Leadership
Mr. Braeden Neal
Principal
Washington State University, B. A.
Western Governors University, MEd-EDL (in progress)
Why I support the JPII mission:
The beauty of catholic education is we get to foster growth in the spiritual side of the student as well as the academic side. I am so excited to provide opportunities for these young men and women to grow into the missionary disciples the world needs.
About my previous experiences:
I have worked as a catholic educator at the middle school level for four years. I taught math for a year in Bellevue at St. Louise, then spent three years at St. Patrick School teaching math, religion, and history.
I hail from:
Olympia, WA.
In my spare time:
I love playing spending time with my wife and our two beautiful boys, golfing, and spending time with friends.
My family:
I have been married to my wife Lauren for four years, and my wife and I are parents to two boys. Beckett is turning three this August and Harvey turns one in September. Being parents has been the biggest blessing in our lives.
Faculty & Staff
Mrs. Margie Antles
Administrative Assistant
Medical College of Virginia, B.A.
University of Chicago, M.A.
Northwestern University, MBA
How I serve and why I support the JPII mission:
Impacting these precious students even in a small way is truly the best job in the world!
About my previous experiences:
Pharmacist, Director of Health Care Initiatives for Strategic Communications Firm
I hail from:
The Windy City-North side. DNA includes South Side. Chicago, Il
In my spare time:
You may find me weeding the yard on a summer day and I love to play cards! I have an adorable daughter who keeps me grounded, makes me giggle and a fabulous husband who adores me. Truly blessed.
Ms. Gwen Bowen
Humanities
University of Notre Dame de Namur, B.A.
University of Notre Dame de Namur, Teaching Credential
University of California at Berkeley, Teaching Certificate
How I teach and why I support the JPII mission:
I teach by encouraging students to use their talents in challenging them to expand their knowledge, enable their decision making and promote firmness of character. I see myself as a mentor on the students’ faith journey in deepening their communion with God, themselves, and the greater community.
About my previous experiences:
I have been working as an educator for over twenty-five years in the U.S. and abroad. I recently taught for eighteen years at a small private school in San Jose, CA and then for a year at a large high school in Redwood City, CA.
I hail from:
I was born in Seattle and raised in San Jose, California. However, all my family is from Grays Harbor County.
In my spare time:
I love to experience diverse cultures and religions through international travel. I also take great joy in visiting the natural beauty of our national parks. At home I enjoy reading historical fiction, watching international dramas and cooking global dishes.
Mrs. Francesca Brownsberger
Theology & Campus Minister
Georgetown University, B. A., Theology
Catholic University, M.A., Theology
Why I support the JPII mission:
I teach in the spirit of Pope St. John Paul II (my personal hero), who loved young people and saw them as one of the Church’s greatest strengths.
About my previous experiences:
I have reported for Vatican radio, taught at University of Dallas, and worked in parishes in Texas, Missouri, and Virginia.
I hail from:
Long Island, NY.
In my spare time:
I love to hang out with my husband and seven kids!
Mrs. Annfany Cortes
Event Coordinator
BA in Early Childhood Education, Germany
About my previous experiences:
I worked for 17.5 years for the US Army at CYS, supporting soldiers and their families.
I hail from:
Bielefeld, Germany
Why I support the JPII Mission:
I support a faith based education that nurtures the spiritual growth and academic excellence which prepares our children for a higher calling. JPII also fosters community services, which teaches young men and women to volunteer their talents.
In my spare time:
My family and I love to travel, especially abroad. I love to cook, bake and do crafts.
Tell us about your family:
I have a son who is is a Junior at JPII and a daughter who is special needs that is about to start high school at Timberline. We were a military family until my husband Roger retired from the Army a few years ago.
Dr. Paul Cristofaro
Spanish
Washington State University, B.A. Business Administration
University of Mississippi, M.B.A.
University of Mississippi, M.A. Spanish
University of Alabama, Ph.D. Spanish
Why I support the JPII mission:
I teach in the spirit of Pope St. John Paul II (my personal hero), who loved young people and saw them as one of the Church’s greatest strengths.
About my previous experiences:
I have taught Spanish and business courses at the university level, and I also have experience teaching Spanish at the high school level.
My teaching philosophy:
My aim is to create a student-centered learning environment where students feel empowered and supported. Through meaningful engagement I hope to inspire students to grow both personally and academically.
I hail from:
Chehalis, WA
In my spare time:
I enjoy reading, hiking, and playing tennis. I also love to travel. My favorite destination is Europe.
Ms. Megan Davis
Mathematics & Science
University of the Incarnate Word, B.S.
Saint Martin’s University, MIT
How I teach and why I support the JPII mission:
I believe in teaching to the whole student, I utilize a student’s prior knowledge and build upon that as they continue to learn. I strive to make sure that each student’s needs are met as they work individually and with others, so they are challenged and can grow.
About my previous experiences:
Prior to JPII, I taught two years in the Clover Park School District teaching middle school. I have taught CTE, science, and math intervention.
I hail from:
Maryville, TN
In my spare time:
I like to read, go on walks, and spend time with my family.
Mrs. Laura Dietz
College Counselor & Academic Advisor
Pacific Lutheran University, B.A.
Saint Martin’s University M.Ed
How I teach and why I support the JPII mission:
I give my all to helping students succeed. I am passionate about well-rounded students who in return, give their all to their education.
About my previous experiences:
My work experience has been in high school counseling at Yelm High School. I frequently volunteer with various schools doing resume workshops, FBLA judging and mock interviews.
I hail from:
Olympia, WA
In my spare time:
My family and I love boating, swimming, alpine skiing, and playing games. I love spending time with friends and learning to golf! I love quiet times on walks with my dog and dreaming of a Scandinavian vacation.
Mrs. Lali Espinoza
Bookkeeper/Office Manager
Universidad del Azuay, B.A. (Business Administration)
University of Washington ELS
Seattle Pacific University MBA
Why I support the JPII mission:
JPII’s strong commitment to help students achieve success as a whole human being, not just academically. Students are enriched spiritually so they can better serve this world. This is amazing and it is truly inspiring to be part of this good work.
About my previous experiences:
I have worked in the banking industry in Ecuador and in the United States.
I hail from:
I am from Cuenca, Ecuador!
In my spare time:
I love to spend time with my family. Visiting and having long chats with my friends. Traveling to Ecuador at least once a year to visit all my family and friends.
My family:
I have two sons, Juan Fer and David. Juan Fer is graduating this year from Washington State University with a major in architecture and David is a freshman at JPII. My husband Pablo loves computer technology and works for the state of Washington. He is a cyber security expert. We are originally from Ecuador and have been living here for more than 24 years.
Mrs. Danielle Gil
Executive Assistant & Admissions
University of Maryland, BS Management Studies
About my previous experiences:
I am a retired US Army Human Resources Warrant Officer with over 15 years experience leading high-impact HR operations projects and strategic initiatives across large, multi-unit organizations that impacted both soldiers and their families.
I hail from:
Beaufort, SC
Why I support the JPII Mission:
I support this mission because these children are our next generation. The world needs well-rounded leaders and servants who are unafraid and bold in their faith, and who are prepared to lead lives filled with purpose and impact.
In my spare time:
I enjoy reading, trail running, traveling, Oregon beach hopping, and spending time with my family.
Ms. Lan Mai
Mathematics & Science
Portland State University, M. Ed.
Ball State University, M. A.
How I teach and why I support the JPII mission:
All my achievements were a blessing from God. He gave me the best education, strength when I was most desperate, and a loving family. I support JPII’s mission because God has supported me and my family.
About my previous experiences:
I started my teaching career at New Urban High School and was later transferred to Adrienne C. Nelson High School.
I hail from:
I was born in Vietnam and moved to the United States when I was 14. I have been living in Portland, OR.
In my spare time:
I like to spend time in nature, travelling and taking pictures.
Mrs. Theresa McKenzieSullivan
Jazz Band Director
Central Washington University, B.A., Music
About my previous experiences:
I currently teach at St. Michael Parish School, serving as Band Director, Art/Crafting Teacher, and Shakespeare Production Manager.
I hail from:
Waterville, WA
In my spare time:
I am involved in several local community theaters, enjoy time with family, camping, hiking, caring for exotic pets, and composing music!
Tell us about your family:
We are a family of many hobbies, from outdoor adventures to the performing arts. My husband and I are very active in local community theatre, most notably the Evergreen Playhouse in Centralia and the Tenino Young-at-Heart Theatre. We also play music with an Irish band. We have a wonderful son, Nathaniel, who currently attends JPII, and a house full of pets.
Mr. Joshua Myers
Social Studies & Technology Coordinator
The Evergreen State College, B.A.
Washington Governors University, MAT
How I teach and why I support the JPII mission:
One very important aspect of how I teach our students is to develop a personal relationship with each of them. History can be fun! So I bring my love for the subject to the classroom to excite students about history by going beyond the text and diving deeply into the stories that make history rich and alive!
About my previous experiences:
Before teaching I worked in construction, mostly in the greater Seattle area. My specialties were residential residing, window and door replacement, and deck building but I also have experience in all aspects from framing to finish carpentry.
I hail from:
Olympia, WA
In my spare time:
I enjoy the outdoors, camping and fishing are two of my favorite hobbies. I also love to cook, my favorite is grilling and smoking meats for family and friends.
Dr. Tracy Russell
Science & Athletic Director
New York University, B.A.
St. George’s University School of Medicine, M.D.
Saint Martin’s University, MIT
GradPoint; STEM Team; StellarXplorers Aerospace STEM Program; Cross Country Coach
How I teach and why I support the JPII mission:
My goal is to foster the natural inquisitiveness of our learners while helping them learn to be good consumers of information, being able to distinguish between the real, the false, and the misleading.
About my previous experiences:
Spent 20 years as a pediatrician, taught as an adjunct for Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences and currently teach at Saint Martin’s University.
I hail from:
Okinawa, Japan (spent time as US Air Force bases all over the world)
In my spare time:
I recharge my batteries by reading, writing, cooking and sewing.
Ms. Caiti Schmitz
Communications Director
Yakima Valley College, A.A.
Central Washington University, B.S.
How I lead and why I support the JPII mission:
I deeply believe that our youth are active and important participants in shaping our world, both in the present and future. Shaping youth that live out the mission of JPII is therefore of vital importance. If I can be even a small part of this mission, I know that what I do each day matters infinitely.
About my previous experiences:
I worked as a banker for five years before feeling a call to work for the Catholic Church. I was an administrative assistant at Saint Michael Parish for three years prior to making the move to serve as Executive Assistant for JPII.
I hail from:
Red Bluff, CA
In my spare time:
Developing an ever-deepening faith life is part of my daily life. I love spending time in conversation with family and friends. I enjoy reading, especially Biblical fiction. I find God in nature, so you can often find me outdoors (at least when the sun is out)! Music is very important to me, if I am not listening to my favorite artists, I am playing guitar and singing.
Mrs. Shelley Sprouffske
Development Director
University of Portland, BBA Finance
About my previous experiences:
Before starting my family, I served as an Assistant Vice President at a leading wealth management firm, providing guidance to multigenerational families and nonprofits. Throughout that time, I’ve spent 25 years as a successful nonprofit fundraiser and built a graphic design and marketing company that grew out of my passion for creativity and community impact.
I hail from:
Gig Harbor, WA and now on a Christmas tree farm in Rainier, WA
Why I support the JPII Mission:
I have always had a deep love and respect for Pope St. John Paul II himself – who believed in the young people of our world. I am grateful to have the chance to serve these young men and women as they grow in faith and discover their purpose in serving others in this world.
In my spare time:
You’ll find me on our farm with my husband and boys… following them on the golf course or camping somewhere with their Scout Troop or fighting cancer at the American Cancer Society Relay For Life with our family and friends.
Dr. Heather Wallace
Humanities
Whitworth University, B.A.
Duke University, Ph.D.
Yearbook
How I teach and why I support the JPII mission:
Reading stories is foundational for our faith. The skills we develop by reading, discussing, and writing teach us about ourselves and open us to deeper, kinder relationships with others. God meets us through the living word and in our words to one another. It’s an honor and delight to study the power of words with JPII students.
About my previous experiences:
I taught philosophy and literature classes at Duke and Elon University while earning my Ph.D. in philosophy at Duke. In graduate school, I held a fellowship for teacher-scholars interested in serving at church-related colleges and universities. I graduated from Whitworth University, class of 2011.
I hail from:
I am a native Texan, raised in Oregon.
In my spare time:
I knit and sew, kayak and hike, cook and cuddle with cats. And of course, read. Especially sci fi by women authors and Louise Penny’s Three Pines mystery series.
Mr. Travis Conn





