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Faculty & Staff
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Welcome to our exceptional team of educators and staff at St. Joseph Catholic School! Our dedicated faculty is committed to providing a nurturing and rigorous academic environment that fosters the development of each student—mind, body and spirit. Our passionate staff members work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every aspect of our school runs smoothly and harmoniously. Together, we form a tight-knit community that embodies our core values and strives to be Christ-like in all that we do. Meet our inspiring team below, and discover the heart and soul of SJCS!
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Administrative Team
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Juan
Nagore
Head of SchoolMr. Juan Nagore brings extensive experience in Catholic and private education. He holds a B.A. in Philosophy from St. Mary’s College in California and a Master of Education from Loyola Marymount University. Mr. Nagore has served as Principal of a Catholic grade school in California and as Secondary Principal and Director of Athletics and Activities for Pre-K to 12 in Vienna, Austria. Known for his collaborative leadership and commitment to student excellence, he has consistently enhanced educational processes and celebrated school achievements, fostering growth and success within the school community. Mr. Nagore is dedicated to continuing the tradition of academic and spiritual excellence at SJCS.
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Stephanie Rayburn
Stephanie Rayburn, a Bryan native and lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, serves as our Secondary Principal. With over 25 years in education, including 8 years at SJCS, Mrs. Rayburn is a proud alumna of Texas A&M University, earning a Bachelors of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries Science with a teaching option. She also has a masters in Teacher Leadership from Grand Canyon University. Outside of school, Mrs. Rayburn enjoys hunting, fishing and is a college football fanatic. She is married to her husband, Steve, and they have two children, Marybeth, an SJCS graduate, '21, and Kenneth, a future Eagle graduate, '28.
Secondary Principal
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Jason
Hawkins
Elementary PrincipalJason Hawkins, serves as our Elementary Principal. He has nearly two decades as an educator in the Bryan-College Station community. He and his high school sweetheart, Lizett, married and they have been married for 24 years. They have two children, Casey, 19, Texas A&M Class of 2027, and Noah, 16, who is currently exploring options beyond high school. During his free time, Mr. Hawkins most of all enjoys spending time with his family. He also follows college football year-round, and has been a lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs. Other hobbies include playing guitar, road trips and learning interesting things about a variety of topics.
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Executive Team
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Sarah
Badillo
Sarah Badillo is a passionate communicator with over six years of experience in website design, social media management, graphic design, branding and video production. Since 2018, she has served as the Director of Communications & Marketing at St. Joseph Catholic School. An alumna of Sam Houston State University, Sarah graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communication and a concentration in Multi-Platform Journalism. Beyond her professional pursuits, Sarah enjoys reading, baking and spending quality time with her family.
Director of Communications & Marketing
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Mindy
Casper
With over three decades of experience in the field of school counseling, ranging from pre-k to 12th grade, Mrs. Casper stands as a dedicated advocate for student growth and development. In her role as a school counselor, she nurtures students' academic, social and emotional well-being, empowering them to thrive. Additionally, she plays a pivotal role in guiding students toward their future through college and career planning. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Mrs. Casper is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Center, where she volunteers her time with the Meal Team and Altar Linen Team.
School Counselor
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Mike
Forgione
Mike Forgione joined SJCS in May 2024. With over a decade of experience coaching in TAPPS, Coach Forgione has produced championship athletes and teams at every stop, winning State titles in Football, Track & Field and Cross Country. He is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA and has trained athletes who play for Team USA, and elite NCAA DI and professional sports teams. Developing the whole student-athlete, Coach Forgione firmly believes that athletics is both the catalyst and the cornerstone for cultivating discipline, integrity, perseverance and teamwork. Coach Forgione is excited to be back in his hometown serving the community through SJCS.
Assistant Athletic Director
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William
Patterson
Coach Patterson, a proud alumnus of Sam Houston State University, brings extensive experience in athletic and events management to St. Joseph Catholic School. Committed to building and nurturing effective relationships, his exceptional communication skills and infectious enthusiasm are set to inspire and elevate the performance of all our Eagle athletes to new heights.
Athletic Director
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Maria
Sotolongo
Born in Madrid, Spain, Maria Sotolongo arrived in Houston with her family when she was 10. Maria graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in Communications: Radio & Television, and received a second degree in Broadcast Meteorology from Mississippi State University. Before moving to BCS in 2020, she worked for television stations such as Telemundo, NBC, FOX and the CW, as meteorologist and reporter. With over 20 years of experience in communications, she is grateful to be at SJCS. When she's not giving school tours or planning events, Maria enjoys photography, writing and spending time outdoors with her husband, Phil and three children.
Director of Development & Admission
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Diane
Svatek
Diane Svatek has been part of the SJCS family for over 7 years, having fulfilled various roles within our school community. She has a Bachelors of Arts Degree in French, Bachelors of Education and Masters in Project Management. Initially joining as a parent, she transitioned to become an administrative assistant at the Elementary Campus before assuming her current position as bookkeeper and accounting assistant. In her role, Diane manages financial records, assists with government grants and ensures the smooth financial operation of our school.
Bookkeeper/
Accounting Assistant
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Academic Support Team
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Raven
Manrique
Mrs. Manrique is from the border town of Laredo, TX. She grew in her Catholic faith while attending Baylor University in Waco, TX and developed a passion for Catholic Education while attending St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, PA. She joined SJCS in 2019 after completing her Masters of Science in Education. Mrs. Manrique aims to create a holistic student-centered environment that engages every facet of learning, cultivates student's virtues and fosters a sense of belonging. Outside of school, Mrs. Manrique loves reading, spending time with family and playing video games.
Curriculum & Instruction Specialist
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Allyson
Sweeney
Mrs. Sweeney began her teaching journey at St. Joseph Catholic School in 2019. She began by teaching 3rd and 4th-grade students, nurturing their growth and curiosity, and later transitioned to the role of school librarian by 2021. Her educational path includes a Bachelor's Degree from North Texas State University and a Master's Degree in Library Science from Sam Houston State University. Her passion lies in kindling the flame of enthusiasm for reading and lifelong learning among her students. She loves spending time with them hiking along the Appalachian Trail and taking care of her cats.
School Librarian
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Jacob
Wilson
Jacob's career has included significant roles at Texas A&M University, in which he gained extensive experience in web design, systems administration, training and development, and technical support. In these roles, he provided essential support for the university's learning management systems and technical infrastructure, helping faculty and staff navigate complex software applications. After retiring in 2021, he returned to the world of work in service to St. Joseph’s. A resident of Bryan since graduating from Texas A&M University in December 1996, Jacob has been married for over 30 years and has a son who is a senior at Texas A&M. Jacob enjoys fishing, playing guitar and spending time with his family and friends.
Campus Technology Specialist
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Londa
Burns
Londa Burns brings years of dedication and expertise to her role within SJCS. Beginning at the St. Joseph Early Learning Center, Londa served as a teacher, fostering the growth and development of our youngest Eagles. Transitioning to our elementary campus, she now serves as the Elementary Admin Assistant, providing support to our staff and students. With her wealth of experience and unwavering commitment to our school's mission, Londa plays a vital role in maintaining the vibrant and nurturing environment that defines St. Joseph's.
Elem. Admin Assistant
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Margaret
Tietjen
Mrs. Tietjen has devoted more than two decades to serving at St. Joseph Catholic School. With her extensive tenure, Mrs. Tietjen possesses a deep understanding of our school's operations and values. In her capacity, she oversees various administrative tasks crucial to the efficient functioning of our Secondary Campus. Her dedication, coupled with her wealth of knowledge, ensures that both students, staff, parents and prospective families receive the support they need to thrive within our community.
Registrar
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Elementary Campus Staff
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Carina
Tirado
Carina Tirado began her teaching career at SJCS over 9 years ago! She was born and raised in Aggieland, where she graduated from Texas A&M in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. She is certified to teach general education Pre-K through 6th grade! She absolutely loves teaching Pre-K! It is her philosophy to teach children at a young age as it offers an opportunity to mold and shape their way of thinking, to build them up and to encourage them to dream big, because they are the future! In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys.
Pre-K Teacher
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Rosie
Garcia
Pre-K Aide Rosie Garcia serves as the Pre-K Aide at our school, providing valuable support to Mrs. Tirado's Pre-K class. In addition to her role in the classroom, Rosie is also a devoted parent with children attending our school. With her dual perspective as both an educator and a parent within our community, Rosie brings a unique understanding and commitment to fostering a nurturing learning environment for our youngest Eagles.
Pre-K Teacher
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Megan
Knight
Kindergarten TeacherMrs. Knight has been at SJCS since 2013. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelors in Biomedical Science and a Masters in Social and Behavioral Health. Her passion in life is teaching and being with God's children. When she is not teaching, she is spending time with her husband and 6 kids. Mrs. Knight is also the director of The Eagles Flight Crew, which is our after school care program. She loves teaching at SJCS because not only does she get to fill her students’ brains with knowledge, she also gets to fill their hearts with the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
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Morgan
Matejek
Mrs. Matejek has been at SJCS since 2022. She is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Leadership and Development. Mrs. Matejek attended SJCS as a student and is thrilled to be back to a place she likes to call home. She has a passion for helping all children reach their potential and know that they are loved as a child of God.
First Grade Teacher
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Erika
Castillo
Erika Castillo has been working at SJCS for 25 years. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M University. She loves building relationships and making connections with all her students. Mrs. Castillo’s philosophy is to create a safe and caring classroom where all students can grow and discover their gifts and talents. She enjoys helping the children explore and strengthen their faith through the Sacraments of First Communion and First Reconciliation. Mrs. Castillo’s is also an alumni of St. Joseph Catholic School.
Second Grade Teacher
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Daniela
Padron
Second Grade TeacherMs. Padron is a graduate of the University of Texas- San Antonio, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She is certified EC-6 and ESL. Her experience in early childhood education has included time at Primrose School in San Antonio as well as Southwood Learning Center in College Station. She exudes enthusiasm for teaching and learning. Her goal is to help enrich the lives of her students through knowledge and strengthening their faith. In her free time, Ms. Padron enjoys drinking coffee and watching movies.
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Nicole
Fenske
As an alumna of SJCS, Mrs. Fenske is proud to bring her personal Eagle journey full circle by inspiring the next generation of Eagles. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in interdisciplinary studies and a Masters of Education in reading and language arts from Sam Houston State University. She is passionate about helping students reach their full potential and becoming lifelong readers and learners. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family and playing with her young daughter.
Third Grade Teacher
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Marnie
Barnett
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Chelsea
Mutz
Ms. Mutz is the 4th grade Science and Social Studies teacher and has worked at SJCS since 2021. She is a graduate from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. Her goal for her students is to find their love for knowledge through creativity and Gods grace. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and finding the best ice coffee. She is looking forward to another year of educating students in mind, body and spirit.
Fourth Grade Teacher
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Emily
Mican
Mrs. Mican is the 5th grade Math and Science teacher. She has been teaching at St. Joseph’s since 2010, and she has 17 years of teaching experience in the classroom. Mrs. Mican graduated from Texas A&M with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a minor in Business. She has a strong passion for working with young learners to help them to be successful in the classroom. Her interests and hobbies include reading books, traveling around the United States and being with family and friends.
Fifth Grade Teacher
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Margarita
Barrera
Margarita (aka Maggy) has been at SJCS since August 2013 as a Spanish teacher. She obtained her BBA with an emphasis in International Business from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2003. After marrying and starting a family, she was inspired to teach. Besides the language, she also enjoys teaching about her Mexican culture and customs and comparing them to other Spanish speaking countries. What she loves most is seeing a smile on a kid's face and seeing them have fun while learning.
Spanish Teacher
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Katie
Shirley
A life-long Bryan resident and self taught artist, Mrs. Shirley is a parishioner, alumna and parent volunteer in our St. Joseph's community. Katie began her teaching career in 2022-23, following a year of volunteer work with Ms. Urban and the elementary art classes. Her efforts helped earn our school a District of Distinction title awarded by the Texas Art Educators Association. She is active in the local art culture; creating, displaying and selling works across the Brazos Valley (and beyond) since 2000.
Art Teacher
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Lauren
Elias
Coach Elias has been the elementary P.E. coach at SJCS since 2011. She attended Sam Houston State University on a softball scholarship where she received her Bachelor's in Kinesiology. Coach Elias was born and raised in B/CS and her husband is an alumni of SJCS. She was blessed with many impactful coaches in her life, who encouraged and pushed her to be better, and she hopes to make the same impact on her students.
Physical Education Teacher
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Secondary Campus Staff
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James
Adams
Mr. Adams is the campus minister, theology teacher and religion coordinator at the Secondary Campus and has a MA in Theology. As a campus minister, his philosophy is that students should be drawn into the truth, beauty, and goodness of our faith. As a teacher, his philosophy is that his students are teaching learners and that he is a learning teacher. As a nerd, he enjoys board games (especially chess!) and high fantasy. One of his favorite pastimes is having deep philosophical and theological discussions late into the night, preferably with wine or bourbon.
High School Theology
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Catherine
Bain
Miss Bain began her teaching career at SJCS in August 2021 as a high school math teacher. She grew up in Catholic schools and enjoyed her first public school experience at Texas A&M University where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy. Teaching in a Catholic school and providing a wonderful, Christ-filled environment where the students can feel loved and free to learn has long been a goal of Miss Bain’s. If a student wants to have discussions about nerdy books, crazy hypotheticals, their christian faith or why Layne’s is so much better than Cane’s, then Miss Bain is the person to talk to!
High School Math
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Janine
Barry
Mrs. Barry has been teaching high school sciences at SJCS since 2010. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Sciences through the TAMU College of Veterinary Medicine, three teaching certifications through Texas Region VI and Advanced Placement designations for physics and chemistry. Mrs. Barry is passionate about God, our Catholic faith, and the sciences. She hopes to foster an intimate love for God and His creation within the hearts of her students. She truly enjoys opportunities to grow in faith and in her teaching ministry to better serve her students. As an Aggie Catholic, Mrs. Barry actively serves in ministries at St. Mary’s Catholic Center. She also treasures the precious time spent with God in Adoration and with her family and friends.
High School Science
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Kimberly
Callais
Ms. Kimberly Callais, a Louisiana native, is happy to be a part of the St. Joseph family. She graduated from LSU with a Bachelor's in Secondary Education (English) and a Master's in Library and Information Science. She comes to SJCS via East Tennessee with over 14 years of experience in the classroom and school libraries. In her spare time, she enjoys cross stitching, reading or listening to audiobooks, spending time with her dog, Chu Chu, and exploring B/CS with her family.
8th Grade & High School English
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Ray
Hebert
Coach Hebert has been with SJCS since 2004. In addition to driving the bus for field trips and sporting events, he serves as the junior high basketball and volleyball coach. Since 2018, he has served as the Transportation Director. Coach Hebert graduated from Hearne High School in 1987 and attended Texas A&M and Blinn College acquiring an Associate of Arts from Blinn and graduating Texas A&M with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Philosophy in 1994.
Transportation Director
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Emily
Hoyt
Mrs. Hoyt, a recent graduate with a Bachelor's of Arts in Mathematics from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, TX, brings a passion for math education to SJCS. She has extensive experience as a math tutor at Lone Star College Kingwood, specializing in subjects from college algebra to calculus 3. She has also served as a peer mentor for calculus 1 and provided private tutoring in algebra and geometry for 8th-10th graders. In her free time, she loves talking any and all math! She also enjoys reading, running and spending time with her family.
Secondary Math
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Irma
Escobedo
Ms. Escobedo teaches Spanish at the Secondary Campus. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Religious Education from St. Edward's University and obtained a History/Spanish certification from TAMU. Additionally, she has an ESL endorsement and a master's degree in Teacher Leadership from Lamar University. With over 30 years of experience, she has taught ESL and Spanish, demonstrating a passion for language and culture. In her free time, she enjoys reading spiritual and non-fiction novels and traveling to different countries.
Spanish Teacher
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Hannah
Jackson
High School EnglishMrs. Jackson started teaching in 2022 and is so excited to join the SJCS staff teaching middle and high school English. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education Studies from the University of Arkansas in 2020. Since graduating, Mrs. Jackson has moved from Dallas to Amarillo to Bryan following her husband's acceptance in Vet School in 2021. When not at school, you will find Mrs. Jackson curled up with her black cat, Nox, reading or cheering on her favorite driver in Formula 1 racing.
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Casey
Martin
Secondary BandMrs. Martin is a passionate musician with over 14 year of experience in music education. She has a Bachelor's Degree In General Studies from West Texas A&M University and Master's of Music Education from Tarleton State University. She is currently working on her teaching certification through iTeach. She is currently our Secondary Band Director and Elementary Music teacher. Mrs. Martin Loves to create new recipes, and new music.
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Luke
Prichard
Mr. Prichard has been working at St. Joseph Catholic School since August 2016 as a Junior High Social Studies Teacher. He earned his Bachelor's Degree from Sam Houston State University in 2009. In addition to teaching social studies, Mr. Prichard coaches Track & Field, Basketball and Football. Mr. Prichard grew up in the B/CS area and has been a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church since 1991.
Jr. High History
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Patrick
Pruitt
Mr. Pruitt started working at SJCS in 2022 and is a High school and Junior High Math Teacher at SJCS. He graduated from Coastal Carolina University in 2021. He believes strongly in developing a desire for learning in the students, as well as fostering the students belief in themselves. In addition to teaching, he has a passion for Soccer and Cross Country. Mr. Pruitt is also a Jr. High soccer coach. Some of his hobbies include fishing, running and reading.
Jr. High & High School Math
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Matt
Rice
Jr. High ReligionMr. Rice, our junior high religion teacher, is the Founder and Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Ablaze Ministries. He earned a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from Texas A&M University in 2000 and a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Biblical Studies from Catholic Theological Union in 2008. Passionate about engaging middle school students, he aims to ignite their faith and foster discipleship. Mr. Rice has spoken at several national conferences, sharing his insights on youth ministry. Outside of his professional life, he is a proud father of six children and a devoted husband to Weslei. He enjoys coaching, reading about his faith and helping others embrace the beauty of the Catholic Church.
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Chris
Ribardo
High School HistoryMr. Ribardo is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Geography and a minor in History. Over his 30 years of teaching in the Bryan and College Station school districts, he taught U.S. Government, Texas History, U.S. History, Teen Leadership and STEM/Robotics. He also coached Jr. High football, shot put and discus. Mr. Ribardo was born in Bryan, TX and has lived his entire life in the Brazos Valley. He is a SJCS alumnus, having attended kindergarten through 8th grade. He is an active member at St. Anthony's Catholic Church helping at spaghetti dinners and bazaars. He enjoys spending time with family, hunting and fishing and managing his herd of Hereford Santa Gertrudis cross cows.
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Lisa
Urban
Miss Urban is the current 6-12th grade art teacher at SJCS, having started in 2016. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from Kansas State University in 2013. Ms. Urban loves exploring new materials and projects with her students and watching them grow in their skills and knowledge of all things art! She is passionate about arts advocacy, especially amongst private schools, and is the 2023 president of Brazos Valley Art Educators Association and the Private School Chair for Texas Art Education Association. When she isn't teaching art, she is making art —oil paintings, watercolors and knitting—and even dyes her own yarn!
Art Teacher
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Cesar
Urrutia
Mr. U enjoys teaching Junior High Science. He received a Bachelor's in Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology at the University of California Riverside and further studied at Texas A&M University. He is a published scientist and enjoys conducting wet lab research. Mr. U is also an avid volunteer at his church. His goal is to teach students how science is a tool used to understand the physical aspects of God's Creation and to assist students wanting to pursue a career in STEM fields. Outside of teaching, Mr. U enjoys reading, gardening, soccer and chess.
Jr. High Science
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Seth
Walker
Mr. Walker has been teaching at SJCS since 2011. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Fitchburg State University in Massachusetts. In addition to teaching Science and United States Government in the High School classroom, Seth is also the head coach of the girls varsity basketball team. He is also the head coach for the varsity cross-country team and an assistant coach on the varsity track team. Mr. Walker enjoys reading, movies and all things Boston Sports.
High School Science
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Equipping teachers for faith-filled teaching
At St. Joseph Catholic School, we hold our faculty to the highest standards of faith formation and continuous learning. As part of our commitment to Catholic education, all staff members are required to fulfill the Basic Teachings course, which covers essential aspects of our Catholic faith. This comprehensive program, offered through the Diocese of Austin, includes teachings on Sacred Scripture, Creed, Sacraments, Morality and Prayer. By engaging in this rigorous coursework, our educators deepen their understanding of Catholic teachings and traditions, enabling them to effectively transmit these teachings to our students. This commitment to ongoing faith formation ensures that our staff members are equipped with the knowledge and spirituality to guide our students on their own faith journeys. At St. Joseph Catholic School, we value the continuous growth of our faculty and embrace the shared responsibility of nurturing the faith of our entire school community.
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Fourth Grade Teacher
