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Messmore Staff
Get to Know the Messmore Staff! (2023-2024)
The Office Staff!
Fiema, Renee (Principal)
Grateful to lead the extraordinary students at Messmore, I've devoted 32 years to education, starting as a kindergarten teacher and progressing to principal. I am blessed with outstanding teachers, engaged parents, and a Montessori-driven school, in which I cherish our educational journey.
Off-campus, I revel in family life—my son excels in digital marketing, my daughter pursues interior design, while my husband runs Aquarium Shine, filling our home with the beauty of a saltwater reef tank. Personally, I find balance in post-school workouts, dog walks, reading, and journaling.
Szadek, Sarah (Administrative Assistant)
Hello! My name is Sarah Szadek and I am the Administrative Assistant at Messmore Elementary. This is my second year in this position and I absolutely love my job! I also enjoy fishing, counted cross-stitching, diamond art, and watching TV and movies with my girls.
I have two beautiful daughters…..Lois and Andie. Lois is in 9th grade and attends UCMST in the mornings and finishes at Heritage Junior High in the afternoon. She is excelling in all her classes and is enjoying school. She is also in the Stevenson High School Marching Band and plays the baritone. Andie is in the 7th Grade at Heritage Junior High and she is also doing well and enjoying school! She joined concert band and plays the trombone.
Hackert, Denise (Office Clerk)
I am married to my wonderful husband, Kevin for 15 years. We have a 13 year old son, Andrew who keeps us busy with boy scouts and his extra-curricular activities like bowling and tennis. I also have a spoiled 8 year old Goldendoodle, Biscuit. I enjoy spending time with my family, camping in our travel trailer, traveling, going to Florida, golfing, and fishing.
The Teachers!
Barker, Amy (Preschool and Kindergarten)
Braley, Melanie (Third and Fourth Grade)
Grady, Pam (First and Second Grade)
Hello, my name is Pamela Grady. This is my 36th year teaching at Messmore. I also attended Messmore as a student. Yes, the building is that old! I received my bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan and my master’s degree from Oakland University. I obtained my Montessori certification from MMTTC in Chicago.
I have a wonderful husband, John, and three children, Aaron 29, Joshua 27, and Samantha 25. All three of which attended Messmore. I believe that was the best decision we ever made educationally for our children. Aaron graduated from Central Michigan University. His brother, Joshua graduated from (our rival school) Western Michigan University. Leave it to my middle! My daughter, Samantha is still in school and is pursuing a degree in the medical field.
My oldest is married. We are very lucky to have Aaron and Jonna living very close. We are blessed to be able to see them often. We have a dog named Archie who loves to snuggle all the time. I love teaching, going on vacations with my family, spending time in my pool reading a good book, drawing, and crafting.
Hannish, Riva (Third and Fourth Grade)
Hello Messmore Family,
My name is Riva Hannish. This is my 17th year in Utica District. I student taught here at Messmore Elementary to the best mentor teacher, Charlene Sonnenberg! I taught first and second grade for one year and then moved to West Utica where I taught first grade for 5 additional years. I came back to Messmore and have been teaching 3rd and 4th grade for 10 years. I am married to my husband Brandon and have 4 children, 3 boys and a girl. Three of my children attend Messmore and my oldest is and 8th grader at Holy Family. We are a sports family and spend most of our time at football and basketball games. I am very blessed!
Kiser, Deborah (Preschool and Kindergarten)
I’m baaack!
Hi Messmore Colleagues,
I am excited to be back home! I taught Preschool/Kindergarten here nine years ago for eight years. Except for being in a different classroom, new technology, and a few new faces, I feel like I never left!
I have two delightful daughters, two super sons-in-law, and two groovy grandsons. My grandsons are my hobbies. Luke, age 14, is always participating in a sport. Micah, age 3, just moved home from Oregon/California. With the colder days, he has declared that he does not like Michigan!
I have a spoiled dog named Bailey; she is a little Terrier Mutt and the best flea market treasure I have ever found. No... she found me!
Masinick, Jenny (Fifth and Sixth Grade)
Hi, my name is Jenny Masinick, I am a fifth and sixth grade teacher here at Messmore. This is my fourth year teaching this grade level. I live with my husband Ben and 14-yr old daughter, Amber. Most of my time is spent enjoying all my daughter's extra-curricular activities like band competitions, football games, swim meets, and dances. I love to read and hang out with my friends and family. My passion is being environmentally conscious and aware.
McKenna, Elizabeth (Third and Fourth Grade)
O'Brien, Amy (First and Second Grade)
My name is Amy O'Brien. I have been lucky enough to spend my entire 18-year teaching career here at Messmore. My Messmore journey began teaching 5th /6th grade for 10 years, then I spent a year teaching 3rd/4th grade, and now I'm currently in my 7th year in the 1st/2nd grade world. My passion about teaching reading and writing... I mean, VERY passionate! Fun Fact: I wrote and published a children's book of my own.
At home, I am surrounded by boys! I have 4 sons- Cameron (15), Quinn (11), Charlie (8), and Grayson (7) and a supportive husband, Shawn. I am a proud BOY MOM! Our boys keep us on our toes and our lives super busy, filled with baseball, basketball, theater, and horseback riding.
I'm excited to begin another learning adventure this year. Life is good.
Papadelis, Kellie (Fifth and Sixth Grade)
Papandreou, Dimitra (Fifth and Sixth Grade)
Hi! My name is Dimitra Papandreou and I began my teaching journey 17 years ago here at Messmore Elementary. I can truly say that I am lucky enough to have my dream job, and there is nothing else I would rather be doing. I love teaching 5th and 6th grade!
My husband and I share three amazing adult children and three beautiful grandchildren that we adore. My favorite memories involve spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy going on long walks, traveling to new places, reading, and gardening.
Papandreou, Melissa (Fifth and Sixth Grade)
Pecoraro, Lisa (Preschool and Kindergarten)
Sonnenberg, Charlene (First and Second Grade)
Vedder, Andrea (Third and Fourth Grade)
Hi, I'm Andrea Vedder. I have been teaching the past 24 years at Messmore Elementary. I have been teaching 34 years. I am originally from Ohio, but have called Rochester, Michigan my home for almost 30 years. I am currently an empty nester. Miles has just moved to Colorado to start a career in finance after granduating from Grand Valley State University. Simon is at Michigan State earning his degree in Engineering - Data Analysis. He is graduating next year.
I love being a teacher then and now. The challenges add to the adventure. I enjoy my family - I am the youngest of nine. I am the happy mom of Miles and Simon. If you see me, I am enjoying the outdoors - walking, hiking, skiing, and enjoying the sun on my face.
Witek, Christina (First and Second Grade)
The Specialists!
Al-attar, Macey (Instructional Support Module (ISM))
Hello!
I'm Macey Al-attar, I just graduated from Oakland University and this is my first year teaching. I student taught at Roose Elementary in Centerline and was virtual all year long with 2nd grade due to covid. It is nice to finally get the in person experience. I live with my parents, sister and my Pomeranian. I love traveling and being with my family!
Brown, Chris (Media Center)
Merriman, Lisa (Art)
Miskokomon, Kathy (Media Center)
This is my 31st year in Utica Community Schools! After teaching Nursery/Preschool, First Grade, Second Grade, Fourth Grade, special assignment of teaching teachers technology and then sixth grade I moved to the media center position 19 years ago and started right here at Messmore! This year I am at Flickinger Elementary every morning and Messmore every afternoon. My husband and I have three children, Will (age 26), Kate (age 24) and Hannah (age 22) who are all busy in their lives leaving us as empty nesters. We love to travel! When I'm not at school or on a tropical beach I can be found reading a book, painting, gardening or other fun things to keep me busy.
Special Services!
Broadwell, Katie (Psychologist)
Hi! My name is Katie Broadwell, and I am a first year School Psychologist who just graduated from Wayne State University. I'm so excited to be a part of the Messmore team, everyone has been so welcoming and helpful. I've been working with kids for over 10 years. What inspired me to become a School Psychologist was an interest and passion for both psychology and education. I love working with teachers, parents, and students, to find the best ways we can support students to grow and achieve their personal best! I feel so fortunate to be starting out my professional career in Utica.
I've been married to the best husband ever for 2 years, and we love to travel and play pickleball. I also love to spend time cooking, baking, and trying new homemade recipes from scratch. My husband loves to eat, so it works out nicely. We have a dog at home, his name is Marvin, and he likes to spend most of his days snoozing in the sun.
Buckley, Damien (Literacy Coach)
Hello, Messmore Mavericks:)
My name is Damien Buckley. I am the new Literacy Coach at Messmore. I've worked with UCS for 20 years. I've taught a number of grades at a number of schools. I feel blessed to be at Messmore. The students and staff are so welcoming and hard working. Literacy is my passion and the key to being a life-long learner.
I have 3 wonderful children with my beautiful wife. My wife is a 2nd grade teacher. My kids are in 7th grade, 4th grade, and 1st grade. If I'm not watching my kids' sports, I'm usually golfing or tackling some project around the house. I like solving problems with my hands.
I look forward to meeting all of you!
Mr. Buckley
Cocco, Sara (Learning Center)
Hi, my name is Sara Cocco. I have been a teacher at Messmore for 24 years. I love our Messmore community and getting to know all the students and their families.
I teach in the learning center, which I love. I get to work with all different age levels of students. I also run Student Council with Mrs. McKenna and ATOM (Academically Talented of Messmore).
I am married and have 2 daughters. Mr. Cocco owns a construction company. Chloe, my oldest daughter is 18 and just started her 1st year at Grand Valley State University. She is studying to become an elementary school teacher. Lydia is in 10th grade at Eisenhower High School. She is on the dance team and also on 2 other competitive dance teams.
In my spare time I love hanging out with my family and friends, reading, watching TV and shopping.
Kasiska, Laura (English Learners Assistant)
My name is Laura Kasiska, and I teach EL at Messmore Elementary. I’ve been at Messmore for five years. Prior to this, I was subbing at Plumbrook in their POHI classes and was a lunch monitor for a number of years. I’ve been married for 37 years. My husband and I have four children and four grandchildren, with number five due in May. We love to travel, when we have the time, and spending time with our grandchildren. We also love watching our son play baseball and swim for the Stevenson swim team. In my spare time, I love doing photography and scrapbooking.
Nikollaj, Gabriela (English Learner (EL) Consultant)
Tear-Shelton, Jennifer (Speech-Language Pathologist)
Hello Messmore families! My name is Jennifer Tear-Shelton and I am so happy to be returning to your wonderful school for my fourth year as the speech-language pathologist in your building. I am in my 18th year working for UCS and love my job! It changes a little with every group of kids that I see, and I love making their speech therapy time fun. My husband, Cory, and I have two daughters named Caleigh (14) and Paige (5). We enjoy being outside in our yard swinging, jumping on the trampoline, going for walks or bike rides, and gardening. We have also started updating a vintage camper and love to take our girls to explore the state parks in Michigan, as my husband and I both grew up camping often. I am looking forward to another school year of meeting the families here at Messmore Elementary!
The Teacher Assistants!
Keyorkgy, Safaa (Mrs. Pecoraro's PM Assistant)
Hello,
My name is Safaa Keyorkgy, and I am a very proud mother of three bright and talented children who were lucky to have had Messmore as their elementary school as well. With the guidance and important lessons from various Messmore teachers they have grown up to become amazing adults that any mom wishes their kids to be.
I have a bachelors degree in French literature. I speak three languages, Arabic, French and English. I worked as a Secretary to the Chief of Mission of the United Nations High Commissioner in Damascus, Syria, and after getting married in 2000 I moved to Michigan with my husband and became a mom of three.
Watching my kids flourish in this school with love and laughter put a smile on my face every day. Therefore, I decided to join the Messmore family as a GETA paraprofessional to pursue my passion of teaching and support the wonderful young students. I started my job in 2014 at UCS, and I love everything about Messmore!
Mirza, Donna (Learning Center Assistant)
Hello, I am Donna Mirza, I have been with UCS since 2008. I started as a lunch Mom and substitute SETA. In 2010 I became a SETA full time. I have worked from High School to Early Childhood and made Messmore home 6 years ago. I am the one walking around with Chiefs attire on. Just seeing a child laugh and smile makes my day!
My husband and I have one Daughter, Sarrah is currently in her Senior year of college at OU. We all live in Sterling Heights with our two dogs, Izzy and Winnie.
Patel, Sarmistha (Ms. Kiser's AM and PM Assistant)
Shahane, Nikita (Mrs. Barker's AM Assistant)
The Support Staff!
Kinoshita, Yoko (Mrs. Sonnenberg's Sub GETA)
My name is Yoko Kinoshita and I work as General School Support to help teachers and students.
I am from Nagoya, Japan, and moved to Michigan in 2008 after marrying. I am the mother of Keiko (7th grade) and Ryusuke (3rd grade). I enjoy baking, gardening, and camping/fishing with my family.
Oakie, Michelle (Security Specialist)
I am Michelle Oakie and I am one of eleven School Security Specialists at UCS. I have been assigned to Heritage Junior High School, Messmore, Harvey, Oakbrook and Collins Elementary schools since 2019. I am married and I have two children.
I have a BA in Journalism from Wayne State University. I worked my way through college as a dispatcher at the Roseville Police Department. After graduation, I felt that there was more for me to explore in the civil service field, so I became a police officer. Although this was not my original career goal, the twenty-five years I spent working for the department afforded me the opportunity to serve the public and make a difference in the community.
Razoky, Randa (Health Aide)
Hi Messmore Families,
My Name is Randa Razoky. I have been the Health Aide of the school for the last 5 years. This is my 7th year at UCS. I graduated from Department of Mechanical Engineering from University of Technology in Iraq. I am a mother of one boy. He’s a 12th grade student at Stevenson High School. I love painting a lot and I have participated in many exhibitions in Iraq and USA. I hope to continue working with your kids.
Romano, Cacee (Building Substitute Teacher)
Hello, Messmore families!
My name is Cacee Romano and I am the Building Substitute Teacher. This is my second year at Messmore. I am married to my wonderful husband Chris. We celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary this year. We have two little Messmore Mavericks of our own, Amelia and Leo. We also have two fur babies at home, Lucy and Lincoln.
I very much enjoy getting to know the students and getting to help and work with the teachers and staff. Messmore is such a wonderful community and I’m so thankful to be a part of it.
The Custodians!
Battaglia, Philip (Lead Custodian)
Hello Messmore staff, kids and parents. My name is Philip Battaglia. This is my 7th year as a lead custodian. What a lead custodian does is to make sure everything in the building is running orderly. I’ve only been here at Messmore Elementary for about 7 months.
I am engaged with no date set yet. I’ve been with my girl for 7 years, no kids. I enjoy what I do. Cleaning is my passion.
In my free time I love the outdoors, cutting grass, hanging out on the deck, cruising in my 1995 Trans AM. I love spending time with my family and friends, gardening and going to sporting events like The Tigers and Red Wings’ games. Also, I put God first!
Thanks,
Your Custodian Philip