February 7, 2026

Once a student, a St. Mary’s Academy teacher wants to give back

REGIONAL
Story and photo by Carolee McGrath

Catalyna Alexopoulos poses with her third grade class at St. Mary Academy

LONGMEADOW – Catalyna Alexopoulos is the third grade teacher at St. Mary’s Academy in Longmeadow. Her entire academic career, she has attended Catholic schools.

“I was a student at St. Mary’s kindergarten through eighth grade. Then I attended Pope Francis for high school and attended the Elms for my bachelor’s and master’s in education,” said Alexopoulos.

After working as a substitute teacher in the public-school system, Alexopoulos interviewed for the opening at St. Mary’s Academy, where she began teaching last August.

“When I look back, I didn’t just attend those schools, I was truly formed by them. What I mean by that is those schools not only helped me academically, but also morally, spiritually and helped shape my faith, character and values,” the 23-year-old teacher said.

She has 26 students in her third-grade class. She is teaching in the same classroom where she once sat as a student.

“She is a really nice teacher. I mean she’s taught us a lot, especially division, subtraction, a lot of math stuff. A lot of subjects she has taught us,” said student Claire Massie.

Father C.J. Waitekus, the pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Longmeadow, said it’s pretty rare to have a teacher who attended Catholic schools from kindergarten through college, to come back to teach where it all began.

“She has come home to her roots. I think of the Alexopoulos family. They have been supportive of the school for years. It’s great that this young woman has come back and is now part of the faculty,” said Father Waitekus.

Alexopoulos is the oldest of four children. Each of them attended St. Mary’s Academy and the family belongs to St. Mary’s Parish.

“She is just an awesome teacher and an awesome young lady and we’re thrilled to have her back,” said Father Waitekus.

Alexopoulos is pursuing her doctorate degree in education at Northeastern University in Boston. She said she plans on staying in Catholic schools.

“I see my doctorate program as an opportunity to gain research and leadership skills I can bring to Catholic schools. Ultimately my goal is to give back to a community that formed who I am today and help sustain Catholic education for future generations,” she said.

A video version of this story will be featured tonight on “Real to Reel,” which airs at 7 p.m. on WWLP-22NEWS.