From Our Principal

My name is Kristen Lavelle, and I have been principal of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy since September of 2023. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I could sense the warmth and community here. I am truly excited to be a part of it and to have the opportunity to work together with each of you.

Before becoming principal here, I taught in both Catholic and public schools in Brooklyn and Queens. I started my career teaching at a Catholic school within the Diocese of Brooklyn and taught both Pre-K and Kindergarten for several years as I pursued my Master’s in Special Education.

From there, I taught in two different Department of Education public schools, one in Long Island City and one in Williamsburg. I have taught in both elementary and middle schools while pursuing a second Master’s in Educational Leadership. I spent much of my teaching career in special education classrooms, mostly co-teaching in classrooms with children on the high functioning end of the autism spectrum. I have also taught life skills math, and I served as a special education teacher in an integrated co-teaching setting for students with mixed abilities. 

Teaching has always been my passion, but I have loved this new chapter of my educational career. It is truly my goal and mission to educate the whole child, including their moral and spiritual sides. I am honored to be a part of the OLPH community. 

Ms. Kristen Lavelle
Principal, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy of Brooklyn