Saint Ambrose School employs or contracts teachers who hold baccalaureate or higher degrees, have at least 3 years experience in public or private schools, or have special skills, knowledge, or expertise that qualifies them to provide instruction in subjects taught.
Miss Joanne Edmond, PreK 3 Teacher, AfterCare
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Ms. Joanne Edmund has been working in childcare for over 20 years. She has two daughters who have both attended and graduated from Saint Ambrose School in 2014 and 2022, respectively. Ms. Joanne has been at St. Ambrose for 7 years as a teacher, but as a parent since 2006.
In her free time, Ms. Joanne enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also likes to relax and paint her nails.
Why Catholic Schools?
The reason I wanted to work at St. Ambrose was because I wanted my students to grow in Catholic centered environment and to have God in their hearts.
[email protected]
Ms. Joanne Edmund has been working in childcare for over 20 years. She has two daughters who have both attended and graduated from Saint Ambrose School in 2014 and 2022, respectively. Ms. Joanne has been at St. Ambrose for 7 years as a teacher, but as a parent since 2006.
In her free time, Ms. Joanne enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also likes to relax and paint her nails.
Why Catholic Schools?
The reason I wanted to work at St. Ambrose was because I wanted my students to grow in Catholic centered environment and to have God in their hearts.
Mrs. Georgia Ingraham, PreK 4 Teacher
[email protected]
Ms. Georgia Ingraham joined the Saint Ambrose family in 2009 as a parent. Born in Jamaica and raised in the Catholic schools of South Florida’s Madonna Chaminade, Ms. Georgia is a product of Catholic education. When the opportunity presented itself to join the Saint Ambrose staff in 2016, she never hesitated. Ms. Georgia LOVES her job, if you can call it a job. Her greatest joy is witnessing the joy of a young face when a lesson finally “clicks”!
In her free time, Ms. Georgia loves gardening, spending time with her chickens, husband, and children. Her daughter Jurell graduated from Saint Ambrose in 2011, daughter Samantha in 2019, and her son, Julian, in 2021. Ms. Georgia loves Disney and adventures and being a part of the Saint Ambrose family!
Why Catholic Schools?
I am a product of twelve years of Catholic education. I remember many teachers that made my experience in school memorable and I hope to do the same for my students. When it came time for my kids to attend school a Catholic education was a given. They had the structure, care and moral values that I was accustomed to.
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Ms. Georgia Ingraham joined the Saint Ambrose family in 2009 as a parent. Born in Jamaica and raised in the Catholic schools of South Florida’s Madonna Chaminade, Ms. Georgia is a product of Catholic education. When the opportunity presented itself to join the Saint Ambrose staff in 2016, she never hesitated. Ms. Georgia LOVES her job, if you can call it a job. Her greatest joy is witnessing the joy of a young face when a lesson finally “clicks”!
In her free time, Ms. Georgia loves gardening, spending time with her chickens, husband, and children. Her daughter Jurell graduated from Saint Ambrose in 2011, daughter Samantha in 2019, and her son, Julian, in 2021. Ms. Georgia loves Disney and adventures and being a part of the Saint Ambrose family!
Why Catholic Schools?
I am a product of twelve years of Catholic education. I remember many teachers that made my experience in school memorable and I hope to do the same for my students. When it came time for my kids to attend school a Catholic education was a given. They had the structure, care and moral values that I was accustomed to.
Mrs. Natalie DiFinizio, PreK Teacher
NDiFinizio@stambrosecs.org
This is Mrs. DiFinizio's 2nd year teaching at St. Ambrose, and she is excited to share the adventures of the 2025-2026 school year with the newest members of our St. Ambrose family. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, and she discovered her love of teaching when she was just 18 years old. She has worked in a preschool setting for over 20 years and taught in a PreK classroom for 14 years, having obtained her CDA and Director Credentials.
She is married to her husband, Joey, and they have two daughters, Zoey, who attends St. Ambrose, and Jade who recently graduated from St. Ambrose. In her free time, she likes to go to Orangetheory Fitness and watch movies with her family. She is looking forward to many more years at St. Ambrose and celebrating the path God has blessed her with.
Why Catholic Schools?
I grew up in a Catholic school and always wanted the same for my daughters. I enjoy the opportunity to support students' academic growth and help them develop their faith.
NDiFinizio@stambrosecs.org
This is Mrs. DiFinizio's 2nd year teaching at St. Ambrose, and she is excited to share the adventures of the 2025-2026 school year with the newest members of our St. Ambrose family. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, and she discovered her love of teaching when she was just 18 years old. She has worked in a preschool setting for over 20 years and taught in a PreK classroom for 14 years, having obtained her CDA and Director Credentials.
She is married to her husband, Joey, and they have two daughters, Zoey, who attends St. Ambrose, and Jade who recently graduated from St. Ambrose. In her free time, she likes to go to Orangetheory Fitness and watch movies with her family. She is looking forward to many more years at St. Ambrose and celebrating the path God has blessed her with.
Why Catholic Schools?
I grew up in a Catholic school and always wanted the same for my daughters. I enjoy the opportunity to support students' academic growth and help them develop their faith.
Miss Keely Thayer, Kindergarten Teacher
KThayer@stambrosecs.org
Miss Keely Thayer was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She attended Catholic school throughout all of her life. Miss Thayer is an alumnae of Archbishop McCarthy High school and graduated from The University of Alabama. Roll Tide! This will be her third year teaching and she is looking forward to embarking on another exciting year with her Kindergarten class.
Outside of the classroom she enjoys spending time with my family. Miss Thayer loves to travel, shop, and have a nice beach day! She is excited to join the Saint Ambrose family and continue to grow with her students.
Why Catholic Schools?
I grew up in a Catholic School and I love how I am able to integrate my faith into my daily work and inspire my student’s academically and spiritually. I love to show my students how much I value and care for them by sharing my love for God.
KThayer@stambrosecs.org
Miss Keely Thayer was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She attended Catholic school throughout all of her life. Miss Thayer is an alumnae of Archbishop McCarthy High school and graduated from The University of Alabama. Roll Tide! This will be her third year teaching and she is looking forward to embarking on another exciting year with her Kindergarten class.
Outside of the classroom she enjoys spending time with my family. Miss Thayer loves to travel, shop, and have a nice beach day! She is excited to join the Saint Ambrose family and continue to grow with her students.
Why Catholic Schools?
I grew up in a Catholic School and I love how I am able to integrate my faith into my daily work and inspire my student’s academically and spiritually. I love to show my students how much I value and care for them by sharing my love for God.
Mrs. Ania Sanchez, Kindergarten Aide
[email protected]
Mrs. Ania Sanchez joined Saint Ambrose as a parent in 2013 because she loved the Catholic School environment. In 2015, she was offered a position as a PreK aide and she has loved every moment of it. It’s now been nine years and she loves her profession and working with kids.
According to Ms. Ania, “It’s a blessing working at the same place my kids are in and watching them grow. I’ve become stronger in faith as the years went by and I am now a strong believer in God and will always be.” Ms. Ania spends her free time with family, her husband, and four beautiful daughters.
Why Catholic Schools?
"I love my profession and I love working with kids. It’s a blessing working at the same place my kids are in and watching them grow. I’ve become stronger in faith as the years went by and I am now a strong believer in God and will always be."
[email protected]
Mrs. Ania Sanchez joined Saint Ambrose as a parent in 2013 because she loved the Catholic School environment. In 2015, she was offered a position as a PreK aide and she has loved every moment of it. It’s now been nine years and she loves her profession and working with kids.
According to Ms. Ania, “It’s a blessing working at the same place my kids are in and watching them grow. I’ve become stronger in faith as the years went by and I am now a strong believer in God and will always be.” Ms. Ania spends her free time with family, her husband, and four beautiful daughters.
Why Catholic Schools?
"I love my profession and I love working with kids. It’s a blessing working at the same place my kids are in and watching them grow. I’ve become stronger in faith as the years went by and I am now a strong believer in God and will always be."
Mrs. Colleen Rickards, 1st Grade Teacher
[email protected]
With over 25 years of experience in education, Mrs. Colleen Rickards is excited to join the St. Ambrose community. Born and raised in Boca Raton, she is a proud alumna of St. Joan of Arc School and Pope John Paul II High School. Mrs. Rickards earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Florida Atlantic University, where she gained hands-on experience teaching preschool and working in aftercare and summer camp programs.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Rickards has had the opportunity to teach second and third grade, giving her a well-rounded understanding of students' developmental needs at various stages. She is passionate about creating a supportive and engaging learning environment that helps each student reach their full potential. Now, as she embarks on her journey teaching first grade at St. Ambrose, Mrs. Rickards is excited to continue inspiring young learners and guiding them on their educational path.
Outside of school, Mrs. Rickards enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband, daughter, and two grandchildren. She also loves outdoor activities, especially relaxing at the beach and pool.
Why Catholic Schools?
"I am happy to be teaching at Saint Ambrose because Catholic schools provide a faith-filled, value-based education where I can help students grow both academically and spiritually."
Mrs. Monica Wilson, First Grade Aide
[email protected]
Mrs. Wilson joined St. Ambrose as a Pre-K 4 Aide in 2018, however her time spent working with the school began several years prior as the Vice President of the Home and School Association from 2016 through 2019. She is a graduate of the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale with an AA in Communications/Journalism and was employed with a local news station before becoming a wife and mother to 2 wonderful children.
In her spare time, Mrs. Wilson enjoys reading, going to the beach, traveling (especially to the Keys) and spending time with her wonderful family and friends.
Why Catholic Schools?
I love teaching in a Catholic school because of the feeling I get each morning when I walk through the gates and see all the smiling, happy faces. It brings me back to the many enjoyable years I spent in a small Catholic school in Indiana. The overall feeling of togetherness and tight bonds you make in a school such as this are like no other. I love that Catholic schools do not focus solely on what is taught in schoolbooks, but also teach the importance of strong moral values such as honesty, respect, compassion, and integrity.
[email protected]
Mrs. Wilson joined St. Ambrose as a Pre-K 4 Aide in 2018, however her time spent working with the school began several years prior as the Vice President of the Home and School Association from 2016 through 2019. She is a graduate of the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale with an AA in Communications/Journalism and was employed with a local news station before becoming a wife and mother to 2 wonderful children.
In her spare time, Mrs. Wilson enjoys reading, going to the beach, traveling (especially to the Keys) and spending time with her wonderful family and friends.
Why Catholic Schools?
I love teaching in a Catholic school because of the feeling I get each morning when I walk through the gates and see all the smiling, happy faces. It brings me back to the many enjoyable years I spent in a small Catholic school in Indiana. The overall feeling of togetherness and tight bonds you make in a school such as this are like no other. I love that Catholic schools do not focus solely on what is taught in schoolbooks, but also teach the importance of strong moral values such as honesty, respect, compassion, and integrity.
Ms. Kelley Koepfinger, M.Ed. 2nd Grade Teacher
[email protected]
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education - Florida State University
Master Of Science in Information and Library Studies - Florida State University
Certifications: Early Childhood Education (K - 3), Clinical Educator, Catholic Catechist
Ms. Kelley Koepfinger grew up in Fort Lauderdale, FL and received a Catholic education for grades
K - 12. She graduated from Florida State University (Go Noles!), where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Ed. and a Master’s degree in Information and Library Studies. She began teaching at Saint Ambrose in 2013 and has taught kindergarten, first, and second grade.
Ms. Koepfinger is a certified yoga teacher and in her free time loves traveling the world, running and training for marathons, and cuddling her cat, Daisy.
Why Catholic Schools?
I chose to work in a Catholic school because of the family-like environment. Faculty and students are kind and supportive of each other. I had a wonderful experience as a student of Catholic schools and I want to give my students the same experience.
[email protected]
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education - Florida State University
Master Of Science in Information and Library Studies - Florida State University
Certifications: Early Childhood Education (K - 3), Clinical Educator, Catholic Catechist
Ms. Kelley Koepfinger grew up in Fort Lauderdale, FL and received a Catholic education for grades
K - 12. She graduated from Florida State University (Go Noles!), where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Ed. and a Master’s degree in Information and Library Studies. She began teaching at Saint Ambrose in 2013 and has taught kindergarten, first, and second grade.
Ms. Koepfinger is a certified yoga teacher and in her free time loves traveling the world, running and training for marathons, and cuddling her cat, Daisy.
Why Catholic Schools?
I chose to work in a Catholic school because of the family-like environment. Faculty and students are kind and supportive of each other. I had a wonderful experience as a student of Catholic schools and I want to give my students the same experience.
Ms. Karlyn Thayer
2nd Grade Aide
[email protected]
Ms. Thayer grew up in Fort Lauderdale and received a Catholic education from PK2 through 12th grade, which helped shape her strong foundation in both academics and faith. She will be graduating in May from Nova Southeastern University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. This will be Ms. Thayer's second year as an aide with the Saint Ambrose Catholic School community, and she is so excited for the upcoming school year.
Outside of the classroom, Ms. Thayer loves dancing on my college dance team, spending time with her family, traveling, shopping, and relaxing at the beach with friends.
Why Catholic Schools?
“Growing up in Catholic school, my faith has always been a big part of my life. I love being able to share that faith with my students and inspire them to grow in their relationship with God. It’s important to me to show them how much I care by reflecting the love and values I’ve learned through my faith.”
