Meet Our Educators
It’s time to highlight our excellent teachers at Saint Gregory’s!
We are lucky to have an incredible and dedicated staff to work with our students from all over the Albany and Saratoga area.
Mr. Fratianni
Physical Education
We’re excited to introduce John Fratianni, our new Physical Education teacher at Saint Gregory’s School! A graduate of Russell Sage College, Mr. Fratianni has quickly become a valued member of our team.
What stands out most to Mr. Fratianni about Saint Gregory’s is the warm and supportive environment. “The community welcomed us with open arms and always offers help whenever needed, and that has been very refreshing when starting at a new school,” he shares.
Outside of school, Mr. Fratianni is an avid sports enthusiast. He enjoys playing golf, softball, and basketball in his free time.
We’re thrilled to welcome Mr. Fratianni to the SGS family and are excited about the impact he’s already making!
Mrs. Barker
3rd Grade
We’re excited to spotlight Nellie Barker, our 3rd grade teacher at Saint Gregory’s! Mrs. Barker joined us recently with degrees from Siena College and Russell Sage College and brings a contagious enthusiasm for teaching.
For Mrs. Barker, the best part of being at SGS is the students. “The students make my job so much fun! Their creative minds and talents make this such a fun group to spend my days with!” she says, capturing the joy she finds in the classroom.
Outside of school, Mrs. Barker leads a full and active life. She loves playing soccer and cheering on her son Will at his soccer and basketball games. She also enjoys nature walks, traveling, cooking, painting in vibrant colors, gardening, reading, and spending time with her loyal golden retriever, Lucky.
If there’s one subject that lights up Mrs. Barker’s classroom, it’s writing. She has a special passion for teaching figurative language and descriptive writing, and it’s a joy for her to watch her students grow as writers throughout the year.
We’re thrilled to have Mrs. Barker as part of the Saint Gregory’s community and can’t wait to see the impact she’ll have on her students this year!
Mr. Follert
Upper School Math
Chip Follert, our dedicated Upper School Math teacher at Saint Gregory’s School, brings both passion and a wealth of experience to our community. With a Bachelor of Arts from St. Lawrence University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Mercer University, Mr. Follert is committed to helping students navigate the complexities of mathematics. His favorite part of working at Saint Gregory’s is, without hesitation, the students. “The best thing about SGS is the kids! I also appreciate the nice coworkers and beautiful surroundings,” he shares, reflecting the sense of community that makes Saint Gregory’s a special place.
Outside of the classroom, Mr. Follert enjoys a rich and active life. He loves to spend time outdoors, whether it’s hiking or skiing. In the summer, you can find him at his family’s camp in the Adirondacks, and during the winter, he’s on the slopes. At home in Niskayuna, Mr. Follert shares his love for the outdoors with his yellow lab and black cat, who join him for long evening walks, an experience he compares to the movie The Incredible Journey.
A family man at heart, Mr. Follert lives with his wife, who is the library director at Union College. They have three children, one of whom is a freshman at Le Moyne College. His well-rounded life and dedication to both family and his students make him a beloved member of the Saint Gregory’s community, and we are grateful to have him on our team.
Mrs. Powell
Assistant Pre-K4 Teacher
Mrs. Powell, our enthusiastic and dedicated Assistant Preschool Teacher at Saint Gregory’s School, holds a master’s degree in literacy from NYU and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our youngest learners. Her favorite aspect of working at Saint Gregory’s is the opportunity to engage with the boundless curiosity and enthusiasm of preschool students. “I love working with the youngest students in our school! They have an unmatched curiosity and enthusiasm for learning! Their energy is infectious and inspires me every day,” she shares. Mrs. Powell also values the supportive and welcoming environment fostered by her colleagues, which she credits for making Saint Gregory’s a wonderful place to work.
Outside of school, Mrs. Powell is a proud and active parent, attending her children’s various activities and sports games. She loves watching her oldest daughter compete in dance and Nordic skiing, while also cheering on her son and youngest daughter as they perform as Celtic drummers in a youth bagpipe band. Her dedication to her family and students alike highlights her nurturing spirit and commitment to fostering growth and creativity both in and out of the classroom.
Mrs. Powell’s passion and commitment make her an invaluable member of our Saint Gregory’s family. Her enthusiasm for early childhood education and her supportive presence enrich the lives of both students and staff, contributing to the vibrant community we cherish at our school.
Mrs. LoGuidice
Kindergarten
At Saint Gregory’s School, Mrs. LoGiudice is a cherished cornerstone of the kindergarten program. With a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from The College of Saint Rose, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for early childhood education to her classroom.
Teaching kindergarten has quickly become Mrs. LoGiudice’s favorite grade level. She finds immense joy in witnessing the incredible developmental strides her students make over the school year. “There is nothing more rewarding than watching the amazing growth of our young learners that takes place over the course of the school year, especially with reading, writing and math skills,” Mrs. LoGuidice reflects. She also treasures the support from the wonderful SGS families and her dedicated colleagues, which enhances their fun and productive days of learning.
Outside the classroom, Mrs. LoGiudice enjoys reading, cooking, baking, listening to music, and traveling, especially to beach destinations. She lives with her supportive husband, two teenage sons, two parakeets, and a beloved Boston Terrier, Rocco. Her dedication and nurturing approach make a lasting impact on her students, helping them build a strong foundation for their future academic journeys.
Mrs. Pulecio
Lower School Technology
Known for her passion and dedication to nurturing young minds in the realm of technology, Mrs. Pulecio, our Lower School Technology Teacher, has been a great addition to our team of educators since she joined the SGS community this academic year. The University of South Florida alumna has been truly enjoying her time at Saint Gregory’s, particularly the collaboration with our students “is a true privilege as they embody the ‘think and do’ philosophy”, Mrs. Pulecio reflects.
“One of the things I enjoy the most about working with the students at Saint Gregory’s School is their eagerness to take on new challenges,” she shares. “Whether it’s third graders improving their 3D printing skills, fourth graders exploring the world of robotics, or kindergarteners discovering the wonders of Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Art (STEM+A), the students at Saint Gregory’s School are always ready to learn something new.” Aside from her work with our students, Mrs. Pulecio has also been grateful for the friendly and welcoming attitude of the other teachers, staff, and administration.
Thanks to the recently renovated Raymond Family Tech Lab, Mrs. Pulecio and our students now have access to modern tech equipment, setting our young learners up for success. This room fosters an environment of innovation, offering versatile spaces that enhance our students’ exploration and application of technology. By providing these resources, the lab complements Mrs. Pulecio’s dedication to fostering curiosity and growth among her students. It’s no wonder that the lab has been embraced and cherished by students and teachers alike.
Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Pulecio’s passion for exploration extends to her personal life. When she’s not busy teaching, you’ll often find her at her STEAMwhiz Labs in Guilderland, working on new experiments or projects. Together with her family, she cherishes the outdoors – from hiking the Pine Bush to riding their bikes or reading side-by-side in the shade. After spending time outside, the family loves to do experimental baking sessions and of course enjoy their baked treats, whether it is a cookie, cake, muffin or something in between.
Mrs. Fratianni
1st Grade
Mrs. Fratianni, a graduate of The College of Saint Rose and our dedicated 1st-grade teacher at SGS, has been an integral part of our school community for several years now. Her unwavering commitment to her students and her passion for teaching are truly remarkable. “My favorite part of working at this school definitely has to be my students,” Mrs. Fratianni shares warmly, emphasizing her deep connection with the student body. She also values the welcoming and inclusive community atmosphere that defines Saint Gregory’s. “Everyone is so friendly to one another and very welcoming to new students, teachers, and visitors,” she adds.
Beyond her role in the classroom, Mrs. Fratianni leads an active life, coaching both gymnastics and diving. Whether she’s mentoring varsity diving athletes at Bethlehem High School or coaching gymnastics at World Class, her dedication to nurturing young talents shines through. Her passion for diving even led her to establish her own diving club in collaboration with her aunt.
Amidst her professional endeavors, Mrs. Fratianni treasures moments with her family, particularly her one-year-old daughter, Collins. Her roles as an educator, coach, and mother seamlessly intertwine, enriching the lives of her students at SGS both in and out of the classroom. Through her unwavering commitment to excellence and genuine care for her students, Mrs. Fratianni truly embodies the spirit of Saint Gregory’s School.
Mrs. Smith
Pre-K LS Assistant
We’re excited to spotlight Mrs. Smith, Assistant Teacher in the Lower School, as our newest featured teacher. A graduate of Hudson Valley Community College, Mrs. Smith has been an integral part of our educational community for the past four years now. Her passion lies in working with the youngest learners, and she finds immense joy in witnessing their boundless excitement and curiosity as they embark on their educational journey.
Mrs. Smith attributes her positive experience at Saint Gregory’s School to the collaborative and caring environment fostered by her fellow educators. “I have been working with wonderful teachers and each of them are so thoughtful and caring for their students”. She further appreciates the supportiveness of the student families and the entire SGS community.
Beyond the school walls, Mrs. Smith enjoys spending quality time with her one-year-old son who she loves discovering the world with. As a family, they like to take walks with their dog, Baloo, and go on day trips. Another hobby of Mrs. Smith is cooking and baking. Being born and raised in Germany and being fluent in German, Polish and English, it comes as no surprise that she especially enjoys experimenting with new recipes from around the world.
We are truly fortunate to have Mrs. Smith as a cherished member of the Saint Gregory’s School community. Her unwavering dedication to nurturing young minds and fostering a sense of wonder aligns seamlessly with our commitment to excellence in education.
Dr. Meyer
Senior Research Project, Upper School Religion, Critical Thinking and Theater Director
Meet Dr. Meyer, the multifaceted educator extraordinaire at Saint Gregory’s School. With a wealth of academic achievements from esteemed institutions like Arizona State University, the National University of Ireland, and the University of California, Santa Barbara, Dr. Meyer brings a unique blend of knowledge and expertise to the classroom.
At SGS, Dr. Meyer teaches 7th Grade Critical Thinking and 7th and 8th Grade Religion. He also oversees the Senior Research Project of our oldest students. Additionally, he’s a passionate supporter of the Performing Arts and our Theater Director. Dr. Meyer’s enthusiasm and relentless pursuit of excellence inspire both colleagues and students alike.
Having been an educator at Saint Gregory’s for many years, Dr. Meyer has developed a genuine love for our school community. “I love the strong sense of community we have at SGS. Everyone is caring and thoughtful. It’s a privilege working with my colleagues. They are an incredibly smart and dedicated group of educators. And let’s not forget our amazing student body—what great kids!” Dr. Meyer further enjoys developing new courses and supporting co-curricular projects such as our school plays and musicals.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Meyer indulges in a diverse range of hobbies, from watching film noir to culinary adventures, spending quality time with his grown-up children, and enjoying leisurely walks with his dog Frank. Dr. Meyer’s passion for education, commitment to excellence, and vibrant personality make him an invaluable asset to Saint Gregory’s.
Mrs. Pavelec
Pre-K 2 Teacher's Aide
Mrs. Pavelec brings her passion for early education to the vibrant environment at St. Gregory’s School. As a Pre-K 2 teacher’s aide, she plays an integral role in shaping the educational journey of our youngest learners. Her educational background from Creighton University is the foundation upon which she builds engaging and nurturing experiences for our students.
One of the aspects Mrs. Pavelec cherishes most about being a part of St. Gregory’s is the cohesive teamwork among the faculty as well as the faculty’s relationships with the families of the students. She finds great joy in the collective efforts that ensure every student receives an exceptional education.
Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Pavelec embraces a diverse set of hobbies. She enjoys working out at Pure Barre in Latham, coloring and doing puzzles. Additionally, spending quality time with her adult children holds a special place in her heart. Mrs. Pavelec’s multifaceted interests and her dedication to nurturing young minds make her an invaluable asset to the St. Gregory’s School community.
Mrs. Barna
Administrative Assistant
Meet Mrs. Barna, our dedicated Administrative Assistant at Saint Gregory’s. Since joining our team just a few months ago, she has seamlessly become an indispensable part of the SGS family, and we couldn’t be more thankful to have her on board.
What Mrs. Barna values most about her role at our school is the incredible sense of community at SGS. Whether it’s the exceptional staff, the wonderful students, or the supportive families, she finds genuine inspiration in her interactions. In her own words, “The highlight of my day is to encourage those around me and hopefully make their day brighter. I am one blessed lady!”
Beyond her work at SGS, Mrs. Barna is a loving wife and a proud parent to five children, with two grandchildren already in her life and another one on the way. When she’s not contributing her time and talents to our school, you’ll often find her pursuing two of her other passions. One is traveling to be with family, and the other is nurturing her faith. As she puts it, “When I’m not working at SGS, I’m usually working at our church with children or worship ministry. I love serving the Lord with all my heart.”
Mrs. Harris
Upper School English, Grammar & Writing
We’re proud to introduce another wonderful addition to the SGS family this year – Mrs. Harris!
Mrs. Harris is a cherished member of our Upper School team, where she wears multiple hats. She serves as our dedicated writing and grammar teacher for Grades 5 through 7 and brings her expertise to 5th and 6th-grade English classes. The New York native earned her Bachelor’s Degree from SUNY Oneonta and pursued her Master’s in Education at Bob Jones University in South Carolina. Her passion for education also led her across the pond to Ealing College of London and into the world of fashion at FIT.
Mrs. Harris appreciates the warm and welcoming atmosphere at Saint Gregory’s where “the student body and the faculty reflect the loving-kind hand of God upon everyone they encounter.” She has already experienced the enthusiasm for learning that our upper school students bring to the table. As she puts it, “Our upper school students have such a zeal to learn; it truly is a blessing to spend time with them.”
Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Harris enjoys Latin Ballroom Dance, arts and crafts, sewing as well as exercising. She’s an avid traveler, driven by her passion to explore and embrace “this phenomenal world.”
We’re incredibly fortunate to have Mrs. Harris as a part of our school community, and we can’t wait to see the positive impact she’ll make on the lives of our students. Join us in welcoming her to the SGS family!
Ms. Romaniello
Upper School Humanities & Religion
We are delighted to introduce one of our newest additions to the Saint Gregory’s family, Ms. Romaniello, who is very excited to be joining our SGS community!
Holding degrees from SUNY Potsdam and St. Joseph’s College, Ms. Romaniello brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our Upper School. She’s responsible for teaching both Humanities for 5th-7th grade and Religion for 5th-6th grade. According to Ms. Romaniello, the highlight of her role at SGS is the warm and welcoming community she has become a part of.
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Romaniello embraces her adventurous side. You can often find her immersed in the world of books, enjoying bike rides, exploring hiking trails, and spending quality time with her friends and family.
We couldn’t be happier to have Ms. Romaniello on board as a part of our faculty. Her dedication and expertise undoubtedly promise to enrich the educational journey of our Upper School students. Ms. Romaniello is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping their academic and personal growth. Welcome to the team, Ms. Romaniello!
Ms. Delaney
Arts & Technology: Lower School
A graduate of Wheelock College and Lesley University, Ms. Delaney is an essential piece of our Lower School, and the latest installment of our Featured Teachers!
Ms. Delaney is always excited for an action-packed day: teaching our young students Art, K-5th Technology, and Pre- K Support. With such a variety within her day, Ms. Delaney is excited for each day.
“I love the adventures that each day brings within the community of Saint Gregory’s. Creating, exploring and learning with each student and teacher at the school has made this year an absolute blast. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing place!”
When she’s not at SGS, Ms. Delaney makes time to be with friends, family, and pursue hobbies. “I love to cook, paint, be outside, work on cars and motorcycles and, of course, I am always a fan of trying something new!”
We are so happy to have dedicated professionals in our school like Ms. Delaney. We are incredibly fortunate to have so many amazing teachers in our halls dedicated to our students and their learning.
Ms. Ouderkirk
Music: Pre-K through 8th Grade
If you’ve made it to one of our school’s musical performances, you have Mrs. Ouderkirk to thank for teaching our students about the world of music. While you’re enjoying the show, so is Mrs. Ouderkirk: “My favorite part of my job at Saint Gregory’s is watching students prepare for concerts and seeing them shine through sharing their work with the community in performances,” Mrs. Ouderkirk said.
As our music teacher from the Crane School of Music, it is no surprise that Mrs. Ouderkirk spends her free time making music herself. “I play piano, saxophone and sing in a few local bands, including my own jazz trio,” Mrs. Ouderkirks shared. In her free time, she also enjoys traveling, knitting, yoga and cooking.
We are so proud to have so many great people in our school! We are thrilled to have a creative and musical outlet for our students in Mrs. Ouderkirk and are so excited for our student’s next musical performance!
Mrs. Daggett
Pre-K4
As a teacher of some of the youngest students at Saint Gregory’s School, Mrs. Daggett is not facing a shortage of excitement in her day. “I love how every small thing is so exciting to preschoolers. They have so much wonder about everything,” Mrs. Daggett said.
“My class loves to have the older students come help in our classroom, the older helpers build friendships with the younger students and love to teach, help and talk with them.” From early on, we make an attempt to have all of our students feel like they are a part of our family with an experience that involves the older students working with the younger students, something that Mrs. Daggett gets to see first hand.
In her free time, Mrs. Daggett enjoys spending time with family with outside activities like paddle boarding, country music concerts and attending her children’s baseball, soccer and lacrosse games. “I love to bake, my daughters and I like to try new cookie recipes!! My son and I enjoy biking together on the Rail Trail from Bethlehem to Voorheesville.”
Mrs. Daggett added that “At Saint Gregory’s School I feel so lucky to have such supportive colleagues and families.” The feeling is mutual, we feel lucky to have you!
Mrs. Mastromarchi
4th Grade
Mrs. Mastromarchi, our Adventure Camp Director, 4th grade teacher and a graduate of Saint Rose is another member of our Saint Gregory’s community that we are proud to highlight.
As a student in a small town in Vermont, Mrs. Mastromarchi enjoyed being a part of a smaller, close knit school community, which is something that she continues to value as a teacher.
“My favorite thing about teaching at Saint Gregory’s is that the families are so supportive,” Mrs. Mastromarchi said. “Whether it is driving for a field trip, bringing treats for a party, or assisting their young scholars with homework, the parents are always right there to lend a hand. I also appreciate how the students are always so eager to help me and each other in the classroom.”
When she’s not in the classroom, Mrs. Mastromarchi enjoys spending quality time with family and friends.
“Outside of school I like to spend time with my family, especially my two children by watching their sporting events, attending their concerts and plays, and playing board games. I also like walking my dogs on nature trails, visiting the library, and leading my Girl Scout troop.”
Mr. White
Upper School Math
Mr. White is next up for a spotlight on our amazing teaching staff! We are proud to present another dedicated and talented teacher on our Loudonville campus.
His title may say math teacher, but Mr. White has many other roles within our school, also fulfilling Homework Club Advisor, Cross Country Coach, Basketball Coach, Track and Field Coach and Eucharistic Minister/Master of Ceremonies.
“My favorite part of teaching at Saint Gregory’s is that is truly feels like I am part of a family,” Mr. White said.
Outside of the classroom, Mr. White is pursuing a Masters in Education Administration to go along with his Bachelor’s Degree in Physics with a focus on Particle Astrophysics that he received from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He also enjoys running, piano and choir, building computers and following the Boston Celtics.
Saint Gregory’s is proud to have educators like Mr. White working with our students and preparing them for success now, in high school and eventually onto college. Stay tuned for the next Teacher Feature from SGS!
Señora Grasso
Spanish: Pre-K through 8th Grade
Señora Grasso is a graduate of Siena College, right here in Loudonville (Go Saints!). When she’s not in the classroom teaching our students of all ages Spanish, she likes to teach exercise classes, watch sports, travel and spend time with her mother, daughter, Courtney, and dog, Lucy.
From first grade all the way through her college career, Señora Grasso attended Catholic school. Following her education, she continued to be a part of faith based education by working at Saint Gregory’s and teaching Spanish at all levels.
“My favorite thing about teaching at Saint Gregory’s is the school’s welcoming spirit,” Señora Grasso said. “Students, colleagues and families welcomed me from the beginning and I immediately felt a part of the SGS family.”
“Having grown up in Loudonville with friends who attended SGS, I am familiar with its long history and tradition. I am grateful to now be a member of the Saint Gregory’s community and to see the legacy continue for today’s students.”
