My Name is Melissa Halstead, my husband and I have three children who all attended Trinity Weekday School. My oldest son is in 6th grade and our (2) daughters are in 3rd and 1st. I grew up in and graduated from Peters Township, I received my early childhood education degree from Ohio University and my master’s degree in Educational Leadership from The University of Dayton. Upon graduation I taught 2nd / 3rd grade for 8 years in Columbus, OH before moving back to Peters Township.
My responsibility is to assure your children receive the best early education possible! As the director, I will strive to provide an environment that allows your children to feel safe and grow their confidence. We know there are other early educators out there and it’s our mission to make TWS the top place to bring your child/children for their early education. Having fun has a positive effect on motivation levels and how much children retain… we will have fun! Students will stay curious and continue to take on new challenges while they develop a love of learning… they will grow! I look forward to working with the preschool families in the area!
Mrs. Patricia Ziacik – Teacher
Patricia is a teacher in our Pre-K classroom and has been with TWS since 2019. She also works for TUMC as the Nursery Director. She graduated from Wheeling Jesuit University with a BA in Elementary Education and a minor in Psychology. She lives in the Canon-McMillan School District with her husband and 2 children. She is very involved in Canon Mac youth sports that her children participate in, and sits as the VP of the Canon Mac Horizon Foundation!
“I loved TWS for my children and I’m so happy to be working here. This school feels like a family and I’m blessed to be a part of it!” – Patricia
Grades: Pre-K, Pre-K Thursday Enrichment
Mrs. Hileri Germeyer – Assistant Teacher
Hileri graduated with a degree in Psychology from Westminster College. She has many years’ experience working with special needs children as Therapeutic Support Staff and also as a teaching assistant at The Day School at the Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh. Having grown up in Peters Township, Hileri and her husband have 3 daughters and 2 grandsons and currently reside in Canonsburg.
“The innocence and wonder of young children are very precious to me, and I love being a part of their early learning experience. I hope to make a positive difference in the children’s lives at TWS.” – Hileri
Grades: Pre-K, Pre-K Thursday Enrichment
Mr. Brian McCarthy – Teacher
Brian joined the staff of Trinity Weekday School in 2021 and is currently a teacher in our Threes classroom. While his career background is originally in Computer Science and Information Technology, Brian caught the teaching bug in 2008 when his son started preschool. He found himself working in a classroom and realized that he felt a sense of purpose and fulfillment that he had never experienced prior. He has been working with children ever since. After returning to college, Brian earned his teaching degree and certification from California University of Pennsylvania in 2017. He has worked in every grade level from elementary schools to preschools. Brian lives in Peter’s Township with his wife, Amye, their children, dogs, and cat.
“I love helping kids learn, am very excited to be a part of the Trinity Weekday School family and look forward to working with the students.” – Brian
Mrs. Madalynn Fagan – Assistant Teacher
Madalynn joined the staff of Trinity Weekday School in 2021 as an assistant teacher in our Threes classroom. She has volunteered in kids’ day programs in churches all over the South Hills since 2012. Madalynn grew up in Mount Lebanon where she spent time with her siblings and younger cousins. She currently resides in Peters Township, helping her family care for her disabled younger sister.
“I am looking forward to this school year and officially being a part of the Trinity Weekday school team!”- Madalynn
Grades:Threes, Lunch Bunch and Afternoon Adventure Club
Mrs. Allison Viron – Teacher
Allison first joined TWS as a mom and then as a substitute teacher. She currently teaches full-time in our Twos classroom. Allison graduated with dual degrees in Mass Communications and English from Miami University and holds a Master’s in Education from Argosy University. She started her career in education as a high school English teacher before transitioning to higher education where she worked as an academic advisor and accommodations advisor. Allison lives in Peters Township with her husband and their two daughters.
“I love watching students learn and grow no matter their age!” – Allison
Grades: Twos, Lunch Bunch and Afternoon Adventure Club
Mrs. Melissa “Missy” Cathcart – Assistant Teacher
Melissa “Missy” Cathcart joined TWS in 2021, after her two daughters attended the school. After seeing the wonderful experiences of her children , Melissa wanted to bring that same love and support to other children. Melissa graduated with an associate’s degree in Computer Science and End User Support from CCAC. Melissa, her husband Eric, and two daughters Kaylee and Lily live in Canonsburg and enjoy what the greater Pittsburgh area has to offer.
“I absolutely love watching the faces of the children when they learn something new or when they are playing and having fun. I look forward to coming in and seeing them every day.” -Melissa
Grades: Twos, Lunch Bunch and Afternoon Adventure Club
Mrs. Elise McGrath – Teacher
Elise began at Trinity Weekday School as a parent, then a sub and was hired full time in August 2022 as an assistant teacher for Pre K. She is currently a teacher for the AM and PM Threes. Elise graduated in 2007 with a double major in Child and Family Studies and Special Needs. She started her career as a support teacher through the HeadStart program in Pittsburgh for the AIU3. Elise spent a few years being a stay at home mom to her 3 children before returning to the classroom. She currently lives in Peters with her husband and 3 children, all of whom attended TWS. Elise is very active with her children’s school and community. In her free time, she enjoys watching her kids’ sporting events, spending time with her family and running in marathons.
“It is my goal to help children learn and grow in a fun, positive and loving environment while developing strong foundations for the future. I feel blessed to be a part of their early learning journey.” – Elise
Grades: Pre K
Mrs Kirsten Bertsch – Assistant Teacher
Kirsten graduated from Wittenberg University in 2002 with a double major in Economics and Business Management. After working as an economist in DC for 11 years Kirsten moved to Peters Township in 2016 with her husband Blair, and three daughters, Teagan, Kaya, and Tressa. She has spent the past years being a stay at home mom and has been an active volunteer with the school PTA, as well as a girl scout leader for each of the girl’s troops. This year she will be a teacher’s assistant for the AM and PM threes class.
In her free time Kirsten enjoys running, crafting, watching her girls’ sporting events, and taking care of their pets, a dog, gerbil, turtle, and snake.
“I love working with children and watching their confidence grow as they learn new things. I’m excited to join the Trinity Weekday School.” -Kirsten
Mrs. Beth Lazenga – Teacher
Beth graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in elementary education. She has been involved with teaching and developing young children for the past 20 years. The last 4 years at TWS.
Beth is currently a PreK and Thursday Enrichment teacher.
She lives in North Strabane with her husband Tom. Beth enjoys cooking, decorating, gardening, and exercising.. which she gets plenty of when she is chasing after her 7 grandchildren!
“I have a strong belief in developing a child’s independence both socially and academically to prepare them for the future “ Beth Lazenga”
Grades: Pre K
