Congratulations to Mrs. Tammy Carroll, our Disciple of the Week for the week of February 1!  In his nomination, Mr. Mark Huelskamp stated, “As our school counselor, Tammy does so much for our Mater Dei family!  Despite her busy schedule, she goes out of her way to be present for the students and the staff.  When you see Tammy in the hall, she is always happy to see you, and she offers a smile and uplifting words that will brighten your day. Tammy is a true asset to the Mater Dei family!”  Mrs. Carroll also cares for Coco, a therapy dog who serves the Mater Dei family.

Congratulations to Coco, our Disciple of the Week for the week of February 8!  In her nomination, Mrs. Tammy Carroll stated, “Coco, a chocolate Labrador Retriever, began coming to Mater Dei in January 2019 when she was just eight weeks old. From the beginning, Coco wholeheartedly embraced her role as therapy dog “in training.”  Now, at two years old, Coco is learning to overcome her puppy behaviors and focus more consistently on demonstrating obedience and self-control. The Mater Dei students and staff are her best trainers, as they intuitively understand how to praise and to reward her grown-up behaviors “in the moment.”  Their patient feedback provides valuable reinforcement that’s nearly impossible to replicate outside the school setting. Coco is always thrilled to visit our students and staff!  In her mind, Mater Dei is her family and her home. It has been a pleasure to watch her bring happiness to everyone she encounters, especially when they’re having a bad day. I see Coco as a disciple because she reminds us to pause, to smile, to laugh, to cherish the moments of joy that can be found in each day, and to lovingly walk with others, just as Jesus walks with us.”  Coco, pictured with junior Liv Longshaw, serves Mater Dei students with Mrs. Carroll, our counselor, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Congratulations to Mr. Doug Denaro, our Disciple of the Week for the week of February 15!  In her nomination, Mrs. Tammy Carroll stated, “Mr. Denaro has a friendly voice, sincere smile, and gentle heart!  He is also one of our therapy dog Coco’s favorite people, as he is always patient with her. Mr. Denaro teaches Basic Shop I, Basic Shop II, Essentials of Drafting, and Drafting to the juniors and seniors at Mater Dei. In these classes, he helps students discover the joy of working with their hands and offers them learning opportunities that develop their perceptual reasoning and problem-solving abilities.  Mr. Denaro expertly assists students as they plan, organize, design, and create projects that enhance critical math, science, technology, and engineering skills.  But most importantly, he is kind and generous toward everyone he meets, which makes him a true disciple!

Congratulations to Mrs. Celia Kannall, our Disciple of the Week for the week of February 22!  In his nomination, Mr. Doug Denaro stated, “It is my pleasure to select Celia as our Disciple of the Week!  Celia understands and appreciates the students’ Catholic faith, and she exemplifies her commitment to the mission of Mater Dei.  She greets everyone with a smile and makes all feel at home. Thank you, Celia, for all you do for Mater Dei!”  Mrs. Kannall teaches Theology IV: Foundations of Catholic Social Teaching and Theology IV: Your Life in Christ, as well as General Psychology and Life Span & Development (both dual credit courses).