MEET OUR MEMBERS

MAY 2025

CATHERINE HOLDMAN

For over 13 years, Catherine Holdman has been the backbone of the SJS community. From volunteer to Past President, and everything in between, there is not an MCSJS “hat” that Catherine has not worn. As her final child approaches graduation in June, we are all quickly realizing how lost we will feel without her. When trying to sum up what Catherine has done, the overarching title we would give her is CEO - Chief Everything Officer. To that end, we are actively accepting applications for anyone that is brave/crazy enough to fill the upcoming void. The following job description was crafted based on feedback from many of the people Catherine has blessed over the years with her time, talent, and unlimited decor treasures.

CLICK HERE FOR JOB POSTING

APRIL 2025

DONNA LEWIS

We have done some accounting and there has been major appreciation in the MCSJS thanks to our asset, Donna Lewis! While many of us only pull out our pencils during tax season, Donna has spent her entire career with the same firm doing the accounting and operations. According to our ledger, Donna has held one of the longest standing roles in overseeing our organization’s finances. As both Assistant and then VP of Finance, Donna keeps our books in order and so much more. Donna values diversification, which is evident through her support of events like the Mother-Daughter Dance, Father-Daughter Dance, Game Nights, Spooktacular, Field Day and serving as a Class Mom. We are all lucky that there is not an Accounts Payable for volunteer hours, since Donna’s accrued expenses would be off the charts. We just hope she will have time to read this since we know tax season is her busy one. Congrats, Donna!

MARCH 2025

CELESTA LIGNITI

Having Celesta Ligniti as an MCSJS volunteer is like finding a four leaf clover…lucky! This year alone Celesta has stepped up to serve as the Dutch Treat Co-Chair, Game Night Grades 1-3 Chair, Book Fair Co-Chair, Kindergarten Graduation Reception Chair, TACHS Pencils Co-Chair and as if this is not enough, she is also 1st Grade Class Parent. It is no surprise that Celesta has such a passion and willingness to support the students at our school. Her entire professional career has been in the NYC schools as a special needs teacher, curriculum director, and principal for students with behavioral difficulties and social emotional delays. Celesta’s goal is “to be part of my daughter’s educational journey and eager that all the children at SJS have positive school experiences and create fun and happy memories to last a lifetime.” We are all luckier for that!

FEBRUARY 2025

LAURA SPRING

In a month that is all about love, it was clear we needed to write this ode to the heart of SJS.

Roses are red, and Laura Spring we know you #bleedblue;

Here is what the MC membership, thinks about you:

* Cheerleader * Committed * Creative * Dedicated * Determined * Devoted * Fashionista * 

* Fierce * Fixer * Fun-Loving * Giving * Helpful * Independent * Loyal * Optimistic *

* Past-President * Passionate * Positive * Spirited * Thoughtful *

* SJS FOREVER *

JANUARY 2025

MARY O'CONNOR

"There's Something About Mary" is not just a 90s movie...it reflects how we feel about January's "Meet A Member" spotlight of Mary O'Connor. For a woman that only joined the MCSJS during COVID when she moved her daughters to the school, there is something about Mary that feels as if she has always been an integral part of the SJS community. That is probably due to her immediate and immersive support wherever and whenever she is needed. As the VP of Cultural/Educational Enrichment, Mary oversees everything from the school play to career day. She has also Co-Chaired the Middle School Dance. While as an esthetician in her past Mary may have focused on external beauty, it is the inner beauty of Mary's heart that keeps the SJS community glowing.

DECEMBER 2024

LISA SCANGA

While we highlight Lisa Scanga in December, her volunteering is the gift that keeps on giving to the SJS students and community all year long. In 2024-2025 alone, Lisa has stepped up to be MCSJS Newspaper Co-Chair, Dutch Treat Co-Chair, Book Fair Co-Chair, Visiting Authors Chair, and 4th Grade Class Parent. On top of that, Lisa serves as Assistant VP of Cultural/Educational Enrichment. As a developmental psychologist who has also been teaching psychology courses for the past 15+ years, Lisa especially enjoys working with teenagers and young adults. A fun fact that nods to the "cultural" part of her title... Lisa spent a summer in Padua, Italy working as an English teacher. She is also an avid New York Sports fan, but Lisa's favorite athletes are her three kids!

NOVEMBER 2024

CHARLENE SPILLANE

This November we celebrate Charlene Spillane! It's no surprise Charlene's birthday falls on All Saints’ Day as she is truly an MCSJS saint. Charlene’s service over the years includes everything from being a Class Parent Coordinator to VP of Public Relations to MCSJS President in 2018-2019 and countless other roles in between. However, her impact extends far beyond the official roles. No matter what, Charlene is always there to lend a hand and get things done with equal parts humility, humor, and helpfulness. After 15 years of service, Charlene will “graduate” this spring when her youngest son joins his two older sisters in the SJS alumni club. She will be missed!

OCTOBER 2024

AUTUMN FOLEY

No better time of year to introduce Autumn Foley. Not only a nod to her name, but also for how much she has done for the MCSJS already this fall. This mom of both triplets and a singleton at the school constantly steps up and even puts her professional skills to good use. Autumn studied merchandising and works in the fashion industry, so she was a clear Co-Chair for the Uniform Shop in September. Did you know Autumn also did musical theater her whole life? Now her passion helping Chair the school play and talent show makes even more sense. You have a chance to thank her for her service at the upcoming school play - Shrek Jr.!

SEPTEMBER 2024

UTHICA UTANO

This is one woman you want to know - Uthica Utano, our MCSJS President for 2024-2025! Uthica is an SJS Superhero. First and foremost, she is a SuperMOM as parent of Evan (SJS Class of 2023) and Noah (7th Grader) and if you ask her husband, Al, she is a SuperWIFE too. Just like another superhero, Clark Kent, she has newspaper credentials - as a long time volunteer running the SJS newspaper, The Beagle. She changes capes faster that we can keep up with...so if you see Uthica, be sure to take a moment to say hello and thank her for her endless dedication to improving our school community.