Joanne Coady

Meet Mrs. Coady, Principal of St. Mary School in Taylorville. As a dedicated lifelong member of St. Mary’s Church, she is deeply rooted in the community. Her educational journey began at St. Mary School, graduating in the class of 1978, a tradition shared by her siblings, two of her children, and numerous nieces and nephews. She continued her education at Taylorville High School, graduating in 1984. Mrs. Coady’s passion for teaching led her to Eastern Illinois University, where she earned a degree in Special Education and Elementary Education, followed by a Master’s Degree in Special Education, and Administration Certification.

Mrs. Coady’s career in education has spanned over three decades. She spent nine years teaching with Mid-State Special Education, followed by ten years at Central A & M School District, where she taught high school classes at Kemmerer Village Residential Treatment Center, specializing in working with students who had experienced trauma. In 2007, she was honored to become the Principal of the Kemmerer Village On Grounds School, a position she held until her retirement on June 30, 2022. We welcome her back full circle to St. Mary School as our Principal.

Teaching and nurturing children has been her lifelong passion. She is driven by the desire to help every child reach their full potential. Witnessing the joy of understanding and the blossoming of self-confidence in a child is the most rewarding experience.

Her personal life is as fulfilling as her professional one. She is happily married to her husband, Mark and together they cherish a large, blended family, which includes six children, fifteen grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Her family is also completed by a very spoiled Australian Shepherd named Xena.

In her leisure time, Mrs. Coady enjoys the nostalgic sounds of 70’s and 80’s music, immersing herself in the pages of a good book, watching movies, and spending time with her family.