N E W S TA F F
Welcome to the PFPS Family!
TRACY BAUDUCCIO Tracy’s career has included working for MassMutual for almost 20 years, after which she made a complete career change to the field of psychology and eventually became a licensed school counselor. She is currently a doctoral candidate, pursuing her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology. She is PFPS’s Learning Lab teacher and works collaboratively with the guidance department to provide educational support to students. What she enjoys most about teaching at Pope is building relationships & learning from and with the students. Tracy believes in being able to empower students with skills, tools, and confidence so they can be their best selves! Tracy has found the environment at Pope to be very welcoming and the community of staff and students has made for a great experience. Tracy is blessed with three beautiful daughters, three beautiful grandchildren, and a very patient husband. She enjoys cooking, teaching fitness, and road trips that take her closer to the seashore!
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POPE FRANCIS PREPARATORY SCHOOL
SHEILA SLAWIAK Sheila Slawiak joined our team as a technology teacher offering classes in both media arts and computer science. As a 2010 graduate from Westfield University with her MEd in Instructional Technology & Science, she brings over 16 years of teaching experience to PFPS. Sheila also received a Master of Science degree from RPI in Communications. She has significant experience working in the field of product development, technical writing, and other facets of high-tech manufacturing. Sheila’s passion is focusing on how technology can enhance the way people work in business and helping students dream about and discover what the future holds for people eager to enter these fields. Her most recent accomplishment was being a semifinalist for the state Teacher of the Year where she was recognized for her teaching excellence and how she utilized educational technologies in her classroom. Sheila loves working at Pope Francis because the teachers are innovative and open to new ideas and the students are eager to learn new technologies that enhance their knowledge. She is very happy to be able to contribute to a learning community she finds joyful and collegial. Sheila and her husband, Tom have traveled throughout the world, and when they are home, play sports such as golf, tennis, skiing, and equestrian riding. Until recently, they owned thoroughbred horses who brought them much joy! Recently, they have welcomed a new addition to their home — an adorable Havanese mix puppy named Enzo.
BRANDON NOWAKOWSKI Brandon Nowakowski’s enthusiasm for math was clearly shown from the start when he was tasked to implement PFPS’s new Pre AP Algebra 1 curriculum, in addition to teaching geometry and AP Statistics. Brandon had a double major in math and music as an undergrad at UMASS and received a master’s degree in music from the University of Hartford. Along with his expertise in math, Brandon is also a classically trained saxophonist who plays with various groups in the area, giving concerts and other performances. Brandon is enjoying teaching at Pope because of the enthusiasm of his students and the supportive atmosphere. His commitment to math instruction goes beyond the walls of PFPS as he is the owner of the Better Learning Center, LLC in West Hartford, CT which provides tutoring services to students wishing to further their math studies and to prepare for challenging classes, AP exams and other standardized tests. Brandon also enjoys training for and running marathons. Currently, he is preparing for the New England Green River Marathon coming up next August.
