Religion K-3

A little introduction... 

A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, I lived for six years in Michigan and two years in Texas while discerning a religious vocation. 

I entered the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist (DSMME) in 2017, taking the name “Sister Zelie Marie” and professing my First (Temporary) Vows in 2020.  Saint Zélie lived in France and is the mother of Saint Thérèse, the Little Flower.  I also chose Jesus’ mother, Mary, as my patron, because I want her to help me grow closer to her Son.  (And “Marie” is the French form of Mary.) 

Prior to entering DSMME, I studied English, Business, Music, and Theology at Xavier University.  I also worked in Youth Ministry and at the family pool-and-patio-furniture business.  During my years of discernment, I was an aide in a 2nd grade classroom, tutored students through Barton Tutoring (a 1-on-1 reading and spelling system for struggling students including those with dyslexia or other learning disabilities), and taught: pre-algebra, Computers to Kindergarten-2nd Grade, 1st Grade for two years, and 2nd Grade for two years. 

After eight grace-filled years of formation and discernment, I heard God calling me to return to lay life instead of professing final vows.  There was incredible peace as I said a new “yes” and surrendered to where God was leading me.  Upon returning to Cincinnati, I returned to the family business while jumping in as an Assistant Catechist for Eastside Catholic’s Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) program and as the Lead Teacher for Kindergarten in the parish’s Family of Faith formation program.  I am excited to be able to bring CGS into the traditional school setting in this new position of Religion Teacher for K-3rd Grade!