Department of Catholic Schools Staff

Helping administrators and teachers to serve our students and parents

Anne Willkens Leach

Superintendent

Anne Willkens Leach, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, is a longtime educator and schools administrator. She joined the Diocese in August 2008.

Prior to her being named superintendent, Willkens Leach, who lives in Penfield, most recently served as as principal of Nazareth Hall Middle School She has served in that role for the past year.

Previously in her career, she was deputy superintendent of schools from 2001-2007 for the Genesee Valley BOCES in LeRoy. From 1999-2001, she served as assistant superintendent for instruction for the Wayne Central School District and in a number of positions at Monroe BOCES #1, including director of curriculum and staff development from 1989-1999, training coordinator (1983-1989) and as a district-based classroom teacher (1979-1983).

She also was director of physical education for School of the Holy Childhood and girls' physical education instructor for Rochester School for the Deaf.

Willkens Leach holds a certificate of advanced study in education administration from SUNY Brockport, a master's degree in education from Nazareth College, a bachelor's degree from SUNY Empire State and an associate's degree from Monroe Community College. She also holds permanent certification from New York State as a school district administrator, school administrator and supervisor, nursery school-6th grade and common branch subjects, special education and recreation.

"I am delighted at the opportunity to serve as superintendent and to help our Catholic Schools thrive," Willkens Leach says. "I have a deep faith and a strong, strong feeling that Catholic Schools must and will thrive and grow. They have so much to offer. Working together, we can accomplish this."

Administrative Assistant,    x 1294

Mary Ellen Wagner

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction

Mary Ellen Wagner, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, has had a life-long career in Catholic School education. She is an alumna of both Our Lady of Good Counsel School and St. Agnes High School, former schools in Rochester. As Assistant Superintendent, Ms. Wagner primarily oversees the development and implementation of Diocesan and Interdiocesan curriculum for PreK- Grade 8 based on the NYS Learning Standards, the review and assessment of textbooks/resources, and the orientation of new principals and teachers. She is also the School Visitor who is the liaison between the Catholic Schools Office and the diocesan schools. 

Prior to her being appointed as Assistant Superintendent, Mary Ellen, who lives in Gates, served for two years as principal of both Nazareth Hall Middle School and Nazareth Academy.

Mary Ellen (Schraml) Wagner had previously been a Catholic School educator in the Diocese of Rochester for almost 30 years at Holy Family School in Rochester. During that time she held various positions which included being an intermediate/junior high teacher as well as an Art and Technology teacher (K-6).  Ms. Wagner served as Holy Family’s principal from 2003 until its closure in 2008.

Mary Ellen received her education administration certification from the University of Rochester, a Master’s degree in Special Needs Education from SUNY Brockport, a Bachelor’s degree in English from SUNY Geneseo and an Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts from Monroe Community College.  She also holds permanent certification from New York State as a School District Administrator, School Administrator and Supervisor for K-12, and as a teacher for Nursery school - Grade 6.

 

Ann Frank

Coordinator of Assessment and Professional Growth

Ann Frank is the Coordinator of Assessment and Professional Growth for the Department of Catholic Schools.  Her primary functions are to coordinate the planning and implementation of all diocesan staff development experiences for Catholic schools, serve as a resource to administrators and teachers in the area of staff development and faith formation, administer the assessment program for schools throughout the Diocese, and provide leadership and support to school administrators in implementing assessment programs.

Ann earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Education from Nazareth College.  Before working for the Catholic Schools, she was a program director/instructor at a private business college.  She belongs to several professional education organizations and serves on the New York State Interdiocesan Curriculum Committee.

Ann and her husband, Greg, live in Pittsford, New York and have three children.

Sister Dolores Ann Stein

Administrative Assistant

Sister Dolores Ann Stein, RSM is a Religious Sister of Mercy with the NYPPAW Community (New York, Pennsylvania and Pacific West).

She is an Administrative Assistant for the Diocese of Rochester, Catholic Schools Office.

After teaching Elementary education for ten years, Sister Dolores Ann was transferred to Notre Dame High School in Elmira where she taught for sixteen years. In 1984 she became the Principal of St. Ann School in Hornell, NY.  Following her retirement in 2007, Sister  joined the Department of Catholic Schools Office as an Administrative Assistant.

Sister hold a BS in Business Education from Marywood College, Scranton, PA, a MS in Business Education from SUNY Albany and holds NYS Certification in Administration and Supervision.

Ext. 1294

Sister Francella Quinn

Administrative Assistant

Sister Francella Quinn is a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester, NY. She holds a BS in Elementary Education and a BA in English from Nazareth College.  She obtained her Masters in Educational Administration and a Certificate of Advanced Studies from New York State University at Brockport. Sister is certified as a Supervising Principal and School District Administrator.

Sister is a former teacher and administrator in the Diocese of Rochester and Adult Education Teacher and Mentor in the Public School System. Sister currently works as an Administrative Assistant in the Catholic Schools Office.  Sister has spent 54 years in education.

Ext. 1292

Mr. Doug Mandelaro

Diocesan Director

Stewardship, Development and Communications

News Media Inquiries should be directed to:
Doug Mandelaro
585-328-3210- Ext. 1297