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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!”

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Lori Haley
Academic Dean
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Biography

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."

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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 

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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.

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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.

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Fr. Javier Castrejon
Parochial Vicar, Sacred Heart Church
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Biography

About Fr. Javier Castrejon

For information about Father Javier Castrejon, please view his bio page.

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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

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Lisa Noyes
Business Office
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Biography

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!


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Nancy Sheets
Admissions, Registrar, Enrollment Manager
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Biography

About Nancy Sheets

Position: Admissions Director
Education Background: Indiana University East
Years of Experience: 4 years
Favorite Quote: “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family”- Mother Teresa
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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

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Chris Laughlin
Facilities Maintenance
Biography

About Chris Laughlin

Mr. Laughlin comes to us with a background in public service after having studied political science at Western Carolina University and philosophy under Dr. William Beidler, director of the Non-Western Studies Program at Guilford College, Greensboro. He retired from the United States Postal Service after thirty years in 2014, and he now enjoys spending time with us here as caretaker and handyman. Alongside his wife Patty and his son Chris, other valued members of our community, Mr. Laughlin additionally pursues an enthusiasm for studying epistemology.
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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

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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.”

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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)


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Heather Girard
First Grade
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Biography

About Heather Girard

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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

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Mary Anne Richárd
Second Grade
Biography

About Mary Anne Richárd

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Alicia Miller
Third Grade
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About Alicia Miller


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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.

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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

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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

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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


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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

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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."

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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


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Lori DArgenio
Eighth Grade Homeroom, Seventh Religion, Seventh and Eighth SS
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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

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Special Area

Abbey Flores
Athletics Director, Safety Coordinator
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About Abbey Flores

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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

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Charlynn Walker
Pre-K - 8 Music
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Biography

About Charlynn Walker

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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

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Roy Vernon
P.E.
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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

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Tara Pellasce
Resource Specialist, Fourth ELA, Sixth Co-Teacher
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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.

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Support Staff

Kathleen Tanski
Aftercare Director
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About Kathleen Tanski

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Ewa Blaszczec
Aftercare Assistant
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About Ewa Blaszczec

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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.

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Sophia Jaramillo
Pre-K Assistant
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About Sophia Jaramillo

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Amanda Manning
Kindergarten Assistant
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About Amanda Manning

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Ann Quinlan
First Grade Assistant
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Biography

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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