited for this school year because I know we will have a wonderful 3rd grade team! 
Grade 4
Mrs. Nicole Bennett
Welcome to 4th grade. I am excited to be back at OLA for my 12th year. I am a graduate of Ashland University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with a concentration in Social Studies. I teach Social Studies and Math to both 4th grade classes in addition to teaching Reading, English, and Spelling to my homeroom. I recently celebrated my 1 year wedding anniversary and am expecting my first child in October. I can't wait to add "Mommy" to my resume. I enjoy shopping at Target in my spare time. I am looking forward to a fantastic school year.
Mrs. Karen Struhar
Welcome to the 4th Grade! I am excited to be teaching 4th grade. I have been teaching at OLA since 1998. I have two boys who attend OLA and a daughter who is three. I enjoy spending time with my family. We love to vacation in the Outer Banks. I look forward to a fun filled year.
Grade 5
Miss Daisy Ball
I have been teaching at OLA for 8 years. I am now teaching Grade 5 after 6 years in the Fourth grade. I am on the yearbook committee, involved in the after school program, student council, and part of the COLATE Committee. I also involve our school in a school wide contest for Black History Month. I spend summers living at Put-in Bay, and reside in Lakewood. I am currently pursuing my Masters of Education in Literacy Development.
Mrs. Oppenheim
I am very excited to join the OLA community this year. I teach 5th and 6th grade Science and Health and 5th grade Math. I also have a 5th grade homeroom. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in K-8 Education from Baldwin Wallace College and will finish my Masters in Curriculum & Instruction from Ohio Dominican University this May. I live in North Olmsted with my husband and enjoy spending time with my family, cheering on Cleveland sports teams, and camping.
Grade 6
Mr. Drew Misch
I am the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade math teacher. I also have a sixth grade homeroom, room 17. I went to Rocky River High School in 2001, then graduated from the Jesuit college Xavier University in 2005. In my leisure time, I can be seen working on my golf game and winning at cornhole. This, my fourth year of teaching at OLA, looks promising to be the best one yet. Come visit my newly remodeled classroom with drop ceiling and painted walls.
Miss Pat Vorous
Welcome to the sixth grade. I love teaching at OLA. My first year here was in 1980. I have taught all subjects and grade levels thru grade six, but now teach Language Arts and Social Studies to the fifth and sixth graders. St. John College of Cleveland was my alma mater. My home is in OLA parish. For past time, I involve myself with various sports, home and garden care, and working with miniatures. Each year begins with being strangers and leaves with our being friends.
Grade 7
Mr. John Crawford
Welcome to 7th grade! I am looking forward to working with you and your son/daughter. I am beginning my 13th year teaching 7th grade science, health, and religion & 8th grade science and health. I am a graduate of Baldwin-Wallace College, where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Education grades 1-8 and a minor in psychology. My family and I live in Brunswick Hills. We are expecting our second child soon. I enjoy working at Youth Challenge, playing flag football, hanging out with my son, camping, and working out. I have been a part of the OLA After School Program for the past thirteen years. I am going to work hard to make OLA one of the best schools in our community.
“It is real easy to be ordinary, but it takes courage to excel; and we must excel”
– Eddie Finnigan
Grade 8
Mrs. Pam Bianchi
Welcome to 8th grade. This is my 21st year here at Our Lady of Angels. I am honored to be able to prepare your children to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. This year I will again teach 6th grade religion, and I am very excited to begin a new venture in teaching 7th grade World History. My family and I live in Brunswick, Ohio. I enjoy calling OLA my “second” home and I am sure this will be a wonderful year.
Mrs. Lisa DeCore
I am very excited to be a part of the Our Lady of Angels family. This is my eighth year of teaching at OLA. And each year I truly look forward to beginning the school year!! I look forward to being with the students, and to work with the parents and a wonderful group of co-workers. I am a graduate of Cleveland State University, where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Education with a concentration in Sociology. I am currently working on obtaining my Masters Degree in Educational Leadership through the University of Dayton. I live in Fairview Park, Ohio with my husband, Dan and our twin daughters, Ashley and Jessica; who are currently in the eighth grade in the Fairview Park School District. When I find free time, I really enjoy spending it with my family, and enjoy coaching my daughters in volleyball and softball. I am truly excited to be part of the OLA community. I believe it is the BEST parish around, and that the parents and the students are a true example of what a strong community is all about.
Music
Miss Amanda Fertal
Welcome to Music! I am so excited to teaching at OLA. This is my seventh year of teaching music. I am a graduate of Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory of Music. I am now working on my Masters Degree in Music Education at the University of Akron. Besides teaching, I am also a professional actress. I have performed in many shows with Opera Cleveland, Cleveland Opera, Mercury Summer Stock, Cedar Point, Aurora Theatre, Paul W. Cassidy Theatre, and Berea Summer Theatre. I am also a very active member in my parish, St. Anthony of Padua in Parma, where I sing in the choir and cantor. I know this is going to be an exciting year here at OLA!
Art
Miss Virginia Kocab
It’s really great to be a part of the OLA family. This is now my 22nd year at OLA having taught 10 years before this at St. Peter & Paul in Garfield Hts. Here at OLA, I taught 4th grade for 10 years before becoming the Art teacher. I also taught 2nd and 3rd grades in Illinois after I graduated from the College of St. Francis in Joliet. Being the youngest of three children, I cared for my elderly parents until Dad died in 1993 and Mom in 2003. I was happy to do this to thank them for all the sacrifices they made for me and for instilling in me pride in my heritage and a love of learning the Arts. Things I like to do in my free time are gardening, reading, watercolor painting, playing my flute in the Fairview Park Band, exercising, and crocheting.
Physical Education
Mrs. Sally Lehane
I am the physical education teacher for grades 2 thru 8. This is my 12th year teaching at OLA. I am really excited for this year because we have many fun activities planned. My family lives in the OLA parish so you’ll see me around the neighborhood.
Mrs. Maryanne Mangan
Wow, it is wonderful to have everyone in the primary building for gym!! This is my fifth year at OLA and I have enjoyed every minute of it! We love to PLAY in gym class and we have so much fun, especially as we get to enjoy the wonderful weather! We love it when our teachers play with us too! I have also taught at St. Luke School in Lakewood (now LCA), substituted in Cleveland public schools, and taught at L'Eccuela d'Especial in Chimbote, Peru and Bishop O'Grady High School in Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. I received my bachelor's degree from the University of Dayton where I am currently in their Educational Leadership Master's program (with Mrs. DeCore!) I also coach JV basketball at St. Joseph Academy right down the street. My family and I live in West Park, and our five children have lots of friends at OLA. I love to take pictures, bike, and read (I am actually a professional photographer...).
OLA is a wonderful place! Thanks to all our parents for being so helpful and involved here. It is a GREAT place to be!!
Computer and Discovery Program
Mrs. Robin Pluto
I’m honored to have taught at OLA for the past 27 years, and am happily surprised when I find children of my former students in my classes! Since I started my career at OLA, I have developed and taught the Discovery program, a Gifted/Enrichment program which provides extra challenge to selected students in grades 3-6. In addition to running the Discovery program, I teach computer class to all students in the school (grades K-8.)
I also teach Algebra to selected 8th grade students two mornings a week, before school. I am a graduate of Ursuline College where I received my Bachelors Degree in Education. In 1988, I received my Masters of Education Degree in Curriculum and Planning from Cleveland State University. My teaching certifications include Elementary (grades 1-8), Computer Science (K-12), Gifted Education (K-12), and Specific Learning Disabled (K-12). My husband, Peter, and I have lived in OLA parish for over 30 years. We have four wonderful children, all alumni of OLA. We have three grandchildren, one of whom, Jacob, attends OLA in third grade! I am looking forward to another great year here with all of Our Lady’s angels!
Library Aide
Mrs. Janice Kurtz
A BIG WELCOME TO ALL THE RETURNING AND “NEW” STUDENTS, TEACHERS, & STAFF!!!
This is my 18th year at OLA and I am looking forward to many more years to come. I am the school Library Aide. I really enjoy having the students come to library classes. They get their required books, go on the computers and use the library catalog, Infohio and other research programs, and I also teach Library skills. I especially get excited when we work together on Conflict Resolution skills to solve their conflicts. I am also the coordinator of our School PEACE/ANTI-BULLYING Program along with 12 other teachers and staff. It is my passion to work with the students on how to get along and work out their differences and problems in a peaceful way.
I went to St. Joseph Academy High School and majored in business. I did a various job positions in those fields and then the Good Lord eventually led me to Our Lady of Angels School.
I am so grateful to be at Our Lady of Angels. I am able to put into practice with all my experiences, education and training to work with the students. I am always open to learn new and better ways to help, understand, and deal with students and others. I love working with the teachers and staff and especially the students when I work on organizing our Big Catholic Schools Week volleyball game and half time entertainment……..IT IS SO MUCH FUN FOR ALL. In my free time, I love music and dancing, sport events, reading non-fiction books and being with others.
Spanish
Miss Kathleen Wagner
¡Bienvenidos a la clase de español! I am so happy to be returning to OLA for my second year! I am a graduate of the University of Dayton where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Spanish and in Education. I am originally from St. Louis, MO but I just moved to Lakewood this summer. In my free time, I love to paint, read, and go antiquing! I’m so excited to get to know the families and students of OLA!
Lunchroom
Mrs. Jackie Grapentine
I have three daughters that went to OLA. I have been Food Service Director for 10 years. I also work at Pier W Restaurant in the evenings and am a legal assistant 2 days a week after working at OLA. My family has lived in the OLA parish for 23 years. My husband went to OLA as a child, he has lived in the parish all of his life. I love to walk in the park with my Doberman pincher, Minah. I hope everyone enjoys hot lunch this year!
Mrs. Marie Palka
Hello everyone! I am happy to say that I am Assistant Manager of the OLA lunch program. This is going to be my 9th year in the kitchen. I am married with four children ranging from 35 to 14 years old. I am a graduate of OLA as are 3 of my children. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy going to the movies, swimming, and cooking.
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