Faculty & Staff

Marybeth Bohm

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies - Loyola Marymount University - 1993
Master of Arts - Catholic School Administration - Loyola Marymount University - 2009

Years of teaching

23+

Awards/achievements

Definitely not "Mom of the Year" - It is difficult being a parent but I am truly blessed to share my parenting role with my husband of 25 years as we raise our three daughters.

Interesting facts

I am a True Crime Fanatic!!!!  I LOVE decorating for the holidays (any holidays)!

Favorite school activity

Going to Mass every Friday as a school community.  Meet the Musicians Day and Talent Afternoon.

Personal comment

In order to take care of and nourish others, we need to nourish and take care of ourselves first.

Favorite quotes

"Don't cry because it is over.  Smile because it happened."  Dr. Seuss

"Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire."  St. Catherine of Siena

Jamie North

Years at St. Monica School

12+

Interesting facts

I was married at St. Monica Church 27 years ago; my three daughters attended the school and received their sacraments here. This is my home!

Favorite school activity

School Auction, such a great community event

Personal comment

I love travelling the world with my husband especially now that we are empty nesters!

Favorite quote

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” - Maya Angelou

Mindy Pfeiffer

Education

BS Accounting, Santa Clara University, 1992

Awards/achievements

Managed to raise two strong girls who are now in college

Interesting facts

​I had the opportunity to live and work in Australia for a few years.
Both of my girls and my niece attended St. Monica Catholic School.

Favorite school activity

​Grandparent's Day and All Saints Day with the fourth graders dressed as their favorite saint

Personal comment

I am so excited to be back at St. Monica as part of the faculty team after spending so many years on the parent side of things. I look forward to supporting the students, families, and faculty at the Saint Monica School community!

Favorite quotes

​You will teach them to live, but they will not live your life. Nevertheless, in every flight, in every life, in every dream, the print of the way you taught them will remain. Mother Theresa

Allison Shearer

Education

BA degree from Chico State University in Psychology and Social Work

Years at St. Monica Parish

21

Personal Statement

I am thrilled to be back at St. Monica School. This community of amazing and faith-filled families and teachers makes St. Monica such a special place for me. My daughter graduated from St. Monica school, and I loved being involved in just about every volunteer opportunity there was! I have worked over at the St. Monica parish office for the past year, which I have loved. I am so excited to spend my day with your children focused on faith, service, and community. I look forward to sharing our wonderful catholic education journey with you all!

Favorite quote

You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.

Kristin Farrell

Education

BA in Elementary Education and Spanish, Masters in Education with an Endorsement in Reading

Years of teaching

13+

Awards / Achievements

UP President’s Scholarship, Kappa Delta PI International Honors Society in Education, Pacific Alliance for Catholic Education (PACE) through University of Portland, St. Brendan Parish School 2009 distinguished graduate, Fulcrum Foundation STAR Grant recipient

Interesting facts

Studied abroad in Granada, Spain

Favorite school activity

2nd-grade washing of the feet on Holy Thursday

Personal comment

I was recently married and live in Bothell with my husband and our golden-doodle Edgar.  In my free time, I enjoy traveling, playing board games, and spending time with my family and friends.

Favorite quote

“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” Norman Vincent

Kayla North

Education

I am currently working towards getting my B.A. in Marketing with a minor in Economics at Seattle University.
I graduated from Newport High School in Bellevue.

Years of Teaching

Four years of teacher assistance experience in theatre.
Two years of teacher assistance experience in the St. Monica Early Learning Center.

Awards / Achievements

Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity, Presidents and Deans List, Knight Valor Award, Yellow Rosebud Award

Interesting facts

I attended St. Monica for elementary school and am a Youth Theatre Northwest Alumni.

Favorite School Activity

The Christmas Pageant

Personal comment

I am thrilled to be joining the St. Monica community again this year. I am very passionate about helping students feel confident and strong in their learning.

Favorite quote

“A man's mind, stretched by new ideas, may never return to its original dimensions.” -Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.

Talina Briashk

Education

BA in Human Development/Early Childhood Education from Washington State University, Graduated in 2009
K-8 Washington State Teaching Certificate

Years of teaching

12 years of teaching preschool. This will be my 11^th year at St. Monica Catholic School.

Awards/achievements

2014 Mercer Island Preschool Association Exceptional Educator Award
Presenter at the 2003 Washington Association for the Education of Young Children Convention
Graduated Magna Cum Laude WSU 2009

Interesting facts

I live in Covington with my husband Joey (who is head chef at Eureka in U-Village) our two wonderfully spirited children, MacGyver and Scarlet, and our three cats; Lucy, Georgie, and Wombat.

Favorite school activity

I love morning and afternoon circle time when all the kids are seated with me and we are talking about or day, life, and all those wonderfully random things that pop into the head of a young child.

Personal comment

I work hard to provide a developmentally appropriate and learning-enriched classroom for all PreK students. I want to help students discover their amazing abilities and get them started on the road to becoming life-long learners. I look forward to what I call "light bulb" moments that happen every day at this age. The moment where something clicks and a student gets excited to have just truly learned something new.

Favorite quote

From the children’s Book: Ish By Peter H. Reynolds

“Ramon felt light and energized. Thinking ish-ly allowed his ideas to flow freely. He began to draw what he felt-loose lines. Quickly springy out. Without worry.”

This is one of my favorite children’s books written about a young child whose art is criticized. He later discovers that although his paintings don’t look exactly like a tree or a flower they look tree-ish or flower-ish. This revelation inspires the child to look at his artwork in a proud new light and the creativity never stops from there.

Evelyn Zwolski

Years teaching

8+

Interesting facts

I enjoy spending my free time out in nature where I can appreciate the beauty in God's creations, especially here in the Pacific Northwest, with my husband Cody, my daughter Jaelynn, and my son Caden. I enjoy going on hikes with my family, taking my chocolate lab Rainier to the dog park, ice skating, reading, going to the beach, relaxing with a good movie, and I consider myself an animal lover. It brings me much joy to watch my son Caden play sports and my daughter Jaelynn dancing ballet. When I have extra time on my hands, I enjoy going on trips to Hobby Lobby to gather ideas for a new arts and crafts project.

Favorite school activity

All the activities at St. Monica during the Advent season!  Christmas morning in PreK is a lovely morning where we all gather around our classroom Christmas tree in our pajamas and pillows and blankets, drink hot cocoa and open a little Christmas gift. We are all a big PreK family!  I also love preparing and watching our preschoolers perform their song at the Christmas Pageant all dressed up in their beautiful Christmas attire. So much joy is in the air during this time of year!

Personal comment

As a preschool teacher I believe I play an important role to care for, guide, encourage, support, and inspire my young students. To help them to grow into motivated life-long learners, to develop a love of God, a deep love of themselves and others, and to be respectful and kind human beings. Children should be free to explore the world with their curiosity, ask questions, and be in a place where their self-expression and creativity is always welcome. These early experiences in life are so incredibly important in shaping the people these little learners will become.

Favorite quote

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Philippians 4:13

 

Kyla Becker

Education

Graduate of Liberty High School

Years of teaching

One year as a teaching assistant for a 4th/5th grade class during the Teaching Academy course at Liberty High School and a volunteer at a local church, reading, writing, and helping elementary school students do their homework.

Awards/achievements

Member of the National Honor Society from Sophomore year to Senior year

Interesting facts

I have one sibling, Kiran, and four pets: a cat named Din and three dogs named Darla, Mia, and Oscar. I plan on going to college after this year in either clinical or forensic psychology.

Favorite school activity

My favorite school subjects were English and Psychology; I've always enjoyed reading and writing.

Favorite quotes

"Destiny is a funny thing. You never know how things are going to work out. But if you keep an open mind and an open heart, I promise you will find your own destiny one day" -Iroh from Avatar: The Last Airbender
"You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it" -Robin Williams
"Be messy and complicated and afraid and show up anyways"- Glennon Doyle Melton

Helen Oh

Education

B. A. from the University of California, San Diego in Business International Studies

Years of teaching

She has been involved in afterschool programs for elementary and middle schools during her college years in San Diego, and she has been an active leader for the children's ministry at her church ever since her teenage years.

Awards/achievements

Becoming one of the founders of a group called Kids4Kids serving orphanages in downtown St. Louis, MO.

Interesting facts

She has a great passion for music and creating a positive experience for children, whether through music or education. This has led her to teach piano to children from 3-11 years of age for 3 years.

Personal comment

She is excited to embark on this new path that serves her passion and is thrilled to work with the St. Monica staff and community!

Sarah Moffat

Education

BA in Early Childhood Education, Western Washington University
K-3 Teaching Certificate, Western Washington University

Years of teaching

8+

Interesting facts

I have lived in Washington for my entire life. I enjoy watching Seattle Seahawks and Mariners games. What makes me very happy is traveling to warm places, especially when I travel with family and friends or visit family and friends. I also love to dance.

Favorite school activity

I love coaching basketball and volleyball.

Personal comment

Two of my favorite daily teacher moments are when a child says something surprising that makes me laugh out loud and when a child gets excited about learning something new or when they can figure out how to accomplish a new task all on their own!

Favorite quote

“To love is to place our happiness in the happiness of another.”

Megan Gately

Education

Bachelor in Arts in Sociology, Gonzaga University
Masters in Initial Teaching, Gonzaga University
Endorsements in Reading and Elementary Education
Slingerland Method Trained

Years of teaching

4+

Interesting facts

My siblings and I made history at Gonzaga as the most siblings ever to attend Gonzaga at the same time.
I have a twin brother!
My hobbies include wake-surfing, water skiing, learning how to golf, and spending time with my family and friends!
I have lived in Arizona, Idaho, Washington, and Florence, Italy.

Favorite school activity

I absolutely love taking my students to the Seattle Aquarium!

Personal comment

St. Monica is such a special place! It is an extreme blessing to be the First Grade teacher here. I believe that every child has immense potential with the ability to love, laugh, and learn every day.

Favorite quote

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine." -Anthony J. D'Angelo

Laura Jarboe

Education

Master of Arts- Teaching from Western Governors University in 2013
Bachelor of Arts- Anthropology-Social Studies from Western Washington University 2006

Years of Teaching

6+

Awards/Achievements

Certification in Neurolinguistic programming. Mother to three amazing children. Assistant Cub Master of Pack 682.

Interesting Facts

I rowed crew in high school. I love classical literature, and in true Jane Austen fashion, I can cross-stitch.

Favorite School Activity

Anything involving music!

Personal Comment

I am overjoyed to be joining the St. Monica family this year. I'm excited to help my students see the world through eyes of wonder.

Favorite Saint

St. John Baptist de La Salle for his work in establishing education as we know it!

Favorite Quote

“He said not 'Thou shalt not be tempested, thou shalt not be travailed, thou shalt not be dis-eased'; but he said, 'Thou shalt not be overcome.”
Julian of Norwich, Revelations of Divine Love

Cathy Malone

Education

BS Elementary Education from The Pennsylvania State University – graduated with Honors – emphasis in Math and Science
MA Education from the University of South Florida – emphasis in English Language Learners

Years of teaching

25 years

Interesting Facts

I student taught in Portsmouth, England.
I have 2 adult daughters, one who is a 5th-grade teacher.
I have been part of the Core Team with my husband, for the Mary Queen of Peace High School Youth Ministry for the past 10 years.

Favorite school activity

Going to Mass with school families

Personal Comment

I started to hear the call to become a teacher when I was quite young. It is truly my vocation and it brings me great joy.

Favorite Quote

But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them: for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”  Luke 19:14

 

Anne-Marie Betts

Education

Bachelor of Arts-Washington State University
Bachelor of Arts-Western Governors University
Endorsements: Elementary Education K-8

Years of teaching

1 year

Interesting facts

I was adopted with my twin my sister when I was a year and a half.  I love running—one of my many favorite memories with my kids is running with them in my jogging stroller. A favorite fall activity of mine is watching Washington State Cougar Football.

Favorite school activity

Having lunch with my students or surprising them on the playground for a game of wall ball.

Favorite quote

“People are often unreasonable and self-centered.  Forgive anyway.  If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives.  Be kind anyway.  If you are honest, people may cheat you.  Be honest anyway.  If you find happiness, people may be jealous.  Be happy anyway.  The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow.  Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough.  Give your best anyway.  For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.” Mother Teresa

Meghan Wright

Education

Elementary Education Degree from Montana State University

Years of teaching

3

Interesting facts

She grew up on Mercer Island and attended St. Monica School!

Personal comment

I look forward to sharing my passion for learning and educating at St. Monica School, where I have many fond memories of learning and growing!

Carrie Poole

Education

CGS certified Level 1, 2 and 3
Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Seattle Pacific University
Teaching Certification K-8, Seattle Pacific University
BA in Psychology, University of Washington

Years of Teaching

After 20+ years of raising children, some homeschooling, lots of volunteering, seven years in the Atrium, I walked into the classroom three years ago.  During that time, I have continued to be in the Atrium and have taught 5th-grade science, 5^th/6^th grade math, and history, and 7^th/8^th grade humanities.

Interesting Facts

I have eight children, my youngest is 7 (and became an uncle in February), and my oldest is 24, married, and our first grandchild is four months old!  Our oldest was born in Germany.  I love to travel and to go camping.  Our two favorite camping spots are on Lake Chelan and Deception Pass.

Favorite school activities

Field trips!  It is so fun to get outside the classroom and experience things in the biggest classroom of all.

Favorite moment in the classroom

The “Ah-ha!” moment, when someone understands something in a new and profound way.  That is the best!

Favorite Quote

Either “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all of your ways, acknowledge him and he will direct your paths.”  Proverbs 3: 5-6

Or – “Lord, help me to be willing to be willing.”  St. Teresa of Avila (is who I saw this attributed to)

Favorite Saint

That is hard!  St. Pope John Paul II, St. Terese of Lisieux, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, St. Anthony, St. Michael … so many!!

Hannah Takemori

Education

History Honors Cohort, Department of History at the University of Washington
History Fellow, Department of History at the University of Washington

Years of teaching

6+

Awards/achievements

Thomas Power Prize for the Outstanding Student Leader, Class of 2018, Department of History at the University of Washington
Husky 100 Member, 2017-2018
Mary Gates Scholar, 2017-2018
Washington Institute for the Study of Inequality and Race Research Grant, University of Washington *Only undergraduate recipient to date
Grand Champion, Library Undergraduate Research Award Outstanding Senior Thesis, University of Washington Libraries
1st Place Thomas Power Prize for Outstanding Undergraduate History Paper, Department of History at the University of Washington
Sleizer and Schwartz Scholarships for Academic Excellence, Full Tuition, Department of History at the University of Washington
Wang Scholarship for Asian American Activism, University of Washington Honors Program
Honors Scholarship for Full Tuition, University of Washington Honors Program
Puyallup Valley Japanese American Citizens League Scholarship

Interesting fact

Long-distance trail runner

Favorite school activity

Excited to share in the mysteries of mass with her students

Favorite quote

“The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.” – Pope Benedict XVI

Courtney Wegener

Education

Hillsdale College in Michigan, where I experienced the joy of learning within a community dedicated to the love of truth and beauty.

Years of teaching

5

Interesting facts

I grew up in Bellingham, WA, with three siblings and a family that loved camping, board games, and books.

Personal comment

I am so happy that classical learning is making its way into Seattle. I have valued my time in Catholic schools and believe we have been given an incredible opportunity to live the Catholic faith within a real, incarnate community of people. I'm looking forward to getting to know your families and jump into middle school!

Jensen Okimoto

Education

BA Philosophy from Templeton Honors College at Eastern University

Years of Teaching

3 years Astronomy Teacher's Assistant and Research Assistant
3rd year at St. Monica Catholic School

Awards / Achievements

Published Essay in Adorans, the academic journal of The Philadelphia Commons Institute
Lead Author of Astronomical Poster: “Light Curve Analyses of the Short Period, Totally Eclipsing Binaries V449 & V463 And.”
Research and Analysis for multiple published eclipsing binary light curve analyses at the Bradstreet Observatory in Pennsylvania
Web developer and co-creator of euastronomy.org

Interesting facts

I love and know more about coffee than possibly anything other material things.
Cooking is a way of living and loving.
Writing by hand with a good fountain pen makes writing anything a joy—even writing a grocery list, especially taking notes.
Board games are about understanding the love of friendship.

Favorite school activity/memory

I once asked my physics teacher about a passage of scripture. As the hours passed, a few students who were either passing by, waiting for me to hang out, or had some physics questions sat down and listened to the conversation. We were there for three hours that day. Thus began our little bible study, and thus began my journey toward thinking about scripture more critically. We recorded many of these bible studies over two years, each of them many hours long. I think I still have those recordings somewhere. If it weren't for that teacher, I would not have gone to the college I did. I would not have met my roommate and stayed up late into the mornings talking about truth, justice, and goodness. I would not be here, excited to teach and hoping to teach as well as that teacher taught me.

Personal comment

I believe the goal of education, rightly understood, is to form whole persons filled with wonder, attentive to the opacity of the other, seeking after what is good, true, and beautiful, engaging in and working toward civic virtue and the common good. I mean by that loaded sentence that persons are unfathomably complex, and education, done well, moves children toward better understanding the beautiful complexity of reality. In teaching—especially about the world around us (the natural sciences)—I hope to show my students that “Persons are God’s gift to a gifted world, an elevation and ennobling of what was already good into that which bears the divine image and, in time, will hold the Divine Image’s incarnation” (R. J. Snell, Acedia and Its Discontents).

Favorite Quote(s)

“Love is the teacher of gods and men, for no one learns without desiring to learn. Truth is sought not because it is truth but because it is good.” -Simone Weil

“… but all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well”. -Jullian of Norwich

“Each mortal thing does one thing and the same:
Deals out that being indoors each one dwells;
Selves—goes itself; myself it speaks and spells,
Crying Whát I do is me: for that, I came.” -Gerard Manley Hopkins

Favorite Saint and why

Blessed St. Augustine of Hippo:

St. Augustine was the first Saint I ever read. His Confessions is a work that is at the same time intellectual and passionate. He beautifully articulated the struggles of sin and the hope of Christ in a way that moved me toward learning about the richness of the Christian intellectual tradition. I've prayed for his guidance often.

 

 

Colin Lewis

Education

B.A. Christian Theology, Seattle Pacific University
Master of Theological Studies, Duke University
Further graduate studies in education

Years of teaching

This will be my first year teaching in the classroom!

Awards/achievements

Lewis, Colin. (2018). "Annotated Bibliography: Work & Faith." The Christian Librarian 61(2): 236-240
Highest GPA (Graduating Class, Duke University Divinity School, 2017)
Wesley E. Lindgren Award (Seattle Pacific University, 2014): Annual award to the graduating University Scholar who most exemplifies the ideals of scholarly excellence and Christian service of Seattle Pacific University's honors program.
School of Theology Outstanding Graduate Award (Seattle Pacific University, 2014)
De Jaeger Prizes: two prizes awarded by the Scholarship and Christianity Institute in Oxford (SCIO) for exemplary scholarship on British Christianity and Islamic politics

Interesting facts

I married my wonderful wife (Amanda) while a senior in college. We have one son (Leo), who is three years old.
I am a collector and avid user of pencils.
I like to brew and drink all varieties of loose-leaf tea, though my favorite is Japanese sencha.
I never go to sleep at night without reading some portion of a good detective story.
I am most content spending time with friends and family, though I do love to read, golf, and run as well!

Favorite school activity

I’m new to the school, but I’m most looking forward to classroom discussions and school Masses!

Personal comment

The teacher, says Glory Boughton in Marilynne Robinson’s Home, exists to help students “assume their humanity.” I tend to agree, believing that the teacher exists to help facilitate a deeper appreciation for what it means to be a human being made in the image and likeness of God. This means that the point of education has less to do with imparting facts or preparing for the outside world (though each of these has their place) and more to do with how what we learn helps us to be truly human. In so doing, we are hopefully brought to a better knowledge and appreciation of God Himself, who is the end of all intellectual and spiritual striving. I thus take seriously the privilege I have been given to walk alongside students as they continue their educational journey, and I hope that in a small way I can help to awaken in them a sense of awe at the beauty and goodness of God's creation.

Favorite quotes

“Question the beauty of the earth, question the beauty of the sea, question the beauty of the air distending and diffusing itself, question the beauty of the sky…question all these realities. All respond: ’See we are beautiful.’ Their beauty is a profession [confessio]. These beauties are subject to change. Who made them if not the Beautiful One who is not subject to change?” (St. Augustine, Sermo 241, 2: PL 38, 1134)

“The truly interesting question for man is neither logic, a fascinating game, nor demonstration, an inviting curiosity. Rather, the intriguing problem for man is to adhere to reality, to become aware of reality.” (Fr. Luigi Giussani)

“'When you encounter another person, when you have dealings with anyone at all, it is as if a question is being put to you. So you must think, ‘What is the Lord asking of me in this moment? In this situation?’” (John Ames in Marilynne Robinson’s Gilead)

"Are we not perhaps all afraid in some way? If we let Christ enter fully into our lives if we open ourselves totally to him, are we not afraid that He might take something away from us? Are we not perhaps afraid to give up something significant, something unique, something that makes life so beautiful? Do we not then risk ending up diminished and deprived of our freedom? . . . No! If we let Christ into our lives, we lose nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing of what makes life free, beautiful, and great. No! Only in this friendship are the doors of life opened wide. Only in this friendship is the great potential of human existence truly revealed. Only in this friendship do we experience beauty and liberation.” (Benedict XVI, Mass for the inauguration of the Pontificate).

“Love alone is credible; nothing else can be believed, and nothing else ought to be believed. This is the achievement, the ‘work’ of faith: to recognize this absolute prius, which nothing else can surpass; to believe that there is such a thing as love, absolute love, and there is nothing higher or greater than it; to believe against all the evidence of experience (“credere contra fidem” like “sperare contra spem”), against every “rational” concept of God, which thinks of him in terms of impassibility or, at best, totally pure goodness, but not in terms of this inconceivable and senseless act of love.” (Hans Urs Von Balthasar)

Cory Baker

Education

D. Min. – Mt. Angel Seminary (in progress)
M. Div. – Seattle Pacific Seminary
BA Comparative Religion – University of Washington

Years of teaching

2

Achievements

Board certification in healthcare chaplaincy
Mental Health First Aid certification
Permaculture Design certification

Interesting facts

I am a former Protestant pastor and hospital chaplain. Having been intent upon understanding the history and the nature of the persistent divisions among the Christian faithful across the centuries, and through the continuing study of Scripture, the Fathers, the Doctors, and the Councils, I came to prayerfully and joyfully embrace both the fullness of the Church’s sacramental life and the Catholic Magisterium as the sign and guarantee of unity in and fidelity to the apostolic faith. Glory to God!

Favorite school activity

In elementary it was recess; in middle school, Spanish; in high school, it was art; in college, it has been reading theology and philosophy; as a teacher, it is leading seminars.

Personal comment

I’ve done many worthwhile things in my life. Many of them, had I known in the first place how difficult they would prove to be, I would not have endeavored to undertake. In that way (and not others), I think I have a lot in common with Bilbo Baggins. I highly doubt he would have left Bag End had he known what danger awaited him outside the Shire. He had no way of knowing how his trials and triumphs would play such a crucial part in a much larger story of valor and redemption. Each of us will have our own crosses to bear, and one, five, or ten miles down the road, it may seem much heavier than when we first shouldered the load. My hope is that I can play a small part here in the lives of young people, such that they may learn to understand their own joys and struggles in the larger story of God’s plan of salvation, in and through his covenant people.

Favorite quotes

For a chuckle: “Hearing nuns’ confessions is like being stoned to death with popcorn.” – Venerable Fulton J. Sheen

And now, more seriously:  

“We live in a sensate age. We are no longer governed by Faith, we are no longer governed by reason. We are governed by feelings.” – Venerable Fulton J. Sheen

“Freedom is in danger of degenerating into mere arbitrariness unless it is lived in terms of responsibleness. That is why I recommend that the Statue of Liberty on the East Coast be supplemented by a Statue of Responsibility on the West Coast.” – Viktor Frankl

“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments.” – Jesus of Nazareth (1 Jn. 5:3)

“The salvation of souls… must always be the supreme law in the Church...” – Code of Canon Law, can. 1752

April Bauer

Education

Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin and Classical Studies from the University of Washington
Undergraduate Degree at Middlebury College Italian Language Immersion program
Post-Baccalaureate Classics studies at Duke University
Master of Arts degree in Classics in San Francisco

Years of teaching

15+

Interesting facts

In her free time, April enjoys the adventure of raising two boys, one in high school and one in middle school, with her husband here on Mercer Island and watching them ski race competitively all over the Northwest.

Favorite school activity

Studying in Rome for a year as an undergraduate then, later as a teacher. April loved traveling to Rome with her high school students and sharing the city with them during the Easter holiday.

Personal comment

If she were to have a favorite Saint, it would have to be Saint Augustine for two reasons; he was, profoundly, educated in Classical literature and history and, he was not ashamed to admit his own human faults.

Favorite quote

“There is no saint without a past, no sinner without a future.” - St. Augustine

Michael Peters

Education

BA Latin American Studies, UW 1996
MA Education, UP 2005
MA Theology, FUS 2019

Years of Teaching

15 Years
13 Years at St. Monica Parish as Youth Minister, PA for Sacraments, Director of Religious Education, and 3 Years in the Seattle School District.
Current Director of Evangelization and Formation at St. Monica Parish and School

Interesting Facts

Husband to my beautiful wife, Pari for 23 years and father to my five children - 3 have graduated from St. Monica
Played Drosselmeyer for eight years in my children's local dance studio's production of the Nutcracker
Avid Crossfitter, GoRucker, and video gamer
Graduated St. Monica School in 1983

Favorite School Activity

Recess

Personal Comment

We were created to trust. It begins in our infancy, and we carry it through the entirety of our lives. It is so easy to trust in the things of this world.  Yet, it is a difficult endeavor to trust in God - trust everything to Him.  We all need to work on that trust through an active and fruitful relationship.  Sacred Scripture provides the locus. It teaches us who God is, what he desires/wills for us,  and how we can attain His will.

Favorite Quote

"Seek the truth and pursue it steadily." -George Washington  (Ps 34:14)

Rachel Borda

Rachel graduated with a dual Bachelors's degree from Benedictine College in Theology, and in Evangelization & Catechesis. She has been a small group leader for both Middle and High School Youth groups at St. Monica Parish for the past two years, as well as a small group leader for confirmation. Rachel will be assisting Mr. Peters with middle school and high school Theology classes as well as Confirmation.

Alison Rorem

Education

Washington State University Class of 2020, Bachelors of Science
Major Speech and Hearing Sciences
Minor Human Development

Interesting Fact

I love animals and country music.

Favorite School Activity

Field Day

Favorite Quote

"Be bold in your caring, be bold in your dreaming, and above all else, always do your best" - George H. W. Bush

Personal note

I am deeply grateful to join the faith-filled community at St. Monica, and I look forward to an amazing year of learning.

Bekah Poole

Years teaching

2

Interesting facts

I am the second oldest of 8 kids, and I had the privilege of becoming an auntie this past year!  I have a passion for music; playing the piano, singing, listening to music, and watching my family make a joyful noise together! I love being outside and surrounding myself with God’s beautiful creation at any time of the day. My hobbies include; traveling, painting, movies, mystery novels, and hanging out with my siblings.

Favorite school activity

I love helping the students when they have questions and watching the lightbulb go off when they understand! My favorite parts of the day are when I am building a more personal connection with the students and listening to their imaginative ideas!

Personal comment

I am so happy to be at St. Monica and blessed with the opportunity to inspire and help educate young minds. The students are truly a gift in my life, and I consider it my greatest responsibility and honor to assist with their formation. I find an incredible amount of joy in watching them grow in heart, mind, and soul. “And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” (Matthew 18: 5)

Favorite quote

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” -Dr. Seuss

Jordan Yango

Maria Moore

Hannah Takemori

Education

History Honors Cohort, Department of History at the University of Washington
History Fellow, Department of History at the University of Washington

Years of teaching

6+

Awards/achievements

Thomas Power Prize for the Outstanding Student Leader, Class of 2018, Department of History at the University of Washington
Husky 100 Member, 2017-2018
Mary Gates Scholar, 2017-2018
Washington Institute for the Study of Inequality and Race Research Grant, University of Washington *Only undergraduate recipient to date
Grand Champion, Library Undergraduate Research Award Outstanding Senior Thesis, University of Washington Libraries
1st Place Thomas Power Prize for Outstanding Undergraduate History Paper, Department of History at the University of Washington
Sleizer and Schwartz Scholarships for Academic Excellence, Full Tuition, Department of History at the University of Washington
Wang Scholarship for Asian American Activism, University of Washington Honors Program
Honors Scholarship for Full Tuition, University of Washington Honors Program
Puyallup Valley Japanese American Citizens League Scholarship

Interesting fact

Long-distance trail runner

Favorite school activity

Excited to share in the mysteries of mass with her students

Favorite quote

“The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.” – Pope Benedict XVI

Jensen Okimoto

Education

BA Philosophy from Templeton Honors College at Eastern University

Years of Teaching

3 years Astronomy Teacher's Assistant and Research Assistant
3rd year at St. Monica Catholic School

Awards / Achievements

Published Essay in Adorans, the academic journal of The Philadelphia Commons Institute
Lead Author of Astronomical Poster: “Light Curve Analyses of the Short Period, Totally Eclipsing Binaries V449 & V463 And.”
Research and Analysis for multiple published eclipsing binary light curve analyses at the Bradstreet Observatory in Pennsylvania
Web developer and co-creator of euastronomy.org

Interesting facts

I love and know more about coffee than possibly anything other material things.
Cooking is a way of living and loving.
Writing by hand with a good fountain pen makes writing anything a joy—even writing a grocery list, especially taking notes.
Board games are about understanding the love of friendship.

Favorite school activity/memory

I once asked my physics teacher about a passage of scripture. As the hours passed, a few students who were either passing by, waiting for me to hang out, or had some physics questions sat down and listened to the conversation. We were there for three hours that day. Thus began our little bible study, and thus began my journey toward thinking about scripture more critically. We recorded many of these bible studies over two years, each of them many hours long. I think I still have those recordings somewhere. If it weren't for that teacher, I would not have gone to the college I did. I would not have met my roommate and stayed up late into the mornings talking about truth, justice, and goodness. I would not be here, excited to teach and hoping to teach as well as that teacher taught me.

Personal comment

I believe the goal of education, rightly understood, is to form whole persons filled with wonder, attentive to the opacity of the other, seeking after what is good, true, and beautiful, engaging in and working toward civic virtue and the common good. I mean by that loaded sentence that persons are unfathomably complex, and education, done well, moves children toward better understanding the beautiful complexity of reality. In teaching—especially about the world around us (the natural sciences)—I hope to show my students that “Persons are God’s gift to a gifted world, an elevation and ennobling of what was already good into that which bears the divine image and, in time, will hold the Divine Image’s incarnation” (R. J. Snell, Acedia and Its Discontents).

Favorite Quote(s)

“Love is the teacher of gods and men, for no one learns without desiring to learn. Truth is sought not because it is truth but because it is good.” -Simone Weil

“… but all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well”. -Jullian of Norwich

“Each mortal thing does one thing and the same:
Deals out that being indoors each one dwells;
Selves—goes itself; myself it speaks and spells,
Crying Whát I do is me: for that, I came.” -Gerard Manley Hopkins

Favorite Saint and why

Blessed St. Augustine of Hippo:

St. Augustine was the first Saint I ever read. His Confessions is a work that is at the same time intellectual and passionate. He beautifully articulated the struggles of sin and the hope of Christ in a way that moved me toward learning about the richness of the Christian intellectual tradition. I've prayed for his guidance often.

 

 

Colin Lewis

Education

B.A. Christian Theology, Seattle Pacific University
Master of Theological Studies, Duke University
Further graduate studies in education

Years of teaching

This will be my first year teaching in the classroom!

Awards/achievements

Lewis, Colin. (2018). "Annotated Bibliography: Work & Faith." The Christian Librarian 61(2): 236-240
Highest GPA (Graduating Class, Duke University Divinity School, 2017)
Wesley E. Lindgren Award (Seattle Pacific University, 2014): Annual award to the graduating University Scholar who most exemplifies the ideals of scholarly excellence and Christian service of Seattle Pacific University's honors program.
School of Theology Outstanding Graduate Award (Seattle Pacific University, 2014)
De Jaeger Prizes: two prizes awarded by the Scholarship and Christianity Institute in Oxford (SCIO) for exemplary scholarship on British Christianity and Islamic politics

Interesting facts

I married my wonderful wife (Amanda) while a senior in college. We have one son (Leo), who is three years old.
I am a collector and avid user of pencils.
I like to brew and drink all varieties of loose-leaf tea, though my favorite is Japanese sencha.
I never go to sleep at night without reading some portion of a good detective story.
I am most content spending time with friends and family, though I do love to read, golf, and run as well!

Favorite school activity

I’m new to the school, but I’m most looking forward to classroom discussions and school Masses!

Personal comment

The teacher, says Glory Boughton in Marilynne Robinson’s Home, exists to help students “assume their humanity.” I tend to agree, believing that the teacher exists to help facilitate a deeper appreciation for what it means to be a human being made in the image and likeness of God. This means that the point of education has less to do with imparting facts or preparing for the outside world (though each of these has their place) and more to do with how what we learn helps us to be truly human. In so doing, we are hopefully brought to a better knowledge and appreciation of God Himself, who is the end of all intellectual and spiritual striving. I thus take seriously the privilege I have been given to walk alongside students as they continue their educational journey, and I hope that in a small way I can help to awaken in them a sense of awe at the beauty and goodness of God's creation.

Favorite quotes

“Question the beauty of the earth, question the beauty of the sea, question the beauty of the air distending and diffusing itself, question the beauty of the sky…question all these realities. All respond: ’See we are beautiful.’ Their beauty is a profession [confessio]. These beauties are subject to change. Who made them if not the Beautiful One who is not subject to change?” (St. Augustine, Sermo 241, 2: PL 38, 1134)

“The truly interesting question for man is neither logic, a fascinating game, nor demonstration, an inviting curiosity. Rather, the intriguing problem for man is to adhere to reality, to become aware of reality.” (Fr. Luigi Giussani)

“'When you encounter another person, when you have dealings with anyone at all, it is as if a question is being put to you. So you must think, ‘What is the Lord asking of me in this moment? In this situation?’” (John Ames in Marilynne Robinson’s Gilead)

"Are we not perhaps all afraid in some way? If we let Christ enter fully into our lives if we open ourselves totally to him, are we not afraid that He might take something away from us? Are we not perhaps afraid to give up something significant, something unique, something that makes life so beautiful? Do we not then risk ending up diminished and deprived of our freedom? . . . No! If we let Christ into our lives, we lose nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing of what makes life free, beautiful, and great. No! Only in this friendship are the doors of life opened wide. Only in this friendship is the great potential of human existence truly revealed. Only in this friendship do we experience beauty and liberation.” (Benedict XVI, Mass for the inauguration of the Pontificate).

“Love alone is credible; nothing else can be believed, and nothing else ought to be believed. This is the achievement, the ‘work’ of faith: to recognize this absolute prius, which nothing else can surpass; to believe that there is such a thing as love, absolute love, and there is nothing higher or greater than it; to believe against all the evidence of experience (“credere contra fidem” like “sperare contra spem”), against every “rational” concept of God, which thinks of him in terms of impassibility or, at best, totally pure goodness, but not in terms of this inconceivable and senseless act of love.” (Hans Urs Von Balthasar)

Cory Baker

Education

D. Min. – Mt. Angel Seminary (in progress)
M. Div. – Seattle Pacific Seminary
BA Comparative Religion – University of Washington

Years of teaching

2

Achievements

Board certification in healthcare chaplaincy
Mental Health First Aid certification
Permaculture Design certification

Interesting facts

I am a former Protestant pastor and hospital chaplain. Having been intent upon understanding the history and the nature of the persistent divisions among the Christian faithful across the centuries, and through the continuing study of Scripture, the Fathers, the Doctors, and the Councils, I came to prayerfully and joyfully embrace both the fullness of the Church’s sacramental life and the Catholic Magisterium as the sign and guarantee of unity in and fidelity to the apostolic faith. Glory to God!

Favorite school activity

In elementary it was recess; in middle school, Spanish; in high school, it was art; in college, it has been reading theology and philosophy; as a teacher, it is leading seminars.

Personal comment

I’ve done many worthwhile things in my life. Many of them, had I known in the first place how difficult they would prove to be, I would not have endeavored to undertake. In that way (and not others), I think I have a lot in common with Bilbo Baggins. I highly doubt he would have left Bag End had he known what danger awaited him outside the Shire. He had no way of knowing how his trials and triumphs would play such a crucial part in a much larger story of valor and redemption. Each of us will have our own crosses to bear, and one, five, or ten miles down the road, it may seem much heavier than when we first shouldered the load. My hope is that I can play a small part here in the lives of young people, such that they may learn to understand their own joys and struggles in the larger story of God’s plan of salvation, in and through his covenant people.

Favorite quotes

For a chuckle: “Hearing nuns’ confessions is like being stoned to death with popcorn.” – Venerable Fulton J. Sheen

And now, more seriously:  

“We live in a sensate age. We are no longer governed by Faith, we are no longer governed by reason. We are governed by feelings.” – Venerable Fulton J. Sheen

“Freedom is in danger of degenerating into mere arbitrariness unless it is lived in terms of responsibleness. That is why I recommend that the Statue of Liberty on the East Coast be supplemented by a Statue of Responsibility on the West Coast.” – Viktor Frankl

“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments.” – Jesus of Nazareth (1 Jn. 5:3)

“The salvation of souls… must always be the supreme law in the Church...” – Code of Canon Law, can. 1752

April Bauer

Education

Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin and Classical Studies from the University of Washington
Undergraduate Degree at Middlebury College Italian Language Immersion program
Post-Baccalaureate Classics studies at Duke University
Master of Arts degree in Classics in San Francisco

Years of teaching

15+

Interesting facts

In her free time, April enjoys the adventure of raising two boys, one in high school and one in middle school, with her husband here on Mercer Island and watching them ski race competitively all over the Northwest.

Favorite school activity

Studying in Rome for a year as an undergraduate then, later as a teacher. April loved traveling to Rome with her high school students and sharing the city with them during the Easter holiday.

Personal comment

If she were to have a favorite Saint, it would have to be Saint Augustine for two reasons; he was, profoundly, educated in Classical literature and history and, he was not ashamed to admit his own human faults.

Favorite quote

“There is no saint without a past, no sinner without a future.” - St. Augustine

Michael Peters

Education

BA Latin American Studies, UW 1996
MA Education, UP 2005
MA Theology, FUS 2019

Years of Teaching

15 Years
13 Years at St. Monica Parish as Youth Minister, PA for Sacraments, Director of Religious Education, and 3 Years in the Seattle School District.
Current Director of Evangelization and Formation at St. Monica Parish and School

Interesting Facts

Husband to my beautiful wife, Pari for 23 years and father to my five children - 3 have graduated from St. Monica
Played Drosselmeyer for eight years in my children's local dance studio's production of the Nutcracker
Avid Crossfitter, GoRucker, and video gamer
Graduated St. Monica School in 1983

Favorite School Activity

Recess

Personal Comment

We were created to trust. It begins in our infancy, and we carry it through the entirety of our lives. It is so easy to trust in the things of this world.  Yet, it is a difficult endeavor to trust in God - trust everything to Him.  We all need to work on that trust through an active and fruitful relationship.  Sacred Scripture provides the locus. It teaches us who God is, what he desires/wills for us,  and how we can attain His will.

Favorite Quote

"Seek the truth and pursue it steadily." -George Washington  (Ps 34:14)

Callie Backstrom

Education

Bothell High School
Western Washington University, BS Kinesiology
Lake Washington Technical College, Medical Assisting

Years of teaching

1

Interesting facts

I lived in an amazing beach town in Australia for five months after I graduated high school, where I swam in the ocean most mornings and learned how to surf.

Favorite school activity

Any sport, I love being a part of teams and coaching.

Personal comment

I feel very fortunate to be welcomed as a new member of the St. Monica Family. I’m looking forward to getting to know the students and their families.

Favorite quotes

“I can do things you cannot; you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things” Mother Teresa

Josh Usalla

Education

Graduated from the University of Guam with a BA in Fine Arts.

Years of Teaching

2 Years teaching high school art

Awards / Achievements

My greatest achievement will be in December when our first child is born.

Interesting facts

Use to train in Parkour. Likes to play basketball. Favorite art medium to use is Watercolor. Enjoys filming important life events. Able to do a backflip. Favorite color is yellow. Expecting our first child in December.

Favorite school activity/memory

Back flipped during pep rally as they introduced the teachers and the whole school population cheered.

Personal comment

I love teaching art and I enjoy seeing students in disbelief when they say "Wow, I can't believe I created that"

Favorite Quote(s)

"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw

Jeni Gould

Education

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Certification for Levels I and II

TESL Certification (Teaching English as a Second Language) from Seattle University, 2002

Bachelor of Liberal Arts from Thomas Aquinas College California, 2001

 

Years of teaching

7 years as a CGS Catechist

13 years Homeschooling

11 years Catholic History Co-op

1 year History, Theology, L.A., and Latin at Marian Latin School in Silverton, OR

Awards/achievements

Feeding 7 children every day!

Interesting facts

I am half Mexican.

Three of my children were born at home.

I once won a Father/Daughter golf tournament with my dad when I was a kid.

Favorite school activity

Socratic seminars

Personal comment

When I was a kid in school, I remember feeling as if I would do it all again someday.  Looking back, I think that feeling was a call to education.  Though I am not a state-certified teacher, I have taught various subjects through a variety of methods in a variety of locations.  I believe teaching is the greatest way to learn, and I am thankful for all I have learned along with my students over the years.

Favorite quotes

"If you are humble, nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are."

-St. Teresa if Calcutta

"Wash the plate not because it is dirty nor because you were told to wash it, but because you love the next person that will use it."

-St. Teresa of Calcutta

Emily Sana

Education

Vanderbilt University with a B.S. in Human/Organizational Development and Music

Years of Teaching

Five years K-8 music and directed choir for five years in a classical Christian education setting.

Awards / Achievements

She sang in classical and jazz ensembles at Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music in Nashville, Tennessee. Mrs. Sana has taught K-8 Music and directed the choir for five years in a classical Christian education setting. She has led groups classes in ukulele, xylophone, recorder, and percussion and provides individual piano and voice instruction. She has worked with children in church music camps and dance studios for a combined 10+ years and enjoys supporting her own daughters’ music education.

Interesting facts

Mrs. Sana sings in the Schola choir of a local Catholic parish near her home, and she has performed ten seasons with the Seattle Symphony Chorale. Her favorite pieces performed are J.S. Bach’s Mass in B Minor and Sir Edward Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius, based on the poetry of John Henry Newman.

Favorite school activity/memory

Any activity that involves sharing music or performing (concerts, assemblies, talent shows, musicals, etc.)

Personal comment

Mrs. Sana’s commitment to fostering mastery of choral and instrumental music and music theory in her students comes from a conviction that cultivating music literacy is an essential component of Classical education and the pursuit of Goodness, Truth, and Beauty. Emily and her husband have lived in and raised their two daughters in both Washington, D.C., and Seattle, her husband’s hometown.

Ofelia Sanchez

Years of teaching

2

Education

K-8 Teaching Certification at the University of Washington Bothell
Student teaching at Kennydale Elementary School in Renton
BA in Arts and Sciences with a major in European History and a minor in Education from the University of Washington Tacoma

Interesting Fact

Being a first-generation college student and once an English language learner is what influenced me to pursue this career. As a student, I was able to experience the impact a teacher can have on students' lives. I have devoted years in community service and classroom volunteering at different grade levels from pre-school to high school. I was motivated to see how very small contributions in students' learning can change their lives, especially those students who just like me once experienced a barrier in their learning due to language or cultural representation in classroom curriculums.

Personal Comment

My role as a teacher is more meaningful than just delivering academic materials to my students. Being raised as a Catholic, my faith is still very meaningful for me up to this day. It is more than just practicing it in my daily life; being Catholic means commitment to my community and my family as well as always putting God at the center of my life. It is the most important inheritance my grandparents left for me, our family, and our future generations. As a teacher, I hope not only to provide the best academic quality but my commitment to support my students in their faith and to show God's love through my teaching every day.

It is my biggest honor and a true blessing to be part of St. Monica’s family.

Rebecca Wilkinson

Education

BA in English, minors in French, Communications; Continuing Certificate with endorsements in French, Speech, and English

Years of teaching

19+

Awards/achievements

Motherhood

Interesting facts

I grew up around horses. I would have been a vet if I hadn't become a teacher.

Favorite school activity

6th-grade camp

Personal comment

Teaching is not just about the subjects taught in school: it is about helping each child reach an understanding of their potential and the responsibilities of being a good human being.

Favorite quote

“Beauty of whatever kind, in its supreme development, invariably excites the sensitive soul to tears.” – Edgar Allan Poe

Shanni Pérez

Education

BA Human Services and Spanish from Western Washington University
Master in Teaching from Seattle University

Years of Teaching

4 years

Interesting Facts

I’m a Seattle area native.
I taught Baptism classes, preparation classes for Reconciliation and First Communion, and Confirmation classes.
I have a baby daughter named Mariana. Her name is a combination of Saint Mary and Saint Anne.
I love yams and sweet potatoes!
I can play the ukulele (a little).

Favorite School Activity

The Christmas Tree lighting ceremony! I love getting together as a community in anticipation of our celebration of Jesus’ birth.

Personal Comment

To me, the most important thing we can do for our students is to love them and help them to love. Their love for God as well as their community is going to be the thing that motivates them to learn, to contribute, and to grow up and help our world be the loving, caring, place it needs to be.

Favorite Quote

“When you know how much God is in love with you then you can only live your life radiating that love.” – A Simple Path, 1995 (Mother Teresa)

Lourdes Pérez

Education

BA Communication and Public Relations

Years of teaching

11 years

Awards/achievements

Catechist Certification
CGS 1^st year Certification.

Interesting facts

I was born and raised in Mexico City and have been living in the USA for 22 years.

Favorite school activity

Recitation in Spanish

Personal comment

I love to teach my native language and the Latin American culture to the students. They are amazed when they discover other ways of living from Spanish-speaking countries. I enjoy it when the students want to learn more.

Favorite quote

“To learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world.” Chinese proverb