Atrium

Cindy Wurzelbacher – Catechist

Cindy was introduced to and began volunteering with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd when her older daughter attended pre-primary at GSCM. As a former youth minister of 12 years, she fell in love with the method and philosophy. Cindy felt the youngest formation possible is a gift to the child in working towards a life-long relationship with Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd. Cindy is trained in Levels I, II, and III of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She comes to GSCM after directing CGS at St. Gertrude School and Parish, where she was blessed to coordinate volunteers and catechists, build and manage three atria, and coordinate the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion. Cindy graduated from the University of Dayton in 1995 with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy and Certificate in Lay Ministry. She has completed many Masters level courses at the Athenaeum of Ohio. All along her career, working with children has been her calling. In addition to her church ministry work, she has served in social service positions in agencies, hospitals, and schools.  Cindy is thrilled and honored to return to the place where she first learned about CGS, and serve as a catechist and liturgy coordinator.

Nicholas Rottman – Assistant Catechist

Nick is a native of Northern Kentucky and has spent his adult life working in Catholic ministries.  He was employed for 9 years by the Diocese of Covington, Kentucky.  He was introduced to the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd by his wife in 2017 and finished his Level 3 training in 2021.  Nick is thrilled to be able to use this training both at his home parish and here at the GSCM Atrium, where he began working as an Assistant Catechist in 2022.  He believes completely that teaching our students how to follow the Voice of the Good Shepherd is simply part of his own journey after the Good Shepherd.  Nick has undergraduate degrees in Literature, Philosophy, and Theology, as well as a Masters Degree in Theology.  He is grateful to the administration of GSCM and to the parents of his students for the opportunity to share the faith with our students.

Emily Hess – Assistant Catechist

Emily joined the GSCM community in 2022 as a volunteer in the atrium and was hired as an atrium assistant catechist in 2023. She also works with CGS at St. Gertrude Parish, and is trained in levels 1 and 2. Prior to GSCM, she worked in parish ministry in a variety of roles, including Sacramental Coordinator, Youth Minister, and Women’s Ministry. Emily graduated with a degree in Theology and Catechetics from Franciscan University of Steubenville, where she met her husband Jim. They have four children, the oldest two attend GSCM. Emily is thrilled to be working at GSCM—the place where she was first trained in CGS. This place helped her to fall more in love with this method of education, a method of true wonder, encounter, and relationship with Jesus.

Lauren Mays – Assistant Catechist

Lauren joined the GSCM community in 2024. She graduated from Western Kentucky University with a degree in Child Studies where she studied the work of Maria Montessori and spent time observing at a Montessori school. She is trained in Level I and II of CGS, and currently serves at St. Gertrude and GSCM. She taught first grade at St. Gertrude as well as worked for their parish as an intern for CGS last summer and currently as an assistant to their CGS program. She desires for all people to know Jesus, the Good Shepherd, personally and believes CGS is a beautiful way in which the Lord invites His children into relationship with Him. Lauren has heard the Lord’s call on her life to serve in the ministry of CGS and looks forward to working with the Good Shepherd in His work to the youngest children of our Church.

Fine Arts

Marie Conti – Music Teacher/Choir/Band/Drama

Marie joined The Good Shepherd Catholic Montessori in 2025 as the General Music Teacher and Band/Choir/Drama Director.  Marie grew up in the Akron, Ohio area where she attended Catholic school from grades K-12.  It was her experiences as a student that led her into teaching music.  Marie is an accomplished music teacher and performer having worked with many schools and orchestras throughout Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.  She has worked with the Walnut Hills High School Marching Band where her students earned the highest rankings every year she has taught there.  She has extensive training on music from around the world including Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, Ghana, and India.  Marie earned her Bachelor’s degrees in Music Education and Music Performance from the University of Akron in 2019 and her Master’s degree from The University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music in 2022.

Jennifer Borgert – Elementary Art Teacher

Jennifer joined the GSCM staff in 2019. Her story got even better when she met Ted Borgert. They married and dedicated themselves to raising a Catholic, home schooled, family of artists, musicians and hopefully good- to-be -with sort of people. In Jenifer’s free time, she offer her sewing skills to priests for their vestments and to brides for their wedding attire. Jennifer wishes she had more time to read, paint for the fun of it, and be outdoors. It is with continued eagerness for making projects and sharing knowledge of Art History that Jennifer joins the faculty at Good Shepherd Catholic Montessori.

Spanish

Ruth Santiago – Spanish Teacher

Ruth Santiago, known as Senora Ruth, is a native of Columbia and earned her degree in Laws and Political Science. She obtained her Montessori Infant/Toddler Credential in 2010. She has worked as a Montessori Toddler Directress and Spanish Teacher. Ruth joined GSCM in 2024.

Outdoor Education

Zach Gagel – Physical Education Teacher

Zach is a native of Cincinnati and a 1995 graduate of Moeller High School where he played football and lacrosse. He continued his lacrosse playing career at Ohio Wesleyan University earning a degree in physical education. After graduation, he started his coaching career as an assistant coach for Ohio Weslyan. He spent six seasons there before excepting a job with Lacrosse America where he ran youth and high school lacrosse leagues in Chicago. He has taught physical education and has worked at St. James of the Valley, Cardinal Pacelli and now GSCM. Zach resides in West Chester with his wife Jenny, and their four children, Matthew, Juliana, and Thomas, and Felicity. Zach is also the Facility Manager for GSCM.

Amy Mohr- Nature Teacher

Amy found GSCM when searching for a preschool for her son, Jasper. The whole family quickly fell in love with the community and the amazing nature-based campus. Amy has enjoyed sharing her love of nature with her own kids by helping with her daughter’s Girl Scout troop, exploring local parks, the zoo and nature centers, going on trips to the mountains and beaches, as well as gardening together. Most recently, Amy and her family have been having fun with their newest gardening experiment, a “chaos garden.” She is excited to encourage a love of nature in GSCM students.