Ms. Dalton

This is Ms. Dalton’s 1st year with Holy Family
and her 3rd year teaching. She earned her
Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Early
Childhood Education from the University of
Central Missouri.
Ms. Dalton loves seeing all the students’
smiling faces each day here at Holy Family!
She also really enjoys every little thing her
students teach her every day, because they
teach her new things, just like she teaches
them. She loves the fact she has joined such
an amazing school community that is one
big family.
When Ms. Dalton is not at school, she likes
to spend time with her two sons. She likes to
spend as much time outside as possible and
loves to read as well!

Mrs. Alana Dollens

Mrs. Dollens attended the University of Missouri - Columbia and received a Bachelor of Science in Textile and Apparel Management. After several years working in the textile industry, Mrs. Dollens changed careers and began studying early education. She spent a year as a Preschool Assistant Teacher before joining Holy Family. This is her first year teaching Kindergarten. She enjoys spending her free time with her daughter and husband. 

As a lifelong parishioner, Mrs. Dollens is excited to be teaching at Holy Family and growing in her faith alongside her students. 

Denise Dodd

Mrs. Dodd earned her Bachelor of Science in  Education degree from Western Illinois University and her Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from William Woods University.  She began teaching at Holy Family School in 1995.

Mrs. Dodd brings her love of books and literature to the classroom through book and author studies that integrate all subject areas.

She says, "I enjoy teaching at Holy Family School because my Catholic faith is a part of every day and I am able to share it with my students."

 Mrs. Dodd is married, and has 2 children. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cooking, fitness and exercise, spending time with family and the occasional weekend getaway.

Becky Thomas

Mrs. Thomas earned her degree from Missouri State University and has her teaching certificate in elementary education.  She previously taught at St. John’s Lutheran before moving to Holy Family School.

Mrs. Thomas says, “Being able to share my love of God and my Catholic faith with my students is one way to help build up the kingdom of God. Our school truly lives out our motto of “Holy Family it’s not just our name, but it is who we are.” We are all one family striving to deepen our relationship with Christ.”

Mrs. Thomas lives with her husband, Joe and their four children Claire, Jade, Quinn, and Nicklaus. Three of them have graduated from Holy Family and Nicklaus is currently in the 8th grade. Mrs. Thomas enjoys reading, watching her children play sports, and playing outside whenever she is able.

Lynn Hillman

Mrs. Hillman has a Bachelor’s degree from Hannibal-LaGrange University and a Master’s degree from Southwest Baptist University.  

Mrs. Hillman says. “After 30 years of public education, I am most grateful to be able to integrate my faith in all I do at Holy Family. I love the family-feeling of the students in my classroom and the ability to share with them the prayers of others.”

Mrs. Hillman lives in Palmyra with her husband, Kevin. She has a grown daughter, Taylor, who is also an educator. She enjoys traveling, running, and Kansas City Chief football.

Ms. Jo Ann Differenderfer

Mrs. Diffenderfer has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication from Truman State University and a Master of Science Degree in Education from Capella University. She has been working in the education field since 2010. She has been in the classroom, public relations, accounting, food service, administration, and most recently a long-term substitute teacher. 

Mrs. Tina Baxter

Mrs. Baxter earned her BS in Elementary Education from Central Methodist University and her Masters in Reading and Diagnosis from NEMO State (Truman State University). She retired from Palmyra School District after teaching for 32 years at the middle school level. 

"I especially enjoy integrating literature into all subject areas to empower students to gain an appreciation and love for reading! Teaching at Holy Family is refreshing. Being able to blend the Catholic faith and academics is unparalleled!"

Mrs. Baxter and her husband, David, are members of Saint Joseph's Catholic Church in Palmyra. They enjoy traveling, golfing, and spending time with their son and daughter's families. 

Karen Wetton

Mrs. Wetton received her Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri. She is also a proud graduate of Holy Family School, although it was called Hannibal Catholic in 1984!

Mrs. Wetton is married to Stephen and has 3 children. She loves football, baking, and being a member of Holy Family parish.

“I am proud to be teaching not only at the school that I attended, but also at the school my children and my brother and sister attended as well. Holy Family School definitely runs in our family.”

Rebecca Murphy

Mrs. Murphy attended Southeast Missouri State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.  Next she attended William Woods University where she earned her Master of Science in Secondary Administration.  She is currently finishing her coursework online at the University of North Georgia for a specialization in Gifted and Talented. Mrs. Murphy has taught in Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Monroe City, and Palmyra, Missouri.  She has also taught in Loganville, Georgia. This is her first year at Holy Family.

Mrs. Murphy enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.  

Mrs. Murphy is most excited about teaching at Holy Family because of the opportunities to help students not only academically, but also spiritually.

Melissa Millan

Mrs. Millan has degrees from University of Missouri-Columbia, University of Missouri-St. Louis and William Woods University. Mrs. Millan served as a teacher and administrator in the Archdiocese of St. Louis for 7 years before she and her husband, Jim, moved their family to Hannibal in 1998. She joined the Holy Family School staff in 1999. Mrs. Millan has taught 5th - 8th grades at Holy Family and served as the school administrator for 9 years.

Mrs. Millan says, "I love teaching at a Catholic school because you really get to know the students and families. We work with every aspect of a child's development, especially the spiritual aspect."

Mrs. Mack has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, emphasis on mathematics, and a Master’s Degree in mathematics education, both from Truman.

 Mrs. Mack has taught in public schools in both Missouri and Illinois and as adjunct professors for both Hannibal Lagrange University and MACC. Mrs. Mack’s husband was principal of Stowell Elementary. Her daughter teaches PE at Oakwood Elementary and her son-in-law is an assistant principal at Hannibal Middle School and the head boy’s basketball coach.  She has a son who is a contractor at the Lake of the Ozarks. She has three grandchildren.

Mrs. Mack says, “I am happy to be here at Holy Family. It is a great atmosphere for students and staff. It is wonderful that a school can address the fact that a student’s growth and education is more than just academics.”

Shelly Lowe

Ms. Lowe earned her degree at Hannibal-LaGrange University, and has been teaching at Holy Family since 2003. She loves teaching art because ART makes kids smART!

 The first five words of the bible are, ‘In the beginning, God created…’--Genesis 1:1. Since we are made in God’s image, that makes us creators as well. Every child, every person is an artist. I just try to remind them of that by giving students a myriad of tools and techniques to explore. Then, I watch their imagination soar!

 Mrs Lowe’s hobbies include: reading, traveling and exploring, gardening, being creative, and spending time with friends and family. 

Ms. Lowe loves teaching at Holy Family because "it is not just our name, it is who we are!"

Ms. Gosney - Music Teacher

This is Mrs. Gosney’s first year at Holy Family
School. She went to school at Hannibal
LaGrange University and received her
Bachelors in Music Education. She then
went on to teach elementary music in the
public schools for 5 years. After staying
home for 11 years with her boys she is ready
to be back in the classroom part time to
share her love of music with the students.
Mrs. Gosney has a husband of 15 years and
4 boys ranging from 11 to 4 years old. They
are very active and keep her very busy! In
her spare time she loves to read, play the
piano, hike, camp, drink coffee, and spend
time with her family.
Mrs. Gosney is so thankful and excited to be
at a school that is faith filled. She is eager to
share her love of music and the Lord with
the students here.

Coach Hudson attended Hannibal-LaGrange University where she earned a Bachelor of
Science in Secondary Education - Physical Education K-12. She went on to earn her
certification in Health Education. She has worked as a softball coach at Culver-Stockton College
and Hannibal-Lagrange University. Coach Hudson taught and coached at Mark Twain Jr./Sr.
High School for 9 years. This is her first year at St. John's and Holy Family as well as running a
painting business.
In her free time she enjoys being active, traveling for races, reading, writing, and art.
Coach Hudson says, “It is great to return to an environment where problems and discussions
can be held from a Christian perspective and faith can be a guiding light discussed with
students to navigate the world.”