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 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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Mrs. Ashley DiGennaro
3rd Grade Teacher
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Mrs. Becky Shultz
3rd Grade Teacher
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Mrs. Cheryl Kubas
Elementary-Bridge Advanced Math (GR. K-5)
Mrs. Susan Kautzman
Kindergarten Teacher, K-3 Lead
With a deep passion for education and a heart for building strong connections, I have dedicated my career to creating supportive, inclusive learning environments where both students and families feel seen, heard, and valued. I believe that meaningful education begins with strong relationships—and that learning thrives when families and educators work together as partners.
Whether in the classroom or in community settings, I strive to nurture each child’s unique potential while empowering families to be active participants in their child’s educational journey. Every conversation, every shared goal, and every moment of growth is a reminder of why I love what I do.
Teaching is more than a profession for me—it’s a calling rooted in empathy, collaboration, and the joy of watching young minds flourish with the support of a caring village.
When not at school, I love spending precious time with my husband, Kevin, and three beautiful daughters, Ella, Madison, and Isabelle. Family time grounds me and fills my life with love, support, and lasting memories.
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
Hello! My name is Stacey Gove, and I’m thrilled to be a part of the Saint Ambrose community. I have been teaching for over 20 years and have a passion for helping students grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
I earned my bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education from The University of Toledo and a Master’s degree in Reading Specialization from Baldwin Wallace College.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I am also big Cleveland sports fan! I look forward to a wonderful year of learning, growth, and collaboration with both students and parents!
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 20th 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, 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 14th 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!). 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. 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 taking our dogs on adventures. I love traveling and am excited to share my experiences with the Saint Ambrose community.
Strengths: Restorative * Individualization * Analytical * Developer * Input
Mrs. Ashley DiGennaro
3rd Grade Teacher
Hello I am Ashley!
I’m so excited to be part of your child’s learning journey this year! I believe the best classrooms are filled with kindness, laughter, curiosity, and plenty of opportunities to learn through creativity and collaboration. My goal is to create a classroom where every student feels safe, supported, and confident enough to take risks, ask questions, and celebrate their successes.
When I’m not at school, you’ll usually find me spending time with my family and friends, going for walks, traveling to new places, or enjoying a great cup of coffee. I also love finding fun, hands-on ways to make learning exciting and memorable for my students.
Strengths: Discipline, Communication, Positivity, Woo, Futuristic
Mrs. Becky Shultz
3rd Grade Teacher
My name is Becky Shultz, and I am one of the third grade teachers! I am blessed to be working with so many wonderful students and families and look forward to a great year together.
In addition to teaching, I serve as a Resident Educator Mentor, and I am a member of both the IAT team and the One Book, One School team here at Saint Ambrose. I have always felt a strong calling to work in Catholic education, and I am truly honored to be part of such a faith-filled community at Saint Ambrose.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, traveling, shopping, attending musicals and concerts, and most of all spending time with my family.
Strengths: Activator • Positivity • Developer • Includer • Empathy
Mrs. Cheryl Kubas
Elementary-Bridge Advanced Math (GR. K-5)
Hi! My name is Cheryl Kubas. I’ve been working in schools and teaching for over 13 years with primary school aged children. I earned my bachelor degree in education from Cleveland State University. I have been blessed to be here at St. Ambrose. I am passionate about nurturing students relationships with Jesus Christ, and love to get students excited about learning. I come to school each day with joy in my heart and hope to nurture each child and encourage them to be the best they can be.
I grew up in many cities in the Cleveland area and settled in Brunswick six years ago with my family. I am blessed with a wonderful husband and three teenage children who fill my life when not at school. When I have time to myself I enjoy gardening, reading, and construction or woodworking.
I look forward to another wonderful school year!
Strengths: Developer ~ Activator ~ Responsibility ~ Empathy ~ Communication
“The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.”
-Plutarch
