Administration

Don Ridder - Principal

Don and his wife Brenda are proud parents of three children: Kristina, who is attending UNO, Jacob is at NorthWest Missouri State, and Bridget is at Marian. His wife Brenda is a 5th grade teacher at Millard. She is truly a remarkable teacher and person and is responsible for Don getting into education and administration.

Don received an Associate’s degree from UNL, a Bachelor's degree from Wayne State College, a Master's degree in Educational Administration from UNO, and a Specialist in Educational Administration from UNL. Don began his teaching career at Valley where he was also the head football and track coach and assistant basketball coach. He then attained his first job as principal at Benedict, where he also served as the Athletic Director and head football coach. From there, he moved his family to Crete, NE, where he was the 7-12 assistant principal for four years and principal for two years.

These principal jobs were great experiences and they provided wonderful opportunities; however, Brenda and Don decided to move to Omaha so their children could receive a Catholic education. Don was then the principal at Mary Our Queen School in Omaha for three years. Don enjoyed the opportunity the Catholic schools provide and was looking for a challenge beyond MOQ. The opportunity and challenge of starting up a new school at St. Patrick’s was available for Don. He has been principal of St. Patrick’s since the doors opened on August 23rd, 2000.  St. Patrick’s is now a PreK-8th grade school with plans to be at capacity of 910 in very near future.  Don is very impressed with the staff and he is extremely proud of the quality education the students receive at St. Patrick's School and asks for your continued support and prayers as the school thrives with excellence in behavior, spiritual and academic education for every child.

The parishioners at St. Patrick's Parish have been very accepting of Don and his vision of excellence in education for every child at St. Patrick’s. As a result of their support, St. Patrick’s community is a wonderful place, where teachers, parents, children and parishioners work together to provide a faith- filled education for all the students and families of St. Patrick’s. Don is delighted to be principal at St. Patrick’s and is very thankful to Fr. Ron and everyone who has contributed to the success of the educational program.

When Don isn’t at St. Patrick’s, he enjoys spending time with his family, coaching basketball and softball.

Kathy Moritz - Administrative Assistant

Kathy and her husband, Dave, moved to the Elkhorn area and St. Patrick’s Parish in 1991.  Her husband is Vice President for his family’s real estate company in Omaha.  They have 4 children: Kimberly, a graduate from Marian High and attends Rockhurst University, Chris (a member of the 2006 graduating class of St. Pat’s) goes to Creighton Prep, and Jack and Julie who both are current students at St. Patrick’s.

After graduating from Marian High School, Kathy studied at UNL and received her degree in business and marketing from UNO.  Following school, Kathy worked in sales and for her husband’s company earlier in their marriage. Most of her experience has been volunteering for the schools her children attended, as well as, other community projects in Elkhorn and Omaha.  She taught in the RF program, served on the RF and Development Committee, and worked as the Office Assistant in the school office.

In her spare time, Kathy enjoys traveling and spending time with their husband and children, researching family genealogy and spending time with friends. She looks forward to helping Mr. Ridder and the entire staff to continue the strong positive and nurturing environment St. Patrick’s provides for all its students. She feels the parents and staff have much to be proud of in the education and Christian values that St. Patrick’s has become known for, through the behavior and accomplishments of its students. 

Stefanie Grewe - Office Assistant

My husband and I, along with our daughter, moved to Omaha in the summer of 2000.  Coming from a small Nebraska town, we were overwhelmed by the size of the Catholic churches and schools.  We were on a hunt for the perfect school and church community to be a part of and send our then pre-school aged daughter to.  As we were on our way to Lincoln, we came across St. Patrick's Church and a sign that said "St. Patrick's Catholic School Opening Fall 2000, Enrollment Welcome."  We checked it out and knew it was where we wanted to be!

St. Patrick's School is the place to be! It is filled with wonderful people, and holds a tremendous amount of God's presence.  I feel so fortunate that we "came across" the school and church and feel that being a part of it is truly a blessing!

I graduated in 1998 from Peru State College with a BS in Psychology and Sociology.  After working for the State of Nebraska for one year, I began substitute teaching and knew that it was the career path I wanted to take.  I have been fortunate to substitute teach and be a teacher assistant consistently ever since.

My husband Matt and I live in Northwest Omaha.  We have two daughters, Madison and Molly who attend St. Patrick's School and one son, Jack.