Welcome to Catholic Schoolhouse Merrillville!
When we meet
The Catholic Schoolhouse Merrillville chapter meets on Tuesday mornings. Our year is 24 weeks long, broken down into 4 quarters that are 6 weeks long. In between quarters, we rest, reset, and take a field trip to explore something related to what the students have just learned.
Where we meet
We are blessed with a wonderful church/school to meet – St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church, 557 W. 57th Avenue, Merrillville, IN 46410
ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR – CLAIRE ROSARIO
Greetings! We are so glad you found your way to Catholic Schoolhouse Merrillville. I am a proud military wife and homeschool mom to three littles. I’ve taught Math in both public and parochial schools. I love math’s predictable and formulaic nature and inspiring students to love it just as much! As the administrative coordinator, I do my best to keep us all organized and running like a well-oiled machine. The wonderful community for both my children and me is one of the biggest blessings of Catholic Schoolhouse, and I look forward to sharing it with you and your family.
COMMUNITY COORDINATOR – ALIVIA BROOKS
Hi everyone, Before joining Catholic Schoolhouse and starting out as a stay-at-home mom with two young children, I was so lost. I knew I wanted to homeschool but didn’t know how. I knew I needed faithful friends but didn’t know where to look. Then, by the grace of God, I met a wonderful member of our chapter at our local library, and God answered all my prayers!
Before starting my homeschooling journey, I had the privilege of teaching instrumental music in West Lafayette, IN, where my love for teaching children expanded. I am so blessed that God has allowed me to homeschool my three young children.
Joining Catholic Schoolhouse has been such a blessing. I’ve learned so much from the other moms and children which sparked my interest in becoming the Community Coordinator for our chapter. I get to plan fun activities for us to all stay connected and feel supported. My kids and I are surrounded by strong, faithful families which is truly inspiring and special. Our faith life has grown tremendously, and friendships, encouragement, and lots of laughs have been shared during our time here, which is why I’m excited to serve our community in this way!
I’m truly so glad you found us! I pray that your homeschool journey is peaceful and purposeful and you have support along the way. Hope our paths cross soon. God bless!
COMMUNITY COORDINATOR – EMILY GROTHOFF
Welcome! My love of classical education started as a homeschool student. It lead me earn a M.A. in Latin and a Doctorate in Jurisprudence. I’ve taught Latin at the high and college level and worked as a public defender. Now as a homeschooling mother watching my children develop a love of learning has been one of my greatest joys. I’m happy to lean on my unique background and love of the Latin language to help our Catholic Schoolhouse chapter. As facility coordinator, I work closely with our amazing host church/school. I am looking forward to planning some fun projects for our community to serve St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church.
PROGRAM COORDINATOR – MARY KATE SOSNOWSKI
Hi there! I’m a proud homeschool graduate and happy to call Northwest Indiana my home. I have the privilege of being a wife to my amazing husband Vince and together we’re raising our two incredible daughters whom I have had the joy of homeschooling right from the start.
My professional journey began in the healthcare field when I earned my AAS and gained valuable experience working as a Physical Therapist Assistant at local hospitals. However, my true calling led me to embrace the roll of a full-time homeschooling mom.
I’m truly excited and feel immensely blessed to be part of the vibrant community at Catholic Schoolhouse Merrillville, where I currently serve as Program Coordinator. The opportunity to contribute to a wonderful educational program rooted in the Catholic faith and bring its enriching values to Northwest Indiana fills me with deep joy and anticipation for the journey ahead!
SUPPLY COORDINATOR – BECKY MCSHANE
Hi, I’m so glad you found your way here. I am a wife and mom of three children spanning the ages of high school to grammar school. I grew up in Chicagoland, but my husband called Ireland home until he immigrated here as a working adult.
We started homeschooling in 2020, and what a blessing it has been for our family. The flexibility it has provided us during challenging times has provided lifelong benefits for our children. Catholic Schoolhouse answered many prayers as our family sought the attributes of Classical education and simplicity. I hope you find the time to come visit us and experience the community of our Catholic Schoolhouse chapter. The friendships and support are something I pray every homeschooling family can experience.
As our chapter’s supply coordinator, I am responsible for ensuring that all classes have the supplies they need each week and keeping everything organized. I use my Mom superpower of knowing where everything is to benefit our chapter!
I look forward to hopefully meeting you and your family soon.
TEAM DIRECTOR – KELLY LOCKE
Hello! I am a NY native who has been in the Midwest for almost 20 years. I thank God everyday for bringing me here where I met my husband and we have built our family. Before my vocation of marriage and motherhood, I earned a Business Administration degree and worked in Advertising in New York and Chicago.
These days, I’m a proud mom to two wild, crazy boys. They keep it challenging with their busy ways. This is one of the reasons I appreciate Catholic Schoolhouse. The simplicity of the model fits our homeschool so well. I also know that with the program’s thoroughness, I don’t have to worry about missing anything.
My family has been blessed with the wonderful Catholic community here in Northwest Indiana. It has truly been an answer to many prayers. My husband and I feel called to give back and pour into the community. Directing this Catholic Schoolhouse chapter is one way I am happy to spend my time. Come and visit, we’d love to spend part of our week with you!