Staff

My name is Shelly Rose, and I have been at St. John the Baptist School for 22 years. I have taught preschool through high school before I came here. I taught grades 5, 6 and 7 and id remedial help at St. John's before I became principal. I earned the Grinspoon Teacher of Excellence Award in 2003. I am a parishioner at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Belchertown. I love being a part of the St. John the Baptist School family!

My name is Christina Ratkiewicz. I earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Elms College and a Masters Degree in Early Childhood with Special Education from American International College. I have  over 20  years of experience teaching young children.  In 2015, I earned The Grinspoon Teacher of Excellence Award.

I am a parishioner of St. Catherine of Siena Church.  My family and I live in Wilbraham.  I am so happy to be part of the St. John the Baptist School family!

My name is Helena Vale, I live in Ludlow with my wonderful husband, two children and fun little Olaf..(our family dog - not the real one :) I have been happily working and teaching here at St John the Baptist school alongside Mrs. Hewes, while also helping other wonderful teachers in various grades. I received my Bachelors degree and education at Western New England University. Graduated  summa cum laude in my class. I decided I wanted to try the corporate world and did that for a while. I was working full time until I had my two daughters who are both successful graduates of St John the Baptist school. While my children attended school here, I became increasingly engaged in the entire school community and decided that I wanted to be part of the staff to help teach and guide children in positive ways.  The years I have spent with students and faculty here have been the most rewarding and gratifying experience anyone could ask for. I believe that there is always something to learn and share each and every day. My mission as a teacher is to help children discover the joy of learning, and to help each child develop a strong belief in his or her own ability to achieve success in everything they do. I want them to recognize and respect each other, for who they are. To know that their hard work will push them to be their personal best. When not in school, you will find me anywhere out in nature. Hiking, Biking, skiing, swimming... and/or snuggled up with a good book. 

My name is Abby Aghjayan. I attended Holyoke Catholic and went on to receive my Bachelor’s Degrees in Elementary Education and English from Assumption College. After graduating, I spent 4 years as an Instructional Assistant in the Nashoba Regional School District, working with grades K-4. 

I live with my husband, Alex, and our Great Pyrenees, Luna. In my spare time I am often found with a book in my hand or in the kitchen baking sweet treats. I am so honored to have joined the St. John the Baptist School family and be able to teach these wonderful students!

My name is a Trish Pilon. I am looking forward to another wonderful year at St. John the Baptist School as the school’s second grade teacher. For the past few years, I have been working with Springfield Public Schools in special education. Over the years, I have also taught in other schools within the Diocese of Springfield as both a primary and middle school teacher. Recently, while working as a certified licensed teacher, I received my Masters in Special Education and Sheltered English Immersion Endorsement from Springfield College.  Prior to this, I attended Bay Path University as well as Our Lady of the Elm’s College with a concentration of studies in education. 

I live with my husband and son. We are new members of the St. Elizabeth Parish. I have served the community over the years by working with various Catholic education programs, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and 4-H for over a decade.  In 2015, I was awarded the Saint George Award from Bishop Mitchell Rozanski for my many years of dedication to Catholic Scouting. I am a local artist and belong to several art leagues in the area. I love sharing stories about my silly dog, scouting, and family adventures.  

My name is Kelsey Allen, and I am very much looking forward to beginning my first year at St. John the Baptist School as the third grade teacher! I graduated from Western New England University Summa Cum Laude a semester early. In my time there, I was a tutor in the Writing Center and helped fellow college students through all the steps of the writing process. Since graduating, I have worked in the East Longmeadow Public School district with elementary school students and high school students on the Autism spectrum, as well as tutoring high school English over Zoom. The past two summers I also worked with students in grades 3-5 on their math and ELA skills in East Longmeadow’s extended school year program. Additionally, I have been a camp and after school program counselor working with elementary aged students over the years. In my free time, you can find me walking dogs, pet sitting, hiking, reading, watching a good movie, curling up with my cat or spending time with friends and family. 

My name is Louisa Mentekidis, and I am very excited to be the Fourth Grade Teacher here at St. John the Baptist School.  I have a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Secondary Education as well as a Masters Degree in Education.  I taught for fifteen years in public and parochial schools in New York City and Indiana before I left teaching to stay home with my children. During this time, I was actively involved with my Adult Education Program at my parish, St. Cecilia’s in Wilbraham.  I have lived in Ludlow for twenty years with my husband and three children, two of whom are 2016 graduates of St. John the Baptist School. 

My name is Stacy Szwarckop, and I earned a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Human Resources  from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. My experience includes working for the Department of the Navy, Judge Advocate General, as a Human Resources Manager and management analyst, which included supervision of its training program. Enjoyment of adult learning and education inspired me to redirect my attention to the foundation of learning. I returned to college to earn a Master's Degree in Education. Prior to joining Saint John the Baptist School in 2008, I worked at Saint Stanislaus in Chicopee, teaching 5th and 6th grade.

I’m Sister Jeanne Branchaud, a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield. I have taught in various Catholic and public schools in Vermont and Massachusetts over the last 30 years. I have two BS degrees, one in Human Services and the other in Education. I also hold two Masters Degrees, one in Theology and the other in Special Education. I also just earned a Certificate in Woman's Leadership and Spirituality from Hartford Seminary.  I have served as a campus minister and a chaplain for the Springfield Police Department. I also teach kayaking and rowing on the Connecticut River in my “spare” time. 

My name is Wendy Willis, and I have a Bachelors of Science Degree in Chemistry from Western New England University. I have worked at Metals Analyst at Fountain Plating Co., Colt Firearms Corp., The Hartford Insurance Company and Con-Test Environmental Laboratory.

I worked as a substitute teacher while earning my teaching certificate. I came to St John the Baptist in 2006.

I have nine graduate credits in education.

My name is Heather Gaj, and I graduated from Westfield State University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Bachelor of Arts in History. I am certified with the state of Massachusetts to teach grades 1-6. I have been teaching in the Springfield Diocese at St. John the Baptist for sixteen years. I belong to Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Granby. I am married to my husband Peter, and I have two daughters; Madyson and Kyrsten.

My name is Mrs. Beck, and I am the new technology teacher. I am very excited to be part of SJB School. I  have three fantastic children who are 19,15, and 7 years old.  I love to watch my kids' sports—football, basketball, and hockey! I also enjoy reading, cooking, music, relaxing at the beach, and spending time with friends and family. I have two fur babies, Neela & Violet, who are both Siberian Huskies that love to spend time outdoors with our family. I'm excited to start a new journey and hope to inspire the kids to be great and to help them explore technology! 

My name is Al Bradley.  It is a pleasure to be part of the SJB faculty, students and parents. I earned a BFA in Art Education and an MFA in Visual Design/Printmaking.  I was chosen to be a fellow at Skidmore College in Painting and won the Margot Neugebauer award for Art Education at UMass.

I have been teaching art in Massachusetts and Connecticut for 26 years.  Art is my passion, my life!  I enjoy bringing happiness and knowledge to students.  I come from a family background of successful artists. I exhibit my art and have won numerous awards as well as sold many pieces. I enjoy donating my art to various charities and organizations. My goal is to enrich souls and make aware to students the beauty and importance ART plays in our lives and in society. My door is always open so feel free to contact me.

I am a graduate of St. John the Baptist School, and I live in Ludlow. I am not only the gym teacher, but I also work at St. Elizabeth's. I also help out in extended care. 

I am a graduate of Holyoke Catholic and went on to college to become a nurse. I worked many years at Baystate, and most recently started as the nurse at St. John the Baptist School, which I love. I am a mother of three active girls who love to play soccer. I am happy to do what I love, and do it in a such a great environment.