The future of Catholic education lies in advancement. To keep tuition affordable and accessible for local families, fundraising takes a lead role in our operations. It takes a team effort to focus on alternative sources of revenue for financial aid, upgraded technology, improved facilities, and, even more importantly, competitive compensation for teachers. At Sacred Heart Academy, all of our teachers, staff members, and board members, along with parent volunteers help with development efforts. Institutional advancement leaders are responsible for these efforts. Our team leaders are:
Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish of Mount Pleasant ~ Saint Mary University Parish of Mount Pleasant 
Fr. Andy assumed the role of pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in July 2024. He came from a seven-year tenure at Saint Brigid of Kildare in Midland. There Fr. Andy conducted a successful campaign to endow $1 million in the James Cardinal Hickey endowment for St. Brigid Catholic school. This campaign doubled its goal! In addition, under his pastoral leadership, the annual emerald evening fundraiser for the operation of St. Bridget school grew from producing $80,000-$250,000 in support for the operation of the school and supplemental pay for teachers. Fr. Andy was also an integral part of the $4 million renovation and fundraising effort of the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption in Saginaw during his term as Rector in 2016 and 2017.
The youngest son of three, Fr. Andy grew up on a family farm in Port Hope and was ordained in 2007. He frequently reminds his parishioners that, “When you walk with Jesus, you are never alone.” Walking with the Lord in the years of his priesthood, Fr. Andy has great hope and faith in the future. He looks forward to accompanying the people of Sacred Heart Parish of Mount Pleasant in the years to come. Among his favorite scripture passages is Psalm 116, which poetically asks the question. How can we make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done? Together, let us lift the chalice of salvation and praise God for all the ways he has blessed us.
Principal
Mary Kay Yonker was named Principal of Sacred Heart Academy in January 2015. A native of Shepherd and a member of Sacred Heart Parish, Mrs. Yonker has more than 30 years of administrative, leadership and classroom experience. She and her husband, Steve, have three daughters who have graduated from the Academy. She is a proven leader, and SHA has been blessed by the great passion, energy and faith she exemplifies in the principal role. “Mary Kay is committed to our Catholic identity, a positive approach to leadership, and developing relationships with teachers and students which encourage higher achievement,” says Fr. Loren Kalinowski, Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish. Sacred Heart was specifically seeking an academic leader to promote its vibrant, service-oriented student culture rooted in the Catholic faith, and found one in Mrs. Yonker, whose proven successes from 34 years in education, the last 26 as a principal in four different school districts, including the last 8 years at Sacred Heart Academy. "I’m inspired to be part of a tradition of excellence at Sacred Heart Academy. I look forward to building partnerships and establishing relationships with the staff, parents and school community. I especially enjoy my connection with students. Their energy, honesty and curiosity continually inspire me,” Yonker said. In her first six months at SHA, Mrs. Yonker helped successfully fund the $500,000 Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Initiative, resulting in an all-new science lab at the Academy and Chromebook 1:1 integration for 7th through 12th graders. Mary Kay can be reached at myonker@sha.net or (989) 772-1457.
Director of Development
Lindsay is a member of Sacred Heart Parish and a Sacred Heart Academy parent.
She and her husband, Ryan, have two daughters at SHA, Addyson and Rylin. She is
a graduate of Central Michigan University and has experience in sales and
marketing from previous work roles. She has also been active in the Sacred Heart
community, volunteering for the SHAgala event, Home & School, Athletic
Association, and other committees. In addition, Lindsay has been involved in the
community-at-large, serving on the board of directors for both Junior
Achievement of Central Michigan and the Home Builders Association of Central
Michigan. At Sacred Heart, Lindsay is responsible for creating donor opportunities to enhance giving for the Parish, the Academy and the SHA Foundation. She can be reached at 989.772.1385 or LLey@sha.net.