Faculty & Staff
Administration
Rev. Walter M. Ciesla — Pastor
Father Ciesla was a member of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement for eight years before joining the Diocese of Gary in 1977. Ordained to the priesthood at Holy Angels Cathedral in 1981, Father served parishes throughout the diocese, becoming pastor of St. Stanislaus Kostka in 1999. He also served as Senior Chaplain and Director of Volunteer Services at the Westville Correctional Center.
Father Ciesla is currently the Diocesan Spiritual Director of the Apostolate of Our Lady of Fatima, a board member of Catholic Family Services, and a member of the Diocesan Cemetery Board. In his spare time, Father plays guitar and collects records and digital music.
- B.A. Philosophy, American University
- Bachelor’s of Sacred Theology, Saint Mary of the Lake University
- M.Div, Saint Mary of the Lake University
- Additional studies: Clinical Pastoral Education at Loyola University Medical Center
Mrs. Denise Delaney - Principal
Denise Delaney has been a member of the Saint Stanislaus School Family for over 20 years. She has taught kindergarten, first and second grades at Saint Stan’s. Now she is our Principal. She is excited to continue building her strong relationships with the students, families and staff. Mrs. Delaney is committed to making Saint Stan’s school a place where everyone feels welcome and able to succeed. She was born and raised in Michigan City. She attended Notre Dame Catholic Grade School, Marquette High School and graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Education Administration. Mrs. Delaney is proudly married to her husband Damian for 30 years. They have one daughter Kailyn who is attending Purdue University. Her daughter is also an alumni of Saint Stanislaus School. She is also a fur mom to her dog and cat (Smokey and Lillie).
Faculty
Mrs. Amy Donkersloot - Preschool
Mrs. Donkersloot grew up in Michigan City and graduated from Rogers High School. Both of her parents are teachers and she knew from a young age that she would follow in their footsteps. She began teaching in 1994 and continues to look forward to each day with her students.
Mrs. Donkersloot has been married to her husband Ron for over three decades. They have two children: a son, Ryker and a daughter, Anneke. In her free time, Mrs. Donkersloot is an avid reader, has a passion for technology, enjoys scrapbooking, and loves doing activities with her family.
- B.A. Elementary Education with Computer Endorsement, Purdue University Early Literacy Endorsement
Mrs. Tareyn Sebert - Kindergarten
Mrs. Sebert graduated from Indiana University South Bend where she earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She not only attended college in South Bend, but it is also the place where she grew up. After getting married right here at St. Stanislaus to her husband Nick, she made the move to Michigan City. In the classroom she wants to teach her students, knowing that with the knowledge they gain, there are endless possibilities as to what they do.
In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband Nick, friends, and family. She also loves doing crafts, playing volleyball, and thrifting. Being from South Bend, she is also a huge Notre Dame fan. GO IRISH!
- B.A. in elementary education with a concentration in special education from Indiana University South Bend
Miss Nichelle Bradley - First Grade
Miss Bradley graduated from Purdue University Northwest. She was born and raised in Michigan City. She has worked with children for many years. This is her second year of teaching, but her first year teaching 1st grade. She comes to us with experience teaching 3rd grade, as well as experience working in childcare centers, daycares, and case management. She has a three-year-old daughter. She enjoys helping young learners develop their reading, math, and creativity skills. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, friends, playing volleyball, and reading.
Ms. Mariah Pawlak - Second Grade
Ms. Pawlak graduated from Western Governors University with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management. She is currently completing her Master’s degree in Elementary Education. She has worked with children in a variety of settings and is excited to begin her teaching career in second grade. She enjoys creating a classroom where students feel welcomed, supported, and excited to learn. She especially enjoys helping young learners develop their reading, math, and problem-solving skills. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, caring for her plants, and reading. She is excited to be a part of the Saint Stanislaus School community and looks forward to a wonderful year with her second-grade students.
Mrs. Patricia Gussman - Third Grade
Mrs. Gussman began her career in education in 1989 with the Diocese of Gary after earning her undergraduate teaching degree from Saint Joseph's College in Rensselaer, Indiana and Master's degree from Valparaiso University. In 2000, she transitioned to teaching literacy at Westville Correctional Facility, before beginning a 21-year career teaching Language Arts at Lake Ridge New Tech Middle School in Gary, Indiana. She is excited to return to Saint Stanislaus School to teach 3rd grade. Outside of the classroom, she is married, and a proud mother of three grown children and three grandchildren. She enjoys reading, spending time with family, and relaxing along the shores of Lake Michigan. She holds an Indiana teaching license in General Elementary Education, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Reading, and also an endorsement in Early Literacy.
Mrs. Theresa Riehm - Fourth & Fifth Grade
Mrs. Riehm grew up in a devout, Catholic family with her loving parents, 3 sisters, and 3 brothers, including Fr. Ben Ross and Fr. Robert Ross. Mrs. Riehm has always loved school and learning. Since she was in the 3rd grade, she knew she wanted to become a Catholic school teacher.
She started gaining teaching experience in high school as a cadet teacher and a volunteer catechist. She was awarded the Next Generation Hoosiers Educator's Scholarship, granting her a full-ride to college, and in 2021 she graduated as valedictorian from Calumet College of Saint Joseph with a major in Elementary Education and a minor in Theology. She cannot be more excited to start her 6th year at St. Stanislaus School.
She and her husband Charles have been married for 5 years. In 2024 they welcomed their firstborn, Howie, and now they are expecting twins!
Aside from teaching and spending time with family, Mrs. Riehm enjoys playing piano, journaling, watching movies, and being outside.
Mrs. Elizabeth Rohl - Seventh Grade
Mrs. Rohl grew up in Jacksonville, NC, where she met her husband, Nate, while he was stationed at Camp Lejeune with the United States Marine Corps. She graduated from the University of NC- Wilmington then taught 6th grade social studies and math at Northwoods Park Middle School until her husband received orders to San Diego, CA.
While in CA Mrs. Rohl stayed at home with her son, Ian. After 3 years in CA her husband retired from the military and the family relocated to his home state of IN. Mrs. Rohl is an avid Pokemon Go player, loves all forms of puzzles, and enjoys board games.
- B.A. Middle Grades Education with concentrations in Mathematics and Social Studies- University of North Carolina Wilmington
Mrs. Coren Balsley - Sixth Grade
Mrs. Balsley grew up in Indiana. She graduated from Purdue North West and has taught middle school English for five years at Saint Stan’s.
• B.A. English Teaching Grades 5-12
Mr. John Bergerson - Eighth Grade
Mr. Bergerson was born and raised in Michigan City. Mr. Bergerson was educated in the parochial school system of Michigan City, he attended Notre Dame Catholic Grade School, and Marquette High School. John is a graduate of Indiana University, Indianapolis where he earned a Bachelors and Masters Degree of Science from the School of Informatics.
- B.S. - Indiana University Indianapolis
- M.S. - Indiana University Indianapolis