We are blessed to have an amazing group of teachers at The Madeleine. These devoted men and women work with diligence, devotion and care…helping our children to blossom and grow into spiritual, educated, wonderful young people. Find out more about our classrooms and teachers below.

Classrooms

Alyssa Biniak

Educator Since 2021
At Madeleine Since 2015
Bachelor's Degree, Reed College
Master's Degree, University of Portland

My name is Alyssa Biniak and I am honored to be the Kindergarten teacher at The Madeleine.

I believe children are natural learners! Curiosity moves them toward the unknown and play is the way they process and understand. My work is to protect these two critical drives in children while introducing them to the routines and expectations of school. My guiding purpose is to create a nurturing and engaging community of learners. I support process over perfection and learning partnerships over competition. Kindergarten is a magical rite of passage into the world of school and the new role of “student,” and I want each child to feel excited about their school days, confident in their abilities, and proud of their efforts. In our classroom we notice, wonder, move, practice, explore, create, and collaborate with joyful purpose.

On a personal note, I am originally from Texas but have now officially lived longer in Oregon. I moved to the PNW for school, graduated from Reed College, and worked in Developmental Psychology research before becoming a full-time mom to my three children (two Madeleine graduates and an eighth-grader). I have always been engaged in the work of guiding and encouraging kids while wearing different hats: from babysitting, nannying, leading a Sunday school program during college, studying issues of childhood aggression post-undergrad, teaching dance and yoga, and of course as a full-time mama. So when my youngest became a kindergartener and joined her siblings at The Madeleine, I happily stepped into a Teacher’s Assistant role in 2nd grade. I fell in love with teaching and with this school! I have since earned my Master’s in Education at the University of Portland and am honored to be on this team of amazing educators.


Bernadette Merten is the Kindergarten grade classroom aide. She has been with The Madeleine since 2022.

Sara Dillon

Educator Since 2004
At Madeleine Since 2016
Bachelor's Degree, University of Portland
Master's Degree, Portland State University

My name is Sara Dillon and I am the first grade teacher at The Madeleine.  I am a Portland native, growing up in East County and attending the Centennial School District. While at PSU getting my history degree, I realized my true calling to be an educator. I transferred to University of Portland and started my journey in Catholic education. My family and I love hiking in the Gorge, working (and playing) in our garden, and spending time at Cannon Beach.  I love being creative and visiting the craft store!

In the classroom I have two goals: for students to feel a sense of belonging and for every student to learn to the best of his or her ability. I believe education is most rewarding when teacher, parents, and students work together. This year we will tap into the student’s natural curiosity and desire to learn. Children learn best when they are allowed to explore and create, to ask questions and find answers, to think independently and work cooperatively.  We will be integrating subjects to ensure an infusion of faith, language arts, math, social studies, and science throughout the day. It is a busy learning environment, but so rewarding!


Megan Nofziger is the first grade classroom aide. She has been with The Madeleine since 2022.

Mary Witka

Educator Since 1989
At Madeleine Since 1995
Bachelor's Degree, University of Oregon
Master's Degree, University of Phoenix

"An understanding heart is everything in a teacher, and cannot be esteemed highly enough. One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feeling. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child."  --Carl Jung

Hi, my name is Mary Witka. I love scrapbooking, gardening, walking, and my two wonderful daughters!

I also love teaching, and I believe that to teach effectively, the students must trust their teacher. In order for this to occur, they must sense that the teacher has interest in the student beyond the subject matter. Once the trust between the teacher and student is established, teaching can move to a higher level. It is my goal for all students to become lifelong learners. I want them to believe in all that they can accomplish. In order to do this, I provide a loving and respectful environment. Whatever their level, I encourage the students to work their hardest and to feel proud of what they have accomplished.

The Second Grade at The Madeleine School is a magical place, filled with love and learning, writing and singing, numbers and letters and much more. The classroom environment is nurturing, stimulating, and challenging. We read lots of wonderful books, and even write our own stories for publishing. We work on computation skills all through the year in Math. In Science, we study plants and animals, weather, dinosaurs, and space. Our country is the focus In Social Studies. We learn about God's love and His great gifts to us during Religion class and throughout the day. We also have exciting classes in art, P.E., music, and library/computers. It’s great to be a second grader at The Madeleine!

Writers’ Workshop is an exciting focus in second grade. The students become very familiar with the writing process. They take their writing from the planning stage to publishing and sharing their stories.

For Catholic students, the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist are received for the first time during the year.


Diane Salvitelli

 

Diane Salvitelli is classroom aide in Second and Third Grades. She has been with The Madeleine since 2007.

 

 

 

Educator Since 2020
At Madeleine Since 2021
Bachelor's Degree: University of Portland

Ms. Halvorson is originally from Spokane, WA. She  graduated from the University of Portland in 2020, earning a degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish. She completed her student teaching at The Madeleine School and is very excited to be back teaching 3rd grade.
 
Ms. Halvorson completed her first year of teaching at St. Francis prior to returning to The Madeleine. She is looking forward to getting to know the Madeleine community. She is passionate about finding creative ways to learn and fostering community in the classroom. Ms. Halvorson enjoys reading, making music, and spending time outdoors in her free time.

Diane Salvitelli

 

Diane Salvitelli is classroom aide in Second and Third Grades. She has been with The Madeleine since 2007.

 

 

 

 

Heather Matteri

Educator Since 2001
At Madeleine Since 2020
Bachelor's Degree, Northwestern University
Master's Degree, University of Portland

Hello, my name is Heather Matteri, and I am thrilled to be teaching Fourth Grade at The Madeleine! I grew up in Eugene, where I attended O’Hara Catholic School and South Eugene High School. I left the west coast to go to college at Northwestern University, where I earned a Bachelors of Science in Journalism. I went on to live and work in New York City for several years before returning to Oregon to get a Masters in Teaching from the University of Portland. After several years of teaching, I stayed home to raise my three daughters with my husband, T.J.

I love all kinds of outdoor adventures, children’s literature, interior design, playing tennis and cheering my girls on at their various sporting events. I can’t stop listening to podcasts and am a devoted viewer of British television, especially Masterpiece Theater.

For the past 10 years, I have been a parent and parishioner at The Madeleine and watched my daughters grow and learn within this very special community. I have served hot lunch, planted trees, helped out at Christmas pageants, led middle school book groups, planned class parties, coached soccer and basketball, been an auction chair, and served on the School Advisory Board. You name a way to volunteer at The Madeleine, and I’ve probably done it — happily!

Along this journey, two of my daughters were diagnosed with dyslexia. I realized that even though I held a Masters in Teaching, I didn’t know how to help or advocate for them. Both girls eventually made remarkable progress through hard work with tutors and support from The Madeleine staff. Seeing their progress, I was drawn back into the classroom.

I renewed my teaching license and am honored to join be a member of The Madeleine staff! Along the way, I have taken courses in math, writing, explicit instruction, racial equity, brain research, executive function, and more than 150 hours in science-based reading instruction. I am now an Orton-Gillingham Certified Structured Literacy Teacher through a program accredited by the International Dyslexia Association.

My philosophy of education is the same as my philosophy of life, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Matt. 7:12). It’s a simple beacon that guides all of my decisions in planning and delivering engaging lessons, creating a safe and productive learning environment, and motivating and connecting with your children.

As my educational hero Dr. Anita Archer says, “How well you teach, equals how well they learn.” My lessons have a clear purpose and rationale for learning, multiple explanations and demonstrations of the instructional target, and supported practice with feedback and monitoring of student progress. More simply put, I follow the instructional model of “I do. We do. You do.” Even though much of my instruction follows an explicit model, learning is not a spectator sport! I actively involve student responses, thinking, and sharing.

Teaching 4th grade is like coming home. Fourth grade is where I first started teaching, and it's always been one of my favorite grades. I look forward to creating a warm and engaging experience for the next generation of Madeleine 4th Graders!

Mary Hoglund

Educator Since 1988
At Madeleine Since 2017
Bachelor's Degree, Washington State University
K-12 reading endorsement/K-8 elementary education endorsement

Hello. My name is Mary Hoglund, and I am thrilled to be the 5th grade teacher here at The Madeleine. My goal as an educator is to create a safe, positive, and productive learning environment which supports and challenges each student as a learner.

In the 5th grade, we are working on being organized and responsible students, two key elements of success in middle school. A popular area of study for students is the geography and history of the United States, which culminates with a state report in the spring.

Religion - The main focus in our religion curriculum are the sacraments and virtues.

Language Arts - We follow our curriculum - reading weekly our anchor text in our Journeys textbook, answering comprehension questions using complete and clear sentences, utilizing our Performance Assessment curriculum that helps our students focus on using a variety of sources to organize and create clear and concise writing assignments.

Vocabulary - Our students have weekly spelling pretests, homework, and tests.

Math - We follow the Go Math curriculum with daily classroom and homework assignments.

Social Studies - US History, Geography of the United States (states + capitals), US Presidents.

Science - Life, Physical, and Earth. We use the Mystery Science program. Our first trimester is health with Mr. Grant.

A little about me ...
I graduated from WSU in 1988 and immediately began teaching in the Snohomish School District where I taught kindergarten and LAP reading for 2 years, and 3rd grade for 3 years. In 1993 my husband was transferred to Portland, and I went to work for the Vancouver School District where I taught for 12 years. During my tenure in Vancouver I taught grades 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th. I enjoyed taking 13 years off to be a stay-at-home mom. From 2012-2017 I worked part time for the University of Portland School of Education as a student teacher supervisor.

My husband (Pat) and I have two children; Peter and Mary Kate. They both graduated from Central Catholic and both went on to college at Gonzaga University. Both of our children attended The Madeleine School from kindergarten through 8th grade. As a family we attend The Madeleine Parish.

Educator Since 1989
At Madeleine Since 2023
Bachelor's Degree, Oregon State University
Master's Degree, Portland State University

My name is Joe Calabrese and I am incredibly excited to be the 6th grade homeroom teacher.

I have been a Middle School teacher for the past 34 years at St. Cecilia school in Beaverton. My homeroom was in the 7th grade and I taught Social Studies to the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade classes. I also taught New Testament studies to the 7th grade. Over the years I also had a chance to instruct Middle School art, drama/debate, a model UN class, vocabulary, and science. I served as the coordinator for the student council, which focused on leading school assemblies and school-wide service projects. I’m excited to bring the skills that I have acquired over these past 34 years to the Madeleine school community and hopefully make a difference in the lives of the students.

I am a native to the Portland area and received 12 years of Catholic education from both St. Charles Elementary school and Central Catholic High School. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Education with a minor in History from Oregon State University (Go Beavs) and a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Portland State University. In 1990 I married my high school sweetheart, Paula and we have three wonderful kids Ben 26, Grace 23, and Dominic 19. When I am not teaching I love to read, go camping, fly fish, play tennis or golf and just hang out with my family. With a blink of an eye your kids grow up so I am enjoying every last minute I can with my kids while they are in town.

You are the primary educator of your children and I feel truly blessed to be in partnership with you in helping achieve your goals for your child. I believe that the students need to be challenged but also feel safe and loved when they enter school. It is amazing what students can achieve when they are able to focus their minds on a goal and see the results of their hard work. Being organized is an essential piece for their success so we will spend a great deal of time in the first week making sure everyone is on the same page with the classroom routine. I will be sending out a weekly newsletter letting you know what we have done in the classes that I teach them in and where we are going with our future studies.

Rob Parker

Educator Since 2002
At Madeleine Since 2004
Master's Degree, University of Portland

I’m Rob Parker, the 7th grade homeroom teacher. I teach Pre-Algebra, Social Studies, and Religion to the seventh graders, as well as Algebra and Social Studies to the eighth graders.

I believe education is among the most important gifts available to young people and is rooted in the phrases: respectful relationships and engaging the whole student. I believe the value of respect provides the foundation for all that takes place in the classroom. It is the basis of classroom management, academics, and student relationships. I also believe that every student is thirsting for knowledge. Students by their very nature are curious and desire to make sense of the world around them. I believe all students are capable of learning. It is a joy to educate students as they develop into his or her individual character with unique gifts which will prepare them for a bright future.

The 7th grade curriculum at The Madeleine provides a myriad of opportunities for students to learn and grow as young scholars. The 7th grade religion course focuses on Church history, it’s teachings, the liturgical seasons, and integration of prayer and faith life. Seventh grade social studies is a continuation of World History. In this class students focus on skill building and social studies analysis while developing a broader understanding of world civilizations. The pre-algebra class is designed to prepare advanced students for Algebra I their 8th grade year.

When I’m not teaching I enjoy rock climbing, camping, cooking, catching up on TV series, watching documentaries, Timber soccer and Blazer basketball.

Tina Hanselman

Educator Since 1993
At Madeleine Since 2014
Bachelor's Degree, University of Oregon

My name is Tina Hanselman, and I am the 8th grade homeroom teacher. I teach 7th and 8th Grade English Language Arts (ELA) and 8th Grade Religion. I grew up in Portland and was raised Catholic. I graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor's degree in journalism and completed my teaching preparation studies at Portland State University and Concordia University.

I began my teaching career in 1993. I taught public school for several years, and I was a part-time substitute teacher for many years. I have been teaching here at The Madeleine School since 2013. My family has been Madeleine parishioners since 2004.

The 8th graders shine as leaders in our school as they prepare for high school. The eighth grade includes many exciting opportunities and challenges. The 7th and 8th Grade ELA and religion curriculum is interesting and face-paced. Our middle school team is committed to challenging our eighth graders academically as we support each student’s moral, social, physical, and spiritual growth.

Specialists

The Madeleine School is fortunate to have many specialist teachers to provide an in-depth learning experience, a strong Learning Support Team to support all learners as well as a school counselor.

Cary Pederson

Educator Since 2000
At Madeleine Since 2016
Bachelor's  and Master's Degree, Portland State University

Cary Pederson has an extensive career of both performance and education. Earning both a Masters and Bachelors of Music Performance at Portland State University, Cary has been instructing the woodwind family of instruments for almost two decades. He started off instructing as a guest for Discovery Middle School in Vancouver, with Kathy Vogt. From there he branched off to local high schools. Cary, while working as a teaching assistant for Portland State University (PSU), became the woodwind pedagogy instructor, as well as, conductor for the PSU chamber wind ensemble and the music librarian. During his graduate studies at PSU, Mr. Pederson became involved with trumpet pedagogy, thanks in large part to his brother Cory (Jewell, Oregon public school district music instructor).

Cary is also the director of the Beacock Music Concert and the professional jazz group, VanPort Jazz, who perform at various venues throughout the Vancouver/Portland metro area. His interests are classical and jazz compositions, as well as, music history, theory and studio recording. Cary’s ultimate love is the clarinet (27 years) and the saxophone (25 years).

Most recently, Cary was the music director for Astoria Middle and High schools in Astoria, OR. He was also the band director for the 2015-2016 school season at award winning Mountain View High School located in Vancouver, WA. While having a masters in music performance, Cary is a few months away from completing his second master’s degree in general music education.

Cary has studied with Kathy Vogt (Vancouver, WA public school music director), Dale Beacock (founder of Beacock Music), Dr. Stan Stanford (retired Prof. of clarinet at PSU), Dr. William Tuttle (former PSU wind ensemble director of bands), Juan Gregorio (former principle clarinetist of the Hawaiian Symphony), Patrick Sheridan (world famous tubist), Doug Schneider (PSU piano/sax studies), Yoshi (principle clarinetist of the Oregon Symphony), Todd Kuntz (clarinetist for the Oregon Symphony), Dr. Denise Grant (former director of bands at PSU), and David Shifrin (American classical clarinetist). Recent performances include soloist for the Hood River Symphony Orchestra; NYC comic strip producer Shannon Wheeler’s “Too Much Coffee Man;” Oregon Symphonic Band; Oregon Jazz and Wine Festival; Portland State University Opera Productions; North Coast Community Symphony; and the Vancouver Pops Symphony.

Educator Since 1999
At Madeleine Since 2023
Bachelor's Degree: San Diego State University

My name is Leslie Christine, I am the Physical Education and Health teacher at The Madeleine School. I want to introduce myself to you and give you a brief summary about me and the PE and Health program.

As a child, my family moved every three years due to my father’s job as a sportswriter. At each new school joined different teams and sports that were popular in the town (volleyball, gymnastics, skiing, softball, etc.. Moving every three years taught me how to be outgoing, by making friends through sports. I also have a twin sister who also pushed me to be my very best. When I was in elementary school I would use my recess time to help the PE teach the younger classes, and never stopped from there. To this day I continue to try new activities, my recent favorites are riding my bike to school (even in the rain!), pickleball, and camping. 

In addition to teaching PE for 25 plus years, I also have a Bachelor’s in applied Arts, Science, Kinesiology, Emphasis in Physical Education, Fitness, Nutrition, & Health, San Diego State University and Graduate Degree in Education with a  Single Subject Teaching Credential in Physical Education Health & Fitness (K-12) Oregon and California.

More important than anything else you do as a teacher is the relationship you build with your students. For me, connecting with students through physical activity and health teaches life lessons. I connect with students by: 

  • teaching cooperation and creativity
  • teaching skills through fun imaginative play (grades K-3)
  • teaching healthy habits through hands on activities
  • attending my PE athletes sporting events on the weekend
  • by participating in the activities (they love to see their teacher playing) 
  • teaching virtues such as, kindness through a dance from the Be Kind Project 
  • In P.E. we are inclusive 
  • teaching PE athletes how they can be a good friend 
  • learning about conflict resolution through the problem solving corner 
  • designing activities with high success 
  • challenging students to be their best 
  • improving skills, fitness, and gaining confidence 
  • giving students lots of activity and practice time 
  • communicating with parents successes and challenges 
  • creating a positive learning environment 
  • showing students that you care 

I know I have the best job in the whole wide world, I get to teach, play, and connect with students daily. It is never boring, always challenging and of course fun! I hope that students leave my class feeling that P.E. is their favorite part of the day.

Ingrid Parmeter

Educator Since 2002
At Madeleine Since 2018
Bachelor's Degree, University of Oregon
Master’s Degree, Pacific University

Hello! I am Ingrid Parmeter. I am an artist and child of two Oregon artists, (a wood-worker and a fabric sculptor), so I grew up attending craft fairs and gallery shows. I was born in North Portland, but spent most of my childhood in the country. Art has been a huge part of my life, but I am perhaps more of a maker. I love to use my hands to make things like costumes, home textiles and soap, and I really enjoy fixing things and using power tools.

I have a degree in English Literature from University of Oregon and a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Pacific University. I have taught high school language arts and history of art, middle and high school AVID, and extensive after-school programs in ceramics and sewing to all age groups. Most recently I worked as a teaching artist assistant for Young Audiences creating kinetic sculptures. I also taught ceramics classes out of my home studio and have been a returning artist to Yamhill County Art Conspiracy summer programs for three years.

For fun I play guitar and sing in the St. Andrew Gospel choir, garden, hike, sculpt, and hang out watching my chickens. I have three fun kids who keep me informed about the world. We like to drink coffee and tea together and walk to places in Portland to do so. I also love love love theater.

My goal is that students develop a "mind of art," which means that we focus on how we perceive and appreciate the world around us as well as what we produce. I would like to teach all students to think of themselves as unique artists, whether they feel they are "good" at it or not. A mind of art means that we can observe, experience wonder and spiritual rest in the beauty of God's creation. Let's do this!

Jenn Langhus

Educator Since 2003
At Madeleine Since 2003
Bachelor's Degree, University of Oregon
Master’s Degree, Concordia University

I'm Jenn Langhus, the Media Specialist at The Madeleine. I was born and raised right here in Portland, and was lucky enough to spend 12 years in Catholic education. I attended St. Rose Grade School and Central Catholic High School. After graduating from Central, I was off to the University of Oregon and Concordia University to earn a bachelor's degree in Political Science and Masters in Teaching consecutively. I have had the blessing of being the First Grade (10 years) and Fourth Grade (3 years) teacher here at The Madeleine and in this position since 2019.

As the Media Specialist at The Madeleine, I will teach each grade in the library and the computer lab integrating the worlds of technology and books for research as well as for enjoyment. The students will learn digital citizenship and literary skills, including becoming a skillful researcher, critical thinker and ethical user of information. I will also lead the Battle of the Books Team and the Middle School Book Club.

In this position, I am able to promote a balance between technology and books. This opportunity allows me to model stepping away from technology at times. Reading aloud to the students and being present to encourage freedom of inquiry and the joys of being a lifelong learner through picking up a book and getting lost in expanding your mind through a story or new information.

Library FAQs

May I come to the library or computer lab at other times?
Yes. You may visit the library or computer lab with a pass from your teacher. Your teacher may schedule additional time in the library or computer lab for your whole class or small groups.

How many books may I check out, and how long may I keep them?
K & 1st may check out 1 book for 1 week.
2nd-5th may check out 2 books for 2 weeks.
Middle School students have unlimited checkouts, as long as books are being returned.

What happens if I forget to return a book?
You will not be able to check out a new book until your overdue books are returned or you have paid the replacement cost.

What should I do if I accidentally damage a book?
Please bring the book back to the library to be repaired. If the book cannot be repaired, you will be asked to pay for a replacement.

I want to make a donation to the library. How do I do that?
Contact Ms. Langhus directly. There are a few different ways you can donate to the library.

Access our School Library Online Catalog

Ann Yuhas

Educator Since 2000
At Madeleine Since 2008
Master’s Degree, George Fox University

My name is Ann Yuhas, and it is my pleasure to welcome you to The Madeleine Science Lab — a place where all students are invited to explore the wonders of science, the natural world and the magnificence of God’s creations. The Madeleine Science Lab emphasizes hands-on activities and experiments to help students master the important scientific concepts they need to be successful.

We also emphasize fun! All students, kindergarteners through eighth graders, are welcome to come to the lab and play with the science toys. I believe the best science is learned by doing things. Good science, like life, is active, messy, absolutely fascinating, and just a little bit chaotic. Students can expect to get their hands dirty in The Madeleine Science Lab. They will design their own experiments, build things, mix chemicals, observe animals and grow plants as a part of their science experience.

I teach middle school science (grades 6 – 8) and also sections of seventh and eighth grade math. I am also the science resource for the K – 5 teachers, helping them with labs and activities. Previously, I taught middle school science at St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Milwaukie, and middle school science and math at Valley Catholic. In my spare time I enjoy reading mystery novels, running, and quilting.

A team of devoted educators make up our Learning Support Team: Jenn Cooper, Gaila Savery, Pam Harmon, and Suzette Kamm. We work with children in all grades in the Learning Loft and in classrooms throughout the building. Our work with students includes the following:

  • Teaching small, guided reading and math groups
  • Tutoring individual students
  • Consulting with teachers and support them in their mission of meeting the needs of ALL learners
  • Giving large group instruction as requested
  • Assessing students and tracking their progress
  • Conferencing with parents about their child’s progress and supports
  • Providing instruction in a variety of subjects and with a multitude of strategies
  • Using a variety of strategies to teach reading, such as Read Naturally and Orton-Gillingham Instruction
  • Working with students to build Executive Functioning skills, using a number of curriculums
  • Helping teachers implement meaningful accommodations in their classrooms
  • Making referrals, writing reports, and talking with professionals who are testing individual students
  • Providing Study Hall support for students in grades 5 - 8 after school
  • Writing Individualized Learning Plans
  • Taking seminars and reading current research about best practices and teaching diverse learners
  • Celebrating the academic progress that each student makes
  • Appreciating that the students we teach have a lot to teach us too

Gaila Savery

Gaila Savery

BA, Western Oregon
MA, Concordia, St. Paul

I am a native Oregonian and have been at the Madeleine since 2003. I thoroughly enjoy building relationships with students and seeing the growth of the whole child. I am truly blessed to be in this profession, here at The Madeleine.

Pam Harmon

Pam Harmon

BA and MA, Portland State University
Reading Specialist

I began working at The Madeleine in 1995. Since 2006, I have worked with the Learning Support Team to give our students the additional support they need in their learning. I love to work with individual students and small groups to help them improve skills, as well as their self-esteem. I strongly believe in seeing a child as a whole person. I focus on how a child learns best and what might be getting in the way of his/her learning. It is very important to me to help each child I work with feel safe and confident so they can feel good about themselves and grow. I am the mom of a beautiful teenage daughter. We enjoy spending time together at home with our pets, going for walks with the dogs, reading books and doing craft projects.

Suzette Kamm

Suzette Kamm

BA and MA, University of Portland
Reading Endorsement
Certified Level in Orton Gillingham Reading

I have been at The Madeleine since 2014, but have spent many years as an educator. Being a small part in a student's learning process is a marvelous honor. Each child is unique and a gift to each of us. Aiding them to become successful is a mission.

Jenn Cooper

Educator Since 1980
At The Madeleine Since 2022
Portland State University, City University

I am a native Texan and moved to the Portland area in 1990. My husband and I bought our first home just a few blocks from The Madeleine School. Our boys attended Alameda Elementary. It is a wonderful feeling to be back in my first neighborhood working at The Madeleine. I started my career in business by earning my degree at Portland State University. In 2015 I answered my true career calling by going to City University to earn my teaching degree as a Special Education teacher. I absolutely believe that all students are capable of great learning. I started at The Madeleine in September of 2022. I have an in-depth understanding of Special Education law. My purpose is to help families understand their students' learning profile and support the teachers, students and families of The Madeleine School. I am so excited to have joined The Madeleine community!

Susan CarpenterSusan Carpenter

BA, Dominican University of California
MA, Graduate Theological Union, California
25 years teaching experience

It is a gift to come to know and teach the children of The Madeleine. We seek to foster the students' love of learning, love of life, and development of skills. We are all blessed, I believe, to be part of this faith community.

 
At Madeleine Since 2022
Bachelor's Degree, California State University, Long Beach 
Master's Degree, Azusa Pacific University

I began my career in the late 1990’s, working as a mental health therapist with children, teens and families in outpatient and school settings, before taking time off to stay home with my own children. I have experience with children of all ages and abilities, from many different backgrounds. Two of the most important aspects of my job are to care for all students and always remain open to learning as I go along. Working as a school counselor is a great fit for me because I love building relationships, empowering students and helping them grow.

As the School Counselor at The Madeleine, I am guided by the mission to help all students become healthy, competent and confident learners. This translates to working with all students in the areas of academic, social/emotional and career development through instruction, counseling, advisement, consultation, collaboration and referrals.

ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT: supporting each student’s ability to learn.

SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: supporting each student’s ability to manage emotions and learn interpersonal skills.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT: supporting each student in making a connection between school and their future world of work.

INSTRUCTION: Teaching classroom lessons on a variety of topics related to social/emotional and career development in an effort to support student success.

COUNSELING: Providing confidential, short-term individual and group counseling focused on gaining awareness, learning new skills and improving outcomes for student success.

APPRAISAL & ADVISEMENT: Assessing student interests, abilities and achievements in an effort to guide them in making decisions that will positively affect future success.

CONSULTATION: Sharing strategies with other stakeholders such as parents, teachers and relevant community partners in order to support student success.

COLLABORATION: Working together with parents, teachers and relevant community partners to support student success.

REFERRALS: Connecting students and parents to outside professionals and/or organizations for additional information and/or services.

Carolyn UllmanEducator since 1980
At Madeleine since 2011
Bachelor's degree, Florida State University
Master’s degree, Portland State University

I am excited to return to The Madeleine in a different role. I will be creating a new program this year, The Triennial Testing Program.  Testing and assessment have been part of my practice for the last fifteen years. I am qualified to perform many assessments including comprehensive educational testing. I have a large library of testing and assessment protocols and I am always looking for more that could meet the school’s needs. The goal of The Triennial Assessment Program is to identify students who, through teacher’s formative assessment, observations, and specific data from STAR testing, are at risk for a learning disability. This process starts with the classroom teacher, and the learning specialist makes the referral. Ideally, students are identified by second grade and testing is recommended and scheduled. These same students would be tested again in fifth grade in preparation for middle school, and finally, in eighth grade prior to high school. 


At The Madeleine Since 2023
Bachelor's Degree, Santa Clara University
Master’s Degree, Lewis & Clark College
Administrative Credentials, Lewis & Clark College

I am honored to have the opportunity to lead alongside a great staff at a school that strives to develop students academically, spiritually, morally and socially. I am enthusiastic about joining a great community where we can share our faith, instill virtues, and empower our students to seek their full potential.

A little bit of background information…. I have been involved in Catholic education as a student, parent, teacher and principal for many years. I was born and raised in Eugene, Oregon. I went to O’Hara Catholic School, Marist High School and received my BA from Santa Clara University. I earned my MA in Elementary Education from Lewis & Clark College and went on to receive my Administrator’s license, also from Lewis & Clark. For the past ten years I have been the principal of Resurrection Catholic School, which I opened for the parish in 2013.

I am married to Matt, my college sweetheart, and we have three boys. Our oldest son lives and works in New York. Our middle son lives here in Portland, and our youngest son is a sophomore at Santa Clara University. I enjoy painting, interior design, walking our golden retriever, Finley, gardening, baking and traveling.