About Our Staff

Emilie is majoring in Elementary Education and Special Education at Bellarmine University. She is super excited as this will be her third summer here at Ascension's Summer Camp. She is a graduate of Assumption High School and Ascension. This summer she is looking forward to lots of fun arts-and-crafts, games, field trips, and pool days. In her free time she loves reading, going to the lake, and spending time with friends and family. 

Hannah Balthrop just completed her freshmen year at Western Kentucky University. She is studying nursing. Hannah, like many of our staff members, is also a proud alum of Ascension (2017) and then Assumptuion High School in 2021. This will be Hannah's third summer working summer camp. She loved summer camp so much last year she had to come back to work at least one more. Hannah will be with us three days this summer, primarily with the preschool students. She is so excited to be back in the Ascension Community. 

Mary is majoring in Elementary Education at the University of Louisville. She graduated from Assumption High School in 2022. She is super excited for her second year of summer camp! In her free time, Mary enjoys reading, being outdoors, and spending time with her friends. 

Hanna is excited about her second year teaching at Ascension. She teaches second grade. Hanna taught in  Guatemala for four years previous. Hannah is looking forward to working for 3 day each week at summer camp.  She has been to Ascension several times with her family and even had three cousins attend the school! In her spare time she likes to read, travel, cook, and exercise.

Cindy Metzger will be joining us this summer as a full-time substitute! Cindy has been a teachers aid for 31 years.  She has worked at both Ascension and St. Gabriel. Cindy retired in 2021 and we are grateful as she enjoys subbing for us. The last few years she has helped out the preschool, afterschool, and summer camp program; she does it all. When not at school, Cindy loves to spend time with her granddaughter, Josie, go on hikes and cross stitch. 

Danny graduated from the University of Kentucky where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Social Studies Education with a focus in History and Political Science and his Master of Arts in Education with a focus in Secondary Social Studies Education. Previously, he attended Trinity High School and is a graduate of Ascension. In his free time, Danny enjoys spending time with family and friends and reading.

Katie graduated from the University of Kentucky where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Communication with a minor in Community Leadership Development. Previously, she attended Assumption High School and is a graduate of Ascension (2011). Katie is excited to be back with the Ascension community serving old and new faces alike. In her free time, she enjoys coaching basketball, working out, and spending time with friends and family.

Kevin grew up Indianapolis, Indiana where he attened IUPUI. There, he graduated with a bachelors degree in Physical Education and has been teaching ever since. Currently, Kevin teaches at Assumption- he will be starting his 13th year in the fall. In his spare time, Kevin likes to run, grill, and spend time with his family. This summer, Kevin is looking forward to playing outdoor activites with the children, especially kickball! 

Hannah Pennington is excited to be completing her second year of teaching at Ascension. Hannah has been a long-time member of the Ascension community, having graduated from Ascension herself in 2013. Hannah is a recent graduate from Western Kentucky University, where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. Outside of school, Hannah enjoys anything sports-related, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.

Autumn is fulfilling her lifelong dream of being a teacher! Autumn is the Ascension Kindergarten teacher. She has also taught for JCPS.  She is the final Shell family member to join the Ascension family alongside her mother, father, and sister! When she is not teaching she is spending time outdoors, with friends, or traveling!

Valerie grew up in St Louis, Missouri. She obtained a bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education. She has worked in the field of early childhood for 30 years. Valerie and her husband Michael have three children; Trinity, Autumn, and Justice. In her free time she enjoys hiking, DIYing around the house and hanging out with friends and family.

Olivia is the first grade teacher here at Ascension. She is a lemon enthusiast, who loves to play tennis, travel, and cook. She is excited to spend some more time with her students and join the summer camp team! This is Olivia's first year working summer camp and she is looking forward to cooking with campers each week! 

Hannah is a recent graduate of UofL and has worked at Ascension Catholic School for 3 years. She loves parks, good coffee, and hanging out with friends. This is her second time working summer camp and she can't wait to spend the afternoon with the kiddos!

Sarah completed her first year at the University of Kentucky where she majoring in Marketing. She graduated from Assumption High School in 2022 and is excited to work another summer camp! In her free time, Sarah enjoys days at the lake, exploring new places, and spending time with friends and family.