Valerie Serpe, Ph.D.

Catholic education is my life. I was fortunate to be educated by the Sisters of Mercy at Maria Regina Elementary School in Seaford, St. Rose of Lima in Massapequa, and Our Lady of Mercy Academy High School in Syosset. After receiving a BA in French Language and Literature from The University of Virginia, I completed a Master of Arts in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from New York University and proceeded to teach in public schools prior to returning home to Catholic education as an early child educator at St. Rose of Lima in Massapequa.

As a life-long learner, woman of faith, and researcher into sustainability for Catholic education in the United States, I attended Fordham University at Lincoln Center and completed a Master of Arts in Administration and Supervision and a Ph.D. in the same with a concentration in Catholic School Leadership. The topic of my dissertation, Latinos in N-12 Catholic Education: A Study of Customer Satisfaction, was inspired by my daily work as the principal at St. Thomas the Apostle Elementary School in West Hempstead. I am excited to continue my vocation in support of Catholic education with the knowledge supported by the findings of my research – that all families, Latino and non-Latino alike, highly value their experiences in Catholic schools within the Diocese of Rockville Centre and desire active participation in the education of their children.

With gratitude to the inspired vision of Bishop John Barres, the Diocese of Rockville Centre Education Department, and the Morning Star Initiative, I am humbled to serve as the academic and spiritual leader to the Our Lady of Guadalupe School community and to partner with families in building a new, exciting, and sustainable model of Catholic education on Long Island.

Favorite Quote:

"In order to dialogue, it is necessary to know how to lower the defenses, open the doors of the house, and offer human warmth.” — Pope Francis