Central Catholic Appoints Co-Directors of Enrollment & Chief of Staff

(L-R): Erica Tyburski, Brittley Grodi, Becky Schmakel.

Central Catholic has appointed three staff members to new positions, effective June 1.  Brittley Grodi ’07 and Erica (Staccone) Tyburski ’04 have been appointed Co-Directors of Enrollment.  Becky Schmakel has been selected as the Chief of Staff.

ENROLLMENT CO-DIRECTORS 

As Co-Directors of Enrollment, Brittley and Erica introduce students and families to Central Catholic High School and oversee the entire admissions process.  This includes fielding inquiries from interested families, helping students complete their applications, and working with families on payment options.  They build relationships with elementary school principals, and they work closely with Central Catholic’s principal, dean, and counselors to be sure the school services the needs of all enrolling students.  Brittley and Erica plan to work collaboratively on the various aspects of their enrollment responsibilities, with Brittley taking more of a lead on admissions and Erica focusing more on student retention. 

Brittley has been working at Central Catholic since 2016, first as an administrative assistant in the main office, and more recently as the Assistant Director of Enrollment.  She has a degree in graphic design.  Brittley recently got engaged to Dustin Dauer ’04, and they are planning a July 2026 wedding.

Erica has been working at Central Catholic for four years as an administrative assistant to Head of School Kevin Parkins, and she has also supported the administrative team.  Erica has a degree in healthcare administration.  She and her husband, Jeff, have two children - Jeffrey, who will be a sophomore at CCHS, and Hillary, a fifth grader at Christ the King.

“After several years serving as an assistant to Mr. Parkins, I was able to gain a deep understanding of our school operations and build strong relationships,” Erica said.  “Over time, I found myself especially drawn to the work of welcoming new families and sharing what makes our school so special.  My previous role gave me a unique, behind the scenes view of how our school operates, and it deepened my appreciation for our mission and our Irish community and culture.”

“Working with the admissions process has helped me form internal and external relationships,” said Brittley.  “Everyone at Central Catholic has the same goals.  We’re all here serving the same students and working together to bring them the best possible opportunities.” 

Erica is excited to build on the strong foundation that is already in place, and to enhance and refine the admissions process and the retention of students.  Brittley would like to brainstorm new ways of engaging with students, and they will continue to keep up with trends in order to meet the students where they are in their journeys.  

“We strive to be intentional in building relationships with students and families, and to show an authentic version of our product,” Brittley said.  “When students visit Central Catholic for Discovery Days, Open House, or shadowing opportunities, we want them to see what it’s really like to be a student here.  That way when they come here, they are comfortable and there are no surprises.”

Both Brittley and Erica are proud Central Catholic alumni, and they are eager to share what makes the school so special.  “The feeling of comfort and home are what drew me here as a student,” Brittley said.  “That continued when I joined the faculty and staff.  We have great camaraderie, and people are always willing to help and support the students and each other.  I love that we get a fresh, new vibe every school year.  CCHS is all about family - our own families as well as the greater Irish Family.”

“Central Catholic truly is its people,” Erica added.  “I’m excited to come to work every day in this amazing and supportive environment.  I strongly believe that the culture is still the same as it was when I went here, and my son is now thriving here as a student.  What keeps me working at Central Catholic is the real sense that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves.  Every day I have the opportunity to interact with students, and those are the moments that remind me why I'm here - being a part of their growth, supporting them not just academically, but emotionally and spiritually.”

CHIEF OF STAFF

Becky Schmakel joined the staff at Central Catholic in March 2023 and has been working as the office manager, volunteer coordinator, and manager of special projects.  Her responsibilities included daily office activities, assisting campus ministry with service hour management, and coordinating student graduation.  She has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Maryville College.  Her husband, Bryan, is a 1998 CCHS graduate, and their son, Brandon, graduated from Central Catholic in 2022.  Their other children, Madison and Logan, will be seniors at CCHS this fall. 

As Chief of Staff, Becky will work closely with the Central Catholic administration, the Board of Directors, and Kevin Parkins.  She will also oversee the staff in the school’s main office and in the guidance office, work with the human resources department on staff and coach compliance, manage the school calendar and internal communications, and continue to manage special projects and coordinate graduation.

“After working at Central Catholic for a few years, I realized that I have more to contribute,” Becky said of her new position.  “My previous work experience, along with what I’ve learned working here, gave me the qualities they were looking for to meet the changing needs of the school.  This is an opportunity to have a greater impact.”  

Becky is looking forward to the challenges of her new position, as well as the flexibility of having contact with both students and staff members.  In her new role, she plans to build on what is already going well and to increase efficiency within the building.  “I would like to continue to grow and develop the best use of our resources to make sure things run smoothly.”

“Central Catholic is such a friendly and welcoming environment, and I really enjoy the people and the family-like atmosphere,” Becky added.  “I’ve gotten to understand the dynamics, and I am looking forward to being more involved in the CCHS community.”