ST. DOROTHY SCHOOL

I was born in Allentown, PA but have lived in Drexel Hill for most of my life. I am the oldest of six children. I have 3 sisters and 2 brothers. My parents and siblings, with the exception of one sister, all live in the Drexel Hill area. I attended St. Andrew School and graduated from Upper Darby High School. I met my husband Tommy during my senior year in high school and was married two years later.

I have been employed as a customer service representative for Blue Cross of Philadelphia, operated a home day care, held the lead teller position at Mellon Bank, and provided child care for two of my nieces and three sisters who are my neighbors. All of the girls attended St. Andrew School. I volunteered in the library, lunch room, recess yard, and was homeroom mom for my niece Amy during her 5th grade year. My interest in teaching grew with each year.

I attended Delaware County Community College and received my degree in Early Childhood Education in December 2004. I enrolled in the accelerated program at Neumann College in May 2005 and received my degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education in May 2006. I applied to and was accepted for the Master's of Education with Reading Specialist Certification program through Cabrini College and began courses January 2007. I completed the required courses for the Reading Specialist Program, passed the PA state testing, and am now a certified reading specialist. I completed the Master's program and graduated in May 2009.

In April 2017, I received the Lead Learn Proclaim Award presented by the NCEA (National Catholic Educators Association).  

I taught Kindergarten at St. Andrew School in Drexel Hill for two years. In September 2018, my 13th year teaching Kindergarten at St. Dorothy School will begin.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading, gardening, walking, Zumba, travelling, and spending time with my family and friends.

In July 2017, Mr. Neill and I had an awesome vacation in Alaska! During our trip, we were overwhelmed by the natural beauty of the land and incredible wildlife that inhabit the state. We saw magnificent glaciers, awe-inspiring mountains, and observed whales, bald eagles, caribou, moose, harbor seals, otters, bears, sea lions, and dolphins in their natural habitat.

This summer, Mr. Neill and I travelled to the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine. We saw the beautiful sites by rail and water! 

I am blessed to be able to share my days with your children and am grateful for the opportunity to teach them! 

Hello! My name is Mrs. Janet McGowan. I am a life long resident of Glenolden , PA. I attended Our Lady of Fatima School and graduated from Cardinal O'Hara High School .

I have been married to my wonderful husband, Edmund, for 31 years. We have been blessed with two incredible sons, Ryan and Matthew. Ryan, our oldest, graduated from Shippensburg University and married his college sweetheart, Katie. She is a wonderful addition to our family, Matthew is currently a Penn State student and works part time at Pet Smart.

I have been a Teacher's Aide for St. Dorothy's Kindergarten since 2001. In September 2017, I will begin my 17th year. I have also worked the after school CARES program for the past 16 years.

I have been blessed to know so many wonderful children and their families over the years.