Fr. Allen joins the St. Ann's family this school year as our new Pastor.  He is from Jackson, Missouri where he and his sister grew up.    He received a bachelor's degree in Special Education from Southeast Missouri State before deciding to enter the seminary.  He graduated Kenrick Glennon Seminary in St. Louis and just celebrated his fourth year as a priest.  The last four years Fr. Allen served as a teacher and chaplain at Springfield Catholic High School.  He is currently completing his doctoral word in Education.   Fr. Allen loves to fish, hunt and cook (and eat)!  When asked about the role of Catholic Education in our community, he shared, "I love Catholic education and the formation of the whole person as we provide opportunities for young people to encounter Christ who is all True, Good and Beautiful."

Mrs. Gilligan is the retired Education Division Chair of Crowder College where she worked for 30 years. Her degrees include a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master’s of Education in Higher Education.  When asked about her new assignment as Principal, she stated, “St. Ann’s has been an incredibly special place for me and my family.  My sister, my nephews and all of my children enjoyed the presence of this sweet school in their lives and my time as a parent volunteer are some of the most rewarding and special memories I have.  I want to continue that legacy for all of our current and future families.  My goal is to continue to enhance our academic excellence and most importantly our Catholic Christian formation.”  Heidi and her husband of 33 years, John, are active members of St. Ann’s Catholic Parish, they have three children, Tygran, Toby and Isabella.

Mrs. Huthsing earned a Bachelor's of Elementary Education from  Columbia College and holds a lifetime certificate in Elementary Education.  She has been teaching at St. Ann's for  11 years .  She and her family attend St. Mary's Catholic Church in Joplin.  Her son, Hunter and daughter, Kate, graduated from the Joplin Area Catholic Schools.  Mrs. Huthsing has been married for over 30 years, they love to travel and spend time outdoors.  When asked about her time at St. Ann's Catholic School, she stated, " I am grateful to teach students about God's goodness and teach Catholic values.  Our school community  feels like family."  I have been blessed this year by leading our school as Interim Principal, but I  look forward to returning to the classroom next year.

Mrs. McWilliams joins the St. Ann's team this year and we are so blessed to have her.  She comes to us with over 32 years of experience right here in our hometown.  Mrs. McWilliams has a Master's degree from Pittsburg State University and she taught Kindergarten for over 27 years.  When asked what she was most excited about coming back into the school setting, she stated "I love teaching and seeing students learn and reach new goals.  I am excited to start a new adventure at St. Ann's teaching reading and math."  

Mrs. Pamela Marquez and her husband, Angel, are from Chihuahua, Mexico. They relocated to the United States over three years ago to study English at Pittsburg State University.  Her husband currently works for the CDL Company in Pittsburg as an Engineer.  Mrs. Marquez earned a degree in dentistry and a master’s degree in Leadership and Management.  She loves to travel, learn new things, meet new people, and share about her culture.  She has volunteered many hours for non-for-profit groups. When asked why she wanted to be a part of St. Ann’s School this year she stated, “I was fortunate to have had a strong Catholic education.  I know I am here to know, love and serve God. For me it is a pleasure to serve God in the St. Ann’s Catholic School by forming a team with everyone here because  I believe that if children know God and learn to have him close to their hearts they will be healthy, happy, and good adults”.  Mrs. Marquez and her family are active members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Webb City.

Mrs. Houlihan has been a part of the St. Ann's family for the past four years, serving our students as the reading and math specialist for the Title I Program.  She has been in education for over 35 years, serving as both a classroom teacher and principal.  She holds a Bachelor's from MSSU and a Master's degree from SMU.   When asked about St. Ann's, she stated, "I love the supportive atmosphere and watching the students grow with self confidence academically which provides opportunities to show their leadership skills.  I look forward to another great year at St. Ann's!"