Board of Education
2014-2015 Candidates
Elections to be held during Masses on May 31-June 1
Susan Severino Fenton
My name is Susan Severino Fenton. My husband Scotney Fenton and I have one son, John, who is 7 years
old and a 1st grader at Holy Trinity in Mrs. Woodward’s class.
I graduated from Dowling Catholic High School and Drake University with a Bachelor of Science degree in
political science. Currently, I am Director of Government Relations for LS2group in Des Moines.
We joined Holy Trinity in 2010 after we moved to the Beaverdale area. There are many reasons we chose
to send our son to Holy Trinity, including Fr. Michael, the tight-knit family atmosphere, the great teachers
and church staff, the high educational standards and most importantly, the Christ-centered education. If I
am given the honor to serve on the Holy Trinity school board, my goals will be to help every child meet his
or her education ability by providing support to our families, teachers and staff. Additionally, assisting
new and existing families with feeling connected to our Holy Trinity School and Church community will be an important goal.
I have been actively involved at Holy Trinity with the Beaverdale Holiday Boutique, Christ Renews His Parish, and serving as
a homeroom parent and Eucharistic minister. Most recently I assisted with the Holy Trinity Gatsby Gala. My husband is a
Cub Scout Den Leader for the 1st graders at Holy Trinity.
I respectfully request your support. Thank you for your time.
Eric Hollander
My story is different, I grew up in the Lutheran church. A few years ago, curiosity and long talks/salty
debates with a Catholic friend greased the gears for the path I’m on today. After reading stacks of Scott
Hahn books, prayer and a trip through RCIA with Deacon Tom, I joined Holy Trinity in 2009. Finally, I
was home.
My daughter, Ella, started kindergarten that year, the same time Holy Trinity was named a Blue Ribbon
School. It was the perfect assurance she was in good hands and part of a great school!
Ella’s heading into sixth grade, and she has loved all her teachers through the years. Our school is salt and
light, teaching our students not only reading and science, but also faith and character. I’m a big fan of this
place, with involved parents and teachers moving together in the same direction. It’s fun seeing how
vibrant and excited the kids are each day when picking them up after school.
I’ve been a software developer (nerd) at Principal Financial Group for a couple decades. I will use my experience with
technology and working with teammates across the Atlantic to offer ideas on how our students can interact with classes in
other parts of the world.
The Board of Education is a sounding board for parents, teachers, students and parish leadership. If elected, I promise to work
hard, be a good listener and offer input on how we can continue to be one of the strongest schools in the state.
It would be a privilege to serve on the Board of Education, thank you.
Jana Morris
My name is Jana Morris and I am running to be a member of the school board for Holy Trinity. I have been
married to my husband William, for 6 years and together we have two children. Our daughter Erin will be
in Kindergarten at Holy Trinity next year and our son Ryan is 3 years old.
We are new members of Holy Trinity. For the past 7 years we have been members of St. Anthony's
Catholic Church. We recently have moved to Holy Trinity after visiting the school and attending mass here.
Our main reason for switching was to find a great school to send our children and a great community for
our family.
Professionally, I have been an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher for Des Moines Public Schools
for the past 11 years. I work in a Head Start integrated classroom that serves both special education
students and regular education students. I am very familiar with the public school system and look forward to learning more
about the parochial school setting.
As a teacher in Early Childhood I know the importance of building language, asking higher order questions, teaching social
skills, helping students learn to regulate themselves, working with the families, integrating technology in to the curriculum
and teaching! I know the challenges families, students and teachers face daily and I look forward to being on the school board
and serving this wonderful community.
Board of Education
2014-2015 Candidates
Elections to be held during Masses on May 31-June 1
Donna Patton
"Plant your roots and they will grow." My father liked to use that saying. When I moved to Beaverdale, I
truly understood this saying. I was at my previous parish since I was an infant, until I moved to Beaverdale
four years ago. The welcome I received from Holy Trinity is when I knew I could plant my roots here.
My name is Donna Patton, and my husband Brian and I have two children, Cole and Josephine. Our son,
Cole, is a sophomore at Dowling Catholic High School and attended Holy Trinity 3rd-8th grade. Our
daughter Josephine, or "Josie," is in fourth grade at Holy Trinity.
I am actively involved at Dowling Catholic High School being football rep and boys track rep. At Holy
Trinity I have attended CHRP, co-chaired the Walk-a-Thon and volunteered with the Holiday Boutique and
Gala Auction.
When my son attended Holy Family before going to Holy Trinity, I served on the school board. My last year there I was
president of the board.
Holy Trinity has been a blessing to our family. I would be honored to serve on the school board and help return the graces I
have received from this community. Please consider me, and God Bless You.
Jayson Thaut
My name is Jayson Thaut and I am asking for your consideration for one of the open positions on the Holy
Trinity Board of Education.
My wife Katie and I have been members of Holy Trinity for the past six years. We have two children;
Nicholas is a 4th grader in Mrs. Gruca’s class and Brandon is a 1st grader in Ms. Boser’s class.
A native of Minnesota, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Adminstration from Winona State
University. For the past 17 years, I have been employed by the Principal Financial Group, holding various
positions within Retirement and Investor Services. Other leadership experience includes being a member of
the Governance Committee for the International Institute of Business Analysis and Vice President of the
International Institute of Business Analysis – Central Iowa Chapter.
I have been involved in my children’s activities, volunteering over the years as a coach for both soccer and football. I have also
had the opportunity to participate in the Parent Teacher Organization (formerly known as the Guild) and the Gala Auction.
Katie and I believe a strong community is very important to our children's education and becoming a member of the Board of
Education would allow me to participate in this process.
It would be my honor to serve the Holy Trinity community as a member of the Board of Education. I appreciate your
consideration.
Megan Weisenhorn
Hi, my name is Megan Weisenhorn. My husband Eric and I have been members of Holy Trinity Church for
the past 5 years along with our 3 daughters (Anna Grace - soon to in 2nd grade; Ella - soon to be in
kindergarten, and Olivia - 11 months). Although we have only been parishioners for a short time, I attended
Holy Trinity K-8th grade, and my parents (Mike and Marcia Cunningham) have been parishioners for over 30
years.
After attending Holy Trinity, I graduated from Dowling Catholic High School, received my undergraduate
degree in education from The University of Iowa, and my master’s degree from Drake University. I taught in
the parochial schools for 10 years, and now teach for Des Moines Public Schools. Having a varied experience
in education has given me a greater understanding of the diverse set of needs each child brings to school. I know firsthand the
importance of having a cohesive group of people who are committed to serving these needs.
We decided early on that our children would attend Catholic schools, and it didn’t take much for us to realize that Holy
Trinity was the place for us. We enjoy the strong sense of community, the commitment to education, the involvement of
church and school and a feeling of belonging.
Being involved in Holy Trinity is important to me, and for the past two years I have been involved with the Beaverdale
Holiday Boutique. I would like to help Holy Trinity continue their reputation of excellence, and also help work towards
creating 21st century learners that are faith-filled. In my own classroom, I emphasize ingenuity, hard work, and respect for self
and others. Serving on the Board of Education would allow me to utilize these skills personally as well.