The Assumption Team
Domenic Franconi, Principal
It is an honor and a privilege to be the principal of Assumption BVM Catholic School. I am originally from Grand Rapids and graduated from West Catholic High School. I earned my B.S. in Elementary Education from Grand Valley State University and my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Barry University in Florida. After receiving my degree, I taught for eight years at Pembroke Lakes Elementary in Pembroke Pines, Florida and served as Principal at St. Michael School in Remus, Michigan.
Kerri Mickey, Preschool/Developmental Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Kerri Mickey is a 2000 graduate of Central Michigan University and 2007 graduate with a Master’s Degree as a Reading Specialist. She has had over twelve years of teaching experience, including the last seven in kindergarten,
developmental kindergarten, and preschool. Her own children currently attend and love ABVM too! When she is not busy teaching, she enjoys spending time with her children and walking their mini golden doodle.
Kathy Snowden, Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Kathy Snowden is a graduate of Western Michigan University where she earned a degree in Elementary Education, minoring in Elementary Education, Creative Arts, Mathematics and Science. The Snowden family have been parishioners at ABVM for 12 years. Mrs. Snowden has been happily leading the preschool and now the Kindergarten program since 2012.
Kate Willams, 1st Grade Teacher
Cathrine Nichols, 2nd Grade Teacher
I am thrilled to be joining the community of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary this school year. I am an alumna of Lake Michigan Catholic Schools, where I was blessed by incredible and faithful teachers that inspired my own passion for teaching as well as a love of literature. I completed my undergraduate degree in Elementary English Language Arts Education at Hope College, where I had several years of experience student teaching in various grades and subjects. I then went on to teach First and Second Grade at Saint Basil Catholic School in South Haven, MI. I love the beach, cheer leading, musical theater, and animals. I also love my adopted family: Boots the cat, Sheila the gecko, French Toast the turtle, and Ramona the snake!
Carrie Westman, 3rd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Carrie Westman graduated from Catholic Central High School, earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Saint Mary’s college of Notre Dame and later received her Master’s degree in education from Aquinas College. She has been teaching at Assumption since 2001. When she is not busy teaching, she enjoys reading, traveling, experiencing new cultures, going to the beach and spending time with her family of six.
Julie Mattioli, 4th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Julie Mattioli graduated from GVSU and has continued professional development through Aquinas College and Spring Arbor University. She has degrees in Science, Math and Elementary Education. Her teaching career started in Grand Rapids Public Schools and began her career at Assumption teaching middle school science and religion. She started her twelfth year as the fourth grade teacher. Mrs. Mattioli dreams of cruising around the world with her husband.
Elizabeth Ritz, 5th Grade Teacher
My name is Elizabeth Ritz and I am blessed to be the 5th grade teacher at Assumption! I graduated from Grand Valley State University in December of 2014 with a degree in social studies and elementary education. For the past two years, I had the privilege of working as the 5th/ 6th grade teacher at Saint Michael School in Remus, Michigan. I look forward to using this valuable experience to help the students at ABVM grow both in their faith and educational careers.
Annette Rybicki, 6th Grade Teacher (Middle School Math & Social Studies Teacher)
Mrs. Annette Rybicki is a 1993 graduate of Northern Michigan University where she earned a degree in Elementary Education with a major in mathematics. She has completed graduate courses at Western Michigan University and Spring Arbor College. She joined the Assumption faculty in 1995 as the middle school mathematics and social studies teacher. Mrs. Rybicki coaches Assumption’s Math Counts Team, leads the ABVM Math Pentathlon Club, and facilitates the ABVM Volunteer Corps. In her free time, Mrs. Rybicki loves to ski, play on Assumption women’s softball team, and coach middle school volleyball.
Brenda Sack, 7th Grade Teacher (Middle School Religion & Science Teacher)
Mrs. Brenda Sack earned a business degree from Ferris State University, received a science degree from Grand Valley State University and added a Master’s degree from Aquinas College. Her Science Olympiad teams have placed in the top ten and have taken numerous medals. Mrs. Sack coaches the West Catholic girls’ basketball teams.
Katie Leeder, 8th Grade Teacher (Middle School English Language Arts Teacher)
Mrs. Katie Leeder is an Assumption and West Catholic High School graduate. Mrs. Leeder received all but one of her sacraments from Assumption, including being married at the church. She graduated from Western Michigan University earning her B.S. degree with a focus on elementary education and English. She is continuing her graduate studies at Grand Valley State University. After teaching fifth grade for 12 years, Mrs. Leeder now has the honor of being the Eighth-grade homeroom teacher while teaching reading, writing, and grammar to the middle school.
Amy Snodgrass – Interventionist/Instructional Coach
Mrs. Amy Snodgrass joins Assumption with a degree in Elementary Education from Michigan State University and a Master’s Degree in Teaching and Curriculum from Michigan State University. Prior to teaching at Assumption, she was the Center Director for four West Michigan Sylvan Centers. She also has experience teaching grades 5-8 in public, private, and charter schools, and she was the intervention specialist at San Juan Diego Academy. Mrs. Snodgrass really enjoys working at ABVM School and being a parishioner at ABVM Church.
Cindy Miller, Preschool Aide
Mrs. Cindy Miller received a degree from Grand Rapids Community College in Early Childhood Education. She has been the Assistant Preschool Teacher at Assumption for six years.
Linda Ostoin, Instructional Aide
Julie Watkins, Instructional Aide
Colleen Kleeves, Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Colleen Kleeves attended St. Stephen’s School and Grand Rapids Community College. She worked previously in sales and as an entrepreneur . Mrs. Kleeves has been employed at Assumption BVM School for twenty years.
Donna Brower, Technology Coordinator
Mrs. Donna Brower graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Materials Logistics Management- Purchasing. She has worked as a buyer and in international sales. Mrs. Brower has been an Assumption BVM School employee since 2006.
