Mrs. Villella, a 1969 graduate of Cardinal Mooney, is currently a teacher at St. Joseph's School in Austintown. She joined the staff at St. Joseph's in 1983 and currently teaches, religion, American history, spelling, health,social studies, reading and self esteem. She co-chaired the OCSAA accreditation for St. Joseph. She has also taught at St. Christine's School and Our Lady of Loretto grade school in Pittsburgh. In 2003, Mrs. Villella was awarded the prestigious Golden Apple Award by the Diocese of Youngstown in recognition of her leadership, professional development and service to the church and community and she is listed in Who's Who among American Teachers. She is a judge for the Cardinal Mooney Speech team and has served a class captain for The Cardinal Challenge, the Alumni Association's annual fund drive. She co-chaired the effort twice. In addition, Mrs. Villella served as treasurer of Cardinal Mooney's Home and School Association from 1996 to 2002.

Villella has been heavily involved at St. Joseph's where she organized and coached the first girl's basketball team and served as assistant track coach and cheerleading moderator. In addition, she served as treasurer of the school's booster club. She is a lector and Eucharistic Minister at St. Jude's parish in Columbiana and particpated in the parish's marriage preparation program. Mrs. Villella has been a presenter at Catholic
education conferences, been active in the YSU English Festival, and introduced and coordinated the Fun Learning Summer Camp at St. Joseph's. Mooney principal, Sr. Jane Marie Kudlacz noted that "Kathy can always find time in her busy schedule to help the students of Cardinal Mooney or St. Joseph's. She reflects the ideals of Cardinal Mooney in all that she undertakes."

Mrs. Villella earned her bachelor's degree from Youngstown State University. In addition, she has done graduate work at Kent State University, Walsh College and, The University of Phoenix. She and her husband, Ed, are the parents of three children; Samantha, Nikki and Brent, all Mooney graduates. The Villella family lives in Boardman.