Leadership at SMSA
Our Principal
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Marielena Hauser to the position of Principal of St. Mary's.
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Mrs. Hauser brings with her more than 30 years of educational experience -- along with a reputation for collaborative leadership, a focus on safety, a commitment to her students and, perhaps best of all, a joyful demeanor.
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"Mrs. Hauser is one of the most spirit-filled and enthusiastic educators I have ever met,” St. Mary's pastor Father Scott VanDerveer said. “ Her infectious optimism and joy are the perfect match for our growing school. I am thrilled to partner with her as we usher in a wonderful new era at St. Mary’s."
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Mrs. Hauser holds a Bachelor's in Physical Education from Springfield, a Master's in Curriculum Development and Technology from SUNY Albany, and a School Administrator's Certificate from NYS.
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She retired as Principal of Catskill High School in 2018. Prior to her retirement, she had also served in Catskill as: Principal for Discipline and Behavior Management (grades 6-12); Principal of the Middle School; Director of Physical Education and Health (K-12); and Assistant Principal of the Middle School.
“I am beyond blessed to be given this opportunity to help guide and lead St. Mary’s,” Hauser said. “From the minute I met Father Scott and took my first step into the school, it felt like home. I am ready to get to work and to provide a safe, nurturing environment for our staff and students.”
Fr. Scott VanDerveer, Pastor
Fr. Scott VanDerveer, a passionate educator and life-long learner, is the pastor and leader of St. Mary’s Parish and SMSA. Fr. Scott was born and raised in Rochester, received a degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from St. Bonaventure University and went on to earn a Master’s in Education at Boston College.
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After spending time abroad serving in Up with People program, he took a position as a high school theology teacher for five years at Cristo Rey Catholic High School in Boston. In 2007, he took a middle school teaching position near his maternal relatives in Albany, while he took a closer look at what it would mean to follow the pull he had felt for so long toward religious life.
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In 2009, Father Scott returned to Boston to study at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary as a seminarian of the Diocese of Albany. He earned a Masters of Divinity degree and was ordained as a priest on June 8, 2013 at age 38.
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His first assignment was at St. Mary’s Parish in Oneonta then went on to become pastor of two parishes: St. Mary’s in Coxsackie, and the Church of St. Patrick in Ravena. In September 2021, he became the pastor of St. Mary’s Parish and SMSA.
SMSA School Board
Established according to Diocesan guidelines, the SMSA School Board serves in an advisory role to the school's administration, providing critical support and guidance in the areas of Catholic Identity, Buildings and Grounds, Recruitment and Retention, and Fundraising and Development. School Board members must adhere to an established Code of Ethics and Conduct.
Interested guests are welcome and encouraged to attend school board meetings, which are regularly held at 5:45 pm on the 4th Monday of each month. Guests should check the School Calendar and/or the latest Kerry Blue Newsletter for possible changes to times, dates, and locations.
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Board Membership
​Non-voting Members:
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Father Scott VanDerveer, Pastor
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Marielena Hauser, Principal
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Elaine Stocker, Faculty Representative
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Voting Members
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Executive Team:
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Kathleen McNulty, President; Recruitment and Retention Committee Chair; Catholic ID Committee Member
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Patricia Siano, Vice President and Catholic ID Committee Member
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Kate Fowler, Secretary
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Membership:​
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Francine Buser, Finance and Development Committee Chair
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Janet Curley, School Grant Task Force Captain
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Michael Feeder
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Matt Jones, PTA Representative
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Mark Olechowski, Finance and Development Committee Assistant Chair
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Sandi Ryan, PTA Representative
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Mary Tully, Buildings and Grounds Committee Chair