Advancement Department

The Advancement Department of St. Scholastica Academy raises awareness of the Academy through events, connecting with alumnae, and soliciting gifts to cover the difference between the cost of education and the tuition the families pay.   St. Scholastica Academy is committed to keeping tuition affordable so that all girls have the opportunity for an excellent education.   Many generous alumnae, alumnae parents, friends of the Academy, businesses, corporations and foundations deeply believe in and financially support the mission of SSA.  Through the combined effort of our entire community, we will continue the Benedictine tradition of excellence in education. 

Vakarie Christian
Ms. Vakarie Christian is the Development Officer for St. Scholastica Academy.  She has been with SSA since 2008.  Prior to coming to St. Scholastica Academy, she worked for not-for-profit organizations that focus on women and youth development in fundraising and alumnae relations.  Ms. Christian received her BA in English from Tuskegee University, and she is pursuing a masters degree in psychology from University of Illinois at Chicago.

Jennifer Fernandes
Ms. Jennifer Fernandes has a B.A. from the University of Karachi, Pakistan.  She has been with the Academy since 1999.  She serves as the Administrative Coordinator of the Advancement Department.  Previously, Ms. Fernandes worked for a British pharmaceutical company as an executive secretary.

Emily Paulus
Ms. Emily Paulus is the Enrollment Coordinator for St. Scholastica Academy.  She has been with SSA since 2009.  She earned a BA in English and Communications from Southeast Missouri State University, and is pursuing a masters degree in Communications.  Before coming to St. Scholastica Academy, she worked for St. Agnes of Bohemia as Director of Communications in Chicago.

Colleen Kookoothe
Ms. Colleen Kookoothe joined SSA in December 2010 as the Events Coordinator.  After graduating from John Carroll University, Colleen worked in public relations and marketing for a firm in Toledo. She has been actively involved with volunteering and event planning for non-profit organizations.