Celina Manville, Learning Specialist at The Franciscan School, holds a deep conviction that as Catholic educators, we are called to serve all students, especially those who desire a Catholic education. This became especially evident when she helped co-found All Saints Academy, a Catholic school in Wake Forest that operated from 2006 to 2015. All Saints Academy provided a Catholic education to students with disabilities alongside their typically developing siblings, allowing families to remain together within one school community.

Prior to her time at TFS and All Saints Academy, Mrs. Manville worked in several Catholic and charter schools in North Carolina, Florida, and Managua, Nicaragua. As she finishes her 25th year as an educator, Mrs. Manville has blessed the TFS community for 11 years with her compassion and dedication to teaching.

Mrs. Manville received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio. It’s also where she met her husband, Mr. Ed Manville, who teaches 5th- and 6th-grade religion at TFS. “This school was where my faith in Jesus was truly ignited and continues to hold a very special place in my heart,” Mrs. Manville shares.

With Mrs. Manville’s extensive and diverse background in education, her teaching philosophy is rooted in helping students learn and grow, no matter the challenges they face. She deeply values the opportunity to share Christ’s love with both students and colleagues each day. She shares, “I truly enjoy partnering with parents and teachers to support students in meaningful and collaborative ways throughout their time at TFS.”

A typical day for Mrs. Manville involves supporting students with diagnosed learning needs by pushing into their classrooms and pulling them out to work one-on-one or in small groups. She also spends time reading psychoeducational reports, participating in Educational Team meetings, updating records, and communicating with and supporting staff and parents to collaborate for student success.

Mrs. Manville shares that her greatest and most rewarding challenge is continually seeking new and effective ways to support students who are experiencing learning difficulties. “I am grateful to work closely with the Educational Team to problem-solve, share ideas, and ensure we are meeting students’ needs as thoughtfully as possible.”

As her 11th year comes to a close, she reflects on the incredible blessing TFS has been in her life. “TFS is a truly special place to work. It is a place where I can utilize the gifts God has given me with some of the most wonderful people on the planet. It is a place that cares deeply, not just about forming minds, but also about forming hearts.” Mrs. Manville particularly loves the weekly Mass celebration as a community, the daily, school-wide morning prayer in the courtyard, and our Catholic Social Teaching (CST) events each year.

Through her faith and tireless dedication, Mrs. Manville helps shape a school community where all students are seen and loved. As TFS continues to grow, it is educators like Mrs. Manville who ensure our mission remains rooted in compassion, inclusion, and the enduring light of Christ.