Dear St. Mark Families,
Please join me in welcoming the newest members of our St. Mark Faculty and Staff.
Mr. Matthew Bonito
Grade 6/6-8 History
Mr. Bonito is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University where he earned a Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree in History, and History/Social Studies Teacher Certification. As an educator and historian, Mr. Bonito has worked in several school districts throughout Connecticut, including Newtown and Westport, as well within state government. While working in these districts, Mr. Bonito gained previous teaching experience in middle school and high school grade levels, volunteered for afterschool activities, and chaperoned field trips. We are pleased that the students of St. Mark School will benefit from Mr. Bonito's passion for History and Social Studies blended together with his Catholic upbringing.
Ms. Sarah Carrano will co-teach with Mr. Bonito on Monday, October 5th to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of instruction for students.
Ms. Jennifer Flynn
School Counselor, Catapult Learning
Ms. Flynn is a recent graduate of Southern Connecticut State University where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Master's Degree in School Counseling. Ms. Flynn's previous experience includes working in Madison and New Haven, providing a comprehensive school counseling program to service all students and their needs, grades K-12. As school counselor, Ms. Flynn will be working with K-8 students on topics such as respect, being a good friend, mindfulness, classroom skills, and positive self-talk. Ms. Flynn is a proud Catholic school graduate, and we are pleased that her expertise and faith can come together to the benefit of St. Mark students.
Mrs. Kristen Watkins-Blanco
Academic Intervention Teacher
Permanent Building Substitute Teacher
Mrs. Watkins-Blanco graduated from the University of Rhode Island, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. She also holds a Master's Degree in Special Education. Over her more than 10 years of teaching experience, Mrs. Watkins-Blanco has supported students' individual learning needs as a Reading Intervention teacher, math tutor, and extended school year (ESY) Special Education teacher. Mrs. Watkins-Blanco comes to St. Mark from St. Catherine Sienna School, where she taught Special Education.
Ms. Taylor Martin
Preschool Aide
Substitute Teacher
Ms. Martin earned a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Berry College in Georgia. An avid lacrosse player and celebrated coach, Ms. Martin earned a Master's Degree in Athletic Leadership from Castleton University in Vermont. Ms. Martin first joined St. Mark School in the 2019-202 school year as a per diem substitute teacher. We are grateful Ms. Martin has joined our school community in a larger role, as a short-term substitute teacher in grade 6 and then grade 4. This week, Ms. Martin transitions to her permanent position, joining Mrs. Larracuente and Mrs. Grant in our Little Lion's Preschool Program.
Ms. Sara Badeaux
Preschool Aide
After School Program Teacher
Also new to our Little Lion's preschool program, Ms. Sara brings her warmth and compassion to our youngest of learners. Ms. Sara has previous experience in early childhood education, most recently as a teacher's aide in the Jumpstart Program at St. Augustine Academy, Bridgeport. Jumpstart provides a language, literacy, and social-emotional program for preschool children.