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Our Frontline

Faculty & Staff

Our carefully curated team of teachers are there for our kids day in and day out. The academic, emotional, physical and spiritual development of our students is done with a care and understanding that is second to none. These are the heroes at SES.

Staff Directory

Administration

Maria Niebuhr M.Ed. | Principal
(niebuhr@seseton.org)

Beth Tenbarge M.Ed. | Assistant Principal/Dean of Technology
(btenbarge@seseton.org)

Support Staff

Jessica Bedoya, A.A. | Receptionist/Office Assistant
(bedoya@seseton.org)

Elaine Pearce | Accountant
(pearce@seseton.org)

Katy Rendon | Director of Admissions
(office@seseton.org)

Gina Groch M.A. | Marketing/Communications
(groch@seseton.org)

Kathy Clifford LPN | School Nurse
(clifford@seseton.org)

Oscar Restrepo | Facilities Manager

Santos Delgado | Groundskeeper

Preschool Teachers

Michele McFee B.S. | PreK-3
(mcfee@seseton.org)

Amanda Banning B.S. | PreK-4
(banning@seseton.org)

K-5 Teachers

Cynthia Snyder, M.A. | Kindergarten (snyderk@seseton.org)
Susan Boga, M.S. | 1st Grade (boga@seseton.org)
Megan Schuchman, Ed. S. | 1st Grade (schuchman@seseton.org)
Dana Hilmoe M.AT | 2nd Grade (hilmoe@seseton.org)
Danielle Stetts, B.S. | 3rd Grade (stetts@seseton.org)
Gretna Burger, B.A. | 4th Grade (burger@seseton.org)
Nichole Eastman M.A. | 5th Grade (eastman@seseton.org)
Dolores Martin M.Ed. | Substitute (martin@seseton.org)

Student Support Services

Charity Winter B.S. | Resource Teacher
(winter@seseton.org)

6-8 Teachers

Phil Miguel, Jr.. M.S. | Middle School Social Studies
(miguel@seseton.org)

Megan Van Wart, M.S. | Middle School Science
(vanwart@seseton.org)

6-8 Teachers cont’d

Jeff Tenbarge, B.S. | Middle School Religion
(tenbarge@seseton.org)

Natalie Donahue, M.A. | Middle School Language Arts
(donahue@seseton.org)

Michka Barham, B.S. | Middle School Math
(barham@seseton.org)

Ana Turino, B.A. | Middle School Language Arts
(turino@seseton.org)

Jen White B.S. | Substitute
(white@seseton.org)

Related Arts Teachers

Matthew Bucknell, B.S. | P.E./Athletic Director
(bucknell@seseton.org)

Christina Grun | Art
(grun@seseton.org)

Fabiola Cole M.Ed. | Spanish
(cole@seseton.org)

Paul Desmarais, M.Ed. | Music/Band
(desmarais@seseton.org)

Teacher Assistants

Dagne Fuentes B.S., CDA | Teacher Assistant
(fuentes@seseton.org)

Sumaya Perdomo | Teacher Assistant
(perdomo@seseton.org)

Deb Silva | Teacher Assistant
(silva@seseton.org)

Jeanne Antonino, B.A. | Teacher Assistant
(antonio@seseton.org)

Christina Prieto | Teacher Assistant
(prieto@seseton.org)

Elizabeth Noonan | Teacher Assistant
(noonan@seseton.org)

Karina Rodriguez | Teacher Assistant
(rodriguez@seseton.org)

Yesenia Esteban | Teacher Assistant
(esteban@seseton.org)

Faculty & Staff at St. Elizabeth Seton

These are the educators shaping the young minds that will lead tomorrow. Click on their photo for a bio of each.

Maria Niebuhr, M.Ed.

Principal

Mrs. Niebuhr was born in Long Island, New York and has been principal at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School since 2017. Mrs. Niebuhr has a Bachelor of Business Degree in Marketing from Hofstra University in New York and was formerly employed as a Vice President in sales and marketing for NatWest USA Bank. After receiving teaching certification from FGCU in elementary education, Mrs. Niebuhr went on to earn a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership while teaching in the Diocese of Venice. Mrs. Niebuhr has served in Catholic Education since 2002 as a music educator, choir and theater director, and classroom teacher. When she’s not in school, Mrs. Niebuhr enjoys spending time with family and reading.

Beth Tenbarge, M.Ed.

Assistant Principal/Dean of Technology

Mrs. Tenbarge is the Assistant Principal and Dean of Technology. She has been part of the Seton faculty since the fall of 2001; serving as the Assistant Principal since the fall of 2018. During her time as a member of the Seton community she has had the opportunity to teach fifth grade, a variety of middle school subjects, and serve as the school librarian.
Mrs. Tenbarge lived in numerous states and countries growing up as part of an Air Force Family. She is a graduate of St. John Neumann High School, Naples, FL. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Secondary Education from Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts. She recently (in 2019) earned her Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education in Indianapolis, Indiana. She holds Florida Educator Certificates in Elementary Education (K-6), Social Sciences, (5-8), and Educational Leadership (All Levels).
Mrs. Tenbarge and her husband Jeff are committed to Catholic Education. Jeff is the Middle School Religion teacher at St. Elizabeth Seton and both of her children are successful Seton alumni.

Katy Rendon

Director of Admissions

Mrs. Rendon was born in New York but grew up in Colombia. She returned to the US and settled in Florida in 2009. She lives with her husband and two young sons who are students at our school. Mrs. Rendon has over ten years of experience working as an office assistant and serving others. She is fluent in Spanish and loves to interact with children as well as spend time with her family.

Elaine Pearce

Finance Manager

Ms. Pearce is originally from Ontario, Canada, and moved to Florida in 2006 with her two children. Prior to moving to Florida, she was a teacher at a community college and loved being involved in education. After moving to Fort Lauderdale in 2005 she became a business manager and accountant. Ms. Pearce relocated to Naples in 2017. She was very excited for an opportunity that merged education and accounting and became St. Elizabeth Seton’s school accountant in March 2018. Ms. Pearce enjoys meeting the school families and looks forward to getting involved with school activities. When not working with numbers, Ms. Pearce enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with family and friends.

Gina Groch, M.A.

Marketing/Communications Director

Mrs. Groch re-joined the Seton staff as Marketing/Communications Director in 2019-20. She has a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Notre Dame and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree (double major in Computer Science and Marketing) from Temple University. She holds Florida Professional certification in Educational Leadership (All Levels), and K-12 Computer Science. She begins her 27th year in the Diocese of Venice, having retired as Principal of Saint Ann Catholic School in 2019, and as former principal of St. Charles Borromeo School in Port Charlotte. Previously at Seton, she served in a variety of roles including Assistant & Interim Principal, Admissions & Marketing Dir., and Tech. Teacher/ Coordinator. Prior to joining the Diocese, Mrs. Groch worked for Unisys Corp. as an instructor in the Schools & Government Division and ran her own small business computer company. She and her husband of 41 years have two children who attended Seton. She is dedicated to promoting the mission of Catholic education and grateful to be back at Seton.

Jessica Bedoya, A.A.

Receptionist/Office Assistant

Mrs. Bedoya joins the staff this school year as school receptionist and office assistant. She has an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Colombia. Mrs. Bedoya and her husband have 3 daughters. She loves to spend time with her family and serve God in her home parish, St. Elizabeth Seton.

Kathy Clifford, LPN

School Nurse

Ms. Clifford is originally from Staten Island, New York and has been living in Naples since 1978. She has two daughters, five grandchildren and one great grandchild. She retired from the Collier County Sheriff's Department. She was the previous Religion teacher at Seton and an instructional aide in Grades 1 and PK4. She is delighted to be the school nurse to help ensure the health and well-being of our students.

Michele McFee, B.S.

PreK-3 Teacher

Mrs. McFee and her husband, Shannon, have four daughters who graduated from St. Elizabeth Seton and St. John Neumann High School. They have a great love and appreciation for Catholic Education! She has lived in Naples most of her life but loves to travel and experience new places. Mrs. McFee received her Associate of Arts from the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL and her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL. She holds teaching certification in both Preschool Education (Birth-Age 4) and Primary Education (K-3).

Amanda Banning, B.S.

Pre K-4 Teacher

Mrs. Banning is a Naples native and life-long member of St. Elizabeth Seton Church. She and her husband, Erik, both graduated from St. John Neumann High School. Mrs. Banning received her Bachelor’s degree in Child Studies and a minor in Music from Florida Gulf Coast University. She began working at Seton as a teacher’s aide, then as the second grade teacher before excitedly taking on the role as the PK4 teacher. When she is not teaching, she’s spending time with her family and friends.

Cynthia Snyder, M.A.

Kindergarten Teacher

Bio coming soon.

Susan Boga, M.S.

1st Grade Teacher

Mrs. Boga brings over ten years of teaching experience to Seton. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Iona College and a Masters Degree from Concordia University in Special Education. Mrs. Boga holds 3 teaching certifications: Early Childhood through Grade 2, Elementary Education K-6, and Special Education K-12.

Megan Schuchman, Ed. S.

Grade 1 Teacher

Mrs. Megan Schuchman is originally from Chicago, IL where she attended Catholic elementary school (Christ the King) and high school (Mother McAuley). She earned a B.A. in Social Work from Marquette University, and a M.A. in Special Education and ED.S. degrees from The University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. She holds Florida teaching credentials in Elementary Education K-6 and Special Education with a focus on autism spectrum disorders. Mrs. Schuchman comes to Seton with 17 years of teaching experience across many elementary grades. Most recently, she held the position of assistant principal and intervention specialist for Our Lady of Peace Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. When Mrs. Schuchman is not in the classroom, she can be found spending time with her husband Robert and their dog Sully. They love hosting their children for visits here in Naples. Mrs. Schuchman feels blessed to be a part of the Seton school community.

Dana Hilmoe, M.A.

2nd Grade Teacher

Mrs. Hilmoe is originally from Long Island, New York, but spent most of her life in Hagerstown, Maryland. She is the product of Catholic Education having attended St. Mary Catholic School and St. Maria Goretti HS in Hagerstown, MD. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
She and her husband, Monte, were married in 1989 and have four children who all attended the same Catholic schools she attended. After being a stay at home mom for fourteen years, Mrs. Hilmoe returned to school and obtained her Master of Arts in Education from the University of Phoenix in 2006. She is a certified Clinical Educator facilitator, Seesaw Ambassador, SMART Lumio Ambassador and certified Lumio trainer, and certified catechist. She began teaching in 2007 and taught at St. Mary Catholic School for ten years as the Kindergarten teacher, then one year in public school teaching third grade.
In 2018, Mrs. Hilmoe moved to Naples and accepted the position of second grade teacher at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School. She feels very blessed to be part of the staff and to work with the children and their families.

Mrs. Danielle Stetts, B.S.

Grade 3 Teacher

Mrs. Stetts has been teaching for over 11 years. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and Special Education with certifications in Birth-4, Elementary K-6th, ESE K-12, and an ESOL Endorsement. Mrs. Stetts has 3 children who attend Saint Elizabeth Seton: Sergio, Sofia, and Scarlett. Mrs. Stetts is excited to teach and share her faith with the 3rd-grade students!

Gretna Burger, B.A.

4th Grade Teacher

Mrs. Burger joined the Seton faculty as 4th grade teacher in 2021. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Special Education at Erskine College in South Carolina. She worked as an educator for Delta Air Lines for 16 years and received her certification in Instructional Design in partnership with the University of Georgia. Her love for learning and teaching in the classroom continued into elementary education where she received her Early Childhood certification through edTPA (Teacher Performance Assessment) from the Georgia Teaching Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy (GaTAPP). She previously taught 4th and 5th Grade at St. John the Evangelist Catholic School in Atlanta, GA. Mrs. Burger was raised in Miami, FL and currently resides with her husband of 28 years in Ave Maria, FL.

Nichole Eastman, M.A.

5th Grade Teacher, H.A.S.A Advisor

Mrs. Eastman is a Naples native and has been teaching for 22 years. She has served in several roles including third and fourth grade teacher, media specialist, resource, enrichment, school-wide program initiatives, Seton admissions, and currently is the 5th grade teacher and serves on the Strategic Planning committee as well. She studied at the University of South Florida and earned her B.S. degree in Elementary Education in 2001, and her M.A. degree in Library and Information Science in 2003.
Mrs. Eastman is married and has two children who attend Seton. Mrs. Eastman spends her personal time with family engaging in a variety of activities including boating, fishing, travel baseball, and theater. She is a parishioner of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church.

Charity Winter, B.A.

Resource Specialist

Mrs. Charity Winter, B.A. in Elementary Education, is our Resource Coordinator. She is certified in elementary and exceptional education. Mrs. Winter is also our 4th and 5th grade accelerated math teacher and middle school drama teacher. She has taught at Seton since 2006.
Mrs. Winter grew up in Missouri and Daytona Beach, FL. She attended Mainland HS in Daytona and UCF. Previously, she taught second grade in Daytona Beach, grades K-3 for emotionally disabled students in Lake Mary, and third grade in Immokalee. She started teaching in 1997. She is married and has one son.
She believes every child can learn and every child has a talent they can use to contribute to their class and community; they just need the opportunity to do so. Mrs. Winter is very passionate about teaching and tries to be creative when planning for students so they will be as excited about school as she is.

Jeff Tenbarge, B.S.

Middle School Religion

Coach Tenbarge has been teaching at Seton since 1998. He has been serving as the Physical Education Teacher and Athletic Director. Coach Tenbarge grew up in Evansville, Indiana. He attended Wabash Valley College, where he received his Associates in Science degree while also playing baseball. After graduating from Wabash Valley, Coach Tenbarge attended the University of Evansville and also played D1 baseball. After spending one year at the University of Evansville, Coach Tenbarge was drafted in the 6th round by the Houston Astros, where he played two seasons of Single A professional baseball. Coach Tenbarge is married to his wife Beth and they have 2 children, Sarah and Tucker. When Coach Tenbarge is not at Seton, there is a good chance you will find him playing golf or umpiring High School baseball.

Megan Van Wart, M.S.

Middle School Science

Mrs. Megan Van Wart joined the St. Elizabeth Seton faculty in the Fall of 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Movement Science and a Master of Science in Sport Psychology from TCU. Prior to being a teacher, she worked as an athletic trainer at both the college and high school level. Mrs. Van Wart teaches middle school Science. She is passionate about hands-on experiences in Science. Middle school students hold a special place in her heart and she loves the opportunity to help foster self-confidence, responsibility, and a love for learning for this age group. When she’s not teaching, she loves to read and participate in outdoor adventures.

Phil Miguel, Jr., M.S.

Middle School Social Studies, 6th Religion, 7th Writing

Mr. Miguel has been a member of the Seton family since the beginning of the 21-22 school year. He and his wife, Jennifer, moved to Southwest Florida after visiting the area for many years. He holds a BA in Political Science and a Master of Science in Secondary Education from Indiana University. Mr. Miguel began his teaching career in 1996 and has always taught at the middle school level. Before coming to Seton, he taught English and creative writing at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Fort Wayne. He has coached football at various levels from the start of his teaching career. Mr. Miguel has also coached several academic super bowl teams. He and his wife have three adult sons, Stone, Jack, and Chase, and a daughter-in-law, Rachel.

Michka Barham, B.S.

Middle School Math

Ms. Barham is an experienced Florida certified middle school math teacher and has her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education from the University of Central Florida. Ms. Barham will teach 6th and 8th grade on-level math and 8th grade Honors Pre-Algebra. We are happy to welcome her to the Seton family where she will bring her love of teaching and math to Seton students.

Ana Turino, B.A.

Middle School Language Arts

Mrs. Turino holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Nova Southeastern University and taught at South Miami Community School before moving to Naples. Most recently, Mrs. Turino served as an Academic Mentor for Friends of Children Forever, where she tutored students in all subjects. She is passionate about education and guiding students in the right path. Mrs. Turino loves reading and crocheting in her free time.

Natalie Donahue, M.A.

M.S. Language Arts Teacher

Bio coming soon.

Fabiola Cole, M.Ed.

Spanish Teacher

Sra. Fabiola Galarraga-Cole joined St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School in 2017. She attended John Carroll University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish and earned her Master of Education with a concentration in Latin America and International studies. She also attended the Universitat de Valencia in Valencia, Spain with the University of Virginia study abroad program, and has traveled throughout Spain, South and Central America.
Before joining SES, she taught Spanish for eight years at Cardinal Pacelli School in Cincinnati, Ohio. She is a member of Sigma Delta Pi, the National Spanish Honor Society. At SES, she organizes the annual Latin Zumba Fiesta and SES Talent Show. She is also the Yearbook and Spanish Club Advisor. This past year Sra. Cole directed the school’s first school musical, Godspell, Jr. Sra. Cole loves teaching Spanish and introducing students to the wonderful and colorful Latin American culture.

Christina Grün

Art Teacher

Ms. Christina Grün earned her degree in art and design in Frankfurt, Germany before relocating to the United States. From 1999 to present she has taught art to Pre-K through eighth grade students in private education, joining the St. Elizabeth Seton family in 2009. Always bringing out the best in her students, Ms. Grün presents their work out in the community several times a year.

Ms. Grün is a practicing artist who displays her work in various shows and galleries throughout the year in the Naples area and online.

Paul Desmarais, M.Ed.

Music/Band Teacher

Coming soon.

Coach Matthew Bucknell, B.S.

P.E./Athletic Director

Bio coming soon.

Dagne Fuentes, B.S., CDA

Teacher Assistant

Mrs. Fuentes earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in Cuba. A few years after graduation, she and her husband immigrated to the U.S. and settled in Naples. She has always had a special interest in working with young children, and upon arrival earned her Florida Child Care Professional credential with certifications in Early Childhood education. She is dedicated to helping the youngest learners and applies her faith, heart, and patience each day. Her two children have attended Seton since the age of 3 and she is very grateful to be part of the SES school community.

Sumaya Perdomo

Teacher Assistant

Coming soon.

Deb Silva

Teacher Assistant

Coming soon.

Karina Rodriguez

Teacher Assistant

Ms. Rodriguez is our teacher assistant for 3rd grade. She was born and raised in Florida and is currently a full-time college student at Florida SouthWestern College. She will be earning her Associate’s degree this year. She has been working in the field of education for over five years, contributing her experience in early childhood classrooms ranging from age two up to third grade. She is passionate about education and serving to make a difference in every child’s life!

Christina Prieto, A.A.

Teacher Assistant

Mrs. Christina Prieto is our teaching assistant in 4th and 5th grades. She was born and raised in Miami and holds an Associates Degree from Miami Dade Community College. She moved to Naples in 2000 with her husband of 30 years and their four children. She is passionate about education and serving students with special needs, as well as fundraising and community outreach. Her daughter, Olivia, is a Seton 8th grader.

Elizabeth Noonan, B.A.

Teacher Assistant

Miss Noonan is an experienced teacher assistant who has worked most recently in the Lee County Public Schools. While in Lee County schools she was a paraprofessional working with ESE students. Additionally, Miss Noonan has 70 credits toward a Bachelors Degree in Education from Lindenwood University. We are excited to have her join our school family as a teacher assistant in Kindergarten.

Jeanne Antonino, B.A.

Teacher Assistant

Jeanne Antonino has joined the Seton staff as Teacher's aide in first grade. She is a native of New York City and earned a BS in Human Services with a minor in Psychology from St. John’s University. Jeanne previously worked as Coordinator of Religious Education in her home parish of Our Lady of Grace where she was also involved in the parish council, women’s ministry and pro-life education. She and her husband of 38 years have 8 children and 7 grandchildren.

Yesenia Esteban

Teacher Assistant

Mrs. Esteban was born in California, but grew up in Naples. She has been working in Early Childhood Education for 12 years, eight of those years as a dedicated VPK Teacher. She has a CDEA credential and recently completed certification as a paraprofessional. She has been married to her husband, Jesus, for 17 years and has 3 children (1 boy and 2 girls). When not teaching, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and dog, Jetson.

Jen White, B.S.

Substitute Teacher

Coming soon.

Dolores Martin, M.Ed.

Substitute Teacher

Mrs. Martin is a Catholic educated teacher having attended Holy Cross Grammar School, Cardinal O'Hara High School, and Cabrini College (University) just outside Philadelphia. She taught second grade for 4 years at St. Joseph's School and taught 27 years at Southeast Delco teaching 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. She was the Lead Math Coach for the district and an Instructional Specialist. She holds a BS degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education as well as a Masters in Education degree. Her vision is to instill the love of learning in all students and to reach all students in a positive way.

Oscar Restrepo

Facilities Manager

Bio coming soon.

Santos Delgado

Groundskeeper

Mr. Delgado has served the Seton community since 2014 by keeping our grounds clean and well kept, as well as assisting with numerous tasks to keep our buildings well-maintained. Prior to joining Seton, Mr. Delgado worked with Crawford Landscaping for several years.
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