Jules Kanzaki-7th Grade
Coming to St. Pius was a meaningful and affirming career choice for me, one I truly believe God guided me to make. St. Pius School radiates Catholicity through its strong Catholic identity, regular Mass attendance, daily prayer, and a shared commitment among students and staff to live out our core values as Caring and Compassionate individuals, Active Christians, Responsible Citizens, and Enthusiastic, lifelong learners. While I greatly enjoyed my first year teaching fourth grade, I feel especially at home returning to middle school. This year, I hope to establish and sustain a Mock Trial team in collaboration with Notre Dame High School in Belmont. Through Mock Trial, students develop invaluable skills, including public speaking, firsthand exposure to the legal system, confidence, adaptability, and composure under pressure. Teamwork, ethical reasoning, and critical thinking are central to the experience—lifelong skills I hope students carry well beyond my classroom.

Patrick Kelley- 6th Grade
I love teaching at St. Pius because it allows me to live out what I believe coaching was always meant to be: guiding someone from one place to another—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I find deep purpose in helping students grow into the best versions of themselves, whether through differentiated learning in the classroom or athletic development in PE. God created each of us uniquely—some taller, faster, or stronger—but He gifted all of us with the ability to give our personal best. My calling is to help students recognize the beauty of effort, positivity, and perseverance. This year, my passion project is coaching the 4th/5th grade girls basketball team, an opportunity I can now fully embrace after years of coaching at Foothill College and Woodside High School. I hope this experience leaves a lasting impact on the players and supports a larger dream I am building: Hoops for Heaven, a nonprofit vision that would raise funds through basketball programs to provide Catholic school scholarships. As a former student-athlete, I understand the gift of a faith-based education and hope to help make that journey possible for future families.

Pam Emeahara-Middle School Science
When I first stepped onto the campus at St. Pius, I was met with a genuine and heartfelt welcome from the faculty. Their support, resourcefulness, and generosity—both inside and beyond the classroom—made an immediate and lasting impression, for which I am deeply grateful. St. Pius School truly embodies a strong sense of community for all who walk through its doors. My passion project this year centers on guiding students through their Science Fair projects, with the hope that some will advance to the San Mateo County STEM Fair. This excites me because it highlights that science extends beyond textbooks and classroom walls. I love watching students engage in the process of inquiry—posing questions, solving problems, and discovering answers through hands-on exploration. By “doing” science rather than simply reading about it, students develop curiosity and confidence. As an educator, I continually seek to reimagine my curriculum to support diverse learning styles, knowing that meaningful engagement leads to deeper understanding. My goal is for students to recognize that success is measured in many ways and to develop the skills and discernment needed to drive their own learning.

Karen Elmore- 5th Grade
I have been part of the St. Pius community for over 60 years, and it has always been a place of kindness, faith, and unwavering support for my family. My children were baptized here, received their First Communion and Confirmation, graduated from St. Pius School, and were married here. Now, several of my grandchildren have also graduated from St. Pius, with two currently attending. It is a true blessing to teach here and to witness generations of students grow academically, spiritually, and socially. One of my greatest joys in the classroom is guiding students through my passion project, the Socratic Seminar. Through thoughtful, respectful dialogue around literature, history, Scripture, art, and big ideas, students deepen their understanding through questioning, listening, and reflection. This collaborative approach allows every voice to be heard and valued. My hope is that students grow not only academically, but also as confident, curious, and compassionate learners, carrying a sense of belonging and inspiration well beyond the classroom.

Katie Machemer-4th Grdae
St. Pius School is one of the greatest blessings in my life. I love supporting my students as they develop faith-based decision-making skills while navigating friendships, collaboration, and daily classroom experiences. This year, my passion project focuses on integrating art into our curriculum by creating a classroom museum inspired by our schoolwide theme, “Hearts Set Aflame: Growing in Faith and Striving for Excellence.” Through art, students are able to express ideas and emotions that often go beyond spoken or written words. After reflecting on the meaning of the theme, students create visual representations that connect faith, creativity, and personal growth. This project complements the strong academic standards that guide much of our day, while also highlighting the unique gifts each student brings to our classroom. I hope this experience encourages students to try new things, step outside their comfort zones, and recognize that growing in faith often begins with openness to new possibilities.

Kelly Madej- Third Grade
The energy at St. Pius School is vibrant, and I feel truly blessed to be part of such a thriving community. I am grateful each day to teach our enthusiastic and curious students, whose creativity and innovative thinking align beautifully with our comprehensive curriculum, creating meaningful and organic learning experiences. Nurturing each student’s individual strengths reminds me of the care and intention required to cultivate a flourishing garden. Inspired by this connection, my passion project this year is our school garden. As students learn and grow throughout the year, the garden will evolve alongside them—offering hands-on opportunities to explore science, responsibility, and stewardship of God’s creation. The garden also serves as a living reminder of the beauty and abundance of the natural world we are called to care for. Through this project, I hope students develop patience, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation for the process of growth, both in the garden and within themselves.

Christie Schauer- 2nd Grade
I love teaching at St. Pius School because it allows my faith, sense of community, and love of learning to come together in a deeply meaningful way. The supportive environment, dedicated families, and motivated students make each day both rewarding and inspiring. I am truly grateful to be part of a school that values curiosity, creativity, and personal growth. This year, my passion project focuses on student-led data tracking, a hands-on approach that empowers students to take ownership of their learning. By setting goals, monitoring progress, and reflecting on their growth, students develop a clearer understanding of their strengths and areas for improvement. I am pursuing this project because I believe that active engagement in the learning process fosters motivation, confidence, and independence. My hope is that this experience not only strengthens academic achievement, but also helps students build lifelong skills such as responsibility, perseverance, and self-reflection—tools that will support them well beyond the classroom.

Julie Brand- 1st Grade
St. Pius School is truly home for me. My favorite title in life is “mom,” and I bring that same care and devotion into my classroom each day. My own two children thrived at St. Pius, and like a mom to my students, I nurture their growth by guiding hearts, celebrating successes, recognizing potential, and balancing love with structure. After 32 years in education, I still wake up each morning grateful for the opportunity to help children grow—not only academically, but as kind, confident, and empathetic individuals. Teaching has never been just about lessons or assessments; it is about building relationships and helping students believe in themselves and others. Social-Emotional Learning is central to this mission. Through our Friendzy curriculum, students develop essential skills to manage emotions, navigate challenges, and build healthy relationships. Within our school community, SEL fosters a sense of safety and belonging where every child feels seen, supported, and valued. My hope is that students leave my classroom stronger in heart and spirit—ready to face the world with compassion, resilience, and confidence.

Shelley Crueldad-Kindergarten
I love teaching at St. Pius School because, after nearly two decades as part of this faith-filled, nurturing community, it truly feels like home. I am blessed to guide young learners during one of the most magical stages of childhood—kindergarten—when curiosity, joy, and wonder make every day meaningful. This year, my passion project is piloting the Superkids reading program, designed to strengthen early literacy skills through engaging characters, lively songs, and decodable stories aligned with the Science of Reading. Through this project and my teaching, I hope to inspire confidence, a love of reading, and a growth mindset in my students. My goal is for them to approach new challenges with curiosity, patience, and enthusiasm, embracing learning as an exciting adventure. I believe that nurturing these foundational skills and attitudes lays the groundwork for a lifetime of academic success, creativity, and joyful learning.

Leigh Masi-Lower Grade Resource Teacher
This is my first year at St. Pius School after eight wonderful years at St. Pius Preschool, and it has been a joy to experience the energy and dedication of the school firsthand. The teachers here go above and beyond every day—often working long hours or skipping lunch—to ensure every child is loved, seen, and supported. As the Lower Grade Resource Teacher, I witness the many ways teachers adapt instruction and accommodations so each student can thrive, often celebrating progress and sharing student work with me mid-day. My own experience as a student in Elementary Resource shaped my confidence and love of learning, and for the past 13 years, it has been my passion to help students embrace their strengths and succeed in ways that fit their learning styles. I also love bringing my students to the preschool to read stories, seeing the joy, confidence, and excitement that lights up their faces. I feel truly blessed to be part of this community.

Claudia Carreno- Spanish
I love working at St. Pius School because we have an exceptional principal guiding our school with vision, positivity, and genuine care for both staff and students. I enjoy embracing our Catholic values and praying with students in both Spanish and English, helping them grow spiritually as well as academically. St. Pius is filled with remarkable children—siblings and students across grade levels who look out for one another, creating a supportive and caring community. Our front office is a welcoming hub, led by an administrative team that is helpful, kind, and ensures every visitor feels valued. As a staff, we work collaboratively to support each student, recognizing and nurturing their unique strengths and abilities. I feel truly blessed to be part of a school where faith, community, and a shared commitment to student success guide everything we do.