New principals bring wealth of experience to schools
Four leaders say they are committed to high-achieving, faith-enriched environment
Published: August 18, 2015
Kelly Gabe
Blessed Sacrament School, Jonesboro
Hometown: Murray, Ky.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Spanish and business administration, University of Mississippi; graduate work in Segovia, Spain; MASL in second language acquisition and pedagogy, University of Arkansas at Little Rock; pursuing specialist degree in Catholic education administration, St. Louis University
Educational experience: Spanish teacher and advance placement courses, Jonesboro High School, five years; college Spanish instructor, East Arkansas Community College, eight years
Educational philosophy: To prepare children for the world with a Catholic heart by establishing a prayerful community, a Catholic mind and body with hands-on projects and real-world community, as well as having reflective practices and celebrating successes in a surrounding that embodies the Catholic Church doctrine.
Benefits of Catholic education: That a child will be educated not just for academic purposes; but in all aspects of community and faith as this will create a whole person.
Favorite saint or Scripture: I look to the Holy Family for my home and I love to read about all of them each day on my Laudate app.
Hobbies: I love traveling anywhere; especially my family’s place at Dauphin Island, Ala. At home, I garden, run, bike and swim. And if any time is left with a husband, three kids and two cats, I might read a good book or watch a movie.
Jenna Thomas
St. Boniface School, Fort Smith
Hometown: Fort Smith
Education: Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, Arkansas Tech University: master’s degree in educational leadership, Arkansas State University
Educational experience: Paraprofessional at Tilles Elementary, kindergarten and first-grade teacher at Morrison Elementary, and kindergarten teacher at St. Boniface School, all in Fort Smith
Educational philosophy: I believe students should learn in an emotionally safe environment with a climate of respect for all. Learning assignments should be authentic and meaningful, and student learning styles should be taken into consideration when planning instructional experiences for students. Students should be given opportunities for a variety of learning situations, and the rationale to use various learning modalities. Activities should be planned that challenge students, yet give them opportunities to be successful.
Benefits of Catholic education: Catholic schools not only hold students to high standards of academic achievement, but do so in a Christ-centered environment. Catholic principles are integrated into daily life at school, where faith formation is an extension of the Catholic foundations our students are taught at home. Teachers in a Catholic school are called to serve their students academically and spiritually as they model and promote our Benedictine values of prayer, work and service.
Favorite saint or Scripture: St. Monica for her perseverance and tenacity. She never gave up on the people she loved and trusted in God to guide her to be the light of Christ for others.
Hobbies: Crafting, reading and outdoor fun with family.
Kristy Dunn
St. Theresa School, Little Rock
Hometown: Little Rock
Education: Bachelor’s degree in English, Lyon College, Batesville; pursuing master’s degree in Catholic school leadership from University of Dallas
Educational experience: St. Theresa School, Little Rock, fourth-grade and junior high English teacher, 2004-2015
Educational philosophy: I believe all children learn best in a nurturing environment. The teachers and administrators in Catholic schools are partners with the students’ parents. I believe that each child is created in the image of God and brings his/her gifts and talents to school; we as educators have the privilege of assisting each child on his/her journey to love and serve God.
Benefits of Catholic education: As a graduate of St. Theresa Catholic School and Mount St. Mary Academy, I understand that Catholic education shapes the whole person: spiritually, academically and physically. I would not be who I am today without my Catholic education.
Favorite saint or Scripture: Unsurprisingly, my favorite saint is Therese of Lisieux, after which my parish and school are named. The simplicity of the Little Way, her explanation of drawing closer to the Lord, inspires me to offer every little action to God.
Hobbies: I love spending time with my husband and three kids, whether it be at home in the kitchen, out at the baseball park or at an event at St. Theresa. I am an avid reader and wanna-be writer, and my students can attest to my gift for making any current slang uncool.
Robert “Buddy” Greeson
Sacred Heart School, Morrilton
Hometown: Morrilton
Education: Bachelor’s degree in health and physical education, Arkansas Tech, Russellville; master’s degree in educational leadership, Arkansas State University
Educational experience: Coach/teacher, Mena Public Schools, eight years; coach/teacher, Greenwood Public Schools, one year; coach/teacher, South Conway County Public Schools, four years; and coach/teacher and coach/dean of students, Greenbrier Public Schools, five years
Educational philosophy: My educational philosophy for elementary and secondary school is to prepare students to be successful in post-secondary school or in the community. I believe that the use of a Christian-based curriculum will help instill the morals, values and work ethic necessary to aid in the success of our students.
Benefits of Catholic education: The most important benefit of a Catholic education is the morals, values and work ethic that it helps provide our students. Another benefit of a Catholic education is the pride and “family” feel of the school.
Favorite saint or Scripture: My favorite saint is St. Christopher. My mother gave me a St. Christopher medal when I was 16 years old and I have kept one in my vehicle ever since.
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