My name is Joanne Browarsky and I am the proud principal of St. Francis de Sales School. It is hard to believe I have been serving within the Archdiocese of Cincinnati now for 24 years, the last nine of which have been at SFDS. They say time flies when you are doing what you love.   

As an alum and past administrator at Purcell Marian High School and now principal of St. Francis de Sales School, both Marianist institutions, I have both benefited from and now am blessed to model the Marianist Charisms in my daily life. “Educating in the family spirit” I pride myself in the relationships I have formed with my scholars, my staff, and their families alike. 

I did not attend my first public institution until earning my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Miami University. However, it was there that I found my true calling of ministry from the St. Mary’s parish community in Oxford, Ohio. I also credit my time at Miami for discovering the roots of my passion for working in the inner city, returning home to complete my student teaching in the West End of Cincinnati. I later earned my Master of Education in Administration and Superintendent Licensure at Xavier University. 

My career, as well as my path to St. Francis de Sales School, both seem to be mostly driven by God’s providence. I often say in jest, I have not applied for a single position I have served in education, rather, God has somehow called me there, through the intercession of others. Having been “called home” to direct the Student Support Services Program at Purcell Marian High School in 2011 directly led to my being in the right place at the right time to be recruited as the new principal of St. Francis de Sales School when the principal retired in 2014. God has a way of putting you right where you belong, sometimes when you least expect it.  

When I am not “principaling” I enjoy spending time with my family and doting on my “magnificent seven” nieces and nephews. I love to be outdoors, enjoy camping and hiking, exercise, and as I often tell my staff, do whatever I can to keep my mind, body, and spirit healthy to continue doing this work for many more years to come. I am blessed to lead such an amazing team, be part of a supportive parish community, and believe strongly in the CISE mission. As I tell my scholars on a regular basis, there are people out there every day, championing your cause, whom you will never meet.  

Thank you to CISE for being one of them.