Meet Our Staff
Mrs. Susan Hartfil – Preschool
I have been employed by St. Mary/McCormick for the last 25+ years, working in the early childhood setting. Along with being a teacher, I am a mother of three. Along with being a mother, I also am a grandmother of seven. Growing up in a large Catholic family I enjoy all ages of children.
Mrs. Amy Whitsitt – Kindergarten
Mrs. Whitsitt loves to read! I love reading books on my own and my favorite part of teaching is reading books to my class! I love going to the theater, especially to see musicals! My favorite thing about SM/MCA is getting to talk about Jesus and all of the wonderful families that send their children to our school!
Mrs. Vanessa Cendejas – Grade 1/2
Hello! I am Mrs. Cendejas and have been teaching at St. Mary/McCormick since 2022. I have had a lot of experience teaching preschool and elementary school all the way from California, Oregon, and now in Michigan! I really enjoy all the things that encompass my job here at St. Mary/McCormick. The staff is wonderful and loving, the students are helpful and kind, and I think I fit right in!
Mrs. Stephanie Scandalito – Grade 3
I have attended St. Clair County Community College, Eastern Michigan University and Oakland University.
I love American History, reading, and creative crafts such as all kinds of sewing, knitting, and card making. I enjoy projects and crafts in the classroom as well as reading aloud to my students. My favorite aspect of SM/MCA is the family atmosphere.
Mrs. Sue Mahon – Grade 4
I am a wife of 21 years and a mom of one son who is grown and flown. I began teaching during high school when I became a catechist and have been involved in sharing my faith throughout my life. I’ve taught students in preschool through adult education in Michigan and during our fourteen years in North Carolina. My last job, before coming home in 2020, was as the Director of Religious Education at our church.
I love to bake and try new recipes. I even have a small cottage business where I sell my baked goods. I’m learning a lot about plants with my flowers and my vegetable garden. I enjoy canning jams, jellies, and other yummy favorites I grew up on. I’ve also taken on refurbishing furniture finds and updating their look. My husband and I enjoy exploring the area, spending time together, and watching a good hockey game. We both love when our son visits or when we can go visit him.
Mrs. Emily Herbert – Middle School Religion
I am thrilled to answer God’s calling to join the SM/MCA family as a part-time teacher this year. I have taught in both Catholic and public schools prior to choosing to stay home more to raise my three children. Now that they are all school age, I am so excited to be back in the classroom, living out my passion for education at a school I love. My favorite thing about St. Marys is the awesome community. When I am not at school, you can find me spending time with my family. We love exploring God’s beautiful outdoor landscape through hiking, biking, skiing,and boating. I also enjoy playing tennis, reading and being involved in impactful organizations that serve our community.
Mr. Alexander Brown – Middle School (Grades 5-8) Social Studies, Science, & ELA
This is my first year as a teacher at St. Mary/McCormick Academy. Although I am originally from Michigan, I grew up in an area called Texoma. I lived in southwest Oklahoma, but attended school in Texas. When I moved back to Michigan during 11th grade, I attended Austin Catholic High School. This is where I fell in love with Catholic education. After high school graduation I chose to continue my education at Lourdes University in Sylvania, Ohio. During this time, I was involved with the Catholic Youth Organization Camp and Saint Vincent DePaul Society primarily through their summer camp programs. Some of my greatest experiences at Lourdes University involved heavy involvement with campus ministry where I helped serve the community of greater Toledo and participated in the March for Life in Washington, D.C. These days I enjoy reading and writing in my free time primarily (Tolkien, Lewis, and Chesterton.) I am happy to work in a strong Catholic community.