School Commission
“The future of our community depends on the education we provide today.”
Commission Members
2024-2025
Hello! I’m Mary Mullaney, and I’m honored to serve as the Chair of the Commission. My journey with Saint Cecilia has been deeply fulfilling, both as an active member of the parish and proud parent of two SCCS graduates. The skills my children acquired here continue to empower them daily. At Saint Cecilia, I’ve worn many hats, always eager to contribute wherever needed. Together, let’s continue to make Saint Cecilia a place where every child thrives.
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Mary Mullaney
Commission Chair
Ms. Carson’s dedication to education and community service stems from her four-generation Catholic school tradition. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics and has experience in non-profit fundraising. Ms. Carson also earned a Master of Science in Elementary Education and was named a 2020 ENL Hernandez Fellow. She is currently pursuing a Post-Master's Educational Administration Certificate at Seattle University.
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Kerry Carson
Principal
Serving on the SCCS school commission is a joy. Highlights include hearing input on curriculum from our principal and teachers, and stewarding our resources. I liaise with the Parent Club, learning about SCCS traditions like the Saint Cecilia sing-along, Saint Nicholas breakfast, and Jog-a-Thon.
We started at SCCS in 2021 with our eldest in preK. We feel welcome here and want to extend that welcome to all.
Saint Cecilia school and parish educate the whole child, come for a tour!
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Katie Ellgas
Commission Member since 2022 and SCCS family member since 2019. My son Andrew graduated in '22, and my daughters, Kate and Ivy, will graduate in '26. I love serving the St. Cecilia community by solving problems and strategizing for the future. My strengths are in design, marketing, project management, and organization. My goal is to strengthen our vibrant school community for future generations.
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Andrea Forbush
Denise Hernandez Larios is a dedicated stay-at-home mom of four, originally from Poulsbo, WA. She is an active member of the SCCS community, with two children who love attending the school. Passionate about supporting education, Denise serves on both the school commission and parent club, finding great fulfillment in contributing to the school's growth and success.
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Denise Hernandez-Larios
Amy Lee-Despard teaches our 7th and 8th grades, as she has since 2009. Mrs. Lee-Despard was voted “Best Teacher on Bainbridge Island” in 2012 and 2013 by Inside Bainbridge. She also received recognition as an outstanding educator in 2013, and in 2018, from the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, which promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.
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Amy Lee-Despard
Jim Riley is the father of two SCCS graduates. His son is currently at O’Dea and his daughter is on her way to Marian University in Wisconsin. Jim is an architect in Seattle whose firm focuses the exteriors of buildings with work taking him around the country. He is the current Financial Chair on the SCCS commission and is working on long-range budgeting and the financial health of the school.
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Jim Riley
Gail joined the Saint Cecilia Parish Staff in August 2022. She has enjoyed two career paths: property management and church management. Gail holds a B.S. in Information Technology and an MBA from the Bainbridge Graduate Institute. Coming from a Protestant background, she has become increasingly curious about Catholic theology, particularly the teachings of Bishop Robert Barron and Dr. Scott Hahn.
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Gail Williamson
A Merrick, NY native, Fr. Mark was ordained June 8, 2013. He has been at St. Cecilia Parish since July 2018. He has a young Golden Retriever named Bishop who loves to play keep away and roll over for treats.
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