Saint Paul’s welcomes a fresh set of new teachers and staff members, each coming from unique backgrounds and bringing their own lessons and experiences. Through a series of questions, the teachers were asked to explore their passions and even played a fun game of “Two Truths and a Lie” to help the students get acquainted with them.

Join us as we get to know these new faces who are now a major part of our Saint Paul’s community.

Mrs. Ilkin Dunne has been a part of the Saint Paul’s community for around 12 years with her eldest son Burak attending the school.  As a mother who came from a different country, with Burak some 20 years ago, it was hard adjusting to her new lifestyle. Now, as a mother of three children, one of whom is currently attending Saint Paul’s, she decided to do more than just volunteer.

Mrs. Dunne answered the following questions for this article:

1. What are your greatest strengths as a teacher?

My greatest strengths are my ability to speak multiple languages and my hard working personality. Another strength is my ability to understand and relate to students on their own individual journeys.

2. What are you looking forward to most at Saint Paul’s?

I am looking forward to watching my two other sons graduate Saint Paul’s and I look forward to working with the Counseling Dept. to help the young Saint Paul’s students on their path to success.

3. What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of Saint Paul’s?

I am self employed and work from home, creating various artworks and distributing them to local gift shops.

4. Please tell us two truths and one lie about yourself.
   • I speak not only Turkish and English but also a bit of German and Arabic.
   • My uncle owns Isabellas and my sister-in-law owns a part of Reginelli’s Pizzeria.
   • I was the best math student back in Turkey.

Mr. David Hyman came to Saint Paul’s on a tour for his son and observed the amazing atmosphere and communication between students and teachers. After witnessing the fantastic spectacle that is the Saint Paul’s community, he wanted to be involved. After 14 years of teaching in the public school system, he wanted to be in a place where students are the number one priority, and raising good Christian men was the goal.

Mr. Hyman answered the following questions for this article:

1. What are your greatest strengths as a teacher?

My greatest strength as a teacher is presenting students with the skills they need to succeed not only in my class but throughout high school and beyond. Science is a great tool to develop problem-solving skills and independent thinking.

2. What are you looking forward to most at Saint Paul’s?

 I am looking forward to both of my sons being able to experience all that St. Paul’s has to offer.

3.  What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of Saint Paul’s?

I enjoy spending time with my two sons, daughter, and wife. 

4. Please tell us two truths and one lie about yourself.
   • I am a fantastic cook.
   • I really love cheese. All kinds. Even cheese by itself.
   • I have coached both a championship basketball team and a championship baseball team.

Mrs. Suzy Slade and her family have been members of the Saint Paul’s community for 40 years. Initially teaching math in the public school system for 25 years, she retired and then found an opening at Saint Paul’s. Mrs. Slade then worked as secretary of attendance for six years. Now, she will be helping students find success in the classroom using math.

Mrs. Slade answered the following questions for this article:

1. What are your greatest strengths as a teacher?

My greatest strength as a teacher is being patient and willing to do whatever it takes for my students to learn and be successful.

2. What are you looking forward to most at Saint Paul’s?

 I look forward to the Christian atmosphere.

3. What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of Saint Paul’s?

I have a farm with horses, cows, chickens, a pig, a cat and some dogs. I enjoy watching my grandchildren. 

4. Please tell us two truths and one lie about yourself.
   • I played volleyball in college.
   • I have never been out of this country. 
   • I am an only child.

Mrs. Monica Kelsey believes God brought her to Saint Paul’s. She has two sons who started at Saint Paul’s last year (and a future Wolf as well). They had a great transition, moving from Tennessee less than a month before school started. She loved hearing about the brotherhood of Saint Paul’s and loved seeing her children so happy most of the time.  She also has an enormous family with multiple relatives of four generations who have attended Saint Paul’s and loved it. She is proud to be Mrs. Suzy Slade’s successor in her previous job and knows it will be hard to fill her shoes.

Mrs. Kelsey answered the following questions for this article:

1. What are your greatest strengths as a teacher?

I don’t currently teach, but when I did, my favorite part was connecting with my students and helping them learn to love our Catholic faith and all of the wonderful things that it has to offer.

2. What are you looking forward to most at Saint Paul’s?

I look forward to continuing to meet and get to know the faculty, staff, and students and hope that we each help each other to be the best versions of ourselves that we can be.

3. What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of Saint Paul’s?

I love playing sports, specifically with my boys. I used to be able to beat them in almost anything we played, but I knew the day would come when they would beat me and now we are there. I may still be able to strike them out occasionally or win a few rounds of “HORSE,” but they dominate me most of the time on any field or court! I also enjoy watching them enjoy their activities and sports with my husband.

4. Please tell us two truths and one lie about yourself.
   • I played college softball.
   • My favorite vacation spot is the beach.
   • I have an aunt and grandmother who worked at Saint Paul’s about 40 years ago.

With 36 years of teaching and coaching experience spanning Louisiana, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, Mr. Jody Walker is excited about this new venture. Following his retirement from public school, his wife insisted that he not simply stay at home. Instead, he chose to pursue what he loved most.

Mr. Walker answered the following questions for this article:

1. What are your greatest strengths as a teacher?

My greatest strengths as a teacher are rooted in my unwavering compassion and profound understanding. These qualities enable me to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student’s unique needs are acknowledged and addressed.

2. What are you looking forward to most at Saint Paul’s?

I’m excited about my time at Saint Paul’s, especially looking forward to seeing young men grow into adults and experience the world anew through their youthful perspectives.

3. What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of Saint Paul’s?    

In my spare time I enjoy playing golf, getting together with friends, and spending time with my wonderful wife.

4. Please tell us two truths and one lie about yourself.
   • I believe the sleep timer on the TV is one of the greatest inventions ever.
   • I collect Hess trucks.
   • I am the shortest person in my family.

 Saint Paul’s alumnus Mr. Grant Hughes returned to Saint Paul’s to help grow the brotherhood he experienced here as a student. Mr. Hughes has been a part of the wrestling coaching staff since 2021 and has now decided to aid new 8th graders in the English classroom.

Mr. Hughes answered the following questions for this article:

1. What are your greatest strengths as a teacher?

As a teacher, I consistently engage with my students and prioritize communication.

2. What are you looking forward to most at Saint Paul’s?

I look forward to helping young men spiritually develop and continue building our strong wrestling program.

3. What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of Saint Paul’s?  

Outside school, I love to draw, play guitar, and take boat rides on the Tchefuncte River. 

Mrs. Beth Manifold has been an essential part of the Saint Paul’s community for years. She’s been a parent volunteer, a skilled nurse, and a loving wife and mother of three Saint Paul’s alumni. Her enthusiasm for helping young men grow here is evident. Her unique perspective, as a parent and nurse, shows the school’s profound impact. She embodies the exceptional Saint Paul’s community.

Mrs. Manifold answered the following questions for this article:

1. What are your greatest strengths as a teacher?

I love learning new things, and enjoy working with the students and their parents.

2. What are you looking forward to most at Saint Paul’s?

I’m excited to work in an environment which meets these young men where they are and helps them to not only grow but to flourish.

3. What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of Saint Paul’s?  My favorite hobby is spending time with my family! I also enjoy jeep rides, nature walks with my husband (and dogs), and playing cards with my mom.

4. Please tell us two truths and one lie about yourself.

• I was a nurse in a former life.
• I am afraid of escalators.
• I love scuba diving.

Mr. Oliver Sibley, a 2017 graduate of Saint Paul’s School, studied at Franciscan University of Steubenville. There, he served as a Campus Minister and Master of Ceremonies for Praise and Worship. He’s eager to help young men discover meaning in their lives, and having experienced Saint Paul’s himself, he couldn’t have asked for a better place to work.

Mr. Sibley answered the following questions for this article:

1. What are your greatest strengths as a teacher?

I am not sure. I know a lot of Theology, but I don’t necessarily consider this a strength. I believe a greater strength is the conviction that I have. I desperately need God. There is no other option, no backup plan. He is Lord of Lords, and my need for His love in my life will inevitably echo as I teach. It is an incredible honor to teach religion. 

2. What are you looking forward to most at Saint Paul’s?

I look forward to watching boys become faithful men of God. 

3. What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of Saint Paul’s? 

Woodworking, Guitar, Pokémon GO, & Xbox.

4. Please tell us two truths and one lie about yourself.

• I was in a dance off on stage at a Macklemore concert.
• I’ve dislocated my jaw.
• I was a Chubbies shorts model.

Saint Paul’s tradition of excellence and commitment to nurturing young minds continues with these new teachers. Their unique backgrounds and lessons will enrich the school’s vibrant community, making a profound and positive impact on students’ growth. As the school year begins, it’s evident that Saint Paul’s dedication to academic and personal development remains strong thanks to these exceptional additions to the teaching team.

“Two Truths and a Lie” Answers:

• Mrs. Dunne: I am not the best at math.

• Mr. Hyman: I am not the most positive towards cheese, especially when it is by itself.

• Mrs. Slade: I have seven siblings.

• Mrs. Kelsey: I dislike the beach.

• Mr. Walker: I am not the shortest in my family.

• Mr. Hughes: I do not have 11 toes.

• Mrs. Manifold: I don’t scuba dive.

• Mr. Sibley: I was not a Chubbies shorts model.