Meet Michelle

Meet Michelle: a Catholic school principal impacted by your gift to the Bishop’s Appeal.

For her first fourteen years as a teacher, Michelle Brief worked in public schools.  She had no plans to teach anywhere else, especially at a Catholic school.  She was Catholic, but she did not engage with her faith often.

However, that changed when Michelle received a call from Mike Cattani, the principal at St. Thomas Aquinas Academy in Marinette.

It was not in Michelle’s plan to leave the public schools.  However, God had other ideas.

“I really had to think on whether I wanted to go to St. Thomas. Looking back, it’s the best decision I have ever made. Working at a Catholic school changed my life,” said Michelle.

Upon accepting the position at St. Thomas, she taught for five years.  She spent time sharing Jesus with the children, and she was able to learn best practices for educating her students thanks to the diocesan Office of Catholic Schools.

Your gift to the Bishop’s Appeal makes training for Michelle and hundreds of other Catholic educators possible. The Office of Catholic Schools provides resources and support to help our teachers inspire our young people to pursue Jesus.

This training showed Michelle the profound impact our Catholic faith has on the lives of so many people—especially for young people like her son.

“When I started at St. Thomas, I brought my son to the school as well. He had learned about Jesus in faith formation, but encountering Jesus daily in Catholic school transformed his life. Seeing him grow in his faith and teaching the children at St. Thomas about Jesus showed me the value of my faith. Being friends with Jesus and sharing His hope with others are my top priorities,” explained Michelle.

Your gift also supported Michelle when she transitioned from being a teacher to becoming the principal at St. Thomas.  Michelle has a great relationship with the Office of Catholic Schools, knowing they are just a call away for any questions she may have day-to-day as a principal.

Michelle has immense gratitude for the diocesan office, especially for Becky Walker, Superintendent of Catholic Schools; Jamie Hahn, Associate Superintendent of Catholic Schools; and Elizabeth “Liz” Goldman, Associate Superintendent of Instruction & Academic Accountability.

“I don’t know if I’ve expressed my gratitude enough toward Jamie and Liz and Becky, but I am very grateful to them. I think we are blessed to have them in our Diocese. I can ask them a question without feeling silly, without feeling like it’s not important. They’re so good to us with the help they provide and the communication they give us. Knowing that the Bishop’s Appeal funds their work and allows them to offer development days for teachers and principals in our Catholic schools is so great,” explained Michelle.

New principal, new president, and new administrator training have been highlights of Michelle’s support in her new role.  While serving as the Associate Principal in 2023-2024, these trainings connected Michelle with other leaders and gave her the chance to develop strong connections with the diocesan office.

“It’s an honor and privilege to work with leaders like Michelle. We have seen how she has grown in her role and how she shares the Catholic faith with teachers and children at St. Thomas Aquinas Academy.  Your gift to the Bishop’s Appeal has helped Michelle bring more souls to Jesus. Thank you for your incredible generosity,” shared Jamie.

Those events continue to help Michelle today.  This academic year, Michelle was made the Principal of both the St. Thomas the Aquinas Elementary School in Peshtigo and the St. Thomas the Aquinas Middle School & High School in Marinette.  She attributes her success in the role to the continued events, such as the Catholic School Leaders Development Day at Notre Dame Academy this past fall, that are helping her grow in her career and connect with peers in other schools.  And, these trainings are helping her find more ways to bring Jesus to our youth.

Your gift to the Bishop’s Appeal gives principals like Michelle direction on how they can share hope, and it makes a significant impact on the lives of so many people in our Diocese.

“When I walk in my office each morning, I see two crucifixes. One gives me the hope I’m doing the right thing—that I’m making a difference. The other reminds me to bring hope to others.  That’s not an easy task.  Thankfully, because of your gift to the Bishop’s Appeal, I have the support I need,” said Michelle. “The Appeal makes it possible for the Office of Catholic Schools to guide teachers and principals on how we can bring Jesus to our students. Because of you, I can help more kids find Jesus. And that is the greatest gift I could ever receive. Thank you.”

To help more principals like Michelle, make your gift to the Bishop’s Appeal today.