Messmore Staff

I am grateful to lead the extraordinary students at Messmore. I have devoted over 30 years to education, beginning my journey as a teacher and eventually becoming a principal. I feel blessed to work with outstanding teachers and engaged parents in our Montessori-driven school, and I cherish every moment of this educational journey.

Outside of school, I find joy in my family life. My son's success in digital marketing, my daughter's passion for art, and my husband's dedication to Aquarium Shine all bring a unique energy to our home. Personally, I've found that balance is key. I make time for post-school workouts, dog walks, reading, and journaling, which not only rejuvenate me but also inspire my work at Messmore.

Hello Messmore Families!

My name is Milena, but the kiddos call me Miss. Mimi! I am the Administrative Assistant at Messmore Elementary. Messmore is truly a wonderful school with a great sense of community and I am so happy to be here!

In my free time, I enjoy baking and spending time with my big Italian Family. I put myself through college and obtained my Bachelor's degree from Madonna University, but I am also a graduate of Pastry Arts School. My weekends are usually filled with making sweet treats and bringing my creativity to life through custom cakes! In my free time I love soaking up the sun and spending time with my God daughter, Angelina. In the summer we love to have pool days and pizza picnic parties outside! I'll see you in the office 🙂

Hello, my name is Denise Hackert. I am the Office Clerk for Messmore Elementary. I graduated from Davenport University with a Business Administration degree. I worked in sales for 18 years traveling throughout the US. After having my son, I was a stay-at-home-mom. When my son started school I worked for another school district as a Lunch Monitor/Para.

I am married to my wonderful husband, Kevin for 16 years. We have a 15 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 9 year old Goldendoodle, Biscuit. I enjoy spending time with my family, camping in our travel trailer, traveling, going to Florida, golfing, and fishing.

Hello Messmore Families! My name is Amy Barker and this is my 5th year teaching PreK/Kindergarten at Messmore and my 20th year teaching Montessori. I am married to my High School sweetheart and we have 2 busy, growing boys who attend Eisenhower High School. My passion is teaching and enriching the minds of little ones while having fun doing so. In my free time I enjoy being outdoors with my family and friends, boating, attending sporting events, crafting, and gardening.

My name is Melanie Braley. I have been at Messmore for 9 years, the first 3 as a substitute and the last 6 in my own classroom. I feel blessed every single day to have the opportunity to fulfill my dreams at Messmore. I am all about affirmations and positive thinking within my classroom and love how much the students get into it! I have been married to my amazing husband for 12 years and we have an adorable yellow lab puppy named Milli. We love to travel, golf, and watch Notre Dame football 🙂

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.

Hello Messmore Family,

My name is Riva Hannish. I have been lucky enough to spend the last 12 years teaching here at Messmore teaching 3/4 grade. Previous to that I taught for 5 years in first grade at West Utica Elementary. I began my teaching career at Messmore Elementary in ½ grade.

At home, I am surrounded by my beautiful family! Along with my husband I have 3 sons and 1 daughter - Dominic (14), Drew (11), Elliot (9), and Marissa (7). My oldest just started at Utica Academy for International Studies. My younger 3 are blessed to be part of the Messmore Community. Our kids keep us on our toes and our lives super busy filled with basketball, football, dance, and much more!

Hello! My name is Janet Keranen and I’m in my 24th year of teaching with Utica Community Schools. I teach a preschool special education program called Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE). We are new to Messmore this year. Everyone has been very welcoming to myself, the program and my students. I love watching my students grow in their confidence and learning how to express themselves. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, walking and playing golf.

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!

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.

Hi! My name is Elizabeth McKenna. UCS is truly my home! I went to Morgan Elementary, Malow JH and Eisenhower High School as a student, and did my student teaching at Messmore Elementary with the amazing Mrs. Grady! I have been teaching for 16 years, 3 in kindergarten before coming to Messmore, and 14 right here in the third and fourth grade! My husband and I share three wild and amazing boys! I am always the happiest swimming, boating, and reading. I love my Messmore family!

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.

Hi. I’m Ms. Kellie Papadelis. I teach 5th/6th grade. I’ve been at Messmore in some way, shape, or form, since 2004! I have 3 grown children-Andrew, Marisa, and Jordan. I am a Montessorian at heart. Some of my favorite things are gardening, baking, reading, hiking, learning, and traveling. This summer I traveled to Switzerland and went walking, hiking, biking, kayaking, and PARAGLIDING in the Alps!

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.

My name is Melissa Papandreou and I am a fifth and sixth grade teacher at Messmore Elementary. I love to teach and truly view every day in my classroom as a new opportunity to learn. I have the best job on Earth! Montessori is my passion. I even earned my master's degree in Montessori Education. I enjoy spending time with my husband and my dog. We love going on walks and trying out new restaurants.

My name is Lisa Pecoraro and I have been teaching Pre/Kindergarten at Messmore for ten years. I have been married for 31 years and blessed with 4 children: 2 boys and 2 girls, who are all former Messmore students. Thus, Messmore has been my "school family" for many years. I have one beautiful, silly granddaughter and a lovable goldendoodle, named Brady. I enjoy walking, biking, traveling with my family, and cheering for our Michigan Wolverines. Go Blue💙💛

My name is Charlene Sonnenberg. I teach 1st/2nd grade, and I'm starting my 28th year of teaching for Utica Community Schools. I am a proud graduate of Western Michigan University! Go Broncos! I love to sing, and use songs daily in my classroom. At home, I have two adult children. Braye, my son, is a graduate of GVSU and is a Senior Mortgage Underwriter at UWM. Brenna, my daughter, will graduate from GVSU in April with a Criminal Justice degree. She plans on going to law school next fall. Both of my kids attended Messmore as children, as well! I'm excited to welcome a daughter-in-law, Kate, in 2023, as well. Kate is a graduate of Oakland University and is pursuing her Master's degree at Ball State. I've been married for 28 years to my high school sweetheart, Jim, and our pride and joy is our very naughty boxer dog named Norman.

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.

Hi! My name is Christina Witek. This is my 16th year teaching 1st & 2nd grade here at Messmore. I have two children who also attend Messmore. I have a passion for reading and connecting students with books to develop their own love of reading.

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!

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Hello! My name is Lisa Merriman and I teach art at Messmore Elementary.

Fun Facts:

· This is my 11th year teaching.

· Teaching/creating art is my passion. I was an illustrator before becoming an art teacher.

· I was born and raised in Michigan

· I love spending time in Lexington with my daughters Hannah and Grace, and my husband, Brian.

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.

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

Hi, my name is Sara Cocco. I have been a teacher at Messmore for 25 years.

I teach in the learning center I get to work with all different age levels of students. I also run Student Council with Mrs. McKenna and run our ATOM (Academically Talented of Messmore) program.

I am married and have 2 daughters. Mr. Cocco owns a construction company. Chloe, my oldest daughter is 19 and is in her 2nd year at Grand Valley State University. She is studying to become an elementary school teacher. Lydia is in 11th grade at Eisenhower High School. She is on the Ike dance team and also is in competitive dance at her studio.

In my spare time I love hanging out with my family and friends, reading, watching TV and shopping.

Hello! My name is Alexia Graziani, and I'm so grateful to be embarking on my first year as a Speech-Language Pathologist in your fantastic building! I recently graduated from Wayne State University and can't wait to help your children reach their highest potential. I love creating a welcoming environment for students and making each speech therapy session fun. I look forward to building relationships with your children and seeing them flourish! In my free time, I enjoy reading, Pilates, yoga, travelling, baking, and spending time with my friends and family. I'm looking forward to a spectacular school year and am so excited to meet all of you Messmore families!

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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.

Hello! My name is Gabriela Nikollaj and I am the English Learner (EL) Consultant at Messmore Elementary. I have been teaching in Utica Community Schools for 14 years and have a passion for supporting students as they grow in language and reading. I am fortunate to be able to work with such wonderful students, families and staff. I enjoy spending time with my husband and 2 children, along with reading and traveling.

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!

Also, I enjoy traveling with family, doing crochet, knitting , biking, composing poems, and dancing.

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 7 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.

Hi, Messmore Families! My name is Sarmistha Patel, but the kids know me as Miss Sally. I have been here at Messmore since 2018. I started as a lunch mom. This is my first year as a Preschool Teacher Assistant for Ms. Deborah Kiser and Mrs. Lisa Pecoraro's preschool classes. I have been happily married for 19 years and I have 3 kids that go to this school as well...Aarya,Om, and Aksh. I am happiest camping, reading, and watching tv. I also love spending time with my kids. I love my Messmore Family!

Hi Messmore family! My name is Nikita Shahane and this is my second year here at Messmore as a teacher assistant in a kindergarten/preschool classroom. I have been working with young children for the past 12 years. I have a family of 4, my husband and 2 wonderful children. I love traveling, walking, and cooking. I am blessed to have a lot of friends in my life. I love making friends and I am so grateful to be part of the Messmore family.

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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.

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.

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