Mary Ellen 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 and will be celebrating their 50^th wedding anniversary at the end of November. My siblings and I are hosting a big she-bang for them, complete with members of their wedding party!

                 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. We took annual field trips to the Monterrey Bay Aquarium – what a treat! I moved back to the Bay Area to teach at St. Bede, a “rival” school to my elementary school. I moved to Portland five 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, and reading. 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."

Marie Acurso

"Hello, my name is Marie Acurso and I have been the art teacher at St. Clare for sixteen years. I am blessed to teach at a great place with great people. I hold a degree in fine art from Marylhurst University. Currently I am working on my Masters in Art Education. I just returned from Italy (I am so grateful). I earned some graduate units in painting and art history. I am also a professional artist. It was good to paint and be the student.

 Ever since I can remember I’ve loved to draw and paint.  My parents always encouraged me.   As I got older, I tortured my friends and my two sisters by making them play art students. I decided to be a teacher at an early age.

I have two sisters.  My middle sister lives in Boise with her husband and three sons.  My younger sister lives in Huntington Beach, California.  She is an avid surfer.  We all grew up in Huntington Beach California.  I was a surf bunny until girls were allowed to surf. Then I played at surfing.  I still love the ocean.  It is home for me. My Mom still lives there and I love to visit.

I met and married my wonderful husband, John, in Huntington Beach, California. He was a corporate business man who decided to become a photographer. He is a very talented and successful photographer today. In Huntington Beach we became actively involved in youth ministry. I put my art career on hold to be a professional youth minister for the Los Angeles Archdioceses until I became a mom to my wonderful son, Johnny.  He is also an artist and just graduated with a BFA From Syracuse University. He is already getting assignments.

We moved to Oregon when Johnny was three. I painted a lot and got involved in singing, dancing, (my hobbies) and St. Clare Parish.  When Johnny entered second grade I was drawn to St. Clare School and enrolled him.  They also found a job for me!  The rest is history."

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