New principals of schools in the Diocese of Trenton come to their positions with strong backgrounds in education and experience and are ready to assume the privileged responsibility of shepherding students in their Catholic school journeys.
Kevin Donahue | St. Rose School, Belmar
EDUCATION: Bachelor of arts in secondary education/history, Rowan University, Glassboro; master of education in counseling and personnel services; certificate in educational leadership, NJ EXCEL; certificate in Catholic school management, Villanova University
PREVIOUS TEACHING EXPERIENCE: Spent 10 years in public schools as teacher, counselor and coach; admissions director at Christian Brothers Academy; Lincroft; principal in St. Benedict School, Holmdel
WHY SERVING IN THE MINISTRY OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT: I took a position last year as a public school principal. I realized quickly that my home was in the Diocese of Trenton and in the Catholic Schools. I am happy to be at St. Rose Grammar School.
Kathy Leonetti | St. Rose of Lima, Freehold
PARISH: St. Mary, Colts Neck
EDUCATION: Bachelor of science in elementary education with minor in speech pathology; master of education, Monmouth University, West Long Branch
PREVIOUS TEACHING EXPERIENCE: Spent 22 years teaching grades 3, 5 and 8; curriculum coordinator; supervisor; leader of professional learning community at St. Rose of Lima School.
WHY SERVING IN THE MINISTRY OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT: Serving in the ministry of the Catholic Church has been profoundly important because it allows me to contribute to the spiritual and moral growth of both students and the wider parish community. It has provided me with the opportunity to live out my faith in a meaningful way, not only through teaching academic subjects but also by nurturing a sense of service, compassion and Christian values. Being part of this ministry means working toward a higher purpose, fostering a sense of belonging and shared mission within the Church. It enables me to guide students in their faith journey, helping them grow not only intellectually but spiritually, and to witness the positive impact of the Church’s teachings on their lives. Ultimately, it allows me to live out my vocation in a way that aligns deeply with my beliefs and commitment to serving God and others.
Dr. Vanessa Pereira | Red Bank Catholic High School, Red Bank
PARISH: St. James, Red Bank
EDUCATION: Ph.D. in leadership in educational administration, Capella University, Minneapolis; master of arts in administration, supervision and curriculum planning, Georgian Court University, Lakewood; bachelor of science in health/physical education and elementary education, Montclair State University, Montclair
Previous teaching/administrative experience: Superintendent, assistant superintendent, principal, assistant principal, Lacey Township School District for 20 years. Health and physical education teacher/elementary teacher, Union Township and Matawan Aberdeen Regional School Districts for seven years. Professor, Kean University, Union, and Georgian Court University, Lakewood, for 7 years
Why serving in the ministry of Catholic education is important: I attended St. Paul the Apostle Elementary School in Irvington, and graduated from Roselle Catholic High School. This upbringing in Catholic education has calibrated my moral compass, strengthened my faith in God and shaped my belief that everyone deserves love, respect and the opportunity to thrive. Transitioning to Red Bank Catholic has been a leap of faith for me because it is a new path, but one that has led me to rely on my faith and trust in God that, once again, I am where I am supposed to be. Serving as the new principal at Red Bank Catholic High School is precisely where I am supposed to be. I am blessed, and I am grateful. My belief in God’s guidance has always been a source of strength and inspiration, leading me to opportunities to serve and make an impact. I am eager to bring this sense of purpose and dedication to my leadership at RBC.
Mara Tiernan | St. Dominic School, Brick
PARISH: St. Dominic, Brick
EDUCATION: Bachelor of science in international business with a minor in economics, The College of New Jersey, Ewing; Alternate Route Program, New Jersey City University; master’s in administration and supervision, Fordham University, New York
PREVIOUS TEACHING EXPERIENCE: Spent 16 years at St. Dominic School, seventh/eighth grade social studies and religion; four years as assistant principal of St. Dominic School
WHY SERVING IN THE MINISTRY OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT: As a St. Dominic School and St. Rose High School, Belmar, alumna, I have always maintained that Catholic education offers the opportunity to nurture the intellectual and spiritual growth of students. Catholic schools can, and should, provide safe learning environments based on enlivening the Catholic faith, promoting personal growth, and developing the full potential of each child. I am thrilled to lead St. Dominic’s in fulfilling its mission!
What’s new this school year?
Diocese’s principals, teachers gear up for new school year
Staying focused, continuing work toward another exceptional academic year
A Fresh Start: New academic year embraced by Diocese’s Catholic school students, teachersundefinedundefinedundefinedundefined