At the heart of an outstanding school is an exceptional staff. The St. Joseph School staff members demonstrate a mastery in their discipline/field of work and a true concern for every student. Together they work to develop the spiritual, academic, social, emotional, and physical potential of each student.

Dr. Aurelia Montgomery, Principal
sjsprincipal@hotmail.com 

   Dr. Montgomery is a native of Nashville, Tennessee, and has 44 years of Catholic School experience. She has a B.A. from George Peabody College for Teachers, a Masters Degree in Education from Tusculum College, and a Doctorate from George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. Dr. Montgomery began her teaching career in elementary school in Silver Spring, Maryland. She taught Religion and English at Good Counsel High School in Wheaton, Maryland, and English, Theology, and Social Studies at Knoxville Catholic High School (KCHS) from 1978 to 1988. She was Academic Dean from 1987 to 1990 and Acting Principal from 1989 to 1990. From 1990-1992, she assisted Monsignor Xavier Mankel in the Office of the Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Knoxville. From 1992-2003, Dr. Montgomery served as Superintendent of Schools. From 2001-2005, she was principal of KCHS. Dr. Montgomery begins her fourth year as principal at St. Joseph School. She has one son, Paul, a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, a daughter-in-law, Francesca, a native of Florence, Italy, and a 4 years old grandson, Anthony William. Dr. Montgomery enjoys being with her family and friends, reading, gardening, and classical music.
 
Joe Aboumoussa
Middle School

   Mr. Aboumoussa, a native of upstate New York, received a B.A. in English from Utica College of Syracuse University in 1999 and a post-graduate certification in education from Lincoln Memorial University. He also completed a Level 1 catechist certification through the Dioceses of Knoxville. This is his third year of teaching, and second year at St. Joseph School. Mr. Aboumoussa and his wife, Amy, recently welcomed their first child Nathaniel Joseph in May '09. He and his wife are members of Sacred Heart Cathedral and participate as communion ministers, lectors, and also sponsors and facilitators for the RCIA programs. Mr. Aboumoussa enjoys reading, movies, spending time with family and friends, walking, and theology.
 
 
Rachel Babelay
First Grade

   Rachel Babelay has a Masters in Elementary Education from the University of Tennessee and is completing a second Masters degree in Early Childhood.  She and her husband, David, live in northeast Knox County and attend Holy Ghost.  Rachel enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, and practicing Martial Arts.
 
Paula Allen
Fourth Grade

   Mrs. Allen graduated from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA in 1991. After marrying her husband Rick in 1993, they moved to Knoxville, TN, and she worked as a magnet teacher at Green Magnet Math and Science Academy from 1994 - 2003. Both of their children, Danielle and Joshua, were born here. They then moved back to Louisiana in 2003 where she taught in St. Tammany Parish Public Schools. She has approximately 12 years experience teaching in both Louisiana and Tennessee. She is currently a candidate for National Board Certification as a Middle Childhood Generalist from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. She enjoy teaching and learning about our wonderful world. She goes camping often with her family and love to go to the beach.
 
Steve Benne
Strings

   Mr. Benne is the principal double bassist with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. Before coming to Knoxville, Mr. Benne played principal double bass with the New American Chamber Orchestra, first based in Detroit and then in Granada, Spain. Mr. Benne appears often as a soloist, including performing the world premiere of John Harbison’s Concerto for Double Bass and Orchestra with the KSO in March 2007. Mr. Benne studied music performance at Indiana University with such world-renowned teachers as Lawrence Hurst, Stuart Sankey, and Murray Grodner. Mr. Benne taught string techniques at East Tennessee State University and is currently the double bass teacher at Tennessee Tech University. Mr. Benne began his musical career learning to play violin in the fourth grade at Washington Elementary in Sioux City, Iowa. Mr. Benne has taught at St. Joseph School since 1999. His wife, Karin, is a freelance writer. Mr. Benne enjoys mountain biking, carpentry, Spanish, yoga, and working on his 1991 Volvo.
 
Pam Bernards
Curriculum Coordinator/Teacher Evaluator

   Dr. Bernards received her B.S. in Physical Education from the University of Dayton and her Masters Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of Tennessee.  She recently received her doctorate from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee.  Dr. Bernards begins her fourth year at St. Joseph School, bringing 28 years of service to the Diocese of Knoxville.  She began her teaching career at Sacred Heart Cathedral School (SHCS) as a physical education teacher, athletic director, girls’ basketball coach, and founding director of the after school care program.  Dr. Bernards became the principal in 1992 during which time Sacred Heart was named a National School of Excellence and received its initial SACS accreditation.  Dr. Bernards is the founder of the current SHCS pre-school program.  She also served two years as the Athletic Director at Knoxville Catholic High School.  Dr. Bernards enjoys reading, gardening, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
 
 
Sarah Hinton
Pre-Kindergarten

   Miss Sarah Hinton, from Knoxville, is a new teacher at St. Joseph School. After graduating from Middle Tennessee State University with a B.S. in Elementary Education, Miss Hinton served as the Children’s Director at First United Methodist Church. She worked there for nearly a year, but she always knew teaching was in her heart! This is her first full year of teaching, and she feels blessed to be at such a great school. Miss Hinton loves to sing, laugh, do arts and crafts, and participate in Bible Study Fellowship. She is single and has no pets, but Miss Hinton enjoys spending time with her family, including her Catholic step-family, which includes three wonderful girls at St. Joseph!
 
Bridget Cannon
Kindergarten

   Mrs. Cannon received her B.S. in Early Childhood and her Masters in Education from the University of Tennessee. She begins her 15th year of teaching Kindergarten at St. Joseph School. Mrs. Cannon and her husband, Rick, have two children: Kimberly-17, a senior at Knoxville Catholic High School, and Christopher-10, a fifth grader at St. Joseph. Mrs. Cannon enjoys reading and spending time with her family.  
 
 
Bookkeeper/Admissions Director

   
 
Cindy Conner
Receptionist

   This year, Mrs. Conner’s thirteenth year at St. Joseph School, will be her fifth year as the school receptionist. For the first nine years here at St. Joseph School, she was a teaching assistant. Mrs. Conner and her husband, Bill, have two children: Kati-19 and Kendal-14 a freshman at KCHS. Mrs. Conner enjoys reading, landscaping, and spending time with her family.
 
 
Rita Cook
Resource

   Mrs. Cook received her B.S. in Special Education from the University of Tennessee. She has 24 years of teaching experience. Mrs. Cook begins her sixteenth year at St. Joseph School. She and her husband, Mark, have three children: Andrew, a student at Pellissippi State, Laura, a student at UT, and Mary Margaret, a senior at Knoxville Catholic High School. Mrs. Cook enjoys spending time with her family.
 
 

Teacher Aide

   
 
 

Middle School


 
 
Latecia Hill
Administrative Assistant

   Mrs. Hill, a native of Louisiana, received her B.S. in Marketing from Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA. She begins her third year at St. Joseph School as the administrative assistant to Dr. Montgomery. She and her husband, John, have one son, a fourth grade student at St. Joseph School. Mrs. Hill enjoys creative arts, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.
 
 
Debbie Houbre
Resource

   Mrs. Houbre received her B.S. degree in Special Education from the University of Tennessee. She has 23 years of teaching experience. Mrs. Houbre begins her 19th year at St. Joseph School. She and her husband, Ken, have four children: David-25 and his wife, Heather, live in Memphis, where he is entering his third (and final!) year of Law School; Michael-23 and his wife, Lindsey are also in Memphis where he is beginning his 2nd year of law school; Amanda-21 is a senior at UT, majoring in special education; Jason-9 is a 4th grader at St. Joseph School. In her spare time, Mrs. Houbre loves to scrapbook. She is the Beta Club Sponsor for St. Joseph School.
 
 
Liane Jennings
Second Grade

   Liane Jennings has a B.S from Iowa State University in psychology and a Master of Arts in teaching grades K-6 from East Tennessee State University. This is her second year of teaching at Saint Joseph School. Her husband, Jerry, is a carpenter/contractor and the have two daughters; Katie – 11, a sixth grader and Megan – 9, a fourth grader both of St. Joseph School. In her spare time she likes to scrapbook, read, write in her journal and spend time with her family.
 
 

Jan Johnsson
Director of School Advancement

   Jan Johnsson begins her 24th year in Catholic school development and her first year at St. Joseph School as Director of the Office of School Advancement. She is an alumna of St. Mary’s Grammar School, Knoxville, Knoxville Catholic High School, St. Mary’s School of Nursing, and The University of Tennessee. She has completed a graduate course in Catholic school development at the Omaha Institute and is a certified Catholic School Development Professional. She has two children, both KCHS alumna, and three grandsons. Jan enjoys reading, stained glass, flower arranging and travel. She is a certified scuba diver.
  
 

Counselor

  
 

Middle School Math, 6th Grade Homeroom

  
 
Mollie Krueger
Third Grade

   Mrs. Krueger received her B.A. in Elementary Education from Middle Tennessee State University. She received her Masters in Special Education from the University of Tennessee. Mrs. Krueger begins her 13th year at St. Joseph School. Mrs. Krueger and her husband, Jim, have one daughter, Caroline Ann, born July 17, 2006. She enjoys spending time at their lake house and playing golf. 
 
William Lovelace
Music Director

   Mr. Lovelace received his B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Colorado. He received a Masters in Music from Holy Names College in Oakland, California. Mr. Lovelace was a regular classroom teacher from 1982 – 1995. From 1995 – 2006 Mr. Lovelace worked full time as a harpist. He is beginning his fourth year at St. Joseph School teaching band and general music. Mr. Lovelace continues to work part-time as a harpist performer/instructor. He is the harp instructor for the Maryville City Schools and has teaching studios in the Knoxville, Johnson City and Morristown areas. Mr. Lovelace served as the National President of The American Harp Society 2002-2006. Mr. Lovelace is now beginning his 40th year as a music minister. He began playing guitar for Mass while in fourth grade at St. Pius X School in Aurora, Colorado. Since 1990 Mr. Lovelace has been the leader of the 6:00 p.m. Sunday Choir at Holy Ghost Catholic Church. Mr. Lovelace and his wife, Regina, are excited that their son, William Edward, will attend Pre-K at St. Joseph School this year.
 
 
Mindy Montgomery
Cafeteria Manager

 
Jeff Morgan
Physical Education, Athletic Director

   Mr. Morgan, a native of New Hampshire, attended Plymouth State University in NH where he earned a B.S. in Physical Education with minors in Health and Human Resources.  He was a 4 year college athlete in baseball and holds several career baseball records.  He moved to Knoxville in fall of 2004 and got engaged to his wife Jennifer on national television.  Their first child Brady Morgan was born April 16, 2008.  Mr. Morgan enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as their dog, Sadie.  He enjoys all sports and currently active in two baseball leagues.  He is a very passionate New England sports fan and can be found nightly watching the Red Sox.
 
Karin Mountain
Spanish

   Mrs. Mountain is a native of Bogota, Colombia where she was valedictorian in high school. She is fluent in three languages. She came to the United States in 1994 and graduated from King College in Bristol, TN with a B.A. in Business Administration and Economics. She has 18 credits hours in her M.A. in Spanish from the University of Tennessee. She has been teaching for 11 years. She is a former Spanish teacher for Knoxville Catholic High School and the Episcopal School of Knoxville. She is certified in TPR storytelling, Tribes and also an active member for the AASTP (American Association of Spanish Teachers and Portuguese). She has been married for 12 years to Chad Mountain and they have two sons, Andrew – 10 and Matthew – 6. They also have a dog-named Rocky Mountain. She likes to travel, serve in the community and be the best mom she can be.
 
 
Susan Pfefferman
Middle School Science, 7th Grade Geography, 7th Grade Homeroom

   Miss Pfefferman received her B.S. in Elementary Education from Western Kentucky University and her Masters in Science Education from the University of Tennessee with an endorsement in Middle Grades Education. She begins her sixth year of teaching, five of which have been at St. Joseph School. Miss Pfefferman enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends. 
 
Kathy Pickering
Teacher Aide

   Kathryn Pickering earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. She taught in two daycare programs, a children's center and 5 years in Morgan County Schools. Kathryn then stayed home to care for her four children: Natalie-20, Patrick-17, Thomas-15, and Stanley III-14. An alumnus of St. Joseph School and a member of Holy Ghost, she has volunteered in Boy Scouts, Vacation Bible School and worked as a substitute teacher. She joined the St. Joseph staff three years ago. She held the position of Kindergarten assistant for two years. Last year, Kathryn was a teacher in the St. Joseph Pre-Kindergarten to launch the St. Joseph Pre-K program. This year, Kathryn is a teacher's assistant for the primary grades. 
 

Art

   
 
 

Autumn Taylor
Fifth Grade

   Mrs. Taylor received her B.S.E. in Elementary Education from the University of Arkansas. She has 26 years of teaching experience. She begins her fifth year at St. Joseph School. Mrs. Taylor and her husband, Chris, have three children: Daniel-26, Katie-21, and Jacob-18. 
 
 
Charles Walden
Media Center/Librarian

   Mr. Walden received his Associate Degree in Computer Science from Pellissippi State and a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Tennessee. Mr. Walden received his M.S. in Library Science from the University of Tennessee. He received his M.A.T. in Music/Elementary Education from Carson Newman College. Mr. Walden has six years teaching experience. He begins his fifth year at St. Joseph School. Mr. Walden enjoys music and history. 
 
Andy Zengel
Middle School Religion and Social Studies, 8th Grade Homeroom

    Mr. Zengel received his B.A. in Theology and his Masters in Education from the University of Notre Dame. He has six years teaching experience. Mr. Zengel begins his fifth year at St. Joseph School. His wife, Caroline, is a nurse at Children’s Hospital. The Zengels have one daughter, Mary Sophia. Mr. Zengel’s areas of interest are playing with Mary, hiking, music, and movies. 
Maria C. Roberts
After School Care Director

   Mrs. Roberts earned a B.A. in Liberal Arts from University of Tennessee. She has over eleven years of experience in childcare. Mrs. Roberts is married and has a son who is a senior in college. She has two dogs, Dexter and Humfrey. Her hobbies include reading, needlework cross-stitch, etc.
 



St. Joseph School • 1810 Howard Road • Knoxville, TN 37918
ph: 865-689-3424 • fax: 865-687-7885 • email: sjs37918@hotmail.com