Mission in Motion
Our Staff
Erin Woods
Executive Director
Erin became Executive Director of Notre Dame Urban Education Center on July 1, 2026. Since joining the NDUEC team on October 1, 2020, Erin has led the organization’s fundraising, donor relations, grant writing, and development efforts, helping secure critical resources to advance NDUEC’s mission. As Executive Director, she provides strategic leadership for the organization, oversees daily operations, cultivates community partnerships, and works closely with the Board of Directors to ensure long-term sustainability and growth. Erin earned her MBA from Thomas More University in 2020 and her BA in Secondary Mathematics Education from the University of Kentucky in 2021.
Maria Goretti Schappert
Program Director
Maria 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.
Sister Maria Therese, SND
Program Coordinator
Sister Maria Therese, transitioned to the role of Program Coordinator on July 1, 2026, after serving as Executive Director of NDUEC since August 1, 2018. A lifelong educator, Sister Maria Therese earned a Master of Education from Xavier University and is trained in both teaching and administration. She taught for 25 years and served as principal of St. Augustine School in Covington, Kentucky, for seven years before joining NDUEC. As Program Coordinator, she continues to support the center’s educational mission by assisting with program implementation, student and family engagement, and special projects. Sister Maria Therese received the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce in 1996 and the A.D. Albright Award for Excellence in Leadership Top Administrator in Northern Kentucky in 2014.
Juliana Bishop
Early Learning Teacher
Julaina 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.
Brandi Lenihan
Volunteer Coordinator
Brandi 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.
Terri De Yong
Enrichment Coordinator
Terri 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.
Marilyn Dusing
Enrichment Coordinator
Marilyn 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.
Joline Hartig
Enrichment Coordinator
Joline is an accomplished art educator and practicing artist with more than 25 years of experience teaching students from preschool through high school. She has taught K–12 art throughout Northern Kentucky and has developed visual arts curricula, led enrichment programs, and helped students explore a variety of artistic media and techniques. Joline holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmaking and K–12 Art Education from Northern Kentucky University, as well as a Kentucky State Teaching Certificate in K–12 Art. She is passionate about fostering creativity, confidence, critical thinking, and individual expression in students. Outside of teaching, Joline creates art in her home studio and enjoys spending time with her family.
Brian Keith
Transportation Driver
Brian joined NDUEC on February 19, 2026, as a transportation driver, bringing dependability and a strong work ethic to support students and families each day. In this role, he is responsible for safely transporting students to the center. Before joining NDUEC, Brian built a successful career in the jewelry industry. Before joining NDUEC, Brian had a successful career in the jewelry industry. Brian earned his diploma from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and holds a GIA GD degree. Since retiring, Brian and his wife Judy enjoy traveling and spending time with their grandchildren.