Introducing our Faculty and Staff:
Sr. Terese Auer, O.P.
Chair, Bioethics Department
- Ph.D. in Philosophy from the Center for Thomistic Studies at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, TX
- 20 years of teaching experience at the high school level and 10 years at the college level
In Her Own Words: “Teenagers are at an age when they are looking for the answers to important questions, like: Who am I? Why am I here? What is life all about? How can I be truly happy? I love helping them find the answers -- the Truth! I have found in my teaching experience that Pope John Paul's understanding of human love has had life-changing affects on my students. His Theology of the Body is the answer to the sexual confusion of our day.”
Ms. Megan Battle
Director, Options Program
- B.S. in Psychology, minor early childhood special education from George Mason University
- Recipient of the 2006 ARC of Northern VA Educational Leadership Award
In Her Own Words: “I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to bring the Options program to Pope John Paul the Great and watch it grow and enrich the lives of everyone in the school community. Modeled after the program at Pope Paul VI High School, our Options Program will serve intellectually disabled students, with cognitive impairment and /or significant learning disabilities. A primary goal for each student is to be as fully integrated as possible into the total life of the school community. I was first introduced to the Options Program as a peer mentor when I was in high school at Pope Paul VI. The experience opened my eyes to the world of people with disabilities and shaped my professional career”
Mrs. Charo Brock
Chair, World Language Department
- B.A. in Spanish Education from the University of West Florida
- 20 years teaching experience
- Born and raised in Lima, Peru. Married with two grown children. Has lived in Italy and Spain
In Her Own Words: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to teach at Pope John Paul the Great because I believe that my Catholic faith, upbringing, teaching, and life experiences will make a valuable contribution to the spiritual development and academic growth of our students. I hope that my genuine excitement and high expectations for this opportunity will be felt by, and shared with, our student body.”
Sr. Mary Brigid Burnham, O.P.
Chair, Religion Department
- M.A.T.L. in Spanish from the University of Southern Mississippi
- M.A. in Theology: History of Christianity, from the University of Notre Dame
- B.A. from Hillsdale College in Latin and Greek, Classical Studies
- Teaching experience spans 14 years at the high school and college level
In Her Own Words: “I am delighted, honored, and humbled to be a part of this great and far-seeing venture of Catholic education, and I am so grateful to the Arlington Diocese for giving the Dominican Sisters the opportunity to join in partnership. It will be an epoch-making school, serving as a model of secondary education for schools around the country, under the patronage of the best known saint-to-be of modern times!”
Ms. Jennifer Cole
Director of Admissions and Marketing
- B.A. in Communications from California State University Northridge
- Served U.S. Catholic Bishops for 9 years in a national pro-life public policy and communications role.
- Recent professional experience includes directorships and public policy roles with the National Council For Adoption and The Pew Charitable Trusts focusing on foster care and adoption reform issues.
- Religious Education Teacher and Campus Minister, Rome, Italy
In Her Own Words: “I love teens, the Church, and Pope John Paul II, so being part of the team that is building the new school is a natural fit, and a great blessing. --Living and teaching in Rome for 5 years allowed my love, respect, and admiration for John Paul II to fully blossom. It was the greatest of privileges to be present with him in life, and in death. Being one among thousands in St. Peter’s Square during his funeral Mass to be chanting “Santo Subito!" (Sainthood Now!) makes being part of the first high school in America named “Pope John Paul the Great” seem nothing less than a generous act of Providence.”
Mr. Brian Dunleavy
Social Studies Teacher and Head Baseball Coach
- B.A. in History, minor in American Government, George Mason University
- Completing Masters in Education, George Mason University
- Served as Catholic Campus Ministry President for 2 years while at George Mason University, and played on the baseball team for three years
- Teaching experience in both public and private Catholic schools
In His Own Words: "Pope John Paul the Great reached out to young peopleand the world in a unique and exciting way. He enabled a greater zeal and participation in the faith, including excitement about his groundbreaking Theology of the Body. I hope to inspire similar enthusiasm in my students that they may truly be free. –In addition to my faith, sports has played a big part in my life. I’ve been fortunate to play with/against several major league baseball players, as well as one NBA player. Can’t wait to hit the baseball diamond with the students of Pope John Paul the Great!”
Mr. Nicholas Fonte
Religion Teacher
- B.A. in Great Books, University of Notre Dame, Summa Cum Laude
- Currently completing Masters in Theology at the John Paul II Institute in Washington, DC.
- Professional experience includes teaching, coaching, and campus ministry, as well as missionary and evangelization work in Honduras, California, Minnesota, and North Dakota
In His Own Words: "I long for the salvation of souls. I’m grateful the Lord has called me to be a witness through teaching the faith, and it is with enthusiasm that I commit myself to the students and community of Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School. – In case you’ve never heard of a degree in “Great Books” (many haven’t!) it is the intensive study, analysis, and critique of the seminal works of Western philosophical, theological, scientific, and literary thought focused on seminar discussions.”
Mr. Richard Gildersleeve, Ph.D.
Chair, Science Department
- Ph.D. in Animal Science from Louisiana State University
- M.T.S from the International Theological Institute for Studies of Marriage and Family
- B.S. in Zoology from Louisiana State University
- Reseacher for NIH; teacher of graduate and undergraduate courses at LSU and NCSU
- Vice President of Embrex, Inc., a global agricultural biotechnology company
- Catholic Teacher since 1996; directly involved in starting or growing several Catholic middle and high schools.
In His Own Words: "I am honored to be invited to teach at Pope John Paul the Great. It is a joy to be closely involved in the formation of our youth in the Gospel of Life and the New Evangelization envisioned and taught by our great patron and Servant of God, Pope John Paul II. Our family is attracted to the charism of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia for a renewal of Catholic education in communion with Bishop Loverde and Pope Benedict XVI.”
Mr. Sam Gleason
English Teacher
- B.A. in English Literature from the University of Tennessee
- M.A. (in progress) from The University of the South at Sewanee,
- AP trained for English and Language class (Certified by College Board)
- Certificate of Youth Ministry from the Center of Youth Ministry and Development
In His Own Words: “I am excited about being a teacher at a brand new high school. To be a part of Pope John Paul the Great from the very beginning, and be with it as is grows, is a tremendous opportunity. I live, breath, eat, and sleep Literature—and I hope to instill some of my enthusiasm in my students by providing a dynamic classroom environment. -- I also enjoy music, and have played the violin since I was 11 years old. I’ve had the pleasure to perform with the University of Tennessee Symphony Orchestra and the Orchestra at Maryville College in Maryville, TN.”
Sr. Mary Jordan, O.P.
Principal
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- Masters in Educational Administration and Leadership from Northwestern University of Louisiana
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- Currently pursuing Masters in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville
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- B.A. in Secondary Education and Social Studies from Millersville University of Pennsylvania
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- 10 years of administrative experience in Catholic schools
In Her Own Words: “It is a joy for me to serve the Church in the Diocese of Arlington as we build Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School together. I pray daily for all who are engaged in this endeavor: construction and planning personnel, teachers, staff, students, and parents. May all that we do to shape the culture of our new school give glory to God.”
Mrs. Laurie Krauss
Math Teacher
- B.A. in Mathematics and Elementary Education, cum laude, from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana.
- Professional experience spanning more than 20 years includes teaching at private college preparatory and Catholic schools in Indiana, Delaware and Virginia. Subjects include pre-algebra, algebra I, pre-calculus, and statistics, as well as tutoring geometry, algebra II, trigonometry and calculus.
In Her Own Words: “I have lived in Prince William County since 1989 and have long awaited the opening of this diocesan Catholic high school. I am excited and honored to have a hand in shaping Pope John Paul the Great’s reputation as a premiere college preparatory Catholic high school. –Life, however, isn’t all about mathematical pursuits! I am a happy, busy, mother of 5 and active member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Triangle.”
Miss Dorothy Logan
Band and Choral Teacher/Director
- B.M. in Music Education from George Mason University
- Peace and Justice, and Christian Formation Co-Chair in GMU Catholic Campus Ministry
In Her Own Words: “I am ecstatic to be at Pope John Paul the Great! Western music and the Church are so closely intertwined in history that I feel exceptionally at home in a music program in a Catholic school. I pray for the students, parents, faculty and staff, that we may all do God's will in the short time we have together at this school. My main instrument is the bassoon, but I have been trained to play any instrument, from the flute to the tuba to the viola to the timpani.”
Mrs. Juanita Lynn
Receptionist
- Served 3 years as Assistant to the Principal at St. Francis of Assisi School, Triangle, Va
- Vice President, Merchant Sales-Crestar Bank, 13 years
- Religious Education Catechist and program coordinator
- Pursuing associates degree in business from NOVA
In Her Own Words: “It is an honor to be a part of a school with a unique bioethics program, especially under the auspices of Pope John Paul II. His rich prayer life, love of young people, and his ability to reach out to all people are examples we can all strive to emulate. As a proud mom of two, I know there is always room for a little adventure in life. Having a fear of heights didn’t stop me from jumping out of a plane!
Ms. Karen Mahowald
French Teacher
- B.A. in French and Secondary Education from The Catholic University of America
- L’Université Paul-Valéry, Montpellier, France, Junior Year Abroad
- Professional, teaching, and internship experience includes: DeMatha High School, Hyattsville, MD; study abroad program in France; Foley & Lardner LLP French translation and interpreter services; and, the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops Pro-Life Secretariat.
In Her Own Words: In his recent reflections to Catholic Educators at Catholic University, Pope Benedict XVI calls teachers to remember that, "the dignity of education lies in fostering the true perfection and happiness of those to be educated." I cannot wait to teach at Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School because I know I will be a part of a faculty and staff who will uphold that mission!”
Mr. Shawn McNulty
Assistant Principal for Student Life
- M.A. in Catholic Leadership from Marymount University
- 23 years professional experience at St. Thomas Aquinas Regional School serving as Athletic Director, coach, and educator
- Recently served as Co-Chair for the Design For Excellence self-study team for Aquinas
In His Own Words: “It is an awesome responsibility and privilege to help form our youth. This is why I love Catholic education, because God is not separated from our schools. It is only through His Grace that we can truly succeed at this task.”
Mr. David Morales
Director of Technology
- B.S. in Information Systems from New York University
- Pursuing a Masters Degree in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville
- 2 years, IT Project Manager, Catholic Diocese of Arlington
- 6 years, Malcolm Pirnie, IT Department Head and Project Manager
- Eighth-grade Catechist for six years
In His Own Words: “I’m excited to be with Pope John Paul the Great because I want to be a part of building a school where students can learn about God, their faith, the Church, and what it all means to them. A school that takes the vision that Pope John Paul had for the youth in the world and brings it to life. -- Meeting Mother Teresa with my wife and getting the advice that ‘The family that prays together, stays together’ was a moving and valuable experience. We try to emulate that for our six children.”
Mr. Bill O'Connor
Math Teacher
- M.A. in Multidisciplinary Studies (Mathematics, Education, English), University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas
- B.B.A., James Madison University
- Fulbright exchange teacher to Krakow, Poland
- Nine years teaching math and coaching swimming at Incarnate Word High School in San Antonio, Texas, followed by six years teaching at Catholic schools in Santiago, Chile
In His Own Words: “A colleague abroad has pointed out that Pope John Paul the Great Catholic High School is opening its doors at a time when many Catholic schools across the nation are consolidating or closing. Even the school architecture speaks of God, inviting contemplation. What a privilege to be among educators and students whose work will help others encounter Christ, bringing life to the new building and in time, light to the nation.”
Mr. Carl Patton
Assistant Principal for Academics and Head Football Coach
- M.S. in Education from Trinity University
- B.S. in Agronomy, University of Maryland, College Park
- 15 years experience as teacher, coach, and administrator in Catholic schools
- Served as an instructor and administrator for Johns Hopkins University's Center for Talented Youth
- Exchange student to the Soviet Union as an undergraduate
In His Own Words: “Working at John Paul the Great is an extraordinary opportunity. It is a chance to be an integral part in the design of a school that will set a new standard for education in the community.”
Ms. Maureen Pfahler
Resource Teacher and Health/PE Teacher
- Masters in Education, Adapted Physical Education from the University of Virginia
- B.S. in Kinesiology and Special Education from James Madison University
- Professional experience includes: Resource Teacher, Adapted P.E. Specialist for students with disabilities, girls field hockey coach,
- Active member of the Catholic Campus Ministry at JMU; served as Assistant Student Campus Minister.
In Her Own Words: “I have worked in both public and private educational settings and I yearn to teach in an atmosphere where the development of shaping the mind and soul are intricately connected. I am excited to be a part of this school's inaugural year, and to work with teens. High school can be a very difficult and a pivotal time as students transition from middle school into becoming adults and I am thrilled to be a part of their experience in discovering more about themselves. The students in turn also teach me!"
Mr. Kelly Sharbel
Chair, History Department
- M.S. in Education from Old Dominion University
- M.S. in Public Relations from The American University
- B.S. in Political Science from Middle Tennessee State University
- Professional experience includes 27 years in the federal and state legislative arena including Chief of Staff and Press Secretary for two Members of Congress, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs.
In His Own Words: “I am excited and humbled by the opportunity to teach at Pope John Paul the Great; excited about being a part of establishing an academic institution that will add meaning to the lives of its students, families, and faculty; and humbled by the challenge of helping lay the foundation of an institution that will glorify God. --Teaching is my second career. While serving in the public policy arena, I was able to feed my history “habit” by traveling to places like the restored city of Babylon and the ruins of Carthage. I also became more aware of the great role and traditions of the Church and its impact on human development when I traveled to several European capitals. One more note to share: as a child, I attended Catholic schools in Nashville, Tennessee, where I was taught by Dominican nuns from Sister Mary Jordan’s mother house. Life is such a small circle and I have gone completely around mine.”
Ms. Paige Smith
English Teacher and Religion Teacher
- Masters in Education from the University of Notre Dame
- M.T.S., Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family
- B.A. in English and Education, The Catholic University of America
- Adjunct Faculty Member for the University of Notre Dame’s M.Ed. program
In Her Own Words: “I see our school’s innovate bioethics curriculum committed and ordered to the truth of the human person as not only a remembrance of the papacy of John Paul II but a beautiful task and mission to incarnate the Gospel of Life in this present moment of the Church. I look forward to accompanying students as they pose and respond to questions of the deepest desires of the human heart through education lived fundamentally as an encounter with Christ.”
Mr. Mark St. Germain:
Director of Athletics and Head Boys Lacrosse Coach
- B.A. in American Studies from the University of Iowa
- More than 15 years professional experience in education as a teacher, assistant athletic director, varsity lacrosse coach and football coach at area schools including St. Albans, Flint Hill, and St. Stephen & St. Agnes.
- Multiple teams led to championships including, most recently, Interstate Athletic Conference Champions (football), and Co-Champions (lacrosse) both with St. Alban’s in 2007.
In His Own Words: “I am very excited about this opportunity to help create a Catholic institution dedicated to the growth and development of the mind, body and spirit of young people. -- I am the last of seven children, four boys and three girls. I have been happily married for 11 years to my wife Christine, and have two really great boys.”
Mrs. Diana Tillotson
Director of Operations
- MBA, Computer Information Systems, Georgia State University
- BBA, Finance, Hofstra University
- 20 years consulting and HR experience working in financial and professional services industry primarily at Big 4 accounting firms
- Proud wife, and mother of three children
In Her Own Words: “As a strong believer in Catholic Education, I felt called to leave a successful career in the private sector to lend my talents and abilities to help establish John Paul the Great. –In addition to my professional life, I am married and am the proud mom of three beautiful children –my greatest accomplishment!”
Mrs. Cynthia Trax
Director of Library Services / Teacher
- M.S. in Library Science from the Catholic University of America, Washington D.C.
- B.A. in English, University of Mary Washington, Departmental Honors, Cum Laude
- Commissioned by the Arlington Diocese Education for Parish Service from Trinity College, Washington, D.C.
- 30+ years of teaching experiencefounder of three private elementary schools
- Adjunct professor at the Montessori Institute for Teacher Education, Wilmington, DE, and The Virginia Center for Montessori Studies, Richmond, VA
- Great Books Leader/Facilitator
In Her Own Words: “I am in awe of the opportunities being offered to me. I have not only been invited to establish a new library for a Catholic School, but God is blessing me with the opportunity to live out my teaching vocation in a faith filled community where He literally, and figuratively, resides at the center. My cup overflows!"
Rev. Matthew Zuberbueler
Chaplain
- B.A. in Philosophy from Christendom College, Front Royal, VA
- M. Div from Mount St. Marys Seminary, Emmitsburg, MD
- Ordained priest for Diocese of Arlington on Pope John Paul IIs birthday, May 18, 1996, at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More
- o Priestly assignments include: St. Timothy, Chantilly; Blessed Sacrament, Alexandria; Cathedral of St. Thomas More, Arlington; Sacred Heart of Jesus, Winchester and St. Bridget Mission, Berryville
In His Own Words: “One of the most exciting things to happen in our Diocese lately is the realization of this new High School, named for His Holiness, Pope John Paul II. I am happy, humbled, and feel privileged to be a part of this school and of its noble mission in preparing enthusiastic young workers for the Church's constant adventure of evangelization."
Guarding the deposit of faith is the mission which the Lord has entrusted to his Church and which she fulfils in every age. (Fidei Depositum, 11 October 1992) May we persevere with the task. Pope John Paul the Great pray for us!