Mrs. Tina M. Bucci
Principal
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Mrs. Tina Bucci received her Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Scranton University. She has dual certification in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, and she holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Seton Hill University. She earned her second Master’s Degree in Counseling and Human Development from Radford University. Mrs. Bucci resides in her hometown of Apollo with her husband and two sons. Mrs. Bucci has served as principal for Catholic Schools in the Pittsburgh Diocese and the Greensburg Diocese. She is excited to be a part of the St. Bernard School community.
Mrs. Patty Sharbaugh
Three & Four-Year-Old Preschool
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Mrs. Sharbaugh joined St. Bernard Regional Catholic School in 2019 as a substitute teacher. Prior to becoming a substitute teacher, Mrs. Sharbaugh worked in special education for 19 years through multiple capacities in school and home settings by providing therapeutic services to children with Autism. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a concentration in Psychology.
Mrs. Maggie Dugan
Preschool Teacher
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Mrs. Dugan joined St. Bernard Regional Catholic School in 2018 as a cafeteria helper. In 2022, Mrs. Dugan began substitute teaching at St. Bernard. Prior to working at St. Bernard, Mrs. Dugan worked as a caseworker for Adelphoi Village Foster Care and Adoption Services for 10 years. She has also taught preschool and kindergarten Sunday School at Zion Lutheran Church. Mrs. Dugan has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with a concentration in Juvenile Delinquency from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Ms. Nicole Ianarelli
ELA Grade 4-8; 5th Grade Homeroom
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Ms. Ianarelli joined St. Bernard Regional Catholic School in 2023. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She received her Masters in Literacy with a Reading Specialist Certification K-12. She has experience teaching in grades PreK-5th grade. She lives in Indiana. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, hiking, and reading books.
Mrs. Melissa Ryan
First Grade
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Mrs. Ryan has been teaching first grade at St. Bernard Regional Catholic School since 2013. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education with a reading concentration from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and has a Level II instructional certificate in elementary education.
Mrs. Janet Arone
Second Grade
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Mrs. Arone has been teaching at St. Bernard Regional Catholic School since 1996, prior to which she served at Indiana County Day Care. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education from Juniata College, Huntingdon, and has Level II professional certification in elementary education.
Mrs. Vera Leonard
Third Grade
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Mrs. Leonard has taught third, fourth and sixth grade at St. Bernard Regional Catholic School since 1995, prior to which she taught many years at St. Anthony School in Clymer. Mrs. Leonard has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in speech/hearing and elementary education and Level II professional certification in elementary education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Ms. Sarah Cash
Math Grades 4-8; 4th Grade Homeroom
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Ms. Cash joined St. Bernard Regional Catholic School in 2022. Prior to teaching at St. Bernard School, she volunteered in schools around Indiana County. She also taught art and science classes to young children. She received her degree in art education for elementary from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She also completed Math courses.
Mrs. Tracy L. Dixson
Kindergarten; Head Teacher
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Mrs. Dixson joined St. Bernard Regional Catholic School in 2005, after having taught for three years as a head teacher for Indiana County Head Start. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in child development and family relations from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Chatham University, Pittsburgh.
Mrs. Brianna Dillaman
Physical Education PK-8; Science Grades 4-8; 6th Gr. Homeroom
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Mrs. Dillaman joined the staff in 2018. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science from SUNY Cortland as well as a Master’s Degree in K-12 Health Education from SUNY Cortland. She has maintained a professional certification as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) since 2006.
Mrs. Molli Duchon
Social Studies Grades 4-8; 7th/8th Grade Homeroom
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Mrs. Duchon joined St. Bernard Regional Catholic School in 2023. She holds a Master’s Degree in K-12 Health and Physical Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining the faculty, she taught Health and Physical Education at Seeds of Faith Christian Academy, as well as serving as the Athletic Director. She is also pursuing an additional certification in Social Studies 7/8.
Mr. James Rickard
Art PK-8
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Mr. Rickard joined St. Bernard Regional Catholic School in 2018. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He is currently working towards his Master’s Degree at Penn State. Previously, he was a high school art teacher in Montgomery County Maryland, co-founder and instructor of the fine art program at The Academy of Fine Arts in Gaithersburg, MD, and an elementary art teacher in Culpeper, VA. His artwork and photographs have been shown across the globe, including locally at IUP and The Artist’s Hand Gallery. His publications include the two-act play Something Mutant, 2009, and “The Unimportance of Arts Education” for Homeschool Montgomery Magazine, 2011. He currently sits on the boards of the IUP University Museum, The Indiana Arts Council, The United Way of Indiana County, and the Evergreen After School Club.
Mrs. Christine Palmer
Technology Education, Library, and Spanish
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Mrs. Palmer has taught at St. Bernard Regional Catholic School since 1995, working with students in various capacities. She earned her Bachelor’s in elementary education, with a Spanish minor, and certificate in foreign language and international studies for elementary teaching from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She has also earned elementary instructional Level II certification.
Mrs. Karen Marshall
General Music, Chorus, and Band
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Mrs. Karen Marshall has a B.S. in Music Education from IUP and her state permanent certification. She began her career in the year 2000 here at St. Bernard School. After nine years in the public school system, she returned to St. Bernard’s in 2014. In addition to teaching PK – 8th grade music, Mrs. Marshall is the music director at St. Bernard Church and helps with the Homer-Center Marching Band and Indoor Percussion group. She lives with her husband and five kids in Homer City and loves teaching at St. Bernard School.
Ms. Caitlyn Hebner
Preschool Aide
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Miss Cat Hebner joined the St. Bernard staff in the Spring of 2023. Miss Cat graduated from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2022 with two Bachelors of Arts degrees, one in Theatre, and one in English with a minor in Deaf Studies.
Ms. Madison Palmer
Preschool Aide
Miss Maddie Palmer joined the St. Bernard Regional Catholic School staff in 2023. She has prior experience working with preschoolers while participating in the Indiana Senior High School program, as well as volunteering for childcare provided for church related functions. She enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and yoga.
