Specialists
“To touch the hearts of your students is the greatest miracle you can perform.”
-St. Jean Baptiste de la Salle
Mrs. Alicia Matyasfalvi, Music (Grade 3 - Grade 8)
Alicia Matyasfalvi delights in opening the door to beauty through the study of classical and sacred music. The composer Robert Schumann has been one of Mrs. Matyasfalvi’s greatest influences as an artist, scholar and teacher. Her favorite quote attributed to Schumann is, "To send light into the darkness of men's hearts - such is the duty of the artist.” She feels this certainly applies to children when given the opportunity and skills to express joy through music and art.
Mrs. Matyasfalvi began studying classical piano at the age of four, and was involved in many church choirs throughout her childhood. In high school, she performed twice in Carnegie Hall, Weil Recital Hall, as a winner of the Crescendo Competition for pianists. Following her classical education, Mrs. Matyasfalvi attended Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education with a vocal concentration. These experiences of classical music and the traditions of sacred music in the church helped shape her desire to both teach and compose. Mrs. Matyasfalvi recently released her first album titled With God, a work of eleven original songs that blend her classical, sacred and contemporary worship styles. In addition to teaching at OLMC and recording, Mrs. Matyasfalvi is a private instructor for piano, voice, guitar and composition at RMC Studios in Garwood, NJ. She is also a board member for a non-profit organization called IMPACT – International Musicians Performing Arts Cultural Troupe. Mrs. Matyasfalvi enjoys painting and sketching, hiking, and visiting the many gardens and vineyards in this area of New Jersey.
Mrs. Susanna Aslanian, Music (Grade K - Grade 2)
Susanna Aslanian loves to share the joy of music with her students. She believes that music offers each person a unique form of self-expression, as well as endless connections to other disciplines. She is excited to help students develop a lifelong love for music and use their own special voices to praise God.
In addition to teaching at OLMC, Mrs. Aslanian serves as Director of Sacred Music for St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Stirling and runs her private voice and piano studio. A classically trained soprano, Mrs. Aslanian holds a Master of Music degree from New England Conservatory in Vocal Performance and a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University.
Mrs. Cortney Christopher, Physical Education
Mrs. Cortney Christopher attended Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and received her BA in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Science. She went on to receive her MS in Forensic Science with a concentration in Advanced Investigation and a certificate in Forensic Computer Investigations from the University of New Haven. She then served the Sacramento County Probation Department as a Probation Assistant at the Sacramento County Boys Ranch.
After devoting several years to serving in the juvenile justice system, Mrs. Christopher combined her passions for teaching, coaching, and health and well-being by receiving a degree in Personal Training & Nutrition from the National Personal Training Institute, with a concentration in Youth Fitness Training. She believes physical education offers children a unique opportunity to explore the beautiful mind-body connection in a nurturing environment through a variety of sports and games, and she's thrilled to bring her talents to bear in service of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel community both as a teacher and cross country/track & field coach. She strives to impart to students a positive attitude, an open mind, a humble heart, and a willingness to learn; her greatest dream is that they will use their God-given gifts to thrive in all areas of physical education.
In her spare time, Mrs. Christopher enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter. She'll often be found playing softball, running, decorating chocolate treat trays for birthdays and holidays, and taking trips to the shore.
Mrs. Marta Pisarczyk, (Art Kindergarten - Grade 5)
Mrs. Pisarczyk was born and raised in southern Poland, a land of rich cultural heritage. She grew up in an art oriented family, which is what she encourages in her own household. Mrs. Pisarczyk moved to the States as a teenager and has made New Jersey her home ever since. In college, she studied literature and art history. She was fortunate to spend a semester in Italy and travel around the globe following her college years. But the most beautiful journey of her life is that of marriage and motherhood. Mrs. Pisarczyk loves reading and hiking. She also enjoys learning Ayurvedic medicine. Her favorite quote comes from Maria Sklodowska-Curie: "Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood." Mrs. Pisarczyk is happy to be a part of the OLMC team and loves sharing the adventure of art history with her students.
Mrs. Annie Link, Middle School Art
Bio coming soon- Please check back!
Mr. Daniel Clavijo, Cross Country & Track
It was eighth grade, and I had nothing to do after school. Some friends were trying out for the track team. ¨Run around in a circle?¨ I thought. ¨That sounds easy¨.
It was not easy, but I loved it immediately. That was 14 years ago; I´ve been running ever since and every time I do, I thank God. Now I have been given the chance and honor to coach OLMC’s track and cross country teams, the fulfillment of a long-time dream. My greatest hope is that our Chanticleers will learn to love competing, being and part of a team, and that they will experience for themselves the hard-fought and well-earned joy that comes with pushing past the limits you once thought couldn’t be tested.
Learn more about Coach Clavijo’s success on and off the course.