Our Staff
Sr. Marilyn Muldoon, OSU Principal, has been at St. Catherine Academy for nine years and has a background in both regular and special education as well as certification in Administration. She has thirty-three years of experience in Catholic education in the Archdiocese of New York and the Dioceses of Ogdensburg, NY, Raleigh, NC and Bridgeport. “St. Catherine Academy is a special community. The small class size allows our teachers and therapists to work together to enhance the unique gifts they discover in each student. Students in turn are encouraged to us their gifts to help their peers.”
Sr. Cheryl Driscoll, RSM has been teaching at St. Catherine Academy for more than five years. She has Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Masters in Special Education. In addition to her experience as primary grade teacher, Sr. Cheryl is the Co-Founder and co-director of the Mercy Learning Center in Bridgeport. “We are fortunate to have small enrollment. Each student receives the individual attention needed to reach his or her fullest potential. Over the last five years, I have enjoyed working with and watching the students improve their academic skills, communication skills, social and independent living skills.”
Joanne LaPorta joined the teaching staff at St. Catherine Academy in June 2008. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Education from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY with dual certification in special education and regular education. Joanne previously worked as a paraprofessional in the Danbury Public Schools with students with carrying abilities. During this time, she learned Braille for visually impaired students. More recently, Joanne worked in Life Skills classes at the middle school and high school levels. In 2007-08, she was a 6th grade math and science special education teacher at Villa Maria Education Center in Stamford specializing in learning disabled and autistic children. “ I think the small classes and family atmosphere and the vocational and living skills classes complete with an apartment are extremely important for our students to learn new skills for job training.”
Kristen Cooke joined the teaching staff in September 2010 after completing her Masters Degree in Special Education from Fairfield University. Prior to pursuing a graduate degree, Kristen served as an Instructional Paraprofessional at Scotland Elementary School and at Ridgefield Public Schools. Kristen also has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Connecticut.
Sr. Maureen Ulatowski, SSND is a teaching assistant who has 43 years of teaching experience. Sr. Maureen has a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Notre Dame of Wilton, CT and a Master of Science degree from Hofstra University in Special Education. “I love coming to work at St. Catherine because the children bring me so much joy. This is a place which provides children with a happy atmosphere that allows them to grow spiritually, socially and academically.”
Supporting Cast: Gina Barber, Art; Sr. Ann Marie Dorff, SSND, Academic Aide; Sonia Vielot, Life Skills Aide; Danny Kovacs, Academic Aide; Darlene Jacabacci, Academic Aide; Kathy Bizub, Music; Eileen Blees, Physical Education.
Helen Burland, President
Helen brings 25 years of administrative experience to Saint Catherine Academy including development, enrollment management, strategic planning and fiscal management. Helen is responsible for the outreach efforts for St. Catherine Academy. Working with the School Advisory Board, Helen works to provide the necessary resources to meet the mission of Saint Catherine Academy. “This is a remarkable school that offers parents and school districts alternative placement for their children.”
