Dr. Rachel Noll - Principal
I am most fortunate to have the opportunity to be the new principal of Prince of Peace for the 2025-2026 school year.
I have been both a teacher and a principal, mainly at schools within the Diocese of Covington. I have a passion for Catholic education, believing that every child, no matter their circumstances, should have an opportunity to grow in knowledge of the world and, more importantly, their relationship with Jesus Christ. My goal in life is to have people recognize that I am a good citizen, a good person, and a good disciple of Jesus; I hope by the time your children graduate from Prince of Peace, people can say the same thing about them.
A little about my personal background: I am not married and don’t have children of my own, but my friends say I treat my students like they are my own children. I come from a large, Catholic family with nine brothers and sisters, and my parents sacrificed so much to send all ten of us to schools in the diocese.
I have numerous nieces and nephews and five great nieces and nephews, all of which think I’m the coolest aunt alive! I love the Peanuts Gang, playing and watching sports, reading books, and spending time on the porch with friends.
Blessings.
KAREN MIDDENDORF – ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
I’m the Administrative Assistant at Prince of Peace Catholic School. I’m a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University and have spent most of my career in the Early Childhood and Montessori environment. I’ve been a teacher, Director, District Manager, and Trainer for the state of Kentucky.
This is my 4th year at Prince of Peace with over 40 years of experience with children and families. I have been married to my husband, Dave, for 40 years and we have three grown children.
I’m a proud grandmother of two, so far! I enjoy decorating, reading, traveling and my favorite pastime is visiting the beach. I truly love working with all of the families at Prince of Peace School and watching the children develop a love of learning.
Melissa Royse - Pre-K Montessori Teacher Preschool-Kindergarten
Mrs. Melissa Royse received her Bachelor’s Degree in Montessori in 2002 from Xavier University and has been teaching 3-6 year olds ever since! She believes the Montessori Method is beneficial to all children. She is married and has two children. She has a strong sense of faith in God. Her home parish is St. Dominic in Cincinnati.
Mrs. Marilyn Birmingham - Pre-K Montessori Preschool-Kindergarten
Welcome Back, Mrs. B!!!
I’m married, the mother of 5 sons who are scattered all over the world. I have two precious granddaughters who are long awaited blessings!
I love to travel, anywhere and anytime.
South Korea, Tunisia, Paris, London, Ukraine, Hawaii, Charleston and more! Last year, I taught Preschool in the mountain town of Copan Ruinas, Honduras.
I excited to be back to Prince of Peace which has become a second home for me. The students and families are wonderful and I love being “school grandma”!
Christy Burke - Preschool-Kindergarten Aide
I graduated from Xavier University. While the beginning of my career was spent in business, I have spent the past twelve years working with children in various jobs including teaching Pre-K.
I have a twelve year old son and my husband and I enjoy doing things as a family. I love to travel whenever possible and I’m a member of the St. Timothy Parish.
Beth Wheatly - Preschool-Kindergarten Aide
I have been a teacher in the Early Childhood field for over twenty- five years. I have a Child Development credential and years of experience working with preschool and Kindergarten age children. After a small hiatus from working with children, I returned to Prince of Peace as the After-School Director. I currently teach in the Montessori program and still oversee the aftercare program.
I come from a very large family of six brothers and 5 sisters. I love spending time with all my nieces and nephews enjoying school activities and sporting events. I like to travel and enjoy sports. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving, and I am very thankful to be a part of the Prince of Peace community and school. I look forward to many more years of educating young children and working with our families.
Primary Teacher
To Be Announced
Mrs. Jodi Klaiss - Primary Teacher
I grew up in a big, Catholic family with 5 sisters and 2 brothers. We were all blessed to go to Holy Cross and to have our Catholic faith and values passed down to us. Holy Cross is also where I met my husband of 24 years, Nick. I keep Nick busy around the school with odd jobs and cleaning out the guinea pig cage in the classroom. When not at school, I am spending time with him and my three children, all of whom attend(ed) Catholic schools.
I graduated from Bellarmine University with a degree in Art and Theology. It was a surprise when I realized God was calling me to the vocation of teaching. So, I went to graduate school, became certified, and received a master’s degree in Inclusive Early Childhood Education at the College of Mount St. Joseph. That was 25 years ago, and I’m still just as excited today to be a teacher as I was back then!
Prince of Peace has held a special place in my heart since I first worked as a reading specialist here in 2000. I was overjoyed to return in 2022 as a classroom teacher. We do lots of creative, hands-on activities, crafts, and projects in my room. We always have loads of fun at our holiday parties and the class loves getting to pick what we’ll do at our next “compliment party”. After earning a certain number of compliments from others in the school, we celebrate their good behavior- “Because being great is something to celebrate!”. The students also earn “dabs” for individual good behavior and enjoy cashing them in for a prize of their choice, like flavored water, chewing gum, or sitting at the teacher’s desk for the day. The kids also take turns being my personal assistant each day. They help me with all kinds of things, including taking care of our guinea pigs, Cheese and Dottie. I love taking my class on field trips, and also taking the time to learn about the things THEY are interested in. I can’t wait to see what this year will bring!
Intermediate Teacher
To Be Announced
Norma Acey -Junior High Teacher
My Name is Norma Acey. This is my first year here at Prince of Peace as a junior high teacher. I have been teaching for twenty years in both high school and middle school. I Earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and General Science from St. Augustine University, Masters Degree in Theology and Pastoral Studies from Dallas University, Texas, Masters Degree in Teaching from Northern Kentucky University, and Special Education Degree (LBD) Pre-K-12. I earned a rank 1 certification.
I believe teaching is my vocation and my passion. I love teaching and sharing my faith with others. Prior to moving to Kentucky, I taught in Hawaii and then moved to Oregon where I was a Director of Religious Education and Pastoral Associates. I taught both young and adults. I got married and moved to Kentucky. I belong to St. Henry Parish where I am a Eucharistic Minister and I had volunteered teaching in Religious Education.
During my spare time, I love gardening, hiking in nature, reading books, listening to instrumental music, and traveling.
Katie Keene - Humanities & Library
In Humanities Class, Ms. Keene teaches about different cultures of the world and includes the art and music of those cultures. She is a Flower Farmer. She grows her own flowers on her farm and sells them at markets with her family. As our 3rd Grade Gazette Reporters wrote in their class newsletter, “We love our new teacher and can’t wait to learn more about the world!”
Donna Moreland - School Counselor
I’m Donna Moreland. I have worked at Catholic Charities for the past 21 years and have provided school counseling services at Prince of Peace for the past 15 years and at St. Agnes for 23 years.
I will visit all of Prince of Peace Classrooms at the beginning of the school year. When needed, I can help students for any type of mental health concern related to behavior, educational struggles, social skill needs, emotional issues, family and adjustment issues, etc.
I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work from UK and my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from NKU. I also have an Associate’s Degree in Executive Secretarial Studies from Southern Ohio College. I have worked in the Social Service field for 25 years and I really enjoy helping children increase their life satisfaction and learn to cope with difficult feelings.
I have two children: Kyla who is a college senior and Brady who is in the twelfth grade. I enjoy spending time with them biking, traveling, going to festivals & fairs, chasing adventures, and playing with my dogs Sophie and Little Red.
Jackie Ronca - Cafeteria Manager
This is my second year at Prince of Peace. I have two children who have attended Prince of Peace for several years. I’m very happy to be here.
Click here for our Menu and Cafeteria Information
Cathy Cool - Technology Teacher. Art Teacher & Webmaster
I’m so excited to be returning to Prince of Peace Catholic School for my 6th year. The students and staff have captured my heart. There’s no place like it in the world!
I am the Technology Teacher and also the Art Teacher for our PreK-8 students! You’ll also find me subbing for teachers in the classroom or in the office for Mrs. Middendorf. I am also the Webmaster which means I help keep our webpage up-to-date.
During my 34 years in education, I have been a regular classroom teacher, a Technology Resource Teacher, and a Math Specialist in both the Catholic and Public Schools. I have a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education, a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts & Art Education, as well as National Certification in Elementary Education (Rank 1).
In my free time, I play in a country music band, tune pianos, and enjoy painting and drawing. I’m an amateur conchologist (I collector and study shells). My collection contains sea shells from all over the world!
Email: ccool@popcov.com Please email me with corrections, questions and concerns about our webpage. Thank you.