Primary (K-3)
Our Elementary Education Program (K-3), begins in Kindergarten and concludes with our Bridge Program (4th & 5th grade), it is a period of exciting, accelerated development and learning for your child.
Building upon the first few foundational blocks established in Littlest Angels, our Primary Program (K-3) nurtures independent thinking through academic inquiry, embracing the uniqueness of self and others, collaboration with peers, introduction of Christian values rooted in Catholic tradition, and work habits. As our students grow and venture into our Bridge Program (4th-5th), they take all the skills and habits they have learned in our K-3 Program and apply their abilities to learn new challenges and experiences in our Bridge Program.
Working daily with engaged classmates and caring teachers who know their budding strengths and potential (and temporary) limitations, your student is quickly and confidently adding new visions and skills– in English Language Arts, in Mathematics, in Social Studies, in Technology, and in so much more – to their growing academic foundation, even as they are learning new and unexpected things about themselves every day.
In addition to equipping your son or daughter to be successful in the classroom, we also provide Elementary Education Program students with unique service opportunities that enable them to apply their Christian values for the betterment of those in need throughout our local and global communities.
The elementary school years really are an exciting time for our students and we feel very fortunate to play such a significant role in your child’s growth as a student, a person, and a Christian.
K-3 Faculty
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Mrs. Susan Kautzman
Kindergarten Teacher, K-3 Team Lead
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Mrs. Stacey Gove
Kindergarten Teacher
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Mrs.Joyce McCarthy-Reed
1st Grade Teacher
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Mrs. Kelly Thompson
1st Grade Teacher
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Mrs. Nicole Shreve
2nd Grade Teacher
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Ms. Alexandria McGill
2nd Grade Teacher
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Ms. Ashley Suts
3rd Grade Teacher
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Mrs. Becky Shultz
3rd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Susan Kautzman
Kindergarten Teacher, K-3 Team Lead
I joined the Saint Ambrose school community in Fall 2015, teaching Kindergarten. I have over 20 years experience teaching children. I earned my undergraduate degree from Baldwin Wallace and my masters from Cleveland State. I love working as a team with each family to ensure each child develops a genuine love of learning while providing a strong educational foundation for years to come.
My husband, Kevin, and I have three beautiful daughters, Ella, Madison, and Isabelle who help keep me grounded in all I love to do when I am not at SAS.
I love being part of the Saint Ambrose School community that works as a team and keeps God’s presence in all we do! Each child’s unique spirit motivates me to be my best everyday!
Strengths: Achiever ~ Learner ~ Includer ~ Restorative ~ Futuristic
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
-Benjamin Franklin
Mrs. Stacey Gove
Kindergarten Teacher
I have been blessed to be a part of the Saint Ambrose community for fourteen years of my twenty years teaching. I grew up in Parma Heights where I attended St. John Bosco School and later Holy Name High School. I earned by bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Toledo and my Master’s degree in Reading Specialization from Baldwin Wallace College. I am blessed and thankful to have a career that I love in a dynamic parish community!
My time away from school is spent enjoying my two amazing children, Gabriella who is in 10th grade at Padua Franciscan High School and Evan who is entering 5th grade here at Saint Ambrose School. I am a HUGE Cleveland sports fan and also enjoy attending live theatre performances, especially musicals. I am looking forward to another amazing year at Saint Ambrose!
Strengths: Adaptability ~ Positivity ~ Belief ~ Arranger ~ Developer
Mrs.Joyce McCarthy-Reed
1st Grade Teacher
Hi! My name is Joyce McCarthy-Reed and I am very excited to be starting my 18th year of teaching first grade at Saint Ambrose School!
I grew up in Parma Heights, Ohio and attended Baldwin-Wallace College. I received a Masters of Arts degree in Education with reading specialization. I also have a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and an Associates degree in Business Administration. I currently reside in Brunswick and am the youngest of eight children. I am also married and have a wonderful cat named Chloe.
In my free time I enjoy crocheting, sewing and crafting. I also love to spend time with my family and visit my sister in Scottsdale, Arizona. I love teaching first grade and look forward to a wonderful school year!
Strengths: Achiever ~ Strategic ~ Learner ~ Responsibility ~ Focus
“Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”
-Lou Holtz
Mrs. Kelly Thompson
1st Grade Teacher
Hello! My name is Kelly Thompson and I am very excited to be teaching FIRST GRADE at Saint Ambrose School.
I am a veteran teacher, entering my 16th year as a Catholic educator. I have taught all grades from kindergarten through 5th grade. I love teaching young children and helping to shape their academic, social/emotional, and spiritual minds.
When I am not teaching, you can usually find me out and about with my family. I am married and have two children who both attend Saint Ambrose, Emily and Zac. We love to be outside, play games and sports, ride bikes, bake/cook, and read as a family. We love to travel, and make frequent trips to Disney World and Cedar Point.
Strengths: Learner ~ Individualization ~ Achiever ~ Responsibility ~ Strategic
Mrs. Nicole Shreve
2nd Grade Teacher
Hello, my name is Nicole Shreve.
This is my tenth year teaching second grade at Saint Ambrose School. I substituted in many grade levels before teaching second grade in the school, getting to know many students and their families. I graduated from Baldwin Wallace University (College) in 2011. As a 2003 graduate of Saint Ambrose School, this has been my home parish since I was baptized, being involved in many different ministries throughout the years. I live in Brunswick with my husband and daughter (and puppy, Kylo!). We are looking forward to settling our family in the parish that I have been a part of and has played a big role in my life and faith formation. It is truly a blessing to be here!
As a second grade teacher, I am excited to prepare the children for their First Reconciliation and First Communion. This is an important and special year for the children and their families. I look forward to seeing their growth spiritually and academically. I am also responsible for teaching Language Arts (Phonics, Reading, Grammar, Spelling), Math, and Social Studies to the second graders. It is my passion to make the students appreciate reading and understand that it is truly something to enjoy! I hope to help each child grow in their understanding of Language Arts and the importance of words and reading in their everyday lives. We are going to have an amazing year! God bless!
Strengths: Discipline ~ Communication ~ Positivity ~ Empathy ~ Includer
Ms. Alexandria McGill
2nd Grade Teacher
Hello! My name is Alexandria McGill.
I am thrilled to be a part of the K-8 team at Saint Ambrose School! I received my Bachelor of Science in Education from Walsh University. Last year I completed my first year of teaching at Saint Ambrose Littlest Angels Preschool. I look forward to continuing to help our students grow and become successful during their time at Saint Ambrose.
When I am not at school I love finding new books to read and spending time with my family. We love going to amusement parks and national parks. I love traveling and am excited to share my experiences with the Saint Ambrose community.
Strengths: Restorative * Individualization * Analytical * Developer * Input
Ms. Ashley Suts
3rd Grade Teacher
Hello I am Ashley!
I am super excited to be going into my second year teaching! This will be my first year at Saint Ambrose and I cannot wait to join such an amazing community.
I grew up in Strongsville and was a part of many activities throughout my years. I attended Cleveland State University and graduated in May 2022.
I enjoy going for walks, spending time with my boyfriend, Paul and babysitting. I’m looking forward to an exciting school year.
Strengths: Discipline, Communication, Positivity, Woo, Futuristic
Mrs. Becky Shultz
3rd Grade Teacher
My name is Becky Shultz, and I am so excited to be teaching third-grade teacher! I was blessed to work with so many students and look forward to working with some of them again this year.
Previously, I taught kindergarten for five years at a local parochial school. Once I had my daughter, I became a stay-at-home mom. During that season of life, I worked intermittently as a substitute teacher and a Resident Educator Mentor for the Cleveland Catholic Diocese. It has always been a goal of mine to get back into teaching full-time and to have a classroom again. I have always had a calling to work in Catholic Education, and I am honored to get to work at such a faith-filled school like Saint Ambrose!
In my spare time, I enjoy Pilates, reading, traveling, shopping , going to musicals and concerts and being with my family!
Strengths: Activator • Positivity • Developer • Includer • Empathy
