Faculty & Staff
The St. Raphael Catholic School Faculty holds our students to high academic standards and implements the Diocesan Curriculum, Standards and Benchmarks.
Father Curtis Carro
Pastor
Principal
Mr. Luca Tizzano
Mr. Luca Tizzano was born and raised in Brescia (Italy), where he grew up and went to school. He holds a master’s degree in Humanities from the University of Milan and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the American College of Education. A former competitive swimmer and coach, he has maintained a lifelong passion for the sport and keeps swimming in his free time. With over 20 years of experience in Catholic education, Mr. Tizzano has dedicated his career to fostering academic excellence and spiritual growth in young people.
Mr. Tizzano believes that education is a journey through which students discover who they are and their vocation, uncover their passions and talents, and grow in their relationship with Christ.
Ms. Christina Badman, M.Ed
Coordinator of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
Ms. Christina Badman
Ms. Badman holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and has served as the Coordinator of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment for multiple schools in the Diocese of St. Petersburg for the past 7 years. She is certified in Elementary Education, kindergarten through sixth grade and English Language Arts, fifth through ninth grade. She loves using technology with students, teachers and principals to enrich the learning process.
Ms. Susan Robinette
Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Susan Robinette – Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Susan Robinette is a St. Pete native. She is married to her husband RD, and together they have 4 wonderful children and 2 beautiful granddaughters. Her journey has included working as a licensed commercial and personal insurance agent for over a decade while logging hundreds of hours volunteering at schools and leagues and serving on athletic boards. Additionally, she owned and operated a commercial embroidery business designing and creating apparel for schools and companies for more than 15 years.
In 2023, she became a part of the St. Raphael family as her youngest daughter and oldest granddaughter started Kindergarten together. Last year, she became the 1st and 2nd grade teacher assistant. This year, she is enjoying her new role as Administrative Assistant! She is grateful for everything that has led her to this wonderful position.
In her free time, Mrs. Robinette enjoys spending time with friends and family cooking out at home and swimming in their pool.
Mrs. Cheryl Matala, B.S., M.A.
Director of Advancement & Enrollment
Ms. Cheryl Matala
With a background that blends business and education, Mrs. Matala brings a unique perspective to her role at St. Raphael Catholic School. Before transitioning into education, she spent over a decade in the corporate sector, working in human resources and corporate training. That experience provided her with a strong foundation in communication, organization, and leadership—skills she now uses daily to support students, families, and the school community.
Since 2010, Mrs. Matala has served in a variety of roles in Catholic schools, including librarian, classroom teacher, and now Director of Advancement and Enrollment. She leads efforts in admissions, marketing, fundraising, and community outreach, always with a focus on building strong relationships and supporting the school’s mission.
She and her husband are proud parents of three St. Raphael alumni. Outside of school, she enjoys boating, relaxing at the beach, and spending time with her family.
Ms. Giselle Boodoo, B.A., M.S.
School Counselor
Ms. Giselle Boodoo
Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Ms. Giselle Boodoo relocated to the United States at the age of fourteen. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The University of Tampa and a Master of Science in Counseling and Psychology from Troy University. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing, boxing, reading, and writing – activities that support both personal growth and professional balance.
Ms. Boodoo is the school counselor at St. Raphael Catholic School, where she works with students in Pre-K through 8th grade. She is certified in Guidance Counseling for grades PK-12 through the Florida Department of Education and have been in the field of education since 2012. Her career began as a teacher assistant while she worked towards her Masters’ degree, and she transitioned into school counseling in 2016. Ms. Boodoo is passionate about supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional development, and she finds fulfillment in helping them build resilience and realize their full potential.
Mrs. Erin Althoff, M.Ed.
Learning Specialist
Mrs. Erin Althoff
A proud alumna of St. Raphael Catholic School, Mrs. Erin Althoff has had the joy of coming full circle—first as a student, then as a parent of three graduates, and now as a teacher for the past 17 years. Mrs. Althoff enjoys spending time with my three children and husband Paul. She loves the beach and the mountains of North Carolina.
She has over 20 years of teaching experience. Mrs. Althoff has a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Social Science Education and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. She holds teaching certifications in both ELA and Social Sciences. Her career at St. Raphael began as a middle school classroom teacher and she currently serves as the school’s Learning Specialist. Being a part of the St. Raphael community continues to be both a blessing and a calling.
Ms. Elizabeth Salem, B.A.
Early Childhood 4 Director and Teacher
Ms. Elizabeth Salem
Ms. Elizabeth Salem is from the North Hills of Pittsburgh PA. She has an Associates in Math and Science, a Child Development Associate, and a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education. She is passionate about early childhood development, enjoying continuing her education in the field and observing young children at play. During her free time you can find Ms. Salem’s hands dirty planting and gardening.
Ms. Salem is our Early Childhood Director and teaches VPK. She holds a Director’s Credential with VPK endorsement, Emergent Language and Literacy Micro Credential, and she is recognized as a level III Early Childhood Educator by the Department of Education. She has experience working in licensed Early childhood education programs since 2005, with experience working with infants through school aged children. Before teaching children in a preschool setting, Ms. Salem coached gymnastics. She enjoys Early childhood education because she has the opportunity to lay a strong foundation for lifelong learners.
Mrs. Nisha Patel
Early Childhood Aide
Mrs. Nisha Patel
Mrs. Nisha likes exploring new places, and she believes that all children have their personal learning style and pace. Each child is unique, capable of learning and of succeeding.
Mrs. Faye Sora, B.A., M.S.
Kindergarten
Mrs. Faye Sora
Mrs. Faye Sora moved to Florida from Canada, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science. In the U.S., she received her Master’s in Education from the University of South Florida (USF). In her spare time, Mrs. S enjoys photography and spending time with her family, which includes her three children and their family dog.
Mrs. Sora holds a K-6 teaching certification and has been an educator for approximately 8 years, with most of that time dedicated to kindergarten. Mrs. Sora is passionate about teaching children to read and loves building strong relationships with her students and their families. She believes that a positive classroom community helps children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn.
Mrs. Shelley Beaulieu, B.S.
Kindergarten Assistant
Mrs. Shelley Beaulieu
Mrs. Shelley Beaulieu was born and raised in Maitland, Florida. She earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida. Her oldest son carried on the legacy and just graduated as a fourth generation Gator! In her spare time, Mrs. Beaulieu enjoys spending time with her husband, John and their three children. Many evenings are spent cheering them on at lacrosse games!
Education has always been a calling and is a second career, for the last 15 years. Teaching in the same Kindergarten room all three of her children started their education at St. Raphael’s is a gift! Being a part of each students’ journey and watching them learn and grow from Kindergarten through eighth grade is the biggest blessing!
Mrs. Lauren Eichler, B.S.
Grade One
Mrs. Lauren Eichler
Mrs. Lauren Eichler, a dedicated educator, was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida. She holds a degree in Elementary Education and Exceptional Student Education from the University of South Florida. To enhance her ability to support diverse learners, she has earned endorsements in Reading, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Mrs. Eichler is passionate about fostering a love for reading in her students and is committed to making learning an engaging and enjoyable experience.
Outside the classroom, she enjoys time spent with her husband and their two children, Madelyn, and Connor. When they are not on the volleyball court, baseball field, or basketball court, they enjoy traveling and boating in the bay.
Mr. Stephen Thompson, B.S.
Grade Two
Mr. Stephen Thompson
Mr. Stephen Thompson was born and raised in St. Petersburg, FL. where he grew up and went to school. He owned and operated a tree farm for 11 years before becoming a teacher. He enjoys gardening and raising chickens.
He holds a B.S. degree from Florida State University. He has 20 years of experience in education, with the last 4 years teaching 2nd grade at St. Raphael’s. He believes in hands-on, cooperative learning. “Children should wake up each morning, happy and eager to be going to school.”
Ms. Darlene Milic,
Instructional Aide
Ms. Darlene Milic – Instructional Aide
Darlene Milic was born and raised in St. Petersburg, FL. An avid reader from a young age, she pursued her passion for the written word at the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English Literature. In her leisure time she enjoys taking her son on trips to explore Florida’s historical sites and attractions, being on the water, and volunteering in the community.
Ms. Milic most recently taught middle school Language Arts for Pinellas County Schools, but has had years of experience providing academic support to students across multiple grade levels. She believes in fostering a lifelong love of learning in her students, particularly the joys of reading, and finds it deeply gratifying to help young minds build confidence, character, and creativity.
Mrs. Beth Soderlund, B.S.
Grade Three
Mrs. Beth Soderlund
Mrs. Beth Soderlund was born in Connecticut and moved to Florida in the 5th grade, where she attended St. Raphael’s Catholic School through 8th grade. She continued her Catholic education at St. Petersburg Catholic High School. She is also a graduate of the University of Florida. Go Bulls! When she is not in the classroom, Mrs. Soderlund enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and walking her dog, Ruby.
Mrs. Soderlund has been teaching 3rd grade for over 20 years. She loves teaching because of the joy that comes from witnessing “light bulb moments” and seeing her students grow academically and personally throughout the year. Mrs. Soderlund is dedicated to fostering both academic growth and faith development in her students.
Mr. Patrick Daum, B.S
Grade Four
Mr. Patrick Daum
Mr. Patrick Daum was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania until he moved to Florida in June of 2024. He holds a bachelor’s degree in both elementary education and special education from Mount St. Mary’s University. Mr. Daum has a strong love of music and is often singing and playing guitar in his free time. He also enjoys spending time outdoors and spending time with his family.
Mr. Daum will be teaching 4th grade this year and he has previously taught students with autism spectrum disorder as well as students with varying exceptionalities for three years prior to teaching at St. Raphaels. This will be Mr. Daum’s 4th year in education. Mr. Daum has always felt called to be a teacher and views a very important vocation in his life, not just a job. He enjoys teaching because he gets to help students discover their talents and dreams. He believes that teaching is an opportunity to help others grow in ways beyond just academics but also in life and in faith.
Mrs. Erin Nelson, B.A., M.A.
Grade Five
Mrs. Erin Nelson
Mrs. Erin Nelson has been a teacher for 23 years—20 of those spent in a fifth grade classroom. She holds a master’s degree in Varying Exceptionalities and a bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of South Florida, and is certified in Elementary Education K-6. One of her most meaningful experiences as a teacher was raising a Labrador named Morgan for Dogs, Inc., formerly SE Guide Dogs, in her classroom for a year. Together, she and her students learned about responsibility, empathy, and the deep bond that comes from caring for another life. She’s always believed that education is about far more than just academics. It’s about reaching hearts, building confidence, having fun, and helping every child discover their unique potential.
Mrs. Nelson is also the proud mother of two sons, both graduates of St. Petersburg Catholic High School, and two wonderful stepsons. All four of them have chosen careers to be proud of, and watching them grow into driven, compassionate young men has been one of the greatest rewards of her life. Whether she’s in the classroom, at home with family, or walking her dogs around the neighborhood, Mrs. Nelson carries with her a deep sense of purpose: to lift others up, to lead with kindness, and to inspire those around her to believe in themselves.
Ms. Natalie Trumbo, B.A.
Instructional Aide
Ms. Natalie Trumbo
Ms. Natalie Trumbo was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida and has been a member of St. Raphael Catholic Church since her baptism. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Arts Practices, with a focus on Interdisciplinary Media Art Practices, from the University of Colorado Boulder.
In her spare time, Ms. Trumbo enjoys swimming and baking with her daughter, Penelope, and making lasting memories together as a family.
Before transitioning into education, she spent a decade building a career in design and marketing, experience that shapes her creative, problem-solving approach to teaching. She is excited to bring her professional experience and creative background into the classroom, helping students learn, grow, and discover their own unique talents.
Ms. Grace Henry, M.A
Middle School Religion/Social Studies
Ms. Grace Henry
Ms. Grace Henry is originally from North Carolina and now calls Florida home. She earned both her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Theology and Christian Ministry from Franciscan University of Steubenville. In her free time, she loves traveling, exploring new places, and finding inspiration in new experiences.
Grace teaches middle school social studies and religion. She has been teaching for five years and previously worked in administrative roles within churches and schools. Grace is passionate about education because she loves helping students connect the dots between what they learn and who they’re becoming: intellectually, spiritually, and personally.
Ms. Sherryl Marlene Cable, B.A
Middle School Science
Ms. Sherryl Marlene Cable
Ms. Marlene Cable grew up in Indiana with her 3 brothers and 3 sisters, one of whom is her twin sister. She has been privileged to live and teach in Texas, Germany and Oregon before returning to Florida.
Ms. Cable has numerous years of experience teaching math and science, most of which has been in middle school. Her math experience includes 5th grade, all levels of middle school, algebra and geometry. She has taught all levels of science from 5th grade through 8th grade physical science, but her passion is astronomy.
Mr. Michael Calandrino, M.A.
Middle School Math
Mr. Michael Calandrino
Mr. Michael Calandrino holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Hofstra University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Rochester.
He has spent the last 20+ years working as an analyst and accountant in the private sector for companies such as Citibank, American Investment Group, The Limited, Publix Super Markets and most recently the National Senior Games Association.
In 2005 he joined the Teaching Fellowship Program and taught Algebra and Geometry to inner city youth in Manhattan. Tutoring Math this past year at St. Raphael renewed his interest and desire to continue that educational journey and seeks to impart his knowledge and understanding of mathematics to the middle school students of our school.
Ms. Whitney Jordan, B.A
Middle School English/Language Arts
Mrs. Whitney Jordan
Ms. Whitney Jordan was born and raised in Tallahassee, FL. She has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Florida State University and is working on a Master’s degree in School Counseling and Licensed Mental Health Counseling. During her free time she enjoys spending time with friends, reading, sewing, and baking.
Ms. Jordan has been a high school English teacher for five years while living in Tallahassee. She is passionate about literature and loves working with her students as they discover new questions, excitement and understanding through reading and writing.
Mr. Mike Wasilenko, B.A., M.A.T.
Physical Education
Mr. Mike Wasilenko – PE Teacher and Athletic Director
Mr. Mike Wasilenko, Coach Waz, was born and raised in New Jersey where he attended Don Bosco Prep High School. Continuing his Catholic education, he attended The Catholic University of America in Washington DC. While earning his bachelor’s degree in English literature, he played four years of college basketball.
After graduation, Coach Waz, earned his Master of Arts in Teaching from Salisbury University in Maryland. While earning his masters, he was an assistant coach for the basketball team. After four years of teaching and coaching varsity basketball at South River High School, Coach Waz moved to Florida to teach and coach at fellow diocesan school, Clearwater Central Catholic. Coach Waz spent 8 years serving as an English teacher, and Head Varsity Basketball Coach before joining Saint Raphael’s, where his two boys, Nolan and Nate attend. Saint Raphael’s has played a major role in his family. Coach’s wife, Holly, attended Saint Raphael’s and the family has been parishioners since moving to Saint Petersburg.
Mrs. Katie Hauss, B.A.
Media/Technology/STREAM
Mrs. Katie Hauss
Mrs. Katie Hauss is originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, but has lived in Florida for the past 25 years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies from Georgetown College. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Hauss enjoys spending time with her three children, reading, and relaxing at the beach.
She currently serves as the Technology and STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Math) teacher, as well as the school librarian. With three years of experience in education, Mrs. Hauss brings a diverse background to the classroom, including her previous role as a contracts supervisor with Florida Fish and Wildlife. Her varied career path has provided her with valuable insights and skills that enhance her teaching. She truly enjoys getting to know all the students and feels incredibly blessed to be part of such a wonderful school community.
Mrs. Kathleen Stroud, B.A.
Art
Ms. Kathleen Stroud
Mrs. Kathleen Stroud’s family moved from Hudson, Massachusetts, to Florida when she was young. She is one of four siblings—with two brothers and a sister—and those relationships continue to shape who she is. Mrs. Stroud has been married to her wonderful husband, Dan, since 1994. While they don’t have children, the household is full of love thanks to their sweet dog and cat, who keep them entertained and grounded.
Art has always been a central part of Mrs. Stroud’s life. After receiving an A.S. degree in graphic design from the Florida School of Arts, she began working at PARC, where teaching art to individuals with special needs truly opened her heart. That experience inspired Mrs. Stroud to return to school and earn her visual arts degree from Eckerd College. She also earned her teaching certification while working as a teaching assistant in the Pinellas County school system—where she later taught art and had the joy of nurturing creativity in the classroom.
Today, Mrs. Stroud continues that journey at St. Raphael’s, where she teaches visual art and celebrates the unique spark each student brings to their work. Outside of teaching, her hobbies reflect her creative soul – she enjoys reading, sewing, working in her studio, experimenting with new artistic styles, and spending meaningful time with her family and pets.
Every phase of Mrs. Stroud’s path has deepened her passion for art and education, and she loves helping others find inspiration in self-expression.
Mrs. Ruth Moran, M.S.
World Languages
Mrs. Ruth Moran
Mrs. Moran was born and raised in Ecuador and has always been passionate about languages and cultural exchange. Her curiosity about the world led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in international business and further studies in English and French. She later earned a master’s degree in international marketing. This global perspective shaped her love for learning and connection—values she now brings into the classroom.
Her journey into education began four years ago as a certified entrepreneurship coach, where she discovered her true passion for teaching. Since then, she has dedicated herself to making a meaningful impact on her students and is currently working toward her official teaching certification. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Moran enjoys her morning coffee, beach days with family, reading, cooking, and boxing to upbeat music. Her diverse background and joyful energy help create an engaging and culturally rich learning environment for her students.
Ms. Dolores Hamburg
Extended Day
Ms. Dolores Hamburg
For seven years she has had the fortune to teach and care for children. The added knowledge of Psychology is not just the mind. Understanding Human Development is the way forward and her certifications included 40 hours in early childhood plus certifications on new material every year.
