Leadership - Oakland Catholic High School

We rely upon a strong tradition of leadership to ensure Oakland Catholic High School continually meets its mission of providing a Christ-centered, top tier education to the young women that attend the school. The focus of every leader at Oakland Catholic High School, from the President and Principal to the Board of Directors, is to continually enhance the opportunities provided so that every student can expand her knowledge, reach her potential and become an agent of change

Background

Kelly is a proud product of Catholic education. She attended Cathedral School through 8th grade and graduated from Greensburg Central Catholic High School, both in the Diocese of Greensburg. Her Catholic education continued at Gannon University in Erie earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communications-English and Marketing and then received a Masters degree in Education from Seton Hill University in Greensburg. After a career in sales and marketing, she has dedicated the past 20 years to Catholic education serving in the Dioceses of Greensburg, Pittsburgh, and Richmond - as a teacher, principal, and superintendent.

More About Kelly

Western PA has always been considered home but Kelly and her husband have also lived in Connecticut and Virginia. She's happy to be back in Pittsburgh with her son and daughter, as well as her and her husband's immediate and extended families. Kelly is a lifelong fan of the Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins. In addition to cheering on her favorite teams, she enjoys traveling, walking, and spending time with her family and friends.

Karen Kolenik, Principal

Background
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Background

Karen is a lifelong supporter of Catholic education. She completed grade school and high school in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, attending St. Benedict School and Bishop McCort High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, obtained mathematics certification from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and holds a Master’s Degree in Education Administration from Duquesne University.

Since 1987, Mrs. Kolenik has served as both a teacher and administrator in the Dioceses of Altoona-Johnstown, Greensburg, and Pittsburgh. Throughout her career, she has enriched student life beyond the classroom by coaching volleyball, directing ski clubs, and leading international student travel experiences. Her commitment to Catholic education is also reflected in her family, as both of her adult daughters are graduates of Catholic schools.

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Christy Gilkey, Vice-Principal

Background
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Background

Christy Gilkey is a lifelong Catholic educator who began her journey at Carlow College Campus School after attending St. Bartholomew and St. Bernadette Catholic Schools through 8th grade. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Carlow University. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

For the past thirty years, Christy has served in the Dioceses of Pittsburgh and Greensburg as a dedicated teacher and leader, committed to fostering faith, scholarship, and service in her students.

More About Christy

Christy has lived near Pittsburgh since childhood and values the strong roots she has built in the community. She enjoys spending time with her family and finds balance in nature, whether through local exploration or travel to new places. With a deep appreciation for both her hometown and the opportunities to experience new places, Christy carries a perspective that blends stability, curiosity, and connection.

Board Members
Members of the Corporation

Board Members

Michael Anselmo
Executive Vice President of PNC Financial Services & Corporate Banking Market Leader of Western and Central Pennsylvania

Molly Cecere
Vice President of Enrollment Management and Corporate Partnerships, Carlow University

Kelly Lazzara
President, Oakland Catholic High School

Kelley Cooper Miller, Esq.
Partner, Reed Smith LLC

Ayisha A. Morgan-Lee, Ed D
Founder, CEO and Artistic Director, Hill Dance Academy Theatre

Rhodora Freyvogel Noethling
Founder, Educational Coaching Center

Concetta Silvaggio
Managing Partner at Willman & Silvaggio LLP