Front Office
Dr. Bernadine Mahar
Principal
I am so blessed to be a part of the St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School Community. I am in fourth year, here, as principal. I have been working at SMM for 6 years. I hold a Doctor of Education from the University of Washington, a Master of Arts degree in Psychology from Antioch University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Psychology from Michigan State University. I have been in education for over 40 years and get the greatest joy from working with students, teachers, and families. I live on a small farm on Whidbey Island with my husband. In my spare time I love to cook and watch sports and when I can, visit our son in Arizona. .
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Melissa Morrier-Turk
HR Specialist/Bookkeeper
My name is Melissa Morrier-Turk. I am a graduate of SMM (class of 1986) and have been a member of the parish community much of my life. I have a B.S. in Business with an emphasis in Human Resources from Central Washington University. I spent my 23 years working in this field before coming to SMM 4 years ago. My husband and I have two kids. Our son is a senior at Archbishop Murphy High School and our daughter is an 8th grader here at SMM. In my off time I enjoy running, cycling, hiking, anything outdoorsy really. I have absolutely loved working with and getting to know so many of the families here at SMM as a parent and as part of your school community!
Read MoreColleen Olson
Registrar/Admin Assistant
I graduated from Washington State University and went to work in Seattle as a Clothing Buyer, which was my dream! This career eventually took me to Portland where I met and married my husband. When we decided to our child, I had to end my career as a buyer due to the hours and travel. I worked part-time as an executive assistant to the Director of the Japanese Garden Society of Oregon until my husband was transferred Everett area. This is where we settled and have been ever since. I was lucky enough to stay home and raise my darling daughter, sending her to St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School and then taking a job in their front office after she graduated. In my spare time, I love to cook, putter in the garden and have Sunday dinners with my daughter.
Read MoreAshley Denk
Admissions/Marketing
I am thrilled to officially join the SMM community as the Admissions and Marketing Manager. As the proud parent of two SMM students, I have spent many years volunteering and serving our school through roles such as Auction Committee member, Commission Marketing Representative, Commission Chair, and CYO basketball coach. These experiences have allowed me to build meaningful relationships with students, families, faculty, and parishioners while witnessing firsthand the incredible impact of an SMM education. I am excited to welcome new families and share what makes SMM such a special place.
Read MoreSupport Staff
Angela Crabtree
Support Staff
This is my fifth year working as an aide in KA with Mrs. White. I have spent the last 10 years at home with my children and before that, I worked for 10 years in Youth and Young Adult ministry at St. Thomas More. All four of my children attend SMM and I am so happy to be a part of this wonderful community!
Read MoreErin Saparto
Support Staff
This is my 3rd year as an aide in PreK with Mrs Castro. I had an in home daycare business for 15 years and now, I’m enjoying being in the classroom. I’ve been married for 32 years and have 5 wonderful children. Not including, my fabulous daughter in law and my first grandson. All my children attended SMM and I am very excited to work at a place where I feel very at home. GO IRISH, GO BEAVS, GO COUGS!!
Read MoreManisha Fernando
Support Staff
Vivian Valenzuela
Support Staff
I graduated with an AA in Early Childhood Education and a BA in Child Development at the University of La Verne in California. I worked for Options State Preschool for 5 years. My husband and I have 2 amazing children. I decided that I wanted to stay home and raise our children so I didn’t work for many years. We moved to Texas to be close to family and were there for 4 years before my husband accepted a position at Boeing here in Washington. As my children got older I wanted to get back to working in education so I applied here at SMM and was so blessed to get hired! I started here as a Preschool Aide and am now provide support for kindergarten as well as school wide. I enjoy this new position as I get to work with such a wonderful staff and children. In my spare time I enjoy spending it with family and friends.
Read MoreDavid Hookfin
IT
My name is David Hookfin and I provide IT support for SMM. My focus is to see kids learn, and teachers teach, while remaining safe and secure in the technological supports provided. My responsibilities are to support the networking, computers, and security cameras to ensure they run correctly and efficiently. I have been a parent volunteer/staff member at SMM for last the six years. I am on several committees at the school along with coaching CYO sports. I have my B.S. in Computer Science/ Networking and Telecommunications and many years of work experience including the Seattle School District, Los Angeles Unified School District, Microsoft, and Boeing. In my spare time I love to watch my daughter play sports!
Read MorePreschool Educators
Felice Castro
Pre-Kindergarten
I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from the University of Guam. This will be my 25th year of teaching and my 8th year at SMM. My husband Cris and I met on Guam and moved to Washington state in 2000. We have a daughter who is 15 years old and a son who is 12. I enjoy cooking, travelling, hiking and biking on the weekends with the whole family.
Read MoreIrma Mendoza
Preschool 3 yr olds
Teaching runs in my blood! I have a BA in Elementary Education and over 20 years of teaching experience. I have taught 6th grade in Mexico as well as 3rd grade in Puerto Rico! This is my 8th year at SMM and 6th year teaching preschool. I love being a preschool teacher and for that reason, I stay motivated by taking ECE classes! Everything I learn I implement into my class. I live in Lake Stevens with my husband, my two boys, and my dog. I love trying new foods, making mosaics with glass, and cheering loud for my boys in their swimming meets and soccer games! I can proudly say that working at SMM is my American Dream!
Read MorePrimary Years Educators
Katie White
Kindergarten
I have been teaching kindergarten at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School since 2014 and working in Catholic Schools since 2002. My education includes a BA in history and education from CWU, a M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction from Seattle U, and an ENL certificate from Notre Dame. My husband and I have two sons who graduated from SMM (currently a senior at Archbishop Murphy High School, and a college sophomore at Manhattan University). We have two dogs and a pet tortoise at home. When I am not in the classroom, I love to hike, camp, garden, read, and travel. I am looking forward to another fantastic year at SMM. The St. Mary Magdalen school community is a very special place to learn and grow!
Read MoreJennifer Stemerick
Kindergarten
I enjoyed going to St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School K-8th grade and Archbishop Murphy High School. I received my Bachelor degree in Elementary Education from Western Washington University (2007) and Master’s Degree in Literacy Instruction at Seattle University (2015). I recently studied Slingerland’s Multisensory approach to reading, writing, and spelling. I have taught at S.M.M. since 2011, mainly in third grade, and I am very excited to be teaching kindergarten! My husband and I were honored that Father Olson married us at St. John’s Mission in 2010. We are blessed with our three kids. My favorite things are relaxing with family and friends, reading, hiking, art, learning sign language, and taking lots of pictures.
Read MoreHeidi Harris
1st Grade
I have been teaching at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School for twenty years. I grew up in Seattle and attended Assumption-St. Bridget’s School and Bishop Blanchet High School. I graduated from Western Washington University with a Bachelor of Education degree and Communication degree. I also completed my Master’s Degree in Literacy and Special Needs at Seattle University. My husband and I have two children (Asher and Hailey). Asher is a recent SMM graduate, and Hailey is in fifth grade at St. Mary Magdalen. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, playing board games, playing with my dog (Milo), reading, traveling to new places, and everything Disney. I look forward to an exciting and successful school year!
Read MoreNorilyn Peña
1st Grade
I received my undergraduate degree at Washington State University in general science and like many young people, pursued a successful career unrelated to my degree. I lived in New York for a brief time and was lucky to travel to London, Montreal, Chicago, and many other major cities. After starting a family of my own, I decided to go back to school to pursue a second career in education. While in school, I was also blessed to work as a paraeducator in a nearby district providing remedial and enrichment support for students K-5. I received my teaching certificate from City University and have been endorsed in Elementary Education and English Language Learners. This is my first-year teaching, and I will go on to pursue my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. I am an Everett native, and St. Mary Magdalen is the parish I grew up in. I love spending time with my family on summer camping trips to the Olympic Peninsula or San Juan Islands.
Read MoreNicole Martin
2nd Grade
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in English-Elementary Education from Western Washington University (2007) as well as a Master of Arts in Literacy for Special Needs from Seattle University (2014). Learning is a life-long process, so I often enroll in professional development to learn skills and strategies for meeting the needs of all learners. I have taught at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School for 17 years. I love my family, running, reading, hiking through beautiful Pacific Northwest mountains, and swimming in the ocean! Inspired by the faith of Mother Teresa, I try to live by this quote: “There are no great things, only small things with great love. Happy are those.”
Read MoreHaley Ure
2nd Grade
I am so happy to be a part of the SMM community and have enjoyed working here for the past three years. I have been working with children for over 12 years and enjoy exploring new places, dancing, and walking with my dog!
Read MoreAnnie Burns
3rd Grade
Hello! My name is Annie Burns! I graduated from AMHS before earning my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Boise State University. I received my master’s degree in Instructional Design and Educational Technology through WGU. I have more than 10 years of experience working with children through swim lessons, the Boys & Girls Club, and other educational programs. I love creating a classroom where students feel encouraged to learn, grow, and discover their unique strengths. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, walking my dog, and spending time with family and friends. I am also involved in the Catholic Young Adults group within the Seattle Archdiocese. I can’t wait to get to know my students and families and look forward to a wonderful school year!
Read MoreElaine Panwar
3rd Grade
Hello! I am delighted to be joining the wonderful staff at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School. I am a recent transplant from California and a UCLA alumnus. I have taught language arts and English as a second language to elementary, middle, and high school students as well as to adults both in the United States and abroad for over twenty years. As a teacher, I strive to ignite the spark of imagination, curiosity, and a passion for learning. When I am not teaching, I am hiking, playing tennis, or reading my favorite author, Charles Dickens. I have two adult children: my daughter, a University of Washington graduate who is currently studying to become a teacher, and my son, who lives in Silicon Valley, California.
Read MoreIntermediate Educators
Meghan Mason
4th Grade
This is my sixth year teaching as one of SMM’s 4th Grade teachers. I attended St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School and Bishop Blanchet High School. I graduated from Carroll College with a BA in Elementary Education and Special Education. I am grateful to be back and a part of the SMM family. My favorite quote is “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think!” from Winnie the Pooh. I make sure to incorporate it into my classroom every day. I enjoy coloring, camping, hanging out with my family, playing with my puppy, and love all things Disney.
Read MoreMadelyn Hoban
4th Grade
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Alisa Yee
5th Grade
This is my sixth year teaching 5th grade here at SMM. I truly enjoy being part of this amazing staff and wonderful school community. Teaching is a second career for me. Previously I have worked in HR, as a stay-at-home parent, PTSA board member and as a Guest Teacher for the local public school district. I am originally from Hawaii, love to travel, spend time with family and friends and to eat great food. My family and I are members of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish. This will be a great school year.
Read MoreMatt Compton
5th Grade
I received my Masters in Elementary Education from WGU after a midlife crisis that took me from insurance to education. I spent 2.5 years as a para educator in the Monroe school district while working on my degree and student teaching. I'm a native Washingtonian who grew up in Renton, WA. I've lived in Monroe, WA since 2015 with my wife who is the 5th grade teacher at St. Brendan's in Bothell, WA. We adopted our daughters in 2023.
Read MoreMiddle School Educators
Cory Kellogg
6th Grade History/ELA
I am a proud Husky graduate from The University of Washington where I majored in journalism, and went on to earn my Master’s Degree in Education from Western Governor’s University. This is my 15th year teaching, but fourth here at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School. I am so honored to work with a group of educators and families who put the learning and well-being of the students first – it simply is not that way at every school. This is a special place, and I am so blessed to be a part of it. Hobbies and free time are spent traveling and enthusiastically following our local sports teams. Go Hawks! Go Dawgs!
Read MoreLeigh Martin
6th Grade Science/Math
Leigh Martin was born and raised in Kansas and grew up attending Catholic school. After completing film school in New York City, she worked for many years in Film and Theatre Production, which led her to be able to explore the world. Her career led her to NYC, LA, Budapest, and touring the country with Broadway shows. She settled in the Seattle area after getting married in 2012. After having her first daughter, she decided to pursue a new career path and went back to school, obtaining her Master’s in Education. In her spare time, Leigh loves spending time with her husband, Keith, their two daughters, twelve-year old, Norah and eight-year-old, Clare. She also loves hanging out with the family dogs Wilson and Waylon. Going to the movies and attending the theatre are some of her favorite activities to do outside of school!
Read MoreJonathon Peterson
7th/8th History
This will be my first year Teaching at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School and my first-year teaching middle school! I first taught at Sammamish high school in Bellevue and then Franklin Pierce High School In Tacoma and am looking forward to returning to my home region. I grew up on the South end of Whidbey Island and attended South Whidbey High School. I majored in Politics and Government and minored in Communication and Religious Studies from University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. After graduation from University of Puget Sound I worked for the Washington State Senate as a Non-Partisan staff clerk for the K-12 Education Committee and the Local Government Committee. I returned to higher education to receive my master's in education from Pacific Lutheran University. My favorite pastimes include reading, listening to audiobooks or history podcasts, going on hikes with my wife and our dog, and staying in touch with my friends from University.
Read MoreJulie Tyndall
7th/8th Grade Science
I am entering my thirteenth year at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School. I spent my first six years teaching fifth grade and am now beginning my seventh year as the middle school science teacher. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a minor in Spanish from California State University San Marcos in 2000, followed by a CLAD Teaching Credential from the same university. I also hold a Washington State Teaching Certificate and am currently pursuing a master's degree in Secondary Biological Science. Originally from San Diego, California, I moved to Everett in 2008. I have three sons, all proud graduates of Saint Mary Magdalen who are now attending high school. Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, kayaking, paddleboarding, and taking walks with my three dogs—Neshka, Copper, and Snoopy. I am passionate about helping students develop curiosity about the natural world and fostering a love of science through engaging, hands-on learning experiences.
Read MoreRyan Wirtala
7th/8th Grade ELA
I have a BA in English Education from Washington State University (GO Cougs!!). Growing up, I attended St. Brendan for K-8 education and then went on to attend Bothell High School. I worked for Archbishop Murphy High School for a year and a half before coming to SMM as the 7th and 8th grade English Language Arts teacher. I love to read and road trip to national parks with my wife, our favorite being Bryce Canyon in Utah!
Read MoreMargaret Sprague
7th/8th Grade Math
This is my fifth year teaching at St. Mary Magdalen and my first year teaching middle school math. I grew up in the Puget Sound area, attending St. Mark in Shoreline for grade school and Holy Names in Seattle for high school. I earned my bachelor’s degree in political science and anthropology from the University of Boston and my Masters in Teaching Middle Grade Mathematics from Western Governors University. For fun, I enjoy trivia nights, escape rooms, and good books!
Read MoreSpecialists
Maureen Buennagel
Library/Media Specialist
I hold a B.A. in Elementary Education from Seattle University and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in literacy from Lesley University. I am in my 30th year teaching at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School. This is my 5th year as the school library media specialist where I am able to combine my passions for literacy and technology. I am a member Technology Committee. My husband and I both graduated from SMM and I was honored as the Distinguished Graduate in 2009. I love to camp and have visited many national and state parks over the years.
Read MoreHouston Schmutz
Physical Education Specialist
Hi, I am Houston Schmutz (Mr. S) and this is my fifth year at SMM. I attended St. Alphonsus in Ballard, and Archbishop Murphy High School located in Everett. I played college baseball at a couple schools before transferring to Western Washington University to pursue a degree in Physical Education and Health. I love sports, hiking, fishing, and spending time with friends and family. I love being at SMM and am happy for another happy and healthy year.
Read MoreOliva Seidel
Music Specialist
Hello! My name is Olivia Seidel and this is my third year of teaching at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School! I received my Bachelors in Music Education from the University of North Dakota and moved to WA in September 2018. Before coming to SMM, I was a music instructor at Half Note Music School in Bellevue. I love reading, hiking, playing board games with my husband Trevor, and am currently working on publishing my very first children's book!
Read MoreStudent Support Services
Annalise Latta
Literacy Coach
This is my 21st year in education and my 18th year at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School. I graduated from the University of Portland with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. I am certified by the Slingerland® Institute for Literacy in the Slingerland method. In the spring of 2025, I completed my Master's in Literacy from the American College of Education (ACE). I have experience as an elementary classroom teacher and reading specialist. I currently serve as the literacy coach at St. Mary Magdalen. In this role, I collaborate with teachers and education staff to strengthen reading and writing skills, implement evidence-based strategies, and cultivate a love of reading across all grade levels - working to help all students have high quality literacy instruction. I enjoy reading, listening to podcasts, watching baseball, and traveling. I spent three years teaching abroad in Warsaw, Poland. I live in Everett with my husband and our four children.
Read MoreAnna Buenvenida
DLS/LRC
Hello! As a school parent, I have been part of the wonderful SMM community for over 9 years and briefly worked as the Preschool Director here. I received my B.S. in Psychology and my M.Ed. in Special Education from the University of Washington. I then taught for several years, first as a Special Educator with infants and toddlers with developmental delays and then as a Developmental Preschool Teacher with 3- to 5-year-olds with diverse learning needs. When our first child was born, I was blessed to stay home with her as our family continued to grow. As a teacher and as a parent, my faith has helped me appreciate the unique way God has created each of us and how we help each other grow in holiness. In the wise words of St. Therese, “If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its loveliness.” Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my fantastic husband and our two amazing daughters, cuddling our cute cats, listening to music (especially BTS), and crafting.
Read MoreKatie Rood
Spanish Specialist/School Counselor
Hello! This is my second year at SMM and I am excited to be joining such a wonderful community that fosters academic growth and learning. I hold a degree in social work from George Fox University as well as a seal of biliteracy in English and Spanish from the state of Oregon. In my free time I enjoy thrifting, hiking, and exploring the city. Looking forward to a great school year!
Read MoreParish Priest
Rev. Hans M. Olson
Pastor