Meet Ms. Harmeyer

I’m originally from the San Francisco Bay Area. I have two older brothers, a younger sister, two sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law, one absolutely handsome nephew and one absolutely adorable niece. My parents still live in the same house I grew up in.

I attended Catholic schools from first grade through high school. I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of the Pacific. I worked in the private sector before going back to school to follow my true path: a teacher in a Catholic school. I received my teaching credential from St. Mary’s College. I started my teaching career in Monterrey, California, at San Carlos School, the presidio chapel built by Fr. Serra and part of the mission system in California. Because we were so close to the harbor, it wasn’t unusual to have class interrupted by the overwhelming smell of the fishing boats unloading or sea lions and seals barking. I moved back to the Bay Area to teach at St. Bede, a “rival” school to my elementary school. I moved to Portland seven years ago (much to my mother’s dismay) on a whim, without a job, but a home in St. Clare Parish. By luck, I found the opening for a middle school teacher at the school and within a week, I met with Sr. Moe and signed a contract.

In my free time, I enjoy baking, sewing quilts, reading, and I am learning to enjoy hiking. I am godmother to my best friend’s three little children, my cousin’s three little guys, my nephew, and my niece so I spend a great deal of time preparing care packages and addressing birthday cards for everyone. I think the clerks at the post office know me by name! Going back to California is always filled with fun reunions, but coming home to Portland is always best.