SpecialistsScroll down the page to find a teacher in this grade category. Select a name to send the teacher an email. Click on "Lessons and assignments' following the teacher's name for information about current class work.
Jerry Ferderer, Title I (Literacy) - Lesson plans not available due to confidentiality
Jerry Ferderer, Title I literacy teacher, joined the Holy Spirit staff in 2005. He has a B.S. in Elementary Education with a reading endorsement and has had experience as a literacy teacher in other schools. He also spent five years teaching a multi-grade classroom at Surprise Creek Colony School. Jerry likes working at Holy Spirit "because the students are well behaved, and they are motivated to learn."
Viola Figarelle, Library - No lesson plans for library
Viola Figarelle believes her role as teacher "is God's purpose for me, and my ministry." Vi has a B.A. in Fine Arts with a minor in Library Science. After teaching in an all girls' day and boarding high school in Missouri, and at a Hutterite colony in Montana, she began teaching in 1968 at St Gerard School, one of the predecessors of Holy Spirit School. Since 1974 she has taught in this building, and currently teaches religion and English, and serves as librarian and religious coordinator. Her son is a graduate of the school. Vi says of her work, "I feel blessed to be in a profession where I can teach and work with children, where I am able to share our faith with them and play a small but imiportant part in their journey through life."
Karen Garrick, Spanish - Lessons and assignments
"Hola!" "Hello!" Whichever way you say it, Karen Garrick teaches it. She has been a part of the Holy Spirit staff since 1993, and currently teaches middle school English and 4th through 8th grade Spanish. Prior to her time in our school, she taught English and Spanish and was librarian in a public school for eight years. Karen says, "I've always had a passion for learning, both through formal education and through my relationships and friendships with others. As a child, I learned from older people who had a wealth of knowledge and personal experiences to share. As an adult, I still learn from those older and wiser than I, but I also get to experience the joy of learning from the youth with their fresh, different perspectives on life. Here at Holy Spirit we all have the freedom to work, play, and pray together as a family in Christ."
Jennifer Henning, Health Enhancement - Lessons and assignments
Health enhancement is the name of the game for Jennifer Henning. With a degree in PE / Health / Recreation teaching K-12, Jen worked as a recreation center instructor prior to beginning her teaching at Holy Spirit in 2003. She says she likes working at Holy Spirit because of the "small class sizes for individual attention for students" and her ability to be with her son who is enrolled in the school.
Rich Kuka, Counselor - Lesson plans not available due to confidentiality
Rich Kuka, a licensed professional counselor for over twenty years, has been a part of the Holy Spirit staff since 2000. He brings his warmth and expertise to individual students and small groups as needed. Rich has a B.S. in Special Education and M.S. in Counseling. He says, "I love the connection with staff and students. It is a much different and refreshing atmosphere from my private practice office."
Deena Miller, Right 2 Read - Lesson plans not available due to confidentiality
1994 marked Deena Miller's first year of teaching at Holy Spirit. Known as Dynamic Deena, her lively and enthusiastic teaching style has a positive impact on students and staff alike. Not surprisingly, Deena loves the energy that surfaces when teaching. After 12 years of teaching second grade, she is now the director of the Right 2 Read program which operates within the school. Deena's credentials include a B.A. and M.A. in Elementary Education. Holy Spirit, she says, has become family to her. Two of her children are graduates of the school, and one is still a student of Holy Spirit.
Laura O'Neill, Art and keyboarding - Lessons and assignments
The engaging artwork which graces the walls of Holy Spirit School are the product of Laura O’Neill’s teaching. In her classroom, students learn to see the world with new eyes and to express themselves with a variety of art media. Laura has been a part of the Holy Spirit staff since 1986 as art and technology teacher. She says, “I love being with the kids and working in an environment where I can share my faith. I have an extended family here at Holy Spirit, and lasting friendships that were made when my children attended school here.”
Karlene Schraner, General Music and Choir - Lessons and assignments
The sweet sounds of voices and hand bells emanating from the music room tell you that music teacher Karlene Schraner is practicing her craft. A graduate of Eastern Montana College, she has a B.A. in Music Education. She began working at Holy Spirit in 2000 as teacher of K-8 music and mass coordinator. Karlene also directed her own kindermusic program, and is the director of music ministry at her church. “The students at Holy Spirit are faith filled and come prepared to learn,” says Karlene. “Teaching about Christ our Lord through music is very rewarding!”
Lisa Voss, Instrumental music - Lessons and assignments
Lisa Voss is a 1990 graduate from Montana State University with a B.A. in Music Education, Broad field K-12 (Instrumental and Vocal). She received a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with emphasis on the Creative Arts Degree in February 2004 from Lesley University. She taught band, choir, guitar, piano and orchestra at Great Falls Central High School for a number of years before joining us at Holy Spirit School in 2008. To be with her family, Mrs. Voss teaches private voice, guitar and piano lessons at home. Lisa loves sports such as bowling, skiing, and golf. She loves to read, do crafts and laugh with her family and friends. Lisa was a member of the Intermountain Opera Association in Bozeman, Montana where she performed lead parts in operas and musicals. She performs for special occasions and sings the National Anthem at many events. An accomplished pianist, Lisa plays piano as professional accompanist for performers and for churches. Lisa plays many instruments, including guitar, percussion and some brass, just for fun. She’s delighted to be teaching younger students at Holy Spirit.
This page was last modified on November 12, 2008