Mr. John Finn

8th Grade Homeroom and Social Studies

+1-616-453-8229 ext.325 Email Me

Degree/College:

Bachelor of Arts with a major in history and a minor in communications

Favorite Saint:

St. Patrick

Favorite Scripture Verse:

“and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32

Favorite Hobbies:

I enjoy playing golf and spending time with my family. I also enjoy spending time outdoors and traveling during the summer months.

Short Biography:

I started at St. Anthony as a Middle School Teacher in the 2011-2012 school year. I previously taught at St. Stephen and have been the General Manager of a restaurant. My wife Karla and I are both educators and both of our children, Abby and Kyle attended Catholic schools K-12. I enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of the St. Anthony community and feel blessed to be a part of it.

Mrs. Ellen Schwartzfisher

7th Grade Homeroom and Math

+1-616-453-8229 ext.321 Email Me

Degree/College:

Bachelor’s Degree; Saint Mary’s College, Indiana;
Master’s Degree; Western Michigan University

Favorite Saint:

Saint Teresa of Calcutta

Favorite Scripture Verse:

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12

Favorite Hobbies:

In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, reading, and trying new restaurants (especially ones that have a water view)!

Short Biography:

I started working with the Grand Rapids Diocese in 1994, first at St. Paul the Apostle School and then joining the St. Anthony of Padua School Community. It is a daily pleasure to challenge middle school students with their understanding of mathematics, share our faith, and watch their personalities grow. My family lives in the Belmont area but are frequent visitors to Jackson and Petoskey, where we are blessed with extended family.

Mrs. Sara Patterson

8th Grade Homeroom and Reading

+1-616-453-8229 ext.319 Email Me

Degree/College:

Bachelor’s of Education from Central Michigan University
Master’s in Reading from Western Michigan University

Favorite Saint:

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Favorite Scripture Verse:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Favorite Hobbies:

In my spare time, I enjoy reading, walking, gardening, and spending time with my family.

Short Biography:

I started my teaching career in a small Catholic school in Coopersville in the 2000-2001 school year teaching a fifth and sixth grade split class. I have been teaching fourth grade and Middle School at St. Anthony since 2006. I was also an adjunct instructor teaching education classes for both Grand Valley State University and Ferris State University from 2006-2011. My husband, Brent, and I have two sons who also attend St. Anthony, Isaac and Lucas.

Ms. Mindy Serra

6th Grade Homeroom and Theology

+1-616-453-8229 ext.326 Email Me

Degree/College:

Bachelors of Science in Education; Central Michigan University
Masters of Teaching; Marygrove College

Favorite Saint:

Saint John Paul II

Favorite Scripture Verse:

At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid….Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and beginning to sink, he cried out “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and said to him, “O you of little faith, why do you doubt?” Matthew 14:22

Favorite Hobbies:

Some of my favorite hobbies are gardening, reading and crocheting.

Short Biography:

After taking on 2 long-term substitute teacher jobs at St. Anthony, I started teaching full-time in the 2017-2018 school year. I grew up and spent 10 years teaching in the suburbs of Detroit as a 2nd grader teacher, 4th grader teacher and P.E. teacher. I’m blessed to have 3 sons: Ben, Jake and Max. In 2002 we moved to the Grand Rapids area. Since then, my sons have graduated from West Catholic, and my oldest is now married. I am so blessed to have this opportunity to teach in a Catholic school.

Mr. Jim Murphy

6th Grade Homeroom and Science

+1-616-453-8229 ext.318 Email Me

Degree/College:

Bachelor of Science Degree in Integrated Science; Grand Valley State University

Favorite Saint:

Saint Juan Diego

Favorite Scripture Verse:

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

Favorite Hobbies:

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, hunting, and fishing.

Short Biography:

Hello! My name is Jim Murphy, and I’ve been teaching at St. Anthony since 2008. I teach science to fifth grade and middle school science. My wife and I have been married since 1990 and are parishioners at Holy Spirit. We have two adult sons who graduated from West Catholic. Both are college graduates with business careers.