Faculty & Staff

Principal's Page

Tara Bessant is an elementary school teacher from Orange, NJ. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and teaches grades 3k and 4k. Tara believes in making a positive impact on her students' lives and inspires them to learn every day. She loves to dine at Olive Garden and supports the New York Giants. Tara's passion for teaching stems from her father's teaching career and his unconditional love for every student. Her guiding philosophy is that every child can learn, and it is the teacher's responsibility to find ways to open them up to learning. Science was her favorite subject in school, and when she's not in the classroom, she enjoys reading, latch hooking, and cleaning.

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Annamaria Shockey is from Dekalb, IL, and grew up in Pennsylvania and Florida. She settled in South Carolina after her husband retired from the Navy. Annamaria holds a B.A. in Psychology, Early Childhood Montessori Certification through NAMC, and a Bilingual Education Certificate through Boston College. She started as an assistant in 3K and is now a 4K teacher. Annamaria's approach to teaching is hands-on learning, allowing children to question and explore their world. Her go-to spot for a delicious meal in Florence is King Jefe, which serves quirky tacos and sushi. Annamaria's passion for teaching came after helping out at her children's school and realizing she had a passion for teaching. Her favorite subject in school was art, and she loves reading historical fiction and traveling in her free time. Annamaria lives by the quote, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

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Hannah Davis is a 4k teacher here at SACS. She is from Florence, SC, and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. Hannah's approach to teaching is centered around meeting each student where they are and providing individualized support to help them build confidence and competence. She values emotional regulation and creates a supportive space for all feelings in the classroom. When not in the classroom, Hannah enjoys dining at San Jose or King Jefe, rooting for the Cincinnati Bengals, and pursuing hobbies like crocheting, painting, and traveling. Her philosophy in life is to "Be the Light."

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Rebecca Darlene Caffrey is a seasoned educator with a BA in Elementary Education K-8, Orton Gillingham, and Daily Five certifications. She has taught kindergarten through third grade and believes in building strong relationships with her students to create a safe and fun environment where they can grow and achieve independently. Her favorite subjects in school were music, reading, religion, and spelling. When not in the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family, going to the mountains and beach, playing tennis, and watching and attending football games with her husband.

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Abby Buie is a 5K Assistant at St. Anthony Catholic School. She is from Florence, SC, and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Francis Marion University. This is her third year at St. Anthony. She says she has loved her time here and feels blessed to call this her job. Abby believes consistency and presence are the two most important things in education: kids grow and flourish when given consistent support and when they know their teachers are there for them. She pursued a teaching career because "kids are the best people to work with! They are honest and love to learn about life." Abby enjoys reading, art (painting and clay), and day trips in her free time! Her favorite restaurant in town is Cibo.

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Sara Spinazzola-Mabry, affectionately known as Mrs. Spin, is a first-grade teacher at St. Anthony. She is from Florence, SC, and holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from Winthrop University. This year is her 6th year teaching. While teaching at St. Anthony is new to her, she attended it as a child and is excited to return to a Christ-centered community of learners. She decided to pursue a teaching career because of the joy of working with children and the time she spent watching her mother teach. Mrs. Spin believes that all students are capable of success and should be able to show their knowledge in ways that are important to them. Her philosophy in life is Matthew 6:25-34, "Do not worry." When not in the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her awesome husband, their two beautiful children, and their two kitties. They love spending time with their families, trying new recipes, and being outside. Her favorite places to eat are Town Hall and Sundae House.

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Angela Sansbury is from Hyde Park, New York. She has a Bachelor of Science and teaches first, second, and fourth grades at Saint Anthony’s Catholic School. Her approach to teaching is to provide students with both structure and routine while encouraging critical thinking. A philosophy guiding her through her daily life is to do unto others as you would want done unto you. Her favorite subject growing up was Social Studies. When not in the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family and going on adventures. When it comes to a delicious meal in Florence, she recommends her favorite place, Country Cousin’s BBQ.

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Alex Toborg is a 3rd grade teacher at Saint Anthony’s with a Diploma in Early Childhood Education from Florence Darlington Technical College and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina-Columbia. She believes in giving students the necessary tools to take charge of their own learning and encourages them to construct their knowledge meaningfully. In her free time, Alex loves to read, play video games, and spend time with her family. When it comes to a delicious meal in Florence, she recommends 1720 Burger Bar as her go-to spot. Her passion for teaching comes from the desire to provide her students with a positive learning environment that she felt was missing from some of her classrooms as a child. Her guiding philosophy is "The time is always right to do what is right," by Martin Luther King, Jr. During her school days, she enjoyed reading and science the most.

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Natalie Knight teaches 5K, 1st and 4th-8th grade. She is from Pamplico, SC. She holds a BA and MS from Winthrop College. Her approach to teaching is to inspire a love of learning, motivating students to increase their education. Stefano's is her go-to spot for a delicious meal in Florence. While she doesn't have a favorite sports team, Natalie has a passion for teaching that drew her to this profession after a previous career as a staff psychologist. Her philosophy is to "never, never, never give up!" She loved reading during her own school days. Outside the classroom, she enjoys gardening and reading.

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Lee Pasley is from Hartsville, South Carolina. She teaches 4th through 8th Grades Science here at Saint Anthony. She has earned her B.S. from Florida A&M University and her biology degrees from Coker University and the University of South Carolina. Her goal in teaching is to help students fully understand concepts that relate to the real world. She wants to motivate the minds of each child by teaching them how and why it’s important to learn. When not in the classroom, she enjoys working in her yard and playing the piano. She recommends her favorite place to eat in Florence: LongHorn Steakhouse.

Sara Lynn Williams is from Effingham, SC, and teaches 1st through 8th grades at SACS. She has a BS in Elementary Education and a Master's from Francis Marion University. Sara's teaching approach is to find strategies that work for each child and teach them the importance of perseverance. She strongly believes that all students can learn. Her go-to spot for a delicious meal in Florence is Stefano's,  and her favorite sports teams are Clemson and The Sooners. Sara's passion for teaching stems from her love for children; she believes teaching is her true calling. Her guiding philosophy is "With God, all things are possible." Outside the classroom, Sara enjoys hunting and fishing with her husband, reading on the beach, and playing with her two labs, Victoria, and Duke.

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Teacher Information Page

Denise Spivey is a dedicated teacher from Jeffersonville, IN. She holds a BS in Business Administration and Computer Information Systems from NC Wesleyan College, as well as an MA in Ecclesial Services from Catholic Distance University. She has taught grades K5-8 and believes that teaching is about sharing her knowledge and experiences with her students, hoping that they recognize the presence of God in their lives and are willing to share it with others. Starfire Grill is her favorite restaurant in Florence, and when not in the classroom, she enjoys gardening, cooking, and reading. Her philosophy in life is that God has a purpose for everything.

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Dan Spivey is a passionate history teacher originally from Tabor City, North Carolina. With an Associate Degree in Armament Systems Technology and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Justice and Public Policy from North Carolina Wesleyan College (Cum Laude with Departmental Honors), and a Master of Arts Degree (With Honors) in American Military History from American Military University, Dan brings a wealth of knowledge to his students in grades 5-8. His approach to teaching is to bring history to life and make it more than just a series of dates and facts. Dan's go-to spot for a delicious meal in Florence is Starfire, and his favorite sports team is the Boston Red Sox. When not in the classroom, Dan is a professional DJ with the Association of Beach & Shag Club DJs (ABSCDJs), spinning the best of Beach and Carolina Shag Music across the Carolinas.

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Darlene Stowe is an experienced educator from Pittsburgh, PA. She holds a BS in Special Education and Elementary Education from Slippery Rock University and an MEd from the University of Pittsburgh. Darlene has taught preschool through high school and currently works as a Student Success Coordinator at St. Anthony for grades 3K to 8. Her teaching approach focuses on meeting students where they are and helping them to develop new skills, with the goal of preparing them to be lifelong learners. Darlene's favorite subject in school was math. When not in the classroom, she enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time with her godchild and his siblings.

John Cipollina is from San Bernardino, CA, with a BS in Spanish & Italian from Georgetown University and a Bachelor in Music Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. He has taught a broad range of grades from 3K to 12th. His approach to teaching centers around identifying his students' strengths and building upon them. His favorite subject in his own school days was band. When not in the classroom, Mr. Cipollina enjoys playing his trumpets, kayaking, and bird hunting. His daily philosophy is "You reap what you sow."

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Susan Gerth is an Air Force brat! She was born in Spain and lived in New Hampshire, New York, and Arizona. She grew up in Tennessee, so I consider Tennessee home. She holds a B.S. in Music Therapy and an M.A.T. in Music Education. Music has always been a part of her life, from playing piano from age 5 to singing in school and church choirs to playing various instruments in bands and jazz bands in high school and college. She first felt God calling her to be a music therapist, which combined her love for music and special needs kids. After a short career in that field, she realized she wanted to follow in her mother's footsteps and be in the classroom. She felt blessed that she could make a career out of her passion for music. Her philosophy in life is to live every day like it's her last. She has been blessed with a wonderful husband, four children, and two grandchildren! She conveys the message to her students to enjoy the beauties God has given us, including the joy of making music with others and appreciating the arts. Her favorite restaurants in town are Wholly Smokin' and Holts B.B.Q. When not in the classroom, she enjoys traveling in her little camper, reading, and hanging out with her children and grandchildren.

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Mrs. G, also known as Davis Guerriero, has been a beloved teacher for over 13 years at St. Anthony School in Florence. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from Columbia College in 1985 and has since taught 4th grade in both Darlington and Florence Counties. After raising her four children, Mrs. G returned to the classroom as a substitute teacher before becoming a part-time religion and physical education teacher. She teaches 6th-grade religion and is the school's full-time PE teacher and athletic director. Mrs. G believes in teaching with dignity and respect, creating a fun learning environment, and providing individualized care and attention to each student's needs. Her favorite quote, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," from Philippians 4:13, guides her daily life. When not in the classroom, Mrs. G enjoys spending time with her family, walking, playing tennis, and doing yard work.

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Teacher Information Page

Alisa Muir is a technology specialist and teacher from Allentown, Pennsylvania. With a B.S. in Quantitative Business Analysis from Penn State University, she teaches technology to students in grades 4K-2nd, focusing on basic computer skills for kindergarteners and typing and coding for older students. Alisa believes in engaging her students and finding the right balance between challenging and frustrating them. In her free time, she enjoys reading, puzzles, sewing, CrossFit, and spending time with her family and Shih Tzu named Sawyer. Alisa's philosophy is "There is no excuse for not trying."

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Mrs. Halli Jordan is our new Art teacher. Mrs. Jordan has a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Art with a minor in Art History from Francis Marion University. Her specialty for her visual arts degree was in painting. "My love for art started at a very young age. My dad is an artist who inspired me through his paintings and drawings." Mrs. Jordan is married to her husband, Josh, and has two children, Elliott (3) and Emilia (2), and a new baby boy on the way who is due in March! She and her family enjoy spending time in the mountains and hiking. In her free time, she paints commissions, mainly using watercolors and pastels. She is thrilled to join the St. Anthony Family.

Elle Thomas was born in Haiti and moved to Cedar Rapids, Pennsylvania, when she was 15 years old. She has earned her degree in Psychology from St. Louis University and a Certificate and Bilingual Education from Boston College. Mrs. Thomas teaches 7th and 8th Religion, Spanish, and World Cultures at Saint Anthony's. Her approach to teaching is to create a student in an environment where they feel comfortable to learn, explore new information and share with others. Her favorite thing about teaching is being able to channel new knowledge. She finds it very rewarding to see these lightbulb moments each student experiences. The philosophy guiding her daily life is “I think therefore I am.” When not in the classroom, she is usually listening to music, dancing, or trying a new recipe. And talking about food, when it comes to a delicious meal in Florence, she recommends her favorite place, Konnichiwa.

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Mrs. Hernandez teaches Spanish for grades 3k to 8th grade. Originally from Mexico City, Mexico. She has a bachelor’s degree in marketing business administration and a master’s degree in education. Her approach to teaching is through Communicative Language Teaching (CLT), which emphasizes real-life situations to help students learn how to effectively communicate in Spanish. She desires to inspire her students to keep learning and foster a love for the Spanish language as a tool for future opportunities. Claudia’s favorite spots for a meal are San José Tacos & Tequila in Florence and Rioz Steak House in Myrtle Beach. She is a soccer enthusiast and cheers for the national teams of Mexico, Colombia, and the USA. Her guiding philosophy is "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." In her school days, she loved Language Arts (Gramática), Spanish literature, and Science. When not in the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking, listening to music, reading, and learning new skills.

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