Staff

Let me introduce you to the church staff:

Fr Niby pictureFather Niby Kannai St Edward pastor: Rev. Fr. Niby Kannai is originally from Mothirakkanny, Kerala, India. He was ordained on December 29th, 2005. He served in the Jerusalem retreat center, India as Assistant director. He later served as Parochial Vicar in St. Henry’s parish and at Mary Queen of Heaven parish in Erlanger, Kentucky. He also served as chaplain to St Henry’s High School.

He is passionate about preaching, teaching, writing, and healing ministry. His publications include five books. Two of them are on Eucharistic adoration. Holding a doctorate degree in Mental Health Counseling allowed him to serve the community and families more effectively with compassion and love. He also taught at the University of Cincinnati. Fr. Niby volunteered one year in Tender Mercies, a homeless shelter in Cincinnati. Being a frequent traveler, he visited 24 countries either for giving retreats, including regular Belize youth conventions, or for leading pilgrimages, including Holy land pilgrimages. For fun, he does water skiing, jet skiing & snow skiing, along with biking and badminton.

Adriana Haas Religious Director: I was hired August 2021 as the St Edward Parish Director of Religious Education and as the Religion teacher for the students in the school. Although new to this parish, I had been a catechist for over 8 years at St. Teresa Parish (in Titusville, FL). I also served as an assistant first grade teacher and an after-school tutor. I and my husband, Rick, moved to KY after his retirement to be able to enjoy all the seasons. We have both been involved in church ministries for over 20 years. 

Dr. Beth Laytart Music Director:

I am a native of Harrison County and I have worked at St. Edward's since 2009.  My educational degrees include a Bachelor of Arts from Transylvania University in   Lexington, a Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance from the University of Kentucky in Lexington.  I am a private piano teacher and I have maintained a studio in Cynthiana since 1997

Chrissy Bezold Business Manager School/Church: Hello! I am Chrissy Bezold and I am privledged to serve St Edward Church and School as your Business Manager. I am a retired  Accountant, Banker, and Certified Nursing Assistant. I am currently a member of St. Francis Xavier in Falmouth as we have moved to Falmouth 2 years ago. Previously my husband, Joe, of 47 years, and I were members of St. Joseph in Camp Springs. We have 2 daughters: Nicole, who lives in Lexington with her husband Mike Draper and their 2 daughters Mikayla and Ellie. And our youngest daughter Stephanie lives in Camp Springs with her husband Craig Simon with their 3 children Brayden, Cody, and Kyla. My previous work history includes being the accountant for the Diocese of Covington in the late 1990s. I retired from my Comptroller position at Chartwells Higher Ed at Xavier Univ but I then felt pulled to go into nursing. I didn't want to go back to school for an RN degree so I decided to become a nurse's aid and I then worked at Holy Family Home and St. Elizabeth Medical Hospital. Joe and I had retired to our farm in Pendelton County, when Fr. Hennessey approached me to come out of retirement and come to St. Edward to serve this Parish. Thanks for welcoming me to this wonderful Parish!  

Carol Hyatt Church/School Secretary: Hello, I'm Carol Hyatt. I've been serving St. Edward School/Church for almost 2 years. Currently I am the parish/school secretary, I teach music to the students, and I am the Barton Reading tutor. I grew up in Scott Co and moved to Cynthiana in the 80's. I am mother to 3 wonderful grownup children: Jenny/John, Ben/Sara, and Kellyn/Michael and GRANNY REGGIE to my new grandson, Degen. I graduated from Meridith College with a degree in vocal performance. I love to sing for the Lord! 

 

Resa Hersel Tech Coordinator School/Parish: Hello all! I am a retired teacher from the Harrison County MS and I taught computer skills, career advice, and reading and writing for a period of 16 years before retiring in 2019. I loved teaching both the students and the staff a variety of computer skills. I am originally from Texas and studied at Texas A&M to be a teacher. Years later, a single parent with 4 children, I finally finished that degree at EKU. I have both my bachelors and masters from EKU. I was hired on here in 2021 to help with technology and to post social media for the Parish and school. In 2022,  I taught computer skills to K-5 students and really enjoyed that. Then this year I am managing the library on Fridays and trying to instill a love for reading in the students. Besides teaching, reading is another of my passions. My 4 children are all grown now with families of their own. I have 3 sons and a daughter. Keith/Susana have Lorelei and Dylan. Kristy/Jarred have twins Lexie and Alyssa, and Wesley. Their twins have both graduated from EKU in medical fields and are pursuing their masters. I'm so proud of them. Then I have Andrew/Tina and they have Jonah and Scarlett. And finally my "baby" Michael/Amber have Sophia and Noah. My 4 live in Texas, Indiana, and KY so I do a lot of traveling to see everyone. And I have now been to every state but Alaska during my summer travels. Besides my love of reading, I make diamond dotz kits for my family and friends.