Western Washington University, B.A.
University of Portland, M.A.
Saint Martin’s University, Principal’s Certification

How I serve and why I support the JPII mission:

Students need more than academics, they need an education that challenges them to be prepared – not just for college or career, but for life. They need to belong to a community that accepts them with love as the incredible person who God created. They need to be nurtured to explore and deepen their faith through relationship with Jesus. They need to belong, to feel loved, challenged, and supported. When young men and women know that they are supported, they know that they can explore their strengths, step outside their comfort zone to explore their options. Truly they are open to growth – to become their best selves, the person God intends them to be.

About my previous experiences:
Mathematics Teacher and Leader at Centralia High School; Mathematics Teacher at Hoquiam High School

I hail from:

Spokane, WA

In my spare time:

I cherish spending time with family, crocheting and reading.

Salisbury University, B.S.
Saint Martin’s University, Master’s in Education (working); Principal Certificate

How I lead and why I support the JPII mission:

I believe educating students is a crucial component to building a strong society where people can flourish and become who God intends them to be. Helping our students achieve their dreams around college, career or post-secondary choices guide my daily duties. I try to live out my relationship with Jesus each day to promote the mission at JPII. Supporting our teachers, communicating with parents and practicing leadership during challenging times are all privileges I embrace each day.

About my previous experiences:

I began my career in education over 30 years ago teaching elementary and middle school. Then God called me out of the work of school-based education into camp and retreat ministry and then parish ministry…education of a different kind. And, now I find myself full circle back in a school setting. I feel tremendously blessed to have this opportunity to serve again in this capacity.

I hail from:

Baltimore, MD

In my spare time:

I am all about family, so any time not spent at work we take advantage of the beautiful outdoors and cultural richness of the Pacific Northwest.

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.

Point Loma College, B.A.
American Baptist Seminary of the West, M.Div.
Framingham State University, M.Ed.

Step Up; National Honor Society

How I teach and why I support the JPII mission:

I love to see students grow as servant leaders. I take joy in seeing lights come on as students learn, stretch themselves, expand their worldview, and offer their gifts as servant leaders to a hurting world.

About my previous experiences:

I served as an American Baptist Pastor in Oregon and Washington with my wife, Mylinda. We served as global servants with a group of churches in Costa Rica for 12 years.

I hail from:

San Diego, CA

In my spare time:

Play coed softball, garden, write, enjoy time with my wife and our two adult children.

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.  

South Puget Sound Community College A.A.

How I teach and why I support the JPII mission:

I love how JPII nurtures students intellectually as well as spiritually. It is something that I feel is incredibly necessary in our busy modern times.

About my previous experiences:

I’ve been working in non-profit children’s theater programs for over 10 years. I’m the music director for Apple Tree Productions where we work with young people putting on musicals.

I hail from:

Olympia, WA

In my spare time:

When I’m not busy I love to unwind with my cats and play video games. One of my very favorite things is to take a long walk and listen to music. I’m also the accompanist for First Christian Church every Sunday.

The Evergreen State College, B.A.

Master Metalsmith

Western Washington University, BA Anthropology & BA Canadian-American Political Science

Why I support the JPII mission:

JPII provides a solid academic, spiritual and moral foundation for its students. You can tell just by walking the halls that this is a close-knit, caring place that encourages growth of its students and staff members alike.

About my previous experiences:

I have worked for private schools in the Olympia area for roughly two years now. I worked at Holy Family School in Lacey as their Admissions Director and Digital Marketing Specialist up until I started here at JPII. Before that, I worked for Western Washington University as an Admissions Representative.

I hail from:

Born in Boston but grew up in Issaquah, Washington

In my spare time:

I like to crochet, bake and watch movies!

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.

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.

Saint Peter’s University, B.A. 
University of Dayton, M.A.

About my previous experiences:

Before joining the team at JPII in 2019 I worked in college campus ministry for two and a half years, previous to that I spent a year and a half in seminary at Mount Angel discerning with the Archdiocese of Seattle and prior to that spent three years teaching high school theology. In addition to my work here, I serve the Catholic church in Grays Harbor by facilitating faith formation and coordinating liturgy for seven parishes.

What would you take to a desert island:

A backpack with books and writing supplies and a hammock!

The Evergreen State College, B.A.
Saint Martin’s University, MIT

Fastpitch Coach

How I teach and why I support the JPII mission:

I like to teach with great energy and compassion. Life provides new challenges daily, and I want to be a mentor that all feel welcome to voice their questions and viewpoints. Through the years, I have found that student growth, and empowerment, are a tremendous witness to Christ’s love for us all. Watching students meet their God-given potential is inspiring and provides me with the passion to be the best teacher I can be.

About my previous experiences:

I have had a variety of previous professions including owning my own business, installing telecommunications equipment, and purchasing.

I hail from:

Olympia, WA

In my spare time:

In my spare time I enjoy playing the guitar, watching the Seahawks, being active with my kids, and going to the beach.

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.

Trevecca Nazarene University, BA Religion, Fuller Theological Seminary, MA Intercultural Studies

Why I support the JPII mission:

The thread tying each part of JPII’s mission together is love. I believe students cultivated in JPII’s mission will lead us to a better world; one where love has driven out fear of the other.

About my previous experiences:

I was a minister to graduate students and faculty for almost seven years in Los Angeles. A major portion of that work included developing meaningful partnerships of support through prayer, giving, and service. Most recently I was a Clinical Care Coordinator with Catholic Community Services serving children, youth and families.

I hail from:

Nashville, Tennessee and Los Angeles

In my spare time:

I do improvisational theater, read, hike, watch a good story, creative writing and drink coffee!

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.

Yakima Valley College, A.A.

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 3 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.

How I serve and why I support the JPII mission:

At JPII we help students develop body, mind and spirit. I offer students the support and encouragement to handle life’s mental and emotional challenging moments.

About my previous experiences:

Health care administration, mental health clinician and college instructor

I hail from:

Montana

In my spare time:

Garden, Cook and watch documentaries and reading; married to Mr. Suek. We have 3 grown children and one beautiful grandson!

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.