Deanna Lustig Dean
Noblesville,IN
Summary
Dynamic catechist with extensive experience in curriculum development, student mentorship, and classroom management within religious education. Recognized for implementing innovative teaching strategies that significantly enhance student comprehension and engagement. Proven ability to cultivate engaging learning environments while promoting critical thinking skills among diverse age groups. Committed to inspiring a love for catechetical learning in others.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Middle School Religion Teacher
St. Louis de Montfort Catholic School
Fishers, Indiana
01.2024 - 01.2026
- Created engaging catechetical lesson plans
- Co-chaired School Religion Committee
- Spearheaded new use of Mobile Serve Program for service hour tracking
- Scheduled all school mass servers
Coordinator of Youth Ministry
St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church
Westfield, IN
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Recruited and trained adult volunteers
- Implemented religious programming (8 various youth groups)
- Mentored and coached youth in their journey of faith and life
- Providing pastoral care to youth, families, teachers, and staff
- Planned catechetical events
Director of Faith Formation & Religious Education
St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church
Indianapolis, IN
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Directed religious education for children & adults
- Instituted Eucharistic Miracle Museum
- Coordinated adult bible studies
- Lead musical stations of the cross for teens
- Guided sacramental preparation
- Headed Fundraising committees
- Executed Children’s Vacation Bible School
- Offered an Adult Vacation Bible School Program
Junior Class Catholic Theology Teacher- Sacraments & Morality
Scecina Memorial High School
Indianapolis, IN
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Created daily lesson plans
- Catechized the Deposit of Faith
- Facilitated faith sharing and prayer experiences
- Organized and led the March for Life Trip/Fundraiser
Catholic School Substitute Teacher & Maternity Leave Coverage
Our Lady of Grace & Scecina Memorial High School
Noblesville/Indianapolis
08.2017 - 05.2018
- Managed classroom behavior
- Implemented existing lesson plans
- Monitored classroom activities
- Recorded grades
- Fostered learning activities
Coordinator of Youth Ministry
St. Matthew the Apostle
Indianapolis, IN
01.2004 - 07.2017
- Created and directed youth programs
- Facilitated scripture studies
- Coordinated service experiences
- Distributed weekly email communications with parish families
- Balanced and created ministry budgets
- Planned events and social gatherings
- Scheduled mission trip travel agendas
- Implemented and executed fundraising events
- Recruited, trained, and managed ministry volunteers
- Directed youth rallies
- Collaborated with neighboring churches for event planning
Director of Faith Formation and Youth Ministry
St. Gabriel the Archangel
Indianapolis, IN
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Collaborated and problem solved with commission members & parish staff
- Directed and implemented youth programs and activities
- Empowered and mentored ministry volunteers
- Instituted a Youth Ministry Committee
- Founded “Little Kid Ministry” (grades K-5)
- Established adult spiritual book club
First Grade Teacher
St. Simon the Apostle
Indianapolis, IN
01.1997 - 01.2002
- Instructed educationally and spiritually
- Created lesson plans
- Managed an effective classroom environment
- Evaluated student progress
Education
B.A. - Elementary Education
Marian College
Indianapolis, IN01-1997
Continuing Education Courses
Indiana Wesleyan University
IndianapolisSkills
- Mentoring
- Life long catechetical learner
- Project-based learning
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Class and lesson planning
- Organizational skills
- Classroom management
- Goal setting
- Student engagement
- Spiritual guidance
Timeline
Middle School Religion Teacher
St. Louis de Montfort Catholic School
01.2024 - 01.2026
Coordinator of Youth Ministry
St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church
01.2021 - 01.2024
Director of Faith Formation & Religious Education
St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church
01.2020 - 01.2021
Junior Class Catholic Theology Teacher- Sacraments & Morality
Scecina Memorial High School
01.2018 - 01.2019
Catholic School Substitute Teacher & Maternity Leave Coverage
Our Lady of Grace & Scecina Memorial High School
08.2017 - 05.2018
Coordinator of Youth Ministry
St. Matthew the Apostle
01.2004 - 07.2017
Director of Faith Formation and Youth Ministry
St. Gabriel the Archangel
01.2002 - 01.2004
First Grade Teacher
St. Simon the Apostle
01.1997 - 01.2002
Continuing Education Courses
Indiana Wesleyan University
B.A. - Elementary Education
Marian College
Professional Engagements & Committees & Awards
2013 Archdiocesan Youth Minister of the Year, 2013 National Catholic Youth Conference Steering Committee, 2011 National Catholic Youth Conference Prayer Chapel Chair, 2004 Archdiocesan Youth Rally Steering Committee, 2004 Marian College Vocations Retreat Presenter, 2002 St. Simon the Apostle Lenten Retreat Founder and Coordinator