Margaret Moore
Pre-K Teacher
margaret.moore@gesuschool.org
B.S. Elementary Education, Gwynedd Mercy College

“It is my hope that each student embraces reading and a love of books. I hope that I am a positive role model imparting strong values to each child in my class.”

Lily Bilbao
Pre-K Teacher
lily.bilbao@gesuschool.org
B.S. Educational Studies, King’s College
M.A. Elementary Education (in progress), St. Joseph’s University (ACESJU Program)

"I strongly believe that it is important for my students to be in an environment that is both consistent and secure. Gesu provides a nurturing and supportive school environment that makes children feel safe and instills confidence in them. Therefore, I hope to make a real difference in their lives."
 

Kathy Asta
Kindergarten Teacher
kathleen.asta@gesuschool.org
B.S. Elementary Education, Chestnut Hill College

“My hope and prayer is that when a child leaves my class, he or she will have a love for learning, love of God, and respect for the world.”

Dillan Leonard 
Kindergarten Teacher
dillan.leonard@gesuschool.org
B. S. Elementary and Special Education and Minor, Political Science, Rosemont College
M.S. Reading Specialist (in progress), Saint Joseph's University (ACE SJU Program)

“I have always wanted to be a teacher. I think my greatest inspirations were all of the wonderful teachers I had growing up as well as my parents who always emphasized the importance of education. My students are definitely my motivation to get out of bed on school days. They make it all worth it."

Margaret Cornish
1st Grade Teacher
margaret.cornish@gesuschool.org
B.A. English/Education, St. Joseph's University
M.S. Reading Specialist, St. Joseph's University

"I am so happy to be teaching at Gesu. I feel very at home here and look forward to seeing my students and coworkers each day. I want my students to look forward to coming to school every day and develop a love for learning. My favorite thing about teaching is watching a child have an 'aha' moment; now it all 'makes sense'! I hope to have many of those moments this year!"

Amanda Kane
1st Grade Teacher 
amanda.kane@gesuschool.org
B.A. Elementary Education and Applied Psychology & Human Development, Boston College
M.Ed. Educational Leadership and Policy, Boston College

"I believe that all children are entitled to a quality education in a safe, loving, and consistent environment. I hope that my students are excited to come to school everyday and I hope to help shape them into hardworking, compassionate, and confident citizens of the world. Gesu is a uniquely welcoming and supportive place to work. People are passionate about what they do, and committed to helping each other succeed."

Jasmine Joseph
2nd Grade Teacher
jasmine.joseph@gesuschool.org
B.A. Anthropology, Howard University 
M.S. Reading Specialist, Saint Joseph's University

“Working at Gesu School is meaningful to me because I am able to be a part of a community that actively seeks to educate and empower the whole child. I hope that the students in my class will take the value of respect with them throughout their years at Gesu and into their adult lives. It is my hope that my students find their voice and help others find theirs so that we live in a more caring and accepting society.”

Sarah Keffer 
2nd Grade Teacher
sarah.keffer@gesuschool.org
B.A. Elementary Education & Political Science, Boston College

"I believe every student deserves a high-quality education that provides them with the opportunity to reach their full potential. I hope my students feel valued and empowered when they leave my classroom. The supportive community at Gesu challenges students to be their best selves and challenges me to be a better educator, and I feel fortunate to be a part of this team."

Colin Coder
3rd Grade Boys Teacher
colin.coder@gesuschool.org
B.A TV/Film, DeSales University

"I want my students to understand two things. First, is that they each have their own amazing talents and abilities that they contribute to the classroom and to the Gesu community as a whole. Second is that if they never settle for anything less than their best work, they will have the world in their hands. My belief is that if they understand these two things, that they will be unstoppable. I look forward to coming to work every day and introducing new classroom games and activities to the students, and seeing which ones excite them the most."

Kristen Herrmann
3rd Grade Girls Teacher
kristen.herrmann@gesuschool.org
B.S. Elementary Education and Special Education, Minor in Faith-Justice Studies, Saint Joseph's University 
M.S. Reading Specialist, Saint Joseph’s University (in progress ACESJU Program)

"I believe that children should be given the opportunity to learn through exploration, be celebrated for their strengths and efforts, and be reminded that they are loved every day. I hope that when my students leave our classroom, they feel confident in their abilities and use them compassionately to help other people. I am very grateful to be working at Gesu because the school is filled with passionate and positive educators who care about their students and their community."

Sean O’Brien
4th Grade Boys Teacher
sean.obrien@gesuschool.org
B.A. History, Penn State University

“What I love about teaching at Gesu is the family atmosphere. I especially enjoy teaching the subject of math, particularly multiplication.”

Charlotte Tully 
4th Grade GIrls Teacher 
charlotte.tully@gesuschool.org
B.A. Elementary/Special Education and Psychology, Providence College
M.S. Reading Specialist, Saint Joseph's University

"I want my students to have the tools necessary to grow as individuals in the world and inspire others to contribute positively to their community. Gesu is an amazing community and family that allows students these opportunities to grow as learners and as future leaders. I am blessed to have joined this community and all of the amazing students, families, faculty, and staff who are a part of it."

Alexis (Alli) Harmon
5th Grade Girls Teacher
alexis.harmon@gesuschool.org 
B.A. Elementary & Special Education, Saint Joseph’s University
M.S Reading Specialist (in progress), Saint Joseph’s University (ACESJU Program)

“As a part of the Gesu community, I feel as though I am part of a team of success that values the whole child. It is meaningful for me to teach in a place that aligns with my philosophy of allowing each student to feel safe in expressing themselves and see themselves as being capable of great accomplishments. I hope my students take with them the tools, confidence, and love to succeed.”

Michael Talvacchia
5th Grade Boys Teacher
michael.talvacchia@gesuschool.org
B.A. Journalism, Temple University

“My goal as a teacher is to instill a ‘never quit’ mindset that students can take with them for the rest of their lives, both in and out of the classroom. I believe in cultivating a judgement-free space for students to indulge in education and discover new interests each day. My hope is that students will embrace the challenges ahead with enthusiasm and perseverance. During my time at Gesu, I have been fortunate to be blessed with such a supportive community that truly cares for one another, and I only hope to add to an already special place.”

Anthony Trapani
6th Grade Boys Teacher
anthony.trapani@gesuschool.org 
B.S. and M.A., Wilmington University

Regina Johnson 
6th Grade Girls Teacher
regina.johnson@gesuschool.org
B.S. Education, Chestnut Hill College
M.A. Education, Eastern University in progress

“I have always had a passion for working with children. I am amazed at the enthusiasm our youth show when learning new things, and I love helping them discover and develop their talents. When students leave my classroom, I hope they take with them confidence and pride in themselves and that they also have a passion for learning.”

Ryan Hooper 
7th Grade Boys Teacher
ryan.hooper@gesuschool.org
B.A. History and Minor Political Science, Marquette University
M.S. Education, Johns Hopkins University

"Being able to help students grow and develop to their fullest potential, both academically and as young people, is what inspired me to become a teacher. Watching students become their best selves, equipped with the skills and knowledge to take on the world, is the best feeling. I chose to work at Gesu School because I strongly believe in the school’s mission, which emphasizes academic excellence, character formation, and developing young women and men for others. I look forward to serving the students and families of the Gesu School community."

JoAnne Young
7th Grade Girls Teacher
joanne.young@gesuschool.org
B.S. Science, Morgan State University
M.Ed. Science Education and Administration, Neumann College

“I hope my students take with them the knowledge that they can do and be anything they want. It’s important that they leave my class with a good foundation in study skills, reading, and writing. I also try to help them master real-life, daily experiences, so they can function outside as well as inside Gesu School.”

Annette Pickett
8th Grade Girls Teacher
annette.pickett@gesuschool.org
B.S. Education, Saint Joseph’s University
M.S. Education, Saint Joseph’s University

“I hope my students become lifelong learners. I hope that they begin to understand that the key to all their dreams is education. I hope that my history lessons stay prevalent in their hearts so that the mistakes of the past are not repeated.”

Laura Weatherly
8th Grade Boys Teacher, Mission and Ministry Team
laura.weatherly@gesuschool.org
B.A. History, Lincoln University
M.A. Sacred Scripture, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary

“I like to live by this verse: ‘We've come this far by faith."

Sean Deal
Physical Education Teacher and Athletic Director
sean.deal@gesuschool.org
B.A. Elementary Education, Temple University
M.Ed. Multicultural Education: Health and Physical Education (in progress), Eastern University

“In addition to healthy eating and exercise habits, I try to teach my students the importance of respect, how to win with dignity, how to lose with dignity, and to be humble and shake hands.”

Taylor Klein
Advanced Math Teacher, Grades 6-8
taylor.klein@gesuschool.org
B.A. Education, Penn State University

"When I was growing up, I always wanted to pursue a career in which I could help kids. I found teaching to be the perfect fit. I love watching kids grow and learn. I love all topics in math, but my favorites are when I get to work with fractions, decimals, and percents. These are truly topics that follow you everywhere you go in life!"

Bria Hawkins '09
Art Teacher
bria.hawkins@gesuschool.org
B.A. English and Fine Arts, Saint Joseph's University 

"I chose to work at Gesu because I believe every child can benefit from and is entitled to a proper art education. I do not believe it is possible to serve the whole child without exposure to the arts. Art is not just something we do, it is a reflection of our innermost thoughts, feelings, and values. Art has the power to strike conversations, empower generations, and create change. It is my goal to share this power with our future leaders of the world."

Pat Leaf
Science Lab Coordinator
patricia.leaf@gesuschool.org
A.A.S. Nursing, Community College of Philadelphia
Former Lab Technician

“My favorite topics that we cover in the science lab are the microscope and photosynthesis.”

H. L. Ratliff
Music Teacher and Choir Director
hl.ratliff@gesuschool.org
B.A. Music Education, Catholic University of America
Graduate Studies in Classroom Music, K-5, Villanova University Summer Program 

“I want my students to be open to new cultural experiences that broaden their world and help shape who they are and will be.”

Dana Gilbert
Learning Support Teacher
dana.gilbert@gesuschool.org
B.A. English, La Salle University
M.S.Ed Secondary Education, Saint Joseph’s University

“I greatly enjoy teaching literature in my classes because it opens the lines of communication between the students and myself. Through stories and character examination, students can find ways to share their own feelings and relate to each other. While we have discussions and tell stories, the classroom becomes more connected.”

Sierra Wilson
Grades 2-5 Resource Room Teacher
sierra.wilson@gesuschool.org
B.A. Early Childhood/Childhood Education, Canisius College
M.S. Special Education, Saint Joseph’s University

"What keeps me going is knowing the impact I am having on my students’ lives and watching as they grow throughout the school year. We learn together and by the end of the year, my students teach me just as much as I teach them. I love each new and exciting lesson the day brings!"

Sr. Mary Bur, IHM
Librarian
mary.bur@gesuschool.org
B.A. Music and English, Immaculata University
M.A. English, Villanova University

“Being a part of the Gesu community is a privilege, for I am daily surrounded by people who passionately love what they are doing. All my life I have loved books, and reading is my favorite past time to this day. To share the love of books is a joy which I hope to share with the students I meet. Reading gives joy, eases pain, transports the reader to new places and experiences, and can give direction in life. All young people need this today as an antidote to our fast-paced culture.”

Jack Paris
Service Coordinator, Spanish Teacher (K-3), GEM Coordinator
jack.paris@gesuschool.org
B.S. Managing Human Capital, Minor in Spanish, Saint Joseph's University 
M.S. in Organizational and Strategic Leadership, Neumann University (in progress ACESJU Program)

"I am inspired towards a career in a Catholic school community because I know I can be part of something that goes beyond myself. To inspire students to grow into people who will create a better world is why I am here. With my position at Gesu, I am most excited to see students develop skills and learn life lessons to become the best versions of themselves. I also want to see students begin to love learning the language of Spanish."

Vito Asta
Kindergarten Aide
vito.asta@gesuschool.org

“Every morning I’m greeted like I’m some kind of super star by the kids. They look up to me, so it’s my responsibility to make sure I’m the best role model and teacher I can be every single day.”

Joseph Caraway
Kindergarten Aide
joseph.caraway@gesuschool.org

“Working at Gesu is meaningful to me because it's not only a school, it’s more like a family. I've been working at Gesu for a long time and I continue to grow. Gesu is my second home. I enjoy the gym program and coaching girls basketball. They are good ways to keep the kids off the street and out of trouble.”

Jackie Johnson
First Grade Aide
jacqueline.johnson@gesuschool.org

“I’ve been at Gesu for about 17 years, and my greatest joy is the children. Being able to say that I made a difference in their lives, whether something small or big that I did to have an impact. I love seeing the smiles on their faces walking down the hall and the hugs that they go out of their way to give me. Gesu is definitely a family where we give our best to our students.”

Desire’e Porter
Pre-K Aide
desiree.porter@gesuschool.org

“Growing up, I had great teachers that showed a genuine interest in my all around well-being, no matter the subject. I always felt that my teachers were there to help me be and do my best. They are my inspiration, and I try to do the same for our students. I look forward to greeting the students in the morning when they arrive to school. I believe it makes a huge difference in children’s school day if they feel welcomed.”

Andrea Warner
Pre-K Aide
andrea.warner@gesuschool.org

“I very much enjoy coming to a safe place to work and pray that I have made a difference in children’s lives.”