Mrs. Lynn Boardman, RN.
Mrs. Boardman is a professional registered nurse with 25 years of experience. She is a Graduate of St. Vincent's School of Nursing, and has attended the College of Staten Island. She is an experienced nurse in various areas such as medical / surgical nursing, traveling nurse, geriatric nursing, post anesthesia care nursing, and ambulatory care nursing. For the past three years she has been the Parish Nurse here at St. Clare.

She has been a parishioner of St. Clare Church since 1986. Her four children are graduates of St. Clare School. She is a Neighborhood Outreach Contact Person for St. Clare Church.

Mrs. Bobby L. Bulger
As the Parish Manager Mrs. Bulger is responsible for conducting the business affairs of the parish in an ethical, professional, efficient and organized manner. This is done in order to relieve the pastor of as much of the administrative details of the Parish as is possible.

The Parish Manager at St. Clare's has many duties which vary from day to day. However, the oversight of the Parish Schedule and the maintenance of our enormous plant here at St. Clare's with all its buildings and grounds are an ongoing daunting task. In addition, she is responsible for the personnel records and payroll for the entire Parish Staff including our school, in addition to being accountable for the overall direct supervision of the secretarial, clerical and maintenance staff on a daily basis.

Mrs. Bulger came to St. Clare parish in early 1960, and began her ministry as a parish secretary in 1974.

Mrs. Regina D. Cassidy
Regina has been a part of St. Clare's parish and staff since 1987, as Parent Education Director. Prior to this, she was a teacher of the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades at St. Margaret Mary's School, and a recreation therapist at Carmel Richmond Nursing Home. She has degrees in Education from St. John's University as well as Fordham University. In 1999, she graduated from NYU with a degree in social work, and worked for several years at Project Hospitality. She is currently employed part-time at Bayley Seton Hospital, in behavioral health.

Her husband, Tom, and their three sons, Mike, John, and Jimmy, are involved in the St. Clare's parish as well, as altar servers and volunteers in Family Ministry activities..

Rev. James Essuon

Mr. Bob Fleming

Mrs. Virginia Gallagher
Mrs. Gallagher is a native Staten Islander from the North Shore.  She received her Bachelor’s Degree in American Studies and Education from Richmond College ,and earned her Master’s Degree in Education from CUNY (CSI).  Whilst still a student, Mrs. Gallagher worked in summer school programs in PS. 16 in Tompkinsville.

Mrs. Gallagher has taught most grades from Kindergarten through the Eighth Grade.  Her teaching career began in Sheffield, England where she lived with her husband David.  She taught the equivalent of our American Kindergarten, First Grade and Second Grade (all at the same time in a Vertically Grouped classroom setting!) for six years and absolutely loved it!

When she (with her husband) returned to the United States, her husband was asked to join the Monsignor Farrell family and she was asked to join the St. Clare family.  In September 1981, she began her American teaching career in St. Clare’s school teaching the Fifth Grade and, through the years, she has taught the Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Grades and loved each and every one of them!

Mrs. Gallagher is currently the Assistant Principal (and the longest serving faculty/staff member in the school) and loves it!

Mr. John Gillen
Since joining the staff in 2004, John coordinates all Youth Ministries of the parish using the framework of the U.S. Bishops Renewing the Vision, which makes St. Clare’s a Comprehensive Youth Ministry parish.  As Youth Director, John coordinates the preparation for Confirmation (Confirmed in the Spirit), is moderator of Altar Servers, serves as a resource for the Sports program, and is available to all ministries that minister to our youth including the Parochial School, Religious Education program, high school and college age students.

A Brooklyn native, John was called to ministry as the first Youth Minister of his home parish of St. Ephrem.  He went on to serve as the first lay director in the Diocesan Office of Youth Ministry in 2000 before returning to parish ministry.  He holds a B.S. Business Management from St. Francis College, M.S. Counseling from Brooklyn College, and is currently pursuing M.S. School Administration at St. John’s University.  Additionally, he holds an Advanced Certificate in Youth Ministry from the Diocese of Brooklyn.

In addition to his ministry at Saint Clare’s, John is Youth Director at Mount Manresa Jesuit Retreat House on Staten Island.  He serves on several Youth Ministry consultation committees through the National Federation of Youth Ministry in Washington, DC, and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Brooklyn Diocesan Newspaper The Tablet.  In 2008, John was appointed to the Archdiocesan Catholic Youth Ministry Board that serves in an advisory role to the Archdiocesan Catechetical Office.

Rev. Msgr. Richard J. Guastella
Msgr. Richard J. Guastella was born in the Washington Heights section of Manhattan where he belonged to Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish and attended its elementary school.  He also was active in its CYO organization and credits the parish priest moderators in helping to nurture his vocation to the priesthood.  He graduated from Bishop Dubois High School in 1964 and attended Cathedral College and St. Joseph Seminary where he received his Masters of Divinity Degree.

Father Richard, as he prefers to be called, was ordained on May 27, 1972 after having served as a deacon intern at Our Lady of Victory Parish in Mt. Vernon.  His first priestly assignment was to Holy Rosary Parish in the Bronx.  As the young priest in the parish, much of his ministry was directed toward youth.

Msgr. Guastella became Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese of New York in 1980 and in 1983 was assigned as Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Manhattan, where in addition to his regular duties he was involved with youth work.

Cardinal O’Connor asked him to become Pastor of Holy Rosary Parish, Staten Island in 1987.  He was given the directive to work with the people to build the church, which they so greatly desired.  Pope John Paul II named him a Prelate of Honor in 1995.

Miss Jessica Heap
Miss Heap is the Coordinator of Religious Education at St. Clare’s.  She received her Masters of Science in Educational Administration and Instructional Supervision and Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from St. John’s University.

She has taught Religion for five years. Having served as a substitute teacher, she has worked in many parochial and public schools throughout Staten Island. Miss Heap was the After-care supervisor and the gym teacher at St. Sylvester School. She has also served as the Graduate Assistant for the School of Education at St. John’s University.

This call to serve St. Clare’s Faith Formation for our children comes as a blessing in her life. She prays for the grace to be the best she can be.

Mr. Fred Herron
Fred Herron is the Director of Adult Faith Formation at St. Clare’s.  He and his wife Kathleen are parishioners of St. Clare's where each of their five children attended the parish grammar school.  He holds advanced degrees from the Catholic University of America, St. John's University and Boston College.  Fred is the chairperson of the Religious Studies Department at Fontbonne Hall Academy, Brooklyn, New York , a member of the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at St. John's University, Staten   Island and Program Director at Mount Manresa Jesuit Retreat House, Staten Island. Author of five books, including Combing the Tradition: Catholic Schools in the Era of Baptismal Consciousness, Wood, Waterfalls and Stars: Catholic Schools and the Catholic Imagination and Immortal Longings:  Meeting Jesus Along the Way, his articles have appeared in such  journals as Liturgy, Momentum, Review for Religious, and The National Catholic Reporter. Fred has spoken nationally and internationally in the area of Catholic education, spirituality and adult faith formation.

Mrs. Cathy Koenig
Cathy prides herself in being a “lifelong Islander” where she first began her professional career with Chemical Bank.  She joined the parish in 1974 where she and her husband raised their three sons.  Over the years she has volunteered on countless committees and assisted with events at both the Pre-school and Parochial school.  She joined the secretarial team of the rectory in 2004 and is currently responsible for coordinating all purchases for the parish facilities and organizations.  In addition to recording the Sacramental records for First Communion and Confirmation Cathy assists the Youth Minister with scheduling for Altar Servers.  Naturally, in a busy parish like St. Clare’s you will find Cathy assisting with many other special projects or events, such as the 2008 Papal Visit.

Mr. Robert Marra

Mrs. Anastasia Marrano
Ann has worked in the Rectory for over thirty years, and has been a parishioner for over thirty-three years. Ann's duties include, but are not limited to, maintaining, updating and preserving the integrity of the Parish's vast database which contains well over 12,000 records. This Database is vital to the operation of the Parish. She also has overall responsibility for maintaining Parish's records with respect to the Cardinal's Appeal as well as other vital record keeping duties. In addition, Annie is able to perform the functions of the other secretaries if the need arises.

Rev. John McCarthy

Mrs. Julia E. McDonald
Julia is a former 3rd grade teacher at St. Mary's Elementary School in Rosebank who returned to the educational community in 1971 when she taught pre-school at Holy Child for several years. In 1977, she organized the St. Clare Pre-School and has been its director ever since. She has been an active member of the St. Clare parish for 33 years and is presently a Eucharistic minister and lector. She also participates in the Small Faith Community. Her five children all graduated from St. Clare Elementary School. She was the varsity cheerleading coach for 15 years--and 12 years the team was the Island's championship squad.

Mrs. Terri Miyamoto
In her position as Director of Liturgy, Mrs. Miyamoto is responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing liturgies and prayer experiences for the parish. She is the chairperson of the parish's Liturgy Committee, which is responsible for developing ideas for the seasons and feasts of the church year. She works with the school, religious education program, and the youth minister to address the liturgical needs of all ages, and with the priests, deacons and Director of Music to provide meaningful worship experiences for everyone.

Mrs. Miyamoto holds undergraduate degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science from Duke University, an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University, a Masters of Theological Studies from the seminary at Drew University, and a certificate in Christian Spirituality from the Immaculate Conception School of Theology at Seton Hall University. She is currently pursuing a masters degree in Jewish Christian Studies at Seton Hall University. Prior to joining St. Clare's staff in 2000, she worked for over 25 years in Information Systems, managing the development of computer applications for human resources, benefits and compensation. She has been married since 1976 to David, a professor at Drew University, and has one daughter, Katy.

Deacon Richard Mitchell
Deacon Rich was ordained to the Diaconate in 1989, Deacon Rich has a masters degree in counseling from St. John’s University and holds a graduate certificate in parish administration from Seton Hall.

Deacon Rich and his wife Marcella have been active in the parish for over 35 years. During that time, they have been involved in Marriage Preparation, RCIA, CCD, Children’s Catechumenate, Renew, Youth Ministry, Sports Program and other activities.

Deacon Rich was a counselor at Moore Catholic High School and  Chairperson of the Religion Department.

As a Deacon he witnesses marriages, performs Baptisms and is blessed to be involved in the spiritual lives of our parishioners.

Mrs. Jo Ann O’Connor

Fr. Michael Panful
Fr. Michael is a priest from Ghana who has been ordained for 15 years. He is presently attending St. John's University.

Mr. George Poppe
George has a Masters Degree in Music from the Manhattan School of Music and a B.A. from Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music. He has worked as an organist and Choir Director in both the Diocese of Brooklyn and the New York Archdiocese for over forty years. He has taught music in the Public and Catholic Schools. His compositions include works for chorus and orchestra such as “The Passion of Jesus”, and “Words of Mary” and a two-act opera based on Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol”.

George worked for St. Clare’s Parish for nine years before and returns as Music Minister after a seven year appointment at Regina Pacis Church in Brooklyn.

Ms. Linda Rizzotto, LCSW
 

Mrs. Maureen Rosalie
Maureen, her husband Michael, and her son Mike have been St. Clare parishioners for twenty six years. She has been on staff for the past seven years. She possesses a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Hunter College. Maureen maintains the books for the Church, School, and Religious Education Program. Her fiscal responsibilities extend to the varied ministries and sports program finances. She prepares budgets, and financial reports, as well as paying all of the bills for the parish.

Maureen works closely with the pastor, Business Manager, and the St. Clare Finance Council to insure that parish financial assets and resources are safeguarded and maintained. Maureen considers her unique work environment to be a blessing. Administrative responsibilities are closely intertwined with pastoral aspects of the parish. At the end of most days, you go home knowing that you made a small difference. Not many "bean counters" are lucky enough to say that!

Mrs. Jo N. Rossicone
Jo N. Rossicone worked as an educator with the Department of Education of the City of New York for 34 years. For 22 of those years she taught at PS 104, a K - 8 school in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. For 5½ years she served as Assistant Principal at IS 227 before becoming Principal at IS 220, John J. Pershing Intermediate School.  In 2004, after seven years of service at Pershing, she retired to become the first lay Principal of Saint Clare Elementary School where "we build a faith and educational foundation, one student at a time."

Mrs. Rossicone received her BA in Child Study at Saint Joseph's College for Women, and her Masters in Elementary Education as well as her 6th year Professional Certificate in Administration and Supervision at Richmond College, (later to become the College of Staten Island). She has been affiliated with the educational associations such as the Lorraine Monroe Leadership Academy, CEI-PEA, the Center for Educational Innovation. While working at the Department of Education, she was an active member of the Middle School Principals' Association and the CSA, the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators serving as an elected official in both organizations.

Mrs. Rossicone is married to Dr. Greg Rossicone, Principal of Notre Dame Academy High School.  They have 2 sons, Robert and Michael who are both educators in the Department of Education.

In addition to her role as Principal, Mrs. Rossicone is involved in parish activities and serves as an Extraordinary Minister of the Holy Eucharist.

Mrs. Gerri Smith
Mrs. Gerri Smith joined the St. Clare staff in April, 2003.  She came on board with 8.5 years of prior experience as a church secretary. Gerri's duties include coordinating, reconciling and collecting tuition for St. Clare's elementary school.  In addition, Gerri is able to perform the functions of the other secretaries if the need arisies.

Mrs. Anne Marie Sorrentino

Mrs. Diana Trabanco
Diana serves as the Administrator of the pre-school and helps make the program run smoothly through her efficiency and knowledge of the needs of the program. Diana has been at the pre-school since 1987. She also held the position of president of the Parish Council and is currently a member of a Small Faith Group. A graduate of Hunter College, Miss Diana has a degree in education, specializing in reading. She spent 12 years as a money manager at Wall Street firms.

Mrs. Eloise Watson
Ellie has worked in the Rectory for over twenty years, has been a parishioner all her life (years not to be disclosed) and she is a graduate of St. Clare School. Ellie's duties include, but are not limited to, preparing the Sunday Bulletin for camera ready publication, recording and maintaining our extraordinary Mass schedule and Mass Intention records. She also has primary responsibility for our School Tuition program. In addition, Ellie is able to perform the functions of the other secretaries if the need arises.