Catholic Schools Leadership Announcements Made

GREENSBURG, Pa, April 12, 2022 – The Diocese of Greensburg has announced leadership changes at the Office of Catholic Schools and in many of our Catholic Schools including Greensburg Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School, Christ the Divine Teacher in Latrobe, and Divine Redeemer in Ford City.

Office of Catholic Schools

Mrs. Barb Sabo, Director of Catholic School Services for the Office of Catholic Schools for the last 12 years, has been named Assistant Superintendent of the Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Greensburg. Prior to that, Mrs. Sabo was the Principal of the former Holy Trinity School, Ligonier, for 11 years, and a teacher at both St. Stephen School, Hazelwood, and Queen of the World School, St. Mary’s. Mrs. Sabo has a Master of Science in Elementary School Administration from Duquesne University, a Principal Certification, as well as a Master of Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in history from Gannon University. In her new role, she hopes to continue her work with the schools to support the goals of the new superintendent, and continue to advance the spiritual and academic formation of students in the Diocese of Greensburg. 

Mr. Benjamin Althof, Principal of Greensburg Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School, has been named Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Diocese of Greensburg Catholic Schools effective July 1, 2022. Mr. Althof has served as Principal since 2016, and helped to increase enrollment by more than 13% since 2019.  Mr. Althof is working on a Doctorate of Education in Education Leadership from the University of Pittsburgh. He holds a Master of Public Management and an Educational Technology Management Certificate from Carnegie Mellon University, a Master of Education from Duquesne University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and English Literature from the University of Pittsburgh. In his new role, he will lead the research, innovation and integration of Catholic school curriculum, while expanding and pursuing new options for technological integration. He replaces Sharyn Zalno, who retired last year, and currently serves as a consultant to the Diocese of Greensburg Catholic Schools.

Greensburg Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School

Mr. Kevin Frye, Principal of Christ the Divine Teacher School, Latrobe, has been named Principal of Greensburg Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School. Mr. Frye has served as Principal since 2010, and prior, served as Principal of St. Francis of Assisi School in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Mr. Frye has a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from Loyola College, Baltimore, a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with a concentration in History from Pennsylvania State University, and a certificate from the National Institute of School Leadership. Mr. Frye’s children, John and Melanie, are both graduates of Greensburg Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School. Mr. Frye believes the purpose of all Catholic schools should be to form Disciples of Christ. His goal is to collaborate with the talented staff, parents and supporters of GCC in that mission. 

“Together, we can help to reveal what is true, good, and beautiful about God’s creation, while in pursuit of academic excellence. GCC is positioned to grow and thrive, and I am excited to rejoin this school community,” Mr. Frye said.

Christ the Divine Techer School, Latrobe

Mrs. Teresa Tallarico, Head Teacher and Kindergarten Teacher at Christ the Divine Teacher School, Latrobe, has been named the new Principal of Christ the Divine Teacher School. She has devoted 32 years of teaching to the Diocese of Greensburg with 27 of these years at Christ the Divine Teacher School. During that time, Mrs. Tallarico was part of the team that introduced the model of Classical Education that is the hallmark of the school. Her education credentials include extensive training in Classical Education, a Master’s degree in Education and Teaching Certificate from Seton Hill University, as well as an Undergraduate Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Saint Vincent College.

“I look forward to this new challenge, working with the wonderful faculty, and continuing our journey as a school based in Classical Education,” Mrs. Tallarico said. “I have seen the great benefits of this curriculum through the success of our students over the past seven years and am dedicated to continuing forward.”  Mrs. Tallarico wants to assure the families of Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic School that she intends to continue providing the excellent education and values to which they have become accustomed.

Divine Redeemer School, Ford City

Mr. Thomas Dinga, Principal of Divine Redeemer, Ford City, has announced he will retire at the end of the school year. Mr. Dinga said one of the highlights of his career was working this past year with his son, Fr. Eric Dinga, who is Pastor of Christ, Prince of Peace Parish in Ford City and St. Lawrence in Cadogan and head of Divine Redeemer’s Board of Trust Administrators. Mr. Dinga graduated from Ford City High School, then Clarion University and received his Principal Certification from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He taught for 21 years before becoming Dean of Students then Principal of Lenape Elementary School. He retired in 2014 after 35 years in the Armstrong County School District, and came out of retirement in 2018 to lead Divine Redeemer. There, he has helped to increased enrollment by more than 25% since 2019.

Dr. John “Jack” A.  Giancola, Jr. has been appointed Principal of Divine Redeemer Catholic School. Prior to his appointment, Dr. Giancola retired from his position as Principal at Shannock Valley and Dayton Elementary Schools in the Armstrong County School District in 2021. He has held several leadership positions at educational organizations throughout his career, including the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, Seneca Valley School District, and Woodlands Hills School District. Dr. Giancola received his Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Duquesne University, a Master’s of Education in Educational Administration from Westminster College, a Master’s Degree and Undergraduate Degree from Slippery Rock University.

Dr. Giancola is a member of St. Fidelis in Cabot (formerly St. Joseph’s), which is in the Pittsburgh Diocese. He has been married to his wife, Denise, for 25 years. The couple has two daughters, Maria and Olivia. His other affiliations include Knights of Columbus, National Association of Elementary School Principals, Freeport Area Soccer Association and Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children.

Previously Announced Changes

After eight years as Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Greensburg, Dr. Maureen Marsteller has announced her retirement effective June 24, 2022. She planned to retire in 2020, but agreed to remain as superintendent to help students, families and principals navigate the unique challenges of COVID-19, including the transition to virtual learning, the development of COVID-19 mitigation protocols and the return to in-person instruction.

Bishop Larry J. Kulick expressed his gratitude for the vision she provided to the 12 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Greensburg, particularly during the pandemic.

“During Dr. Marsteller’s 45-year career as an educator, she was a true advocate for the spiritual and educational development of students. We sincerely thank her for her many years of faithful service,” Bishop Kulick said.

Dr. Marsteller has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education from Duquesne University, as well as a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. She was the Assistant Principal at St. Louise de Marillac School and Principal of Oakland Catholic High School in the Diocese of Pittsburgh prior to leading the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Greensburg.

“It has been a true blessing and the fulfillment of a lifelong dream to serve others and support Catholic education as the Superintendent of Schools. I am grateful for having had the opportunity to work alongside outstanding leaders and amazing school communities to help others achieve their full potential as servants of God,” Dr. Marsteller said.

New Superintendent Named

Bishop Larry J. Kulick named Dr. Nancy A. Rottler as the new Superintendent of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Greensburg. Dr. Rottler has spent 29 years in academic service and leadership within the Diocese of Greensburg at Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, most recently as Assistant Vice President for Student Success and Retention.

Dr. Rottler has witnessed firsthand how Catholic education builds a foundation for a student’s future success. During her career at Saint Vincent College, Dr. Rottler designed and executed a comprehensive academic support service model, secured multiple million-dollar grants to support the academically at-risk and the financially disadvantaged, and directed enrollment efforts of culturally diverse students.

Dr. Rottler has a Doctorate of Education Degree in Administration and Leadership Studies and a Master of Arts in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, as well as an undergraduate degree in Business Economics from the University of Pittsburgh. She is also an Assistant Professor of Health Sciences, teaching leadership, ethics and research methods.

Dr. Rottler is a parishioner at  Blessed Sacrament Cathedral Parish in Greensburg, where she is a lector and a member of the parish finance council and leads the Christ Life Evangelization initiative.

“Dr. Rottler is committed to modeling her faith. I am confident she will emphasize the importance of forming respectful, service-oriented disciples of Christ,” Bishop Kulick said.

“I look forward to growing and strengthening the academic excellence, as well as continuing to instill Catholic ideals in the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Greensburg,” Dr. Rottler said.

Dr. Rottler joins the Diocese of Greensburg on May 23, 2022.