Pat Castle
Executive Director
Maryland Credential Level Six
Pat and her husband will celebrate 31 years of marriage this year and have resided in Mt. Airy for 22 years. She is the mother of two boys, one in college and the other living and working in Lancaster, PA. She has an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Development and Education from Northern Virginia Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree from University of Maryland Baltimore County in American Studies and Early Childhood Education, and a Masters Degree from Towson University in Early Childhood Education. She has worked as an early childhood program director for over 20 years and has taught many classes at the college and university level. She has also taught numerous workshops and seminars. Pat has over 30 years’ experience working in early childhood education. She is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and St. Michael’s Catholic Church. She enjoys going cruising, reading, growing flowers, decorating for the holidays, and her two West Highland Terriers. This is her seventeenth year as St. James’ Nursery School’s Executive Director.

Sharon Hansen
Business Manager

Kathryn Janiga
Preschool 2's Teacher
Maryland Credential Level Four

Sam Gass
Preschool 3's Teacher
Maryland Credential Level Six
Sam is a former middle school science teacher in Carroll and Frederick Counties. She has a degree in biology and a master's degree in education with a concentration in curriculum & instruction. Mt. Airy is home to Sam, her husband and two kids (both college students), however they are frequently out of town visiting far-away places. When Sam is not at St. James or watching her children play sports, you'll find her on one of the local tennis courts.

Michelle Rippeon
Pre-K 4’s Teacher
Maryland Credential Level Six
Michelle holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development from Virginia Tech and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from George Mason University. She taught elementary for six years before starting a family. Michelle has four children of her own, two of which attended St. James. Michelle is in her third year at St. James and has worked as an early childhood education in Maryland since 2014. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cheering for her children at sporting events, exercising and crafting.

America Wheat
Pre-K 4’s Teacher
Maryland Credential Level Six
America has lived in Mt. Airy with her husband and four children, ages 11-16, since 2001. She obtained her Bachelor's degree from Marymount University and has completed much of the coursework for her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Towson University. America recently became a qualified Orto-Gillingham “Plus” tutor after taking a 60-hour course on the Orton Gillingham approach (a multisensory structured literacy approach to reading and writing, with an added focus on phonological awareness). America has worked as an early childhood educator in Maryland since 2015. She is current in CPR and First Aid training as well as her ADA certification. She enjoys spending time watching her children play sports. America is excited to be starting her third year at St. James.

Amanda Norman
Preschool 3's Teacher
Maryland Credential Level Three

Patti Hill
Pre-K 4’s Teaching Assistant and Office Administrative Assistant
Maryland Credential Level Four

Nikki Davis
Preschool 2’s Teaching Assistant
Maryland Credential Level Four

Rachel Barlow
Pre-K 4's Teaching Assistant
Credential Level Two

Alexis Paul
Preschool 3's Teaching Assistant
Credential Level Three

Christine Christner
Preschool 2's and 3's Teaching Assistant
Credential Level Pending
Born and raised in College Park MD, I moved to Carroll County in May of 2006. I have two children, Abby, a freshman and Anthony, a junior who attend South Carroll High School. Most recently I worked within the Autism Program as a paraprofessional with grades K-5., however began my start with CCPS prior to that in middle school, working 1:1 and in the BEST program. I love photography, which I do in my spare time, going to the beach with family, and watching my kiddos play sports!

Daniella Linck
Substitute Teacher
Maryland Credential Level Two
Daniella grew up in Montgomery County and holds an Associate’s degree from Montgomery College with many electives in Early Childhood Education. She holds a 90-Hour Preschool Certification, 45-Hour Infant and Toddler Certification, and ADA: Including All Children Certification. This is her third year working at St. James and she has worked as an early childhood educator in Maryland since 2008. Since 2012, she has lived in Mount Airy with her husband and three daughters and one young son. Daniella enjoys spending time with family and friends, the outdoors, crafts and traveling.

Tara Heil
Substitute Teacher
Maryland Credential Level Six
Tara has a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Virginia Tech and Maryland Certification in Early Childhood Education. Her undergraduate degree is in Materials Science and Engineering. She taught third grade for seven years in the Annapolis area. She lives in Mount Airy with her husband and two daughters, both St. James' alums. Tara enjoys her family and friends, as well as reading, being active outdoors, and practicing yoga. She loves young children’s curiosity and is excited to help nurture their development.

Lynne Colantoni
Substitute Teacher
Maryland Credential Level Two
