Faculty

Georgia Booth, Academic Achievement

Mrs. Booth earned an undergraduate degree in Special Education from Greensboro College and a Master's degree in Learning Disabilities from East Carolina University. Mrs. Booth's previous experience includes teaching exceptional children for over thirty years in the public school system. She has received National Board Certification in Early Childhood through Young Adulthood/Exceptional Needs Specialist.  In May 2024, Mrs.Booth was awarded a Fruits of the Holy Spirit Award for inspiring and helping students achieve their best by exhibiting the Fruits of the Holy Spirit.

Terry Goebel, Academic Achievement

Ms. Goebel attended SUNY at Oswego for her undergraduate degrees in Elementary Education and Mathematics.  She earned an MS degree in Computers in Education from the University of Rochester.  Her experience at St. Gabriel includes teaching kindergarten, first grade, Technology, and most recently Learning Support, where she specializes in reading and math instruction. She is certified in the Orton-Gillingham reading instructional method and has also received training in a multi-sensory approach to mathematics instruction. 

Molly Kelly, Academic Achievement

Mrs. Kelly graduated from the University of Dayton and earned her Master’s degree at the University of North Carolina Charlotte.  Previously a second grade teacher, Mrs. Kelly currently is a part-time Learning Support teacher at St. Gabriel.

Aimee Reap, Academic Achievement

Mrs. Reap is originally from Buffalo, NY.  She attended SUNY @ Geneseo in Geneseo, NY and received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She also holds a Master’s degree in Reading Education from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina.  She has both classroom and reading specialist experience; currently she is a member of the Learning Support team. Mrs. Reap is certified in the Orton-Gillingham instructional approach through the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education.

Nicole Downing, Counselor

Mrs. Downing received her undergraduate degree from the University of Dayton and Master’s in School Counseling at Xavier University. Prior to moving to Charlotte, Mrs. Downing served as the Director of Student Services and Counseling at a Catholic elementary school in Chicago. 

Jena Pedroli, Counselor

Mrs. Pedroli is a graduate of SUNY Potsdam with a B.A. in Psychology and holds an M.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling and a C.A.G.S in School Counseling from UMASS Boston.  She has worked as a school counselor in Elementary, Middle and High Schools in Massachusetts and North Carolina.  

Theresa Anderson, Counselor

Mrs. Anderson is a Graduate of Northeast Louisiana University with a degree in Elementary Education. She is also a graduate of Clemson University with a M.Ed. in Counseling. She is a National Certified Counselor and a National Certified School Counselor. Currently Mrs. Anderson is employed as a part-time counselor at St. Gabriel.

Sarah Powers, KA

Mrs. Powers graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Elementary Education from Clemson University. She obtained her Exceptional Children’s teaching license while working in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System as an EC teacher for grades K-3. In addition, she has experience working in preschool and as a literacy tutor for 1st grade. Mrs. Powers enjoys working in KA as a Teacher Assistant and being a part of the St. Gabe’s family.

Megan Klinker, KB

Originally from Toronto, Mrs. Klinker grew up in Charlotte and is a proud alumni of St. Gabriel, Holy Trinity, and Charlotte Catholic. She has a BA in Art History from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. After living in Virginia for 10 years, Mrs. Klinker and her family moved to Charlotte in 2020. After 15 years in corporate operations, Mrs. Klinker transitioned her skills to become a part of #teamGabes and help in the classroom. She loves being a part of the St. Gabriel community as a parent, teacher assistant, and parishioner. When Mrs. Klinker is not cheering on her kids at a sporting event, she loves decorating cakes, organizing her house, and game nights.

Leslie Walsh, KC

Mrs. Walsh is originally from the Washington DC area where she attended Catholic school K-12. She graduated from University of Maryland with a BA in Speech Communications. Mrs. Walsh and her husband are St. Gabriel Catholic Church parishioners and have four children; all who attended St. Gabriel Catholic School. Her 20+ years in the church and school community has awarded her friends and memories to last a lifetime. Mrs. Walsh joined #TeamGabes in 2020 as a TA at St Gabriel Catholic School. Life is certainly full circle!

Kiera Young, KD

Mrs. Powers graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Elementary Education from Clemson University. She obtained her Exceptional Children’s teaching license while working in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System as an EC teacher for grades K-3. In addition, she has experience working in preschool and as a literacy tutor for 1st grade. Mrs. Powers enjoys working in KA as a Teacher Assistant and being a part of the St. Gabe’s family.

Noelle McWalters, 1A

Mrs. McWalters was born and raised in Connecticut where she earned her BA in Sociology from Quinnipiac University. She went on to work for the State of Connecticut as a Social Worker for The Department of Children & Families. Most of her career was spent working with children until she started her own family. Mrs. McWalters and her family relocated to Charlotte, NC in 2023 for her husband’s job. When she is not at school working with her 1st graders, you can find her cheering on her children on the Lacrosse field, soaking up some Vitamin D by the pool or beach and enjoying family time.

Liz O'Reilly, 1B

Mrs. O'Reilly graduated from Belmont Abbey College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education. She taught in Gaston County and CMS title one schools for 10 years before having children. After moving up and down the East Coast while staying home to raise her children they are happy to call Charlotte home as of 2018. She has three children, two of which are currently in the MACS system. She joined St. Gabe’s in 2021 as a 1st grade assistant and loves being back in the classroom.

Carolyn Maiden, 1C

Jen Amico, 1D

Mrs. Amico is from Long Island, NY. She studied Accounting at Elon College and was a CPA for a textile company for many years. She and her husband have 2 grown children: Dominic and Mia. Both children attended St. Gabriel, Holy Trinity and Charlotte Catholic. It was her desire to give back to the Charlotte Catholic school community that led her to her current position as Miss Mulhall’s TA. Mrs. Amico has been at St. Gabriel for 6 years and has worked in Kindergarten, 1st and 3rd grades. In her free time Mrs. Amico loves to read, hike and watch football with her 2 German Shepherds.

Sandra Savastano, 2A & 5D

Mrs. Savastano was born in Colombia, South America. She moved to the United States in 1999 and lived in New Hampshire for several years before moving to Charlotte. She joined St. Gabriel school in 2019 and loves being with the students. It gives her great joy to be part of their lives in the Catholic faith. She enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and attending Holy Mass. Her favorite activities are dancing and hiking. She feels blessed to work with such great people and be apart of an amazing team. In May 2024, Mrs. Savastano was awarded a Fruits of the Holy Spirit Award for inspiring and helping students achieve their best by exhibiting the Fruits of the Holy Spirit.

Dennise Pearson, 2B & 5A

Ms. Pearson earned her Associate of Applied Science Health with a Major in Medical Administration. Prior to joining #teamGabes as a Teacher Assistant she worked as a Paralegal/Legal Administration Assistant.

Linda Click, 2C

Mrs. Click was born in Laredo, Texas.  She graduated from UGA and Mercer with a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education and a Master's Degree in Middle Childhood Education.  She was married for 33 years! As a State Department family, the Clicks lived in Virginia, El Salvador, Bahamas, Colorado, and Georgia.  The Holy Spirit led the Clicks to North Carolina and to St. John Newmann and St. Gabriel! Mrs. Click has been a Legionary of Mary since 2007. She is thankful and blessed to work with such a compassionate, loving, and amazing staff and students at St. Gabes!

Lisa Collins, 2D

Mrs. Collins was born in Zambia and grew up in South Africa, where she finished her studies. Feeling the need to see the world, she saved for a number of years before traveling around Europe. The travel bug bit and she decided to stay and work in London. She had many adventures whilst being employed by GlaxoSmithKline, JD Edwards, PeopleSoft and Oracle as an IT Trainer and Implementation Consultant. It was on one of these work adventures in Manchester, UK that she met her American husband, Corky. They immigrated to the USA in 2011. They have two wonderful children who attended St. Gabriel and are now in Charlotte Catholic and Holy Trinity. After 11 years of being a stay-at-home mom Mrs. Collins joined the St. Gabriel family. Since 2016 she has helped children grow academically, socially and faithfully. It is a blessing to be part of this community every day.  

Rita Miller, 3A

Mrs. Miller was born and raised in Manchester , England.  She studied art and drama in college, and went on to be a flight attendant for British Airways.  She and her husband moved to Colorado in 1994 where they had their three beautiful children; Ryan, Connor and Aleesha.  They moved to Charlotte in 2006 and joined the St. Gabriel parish. Their children attended St. Gabes, Holy Trinity, and CCHS.  She was a volunteer when her kids were in elementary school, and when they went off to college, she decided to go back to her happy place at St. Gabes!   She has been a TA since 2016.  Her hobbies are painting and traveling, especially when it involves going to see her grandbaby, Boone!

Dalia Fischer, 3B

Mrs. Fischer was born and raised in Colombia, SA where she studied Tourism and Hospitality Management.  She met her husband in Colombia and in 1990 they moved to Charlotte. They are the proud parents of their son, Matthew.  She loves spending time with her family and their Papillon puppy. Some of her favorite pastimes include hiking, cycling and traveling.  She joined St Gabe’s in 2015 and as part of the St. Gabriel family, the children bring her an immense amount of joy. Seeing them learn and grow is something very special.  She is both fortunate and grateful for the opportunity to be part of the St. Gabriel Family. 

Georgia Fontana, 3C

Mrs. Fontana is a native of Charlotte and attended St. Ann Catholic School and Charlotte Catholic High School. She is also a proud 49er earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from UNC Charlotte. Mrs. Fontana began working at St Gabriel in 2006 in the cafeteria, then as a teacher assistant beginning in 2014. Her two children attended St. Gabriel and went through MACS, graduating from Charlotte Catholic. She is very passionate about providing support to all her students and helping them grow in their Catholic faith.

Maggie Bowling, 3D

Kristie Hennessey, 3E

Mrs. Hennessey was born and raised in upstate NY. She earned an undergraduate degree in Childhood Education from SUNY Cortland and a Master’s degree in Literacy Education from St. John Fisher University.
Along with her husband, Mike, and daughter, Natalie (currently at Holy Trinity), she relocated to Charlotte, NC in 2016. She has had experience as a teacher assistant, long-term substitute teacher, a Director of a tutor facility, and as an Assistant Director of a preschool. She looks forward to being back in a classroom working with students. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, working out, reading, and cheering for Natalie on the golf course!

Danielle Hoffman, 4A

Ms. Hoffmann was born and raised in Boca Raton, Fl where she grew up in the Catholic Church and was a product of the Catholic School system. She earned a B.S. in Marketing and Business Management from Florida Atlantic University and spent the first part of her career in marketing financial products for multiple Fortune 500 companies. In 2004, Ms. Hoffmann relocated to North Carolina with her family and soon left financial services to start her own business. In 2018, her love for children led her to become a private nanny where she provided care and early childhood teachings to two young children in preparation for their formal schooling. She loves teaching and is passionate about helping children reach their full potential which is evident in her role at St. Gabes. In her spare time, you will find her camping/hiking in the Smoky Mountains and spending time with her niece and nephew who attend St. Matthew Catholic School.

Manisha Edmiston, 4B

Mrs. Edmiston was born and raised in Sri Lanka. She moved to the U.S during her High School years and attended Charlotte Catholic High School. She earned her B.S.B.A in Accounting, from Appalachian State University. Prior to joining Saint Gabe's in 2021, she worked in the finance industry for 15 years. She loves being part of #TeamGabes and is very grateful for the opportunity to work with wonderful teachers and students each day.

Anne Kovich, 4C

Mrs. Kovich lived in Scarborough, Maine where she worked for Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PWC) for 25 years. She is now a teacher assistant at St Gabe’s, and also an after school assistant at St Patrick's school.

Kim Stone, 4D

Mrs. Stone was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She graduated from Berry College with a B.S. in Marketing and a minor in Public Relations. She’s made Charlotte her home for over 20 years. Prior to staying home to raise her children, Mrs. Stone worked in the corporate world in marketing, fundraising, and community relations. She has three wonderful children, one daughter and two sons, all current students at St. Gabriel. Mrs. Stone joined St. Gabe’s as a TA in 2023 and is enjoying getting to know her amazing students, and thankful to be working with such a fantastic community of top-notch educators.

Hildi Chinigo, 5C

Mrs. Chinigo was born and raised in a small town in Somerset County, New Jersey. She relocated to Columbus Ohio, and then made Charlotte her home in 2000. She graduated from Slippery Rock University in PA with a Bachelors in Elementary Education specializing in special needs. She has two grown sons who live and work in Charlotte, and she enjoys cooking, walking, traveling and yoga.

Steve Nazarian "Mr. Naz", Facilities Manager

Originally from Rochester NY, Mr. Naz moved to Charlotte with his family in 2016. After more than 30 years working in marketing, in 2023 he decided it was time for a change, and decided to bring his love of fixing things to St. Gabriel School. Mr. Naz and his wife have five kids, all of whom have graduated from or still attend MACS schools. He likes the Boston Red Sox, tinkering with cars, and his two beagles “Aldi & Lidl.” To quote Vanilla Ice: “If you got a problem, yo, I’ll solve it.”

Bennie Thomas, Cafeteria Manager

Mr. Thomas was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. Growing up , he raised show cattle and hogs that he showed at the county fairs and Florida State Fair. After high school, he enrolled in a 5 year apprenticeship program with the I.B.E.W L.U.915 and received his Journeyman Electrician License. He has been married to his wife (Jennifer) since 1995. They moved to Waxhaw, NC in 2003. He has a daughter ( married with a 3 yr old boy and 9 month old little girl). He also has two sons that attended St. Gabriel, Holy Trinity, and then Charlotte Catholic HS. He started as a volunteer at St. Gabe’s in 2005 and has been volunteering or working at St. Gabe’s since then. He enjoys hunting, hiking, fishing and traveling throughout the US and abroad.

Michael Vari, IT Support

Jake the Jaguar

Jake has been a Charlotte resident his whole life. St. Gabe's adopted him as their mascot when he was just a baby Jaguar. He loves being on #teamGabes because he gets to bring a smile to all of the children's faces every time he shows his cute face. When he's not welcoming students at carpool, or cheering them on during field day, you'll find him shooting hoops on the sport court or snoozing on the playground. #stgabejaguars