Kelly Barnes
Campus Ministry
Kelly is involved in all areas of the Campus Ministry Program at Jesuit High School. She is responsible for the Senior Retreat Team, Sophomore and Junior Retreats. Kelly also helps facilitate the Freshman Overnight Retreat, Kairos Retreats, Reconciliation Services, prayer services and other Campus Ministry activities. She is a spiritual director, trained in leading others through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.
Amy Becker
Physics and Chemistry
Ms. Becker holds a B.S. from the University of Notre Dame and an M.Ed (with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction in Science) from the University of Missouri. Amy spent the last 8 years teaching Physics and Chemistry in Catholic high schools, most recently at Marist Catholic High School in Eugene, Oregon, and has been involved in student retreats, Track and Field, and the National Honor Society.
Timothy Beers
Biology
Is beginning his 35th year at Jesuit High School and his 39th year of coaching football. This year he is teaching 5 periods of freshmen biology. He is married with 5 children and seven grandchildren. He has had three boys graduate from Jesuit.
Education:
Earned both a BS in Biology and a Teaching Credential from California State University of Sacramento.
Moderator/Coach:
- Assistant Freshmen Football Coach.
First year working at Jesuit: Fall of 1984
Jared Bercea
IT Assistant
Born in Anaheim, CA, Jared spent his early years in Carlsbad at the beach with his family. In his elementary school years, his family moved to Northern California where Jared grew a passion for music and technology. Learning multiple instruments throughout high school, Jared spent time on the road as a touring musician with Christian bands after graduation as well as spending time in full-time ministry as a Worship and Youth Pastor for local Sacramento churches.
Marlon Blanton
Physical Education / Head Varsity Football Coach
Education:
- St. Mary’s College B.A. Liberal Arts. Health, Physical Education and Recreation.
- Single Subject Credential – Physical Education
Moderator/Coach:
- Head Varsity Football Coach
First year working at Jesuit: 2012
Jennifer Borasi
English / English Department Chair
Mrs. Borasi currently teaches English 2 XL and American Lit & Comp. She was born and raised in Sacramento, but she attended college in San Diego and studied for a year in Spain at the Universidad de Alcala. While completing her Master’s degree at LMU, she taught freshman writing courses there. After teaching grades 6-12 at a private school in Los Angeles, she returned to Sacramento and taught all levels of English at St. Francis High School for fourteen years before coming to Jesuit.
Sara Brabec
Director of Service and Justice / Theology
Ms. Brabec currently teaches Theology 3A/B and is the Director of Service and Justice. She was born and raised near Chicago, but has called California home since 2008. In her free time, Ms. Brabec enjoys parenting, running, hiking, reading, photography, and experimenting with new foods in the kitchen.
Education:
- Creighton University, B.A., Theology
- Santa Clara University, M.Div.
- Graduate Theological Union, M.A., Ethics and Social Theory
First year working at Jesuit: 2015
Patrick Brabec
Coordinator of Adult Faith Formation / Theology
Most recently, Patrick taught in the Theology Department at St. Francis High School. As a ten-year member of the Society of Jesus (Midwest Province), Patrick has extensive experience in human and spiritual formation.
Education
- John Carroll University, B.A., Political Science
- Boston College’s Weston Jesuit School of Theology, Master of Theological Studies
- Loyola University, M.A., Philosophy
- Jesuit School of Theology, Santa Clara, M.Div.,
Jordan J. Brown, M.Ed
Director of Equity & Inclusion / Educational Technology and Information Commons Director
Education:
- B.A. Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts.
- M.Ed. Technology for Teaching and Learning
Moderator:
- Black Student Union
First year working at Jesuit: 2017
Judi Brown
Mathematics / Mathematics Department Chair
Since obtaining my teaching credential in 1987, I’ve taught various combinations of math and science. Most recently I taught in the math department at St. Francis HS. I also taught overseas, in Ghana, as a member of the Peace Corps. I love teaching math and am passionate about the importance of critical thinking and analysis in today’s world. When I’m not at Jesuit, my husband Jerome and I enjoy time with our three kids (Chloe, Nat and Marcus) who attend St. Mary, our parish school.
Carlos Brusel-Casals
Spanish
Carlos Brusel-Casals was born and raised in Barcelona, Spain. Mr. Brusel earned his MA in Spanish from Sacramento State University. While studying at Sacramento State University, he worked as a professor’s aid in the Department of Foreign Languages. He also worked in the same Department as an editor of the magazine “Explicación de Textos Literarios,” a monthly publication by the Department of Spanish at Sacramento State. In 1998 he was hired at Jesuit and has taught all levels of Spanish, from Spanish 1 to Spanish 4AP.
Andrew Burrows ’11
Spanish
Education:
Santa Clara, B.A.
Notre Dame, Ed. M.
First year working at Jesuit: 2021
Kasey Cardinale, MFT
Wellness Counselor
In the Jesuit tradition of cura personalis, caring for the whole person, the Counseling Department at Jesuit High School has grown to include a Wellness Counselor on campus.
John Cargile
Instrumental Music / Band
A native of Sacramento, John Cargile earned his BA in Music from UC Davis in 2008 studying Music History with a focus in Ethnomusicology. He then moved on to studying for his California Teaching Credential at CSU Sacramento before accepting a position as a graduate teaching assistant and enrolling in the Masters’ program in Music Education at the University of the Pacific’s Conservatory of Music. At Pacific, John honed his conducting and teaching skills under the tutelage of director Eric Hammer while given leadership of the University Concert Band during the 2010-2011 year.
Chris Chandley ’93
Mathematics / Yearbook
Mr. Chandley is a proud alumnus of Jesuit High School (Class of ‘93). After graduating from Cornell University, he began his teaching career at St. John the Evangelist K-8 school in 1998, and he has worked at Jesuit since 2001, teaching a wide variety of courses in the Math Department. Additionally, he is the Faculty Adviser for the Cutlass, the student-created yearbook. He has absolutely loved his Jesuit experience, both as a student and as a teacher.
Megan Chaney
Gift Processing Coordinator, Advancement Administrative Associate
Education:
BA from Cal State Hayward.
First year working at Jesuit: 2008
Michael Cheney
Theology
Michael Cheney has been involved in Ignatian education since 1984. He has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Spanish from St. Louis University, and a Masters in Religious Studies from Mt. St. Mary’s College. He teaches junior Christian Testament/Social Justice and senior Ignatian Spirituality.
Julia Clark
Director of Annual Giving
Julia Clark is a member of the Office of Advancement. As the Director of Annual Giving, she is responsible for raising money for the operating budget to meet the gap between what a family pays for tuition and the full-cost of a Jesuit education. Born in Fresno, CA, Julia worked in the telcom industry for 21 years before retiring. She is the mother of Neil (JHS ’07) and Katie (SFHS ’12). She began her professional relationship with Jesuit in 2004. In her spare time she loves to read, entertain, and spend time with family and friends.
Annie Crew-Renzo
Department Chair, Theology
Education:
- Master of Theological Studies, University of Notre Dame, 2003
- Bachelor of Arts, History and Religious Studies, St. Mary’s College of California, 2001
Moderator/Coach:
- Liturgy Planning Club
First year working at Jesuit: 2012
Robin Cummings
Administrative Assistant to Athletics Department
I am originally from Pennsylvania. I attended college at Northwestern University and played field hockey and lacrosse during my four years as an undergraduate. I later competed for the US National Field Hockey team and was named an alternate goalkeeper to the 1988 Olympic Field Hockey team.
Fadia Desmond
Assistant Principal for Instruction and Student Life
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Fadia attended Marymount High School before completing her undergraduate studies at UCLA. While working on her Master’s degree at Stanford, Fadia entered the classroom as a Language Arts teacher and moved into a teaching position at Rocklin High School. Fadia took time away from the classroom to pursue a Ph.D.
Antonia Doherty
Mathematics
Experience:
- 1993-1999: 6 years Mathematics teaching in England ages 11 to 18, teaching at Eccesbourne School in Derbyshire and All Saints R.C. School in Mansfield.
- 1999-2002: 3 years teaching Mathematics at Moreau Catholic High School in the Bay Area.
- 2002-present: Jesuit High School.
Emma Doerfler
English
Emma comes to Jesuit High School from St. Mary’s Stockton where she worked as an English teacher for two years. Emma was a teaching fellow with the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) through the University of Notre Dame and completed her Master’s degree in Education there. Emma’s BA in English and Government is from Georgetown University.
First year working at Jesuit: 2020
Elizabeth “Lizzy” Duran
Administrative Assistant to Business Office
Lizzy Duran was born and raised in Eureka, CA. She and her family moved to Rocklin in June 2020. Lizzy worked for the last five years as a Client Service Associate for Morgan Stanley in Eureka. She also has experience as a Payroll Specialist and Administrator in the Construction Industry. Lizzy is a certified California Notary Public.
First year working at Jesuit: 2020
Aaron Engebretson, S.J.
Modern World History / U.S. History / JV Golf Coach
I was born and raised in Montana and entered the Jesuits in 2004 after finishing my B.A. In History. I was a novice in Portland, OR and took first vows in 2006. Then I was sent to the University of Toronto to study philosophy and I also earned an M.S.ed at Canisius College is Buffalo, NY. Next, in 2009, I was sent to Bellarmine Prep. in Tacoma, WA where I taught history and coached golf. In 2012 I was approved for theology and went to Boston College where earned degrees in theology and educational administration. Here at Jesuit, I will be teaching history.
Bruce Epstein
Network Administrator
Bruce has been involved in the technology industry for the past 20 years. His experience ranges from first call resolution help desk, desktop support, data center monitoring, network and server support. Bruce has one daughter who graduated from NDSU and has a BS in Nursing.
Ian Farr
Magis Program, Academic Support Plan, and Transfer Student Counselor
Peter Ferrari
English
Peter Ferrari comes to Jesuit From his alma mater, Bellarmine College Preparatory, where he workes as an English teacher and Assistant Director of Admissions after serving in Teach America. He will also be assisting with Cross Country.
Education
- University of San Diego, B.A., International Relations, minor in Business Admin, Religious Studies
- Univeristy of Nevada, Las Vegas, M.A. in Education, Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Literay Education
- Single Subject Teaching Credential, English
John Flynn ’98
U.S. History / Economics
Mr. Flynn currently teaches U.S. History and Economics. He was born in New York, and raised in Sacramento; he is a Jesuit High School graduate of 1998. John began his career in Jesuit education in 2005; and has served in a variety of roles including Student Activities Director, Assistant Athletics Director, Social Studies Teacher, and Campus Ministry Team member.
Education:
- BA History – C.S.U.S. 2004
- MEd Educational Foundations & Leadership – George Fox University 2013
Moderator/Coach:
Mary Friedman, M.Ed.
U.S. History / Holocaust
Currently teaches U.S. History, AP U.S. History and Holocaust.
Veronica Graffis
Math / Integrated Science / Academic Support Center
Veronica Graffis comes with more than 30 years of public and private K-12 classroom teaching experience, including a career with St. Michael’s Episcipal Day School. Most recently, she worked as a math tutor at Cristo Rey High School where she helped students in need of additional academic support.
Education
- UC Berkeley, Bachelors degree
- Single subject teaching credential in Life Science from San Francisco State University
Jeffrey Grant
English
Mr. Grant has taught and coached in public, Independent, and Jesuit schools since 2003. A SEED Leader as part of the National SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) Project, he has received advanced professional training at the NAIS Diversity Leadership Institute, the NAIS Power, Privilege, and Practice Symposium, the Jesuits West Colloquium on Race, the Puget Sound Writing Project, and the AP Institute. Mr.
Gregory Harcos ’89
Chemistry / Geometry XL / Director of Summer Programs
Joined Jesuit High School in 1998 as a full time teacher in the Science Department. Over the past two decades has served in many capacities:
- Teacher (1998-2015, 2019-present) Honors Chemistry, Chemistry, General Science, Geometry Science Department Chair/Academic board (2007–2015)
- Head Varsity Basketball Coach (2002-2015)
- Head of the Athletic Department (2015-2019)
Married to Molly, with three children Jack (10), Cate (7), and Caroline (1)
Angela Harger
Counselor
Counselor Caseload (by last name):
| 9th | Felsted – Lewis |
| 10th | Guilherme Gilles – Monroe |
| 11th | Hebert – Mayugba |
| 12th | AbouBechara -Burwell-Callero / Keffer – Mahmoud |
I knew I wanted to be a school counselor in the fourth grade. With that goal in mind, I attended Xavier University and earned my BS in Psychology.
Rev. Edwin B. Harris, S.J.
Alumni Chaplain
Fr. Edwin B. Harris, S.J., is now on his 4th “Tour of Duty” at Jesuit High School. He entered the Jesuits in 1963 after having graduated from St. Ignatius High School in San Francisco. Most of his active Jesuit career has been associated with Secondary Education, including assignments at St. Ignatius College Preparatory (San Francisco), Bellarmine College Preparatory (San Jose), and Jesuit High School (Sacramento). He has an MA in European History and an M.Div. in Theology.
Mary Harrison
Assistant to the Dean of Students
Mrs. Harrison has been working at Jesuit as the Administrative Assistant to the Dean since winter of 2002. She also assists Mr. Greg Harcos, the Director of Summer Programs. For more information regarding our Summer Programs, please visit www.summeratjesuit.com.
Education:
- BS Business Administration – CSU Sacramento
First year working at Jesuit: 2002
Leah Heine
Director of Visual and Performing Arts
Ms. Leah C. Heine has served as the Director of Choral Music at Jesuit High School since 2005. Ms. Heine’s studies include a broad musical curriculum – piano performance, music theory, music history, choral conducting and music pedagogy. She has also performed in a wide variety of ensembles, both instrumental and choral.
Teresa Herrera
Spanish / World Languages Department Chair
Teresa Herrera has been teaching Spanish for over 20 years mostly at the high school level. A native of Sacramento and graduate of St. Francis High School, she completed her undergraduate degree at CSU Sacramento and then continued her education at UC Davis obtaining a Master’s degree in Hispanic literature. Teresa also studied a semester abroad in Paris, France and also enrolled in classes the Autonomous University of Guadalajara. She is passionate about traveling the world. Her travels have taken her to Mexico, Costa Rica, Western Europe, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
Ted Hornback ’83
English
“Fate often saves an undoomed man if his courage is good.” Or so I have learned. I graduated from Jesuit High School in 1983, grateful to my teachers, coaches, and schoolmates for all they had taught me and for the care they had shown me but eager to move on to the next phase of my education. Still, I maintained contact with a number of my former teachers, among them my Latin teacher Fr. John Kelly, SJ, who would often suggest that I might one day teach at Jesuit, something I did not initially consider seriously.
Rod Jett
Geometry / Track and Field Head Coach
A Sacramento native, Rod graduated from Hiram Johnson High School in 1984, and graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1989. While at Cal, Rod was a three time All-American in the high hurdles. Rod competed professionally in track and field from 1989-1997, going to the U.S. Olympic Trials in 1988, 1992, and 1996. Rod began teaching and coaching in 1997 working at Sheldon High School (Elk Grove) and St, Mary’s High School (Berkeley) before coming to Jesuit in 2002. Rod currently teaches U.S. History and Global Studies.
Timothy Kelly
Student Activities Director / Head Basketball Coach
Born in Stockton, CA, Tim attended St. Mary’s High School before attending UC Davis for his undergraduate studies. He began working at Jesuit in 2004 and has served in a variety of roles including designated prefect, social studies teacher, social studies department chair, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Student Activities.
Sarah Kelso
Spanish / Yoga (P.E.)
Sarah Kelso earned her BA in English and Spanish from UC Berkeley and her MA in International Affairs from Columbia University. During her MA program, Mrs. Kelso’s focus was on language and linguistics. She took PhD courses from Columbia University’s Spanish Department, and also studied French and Arabic. While obtaining her MA, Mrs. Kelso was the senior editor for the Journal of International Affairs in New York City. Prior to joining the World Languages Department, Mrs.
Gerry Lane
Director of Campus Safety
Currently the Director of Campus Safety, Mr. Lane previously spent 25 years as Director of Admissions. Born and raised in San Francisco, he attended Riordan High School before moving to St. Mary’s College. He taught at St. James in Davis and St. Mary’s in Sacramento before being hired at Jesuit. Mr. Lane is also the Boy’s Director of the Parochial Athletic League (PAL) and has been in that position for 30 years. Mr. Lane has coached football and basketball while at Jesuit, including as an assistant on the two State Runner-up Basketball teams in 1993 and 1994.
Anne Larsson
Interim Executive Assistant to the Principal and Admissions Assistant
Anne joins Jesuit High School with a background in digital marketing, undergraduate admissions, and student services. After 13 years primarily as a full-time mom to Kianna (13) and Logan (11), Anne is thrilled to participate in the hustle and bustle of the Main Office at JHS. Married to a Jesuit alum (Garrett Larsson ’98), she knew coming in the high-caliber education and character of the people on the Jesuit campus and is honored to be a part of the team.
Education: Stanford University B.A.
Paul LeBoeuf
Director of Campus Ministry
After 10 years in parish Youth Ministry, I came to Jesuit High School as the Director of Campus Ministry. Our goal in the YM Office is to help our youth have an encounter with Christ that leads them to greater love and service to others in their lives. I married my best friend, Jennifer, on May 4, 1996. Travel, cooking, golf, theater, Sacramento Kings, SF Giants, SF 49ers are a few of my passions.
Nicholas Llanos
Math
Before joining Jesuit’s Mathematics Department, he served over ten years as a math teacher overseas, in the Bay Area and in Sacramento, in both public and private school settings. His most recent work as a Math teacher took place at Grant High School, and his teaching experience has ranged from Alebra 1 and Integrated Math 1, all the way through AP Calculus.
Education
Jaime Llopis
Athletic Trainer
I graduated from California State University Sacramento in 1989 with a Bachelors in Physical Education/Athletic Training. I became a Board Certified Athletic Trainer in 1994. My Career started at Jesuit in 1991 as the Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Championship Basketball Teams of 1992, 1993, and 1994. I also served as the Athletic Trainer and Fitness Coach for the Sacramento Regional Fire Academy from 2003-2008. In 2000 I was hired to work the US Track and Field Olympic Trials and have worked every major Track and Field event for the USATF sinc
Maureen Banchero Longyear
Vice President for Advancement
Maureen Banchero Longyear is the Vice President for Advancement of Jesuit High School. She is responsible for designing, directing and evaluating all advancement strategies to address the annual operations, long-term capital and endowment needs.
Mrs. Longyear is a native of Sacramento where she attended Loretto High School before attending Santa Clara University. Maureen transferred to the University of California, Berkeley and was awarded her Bachelor of Science in marketing from the Haas School of Business. After pursuing a successful career in media sales, Mrs. Longyear “retired” to raise three children, John ’99, Michael ’01 and Kate (Loretto High ’06). In 2003 and 2004 Mrs. Longyear co-chaired the Jesuit Auction as a volunteer and accepted a position in Development. In 2006 she was named Director of Development and was promoted to the Vice President for Advancement in 2012.
Jeremiah Loverich
Theology / Moorings Advisor
Originally from Flagstaff, Arizona, Mr. Jeremiah Loverich studied Chemical Engineering. He served as a volunteer sixth grade teacher in Los Angeles through Americorps, before teaching high school chemistry and math for several years. As a Dominican seminarian, he studied philosophy and theology at the GTU in Berkeley, engaged in a wide variety of ministry (campus ministry, faith formation, catechetical training, and prison chaplaincy), and did missionary work in Mexico. His master’s degree in theology specialized in religion and the arts.
Mr. Nick Luppino ’98
Theology / The Plank Advisor
Education:
- Undergraduate degree in English from Saint Mary’s College
- Master’s degree in Theology from the University of San Francisco
- Master’s degree and teaching credential from the University of Phoenix
Moderator/Coach:
- Philosophy club
- The Plank, High School Student Publication
- Co-moderator of Student’s for Life
- Co-moderator of The Art of Being a Gentleman
First year working at Jesuit: 2005
Katherine Madden, Ph.D.
Visual and Performing Arts - Digital Photography/Media Team
Rocklin native Katherine Madden holds a Ph.D. in Critical Studies from the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California. Her dissertation, Father, Son, and the Holy Dollar: Rebuilding the American Dream in Post-Recessionary Reality Television and Mommy Blogging, studies the ideological framework of Christianity and parenting in reality television and video blogs following the Great Recession of 2008. She also holds an M.A. in Critical Studies from the University of Southern California and a B.A.
Katie Maynard
Service & Justice
I taught in the theology department for 9 years, and 7 of those years I served as department chair.
Education
- M.A. in Theology from the Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara
- B.A. in Theology, Pacific Lutheran University
- B.S. in Biology, Pacific Lutheran University
First year working at Jesuit: 2005
Rev. John P. McGarry, S.J.
President
John P. McGarry, S.J. was elected to the University of San Francisco Board of Trustees in June 2012. He was first elected to the Board in September 1998 and he served until he was named California Provincial of the Society of Jesus in 2005.
Alma Morales
Spanish
Alma Veronica Morales-Dickenson received her BA as Teacher of English as a Foreign Language with a minor in French from the Autonomous State University of Oaxaca “Benito Juarez” and obtained her MA in Spanish Literature from CSUS. She has lived and studied in Vancouver, Canada and Oaxaca, Mexico. She has learned English, French, Italian and Japanese as foreign languages. Ms. Morales had the opportunity to teach at Loretto High School for 5 years. She taught the AP Spanish there as well as the Spanish 3 classes.
Sean Morris
Social Science
Sean grew up in the bay area and went to St. Patrick St. Vincent High School. Sean Graduated from Sacramento State with a Bachelor of Arts in History. While living in Sacramento, Sean worked as a teaching assistant and assistant varsity football coach and defensive coordinator for five years at Monterrey Trail High School. Sean help Monterrey Trail to two back to back appearances in the CIF San Joaquin section Championships. For a period of time, Sean lived and worked in Austria. He was the defensive coordinator and then head coach for the St. Potlen Invaders.
Jay Nacionales
Sports Performance Coordinator / Safe Return Task Force Co-Chair
Education:
- BS Kinesiology with an emphasis in Athletic Training – Sacramento State University
- MS Exercise Science: Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention – California University of Pennsylvania
Moderator/Coach:
- Sports Performance Coordinator
- Safe Return Task Force
- Equity and Inclusion Committee
- Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach
- Assistant Varsity Football Coach
Certifications/Committees (Off-campus):
- ATC (Athletic Trainer Certified) –
Edward Novinsky ’72
Studio Art
Edward Novinsky is an artist and educator. Ed graduated from Jesuit High School in 1972 and went on to receive his degree in Fine Arts from C.S.U. Sacramento. Ed then pursued a career in Fine Art with his paintings shown in galleries and museums through the west. Ed returned to Jesuit in 2000 to teach all levels of Studio Art. He continues to paint today. Along with his teaching duties Ed also serves as a moderator for “Jesuit Fly Fishing Club”, the “Organic Garden Club” and his lunchtime Studio Art group.
Colin O’Connor ’04
Assistant Principal for Academics
I graduated from Jesuit in 2004, and returned in 2009 for my first full-time teaching assignment. It is an honor to teach with peers who were some of my greatest teachers, and to work with such compassionate, enthusiastic students. I especially love watching students discover their voice as writers and thinkers in English class. For many years I helped as an assistant coach in the aquatics program, with both water polo and swimming. Now, my time after school is devoted to my family and my own continuing education.
Kimberly Pell
Mathematics
A Sacramento native, Kimberly graduated from the University of California, Davis in 1989 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. After several years working as an environmental consultant for Jones & Stokes Associates in Sacramento, Kimberly returned to college, graduating with a Master’s Degree in Mathematics from California State University, Sacramento in 1998. Upon graduation, Kimberly joined the faculty of Jesuit High School and has been having an excellent time with her students ever since!
Rev. Perry Petrich, S.J.
Theology / Coordinator of Liturgy
I was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington and have worked in Jesuit schools in a half-dozen states. Most recently I served at the Cristo Rey model high school in Oakland. In 2008, I entered the Jesuits in Portland, Oregon and was ordained a priest there in 2020. In my spare time, I enjoy playing music, reading, writing, running, and learning how to garden.
Joseph Potulny ’76
Physical Education / Baseball Coach
Joe serves as Jesuit High School’s baseball coach. He has been a member of the coaching staff since 1986. In addition to baseball, Joe coached freshman football from 1989-1992 and freshman basketball from 1991-1992. Prior to coming to Jesuit, Coach Potulny coached at the University of San Francisco as a graduate assistant in 1981. Later, Coach Potulny traveled to Wisconsin and was an assistant coach for the La Crosse Loggers in the Northwoods League, a summer collegiate league, from 2008-2012.
Kristen Quillen
French / Spanish
Kristie Quillen earned her BA in Communication Studies from UCSB, where she also studied French, Italian, and German. Inspired by a study abroad program and extensive travel throughout Europe and South America, Mrs. Quillen learned Spanish as well. After working in sales in the private sector for several years, she realized that teaching was her true calling and obtained teaching credentials in French and Spanish from Chapman University. Mrs. Quillen currently teaches French and Spanish.
Rex Rallanka ’96
Visual and Performing Arts
Rex Rallanka teaches Chamber Singers, Liturgy Workshop, and Men’s Chorus. An alum of the Class of 1996, Mr. Rallanka participated in bands and orchestra as a student. Mr. Rallanka is also the Director of Music for the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament and frequently performs as a concert organist.
Education:
B.S. in Mathematics: University of Notre Dame (2000)
M.Mus in Organ Performance: University of Notre Dame (2003)
First year working at Jesuit: 2012
Jamie Ralph
Head Athletic Trainer / Sports Medicine Instructor
Jamie was a Certified Athletic Trainer at Christian Brothers for two years before joining JHS, and prior to that worked in the same capacity at Garces Memorial High School in Bakersfield. Jamie holds a BS in Athletic Training from Chapman University, and an MA in Athletic Training from Fresno Pacific University. In two years Jamie anticipates completing her Doctorate in Athletic Training.
First year working at Jesuit: 2020
Jennifer Rasmussen
Counselor
Counselor Caseload (by last name):
| 9th | N. Brown – Farris |
| 10th | Bruce – Guerrero |
| 11th | Casey – Haynes |
| 12th | Cameron – Guzman |
My love for working with students in a school setting began with my B.A.
Paolo Reyes
Orchestra
Paolo Reyes will be working part time with Orchestra, including Beginning Strings and the Evening Orchestra. He is an experienced conductor working with symphonies throughout the greater Sacramento area. His time with the Camellia Symphony Orchestra and the Sacramento Youth Symphony has given him extensive experience working with young people in his field.
Education
- CSU Sacramento, B.A., Music Education
- CSU Sacramento, Masters in Music
Paul Rose
Department Chair, AP U.S. History / Varsity Soccer Coach
Paul Rose began teaching at Jesuit in the fall of 1979. He has taught every social science class at Jesuit over the years. Currently, Paul teaches Advanced Placement United States History (Junior year class). Paul Rose over the past five years has traveled extensively across the United States to many historical sites including Gettysburg, Independence Hall, Yorktown, and Williamsburg to name a few.
Carol Rose
Director of the Academic Support Center
Carol works in the Academic Support Center which is a dedicated space for students with learning differences and/or ADHD. Carol supports students during their FLEX periods through check-ins and assistance with their academic classes. She has worked as a teacher, counselor, campus minister, and coach during her years in high school education.
Christopher Seibert
Counselor
Counselor Caseload (by last name):
| 9th | Lofing – Pham |
| 10th | Moore – Seibles |
| 11th | McDonald – Ryan |
| 12th | Mammola – Schmidt |
I began my journey in education in 1994, after a Social Science B.A. from Whittier College and a teaching credential from Chapman University.
Andrew Shahamiri
Theology
Born and raised in San Francisco, CA, Andrew attended St. Ignatius College Preparatory before attending Seattle University for his undergraduate studies. After college, he spent two years serving in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps at a Catholic grade school on the Crow Indian Reservation, and one year working in USF’s University Ministry. Andrew joined Jesuit High School in 2018 and teaches Theology 1 and Senior Christian Service.
Amanda Smith
Director of Counseling Services
Counselor Caseload (by last name):
| 9th | Acosta – G. Brown |
| 10th | Aboui Mehrizi – Brown |
| 11th | Adams – Carroll |
| 12th | Hall – Jones |
This is my ninth year working in the Counseling Department at Jesuit High School and have held the Director of Counseling Services position since 2017. I earned my BA in Liberal Studies from Sacramento State with the intent of teaching in the elementary schools. Many years later, I found a home among the wonderful faculty and staff at Jesuit and was inspired to go back to school. I began my Masters in Educational Counseling and earned my PPS Credential in 2016. I absolutely love working at Jesuit and being a part of this school community. I am truly fortunate to be able to continue working with students in this role and look forward to an exciting year.
- BA Liberal Studies – CSU Sacramento, 2005
- MS Educational Counseling – National University, 2016
2012
Michael Solander, M.A. ’92
Modern World History / Civics / Swimming
Michael Solander is a graduate of Jesuit High School, class of 1992. This is his 13th year back at Jesuit and is enjoying teaching in the classroom and on the pool deck. Michael teaches freshman Global Studies and junior United States History. Along with his teaching, Michael is also the head coach of Jesuit Swimming. Over the past 13 years, the Marauders have won 5 CIF section titles in the pool and will be gunning for their 21st overall section championships this season.
Peter Strawn ’04
Mathematics
Mr. Strawn graduated from Jesuit in 2004. He attended the University of San Diego, studying English, Philosophy, and Theology & Religious Studies, and began his teaching career three months after graduating in 2008. He earned his M.A. from CSU, Sacramento, in English Literature, and is currently working towards his B.S. in Computer Science from Oregon State University. He is teaching Algebra 1, AP Computer Science Principles, and AP Computer Science A.
Brooke Swanson, ATC, CSCS, CF_L1
Athletic Trainer
I graduated from San Diego State University in 2005 with a bachelors in Kinesiology/ Athletic Training (AT). My collegiate internship field experience included working with SDSU football, Mesa JC Football, SDSU softball, US Marines Boot Camps, and various High School and Youth Camps. I became Board Certified as an Athletic Trainer (ATC) by the National Athletic Trainer’s Association (NATA) in June of 2005 and shorty after received my Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) credential through the NSCA. In 2009, I also became a Level 1 CrossFit instructor.
La Roddric Theodule
Dean of Students
La Roddric Theodule is the Assistant Principal/Dean of Students at Jesuit High School. He graduated from Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose, CA before attending Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee, Florida. After undergrad, La Roddric began his teaching career in Catholic high schools and has remained a Catholic school math and physical education teacher, football and track & field coach, and mentor/moderator since 2002. During his time as a Catholic school teacher, he earned Master’s degrees from both Concordia University, Irvine and
Ed Trafton ’84
Jesuit Drama Artistic Director / Campus Ministry / English / VPA
Joining the faculty in the fall of 1990, Ed Trafton works in Campus Ministry as a liturgical musician and teaches senior English (Hero’s Journey) and Art of Film (A).
Off campus he works as a teaching artist at Broadway Sacramento/Music Circus and the Sacramento Theatre Company, as an accompanist/arranger/composer at St. Ignatius and St. Mary’s Church, and as a freelance arranger/composer/conductor/designer/director/pianist/playwright.
He considers it an honor to be working alongside some of his former teachers and former students.
Kyle Trivits
English
Kyle recently relocated to Sacramento from Princeton, New Jersey where he worked as an English teacher, Head JV Softball Coach, and Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach at Cinnaminson High School. Kyle holds a BA in English Literature, and an MAT in Secondary Teaching from Wheaton College where he was a Varsity Athlete on their Baseball Team. Kyle also has his New Jersey Professional Educator License for Secondary English.
First year working at Jesuit: 2020
Justin Tsai
Mathematics
Education:
- BA Mathematics-CSU Sacramento, 2004
- AS CIS-Information Systems Security, 2017
- AS CIS-Network Administration, 2017
Moderator:
- Autonomous Race Cars Community @ JHS
- Business Investments Club
- Software Development Team
- Cybersecurity Team
Team Achievements:
- 2019 California Cyber Innovation Challenge – Invitation
- 2019 California Mayors Cyber Cup Sacramento Region – 1st Place
- 2018-2019 The Stock Market Gam
Kathy Van Liefde
Counselor
Counselor Caseload (by Last Name):
| 9th | Picazo – Zucker |
| 10th | Semon – Zill |
| 11th | Sands – Zoellin |
| 12th | Schwartz – Zavala |
Kathy Van Liefde has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics and a Master’s of Science degree in Educational Counseling. She began working at Jesuit as a mathematics teacher in the fall of 1996, having taught math at the high school level since 1985. She began her career as a counselor at Jesuit in the fall of 2003.
George Wagner ’83
Director of Technology
George Wagner first came to Jesuit in 1988 when he taught math and coached football. He later became the Department Chair of Mathematics. Soon after he spent several years teaching Advanced Placement Computer Science. He then moved out of the classroom and became the Director of Technology.
George is married with two children, one of which is an Alumni of Jesuit & CSUS while the other is an Alumni of Saint Francis High School.
Henry “Hank” Weinberger
Director of Athletics
Hank joins Jesuit from the University of California at Berkeley, where he served as the football director of recruiting. During his time at Cal, he also served as a Cal Olympics sports operations intern, interim women’s golf coach, and the football assistant director for recruiting operations.
He was a four-time Big West Conference Champion finalist in swimming. In addition to his experience in golf, swimming, and football, Hank was a high school baseball player and an Underwater Hockey National Champion.
Emily Weinberger
Chemistry / Biology 2
A graduate of Loretto High School, Emily has a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from George Washington University and a Master’s degree in Education and Credential in Life Science from USF. For the past 4 years, Emily has been teaching Science at St. Michael’s Episcopal Day School and working with their Robotics program.
Leslie A. Willson
French / Spanish
Leslie Willson holds a BA in French and Economics from the University of North Dakota and a MA in French Language from Middlebury College. She has lived, studied, and worked in Montreal, Paris and Madrid. Ms. Willson is credentialed in French and Spanish. She joined the World Languages Department in 2008 and has been serving as Department Chair since 2011.
Jon Witucki
Latin / English
Education:
- B.A. Major in Latin, Minor in Ancient Greek from University of California at Davis 1989
- M.A. in Classics: Latin and Greek Language and Literature from University of California at Santa Barbara 1992
Moderator/Coach:
- National Honor Society
- Latin Club
- Holy Rollers Bowling Club
First year working at Jesuit: 2000
Tom Witzgall ’98
Department Chair, Chemistry
Education:
- BS Biology – UCSD – 2002
- Single Subject Credential – Biology and Chemistry
Moderator/Coach:
- Cross Country Assistant Coach
First year working at Jesuit: 2006
Michael Wood ’99
Principal
Michael Wood is the principal at Jesuit High School. He began his
career in Jesuit Secondary Education at Loyola High School in Los
Angeles where he spent 12 years as a Theology teacher and Dean of
Students.
Michael graduated from Jesuit in 1999 and he shared his
motivation for accepting for the position as Jesuit’s principal
noting that “It is an honor to return to my alma mater as a
leader and colleague to share my strengths, experiences, and
passion with the Jesuit ministry of my origin.”
Tristine Zanotto
English
Currently teaches Junior American Literature and Composition as well as Senior Creative Writing: Short Story. Born in Santa Clara, CA, raised in Dallas, TX, Ms. Zanotto returned to Auburn, CA at the beginning of high school. She attended Saint Mary’s College of California from 1988-1992. Directly after graduating, Ms. Zanotto entered the St. Mary’s College of California School of Education where she obtained her Single Subject Professional Clear California Teaching Credential that qualifies her to teach K-12. Ms.
David Zielke
Director of Scheduling & Testing
- Math Teacher
- AP Coordinator
Prior to working at Jesuit, served in the Peace Corps from 1982 to 1985 in Zaire teaching math for 2 years and as a regional representative for one. Continued to work in Zaire with USAID from 1985 to 1991. Returned to the United States and moved back to Sacramento in December 1991.