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

Hi! I am Kerri Mickey. I am excited to be your new preschool director! I am looking forward to getting to know our youngest learners and helping them with their first school experiences. I am coming from St. Michael School in Remus. I taught there for five years as the preschool director/teacher, DK teacher and Kindergarten teacher. I love helping students learn and grow academically, socially and religiously.

I graduated from Central Michigan University in 2000 and with a Master’s Degree as a reading specialist in 2007. I have two children who will be joining the ABVM family. My daughter Sophie, will be in 5th grade and my son Charlie, will be in 1st grade. They are very excited to meet new friends! My daughter takes gymnastics in Rockford and we have been making the drive down several days a week. This opportunity to join ABVM is such a blessing to our family.

I look forward to meeting everyone and having a wonderful school year!

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.

Kathy Snowden – Kindergarten

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 Thull – 1st Grade

Ms. Kate Thull joins Assumption with an education degree from Grand Valley State University. Prior to teaching first grade at Assumption she taught second grade at St. Augustine Cathedral School in Kalamazoo. She started her career at Assumption as a middle school paraprofessional and is so happy to be back. This is her third year teaching first grade at ABVM.

Teacher Website

Cathrine Smith – 2nd Grade

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, cheerleading, 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

Mrs. Carrie Westman graduated from Catholic Central High School and received her teaching degree from Aquinas College. She had also studied at Saint Mary’s College at Notre Dame. She has been teaching at Assumption for the last 12 years. When she is not busy teaching, she enjoys traveling, going to the beach and spending time with her family.

Julie Mattioli – 4th Grade

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 West – 5th Grade

My name is Elizabeth West and I am blessed to be the new 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

Mrs. Annette Rybicki is a 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 is a Girl Scout leader, plays on Assumption women’s softball team, and coaches volleyball.

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Brenda Sack – 7th Grade

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

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 attended Western Michigan University where she earned her teaching degree and is continuing her graduate studies at Grand Valley State University. She has been teaching fifth grade at Assumption since 2005.

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.

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 nineteen 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 for nine years.