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. Mary Licavoli – Young 5’s
I am a wife and mother of three children. I have been teaching for 14 years and my favorite subject to teach is Religion. Nothing brings me more joy than to have the freedom to talk about God with my students every day, which is why I love teaching at SM/MCA. At SM/MCA we are one big family, we don’t just prep students for test scores but we prep them for life using God’s teachings as our guide.
Some of my favorite things are spending time with my family, from outdoor adventures to game nights, snuggling my maltipoo Gigi, reading a good book and walking around Hobby Lobby. I love a good cup of coffee in the morning and my favorite snack is popcorn.
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
Hello! I am Mrs. Cendejas and have been teaching 1st grade at St. Mary/McCormick since 2022. I am a new teacher to the school but have had a lot of experience teaching preschool and elementary school all the way from California, Oregon, and now to 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. Alyssa Dock – Grade 2
I have been teaching for 5 years, and this is my 3rd year teaching at SM/MCA. I live at home with my husband Zach, my daughter Sage, and our 3 dogs! I am also pregnant with our 2nd child, another girl named Ivy! My favorite things include walking the beach in search of beach glass, reading and snuggling with my girls, and going out to eat in search of the best nachos! My favorite thing about SM/MCA is the family-feel. After teaching here for a short time I decided to become a member of the church because it is exactly the kind of community I want to raise my family in. Everyone is kind and friendly, and I feel safe and loved every time I walk through those doors! I am excited for the day when my daughters are old enough to join me here!
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.
Ms. Cara Brandimore – Grade 4
Things about me: Some things I love to do are swimming. I love to go swimming in pools and in our Great Lakes!!! I also love camping around our beautiful state. The most important thing to me, besides Jesus, is my family. I have two boys that mean the world to me.
My favorite thing about working at St. Mary/McCormick Catholic Academy is being able to teach religion. I love being a catechist and teaching the Lord’s words to the students. I also love the students here at this school, and our staff is amazing!!
Mrs. Erica Young – Grade 5
Hi! My name is Erica Young and I am the 5th grade teacher at St. Mary/McCormick. I am married and have three wonderful children who also attend SM/MCA! I love summers because I love being by the water. I love spending any extra time (which isn’t much) reading. I love all books, but when watching movies, documentaries are my favorite. I love learning about new things and random facts interest me. When I’m not working, family time is my favorite time! I look forward to coming home and having dinner together because that’s when we discuss our day and catch up on what’s new. I love teaching all subjects, but reading, writing, and science top my list. If I weren’t teaching, I’d love to be a YouTuber with a pimple popping channel, an astronaut, work in a traffic control tower, or be a train engineer.
Mrs. Anita Crimmins – Middle School Religion, Science and Social Studies
My favorite thing about SM/MCA is the opportunity to be a part of my students’ lives as they grow socially, academically, and most importantly spiritually!
Hobbies: I enjoy bicycle riding throughout the United States; antiquing, and spending time with my family!
Mrs. Marsha Celmer – Middle School Math and Language Arts
I enjoy spending time with my family playing board games, puzzling through word games and math challenges, and doing jigsaw puzzles. In the summer months, you’ll find me gardening, bike riding, and soaking up the sun.
The best parts of SM/MCA are the students and families! Our families are incredibly supportive and the students are so respectful and hard-working. Additionally, small class sizes give students a chance to shine individually, while still providing the benefit of small-group learning.