Mrs. Jenny Pudelko, principal of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School, is pleased to announce the hiring of five new staff members:
Mrs. Megan Cooke, educational support specialist
Mrs. Megan Cooke joins the SAP team as our educational support specialist. In this role, Mrs. Cooke will provide direct educational support to students as well as consult with teachers to promote student success. Mrs. Cooke has a background in special education and learning disabilities, earning both degrees from Calvin University. She looks forward to getting to know our students and families. She shares the following with the community:
“I’ve been working within Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids for six years. We are blessed to be able to walk together in faith in our educational setting, and I thank God for this!”
“I have three kids of my own — Miles is 16, Ramona is 14, and Penny is 10. We like to bike together as a family, go to roller skating rinks, visit state and national parks, watch movies, and play card/board games. When I have time to myself, I’m probably looking up something to do with interior design or having coffee with a friend. May God order our steps in this new school year, growing each of your children in his or her own unique ways to become just who God created them to be: known, loved, and needed.”
Miss Lily DeYoung, third grade teacher
Miss Lily DeYoung joins our elementary teaching staff as a third grade teacher. Many families may already know her as she has worked in our Camp Wildcats summer program since its opening in 2022. A recent graduate of Saint Mary’s College, she also graduated from West Catholic High School in 2021. During her student teaching placement, she taught third grade and quickly found her love for this age group.
“I strive to create a classroom rooted in growth, curiosity, and collaboration. I believe that every child is wonderfully made by God and capable of incredible growth with the right support, encouragement, and mindset. In our classroom, we will celebrate effort, persistence, and progress. I will help students understand that learning is a journey and that making mistakes is part of how we grow. I value strong partnerships with fellow educators and with families and believe that we can do our best work when we work together.”
She is excited to begin her teaching career here at St. Anthony and looks forward to a joyful and enriching year with her third graders.
Mrs. Erika Holleran, kindergarten teacher
Mrs. Erika Holleran is excited to join our elementary teaching staff as a kindergarten teacher. She brings a warm enthusiasm for teaching and looks forward to building meaningful relationships with her students and their families. Mrs. Holleran graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and began her teaching journey after raising her family.
In addition to her classroom experience, Mrs. Holleran currently serves as Board Vice President for HAWK Hockey.
Mrs. Holleran has been married to her husband for 19 years, and together they have three wonderful children – Helena (16), Brendan (14), and Ashton (10). Much of their family life revolves around the hockey rink, and they also enjoy camping trips to the Upper Peninsula in the summer.
In her free time, Mrs. Holleran loves to read, bake, play card games of all kinds, and spend time at the beach. Her favorites include hockey, Diet Coke and coffee, Reese’s and sour candy, shopping at Target, and the color purple. She’s also a proud University of Michigan fan!
Mrs. Holleran is eager to begin this exciting school year and looks forward to helping her kindergarteners grow academically, socially, and spiritually.
Mr. Kyle Radigan, music teacher
Mr. Kyle Radigan joins St. Anthony as our music teacher. Mr. Radigan has a focus on stringed instruments and choral performance, having been immersed in music for the last 19 years. Mr. Radigan holds a degree in viola performance and has been actively involved in both competitive and community music settings—including orchestra, choir, and solo string performance. Alongside his music career, he was also a collegiate swimmer and an esports athlete.
Originally from Oregon, he relocated to Michigan with his wife, Sydney. They are happily settling into our new home with their dog, Wally.
Through Shared Time services, Kyle also serves as music teacher for St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School. Mr. Radigan is excited to bring the joy of music to our K-5 students!
Mrs. Jocelyn Smalldon, kindergarten teacher
Mrs. Jocelyn Smalldon is excited to join our school community as a kindergarten teacher. Mrs. Smalldon has been in education for 32 years, having taught fourth grade in Ohio and, most recently, as an early childhood educator for the last 23 years.
Teaching young children is Mrs. Smalldon’s passion – she finds fulfillment in building a strong foundation for their future success, fostering a love for learning, while developing a meaningful relationship with each child and their families. She adds, “It is extremely important to me to build a partnership between home and school for student success. I am committed to the development of the whole child as they progress in social, academic, physical, and spiritual growth. I look forward to a memorable and enriching school year, as I do my very best to guide each child in learning, exploring, and growing in kindergarten!”
“I have 6 boys – two of my own and four stepsons, ranging in age from 18 to 28. My husband and I recently welcomed our first granddaughter! We have two Labrador Retrievers, enjoy woodworking, fishing, and camping. In my spare time, I enjoy long walks, gardening, hunting for rocks to polish, and time with friends and family.”