Say hello to the new principals at Catholic schools
Administrators share insights on their educational philosophy, hobbies
Published: August 19, 2021
Conway
St. Joseph Middle School
Hannah Belew
Hometown: Beebe
Education: Arkansas State University, bachelor’s degree in mid-level education, 2015; Arkansas State University, master’s degree in education curriculum and instruction, anticipated spring 2022.
Experience: Des Arc Elementary, sixth-grade teacher, one year; Beebe Middle School, sixth-grade teacher, five years
What is your educational philosophy? I believe that all students are unique and can learn through meaningful experiences that prepare them with the skills they need to reach their full potential.
What do you believe are the benefits of Catholic education? There are so many benefits. Immersion in the Catholic faith and keeping it and God at the forefront of our daily lives, providing a service-oriented focus and encouraging personal excellence as a goal to help others are just a few of the many benefits.
Who is your favorite saint? My two favorite saints are St. Michael and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
What are your hobbies? I love to read and spend time with my husband, two sons and extended family on our family farm.
Little Rock
Our Lady of the Holy Souls
Amber Bagby
Hometown: Conway
Education, University of Central Arkansas, bachelor’s degree in mass communications; Georgia State, bachelor’s degree in education; Nova Southeastern, Florida, master’s degree in conflict and resolution; Purdue, license in school administration
Experience: elementary teacher in public schools in Atlanta, Miami, Little Rock, 12 years; teacher and assistant principal, Holy Souls, five years
What is your educational philosophy? Striving to cultivate a positive, joy-filled culture among teachers, students and community. Education means growing the whole child, academically, socially, emotionally and above all spiritually.
What do you believe are the benefits of Catholic education? God’s gifts are reflected each day and recognized in each child. Administration classes teach you to always balance safety and education. There is a third part to this in a Catholic school, and that is compassion.
What is your favorite Scripture? Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
What are your hobbies? running, enjoying nature, hiking, listening to podcasts, reading books
North Little Rock (Marche)
Immaculate Heart of Mary
Brenda Hiegel
Hometown: North Little Rock
Education: University of Central Arkansas, bachelor’s degree in education, 1996; University of Arkansas Little Rock, master’s degree in special education, 1999; University of Arkansas, Little Rock, master’s degree in school leadership, management and administration, 2002
Experience: Pulaski County Special District, Little Rock, special education teacher, general education teacher and special education coordinator, 24 years
What is your educational philosophy? My educational philosophy begins with the adage, "All children can learn." Making adjustments to meet their individual needs is what educators do as a natural and intentional course of business. When teachers and administrators work together to this end, students meet and many times exceed expectations. Engaging, fun and rigorous learning opportunities foster a love of learning. This helps children learn to become independent critical thinkers, life-long learners and good citizens.
What do you believe are the benefits of Catholic education? Those that jump to mind include the spiritual development of students, understanding of the faith across home and school as a natural part of students' lives and ongoing development of our Catholic heritage and culture, which benefits the overall parish as well. As a parent of a child in Catholic school, I am so grateful my child experiences his faith in and out of the school environment. It reinforces our values and provides consistency for our child. The experience of Catholic school is beneficial to all children, whether they happen to be Catholic or not.
What is your favorite Scripture? Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
What are your hobbies? I like hiking, swimming, yard work and riding bikes. I also enjoy old movies and reading fiction books. Being with friends and family is important to me. As of late, it's been fun seeing everyone a little bit more.
Paris
St. Joseph
Michelle O’Neal
Hometown: Paris
Education: Arkansas Tech University, bachelor’s degree in art; Kansas State University, master’s degree in adult and continuing education/academic advising certificate
Experience: 20 years as an art teacher at Hackett High School; Charleston High School; St. Mary Catholic School, Lawton, Okla., Augustinian Academy, Carthage, N.Y., St. Michael School, Waialua, Hawaii, and Paris Public Schools. Visual arts and computer graphics teacher, Subiaco Academy
What is your educational philosophy? My educational philosophy is that students have different learning styles and that our job is to differentiate instruction so that we can capitalize on each student’s strengths. I believe that our world needs all of these different intelligences. I want every student to have a positive learning experience and to know that we love them and that God loves them.
What do you believe are the benefits of Catholic education? I attended Immaculate Conception in Fort Smith. I sent my three children to parochial schools all over the nation. My oldest son attended six Catholic schools. I believe that the combination of spirituality, discipline, role models and academics will help them for the rest of their lives, no matter what vocation or profession they choose.
Who is your favorite saint? My favorite saint is St. Damian of Molokai. My husband Jeff and I were able to make a pilgrimage to Molokai to see where he worked and died. I think of him when I need to do something that no one wants to do, but has to be done.
What are your hobbies? I enjoy art, flower gardening, walking our dogs, reading and spending time with my family. We watch a lot of sporting events.
Pocahontas
St. Paul
Rebecca Steimel
Hometown: Pocahontas
Education: Arkansas State University, bachelor’s degree, early childhood education, 2013; master’s degree in educational leadership, 2017
Experience: St. Paul School, Pocahontas, fifth and sixth-grade language arts teacher, eight years
What is your educational philosophy? I believe in educating the whole child and creating an environment where students can grow physically, mentally, emotionally and socially.
What do you believe are the benefits of Catholic education? Christ-centered, strong moral values, high academic excellence, safe and supportive environment.
What is your favorite Scripture? Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
What are your hobbies? Shopping, going to the river and spending time with my family and friends.
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