Faculty and Staff

NOTRE DAME WELCOMED NEW FACULTY MEMBERS

JOHN BENNETT / Math Teacher Mr. John Bennett is a new member of the Math Department and teaches Algebra 1 and Geometry. Mr. Bennett has a bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Monmouth University and a master’s degree in Education from the University of Phoenix.

RENA DZIOPA / Science Teacher Ms. Rena Dziopa joined the Science Department. She teaches both Biology and Chemistry. Before coming to Notre Dame, Ms. Dziopa was a Biology teacher at Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair. She graduated from Drew University where she majored in both Biology and Spanish. Ms. Dziopa also has a master’s degree in Science Education from Columbia University.

ADAM FISHER / French Teacher Mr. Adam Fisher joined the World Language Department as the new French teacher. Mr. Fisher attended Middlebury College where he received his bachelor of arts. in International and Global Studies with a concentration in Francophone Africa. His love and knowledge for the French language can be attributed to time spent studying and working in Yaoundé, Cameroon and Paris, France. Most recently, he taught English as a foreign language to French middle school students in Paris.

ELLIE INGBRITSEN, PH.D. / Service Coordinator and Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator Dr. Ellie Ingbritsen is a native of Red Bank, New Jersey and a proud graduate of Red Bank Catholic High School. She recently retired from serving in public education. In addition to her work as an educator, she served as the Director of the Office of Black Apostolate and Secretary for Ethnic Ministries for the Diocese of Trenton, was a member of the Mercer County Board of the CYO, and trustee for Sacred Heart Church. She is a distinguished alumna of the College of Saint Elizabeth (now Saint Elizabeth University). Dr. Ingbritsen also holds a master’s degree from Rider University and a doctorate from Holy Family University.

MONA MCCAULEY / English Department Chairperson Ms. Mona McCauley is the new Chairperson for the English Department. Ms. McCauley graduated with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English Literature from Rutgers University. She has been an educator in New Jersey, Ohio and Kuwait over the past eight years. She is passionate about literature, all learners, educational leadership and her family.

JACK SUSS, PH.D. / Science Teacher Dr. Jack Suss joined the Science Department and teaches Anatomy and Physiology. Dr. Suss is formally trained as a scientist, having researched physiology and ecology of sea turtles. He also taught many science courses at the college level as well as business and design courses. More recently, he focused on student engagement pedagogy strategies, including publishing a classroom game. Dr. Suss is excited to lend his knowledge of college education to help prepare Notre Dame students for their future. He previously worked as an assistant teaching professor at Thomas Jefferson University and received his Ph.D. from Drexel University.

Notre Dame celebrated the following faculty and staff members who have dedicated a COMBINED 200 YEARS OF SERVICE in Catholic Education.

JACK STINEMIRE ✪ 5 YEARS ISABELLA BERKO ✪ 10 YEARS DAVID MCWILLIAM ✪ 10 YEARS JUDY RYNKEWICZ ✪ 15 YEARS CHRISSY ASHMEN ✪ 20 YEARS ANNA MARIA CARELLA ✪ 20 YEARS KELLY DARCEY ✪ 20 YEARS

KEVIN DEAL ✪ 20 YEARS DEBORAH HOUGHTON ’72 ✪ 20 YEARS PEGGY JO KACPEROWSKI ✪ 20 YEARS REGINA KOEBELE-DEMAREE ✪ 20 YEARS ROBERT WOOD ✪ 50 YEARS

Plaque Dedicated in Memory of MRS. CAROLYN GRAHAM

A plaque dedication ceremony was held on October 7 for beloved teacher, colleague and friend, Mrs. Carolyn Graham. The plaque was placed on a beautiful Weeping Cherry tree outside the window of the Notre Dame Chapel in the Breen Courtyard. Carolyn’s family, including her husband, children, parents, sister and her sister's family, were in attendance for the ceremony. Mrs. Graham touched many lives during her 13-year tenure as a faculty member at Notre Dame High School. We miss Carolyn deeply. Her legacy will live on at Notre Dame and in the hearts of her students and all who had the good fortune of knowing her.

William Romano

45 YEARS

John McQuarrie

21 YEARS

Dave McWilliam

10 YEARS

Eileen Hart

5 YEARS

RETIREES — We are so grateful for our Notre Dame faculty members who retired this year. At the Class of 2021 Commencement, Principal Joanna Barlow said, “I would like to make a special note of four Catholic educators who committed their lives to the children of Notre Dame. They retire this year and we send them off with our prayers and heartfelt gratitude. May you never underestimate the difference you have made in the lives of countless young scholars.”

YEARBOOK DEDICATION — MR. GREG SCHAFER

Twenty one years after the first time he received the yearbook dedication, Mr. Greg Schafer was once again nominated by students to be the recipient of the 2021 yearbook dedication. Mr. Schafer has been a dedicated faculty member and coach at Notre Dame for 40 years. Throughout those years he has impacted the lives of many students, parents, faculty and staff. Mr. Schafer has taught Algebra I and II, Geometry, and Physical Education during his time here. He is also the head coach for the Girls and Boys Tennis teams and moderator of the Broadcasting Club. Mr. Schafer said, “To all my friends and family at Notre Dame, past and present: In the fall of 1981, I started my teaching and coaching career as a member of the Irish faculty. It is a decision which changed my life. I found a place to hang my hat, work with the greatest students which I possibly could have hoped to have. That feeling has not changed over all these years. I wish to thank those who are responsible for bestowing this honor upon me. I try to live each day with the idea to make good decisions and try to be a positive influence on others. I am positive that Notre Dame and all of those in the ND family had a tremendous influence on me.”