Holy Cross Academy
(PreK-8th)
Forming Saints, Scholars, and Leaders
Meet the Team
Laura Dunneback
Favorites
-Skittles
-Diet Pepsi
-Working out
-Notre dame team
Laura Dunneback - Kindergarten Teacher
Contact Info:
Experiences & Accomplishments:
My name is Laura Dunneback and I have the honor of teaching Kindergarten at Holy Cross Academy! I am originally from Munster, Indiana and a graduate of Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana. I have a major in Elementary Education and a minor in Reading Instruction. I previously taught in Fredericksburg City and Stafford County before finding my way to HCA preschool. I was blessed to teach our littlest Saints, Scholars, and Leaders for four years before moving up to the ‘Big School’ in order to continue to foster a love of God and learning! This is my 18th year of teaching and every year has been such a blessing! My favorite Saint is Elizabeth Ann Seton as her work has had a direct affect on my life. Her love for Catholic Education and her big family resonates with me. My husband and I, both teachers, have four children of our own and we have hundreds of other children we will always call our students. I rely on Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton to guide me on my journey in Catholic education and at home with my vocation as a mother. “If you are to do HIS work, the strength will be given to you.”- Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Three of my children are HCA Crusaders and my littlest one is at our preschool this year! My hobby is TEACHING and I love Notre Dame Football. People make me happy and my family is my world. I often joke that I will be at Holy Cross for 100 years! I love serving the families of HCA and I feel so blessed that God has chosen this path for me. See you on campus!
God is SO good
Forming Saints, Scholars, and Leaders Since 1998
Donna Godek
Favorites
-Smiles
-Beach
-Traveling
-Gardening
Donna Godek - Kindergarten Teacher
Contact Info:
Experience & Accomplishments:
Teaching has been a part of my life for the past 36 years. As a military spouse I was afforded the opportunity to teach across the country and in Germany. I’ve taught preschool thru 5th grade in military, private, and public schools. And my heart smiles when I say that I finally found my home here in kindergarten at HCA 18 years ago. Years ago, during one of my job searches, I was asked what my dream job was. Without hesitation I told my friend that I would do anything to teach kindergarten in a catholic school. I never imagined that God’s plan and my dream were the same. To spend my days living my faith and watching young minds begin to grasp the greatness of God is truly a blessing. My goal each day for my students is to create a love for learning and a desire to develop a relationship with the Lord. When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time with my 3 grandchildren. I also enjoy traveling, reading, gardening, and all things at the beach. But during the school year, I live for classroom discussions with creative young minds, projects that involve lots of glitter, and snow days! Kindergarten is a magical place to be
Forming Saints, Scholars, and Leaders Since 1998
Kristin Waters
Favorites
Kristin Waters - 1st Grade Teacher
Contact Info:
Experience & Accomplishments:
I am a first grade teacher, wife, and mother dedicated to building strong academic foundations while supporting the social and emotional growth of every student. I value partnership with families and believe a caring learning environment helps children thrive.
Forming Saints, Scholars, and Leaders Since 1998
Kim Johnson
Favorites
- Dark Chocolate
- Popcorn
- Reading
- Running
Kim Johnson - 1st Grade Teacher
Contact Info:
Experience & Accomplishments:
My name is Kim Johnson and I am blessed to have been a part of the Holy Cross Academy/St. Mary Parish community since moving to Virginia from my home state of Louisiana in 2000. My journey to kindergarten began in 2006 when I was hired as an aide at St. Mary Preschool while completing my undergraduate degree in biology. At St. Mary, I discovered a passion for working with young children and was inspired by the faith, enthusiasm and dedication of my colleagues, which changed my career aspirations. I was invited to join the faculty as a lead teacher following graduation, where I taught for the next nine years before moving to kindergarten in 2017. It was a big leap but I was ready for a new challenge! I love working with our younger students to explore and recognize God’s love in the beauty and wonder of His gifts which lie within us and around us each and every day. I graduated from the University of Mary Washington with a BLS in Biology and I am certified by the Virginia Catholic Education Association. I have earned Basic Catechist Certification from the Diocese of Arlington and am currently working towards Advanced Catechist Certification. I have been trained by the Institute of Multi-Sensory Education in the Orton- Gillingham method which incorporates multi-sensory activities with explicit, systematic reading instruction and I am a Google Certified Educator Level 1. My husband Philip and I have three grown children, Lawrence, Katherine, and James, all graduates of Holy Cross Academy. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, running, traveling and dancing!
Forming Saints, Scholars, and Leaders Since 1998
Allison Ennis
Favorites
-Reses's Cups
-Iced Chai Latte
-Baking
-Reading
Allison Ennis- 2nd Grade Teacher
Contact Info:
Experience & Accomplishments:
My name is Alli Ennis and I love being a 2nd grade teacher at Holy Cross Academy. This will be my 14th year of teaching. I previously taught 3rd grade in both Chesterfield and Stafford counties and then after being blessed for a few years to stay home with my youngest kids, I started part time at Holy Cross Preschool at St. Mary’s where I stayed for 6 wonderful years, though I was there even longer as a parent! This is my third year teaching 2nd grade at “the big school.” It is such an honor to help prepare our 2nd graders for their important sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
I am from Fredericksburg and have been a parishioner at St. Mary’s my entire life. I attended Virginia Tech (Go Hokies!) for my undergrad and earned my masters in curriculum and instruction from Radford University. I met my husband at Virginia Tech and we have been married for 19 years. We have 4 wonderful children, all boys. Three of my kids are still at Holy Cross and my oldest is a sophomore at John Paul the Great High School. In my spare time, I love traveling with my family, watching baseball (both my own kids’ games and professional), reading, watching movies, baking, and shopping.
Forming Saints, Scholars, and Leaders Since 1998
Mary Sanger
Favorites
- Sugar free candy
- Unsweet tea
- Yard Work
- A Good Book
Mary Sanger - 2nd Grade Teacher
Contact Info:
Experience & Accomplishments:
My passion is teaching people about God and our awesome catholic faith. I am from Panama City, Florida. I was the high school youth director at my old parish and also taught 2nd grade Religious Education. Upon moving to Fredericksburg five years ago, I decided to slowly start working on my college degree. I graduated in 2020 from the University of Mary Washington. I am happily married with three adorable children. Two of my children have graduated from HCA and one is currently in the 7th grade. I am childlike, energetic, and simply adore children of all ages. I tell my students that my classroom is the place where they are supposed to take on challenges, fail, and learn from their failures. I love seeing the growth that happens when my students push themselves to the limits, struggle, and then finally find success. I teach with four simple ingredients: love, compassion, energy, and a smile. I am excited to be teaching 2nd grade and cannot wait to bring my love of the Eucharist and our catholic faith to my amazing students
Forming Saints, Scholars, and Leaders Since 1998
Megan Dougherty
Favorites
- Nestle Crunch
- Lemonade
- Reading
- Sudoku
Megan Dougherty - 3rd Grade Teacher
Contact Info:
Experience & Accomplishments:
I’m a Fredericksburg native and attended St. Mary’s throughout my childhood. Before coming to Holy Cross, I worked for Fredericksburg City Schools as a Health and Family Engagement Specialist. I earned my degree in History from Virginia Commonwealth University.
I’m also a proud mom to my son, Phil, who will be in third grade this year! Outside of school, I love spending time with my family, Phillip and Phil. We enjoy visiting museums, swimming, going to water parks, watching movies, and playing games together.
Forming Saints, Scholars, and Leaders Since 1998
Cheryl Stevens
Favorites
- Charleston Chews
- Sweet tea
- Running
- Fredericksburg Nationals
Cheryl Stevens - 3rd Grade Teacher
Contact Info:
Experience & Accomplishments:
I am excited to return to Holy Cross Academy and to begin the 2025-2026 school year, as a Third-Grade teacher. This is my sixth year at Holy Cross Academy, returning for my fourth year as a Third-Grade teacher. I am certified as a teacher through the Virginia Catholic Education Association.
Prior to joining Holy Cross Academy, I was a career Marine, serving 20 years as a Criminal Investigations Officer, with specialized training in child abuse prevention and investigative techniques and juvenile crimes. I am a 2019 graduate of Excelsior College, Summa Cum Laude, with a liberal arts major, with an area of focus in criminal justice.
My volunteer experience includes Holy Cross Academy Running Club coach, Vacation Bible School crew leader, Second-Grade classroom assistant, and Chapter Captain, Team Red, White, and Blue.
I am the proud mother of Holy Cross Academy 5th grade student and 4-2 Scholar Award recipient, Murdoch, and a loving wife to my husband, Joshua, of 15 years. We were so blessed to have shared the convalidation of our marriage with many school families last school year.
I love the beach, running, spending time with my family, and watching Murdoch play baseball.
I look forward to returning to the Holy Cross Academy family this year.
Forming Saints, Scholars, and Leaders Since 1998
Lauryn Wheatley
Favorites
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Lauryn Wheatley - 4th Grade Teacher
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Experience & Accomplishments:
I am a 4th grade teacher committed to fostering a supportive learning environment that meets students where they are. With patience, enthusiasm, and high expectations, I help students build confidence, critical-thinking skills, and a love for learning.
Forming Saints, Scholars, and Leaders Since 1998
Mary Buer
Favorites
-Chocolate
-Coke Zero
-Baking sourdough
-NY Yankees
Mary Buer - 4th Grade Teacher
Contact Info:
Experience & Accomplishments:
With great disbelief, I can proudly say that this is my 29th year of teaching—wow! Seventeen of those years have been spent at Holy Cross Academy. I currently teach fourth grade and am passionate about helping students grow academically, spiritually, and socially. Creating a classroom environment where students feel safe, valued, and encouraged to do their best is very important to me. My goal is to help each child reach their full potential. I enjoy partnering with families and fostering a love of learning that will last a lifetime.
My husband, Andrew, and I live in Spotsylvania with our dog, Josie. We enjoy exploring the battlefields, riding our bikes, and spending time outdoors. We have been married for 12 years and together have four adult children and seven grandchildren ages eight and under. Being a grandparent is my favorite hobby.
Forming Saints, Scholars, and Leaders Since 1998
Michelle Haywood
Favorites
-Dark Chocolate
-Coco Cola
-Traveling
-Cleveland Browns
Michelle Haywood - 5th Grade Teacher
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Experience & Accomplishments:
I am a 5th grade teacher known for my positive energy, commitment, and strong work ethic. I strive to inspire students through high expectations, encouragement, and consistent effort, helping them grow academically while building confidence and responsibility.
Forming Saints, Scholars, and Leaders Since 1998
Dawn Szabo
Favorites
-Snickers
-Sparkling water
-Crochet
-Mystery & Suspense Books
Dawn Szabo - 5th Grade Teacher
Contact Info:
Experience & Accomplishments:
I am a 5th grade teacher who believes consistency is key to student success. Through clear expectations, structured routines, and steady support, I create a classroom environment where students feel confident, focused, and prepared to learn each day.