List of Services
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Janice Whiteman, Transition Director Janice Whiteman, the Transition Director for the Erie Catholic School System, brings a wealth of experience in Catholic education, spanning both K-8 schools and higher education. Recently retired from Gannon University, she served for 22 years in the School of Education, leading major program reviews, coordinating clinical experiences, and securing over $500,000 in grants for teacher and student programs. Prior to her time at Gannon, Janice was the Director of Curriculum for the Diocese of Erie, where she played a pivotal role in revising K-8 curricula, introducing the middle school model, and implementing the Building Level Support Team (BLeST) concept. She also served as the principal of Saint Andrew School, where she expanded preschool programs, introduced before and after-school care, and integrated the arts school-wide. A dedicated educator, she has been recognized with multiple awards for teaching, advising, and service, including the Kappa Delta Pi Professor of the Year and the Bishop’s Feed My Sheep Award. Janice holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Saint Francis College and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Gannon University. While education is her passion, her greatest joy comes from her family—her husband of 59 years, their four children, and eight grandchildren. Janice will serve as Transition Director until the Erie Catholic Board of Directors hires a new president.Janice Whiteman, Transition Director
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Lisa Panighetti - Vice President of Academic Affairs Lisa Panighetti, Vice President of Academic Affairs, rejoined Erie Catholic in September of 2023. From 2014-2017, Lisa served as the Principal of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Boniface School. In 2017, with the creation of the Erie Catholic School System, Lisa was named principal of Our Lady of Peace until 2021 when she accepted the position of Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment for the Diocese of Erie. Prior to her work with the Catholic Schools, Lisa taught Elementary grades and was a Reading Specialist for the Erie City School District. Lisa has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, a Master's Degree in Reading and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership form Edinboro University. She also holds a certificate in Curriculum and Instruction from Gannon University. Lisa lives with her husband Justin and her two boys who attend one of our Erie Catholic Schools. She is both personally and professionally invested in Erie Catholic's academic success and with her knowledge, skills and experience feels blessed to be able to fulfill this important role.Lisa Panighetti - Vice President of Academic Affairs
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Nicole Reitzell - Vice President of Advancement As VP of Advancement at Erie Catholic School System, Nicole helps donors have a meaningful impact in our 6 Erie Catholic Elementary Schools. With more than 15 years of experience connecting donors to causes they care about, Nicole manages all aspects of Erie Catholic's fundraising efforts. She has developed fundraising programs for several Erie nonprofits, and comes to Erie Catholic following 5 years at the Erie Downtown Development Corporation where she served as VP of Community Engagement & Social Impact. With two boys of her own in the Erie Catholic School System, Nicole is deeply invested in the success of our 6 wonderful schools.Nicole Reitzell - Vice President of Advancement
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Lesley Ridge Allen - Vice President of Communications, Marketing, and Enrollment Lesley Ridge Allen is a community advocate and entrepreneurial-minded leader who thrives on empowering individuals to exceed their potential. After starting her career as a public relations strategist and digital director in Washington, D.C., she moved to Boston, working with brands like Safety 1st, Nasoya Tofu, and VO5 to create engaging digital marketing campaigns. She later launched a digital marketing firm to help small business owners leverage social media for growth. Lesley now serves as Vice President of Communications, Marketing, and Enrollment for Erie Catholic School System, where she leads efforts to strengthen school branding, communication, and enrollment across six campuses. An active Erie community volunteer, Lesley has been recognized as an Erie Reader 40 Under 40 honoree and served on the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition board and the Pennsylvania Commission for Women. In her free time, she enjoys exploring Erie with her family, cheering on her son at sporting events, and immersing herself in live music.Lesley Ridge Allen - Vice President of Communications, Marketing, and Enrollment
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John Schroeck - Vice President of Educational Technology With a passion for both education and technology, John brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our schools. As a seasoned professional in the field, he has dedicated his career to leveraging the power of technology to enhance learning experiences and empower both students and educators. As the Director of Technology, he spearheads initiatives that seamlessly integrate cutting-edge technology into our curriculum, ensuring that our students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the digital age. From interactive smart classrooms to innovative online learning platforms, John is committed to providing our students with the tools they need to succeed. But his role extends beyond just implementing technology. John is a true collaborator, working closely with faculty and staff to develop personalized strategies that leverage technology to meet the unique needs of our students. Whether it's implementing a new learning management system or providing professional development opportunities for educators, he is dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. In addition to his work within our schools, John is also a leader in the broader educational technology community. He actively participates in conferences, workshops, and professional organizations, staying ahead of the latest trends and developments in the field. This ensures that our Erie Catholic School System remains at the forefront of educational technology, continuously adapting and evolving to meet the needs of our students and prepare them for success in an increasingly digital world.John Schroeck - Vice President of Educational Technology
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Donald P. Smith - Vice President of Finance Donald P. Smith, LTC - US Army (retired), MBA, oversees financial management operations and develops business plans and strategies to support the mission of Catholic education in concert with the President and the Board of Directors. A 23 year Army veteran, he has extensive financial management and organizational leadership experience, most notably as the Commander of the 33rd Financial Management Support Unit, and the Deputy Controller for both the U.S. Army’s 10th “Mountain” Division at Fort Drum, NY and U.S. Forces – Afghanistan. Don earned his Master of Business Administration from Webster University in St. Louis, MO.Donald P. Smith - Vice President of Finance
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Lori Suprynowicz - Vice President of Human Resources Lori joined Erie Catholic School System as Human Resources Manager in February of 2023. She is an Erie native and has an extensive Human Resources background with over 25 years’ experience skilled in leadership, labor laws and compliance, training, recruitment, administering benefits and leave, payroll, and enforcing company policies and practices. Lori is a graduate of Technical Memorial High School and Erie Business Center. She has served on the Safety Risk Management Committee as well as the HR Roundtable at Manufacturer Business Association. She looks forward to continuous professional development in her role at Erie Catholic.Lori Suprynowicz - Vice President of Human Resources
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Mike Doyle - Director of Athletics Mike Doyle joined Erie Catholic in 2022 after nearly two decades of aquatics management and coaching Erie youth. A graduate of John Carroll University, Mr. Doyle is an avid swimmer and water polo coach. Mr. Doyle is a lifelong Erie resident. He looks forward to growing the athletics program at Erie Catholic.Mike Doyle - Director of Athletics
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Jerry Toth - Director of Maintenance Jerry Toth oversees All Maintenance at our 6 ECSS Schools. Jerry has over 40 years Maintenance and Construction Experience From 2007- 2019 Jerry served as Maintenance Supervisor for Blessed Sacrament School and from 2019-2023 served as Maintenance Supervisor for BSS, St. George and St. Jude Schools until his promotion to Director of Maintenance in June 2023.Jerry Toth - Director of Maintenance
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JC Kerner - Secretary, Central Office JC Kerner is the Central Office Secretary for the Erie Catholic School System, where she plays a vital role in supporting the administrative functions of six schools. JC ensures smooth daily operations, serving as a key point of contact for staff, families, and the community. With a passion for helping others and a commitment to Catholic education, she contributes to a positive and efficient work environment.JC Kerner - Secretary, Central Office
Erie Catholic School System
A School System of The Diocese of Erie
525 E. 34th St.
Erie, PA 16504
p: 814.806.2423 | f: 814.833.6132
