Teachers & Staff
Sister Betty Roy, CSC, Principal
My teaching career began in 1984. I have taught all grades from PreK – grade 8, in the U.S., Canada, and in Mali-Africa. Education is my passion. I began teaching sixth grade here in 1994. I just couldn’t stay away from Saint Benedict Academy and have returned three times. In between I did go to Africa, and obtained my Masters Degree in Administration from Boston College. I received teaching degrees from Notre Dame College.
I entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Holy Cross in 1989 and made my final vows in 1998. I have enjoyed many things in my life most particularly the closeness of my family. I have three fantastic brothers and one Marvelous sister. SBA is fortunate to have been the recipient of the gift of their presence and support.
When I am not at school I love to hang out by the lake, read, play games with family, and hike in the woods.
Mrs. Cindy Casey, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
I am happy to be at Saint Benedict Academy teaching preschool. I have been at Saint Benedict Academy since 2009 and have found it to be a very warm and nurturing environment. It is a family-like community where the needs of the students come first. My two children also attend Saint Benedict Academy.
I am a UMass Boston graduate with a Bachelors in Human Services and a license in social work. After working 10 years in the social service field, I decided to switch careers and work on my teaching certification. I received my P-3 certification from Montclair State University in NJ. Upon certification, I worked in Vineland (NJ) and in the Camden (NJ) school systems. I then took six years off to raise my two children.
In my spare time I enjoy watching my children’s activities, exercise, current events and visiting family and friends.
Mrs. Judy Connors, Kindergarten Teacher
I have been teaching full-day Kindergarten at Saint Benedict Academy since 2006 and I truly love coming to work each day. I am actively involved with my class, utilizing many hands-on, differentiated techniques and I strive to create a learning environment that generates excitement for learning and fosters success for each student! We dramatize bible stories, taste and graph our favorite apples, hibernate along with our teddy bears, blast off to the moon in our homemade rocket ship, observe and examine seed growth, and so many other really cool activities!
My experience with children also includes three years as a Saint Benedict Academy After-School teacher; five years as lead teacher and teacherʼs aide at a christian preschool in New Boston; two and 1/2 years as a substitute teacher in local elementary schools; as well as serving my community as a Girl Scout leader, CCD teacher, and Director of a week-long backyard summer camp (ages four to eight) for three consecutive summers at my home. I have a passion for teaching little children!
I have earned a Masters Degree in Elementary Education and a Bachelor of Science undergraduate degree in Graphic Design, both from Rivier College, Nashua, NH.
I am married with two daughters, aged 17 and 19, and I enjoy crafts, camping, antiquing, and going to the beach!
Mrs. Tayla Timpe, First Grade Teacher
I didn’t choose Saint Benedict Academy as my place of employment; I believe it chose me. It is a wonderful, warm, loving community. I have been teaching since 2008. I began at Saint Benedict as the Fifth Grade Teacher in January of 2009. I taught the fifth grade for a year and a half and now teach the first grade. I am blessed to be a teacher and so fortunate to have had the experiences I have in just a short period of time. I always wanted to be a teacher. Not only can I teach children every day–but I, too am on a journey of life-long learning. I love my job! I am privileged to teach the children of our future. I watch my students learn and grow daily. I am certain that with my beliefs and passion for teaching, I am able to teach children in a way they will understand. A child is a child, and every child needs direction, not only from parents and family, but from friends and teachers. I am a caring, devoted, and fair individual who will do anything to make sure children get the education they deserve.
I graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a BA in Communication Arts and a minor in American Sign Language. I, then went on, and pursued a Masters degree in Elementary Education.
When I am not teaching, I enjoy reading and spending time with my husband, Mike, family and friends. I love the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. I enjoy the summer and going to the beach.
Mrs. Susan Freethey, Second Grade Teacher
I have taught here at Saint Benedict Academy since 1989. I began teaching kindergarten, then first and currently second grade. I continue to love to teach and second grade is the best grade to teach. Second graders are curious, enthusiastic, and love to come to school to learn. What else could a teacher ask for? What is that old saying, “It take a village to raise a child?” I am looking forward to teaming up with you as partners in fostering your child’s education. Together, with the cooperation and support of all involved in your child’s life, we can make second grade the best year ever. Students need to feel safe and secure in their surrounding where they feel loved and validated. In my class students are taught to be aware of others’ feelings and to respect their classmates. My endeavor is to exhibit compassion and patience to my students.
I attended Notre Dame College in Manchester, New Hampshire, earning a B.A. in Elementary Education.
I enjoy family outings including camping and hiking, and spending time outdoors. When I am not outside, I enjoy reading, knitting, sewing, painting and decorating.
Mrs. Kathy Johnston, Third Grade Teacher
I have been here at Saint Benedict Academy as a Third Grade teacher since 2003. My first teaching assignment was fourth grade in Philadelphia Pa., then third grade in Jaffrey, NH. I volunteer in my local parish with various Religious Education programs. I was inspired to teach by my third grade teacher who helped teach me that you could achieve whatever you wanted in life. It was around then that I realized how much fun reading could be. I enjoy watching and helping children strive to reach their potential. I enjoy finding activities to challenge children as well as guide them to attain the knowledge to achieve their goals. Working in the Saint Benedict Community is a wonderful experience with a strong sense of family from everyone who is involved. There is great support from parents who are a big part of the children’s education.
My education was in Catholic schools from Elementary school through college. I am certified in Elementary Education, and have a Master’s Degree as a Reading Specialist.
I have been married for 27 years to my husband Kent, and have a 19-year-old son Matthew. We have a large close family including young nieces and nephews that we frequently spend time with. In my free time I am usually reading several books and enjoy doing various needlepoint projects.
Mrs. LaDelle Hauck, Fourth Grade Teacher
I have been at Saint Benedict Academy since 2008 and have loved each class and each student I’ve had. It is a thriving, vibrant and loving community of students and faculty and the administration and support staff here are tremendous. I am very happy to be teaching fourth grade. Children come first at Saint Benedict Academy. Children are truly loved for their incredible spirit and wealth of potential. And while we have high expectations for academic achievement, positive character qualities, and work to create responsible and strong students, we are “child-centered” in a way I have never seen happen in the public school setting. We teach from our hearts and we learn as much from our students and they do from us. They respond with their best efforts, their most positive attitudes and their most sincere good intentions. This is truly a wonderful environment in which to teach and learn.
I have a Bachelors Degree in Elementary and Special Education.
I am married, and the mother of two grown children and one grandson. In my free time I enjoy going to the beaches in Maine every chance I get, reading, cooking, and entertaining.
Mrs. Laili K. McCarte, Fifth Grade Teacher
I am so happy to belong to the Saint Benedict Academy community and to be able to teach our fabulous Fifth Graders. Before joining the faculty at Saint Benedict Academy in 2010, I taught in second, third and fourth grade classrooms within the New Hampshire public school system while working toward my Master’s Degree. In addition, for three years I served as the Religious Education teacher for the 2nd and 3rd grades at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Concord.
I earned a B.A. degree in History from Trinity University in Washington D.C., and I hold a Master of Education degree from Franklin Pierce University.
I live in Bow with my husband and three children, ages 14, 10 and 7. I enjoy reading, riding my bike, cooking for my family and visiting historic places.
Susan LaPalme, Sixth Grade Teacher
The opportunity to teach at Saint Benedict Academy is truly an honor and privilege. My prior teaching positions have been in both public and private schools, dedicated to working with children of all ages and abilities. I am actively involved in parish life at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Manchester, New Hampshire, and am a member of the Cathedral’s Pastoral Council. Both of my children attend Saint Benedict Academy.
I am a graduate of Assumption College, having earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and Social and Rehabilitation Services, with a Concentration in Speech, Hearing and Language Pathology. Additionally, I earned a Master of Education Degree from Notre Dame College with a Concentration in Learning and Language Disabilities and General Special Education, K-12.
Within the richness of the Catholic education offered at Saint Benedict Academy, I inspire my students to achieve their potential by instilling a sense of belonging in each student, ensuring that they know that God truly believes in them, fostering a sense of accomplishment, providing a fun and exciting learning environment, encouraging curiosity to provoke creative thought, and promoting the self confidence necessary to grow academically and spiritually.
Mr. Donald J. Gagnon, Music and Computer Teacher
I have been the Music Director for the Contemporary Music Group at the Parish of the Transfiguration (prior to that at St. Edmund) since 1976. I have conducted several choirs at St. Edmund and I have been giving guitar lessons for more than twenty years.
I have been working on Mainframe, Mid-Range, and Personal Computers since the mid 1970’s. I was a computer operator, Application Programmer, Network Systems Programmer, Lead HelpDesk Technician, and a Technical Support rep. I have worked for Northern Data Systems, NH Insurance, Houghton Mifflin and NetManage. Currently I have my own small computer repair business, PC BackMan, supporting home users and small businesses. I also consult with users to help them figure out their computer hardware and software needs.
I received a Bachelor of Music Performance degree from Notre Dame College with a minor in Computer Science. I also took several semesters of Teacher Education courses and Student teaching.
Mrs. Laura Reyes-Irizarry, Spanish Teacher
My name is Señora Laura Reyes-Irizarry and I’m very blessed to know God’s plan for me: share my love for the Spanish language. I’ve been teaching Spanish here at Saint Benedict Academy since 2004. My parents came to the US from Uruguay in the early 70’s. Passing on their native language was a gift that I never thought would bring me such professional joy. This portion of the first prayer service that I heard here at SBA encompasses how I view my role as an educator.
“They will come into your room in all shapes and sizes. As you polish, puff, train and teach your little stars; tell them that the world cannot do without them. Tell them that they can do anything they set their minds to. Tell them they can be the brightest, shiniest stars in the sky. You hold the future in your hands, go and polish your stars.” With that prayer in my heart, how can I not want to be a teacher? I want my students not only to learn the target language but also to actually use it in the real world. I am thrilled to be sharing my love of Spanish language and culture with my students. I believe in giving students relevant, meaningful and interesting things to do in class while maintaining order and discipline to motivate students.
Sister Judy Langevin CSC, Office Administrator
I serve as Office Administrator at Saint Benedict Academy because I love children, because there are many opportunities to “listen with the ear of the heart,” and to be of service to parents and students. Born in Somersworth, NH, the youngest of three children, I was educated by the Sisters of Holy Cross from kindergarten through college. I entered the convent after one year of employment in the Admissions Office at UNH. I have been an educator, teaching elementary school and high school, as well as at the college level. After several years of teaching, I took on administrative roles: Treasurer of Notre Dame and member of the Management Team, Director of Human Resources for the Sisters of Holy Cross, Administrator of Holy Cross Health Center (nursing home), and Administrative Assistant to the VP for Enrollment Management at Saint Anselm College.
I graduated with a BA in Business Education from Notre Dame College in Manchester, NH, and an MA in Business Education & Office Administration from the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.
In my spare time, I enjoy reading, playing the piano, and watching sports on TV.
Audra Millhouse, Title I Coordinator
I am so excited about being back at St. Benedict Academy! It looks to be a great year and I am looking forward to working with many of our SBA students. I want to share a little bit about myself and my credentials. I have worked at SBA for three years, beginning my fourth year.
I earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in Journalism with an emphasis in Broadcasting at Ohio University. I did a little TV in Cleveland Ohio for my internship but was wisked away by my Air Force husband to Fort Walton Beach Florida. I was a reporter, news director, and anchor for a small station until I had my son, Jay. We moved “back home” to Ohio where I taught at a Broadcasting College until my daughter Hanna was born. We moved from Ohio to Oklahoma – had a large tornado wreck our house, rebuilt, and then had to move again to Florida near Cape Canaveral. I earned my Masters of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Central Florida. We moved to NH in 2005. I am NH certified K-8.
My husband has since retired from the Air Force as a major but loved his last job so much, he decided to stay as a civilian at Hanscom Air Force Base. My son Jay is a senior this year, and my daughter, Hanna is in eighth grade – boy time flies! For fun, my husband and I play in the Temple Dance Band – a big band. We play gigs throughout the summer and fall. We met in the Ohio U. marching band and have a passion for music in many areas of our lives. Our children also play instruments and are in their school bands.
I look forward to meeting you and working with the students here at SBA!