Principal
Dr. Trish Wallinger
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(402) 291-1694
Trish believes a Catholic education provides the opportunity for students to grow in their relationship with God, while giving them the academic and social tools to become Christ's disciples in our rapidly changing world.
She and her husband were married at St. Mary's over 30 years ago. They have two grown daughters, Katie and Emily. Both girls attended Catholic Schools from Pre-K through high school. The Wallingers live in Bellevue.
Trish completed her Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from the College of Saint Mary. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education and Master of Science in Educational Administration degrees from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She has 30 years of experience in the Omaha Archdiocese as a teacher and administrator and has dedicated her career to Catholic education.
I have been volunteering in the lunchroom since my oldest, Callie was in kindergarten. She is now a sophomore at Gross Catholic High School. Her younger sister, Jaycee, now a freshman at Gross, used to tag along with me to the lunchroom and play hide n seek in the boxes. Once Jaycee started school full time I was working at St. Mary's and assisting in the lunchroom. I have been the lunchroom director since 2014, but overall I have been involved in the lunch and breakfast program for 11 years. It has been an adventure. I have met many wonderful volunteers and worked with many people. You get to see a different side of the children in the lunchroom and it is always fun and interesting. I have learned what lunches are popular and what ones the kids do not like. You would be surprised to know hot dogs are not all that popular. Pizza days are the busiest but french toast sticks and Salisbury steak are right up there. It can be a messy job but well worth it.
Carla Connealy has been a member of the St. Mary’s parish since her marriage to Joe Connealy in 1989. She and Joe have seven children, (3 boys and 4 girls) all of whom graduated from, or are still attending St. Mary’s School. In January of 2016, Carla stepped in as a substitute teacher’s aide, working mostly with preschool. Before that she was a stay-home mom. In the fall of 2016, Carla became a part of the St. Mary’s staff as a teacher’s aide working in pre-school, kindergarten, and the library. Carla has a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising with minors in Home Economics and Business Administration. Over the years, Carla has been involved in School Board, Vacation Bible School, Room Parent, Auction Certificates, Children’s Liturgy, and other volunteer opportunities for the school and parish. She enjoys working with children and sees it as her true calling.
This is Mrs. Laney's 12th year as the School Nurse at St. Mary's School. Although she is employed at Midlands Hospital, she comes to St. Mary's every Tuesday without charging the school as part of their community outreach. Mrs. Laney received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Clarkson College of Nursing. She is an 81' Graduate of St. Mary's School, got married at St. Mary's Church, and her parents have been long time members of the church. Mrs. Laney loves the community, the kids and the families. In fact, she says several kids she went to school with at St. Mary's are now parents, and she is taking care of their children. She says that's always fun. So was being able to see her Mom every Tuesday when her Mom, Mrs. Kibler was the Director of Extended Day Care at St Mary's.
Mr. Wessling is a proud graduate of St. Mary's school. After graduating from Gross High School, he worked for 22 years at Ed's Auto Body as a collision technician and bookkeeper. He spent 5 years with Lowe's before joining St. Mary's. His daughter is a graduate of St. Mary's and his two sons are currently enrolled. He enjoys movies, camping, reading and home improvement projects.