Meet the Faculty & Staff...

Amy Ball, Mathematics & Science Faculty
“I feel honored to be among the first teachers of Father McGivney Catholic High School.  I am blessed to teach our youth in a Catholic school,” said Mrs. Amy Ball.  Mrs. Ball joins FMCHS with her Master of Arts in Teaching degree from SIUE.  Her Bachelor of Science is in Industrial Engineering from Mississippi State University.  She earned her MBA from the University of South Carolina's Darla Moore School of Business. 

Mrs. Ball and her family are members of St. Mary Parish in Edwardsville where she previously volunteered as a cantor and an interim music director.  Her four children attend St. Mary's School.  St. Mary's encouraged Mrs. Ball in her teaching career when she was a substitute teacher in Music, Computers, and Elementary and Middle School classes.  Mrs. Ball said, “I am enthusiastic about helping our young people deepen their faith while preparing them academically to achieve their dreams.” 

Mrs. Ball brings to FMCHS her multiple teaching endorsements including Math and Science.  She links course content to Core Curriculum Standards for those subjects.  Mrs. Ball teaches with a variety of interactive technology including electronic textbooks and SmartBoards for educators and students. 

I am enthusiastic about helping our young people deepen their faith while preparing them academically to achieve their dreams.

During Master of Arts in Teaching coursework for SIUE, Mrs. Ball observed and practiced education methods with her field study at Edwardsville High School and Grigsby Middle School.  Her current pre-service teaching assignment is in EHS' Math department.  Mrs. Ball is a member of the Illinois and National Educators Associations, the National Science Teachers Association, and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. 

The combination of her experience, education, and strong Catholic faith prepared Mrs. Ball well for teaching at Father McGivney.  Mrs. Ball was employed in industry for over thirteen years.  She worked as an engineer and manager for Mack Trucks, TRW Automotive Safety Systems, Walt Disney World, and Whirlpool.  Her previous work facilitates real-world connections to class content for her students.  She stated, “I am eager to work with Father McGivney's various students in math and science, including Honors and College Prep  courses.  I am excited about McGivney because this school will support our Catholic faith as well as teach skills for success to our youth.”


David Michael, Theology & Business Faculty
David Michael is a graduate of the College of Business at the University of Illinois. He graduated in the top 3% of his class of over 8,000 students at the U of I while obtaining Bachelors and Masters degrees in Accountancy.  Mr. Michael also earned a minor in Spanish while studying and living in Costa Rica for over five months.  Upon graduating, he spent this past summer studying for and successfully passing all four parts of the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.  After passing the CPA exam, Mr. Michael returned to Costa Rica to teach at a private elementary school for almost three months.  In addition to working with the McGivney staff, Mr. Michael works in the office at his family’s restaurant in Highland and also leads a Bible study for the young adults at St. Paul parish in Highland.

A lifelong member of St. Paul parish in Highland, Mr. Michael attended St. Paul Catholic grade school from preschool through 8th grade. He attended Breese Mater Dei Catholic High School before graduating from Breese Central Community High School.  In high school Mr. Michael played football and basketball, earning seven varsity letters.  Mr. Michael attributes his passion for God, faith formation, and love for others to his more than 13 years of Catholic education.

"I am excited... because I believe life is about the people you meet and the things you create with them. Over the course of the next year, many new faces will cross each of our paths as we move forward together with the hopes of building a high school rich in the Catholic faith. I cannot think of anything more rewarding than to help create a high school committed to developing young believers into mature disciples of Christ."


Bobbie J. Madura, Guidance Counselor
Bobbie J. Madura is an Illinois native of the Metro-East area. She grew up in Collinsville, and was a member of S.S. Peter & Paul Parish from Baptism.  She attended S.S. Peter & Paul Elementary School from Kindergarten through 8th grade where she formed friendships that have lasted her lifetime.  Mrs. Madura graduated from Althoff Catholic High School and then attended SWIC, before marrying Timothy G. Madura, who at that time had enlisted in the United States Air Force.  Thus began her travels throughout the world -- the Maduras lived in Japan, Guam and the Netherlands where Mrs. Madura taught PSR, led sacramental preparation, and even enjoyed an audience with Pope John Paul II, a day she will never forget.

Mrs. Madura majored in Psychology at The University of Maryland, after which she worked with the Department of Defense School System (DoDDS) for over nine years during her residence overseas.  During that time, Mrs. Madura worked as a Liaison between DoDDS Schools and International Schools, translating classes for American students who were transitioning to and from this base.  Following a sabbatical from her educational pursuits, she chose to attend graduate school through Bowie State University, where she earned her Masters of Education Degree in Guidance and Counseling.  Upon returning to the United States, Mrs. Madura worked as an Elementary Teacher and Middle School Guidance Counselor in Florida, also continuing to teach PSR.

After only four years with Bay County Schools, Mrs. Madura moved back to the Metro-East area following her husband’s retirement from the Air Force.  She and her family joined St. Jerome Parish upon their move to Troy, where she volunteered as a PSR Catechist.  Since her return, Mrs. Madura has obtained Illinois Certification as a School Counselor, has worked as a substitute teacher, is a member of the St. Clair County Crisis Response Team, maintains membership in the American School Counselor’s Association, and volunteers as a Eucharist Minister at St. Jerome Parish. She currently resides in Troy with her husband and daughters, who will be attending college next fall. Mrs. Madura values a Catholic education; she realizes the education she received while a student at Althoff more than prepared her for college as well as for a life dedicated to her faith.


Michael V. Palmer, Principal
Mike Palmer is a veteran educator whose 32 year career in the Catholic school system includes teaching and coaching as well as administration. Mr. Palmer taught and was Dean of Students at Gibault Catholic High School in Waterloo from 1996 to 2003. He currently serves as principal of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School, in Collinsville. He is serving as principal for both schools during the 2011-2012 school year with a focus at McGivney on recruiting students, hiring teachers, and finalizing the curriculum.

Mr. Palmer has served on the Father McGivney Catholic High School Board of Directors since its inception. He has remained dedicated to this project since it began because he truly believes that southern Madison county needs a Catholic High School. He has chaired the curriculum committee and helped design a curriculum that will meet the needs of contemporary Catholic youth.

With modular scheduling, cutting edge technology, and dedicated faculty who are passionate about teaching, Mr. Palmer looks forward to leading a school that will serve as a model for what a 21st century high school experience can be. He has considerable experience working with high school students and enjoys every aspect of principalship from recruiting to guidance to witnessing the success of the students.

Mr. Palmer earned a B.A. in history and political science from McKendree University, and an M.A. in historical studies from SIU-E.  He holds certificates in administration and teaching from the State of Illinois.

“I am extremely honored to have the opportunity to serve the students and parents of FMCHS as the first principal. I look forward to the challenge of creating a Catholic secondary school that will provide the students of southern Madison County with the chance to continue their faith formation that was begun by our outstanding Catholic elementary schools.  It is my goal to fulfill the dreams of the founders of FMCHS by creating a school that will become a leader in academics, athletics and activities in a truly Catholic environment.”



OPENING: Faith Formation Director
Father McGivney Catholic High School in Maryville, IL seeks a Director of Faith Formation to be entrusted with establishing a thoroughly Catholic cultural setting, protecting the Catholic identity of the school, and promoting our mission to serve the Culture of Life. The Director of Faith Formation will be an integral part of decision making along with the Principal to keep faith first in all matters.

The qualified candidate must provide sufficient evidence that he/she:

  • Professes and practices the Catholic faith and is actively involved in his/her parish life
  • Has a strong background in religious education with (at least) a master level certification in a diocesan catechists program
  • Has significant experience and ability in catechetical teaching, youth ministry and spiritual mentorship
  • Has an ability to work at an administrative level to ensure the Catholicity of the school with staff as well as students

The successful candidate will effectively demonstrate that he/she understands that:

  • Father McGivney Catholic High School exists primarily for the moral and spiritual formation of the students
  • He/she is on a spiritual journey like the students with heaven as their common ultimate goal
  • Administrators, teachers, and staff need to model their Catholic faith with integrity and be obedient to the teachings of the Magisterium

All candidates should submit the two completed applications (below), a curriculum vitae, and a reference letter from their current pastor. For inquiries concerning any position, contact Mike Palmer, principal, at principal@frmcgivneyhs.com or 618-223-9708, or fax 618-344-5536. Electronically submitted application documents are preferred.

Application for Professional Employment - Teacher, Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Professional Position Employment Reference - Teacher, Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois


OPENINGS: Faculty & Staff
Father McGivney Catholic High School in Maryville, IL seeks innovative and energetic candidates for faculty positions in theology, math, science, social studies, language arts, foreign languages, fine arts, physical education, and technology.  All faculty members will be entrusted with protecting the Catholic identity of the school and promoting our mission statement.  Available positions are for Full or Part-time.  Special consideration will be given to candidates with multiple endorsements.  Candidates must be willing and able to coach or sponsor activities.  All candidates should submit the two completed applications, a curriculum vitae, and a reference letter from their pastor. Any candidate interested in a coaching position only should submit a resume. References will be requested at a later date.

All candidates should submit the two completed applications (below), a curriculum vitae, and a reference letter from their current pastor. For inquiries concerning any position, contact Mike Palmer, principal, at principal@frmcgivneyhs.com or 618-223-9708, or fax 618-344-5536. Electronically submitted application documents are preferred.

Application for Professional Employment - Teacher, Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois
Professional Position Employment Reference - Teacher, Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois