Executive Director
Sister Maria Therese, SND, is a lifelong educator, earned a Master of Education from Xavier University, and is trained in teaching and administration. She has taught for 25 years, served as principal at St. Augustine School in Covington, Kentucky, for seven, and has been NDUEC’s director since August 1, 2018. Sister Maria Therese was awarded the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce in 1996 and the A.D. Albright Award for Excellence in Leadership Top Administrator in Northern Kentucky in 2014.
Education Director
Maria Goretti Schappert is a retired educator who taught in the Diocese of Covington for 30 years. Maria is a reading specialist certified in the Orton-Gillingham Approach, an evidence-based instruction for remediating reading, writing, and spelling difficulties. Maria was also awarded the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. Maria joined the NDUEC staff on August 1, 2018, directing NDUEC’s four transformational education programs: Early Learning, Homework Plus, Summer Academics, and Family Support. Maria received her BA in Education from Thomas More College (University) and her MEd from Northern Kentucky University.
Director of Development
Erin Woods joined the Notre Dame Urban Education Center on October 1, 2020. She is responsible for advancing the center’s development strategy by implementing comprehensive fundraising plans that support NDUEC’s mission. Her work includes managing annual appeals and fundraising initiatives, maintaining effective communication with donors and patrons, cultivating relationships with prospective supporters, and securing essential resources through grant writing. Ms. Woods holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Mathematics Education from the University of Kentucky (2021) and a Master of Business Administration from Thomas More University (2020).
Early Learning Teacher
Julaina Bishop is a retired teacher with 30 years of experience teaching Kindergarten and remedial reading, and 10 years as a substitute teacher. She is certified in the Orton-Gillingham Approach, evidence-based reading instruction for remediating reading, writing, and spelling difficulties. Julaina joined the NDUEC staff on August 1, 2019, and began NDUEC’s Early Learning program. She received her BS in Education from Northern Kentucky University and her MEd from Xavier University.
Volunteer Coordinator
Brandi Lenihan began working as the Volunteer Coordinator at NDUEC on January 1, 2024. Her primary role is to support the Program Director by recruiting and managing adult and student volunteers for different programming and service initiatives. She is also responsible for volunteer orientation, training, scheduling, recognition, and appreciation. Brandi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Indiana University.
Enrichment Coordinator
Terri De Yong is a retired educator with 24 years of experience working with public schools, the Kentucky Virtual High School, and the Kentucky Department of Education. After retiring, Terri spent six years with a healthcare company, leading the training and development team. Terri joined the NDUEC staff on August 21, 2019, as an enrichment instructor and floor proctor for the Homework Plus program. Terri also volunteers for the Cincinnati Symphony and the City of Erlanger. Terri graduated from the University of Kentucky with an Elementary and Special Education degree. Graduate work included a Master of Administration at Xavier University and a Rank I certification through the University of Kentucky focused on Special Education Technology.
Enrichment Coordinator
Marilyn Dusing earned a BA in Education from Thomas More University in 1972 and an MEd from Northern Kentucky University eight years later. She has over 40 years of teaching experience at Villa Madonna Academy, Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary, St. Agnes, Prince of Peace, Holy Family, and St. Paul. In 2019, Marilyn began an after-school program in City Heights, Covington, KY. She joined the NDUEC staff on August 20, 2024, as an enrichment instructor focusing on language arts and writing.
Enrichment Coordinator
Judy Sanders is a retired visual arts instructor. She graduated from Central Art Academy for Commercial Art in 1979 and has thirteen years of freelance experience. Judy has served as the Arts in Diversion teacher within the Kenton County Juvenile Court System and led an early childhood art collaboration at James E. Briggs Early Childhood Center. She also led the ArtStop program at Carnegie Visual & Performing Arts Center and was an art instructor at Baker Hunt Art & Cultural Center. Judy joined the NDUEC team on August 20, 2024, as an enrichment instructor focusing on visual arts.