Faculty & Staff
Reverend Scott Circe
Pastor
Fr. Scott M. Circe was born in Syracuse, NY, raised in southern Louisiana and has lived in Florida since 1988. Growing up in a family of six and attending Catholic school until college, Fr. Scott first felt the call to the priesthood as a teenager. He would later enter the seminary not long after graduating from the University of Central Florida. He attended and graduated from St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Orlando in 2005.
Fr. Scott received his first assignment as parochial vicar at his home parish, Annunciation Catholic Church in Altamonte Springs. He has since also served at St. James Cathedral in Orlando, Most Precious Blood in Oviedo, and as Vice Rector and lecturer in pastoral formation of St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami. In July 2017, Fr. Scott received has fifth assignment as Pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Community.
Mrs. Yesenia, “Jesse” De Leon, Ed.S.
Principal
Yesenia "Jesse" De Leon, of Cuban-Spanish heritage, was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She cherishes her strong Catholic faith and is fluent in both English and Spanish. She shares a beautiful and blessed life with her husband, embracing their seven children as precious gifts from God. Their children, ranging in ages from 26 to 13, consist of four sons and three daughters. Currently, four of their children are pursuing higher education at Florida universities such as FSU, UCF, FIT, and UF, while the youngest son attends Melbourne Central Catholic High School.
As a close-knit family, they find joy in attending Mass together, engaging in sports like basketball and soccer, reveling in the rhythm of Latin dances, and spending quality time at the beach.
In 1993, Jesse earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Science degree in Reading Education K-12 from Florida International University in Miami in 1995. Driven by her passion for learning and leadership, she further pursued her studies and earned a Specialist in Education degree in Educational Leadership from American College of Education in 2019.
With a rich background spanning two decades in the field of education, Jesse has dedicated herself to shaping young minds and nurturing the academic and spiritual growth of her students and supporting families and colleagues. In the academic year 2022-2023, she served as the assistant principal for Freedom 7 - IB World School within Brevard Public Schools in Cocoa Beach. Prior to that, she spent a decade at Ascension Catholic School, within the Diocese of Orlando, where she played pivotal roles as the STREAM enrichment and gifted education coordinator for Grades 1-8, science research coordinator for grades 7-8, and 5th-grade teacher. Before her time at Ascension, she spent nine years serving at South Pointe Elementary School in South Beach and William Lehman Elementary School in South Miami, both part of Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
Filled with enthusiasm and deep devotion, Jesse is thrilled to return to the Diocese of Orlando and take on the role of principal at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School. She eagerly anticipates working closely with her faith-filled community and is dedicated to ensuring the ongoing success of the "Raiders." Jesse embraces this opportunity as a divine calling and prays for God's blessings upon the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Community.
Mrs. Susan Asunmaa
Director of Student Services
Mrs. Asunmaa has worked at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School for over 25 years. Her education includes a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education from the College of New Jersey and a Master's Degree in Specific Learning Disabilities from the University of Florida.
She enjoys traveling around the world with her husband and children.
Mrs. Karen Laird
Office Manager
Mrs. Laird was born and raised in New Jersey. She moved to Satellite Beach, Florida in 1998 with her husband, Richard and their twin daughters Erin and Katie. She joined the HNJ community then and never left. Her twins are HNJ alumni and she, after being an active member of the Home and School Association and School Board, has worked in the school front office for many years.
Mrs. Laird’s blended marital family includes two wonderful, loving older children in New Jersey and their spouses and their amazing grandbabies. She and husband Richard are blessed to have twins Erin and Katie living close by in Tampa and Orlando.
In addition to her work at HNJ, Mrs. Laird also loves spending time with family, cooking and traveling with her husband.
Mrs. Nancy Easton
Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Easton is married and has a daughter. She has a B.A. Degree in Business Administration from Cleary University, Ann Arbor Michigan. She has worked at HNJ in the front office for several years. She enjoys the beach, golfing, reading and needlepoint. She vacations in Michigan with her family during the summer and at Christmastime.
Mrs. Laurie Bratton
School Nurse
Mrs. Bratton grew up in Virginia and always wanted to become a nurse. At the age of 12, she started her medical career as a volunteer in a local hospital, and never looked back. She graduated from The Medical College of Virginia School of Nursing and went right into the USAF.
Mrs. Bratton was stationed in Florida, S. Korea, and later with her husband in Iceland, Texas and Virginia. Her nursing background is ICU, ER, orthopedics, school nursing and elder care.
She is married and and has two children, Allison and Forrest and many grand pets. When she’s not putting on bandaids or making ice packs for boo-boos at HNJ, she likes reading, paddle boarding, golfing and doing puzzles (crossword and jigsaw).
Mrs. Diane Duby
School Nurse
Mrs. Cathy McAllister
School Bookkeeper
Mrs. McAllister was born in NJ, moved to Florida at age 9 when her father joined NASA to work on the Apollo missions. Mrs. McAllister attended Ocean Breeze Elementary, Hoover Junior High, and graduated from Eau Gallie High School and Rollins College. She holds a MS degree in Education/Administration and was certified by the State of Florida as a teacher and administrator. She was both a school teacher and a principal for over 35 years and loved her time at Park Avenue Christian Academy in Titusville. She has worked as an Office Manager and in a local CPA firm before coming to Holy Name as their new bookkeeper.
Mrs. McAllister has a strong love for the lord, was baptized at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Ohio as a young child, and enjoys participating in different ministries. She served and led several mission trips both in the US and in other countries. She served 10 years in the Coast Guard Auxiliary mostly performing search and rescues in Tampa Bay and in teaching boating safety. She currently serves as President of the South Brevard Pilot Club (service organization) and enjoys helping others. She loves to travel, take a walk, read, golf, and spend time with her family and dog Bella. She is a widow, but is engaged to be married next year, and has three grown children and one grandson.
CMcAllister@hnj.com
Mrs. Renee Gozzi
PreK3 (A) Teacher
Mrs. Gozzi was born and raised in Italian heritage, and originally from Chicago, IL. She is a Roman Catholic and practices her faith. She has resided in the Brevard County area since 2016 with her husband Graziano and son, Carlo. She has a daughter, Gabriella, son-in-law, David and grandson, Jose. She started at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School as a teacher’s aide in 2019. Shealso worked in the HNJ Early Learning Center as the young three’s teacher. She graduated from College in Illinois in 1989, with an AA in Early Childhood Education. She is DCF tested and certified as of March 2023. She has recently received her Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) for the State of Florida.
Mrs. Gozzi loves and adores her children and grandchildren. She loves the beach and spending time with friends and family in Italy.
Mrs. Kathi Parsons
Pre-K3 (B) Teacher
Mrs. Melissa Madison
Pre-K3 (A) Teacher Aide
Mrs. Madison was baptized at HNJ and attended K-8 at HNJ and then attended MCC. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelors in General Business and a Masters in Exercise Physiology and Wellness. She has worked in the health field starting in hands-on application of teaching/training in Wellness Centers to program development/management to Hospital leadership until her son was born at which time her role changed to a stay at home Mom.
Mrs. Madison was excited to take on the role of Teacher's Aide with HNJ in October of 2020. She has worked in the 1's class through the 8th grade. She has volunteered as a coach for the elementary HNJ Sports Teams since 2020.
Mrs. Mary Mackiewicz
Pre-K3 (B) Aide
Mrs. Mackiewicz (Mrs. Mack) has been at HNJ School since 2017. She has a Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education and has been in the field of early childhood education for over 25 years. She enjoys visiting her grown children, traveling and has been known to go parading in her husband’s 1964 corvette.
Mrs. Amanda Naylor
VPK4 (A) Teacher
Mrs. Naylor attended Melbourne High School, Eastern Florida State College and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Interpersonal Communication at the University of Central Florida. She has has taught Pre-K 3, Kindergarten and 6th grade.
Mrs. Naylor grew up in Toledo, Ohio. She attended St. Joan of Arc Catholic School K-8th grade before moving to Melbourne. She was baptized and confirmed there. She married her husband, Billy, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in 2006. She has 2 daughters and enjoys watching them play softball and volleyball.
Mrs. Jennifer Keller
VPK4 (B) Teacher
Mrs. Keller has a BA in Early Childhood Education from Augusta State University. She also holds a current Prekindergarten/primary Education (age 3-grade 3) Florida teaching certificate. Mrs. Keller has been teaching VPK at HNJ for several years. Before Holy Name, Mrs. Keller was a Florida VPK teacher for 7 years at Eastminster Presbyterian in Indialantic, FL. and a Georgia Pre-K teacher for 3 years in Augusta, Georgia.
Mrs. Keller is originally from Columbus, Georgia and resides beachside for the with her husband and two adult children, Tyler and Haley. The Keller kids are both MCC graduates. When she is not teaching, she is playing pickleball! She also likes to relax at home with her family and spend time with friends.
Ms. Shelley Angy
VPK4 (A) Aide
Ms. Angy is a native Floridian who graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Central Florida in 2012 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Development and Education. She is a Florida State Certified Teacher with endorsements in Reading and ESOL.
Ms. Angy enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with family and friends in her spare time.
Martha Llanga
VPK4 (4) Aide
Mrs. Heather Forsman
Kindergarten (A) Teacher
Mrs. Forsman grew up in Satellite Beach and recently moved back to the area with her family. She graduated from Satellite High School and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Florida State University. She is currently working on her Dyslexia Certificate from the University of Florida. Mrs. Forsman has taught for many years and has taught Kindergarten, First, and Second Grades.
When not teaching, Mrs. Forsman enjoys spending time with her family; her husband Andrew and two children, Liam and Lily. Lily and Liam also attend HNJ! She enjoys traveling with her family and every summer they try to do an extended R.V. trip together. Currently they have explored 14 National Parks and 40 states. Mrs. Forsman also loves reading, boating, and the beach.
Mrs. Lindsay Ryan
Kindergarten (B) Teacher
Mrs. Ryan holds a B.S. in nursing. After moving to Florida from Maine 18 months ago, Mrs. Ryan heard God's calling to share her love of Catholic education and become more involved. She has her teaching certificate and has nearly completed her Master's in Elementary Education. While it is her first year teaching, she has experience in Catholic Schools from being the School Nurse and Kindergarten teacher assistant in Maine to being the 3rd grade teacher assistant at Our Saviour's Catholic School last year. Mrs. Ryan is excited to share her love of God and reading with the Kindergarten class!
Mrs. Ryan is married and has 3 girls, Bryce, Ellery, and Paige. The Ryan’s enjoy going to the beach, all things Disney, and returning to Maine in the summer! When she can, Mrs. Ryan loves reading in her hammock in the backyard.
Mrs. Apple Rowlette
Kindergarten (A) Aide
Mrs. Rowlette has been Teacher’s Assistant several decades. She loves spending time with her family and taking care of her two granddaughters.
Mrs. Rose Elam
Kindergarten (B) Aide
Mrs. Paula McGowen
1st Grade Teacher
Mrs. Jane Burley
2nd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Burley attended Satellite High School, Eastern Florida State College and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education at the University of Central Florida. She has completed the Master Teachers program with the diocese of Orlando, the Principal Discernment course, and worked with the Sacramental Program in our 2nd Grade for over 25 years. Mrs. Burley has taught first, second, and third grades.
Growing up in Satellite Beach, Mrs. Burley received her Confirmation and was married to her husband David, in 1991 at HNJ. Her children, Brianna and Andrew, both graduated from Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School.
Mrs. Burley enjoys spending her free time taking walks on the beach. Her passion is working with children and she believes teaching has been such a blessing in her own life!
Ms. Colleen Hagen
3rd Grade Teacher
This upcoming school year will be Ms. Hagen’s 34th year of teaching. 20 of those years have been right here at HNJ. Ms. Hagen has taught all grades from K-4. She is so happy to continue to teach 3rd grade as that is her absolute favorite.
When she is not teaching, she is spending time with her two adult children, Gabrielle and PJ (both HNJ alumni), her fiance Dan and their yorkie Mickey. She loves reading and walking on the beach. And every time she gets the chance, she heads to her favorite place in the world: Narragansett, Rhode Island.
Ms. Hagen is thrilled to be coming back “home” to meet a whole new generation of HNJ’s family of friends!
Ms. Madi Landers
4th Grade Teacher
Ms. Landers is thrilled to be starting her professional teaching career at Holy Name. Ms. Landers is a recent 2022 graduate of the University of Central Florida with a bachelors of Science Degree in Elementary Education.
Ms. Landers feels so incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to teach alongside some of her closest friends and family members and she is so excited to have a great first year in fourth grade.
Mrs. Skylar Waterman
5th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Waterman was born and raised in Melbourne, FL. She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida in Elementary Education in 2022, and began to pursue a master’s in general psychology before deciding she was eager to begin her teaching career.
When she is not working, she loves spending time at the beach, with her family and friends, or shopping. She is looking forward to helping students be their best selves!
Mrs. Kathi Landers
6th Grade: Middle School English Language Arts Teacher
Mrs. Landers graduated with a degree in Language Arts Comprehensive Education from Troy University. She has taught mostly middle school English and Spanish. This is her sixth year teaching Spanish at HNJ (although she has been around campus as a sub and a reading resource teacher for a total of 25 years!) She also served as the director of an educational theatre program and earned her ears working for the Mouse at Disney Cruise Line and the Disney Education Program.
Mrs. Landers is a huge musical theatre fan and enjoys volunteering at local theaters. She loves hanging out with her daughter, HNJ's fourth grade teacher, and her nieces, all HNJ alumni.
Mrs. Jennifer Grenn
7th Grade: Middle School Science/Lab Teacher
Mrs. Grenn moved to Satellite Beach in 2020 from Charlotte, NC, where she was a science teacher for many years. Her undergrad was in International Communications from Lynn University, and before leaving Florida she worked in television as a producer and director in Palm Beach County. She loves of all things science and nature pushed her to complete a Doctorate in Naturopathy.
She has three children, Jillian who is a junior at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and Jackson and Jianna both at Satellite High School. She also has an awesome Australian Shepherd named Dave and a bearded dragon named Srircha. She is so happy to be able to teach in a place where we welcome God into our learning environment.
Dr. Florence Pisano
8th Grade: Middle School Religion/Social Studies Teacher
Dr. Pisano’s undergraduate degree from Cabrini University was in K-12 Education, with a major in Spanish and a minor in Italian. She later received a Master of Arts in Religion and Religious Education from Fordham University and a Doctorated in Educational Leadership from Seton Hall University. She holds NJ certifications in Spanish, Italian, a FL Social Studies and the FL Reading Endorsement. Drawing on her training in the Jesuit, Benedictine, and Salesian traditions, Dr. Pisano has created rich and diverse Catholic curricula. She aims to help students to understand Catholic tradition, to value the role of religion and spirituality in the contemporary world, and to develop their personal spiritual identities.
Dr. Pisano was born and raised in from New Jersey and she spent the first half of her professional career was spent in New Jersey Schools. In 2013, Dr. Pisano moved to Orlando and resumed her teaching career. She now lives in Melbourne and loves spending her free time with her grandsons, Sam and Isaiah, her reason for moving to Melbourne. In her free time, she loves to read, spend time on a beach, and take walks with her dog, Paco.
Mrs. Lynn Minner
Middle School Math
Mrs. Minner has a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Rollins College, a Master of Education in Reading Curriculum from Grand Canyon University, and is Florida State certified to teach Grades 5-9 Math.
When Mrs. Minner is not teaching, she enjoys traveling, having been to Italy and Ireland. She also loves to scrapbook, read, and spend time with family. This includes husband Tim, son Josh and wife Simona, son Eric and wife Sharyn, son Ethan, and granddaughters Delaney and Presley.
Mrs. Mary MacDonald
Middle School Advanced Math
Mrs. MacDonald has taught at Holy Name of Jesus for over 10 years. Prior to that, she was a stay at home mom for 12 years and just prior to that, she worked as a teacher in both the Public and Catholic school systems. She has a background in civil engineering, and worked for the United States Public Health Service for 4 years. Her education includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education from Villanova University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Merrimack College, and a Master of Public Health Degree from Boston University.
Mrs. MacDonald has been married to her husband, Stephen, has a daughter, Stephanie, and a son, Noah. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Ms. Briana du’Mee
STREAM Teacher/Tech Coordinator (K-5)
Ms. du Mée was born and raised in St. Cloud, FL before moving to Melbourne. She attended Melbourne Central Catholic High School and graduated in 2015. She began working at Holy Name of Jesus in 2017 while going to school to get her education degree. In 2019 she joined the school as a middle school aide. After being a middle school and Kindergarten aide for three years, she graduated Western Governors University with a Bachelors in 5 through 9 Math.
Mrs. Randy Guarino
Art Teacher
Mrs. Guarino has been part of the HNJ family for 8 years, ever since she relocated here after moving around via Georgia, Delaware, and Spain. She has her BA in Studio Art with a focus on Printmaking from the college of Charleston; a Masters in Arts Education from the University of Georgia; 7 years of teaching elementary art in Georgia and 6 years of teaching middle and high school art and photography in FL. She is currently teaching hand building ceramics classes at Seagrass Pottery.
Mrs. Guarino’s family loves RVing and visiting national parks. In addition to teaching, she owns a small jewelry design business called Gilding and Steel. She looks forward to a great year of creating with the HNJ students.
Mrs. Bailey Hatzell
Music Teacher
Mrs. Karleigh Marozza
Spanish Teacher
Physical Education/Athletic Director
Mrs. Ann Kasch
Resource Teacher
Mrs. Kasch is in her 27th year working for the Diocese of Orlando. She has 22 years of experience in the classroom teaching grades PK-8 and 5 years as the Admissions Director for Melbourne Central Catholic High School. Mrs. Kasch is a product of Catholic school and earned a B.S. in Education from Ohio University. She enjoys working with the students at HNJ and loves to see their excitement when they experience success in their learning.
When Mrs. Kasch is not teaching, she enjoys spending time running, shopping, and traveling with her husband, Scott and daughter, Marissa, both graduates of Our Lady of Lourdes and Melbourne Central Catholic. Marissa currently attends the University of Florida.
Mrs. Janet McCauley
Science Lab K-5/Resource Teacher
Mrs. McCauley holds a BA in Elementary Education, MS in Educational Leadership, a VPK Director’s Credentials, and a Masters of Catechesis Certification. She is a Florida State certified teacher and has been working in education for over 35 years. Mrs. McCauley has spent most of her time teaching in both the Kindergarten and 1st grades but she has also taught 6th grade and served as an assistant principal for two years.
Mrs. McCauley’s interests include travel, dance, kayaking, walking, hiking, and reading. She treasures her beautiful family — has two married sons, a daughter and three wonderful grandchildren. “Life is Good!”
Mrs. Kathi Arms
Gifted/Resource Teacher
Mrs. Arms obtained her undergraduate in Psychology and a Masters in Specific Learning Disabilities. Mrs. Arms has been a member of our HNJ family since 2008. During her years at HNJ, Mrs. Arms has taught Pre-K, Resource, and Third Grade.
When Mrs. Arms is not at school, she enjoys paddle boarding, reading, traveling, and her beach lifestyle on our gorgeous barrier island.
Ms. Liz Schillo, M.A.
Guidance
Ms. Schillo (B.A., Political Science, Saint Leo University; M.A., Addiction Counseling: Advance Practice, Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies) joins Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School as the Guidance Counselor after an eclectic 20-year career in politics, youth ministry, and 5 years in a variety of mental health and addictions positions. Ms. Schillo is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern with the State of Florida and an Alcohol and Drug Counselor with the State of Minnesota. She has certifications in Church Music, Art Therapy, and Trauma. She has a vast educational background with her education through the Department of Defense schools in Japan, Catholic, Public, and Private schools in the states from elementary through college and post-graduate work.
To practice her own self-care, Ms. Schillo has a goal of completing a 5k in all 50 states by age 50, enjoys viewing and performing in theatrical productions, studies piano and voice, watches sports, and lives with her dog, Gypsy.
Mrs. Ingrid Jackson
ELC Office Manager
Mrs. Jackson graduated from Berkeley College with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. Mrs. Jackson has been working in the administrative field in Education for over a decade. It sort of just fell into her lap and she has enjoyed it ever since. Mrs. Jackson and her daughter recently relocated from New Jersey in July 2022. Her daughter is attending HNJ. They have finished unpacking and life is finally starting to settle so they can finally enjoy the outdoors and go to their favorite spots which are the beach or their community pool. Mrs. Jackson and her daughter are both happy and excited for our new chapters here with the HNJ family.
Mrs. Allison Komjathy
ELC 1 Year Old Teacher
Mrs. Komjathy obtained my bachelor's degree from Oakland University in Elementary Education in 2000 & then went on to obtain my masters degree in Early Childhood Education in 2008 from the University of Phoenix. She holds a professional teaching certificate in the state of Florida and has over 20 years of experience in a classroom setting and thoroughly enjoy working with children and watching them grow.
Mrs. Komjathy has been married for 17 years and is a mother to two beautiful girls. She enjoys spending time with my family, going on walks, doing word puzzles, and arts and crafts when she’s not teaching.
Ms. Heidi Haag
ELC 2 Year Old Teacher
Ms. Haag just recently moved here from Savannah this past January with her three girls. She has several years in the pre-school teaching field and looks forward to serving her community.
Mrs. Lisa Murphy
ELC Aide
Mrs. Murphy is originally from England. She began working at Holy Name’s ELC in 2020. She absolutely loves working with little ones. Watching them learning to speak and become independent brings her so much joy.
Mrs. Murphy is also a wife with three children and one grandchild. In her spare time she enjoys working in her yard.
Ms. Anna Orr
ELC Aide
Ms. Orr was born and raised in Satellite Beach into a secular family. She had a conversion experience throughout high school that lead her to become Catholic after graduating from Satellite High School (Go Scorps!) in 2020. She started attending Eastern Florida State College in Fall 2021, originally studying Video Production but has changed her major to Early Childhood Education.
Ms. Orr started working at the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School Early Learning Center on Halloween 2022. She is passionate about helping children live out their faith and become their best self.
Outside of work, Ms. Orr likes to talk about the Catholic Faith and politics with her family and friends, attend Mass, partaking in Young Adult ministry activities, and hang out at home with her family and dog.