Angel (Angela Russo) O'Connell and her husband, Denny (Doc) were married in Stamford, CT, Angel's hometown, in 1980. They have two children, their son Devin and daugther, Kailin and lived in Connecticut, Florida and Pennsylvania before moving to Batavia in early 1996.

After being educated at a pubic elementary and Catholic high school in her home state, Angel earned a BS in Business Administration and an AS in Paralegal Studies at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT. Since then, she has also earned a "Level 2" catechist certification, completed the two-year Ministry Formation program and was certified by the Rockford Diocese as a Lay Minister in 2003 and was also recognized with the 1999 Bishop O'Neill award for "Outstanding Service to the Word of God Through Religious Education Programs."

Despite her degree in Business, Angel has always had the strong desire to combine her faith with her love of teaching. In 1994, she began to teach Relgious Education in Pennsylvania and then continued her at Holy Cross after her family moved to this area. She shared her gifts with Vacation Bible School for several years and after being certified as a substitute teacher, she subbed in many local Catholic schools including Our Lady of Good Council and Rosary High School, helping out in age groups spanning from Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade.

As Holy Cross Catholic Preschool opened its' doors for the first time in 2003, Angel began as a preschool aide/religion teacher in the four year old program. She is delighted to now be beginning year seven!

But Angel's experience extends beyond the preschool. Since the 2005-2006 school year, she has been an active leader of the RCIA program (now called the CIC or Christian Initiation of Children) program, helping children ranging in age from Third to Sixth Grade prepare to enter or be fully initiated into the sacramental life of the Catholic Church.

In her own words... "By now you may have guessed that I am passionate about my Catholic faith and I feel called to pass it on - to spread the joy - especially to children. I want to make them excited about their Catholic Faith, too! I believe, and have personally experienced, that in life it is my faith that helps me through the tough times and rejoices with me when times are good.

I love to read and learn new things. I enjoy spending time with loved ones and friends. I like to sing though this does not mean that I sing well. I love to draw and create art. I have a passion for Our Lord and feel honored to have been called to the Ministries I am involved in. I am a core member of the Light of the Word retreat team, a Minister of Care in bringing the Blessed Sacrament to patients at Delnor Hospital, I lead the Rosary at Batavia Rehabilitation and Convalescent Center, and I teach the children of the RCIA (CIC) program the beauty of our Catholic Faith.

WHAT EVERY CHILD MIGHT LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT ME:
I love children. I love being with children. I love seeing the spark in their eyes when they learn and experience something new. I love being silly and hearing their laughter.

WHAT EVERY PARENT MIGHT LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT ME:
As the Aide for your four year olds, I will do everything I can to make your child's day an enjoyable, loving and safe learning experience.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE COMING YEAR?
I am looking forward to being part of Holy Cross history by starting Year Two with the Holy Cross Education Center and the preschool's seventh year! Go Crusaders!