Our Faculty and Staff
Saint John Paul II Catholic School (SPJII) is firmly committed to recruiting the most qualified professionals available to be members of our faculty and staff. An interested, enthusiastic, and devoted faculty is an integral part of providing the finest education possible. Our teachers are our most important resource. As dedicated and talented professionals, they strive to reach every student. Saint John Paul II Catholic School is proud to have an impressive, innovative, creative, and concerned staff.
Administration
Marian Kajfez
Principal
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Biography
About Marian Kajfez
Marian Kajfez is a lifelong learner with 45 years of experience as an educator. Mrs. Kajfez encourages all to be respectful of others as you would like to be respected. Her background includes elementary education, early childhood, mathematics, and she is certified as an administrator with a master’s degree from the University of Dayton. Mrs. Kajfez has been married to her college sweetheart for 45 years and has two daughters, two sons-in-law and five grandchildren (three girls and two boys). She thanks God daily for His gifts. Mrs. Kajfez feels blessed for the opportunity to become part of SJPII family and to do as astronaut and teacher, Crista McAuliffe, said: “I touch the future, I teach!”
Lori Haley
Academic Dean
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About Lori Haley
Name: Lori Haley
Position: Middle School Mathematics/Pre-K–8th grade Academic Dean
Education Background: BS Elementary Education/MS Middle Grades Mathematics/National Board Certification
Years of Experience: 43 years (30 years in public education; 13 years at St. John Paul II Catholic School)
Favorite Quote: Romans 12:12 "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
Dcn. Stephen G. Dozier
Bookkeeper
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Biography
About Dcn. Stephen G. Dozier
Deacon Stephen G. Dozier
Position: Bookkeeper
Education Background: BA in Philosophy and Latin St. Bernard College, Cullman, Alabama
Experience:
- Teacher of Latin, Economics, and English at Norfolk Academy
- Business Officer for 4 NAIS Schools in the Southeast
- Owner of The Barter Authority in Norfolk, Virginia
- Bookkeeper for St. Anthony
- Ordained Deacon in Ukrainian Catholic Church 2009
- Bookkeeper for JPII Catholic School since 2020
Favorite Quote: "In all things, God works together for the good to those who God and are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
Clergy
Fr. John J. Forbes
Pastor, Sacred Heart Church
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Biography
About Fr. John J. Forbes
For information about Father John Forbes, please view his bio page.
Fr. John Kane
Pastor, St. Anthony's Church
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Biography
About Fr. John Kane
For information about Father John Kane, please view his bio page.
Fr. Javier Castrejon
Parochial Vicar, Sacred Heart Church
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About Fr. Javier Castrejon
For information about Father Javier Castrejon, please view his bio page.
Office Staff
Rebecca Foreman
Director of Communications
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Biography
About Rebecca Foreman
Position: Director of Communications
Education Background: BA Saint Louis University
Years of Experience: This is Rebecca’s fourth year with SJPII. Rebecca’s employment history, which spans over 10 years, includes experience in the following fields: Communications, Marketing, Early Childhood Education, and Special Education.
Favorite Quote: “The world is thy ship, not thy home.” -ST. THÉRÈSE OF LISEIUX
Lisa Noyes
Business Office
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About Lisa Noyes
Financial Secretary
B.S. in Financial Management at Clemson University
Over 20 years experience in Banking and Finance
You don't have to be rich to sparkle!
Nancy Sheets
Admissions, Registrar, Enrollment Manager
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About Nancy Sheets
Valarie Mahmud
IT
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Biography
About Valarie Mahmud
Position: IT Coordinator
Educational Background: BS Information Technology / Computer Science from National University, LaJolla, California
Years of Experience: 20+ years
Favorite Quote: 'Trust the past to God’s mercy, the present to God’s love, and the future to God’s providence.' - St Augustine of Hippo
Chris Laughlin
Facilities Maintenance
Biography
About Chris Laughlin
Our Faculty Members
Lower School
Kristen Holton
Pre-K
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Biography
About Kristen Holton
Position: Pre Kindergarten Teacher
Educational Background: Associate In Education
Years Experience: 16 Years of teacher Pre-K, all at SJPII!
Favorite Quote: “Peace begins with a smile.” ~Mother Theresa
Mary Herpy
Kindergarten
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Biography
About Mary Herpy
Position: Kindergarten Teacher
Educational Background: B.A in Early Childhood Education, B.A in Elementary Education, Wilson Reading Certified Specialist, and Wilson Foundations Specialist
Years Experience: 23 years of teaching
Favorite Quote: “We are not the sum of our weaknesses and failures: We are the sum of the Father’s love for us and our real capacity to become the image of His Son.”
Samantha Robinson
Kindergarten
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Biography
About Samantha Robinson
Position: Kindergarten Teacher
Education: Bachelor's of Art in Elementary Education. Currently pursuing a Master's in Educational Leadership. Certified K–6 in the state of North Carolina.
Experience: This will be Samantha Robinson's 7th year in education.
Favorite Quote: "Do ordinary things with extraordinary love." - St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa)
Heather Girard
First Grade
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About Heather Girard
Christine Bennett
First Grade
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Biography
About Christine Bennett
Position: 1st grade teacher
Educational: Bachelor of Science in Education K-12 University of Akron, Ohio Certified K–6 in NC
Years of Experience: This is my 22nd year in education. I have taught in public, homeschool and Catholic schools.
Favorite Quote: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways submit to Him and He will make straight your path.” Proverbs 3:5–6
Alicia Miller
Third Grade
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About Alicia Miller
Pamela Francis
Fourth Grade
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Biography
About Pamela Francis
Having received her degree from St. Andrews University in education, Pamela Francis additionally holds a North Carolina professional teacher's license. She has been teaching for about twenty years. In 2022–2023 she will be teaching fifth- and sixth-grade math, science, and social studies. This will be her fourth year teaching at St. John Paul ll Catholic School.
Leeann Felicetta
Fifth Grade
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Biography
About Leeann Felicetta
Position: 5th grade teacher
Education: B.A. with honors, Psychology with Early Childhood and Elementary Education; working on Masters in Educational Leadership. Certified K–6 in the state of North Carolina
Experience: This will be Leeann Felicetta's 30th year in education.
Favorite Quote: "Catholic education aims not only to communicate facts but also to transmit a coherent, comprehensive vision of life, in the conviction that the truths contained in that vision liberate students in the most profound meaning of human freedom." St. John Paul II
Patrick O'Connell
5th Grade Religion, Social Studies, and Math Teacher
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Biography
About Patrick O'Connell
Position - 5th Grade Religion, Social Studies, and Math Teacher
Educational Background - Bachelor of Science Degree in Adolescent Education, North Carolina State Certification (Social Studies 6–9), North Carolina State Certification (Social Studies 9–12)
Years of Experience - This will be Patrick O'Connell's thirteenth year in education.
Favorite Quote - "The only difference between the saint and the sinner is that every saint has a past and every sinner has a future." Oscar Wilde
Middle School
Erin Konz
6th Grade Homeroom Teacher and 7th and 8th Grade English Language Arts Teacher
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Biography
About Erin Konz
Educational Background: Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Human Development and Family Studies - Auburn University Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (PBC) in Birth through Kindergarten Initial Licensure - University of North Carolina Greensboro
Currently pursuing a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Educational Leadership - Wheeling University
Kendra Teclaw
Sixth Grade Homeroom, Sixth ELA/SS, Fourth ELA Co-Teacher
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Biography
About Kendra Teclaw
Educational Background:
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Master of Arts - Education
University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point Bachelor of Arts - English Education
Years of Experience:
5 Years public high school English teacher
1 Year substitute teacher at SJPII
Favorite Quote:
“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” -Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince
Lori Haley
Seventh Grade Homeroom, Fifth/Sixth/Seventh/Eighth Math
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Biography
About Lori Haley
Education Background: BS Elementary Education/MS Middle Grades Mathematics/National Board Certification
Years of Experience: 43 years (30 years in public education; 13 years at St. John Paul II Catholic School)
Favorite Quote: Romans 12:12 "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
Terry Nickens
Grade Homeroom, Sixth/Seventh/Eighth Science
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Biography
About Terry Nickens
Middle School Science Teacher and School Nurse
AAS Sandhills Community College: Nursing Bachelor of Science Education, NC State University, 2001
Licensed Registered Nurse 1984
This will be my 22nd year in Middle and High School Science Education.
"Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." - Mother Teresa
Lori DArgenio
Eighth Grade Homeroom, Seventh Religion, Seventh and Eighth SS
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Biography
About Lori DArgenio
Position: Middle School Religion and Social Studies
Educational Background: BA in Political Science
Licensure : Middle School Social Studies and Language Arts
Favorite Quote: “The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness”- Pope Benedict XVI
Special Area
Abbey Flores
Athletics Director, Safety Coordinator
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About Abbey Flores
Jennifer Peters
Pre-K – 8 Art
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Biography
About Jennifer Peters
Name: Jenny Peters
Position: Art Teacher, Pre-k - 8th grade
Educational Background: Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications and Master of Education degree specializing in elementary education
Years of Experience: This will be Jenny Peters' ninth year in education and her fifth year teaching art at SJPII
Favorite Quote: "Peace begins with a smile." -Mother Teresa
Charlynn Walker
Pre-K - 8 Music
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About Charlynn Walker
Magdelena Posada
3 - 8 Foreign Language, Eighth Grade Homeroom Team, Sacristan
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Biography
About Magdelena Posada
Name: Magdalena Forero-Posada
Position:
- Foreign Languages Teacher Pre-K - 8th grade
- Sacristan
- Sixth-grade homeroom
Education:
- Bachelor of Business from University of Technology, Sydney
- Masters of International Relations, UJTL Bogota
Background:
- Native Spanish speaker
- Parish and Religion Education Coordinator, USAG Bamberg
- Middle School Religion teacher
- Certified Catechist by the Dioceses of Raleigh
Years of experience: 10 years
Favorite quote: “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” –St. Augustine of Hippo
Roy Vernon
P.E.
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Biography
About Roy Vernon
Name: Roy Vernon
Position: Physical Education Teacher
Educational Background: Bachelor's of Arts in Physical Education (K-12), The Florida State University; 1994
Years of Experience: Third year in education after nearly 30 years of service in the US Army
Favorite Quote: "Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I will learn" –Benjamin Franklin
Tara Pellasce
Resource Specialist, Fourth ELA, Sixth Co-Teacher
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Biography
About Tara Pellasce
Name: Tara Perpignan Pellasce
Position: Resource Consult & 4th ELA
Education: Bachelor of arts in special education from Pennsylvania State University, master of education in curriculum and instruction from Johns Hopkins University, dual-certified K–6 Exceptional Children and Elementary Education in North Carolina
Experience: Sixth year at JP2, tenth year teaching
Favorite quote: Progress over perfection.
Support Staff
Kathleen Tanski
Aftercare Director
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About Kathleen Tanski
Ewa Blaszczec
Aftercare Assistant
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About Ewa Blaszczec
Tara Pellasce
Resource Teacher
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About Tara Pellasce
Originally from New Jersey, Mrs. Pellasce is a true Northeaster. She graduated from Pennsylvania State University with her undergraduate degree in special education. In addition, she completed her masters of education for curriculum and instruction from Johns Hopkins University.
In the past, Mrs. Pellasce has taught students all over the world. She began her teaching journey in Otavalo, Ecuador. There she taught English as a second language. Soon after, Mrs. P taught ESL in Accra, Ghana. Previously, she has taught special education in Tulsa, Oklahoma and second grade and kindergarten in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In the past, she has taught third grade at SJPII.
Mrs. P is excited to join SJPII for another academic year of faith and fellowship. It is a blessing that God has given her the beautiful vocation of teacher. She truly believes that the SJPII has many opportunities to grow each child and his/her faith.
Sophia Jaramillo
Pre-K Assistant
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About Sophia Jaramillo
Amanda Manning
Kindergarten Assistant
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About Amanda Manning
Ann Quinlan
First Grade Assistant
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About Ann Quinlan
Ann Quinlan has been at SJPII for seven years and she welcomes all comers. She started on this journey when her son was in the first grade. She worked in aftercare her first year at this school and then moved into our first grade TA position. She enjoys assisting the children with reading, writing, math, and other tasks. Ms. Quinlan is married and has one son, their family living right here in Southern Pines. They all have a love for the area and the community here.
Meredith Richard
Second Grade Assistant
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About Meredith Richard
Stop by our second grade classroom and you will find teaching assistant Meredith Richard helping our second graders with their reading, writing, and math, or perhaps find her tying shoes, checking homework folders, or turning the jump rope on the playground. Mrs. Richard earned a bachelor of arts in Spanish literature from Tufts University and subsequently worked as a technical writer for various software companies including IBM until the birth of her first child in 1999. Mrs. Richard was then a stay-at-home mom for many years to her five children, all of whom graduated from SJPII. Mrs. Richard volunteered in our school library for several years before officially joining our staff as a teaching assistant in 2016.
Rebecca Marsh
Third and Fourth Grade Assistant
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About Rebecca Marsh
Originally from Massachusetts, Ms. Marsh achieved her BA in psychology at Ave Maria University in sunny southwest Florida. In 2020, Ms. Marsh moved to North Carolina to be near family. Currently a classroom teaching assistant, Ms. Marsh also coaches boys soccer, girls soccer, and girls basketball for SJPII. Ms. Marsh is looking to start her master's in education at UNCP in the fall. Ms. Marsh is also lucky enough to have one brother, one niece, and one nephew here at SJPII.
Kendra Tranel
Middle School Assistant
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About Kendra Tranel
Originally from Iowa, Kendra Tranel and her family moved to North Carolina in 2012. Ms. Tranel holds an associate's degree in paralegal studies, as well as a bachelor’s degree in political science from Iowa State University. Prior to moving to North Carolina, Ms. Tranel worked for many years as a paralegal before taking advantage of the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom. Ms. Tranel is a wife and the proud mother of four children. Her three sons have graduated from SJPII, and her daughter is currently a student in SJPII’s middle school. Ms. Tranel’s time at SJPII began as a library volunteer and has since transformed into many years as a middle school aide. During the day, you can find Ms. Tranel in any number of middle school classrooms, helping in multiple capacities with multiple academic subjects.