Melissa Mongillo
Principal

The Lord is the One who goes ahead of you; He will be with you; He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. – Deuteronomy 31:8

Mrs. Mongillo is thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as Principal of St. Michael’s Academy! She has been an elementary educator for fourteen years serving the last seven years as a reading specialist for Prince William County Schools. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education and psychology from Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ and went on to teach 1st grade and 3rd grade. During her time as a classroom teacher, she furthered her education by obtaining her Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in reading and literacy from George Mason University. In December of 2019, she became a National Board-Certified Teacher in Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood. She is extremely passionate about literacy and is motivated to continuously learn and grow professionally.

She resides in Haymarket with her husband and two children. She attends Park Valley Church. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, being outside, and being active by running, cycling, or walking her dog.

She feels truly blessed to be given the opportunity to lead St. Michael’s Academy and looks forward to serving the SMA community and partnering with teachers and families to ensure that all students’ academic, spiritual, and social-emotional needs are met.

Christen Sanderson
Assistant Principal

For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good, not evil, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11

Mrs. Sanderson loves St. Michael’s Academy, and she is thankful and blessed to be able to serve as assistant principal! She loves her job because every day is a new adventure! She earned her BA at George Mason University. Her husband is a Prince William County firefighter, and they have two children, Adelyn and Tobin. When she’s not at school, she enjoys reading, writing, cooking, baking, and photography. She is thankful to be a part of this lovely school. Driving to work every day is a privilege and an honor for her.

Robin Gundry
Preschool Administrator

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So, I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me – Galatians 2:20

Robin Gundry graduated from Coastal Carolina University with a bachelor’s degree in Marine Science in 2006. Before having kids of her own, Robin spent years volunteering with the youth groups at her churches, teaching Sunday School, and volunteering as staff on mission trips during the summer. Her husband, Sean, is a United Methodist pastor. Robin worked at PetSmart from 2007-2021, when she decided to join the staff at SMA where both of her children are students. She feels so blessed to be here with them each day.

Desiraye Carter
Kindergarten Teacher

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. – Matthew 6:34

Ms. Carter joined St. Michael’s Academy in 2019 as an assistant teacher for Kindergarten. She received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in biblical studies from Liberty University and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree and state licensure. Prior to SMA, she worked as a warranty administrator for 5 years providing excellent customer service and establishing programs with Youth for Tomorrow. Ms. Carter has been attending The Journey Church for 8 years and has been teaching preschool there for 2 years. She currently lives in Orange County with her husband Joe and son Wyatt. Wyatt is truly a treasure to her life and the inspiration behind wanting to be a teacher. Ms. Carter is very close with her parents and sister. In her free time, she enjoys painting, quilting, and spending time with Wyatt.

Laura Harvey
Kindergarten Teacher

I can do all things through him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13 

Mrs. Harvey has always enjoyed working with children and first fell in love with St. Michael’s when her son started attending Pre-k there in 2015. She coached competitive figure skating for over 20 years before moving on to a career in Real Estate. Mrs. Harvey felt called back to working with children and was a long-term sub in Kindergarten at St. Michael’s during the 2022-2023 school year. Mrs. Harvey is currently working towards her Virginia teaching license and hopes to spend her next 20 years educating children in the classroom. Mrs. Harvey lives in Haymarket with her husband and three children.

Thelia Folsom
First Grade Teacher

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us. – 1 John 4:12

Mrs. Folsom grew up in a small town in Connecticut. Her parents came from completely different worlds; her dad was from a village in Spain and her mom was a fearless New Yorker. They instilled in her a love of God and the belief there were no limits to what she could accomplish in life. This determination and desire to succeed helped her achieve many things in life. Her faith in Jesus and belief in herself helped Mrs. Folsom stay optimistic as she fought cancer as a teenager. She graduated from American University with a B.A., and while there, she shared her faith story on retreats to let other young adults know Jesus is walking with us, giving us the strength to persevere even in the darkest moments in life. Experiencing love and encouragement through family, friends, doctors, and strangers throughout her life showed her that the Lord is alive, working through people.

Susan Lipscomb
First Grade Teacher

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28

Susan Lipscomb began teaching at St. Michael’s Academy as a substitute teacher. She then served as an assistant teacher for 4^th and 5^th grade and as a lead kindergarten teacher. Mrs. Lipscomb is now a lead first grade teacher.

Mrs. Lipscomb began her education at Indiana University of PA in psychology, minoring in business/finance and art history. After many years of working in the business/finance field, she felt the Lord telling her to pursue her heart’s desire since she was eight-year-old: to become a teacher. This led her back to school to earn her BS and MS in Elementary Education at Old Dominion University. It was the best decision she ever made because no matter where she has taught, public schools in Fauquier and Prince William Counties or at Christian schools including Providence Academy, Midland Christian and now at St. Michael’s, she feels “at home” in the classroom and knows that her teaching skills are a gift from God and that teaching children, especially about Him, was His will for her all along!

Now that Mrs. Lipscomb’s son is almost 30 and lives in the Tampa area, she loves to travel, especially to Florida! She has also visited many countries, including Israel, and has explored 45 states across our beautiful and diverse country. Besides traveling, she loves to teach Kindergarten Sunday School, watch classic movies, read Christian books on the beach, and take photos of God’s amazing Creation!

Michele Yancy
Second Grade Teacher

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths – Proverbs 3:5

Mrs. Yancy is a proud graduate of the University of North Carolina-Wilmington with a degree in Elementary Education.  Her experience in the classroom includes preschool thru elementary levels in both private and public-school systems. After serving as a regular substitute in Prince William County for the last 5 years, Mrs. Yancy joined the family of St. Michael’s Academy in 2015 as a Second-grade teacher. She feels very strongly that God has called her to this position and feels honored to serve in this ministry.

Mrs. Yancy is happily married to John Yancy, the head Golf Professional at Heritage Hunt, and together, they have two beautiful daughters, Meghan, and Molly, and two adorable puppies, Brutus and Bella. They moved from Raleigh, North Carolina to Gainesville 8 years ago, quickly found a church home at Park Valley Church, and can often be seen serving as a greeter or a Park Valley Roadie.

In her free time, Michele loves singing to worship music, photography, reading, going to the movies, and watching her girls dance competitively at Gainesville Dance Center.

Veronica Elie
Second Grade Teacher & After Care

I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. – Gal 2:20

Mrs. Elie is a very proud graduate of Liberty University with a B.A in Elementary Education and A.A in History. She also received her A.S in Psychology from Northern Virginia Community College. Mrs. Elie is the mother of two wonderful little boys, Alfie and Brandon, and two adorable cats, Motchi and Freckles. Her husband, Devin, is attending Liberty University in the hopes of diving into ministry. Mrs. Elie is originally from Florida, and is often dreaming of the beaches and Disney World. Her favorite Disney character is Stitch and like him, they both enjoy Elvis, reading, and dancing. Mrs. Elie is beyond honored and blessed to work at St. Michael’s Academy. She looks forward to working with every student that walks in her door and display to them what Christ-like love looks like. 

Cami Herndon
Third Grade Teacher

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. – Psalm 91:4

Ms. Cami is so excited to join the St. Michael’s team this year as a Pre-K 4 teacher.  Her children had their first year at St. Michael’s last year and she loved it so much she knew she needed to join the amazing group of women working at the school.  Ms. Cami has her bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with a concentration in childhood studies.  She also has her master’s degree in Education from Christopher Newport University.  Ms. Cami previously taught second grade for several years in Stafford County and has stayed home with her children for the last 5 years; she is so excited to get back into the classroom!

Heidi Munson
Fourth Grade Teacher

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – Ephesians 2:10

Mrs. Munson has been a teacher in many classrooms, but 4th grade is her favorite. She has taught in California, Ohio, and Virginia. After teaching in the public school system, being home with her children, helping to plant a church, and building a student/children’s ministry, God led her to St. Michael’s Academy. She believes that all her life experiences have prepared her to be the best teacher she can be!

Mrs. Munson and her husband are very thankful for the many years God has given them together! They have two adult children, each a special blessing in their own ways. As a family, they love exploring God’s gifts in nature.

Mrs. Munson is a California native. She earned her bachelor’s degree from California State University, Sacramento, and her Teaching Credential from Chapman University. She has taught kindergarten through 8th grade in the public school system but treasures her experiences of serving Lord through ministry. As these two paths come together, Ms. Munson gets to share her love for the Lord by serving His children at St. Michael’s.

Patty Galarza
Fifth Grade Teacher

For I know the plans I have for you – says the Lord – they are plans for good, and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11

Ms. Patty has worked with preschool and elementary children since the young age of 14. Some of her most favorite days were spent during the summer months when she was a camp counselor. Ms. Patty was a K3 assistant, and a lead aftercare counselor at Christian Center School in Alexandria. Prior to becoming our fifth grade teacher, she most recently served as a lead pre-k3 teacher.

Ms. Patty and her husband have been married for 10 years, and they have three beautiful children, Casey, Sophia, and Odette. They attend Gateway Bible Church in Gainesville.

Jessica Bowie
Elementary Resource Teacher

But be sure to fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.  1 Samuel 12:24

Tia Poles
Elementary Assistant Teacher

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. – Galatians 2:20

Quantia (Tia) Poles joined SMA as an assistant elementary teacher. She has one loving amazing, 10-year-old daughter named A’Shiaya. She has lived in Warrenton, Virginia most of her life. Tia has worked with children for over 20 years and truly enjoys it. She finds it a true blessing.

Anna Munson
Elementary Assistant Teacher

For you created my inmost being you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well. – Psalms 139:13–14

Miss Anna is the lead morning care and PreK-3 Teacher at Vint Hill. She is the daughter of SMA’S 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Munson. She also has an awesome brother and an amazing dad. She is in college to earn her Early Childhood Education Degree. In her free time she loves doing puzzles, spending time with family, reading books, telling jokes, riddles, and puns, and playing games. Miss Anna virtually attends Momentum Christian Church in Ohio. She looks forward to the years to come!

Ann Cooper
Elementary Assistant / Creative Writing Teacher

Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord God is with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9

Mrs. Cooper is excited to be a part of the St. Michael’s team! She is originally from Connecticut and has lived in Virginia for the past 5 years. She graduated from Salve Regina University in Rhode Island with a Bachelors in Elementary Education and Special Education. After graduating she moved across the country to Arizona to teach at a Catholic school on the Navajo Reservation teaching 4th and 5th grade. Mrs. Cooper moved to Virginia shortly after teaching in Arizona and taught 4th and 1st grade in Alexandria for Fairfax County. She recently got married and she and her husband, David bought a house in Broad Run a little less than a year ago. In her spare time, she loves to color, spend time with family and friends, travel, and enjoy the outdoors especially in Autumn when the leaves start to change. She looks forward to working with her students and helping them to grow and develop kind and caring personalities.

Megan Sullivan
Classroom Assistant

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6

Mrs. Sullivan joined St Michael’s Academy as an assistant teacher after being a stay-at-home mom for the past 10 years.  This past fall her youngest started kindergarten which opened the door for her to step back into the workforce. She was then blessed with this amazing opportunity to join the St Michael’s staff. Mrs. Sullivan graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in business administration which led her to a successful career in the banking industry prior to becoming a stay-at-home mom. She resides in Warrenton with her husband, their two boys, and their German Shepherd. In her free time she enjoys reading, walking, and attending her boys’ sporting events.

Amanda Thompson
Junior Pre-K Lead Teacher

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. – Proverbs 12:25

Mrs. Thompson joins St. Michael’s Academy as an assistant teacher for PreK as well as before and after care. Mrs. Thompson lives in Manassas Park with her husband and daughter, who will start attending St. Michael’s in January 2022. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors and relaxing. She looks forward to the school year!

Alison Jordan
Pre-K3 Teacher & After Care

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. – Psalms 28: 7-8

Ms. Alison is excited to be entering her 5th year teaching at St. Michael’s Academy! She has had experience working in a Montessori setting for 10 years, working with children in the healthcare field for 6 years, teaching Bible school, and working as a nanny for many years. Ms. Alison has always felt that teaching young children has been God’s calling on her life, and it so blessed to be living out that calling at St. Michael’s!

Ms. Alison moved to Virginia with her youngest son Andrew, from Chicago in 2012. Andrew is a senior in high school and looking forward to graduation at the end of the school year. Her oldest son, Max currently lives in Nebraska after attending UNL. Ms. Alison enjoys fitness, cooking, reading, singing, and serving as a personal fitness/health coach in her free time.

Ms. Alison and Andrew are members of Fairfax Community Church, where they participate in small groups and serve in their Local Engagement ministry.

Karen Booker
Pre-K3 Teacher

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ forgave you. – Ephesians 4:32

Mrs. Booker was born in California and lived there most of her life. She retired from the Irvine Unified School District in 2009, her husband Keith retired from the U.S. Marine Corps, and they relocated to Virginia where he was born and raised. Her husband now works for Homeland Security. They have 4 children, 2 boys and 2 girls. They are blessed that 3 of their children and 4 of their grandchildren (they have a sweet new granddaughter born this summer) live in this community, they have one son who lives nearby in D.C. When Mrs. Booker is not spending time with her grandchildren, she enjoys vegetable gardening and crafting. She attends Park Valley Church and is very involved with the Children’s Ministry there where she assists with making props, setting up backstage, and preparing for the weekly program. Two of her grandchildren attended the Preschool Program at St Michael’s, and she truly loves and feels blessed every day that she spends teaching children here!

Stephanie Blair
Pre-K3 Teacher

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. – Thessalonians 5:11

I am very excited to join St. Michael’s Academy as a Pre-K3 teacher. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Physical Education in 2009 from Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma. I have 3 kids and have been a stay-at-home Mom for the past 9 years. In my free time you will likely find me at the soccer fields for one of the kid’s practices or games.

Callista Baugher
Pre-K4 Teacher

For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11

Mrs. Baugher is excited to be a Pre- K 4 lead teacher for St. Michael’s Academy this year. She was introduced to the school during her college practicum in 2019, and then taught as a substitute lead teacher in the winter and spring of 2020. Mrs. Baugher has her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education through Bluefield College in Virginia. She has also taught Elementary children’s church for many years and various age groups through homeschool co-ops.

Mrs. Baugher lives in Warrenton, VA with her husband and two youngest daughters. Her oldest daughter is attending nursing school in Powell, Wyoming. Mrs. Baugher enjoys singing, reading, hiking, and traveling.

Heather Wacker
PreK-4 Teacher & After Care

This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. – Psalm 118:24

Ms. Heather holds a college degree and a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. She taught 3-, 4-, and 5-year-old PreK students for three years prior to joining the faculty of St. Michael’s Academy. Before embarking on her educational career, Ms. Heather worked in several large corporations as a customer service representative and in sales. She began working at SMA in 2009, and lives with her husband and three children in Haymarket. She enjoys jogging, computers, reading, and shopping for shoes.

Andrea Fretts
PreK-4 Teacher

The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. – Exodus 15:2

Andrea began her teaching career in 2021 as a substitute teacher in Prince William County and joined SMA in 2022 as a Kindergarten teacher. She is looking forward to teaching Pre-K this fall! Andrea is originally from Alabama and graduated from Auburn University Montgomery with a Bachelor’s in English. She is married to her college sweetheart and they have three children. When Andrea is not teaching, she spends her time taking her kids to soccer, ballet and baseball. She is obsessed with her puppy, Penelope, cooking healthy meals, and all things St. Louis Cardinals baseball. Andrea is a self-proclaimed “book nerd”  and loves literature. She also loves passing on the same passion to her students.

Calleigh Cales
Assistant Teacher

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. – Hebrews 11:1

Miss Calleigh is happy to join St. Michael’s Academy as a Pre-K3 assistant. She has lived and grown up in Fauquier County. She started with teaching kid’s gymnastics, and then assisted at the Park Valley Warrenton campus in the early-childhood room. She graduated from Liberty University’s Online Academy in 2023. She loves to spend her free time outside going on adventures. Some of her favorite activities are hiking, rock climbing, and camping. She is super excited to be able to work with kids and be able to show what impact God has had on her life.

Natalia Stelmack-Miller
Assistant Teacher

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. – John 3:16

Ms. Stelmack-Miller joins St. Michael’s as a Pre-K3 Assistant Teacher. She holds a bachelor’s degree from George Mason University. Leaving the corporate world behind, she’s focused on raising her 3 kids for the last five years. In her free time, you can find her cheering on her kids at baseball fields all over the DMV, helping her husband at their local Jeep shop, or canvassing through antique shops.

Bonnie Ayoub
Assistant Teacher & After Care

Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my savior, and my hope is in You all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

Ms. Bonnie is excited to join St. Michael’s faculty after assisting as a room mother, volunteer, and substitute teacher. Prior to joining the St. Michael’s staff, she worked at a dental office in various roles including assisting the doctor and receptionist. Upon leaving the dental office, she was blessed with the best job ever, the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom. Ms. Bonnie lives in Bealeton with her husband Paul, beautiful daughter Natalie and wonderful Golden Retriever, Harley. She also attends Saints Peter and Paul Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church.

Natalie Ayoub
Assistant Teacher & After Care

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10

 Ms. Natalie is very excited to join the St. Michael’s staff this year as an aftercare teacher, she was born and raised in Virginia and has lived in Fauquier County all her life. She lives with her parents and handsome 8-year-old golden retriever named Harley who she absolutely adores. She just graduated from Liberty High School in May 2022 and is planning to start community college in Fall of 2023 to major in criminal justice. Her mom, Bonnie Ayoub has worked at St. Michael’s for 4 years as a before care teacher and assistant teacher, she would come with her mom quite often to help at the school and that’s when she just knew she wanted to become a part of the St. Michael’s family. Natalie has had 5 years in experience with taking care of kids, she has babysat for many families since she was in 7th grade and absolutely loves being around children and helping them.