Meet Our Teachers

Ms. Hanna Grant is an Aquinas College graduate who is starting her second year teaching at SJDA. Her family owns a cherry farm in Northern Michigan, so it makes sense that her favorite food is cherries! Her favorite saint is Saint Thomas Aquinas.

Ms. Tanya McNay is just starting her first year at SJDA! She likes sun, sand, and boating, and her favorite foods are tacos and pasta! Her favorite Bible verse is 1st Corinthian 13:4 - "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."

Ms. Alex Rios received her Teaching Degree from Aquinas College and is in the process of completing her Master's. She has been at SJDA for two years. She loves eating peanut butter and bananas. She is always smiling and full of energy! 

Ms. Kelli Donigan is new to SJDA this year! She is left-handed and loves Korean food and pizza. Her favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Ms. Hall has been teaching in the Diocese for 33 years. This is her second year at SJDA. Her favorite subjects are Math and Religion, and her favorite saint is St. Michael the Archangel.

Mrs. Christine Wright has been at SJDA for 17 years! She loves McDonald's and American History. She has two adopted sons from Korea. Her favorite Bible Verse is Philippians 4:13 - "I can endure all things through the power of the one who gives me strength."

Ms. Susanna Bae started at SJDA in January 2023. Her favorite food is Korean ice cold noodles called "Naeng Myun". Her favorite Bible verse is Matthew 6:25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?"

Mr. Sam Longoria is starting his second year at SJDA. He is a Padi Certified Scuba Diver. His favorite bible verse is John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but may have eternal life."

Ms. Ella Wright has been at SJDA for three years, but this is her first year as a full-time classroom teacher. She just completed her undergraduate studies at Aquinas College this past Spring. When she was a kid she wanted to grow up to be a ballerina, and her favorite saint is Saint Bernadette

Ms. Erin Melcher started at SJDA in December 2021. She loves to collect objects with bees, butterflies, dragonflies, and beetles on them! Her favorite aaint is Saint Andrew, the Patron Saint of Golfers

Mrs. Teresa Prevette has teaching at SJDA for seventeen years and has been in her current position for seven. She has eleven grandchildren. She adores Mother Teresa because she devoted her life to helping people that others did not notice.

Mr. David Kinsey has been with SJDA for three years. When he was a kid, he wanted to grow up to be a Band Director. In the Summer he is a contractor and even built his own house! His favorite saint is Saint Stephan.

Mr. Ben Wals has been teaching at SJDA for almost two years. He loves tacos, and his favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:9 - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Mrs. Trisha Cody has been teaching at SJDA for two years. She is a fantastic and creative Art teacher, and is very popular among the students!

Mr. David DeVries is starting his second year at SJDA. He has a cat named Bug and his favorite food is pizza. His favorite subject is Spanish, obviously!