Meet Our Board

Deacon Conway was born and raised on Long Island. After completing high school, he went on to the Cathedral Seminary Residence of the Immaculate Conception and studied Philosophy. After leaving the seminary he began his teaching career. He was ordained as a Permanent Deacon in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, and  now ministers in the Diocese of St. Augustine as a deacon and as our Superintendent of Catholic Schools.

Ms. Shott was born in Jacksonville, Florida. She graduated from Flagler College with a BA in Business Administration and obtained a Certification in Special Education from the State of Florida from the University of North Florida. Elaine also has a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Walden University. She joined the Morning Star School staff as a junior high teacher, teaching American History and Literature for 10 years. In 2007 she was promoted to the Assistant Principal’s position and in 2020 appointed Principal of Morning Star School.

Ms. Dowdakin, new Business Manager comes with a diverse background. She worked at Bank of America as an Assistant Vice President, in Default Servicing for 13 years handling various job functions such as loan modifications, closings, auditing, and quality and control assurance. Majored in Computer Science at UCSC, (University of California, Santa Cruz), and is a single mother who devotes herself to her family at home and at Morning Star.

Mrs. Johnson, new Development Director, comes to us with a background in Catholic education. She has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Indiana University and is pursuing her Master’s of Education in Supervision and Administration from Liberty University. She worked in both public and private schools as a teacher and moved into an administrative role a few years ago. She has experience planning various fundraisers and galas which included both, silent and live auctions. Her greatest achievement, though, is her family. She and her husband have three kids and a mini goldendoodle and are active members of Assumption Catholic Church.  They enjoy road trips, trying new restaurants, and being outside. 

Mrs. Maynor is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in the State of Florida. Kimberly retired from the Internal Revenue Service after working 30 years as an Internal Revenue Agent. Kimberly is currently employed as a Tax Consultant for Maynor & Maynor, CPA’s, LLC.

Mrs. Tucker is a Finance Executive with extensive experience in Corporate Development, Strategy Development, Management/Finance Consulting, Finance, Consumer Retail Banking Operations and Auditing in both the Health Care and Financial Services. For the past 20 years, she held executive leadership roles with Florida Blue/GuideWell Mutual Holding Corporation, most recently as Vice President of Corporate Development and Strategic Investments. Mrs. Tucker earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Florida and her Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from Avila University in Kansas City, MO. She is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Florida. Throughout her career, she has been active in her community and served in key roles with various charities.

Mr. Ivey was born and raised in Jacksonville. A graduate of University of North Florida he holds a BA in Criminal Justice and a minor in Sociology. He is a certified Fluid Power Hydraulic Specialist with the International Fluid Power Society. He has held various industrial sales manager roles and currently is the southeast regional Sales Manager for Atos Electrohydraulics. He and his wife, Monica, have a daughter, Shelby, and son, Joshua who is truly blessed to be a current student at Morning Star.

Mr. Donovan was born and raised in Jacksonville. He attended the University of Alabama and graduated with a BA in communications. His wife is a teacher, they have a son and daughter and are Morning Star School parents. He is currently President of Donovan & Abercrombie Insurance but has spent sixteen years in television, including five years with the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Entertainment prior to his present position.

Mrs. Barnes began her career at Morning Star School as an eighth-grade teacher in 1986 and has served as principal from 2007-2020. During that time Barnes increased enrollment and adding a wing to serve junior high and high school. Students. Retired now, she enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren but still visits Morning Star to substitute teach once in a while.

Mr. Walsh is a Financial Advisor with over three decades of investment experience. He has a team of highly competent, client service driven individuals, that form the Walsh Investment Consulting Group of Wells Fargo Advisors. It is his belief that you must do what is right for the client first by providing valuable advice to help clients meet their financial goals. Mr. Walsh graduated from the University of Notre Dame with an BBA and an MBA from University of North Florida. He has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation which requires ongoing continuing education. At the center of Lou’s life is his family: lovely wife Jan, beautiful daughter Rosie, and favorite son Louie. He enjoys running charities, reading, attending college lectures and golfing.