Our Teaching Team
Mike Kabash
Mike Kabash - program founder, former Music Director and recipient of the 2016 Teacher of the Year award - taught at Saint Mary School from 2009-2017. Prior to coming to Saint Mary Campus Schools, he taught Global Studies at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in New York City and then briefly directed the music program at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School, marking both a turning point in that program and in his future role in education.
Mr. Kabash received his Bachelors degree in History with a Music Minor from Loyola University in Baltimore, Maryland and then his Masters in Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University.
At Saint Mary School, Mr. Kabash taught, created, integrated, and directed student centered performing ensembles at both levels. He created and directed the Mater Dei Band (2009-2014). He directed the Saint Mary Singers at our Friday liturgies and at off-campus events. He was deeply involved in the TheatreWorks program. He also coordinated the Saint Mary SoundWaves lessons program which gives young musicians experiences in solo, small group, an ensemble playing as well as develops their general musicianship and proficiency on an instrument as all our students grow and develop their artistic potentials.
Jonathan Butts
Mr. Jonathan Butts is in his sixth year teaching at Saint Mary School. Prior to coming to Saint Mary School, he taught privately as a music instructor for the electric guitar, classical guitar, bass guitar, double bass, cello, violin, viola, mandolin, ukulele, piano, and banjo in a variety of styles including classical, jazz, and popular music.
Mr. Butts received his Bachelors degree in Music from Monmouth University in 2005 and received a second Bachelors degree in History with a Teaching Certification from Kean University in 2011. He completed his student teaching at Old Bridge High School in May of that year where he taught Social Studies and Economics.
At Saint Mary School, Mr. Butts teaches general music class for Kindergarten and grades 1, 2, 5, 6, and 7. Along with general music, he is involved in the Soundwaves lessons program, in which he teaches students a variety of instruments including percussion, guitar, bass, piano, ukulele, violin, viola, and cello to help them develop their creative and artistic proficiency. Mr. Butts also directs the fifth grade concert at the Catholic Schools Week Assembly in the winter of each school year as well as a special performance by the first, second, and fifth grades at May Crowning in the Spring. He directs and performs songs with the Kindergarten class at the Christmas Pageant and at the Kindergarten Frolic. He is also assistant director of the Saint Mary Singers and performs with them regularly at Friday liturgies.
Mr. Butts has been a devoted Catholic for his entire life. He is a registered parishioner of St. Benedict Catholic Church in Holmdel, NJ and attends mass every Sunday.
Jason O'brien
Jason earned his Masters in Music Performance from NJCU. He is a freelance percussionists in the tri-state area and has recently been on tour in Denver Colorado and Oklahoma City. He has numerous teaching engagements throughout the state including at Passaic County Community College, and Philipsburg HS as well as performs in many prestigious venues such as the Count Basie Theatre and The Paramount Theatre. This is Jay's fifth year teaching with us at SMS and running the percussion program.
Recently he has proudly joined the Innovative Percussion team and is endorsed by the company.
Also Starring...
Eileen Kamin
Art
Mary Howley
TheatreWorks
Robin Copertino
TheatreWorks
Keys the Cat
And more