Fr. Michael D. Balash ~ Pastor (Aug. 1, 2003 - to date)

Born in Gary, IN, Fr. Balash grew up in Hubbard, Ohio, on the north side of Youngstown. He was ordained June 20, 1987 after completing his studies at St. Mary Seminary in Cincinnati and received his Masters Degree in Divinity and Scripture while there. Following his ordination, he served as Associate Pastor at St. Michael Church in Canton and then moved on to St. Patrick Church in Kent (1992-1995). He left there to pursue his degree at the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a Master's Degree in Liturgical Studies in 1997. He has also served as a Member of Priests' Council, on the Diocesan Board of Religious Education, the Diocesan Liturgical Commission, and as the Dean of Ashtabula County. Fr. Balash was the Pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, Ashtabula (1997-2003) prior to coming to St. Joseph's in August, 2003.

Sister Rose Anne Krantz, CDP ~ Pastoral Minister (Sept. 1, 2006 - to date)

Born in Dover, Ohio, one of five children, Rose Anne Krantz grew up on a farm outside of Dover. She entered the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1962. Her first years of ministry were spent in the Catholic School System in Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania where she worked both as teacher and principal. The next 17 years she ministered in West Virginia as a Pastoral Associate and Religious Ed Director. From 2001 until she came to St. Joseph's September 1, 2006, she served as Co-director of her Community’s Retirement House in Pittsburgh, PA. Sister Rose Anne's professional education includes a Bachelor’s Degree from La Roche College, a Masters in the Arts of Teaching from Duquesne University and extended work at Mt. St. Joseph in Cincinnati in Family Religious Studies. When not engaged in ministry her passions include quilting, camping, bike riding and hiking. Sister Rose Anne enjoys working at St. Joseph and meeting the many people who make up the community. As Pastoral Minister she coordinates the RCIA process for adults & instructs a class for those young people who need sacramental preparation. In addition, she is developing some much needed ministries and outreach programs for our parish including Homebound & Hospitalized Ministries.

Mrs. Margaret Ann "Mac" Clapp ~ Director of Religious Education (Aug. 1, 2006 - to date)

A member of the parish since 1978, Mac Clapp has served St. Joseph's in a variety of ways both as a volunteer and employee. She graduated from Kent Roosevelt and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Special Education from Kent State University. She studied Theology at Ursuline College and earned her Master of Arts in Religious Education from Loyola University in New Orleans. From 1978 through 1985 she coordinated Vacation Bible School and served as Kindergarten Teacher for CCD. She has been a Substitute Teacher for St. Joseph School, Crestwood Schools, Kent City Schools and Kent State University School. She was the Auxiliary Services Tutor for SJS through Crestwood School System (1979-1984), served as CCD Principal (1985-1987), and Director of Religious Education (1987-1991). She was also a member of the RCIA Team, Director of RCIA, and a member of the Liturgy Committee and Parish Council during this time. She then worked as DRE for Blessed Sacrament in Warren (1991-1998). From 1998 to 2003 she was the Director of Religious Education at St. Louis in Louisville. She currently serves our parish as a Lector, Ox Roast Fair Booth Chairperson (Elephant Ear Booth) and as a Substitute Teacher for St. Joseph School. Mac is married to husband George and works as office manager with her husband's business. The couple resides in Shalersville and have three children, Sarah (who's married to Ryan Work), Annie and Katie.

Mr. Bill Davies ~ Music Minister (Mar., 2004 - to date)

"Working at St. Joe's (since March, 2004) has been a great joy for me. I truly feel blessed, like I have the best of both worlds. I am able to work in music, and serve the church. In particular this church. Since coming to St. Joe's I have met so many wonderful people of faith. It truly inspires me to see such a community."

Bill Davies was born in Lorain, Ohio, but moved to Kent when he was five and, except for a few excursions to the Houston, he has lived in North East Ohio his whole life. He attended Kent Roosevelt High School, and upon finishing there, took some time off to decide what to do with himself. After working many odd jobs, he tells us he turned up at Kent State University. There he received a degree in music in 2001. In January, 2004, Bill began a Masters program at Cleveland State. His ultimate goal is teach at the college level as well as continuing work in music ministry. In addition, he teaches private guitar and piano lessons, performs for various weddings and parties, and works with a contemporary Christian band called Gabriel's Harp (Incidentally, the group recently recorded a track for a CD being sold in France for the World Youth Day celebrations in the summer of 2005). In what little free time Bill has he enjoys playing chess, skiing, swimming, and a good bottle of Pinot Noir.

Ms. Jan Huter ~ Parish Secretary (Nov. 13, 1995 - to date)

[Information Coming Soon]

 

 

 

Mrs. Kathi Trares ~ Parish Secretary (Sept., 1992 - to date)

"St. Joseph's is a wonderful place to work. The staff, students and parishioners are the best! When I started working here on a 'part-time, temporary basis' in the Fall of 1992, I had no idea I would be as involved as I am now and that I'd be doing things like the weekly bulletin, the parish community website, parishioner database, secretary for the Finance Committee & Pastoral Council, and Ox Roast Fair publicity. It's an honor to share my gifts with such a warm and friendly family."

Currently working four days a week in the Parish Office, Kathi grew up in Stow where she graduated from Stow High School completing the Intensive Office Education program. She has worked as a receptionist for H & R Block, Inc. and as a secretary for Stow High School's Athletic Director, Kent's Huntington Bank loan department, Kelly Services, and Lamson & Sessions in Kent. Living in Shalersville Twp. since 1984, she and her husband, George, have three children, Jeff at home, James at college, and daughter Wendy (Ralph) Harner who's married and has a son, Gabriel. She serves as a Eucharistic Minister and volunteers for St. Joseph Parish and School activities, Crestwood High School's band, and is a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts. Kathi also enjoys gardening, hiking, trail building, photography, and spending time with family.

Miss Beth Frank ~ School Principal (Aug., 1997 - to date)

"St. Joseph School has such a strong belief system because it is based on spiritual, academic and social growth for every student, family, faculty and staff person. We work hard and we pray and play hard, too. I love the delights and challenges that come with being Catholic and with working together as a school community to implement new quality teaching and learning."

Our principal since 1997, Beth Frank grew up on a dairy farm in Harrisburg, Ohio, belonged to Sacred Heart of Mary Parish and graduated from Marlington High School. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education at Carlow College in Pittsburgh, PA, her Master's Degree in Family Therapy and Theology from the College of Mt. St. Joseph in Cincinnati, OH, and her Master's Degree in Education Administration at Ursuline College in Cleveland, OH. Prior to coming to St. Joe's, she was a teacher of grades 1-2 for seven years and of Junior High for eighteen years, the Parish Director of Religious Education for eight years at St. Paul's in North Canton and at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Aurora, and the principal of St. Paul's, North Canton for one year. Beth continues to go to school to participate in both administrative and theological courses. The theater, dining out and reading are among her favorite things to do. Family gatherings are always delightful because of numbers and they love to get together for any reason. Single and living in Mantua Village, Miss Frank considers the students of St. Joseph School her children.

Mrs. Kathy Cofojohn ~ School Secretary (Aug., 1993 - to date)

". . . I have been honored to serve as St. Joseph School Secretary. I am here to serve the students. I strongly believe that a good foundation in education and faith is essential to the future of the student. With kindness and compassion I endeavor to help make St. Joseph School a wonderful place for each student to grow. I love to be able to watch the children grow. They are all a uniquely special gift to our school."

Our School Secretary since 1993, Mrs. Cofojohn was born in Sharon, PA, and grew up in Masury, Ohio. She attended Cuyahoga Falls High School and was trained as a certified dental assistant. Prior to coming to St. Joe's, she worked as a dental assistant and office manager. Living in Shalersville, Mrs. Cofojohn has three children and is married to Jim who has one child. They also have three grandchildren. She enjoys golfing, walking, reading, cooking and spending time with family.

Mr. Al Roberts ~ Food Service Supervisor (Oct., 1994 - to date)

"I work at St. Joseph's because of the people!!! Staff, students, parents, and families are all wonderful to work for and with year round. I hope to remain here until I can't work any longer."

Supervising our school meal program, Bingo Snack Bar, Ox Roast Fair dinners and other parish and private events using the kitchen/hall, Mr. Roberts has been employed at St. Joseph's since October, 1994 (the hot lunch program began Jan., 1995). Growing up in Ocala, Florida, where his family owned a grocery store & full service meat market, Al earned his GED. Past employment includes WMOP-AM/WFUZ-FM radio in Ocala, FL (1968-1976), Portage County Sheriff's Office (1977-1983), Havre Motors in Ravenna (1983-1993) and co-hosted "The Other Side of Medicine" radio talk show on WHK, Cleveland with Dr. James Krystosik (1994-2001). He has been the President of the School Nutrition Association of Ohio (2005/2006) and also served the parish as a Lay Leader of Prayer, Liturgical Minister, and Homebound Minister. He and wife Diane live in Hiram Township and have two married children, who are both St. Joseph School alumni. David Roberts and wife Stephanie have a son, Wyatt. Kelly and husband Daniel Cartwright have two sons, Daniel and Jadon. In his free time, Al enjoys old TV shows. For more details about St. Joseph's Food Service, click here.

Click here to visit St. Joseph's Parish Staff History page.

Click here to view St. Joseph School's Faculty & Staff Page.

Click here to discover St. Joseph School's Faculty & Staff History.

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