Meet Our Newest Elementary Principals

 

Elizabeth Carroll, Interim Principal
Academy of St. Paul, Ramsey

Academic Background

Mrs. Carroll earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from New Jersey City University, or Jersey City State College at the time, as well as her credentials to teach K-12 Mathematics in 1977. Between 1979 and 1982, she returned to her alma mater to complete additional graduate level coursework in Mathematics.

Professional History

Fueled by a desire to share her own love of Math, Mrs. Carroll began her teaching career at Holy Rosary Academy, where she taught Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II and Trigonometry and Calculus to students in grades 9 through 12 until 1986. To this day, she recalls her students’ ability to solve problems by thinking outside the box. In addition to her instructional duties, Mrs. Carroll coordinated the Math League and Mathematics Curriculum and moderated Varsity Cheer and Prom. 

In 1991, Mrs. Carroll joined the faculty at the Academy of St. Paul, first as a substitute teacher, and later as an elementary classroom teacher and then middle school mathematics teacher until 2010. From 2010 to 2019, Mrs. Carroll served as ASP’s Assistant Principal before stepping into her present role of Interim Principal. Throughout her two decades at the Academy, Mrs. Carroll has been actively involved at the school, serving on numerous committees and moderating academic and extracurricular clubs for students.

In Her Own Words

“The Academy of St. Paul has a rich tradition and strong reputation for developing excellent students who are well-rounded, confident, grounded in their faith, and good citizens of the Church and world. The administration and faculty are dedicated to educating the whole child, ever aware of individual needs and learning styles. Students are challenged, encouraged, and supported to do their best through educational partnerships with family, school, and community to foster student success.

I will continue to provide academic excellence in an atmosphere of love and Catholic Christian values through Scholarship, Spirituality, and Service. Opportunities will continue to be offered for integrating learning and life based on the Gospel. Remote learning has enriched our curriculum and provided our students with skills necessary to be successful in the real world.”

 

Sr. Marisa DeRose, FMA, Principal
St. Theresa School, Kenilworth

Academic Background

Sr. Marisa grew up in Elizabeth, NJ, where she attended Benedictine Academy before going on to receive her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Kean University. She later completed a Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration at Seton Hall University, as well as a certificate in Religious Studies from Pontifical University “Auxilium” in Rome, Italy.

Professional History

In addition to teaching in several schools throughout the states of New Jersey and Florida, Sr. Marisa comes to St. Theresa School with 23 years of experience as a school principal. As a matter of fact, her first principalship was at St. Theresa School from 1999 to 2006. From there, she moved on to lead Immaculata High School in Marrero, Louisiana, St. Anthony School in Hawthorne, and Mary Help of Christians Academy in North Haledon. She credits the excellent teachers she encountered along her own educational journey and a personal belief that educators change lives for inspiring her to become one herself.

In Her Own Words

“St. Theresa School has always been a family. Its strong faculty is dedicated to Catholic education and is willing to go the extra mile to help every child succeed. The administration, teachers, parents, and students consider themselves partners in education.

This year, we look forward to returning to "normal" programs and activities that formed an integral part of our students' education before COVID-19.
In the future, we aim to be very strategic about building on our strong academic programs as well as our co-curricular and extracurricular offerings so that we can continue to provide a wholistic education that addresses the needs of today's students.”

 

Marilyn Gomez, Interim Principal
St. Michael School, Newark

Educational Background

Mrs. Gomez is herself a graduate of Catholic schools, including St. Michael’s and Our Lady of Good Counsel in Newark. After high school, she obtained an Associate Degree in Accounting from Berkley College in West Paterson and later a bachelor’s degree in the same discipline from Bloomfield College in Bloomfield.  Years later, Mrs. Gomez returned to Bloomfield College to pursue a degree in education.  Today, she holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Seton Hall University.

Professional History

For over 12 years, Mrs. Gomez worked in the accounting field, but found the work unfulfilling and stressful. When her medical doctor advised her that her work-related stress was causing undue harm to her health, Mrs. Gomez made the decision to finally pursue her passion for teaching. She has remained in education for more than 20 years. 

In Her Own Words

“The St. Michael School community is a school with a proud history. It is a supportive community that steps up when it needs to. The majority of the parents who choose St. Michael School are proud of the education their children receive. The discipline, values, and morals we teach are foundational to the education we provide. Our students are caring and respectful. SMS is a safe haven for these students, since most reside in unsafe neighborhoods.

In this role, I plan to continue the promotion of the discipline, manners and values that are instilled in each St. Michael’s student. I will continue to give a high-quality education that exceeds standards. Going forward, I plan to raise the bar for technology and innovation. Through these efforts, I hope to attract new families and continue to keep our dedicated staff of teachers.”

 

Christopher Innis, Principal
St. Peter Academy, River Edge

Academic Background

Mr. Innis attended St. Peter's University in Jersey City from 2005 to 2009 and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a focus on American Studies. He holds instructional certificates in Elementary Education with a Middle School endorsement in Social Studies. As an undergraduate, he served as a student-athlete ambassador to promote reading in local elementary schools across Hudson County. 

Mr. Innis went on to attend Montclair State University in Montclair, NJ and graduated in 2016 with a master's degree in Educational Leadership with certifications for School Superintendent and School Principal.

Professional History

Mr. Innis began his educational career as an aide in a first-grade classroom, working with students with special needs. In this role, he provided individualized support to students and assisted with instructional and classroom management tasks. From there, Mr. Innis moved on to fill a short term upper elementary grade teaching position, before finally accepting a permanent position teaching Middle School Social Studies, where he remained for ten years. In addition to his instructional assignments, Mr. Innis had coached middle school basketball, high school softball, and high school soccer.

In His Own Words

“To me, the defining feature of St. Peter Academy is the sense of community. The teachers and parents understand the important role they play in the success of our students. Fr. Mike Sheehan and Fr. Andrew Jung work tirelessly behind the scenes to impart a Catholic education. Our Home School Association has done a tremendous job in planning activities that our students can participate in safely while adhering to COVID Protocols. As a new administrator, you feel the sense of support and community the moment you walk through the doors of our school.

St. Peter Academy strives to offer the best Catholic education possible. We live in a reality where COVID is not going to vanish. The best we can do is take precaution and follow the guidance of healthcare professionals. Our school is safe, our school is following protocols, and because of this, our school is open. Educating is an artform: motivating young minds, sparking curiosity, and developing good academic habits. We are blessed to have dedicated professionals working with our students. My hope for this year is to successfully provide the best Catholic education possible while keeping our students and staff safe.”

 

Karen Mirro-Drew, Principal
Visitation Academy, Paramus

Academic Background

Mrs. Drew holds a Bachelor of Science in Management and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, with a concentration in School Business Administration and Non-Profit Management. She is a certified School Business Administrator and is currently in pursuit of a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership at Caldwell University.

Professional History

Early in her career, Mrs. Drew served as Administrative Director for a few notable law firms in New Jersey. In the 1990’s when charter schools were established by the Department of Education, Mrs. Drew took part in the setup and management of an inner-city charter school. She served as Director of Finance and Operations of that school for over a decade before coming to the Archdiocese of Newark, where she held the role of Assistant Superintendent for Bergen County prior to becoming the Principal at Visitation Academy.     

In Her Own Words

“I am truly blessed to be a part of the Visitation Academy community. It is a place where all stakeholders feel welcome. Many tell me it, “feels like home.” Visitation Academy is a successful Christ-centered, Middle States accredited, Blue Ribbon School. The Academy’s success is the result of the collaboration and partnership between faculty, staff, clergy, and the parents of this school. What stands out to me is that Visitation Academy is true to their mission by preparing students for a diverse, global world in which they will become productive members of society and respond to the call: “to act with justice, to love tenderly, and walk humbly with our God.” Micah 6:8

Since starting at Visitation Academy, I have been active in revitalizing the Home School Association and helping to reorganize some of the essential components necessary to foster innovations in technology, enrollment, marketing, and the day-to-day items that help it run smoothly. In the near future, with the help of the Pastor, I plan to create a School Advisory Board and a network of Alumni to help advance Visitation Academy endowments and enrollment. Most importantly, Visitation Academy has so much to offer to our students and to the community and I stand ready to assist and lead in any way I can.”

 

Mr. John Rios, Interim Principal
All Saints Catholic Academy, Bayonne

Academic Background

Mr. Rios holds a master’s degree in Educational Technology from New Jersey City University and is a certified teacher of Art (K-12) and School Supervisor.

Professional History

Currently, Mr. Rios serves as the Interim Principal at All Saints Catholic Academy, where he has been teaching for six years. Prior to joining All Saints, he held numerous instructional positions in various schools within the Archdiocese of Newark.

In His Own Words

“Being a life-long learner, I feel nothing encourages you to continue to learn more about anything than when you're teaching it. Children are inquisitive, often come up with questions you'd never thought of. I find this allows you to constantly research new ideas and technologies to introduce to your students.

All Saints Catholic Academy’s most defining characteristic is its family atmosphere. The close-knit nature of the community makes the school a special place. As Interim Principal, I plan to work collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure the growth of the school for the short- and long-term with a focus on growing our community and maintaining our high standard of education.”

 

Mark Shultz, Principal
St. Leo School, Elmwood Park

Academic Background

Mr. Shultz earned his BA from Purdue University in Indiana as an English Teaching Major, followed by his MA in Literature from Bread Loaf School of English, a school within Middlebury College in Vermont. 

He went on to study Theology at St. Michael's College, one of seven schools within the Toronto School of Theology in Ontario, Canada. Mr. Shultz completed coursework towards a Master of Divinity while a member of the Congregation of St. Basil, a teaching order founded in France.

He finally earned an Advanced Certificate in School District Administration from LIU and began his administrative career in 1985 at Dwight-Englewood School in Englewood, NJ.

Professional History

As a member of a religious order, Mr. Shultz began as a HS English Teacher, in Rochester, NY, and Houston, TX. He then moved to Englewood, NJ where he taught Middle School English, Ethics and Social Studies at Dwight-Englewood School. There, he served as a Grade Level Advisor in Middle School and as the Director of External Programs.

He then moved on to join the Archdiocese of NY as Assistant Principal of St. Jean Baptiste High School in Manhattan. He later became the Associate Head of School and Principal of St. Philip's Academy in Newark, NJ, which converted to Philip's Academy Charter School.

Mr. Shultz has also served a Principal of Aquinas High School in the Bronx, NY, before ultimately joining us as the principal of St. Leo's School in Elmwood Park, NJ.

In His Own Words

“I was inspired by a Community of Priests and Sisters who dedicated their lives to educating students of all ages across the United States. To that end, I became a teacher who traveled across the country to serve students in elementary, high school and college.

St. Leo's Elementary School is my first parish school serving a diverse community in New Jersey. What stands out is the symbiotic relationship between the parish and school, especially the alumni who continue to live their lives of Faith because of the examples set for them at St. Leo's School.
My goal is to maintain and celebrate the relationships with all stakeholders that have enabled our success since the school was founded by the Franciscan Sisters of Peace in the 1920's.”