Administration

Mr. 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.

Mrs. 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) graduated from Creighton Prep and presently attends UNO, and Jack attends Creighton Prep and Julie is currently a student 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 her husband and their children, researching family genealogy and spending time with friends. She loves 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. 

Mrs. Deanna Timmerman - Office Assistant

I am so excited to join the wonderful team at St. Patrick’s School. I am thrilled that I will get to use not only my business degree, but also my teaching degree in a school setting. I feel that this position will give me the best of both worlds and let me use my talents to the fullest.

I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. I moved to Omaha after graduating from college and have had the chance to work in the field of business for about 10 years. While I have enjoyed all of those wonderful opportunities, I have missed being around children. I look forward to the new experiences I gain at St. Patrick’s.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Richard, and our son, Andrew. It is truly amazing what kind of joy a child can bring to your life! In addition to family time, I enjoy playing volleyball, working outside, and cheering on the Boston Red Sox.