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Female Teacher during a Math Class

2023-2024
Meet the Co-op  Staff!

Joyful Catholic faith

Mrs. Cindy Peters 
The School of Two Hearts    Summer 2021 - Present


Mrs. Peters earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Architecture from Cornell University and a Master’s degree in Art Education from Buffalo State College.  After working in the field of landscape architecture and then as a middle school art teacher, Mrs. Peters decided to leave the workforce to homeschool her children.  She taught all subjects up through eighth grade, infusing the Catholic faith throughout the curriculum.  Through the beautiful journey of homeschooling, Mrs. Peters’ love for Jesus, the Blessed Mother, and the Catholic faith grew immensely as did her desire to share the gift of her faith. After her homeschooling experience came to an end, she was thrilled to become part of The School of Two Hearts family and continues to share the love she has for her faith, for students, and for teaching.

 


Mr. Imanol Colon             
The School of Two Hearts  2021 - Present

                           
Mr. Colon (pronounced Cologne; aka Mr. C.) is pursuing his undergraduate degree in both Psychology and Religious Studies at Canisius College. For about five years, he has been working with children within a variety of settings. He was a teacher’s aide in religious education, a Core Member for Middle School youth ministry, and in 2021 he spent three weeks as a Summer Missionary at a Life Teen Summer Camp.        
At The School of Two Hearts Co-op, Mr. Colon has taught Reading/Writing to all Grade Groups (K - 9), as well as Math and Humanities for Kindergarten; he is also available to teach Math and Humanities to the older Grade Groups (up to 5th grade and high school, respectively).
Mr. C. frequently incorporates Bible reading into all of his Reading/Writing classes, and would be willing to incorporate other religious texts at parental request, and approval from Mrs. Suchyna. He is able to provide relatively deep lessons on faith topics from biblical, philosophical, and doctrinal perspectives.   
Mr. Colon’s interests include writing, critical analysis of media, and obscure history. For example, Did you know that eastern Tennessee tried to become its own state under the name of Franklin? His favorite saints are Saints Therese of Lisieux and Joseph; St. Therese’s simplicity and St. Joseph’s humility are very desirable traits and their intercession is important to him. Mr. Colon also enjoys playing video games and reading the Bible; he commonly attends the Novus Ordo (Mass in English), though he has a love for the Eastern Liturgy.

 

 

Mrs. Francesca Pacillo         
The School of Two Hearts  2022 - Present


    Mrs. Pacillo was born near Lecce, the Rococò city in the Region of Puglia. She moved to Buffalo with her husband in 2019 and they have two children. Although the kids attend school, Mrs. Pacillo homeschools them in Italian.
Mrs. Pacillo earned a law degree from Alma Mater Studiorum of Bologna (Italy), and worked in law for more than eight years. Although her thesis was in Criminal Justice, she mostly worked on labor, commercial and immigration law, which are specific sections of the Italian Civil Law.
In anticipation of moving to America, Mrs. Pacillo earned a Master’s degree in Business Tourism and Destination Management; however, the new path in her life and her love for children led her to choose teaching Italian, which she enjoys so very much. This decision was inspired by discovering the American homeschooling world, and the fact that homeschooling children have few opportunities to study a foreign language with a teacher who is a native speaker.
While Mrs. Pacillo attended college, she taught Italian to foreigners; once she moved to Buffalo, she taught at the Italian cultural center.  Mrs. Pacillo likes playing tennis, listening to old history podcasts and cooking for family and friends. She cannot wait to “play in Italian” with the School of Two Hearts students and to share her creativity with them. Mrs. Pacillo plans to creatively immerse the students in the culture and language, with “real life” experiences, as well as reading about the Saints’ lives. One goal includes the students interpreting a short version of these stories at the end of each quarter.

 

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Mrs. Kathleen Sacilowski
The School of Two Hearts  Summer 2022 - Present


Mrs. Sacilowski and her husband have homeschooled their four children K-12 from 2001-2022, for over 20 years!  They chose this path in order to teach their children their morals, faith, respect, character, and so much more! She describes this decision as such a blessing! As their youngest child was about to graduate in June 2022, Mrs. Sacilowski realized that she would soon be out of a job.  She prayed for direction and God led her to The School of Two Hearts Homeschool Co-op.
Mr. and Mrs. Sacilowski firmly believe in homeschooling; Mrs. Sacilowski experienced homeschooling as a beautiful gift from God, and shares these encouraging words to parents: “You can do it.  Don’t believe you can’t homeschool, because once you become a parent, you have already begun to teach your child(ren) at home. Time passes so quickly! You are their first teacher and I’m just here to help and support you in this journey via The School of Two Hearts Co-op.  If I can do it, anyone can.”
Mrs. Sacilowski brings a multitude of experience to our Co-op and is a tremendous resource.  In addition to teaching all four of her children and preparing them for college (for this was each of her children’s chosen path), she is familiar with using a variety of curricula and will share insights into the pros and cons of each.  The Sacilowski family belonged to a homeschool group, her children were involved in sports, and she has accumulated years of record keeping, writing reports, and preparing transcripts.
Mrs. Sacilowski went to college for a Fine Arts degree, but never finished because she started a family. She has no regrets. While homeschooling her children, she incorporated art into almost every subject; she enjoys learning and implementing different art mediums such as Graphite, Acrylic, Watercolor, Pastels, and Charcoal; along with different styles of art like Drawing, Painting, Stained Glass Painting, Rock Painting, Pointillism, Religious Icons, Photography, Pisanki, Wycinanki, etc.  As the years passed, she began teaching art classes to other homeschoolers, 4H groups, adults, friends and family.
Mrs. Sacilowski shares some final thoughts: “I will bring my knowledge and experience as a Homeschool Mom/Teacher, Art Teacher, and practicing Catholic to this co-op. I enjoy learning more about my Catholic faith every day.  I hope to instill a love for learning in your children.  I hope to teach them the same things I taught mine about faith, character, morals, beauty and art.  I hope to help you homeschool your children through the School of Two Hearts Homeschool Co-op.”

 


Ms. Monique Adamo
The School of Two Hearts  Summer 2022 - Present


Ms. Adamo is a 2001 graduate of Buffalo State College, where she earned Bachelor's and Master’s Degrees in Education. She is triple certified in Elementary and Special Education, as well as in Literacy (2005).  Teaching for over 20 years has been rewarding and has provided a solid foundation for success as both a teacher and a life-long learner. Ms. Adamo’s professional background includes classroom experience as a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade teacher, as well as a special education teacher (K-7) in both the Buffalo and Syracuse area suburban schools.
Ms. Adamo has attended several professional learning institutes and trainings in the areas of literacy, math, science, social studies, classroom management, and character education. 
She has taken on many leadership roles as a member of the Professional Development Team, Enrichment Committee implementing new character education initiatives, District Literacy Facilitator, Building Planning Team Chairperson, Writing Design Curriculum Development Member, Pupil Personnel Services Member, and Curriculum Design team member for Social Studies. Based on these experiences, Ms. Adamo has a vast array of strategies, lessons, and skills in all academic areas to bring to the classroom. 
Ms. Adamo’s Catholic faith, by the grace of God, is the foundation which guides her life and how she educates her students.  She has been involved in the design, planning and construction of the new Perpetual Adoration chapel at Our Lady of Pompeii Church in Lancaster. This is part of the Buffalo Catholic Diocese Via Fidei initiative to build a stronger faith community.
Ms. Adamo also homeschools her younger son in faith formation and has taught faith formation classes in the past. Every year she coordinates Lenten prayer groups amongst co-workers, family and friends. Ms. Adamo also has a background in dance, spending most of her childhood and early adulthood in the studio. One of her greatest dance experiences included teaching dance to children and adults with special needs at Moving Miracles. 
Ms. Adamo is a proud mother of two boys, Luke (age 14) and Andrew (age 11). She also recently welcomed a new Golden Retriever puppy named Chloe. Both her boys are involved in sports including football and basketball. She loves to read books inspired by Catholic Saints, cook, hike, camp, go to the beach, work around her new home, and play basketball or football with her boys.
She is truly grateful to be a part of The School of Two Hearts family and is inspired by the fruitful work taking place here.

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Mr. Szczygiel

The School of Two Hearts 2022 - Present

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Mr. Szczygiel has been married for 21 years and is the father of three boys. His lifelong interests include serving his country and community, enjoying the outdoors, and sharing his love for science! While Mr. Szczygiel was in high school, he joined the Army Reserves; as a senior in high school, Mr. Szczygiel was commanding officer for Junior ROTC. A few years after graduating, he taught at West Point Academy. Mr. Szczygiel continues to serve as a volunteer at Catholic Charities Food Pantries distributing food in his community and to shut-ins, as well as planning community gardens to help feed those in need. He also volunteered at the Buffalo Erie Botanical Gardens. He is a committee member for Cub Scout 255; he teaches the scouts, and assists with various activities.


Mr. Szczygiel’s professional experiences are quite varied: He was in construction for years until a back injury resulted in a new life plan. About 20 years ago, he owned a restaurant in Cheektowaga - Walden Quality Pizza & More.  His knowledge and love for cooking started in early childhood!  From a very young age until around 12 years old, he was involved at his grandparents’ catering business: May’s Catering. He learned about hospitality and how to cook a variety of ethnic dishes, including Italian, Irish and German cuisine.  As an adult, Mr. Szczygiel cooks for large gatherings, such as bridal showers and baby showers as well as The School of Two Hearts’ Valentine's Day Ball - Italiano Style! in February 2023.


Mr. Szczygiel’s love for science has been integrated with his love for the outdoors and is revealed when he serves the community (Scouts, community gardening, Botanical Gardens, etc.) and in nearly every science lesson at our Co-op!  He is an outdoorsman; he enjoys fishing, hunting and hiking. His passion for science started as a youth collecting insects with his father and uncles. Mr. Szczygiel has been involved at the Buffalo Museum of Science for decades! Starting at around 5 or 6 years old, he conducted multiple Bird Counts, Plant Counts and Insect Counts and while in elementary school he did multiple studies specializing in Killer Bees. Around age 8, given his extensive interest in science, he often was given the opportunity to go “behind the scenes” at the Buffalo Zoo!  At age ten, his father enrolled him in the Young Entomologists Society and the National Wildlife Federation for Youth.  At age 14 or 15, he was sponsored by his highschool science teacher to attend New York State DEC Science Camp.
 

Mr. Szczygiel enjoys teaching Science at the School of Two Hearts! He hopes to cultivate students' interests in Science, the outdoors, and caring for our Classroom Critters while incorporating our Catholic faith. An additional goal of his is to increase our students’ confidence in their basic academic (reading, writing and math) skills.

 

 

Miss Glynn

The School of Two Hearts   2023

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Miss Glynn graduated from the University at Buffalo with a BA in History, and was accepted into the UB Teach accelerated program. Miss Glynn enjoys teaching many time periods in history, including American and Global History. In addition to teaching at The School of Two Hearts, she also teaches religion to 6th-8th graders at St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows in Elma. Miss Glynn is dedicated to educating students while remaining true to the teachings of the Catholic faith. 


Miss Glynn prays the Rosary often and listens to the Bible in a Year podcast by Fr. Mike Schmitz. She looks to St. Maria Goretti and St. Maximilian Kolbe as inspiration to always have faith in God and stay faithful no matter the circumstances. Miss Glynn enjoys spending time with family and friends, walking her dogs, writing in calligraphy, and watching movies and history documentaries.

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Mrs. McNichol 

The School of Two Hearts   2023

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Mrs. McNichol observed how even bright children can struggle with self-esteem challenges from reading difficulties. With multi-sensory techniques, The Orton- Gillingham approach can assist any child by engaging in all learning pathways through enjoyable, hands-on lessons that are not typically found in traditional textbooks. She believes that the right approach can make all the difference! Mrs. McNichol feels extremely fortunate to bring the Orton-Gillingham methodology to The School of Two Hearts. She believes it will benefit all learners and help children feel successful. Mrs. McNichol feels blessed that these children can learn within a Catholic environment that seamlessly brings the love of learning and our beautiful Catholic faith together. 

 

Mrs. McNichol writes virtue-themed stories for her grandchildren in her free time to impart her faith and values to them. In addition, she has ventured into the DIY realm by revitalizing furniture. She also enjoys reading, gardening, chalk-painting, watching documentaries, singing and listening to music as well as being creative by doing hands-on crafts and activities with her grandchildren and friends.

 

Mrs. McNichol is an active member of SS Peter and Paul Church in Hamburg, NY. She runs a women’s ministry at her church, leads women’s bible studies, and is a Eucharistic Minister. Mrs. McNichol and her husband are involved in Pre-Cana Marriage Prep at their church and participate in Teams of Our Lady, a ministry for married couples.

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Mrs. Cvetkovski ("Mrs. C.")

The School of Two Hearts   2023

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Mrs. Cvetkovski ("Mrs. C.") earned a B.A. in German and a B.A. in Mathematics from Buffalo

State College, where she met her husband of 41 years; she earned a M.S. in Math
Education from U.B.  She has three sons, two daughters-in-law, and a step-granddaughter.

 

Mrs. C retired in 2020 after a 40-year career in education.  She taught Math and German at Williamsville North High
School and Math at Williamsville East High School, specializing in Algebra and Geometry.  Early in her career she also taught Introduction
to Algebra at the Millard Fillmore College division of U.B., and Grade 6 at the Gifted Math Program at U.B.

She is currently the secretary in the Faith Formation office at St. Gabriel's Church in Elma. Mrs. C.  enjoys
reading, cooking, painting, and learning sign language. She is a lifelong Catholic who enjoys going to daily Mass and the Adoration Chapel at
Queen of Heaven. She is excited to join The School of Two Hearts Co-op Program given its authentic Catholic identity - where all classes are taught through the lens of the Catholic faith!

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 Mrs. Ann E. Suchyna               Contact Information: annsuchyna.theschooloftwohearts@gmail.com
The School of Two Hearts   2020 - Present


    Mrs. Ann Suchyna is bringing a unique educational experience to Western NY: an independent patriotic K-12 homeschool co-op and school in the Catholic tradition, where students realize they are working for their own growth, their own skills, and for the glory of God, while positively impacting their neighbor.
Mrs. Suchyna opened the doors to the School of Two Hearts Homeschool Co-op in Fall 2020 with a two-day per week offering. Over the past few years, the Co-op has grown. This upcoming school year ('22-'23), families across Western NY will have access to the Co-op for up to five days a week for academic and experiential programming. When the timing is right, the school will open and the Homeschool Co-op will be maintained.
Mrs. Suchyna is a Catholic mother, educator, and psychologist. Holding a Master’s degree in School Psychology from Alfred University (and psychology degree from the University of Rochester), she served as a school psychologist on and off from 1989 to the present. She has taught psychology and other courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Mrs. Suchyna helped co-found Chesterton Academy of Buffalo, a classical high school in the Catholic tradition which opened in 2014. She served as Academic Dean ('14-'19) and Headmaster ('16-'19).
  Mrs. Suchyna created the Game ClubTM Programs; this includes board games designed to motivate students of all ages and abilities to learn, and tutoring and math programs. She has provided private tutoring, testing, consulting and counseling for children, adults and families. She has also offered workshops to parents and educators on a wide variety of psychological and educational topics and has been a guest speaker on a number of TV and radio programs.

 

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Mrs. Allie Klein                                  Contact Information: office.theschooloftwohearts@gmail.com
The School of Two Hearts   2020 - Present


Mrs. Klein began her career as a Licensed Cosmetologist with a passion for trades and hands-on work.  She had spent 5 years in the Salon Industry when she felt God calling her to make a significant career change.  As we all know, God works in mysterious ways.  Mrs. Klein accepted a position as Office Manager at Chesterton Academy of Buffalo and has been working with Mrs. Suchyna since June 2017.  

Mrs. Klein is the Office Manager of The School of Two Hearts Co-op and Catholic Mother of two: Raphaella  and Gerard.  While Mrs. Klein is no longer physically present during the Co-op day, she manages financial and organizational details for The School of Two Hearts from her home office.

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