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
Send Email
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
Send Email
Biography
About Lori Haley
As a four-decade teaching veteran, Mrs. Haley’s passion for teaching and learning increases every year. Mrs. Haley believes that all students crave the intellectual stimulation afforded by rich and engaging mathematical investigations. It is her professional goal to develop and continually strengthen classroom strategies that provide her students with meaningful learning opportunities. Mrs. Haley shares that she values the daily opportunity she has to share her faith and to pray with her students. Mrs. Haley has a master’s degree in middle grades mathematics and earned national board certification in early adolescent mathematics. She has been married for over forty years, has three grown children, and, at present, six wonderful grandchildren.
Deborah Lawson
Director of Institutional Advancement/Office Manager
Send Email
Biography
About Deborah Lawson
"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." - C.S. Lewis
It is with an open heart, open ears, and an open mind, that Mrs. Lawson comes to St. John Paul II School each day! With love of children, learning, and education, Mrs. Lawson can be seen snapping photos of your beautiful children, giving tours to new prospective families, or touring benefactors around the campus. Mrs. Lawson has been involved with St. John Paul II School since its inception and is somewhat of a school historian.
In addition, Mrs. Lawson’s responsibilities include admissions, advertising and public relations, major gifts, donor coordination and retention, and fundraising. Among her other activities, Mrs. Lawson is currently president of the Board of Directors of Life Care Pregnancy Center in Carthage, NC. She is a NC licensed real estate agent, which she has held for over 20 years. She is a member of, and participates in church activities at St. Anthony of Padua in Southern Pines.
Mrs. Lawson resides in Southern Pines with her husband Jim, son Christopher (SJPII class of 2016), and daughter Meghan (SJPII class of 2021). She is a proud hockey and lacrosse mom, as well as a horse-girl mom, who enjoys traveling and watching her children grow in their education and outside endeavors!
Dcn. Stephen G. Dozier
Bookkeeper
Send Email
Biography
About Dcn. Stephen G. Dozier
Clergy
Fr. John J. Forbes
Pastor, Sacred Heart Church
Send Email
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
Send Email
Biography
About Fr. John Kane
For information about Father John Kane, please view his bio page.
Fr. Javier Castrejon
Parochial Vicar, Sacred Heart Church
Send Email
Biography
About Fr. Javier Castrejon
For information about Father Javier Castrejon, please view his bio page.
Office Staff
Lisa Noyes
Business Office
Send Email
Biography
About Lisa Noyes
Nancy Sheets
Admissions, Registrar, Enrollment Manager
Send Email
Biography
About Nancy Sheets
Nancy Sheets is a native of Indiana. She, her husband Alan, and her son Jacob moved to North Carolina in October of 1999. Nancy started with SJPII in 2020. She loves working with all the new families and with our spring musicals every year!
Valarie Mahmud
IT
Send Email
Biography
About Valarie Mahmud
'Trust the past to God’s mercy, the present to God’s love, and the future to God’s providence.' - St Augustine of Hippo
Ms. Mahmud believes each day is a gift to be shared and enjoys spending each day with the students, faculty, and staff of St. John Paul II Catholic School. She believes that technology has the power to enhance teaching, learning, and communication and that through the use of technology, SJPII will be able to continue its mission of instilling the love of learning and creating lifelong learners. Technology provides an avenue for communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and efficiency needed to navigate today's modern world.
Ms. Mahmud is an active member of Our Lady of the Americas Catholic Church in Candor. She lives north of Carthage with her husband Fred and has a son, Kamran (SJPII Class of 2023). She enjoys knitting, reading, hiking, and traveling.
Ms. Mahmud is a former United States Marine, attended National University in La Jolla, California, and achieved a BS in information technology/computer science.
Chris Laughlin, Sr.
Facilities Maintenance
Biography
About Chris Laughlin, Sr.
Our Faculty Members
Lower School
Kristen Holton
Pre-K
Send Email
Biography
About Kristen Holton
This is Mrs. Holton's 16th year of teaching pre-kindergarten at SJPII. She has created an environment which gives the children an opportunity to learn through hands-on experiences. Mrs. Holton adapts her teaching style to benefit all learners in her classroom. Positive reinforcement is key to helping children thrive in a school environment. Mrs. Holton enjoys having parents volunteer in the classroom. She sends weekly newsletters to keep parents informed about their child's education at SJPII.
Mary Herpy
Kindergarten
Send Email
Biography
About Mary Herpy
Welcome to our wonderful school! I have been a kindergarten teacher for over 25 years. I love working with these little ones. I originated from Akron, Ohio. I graduated from Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pennsylvania and am also certified as a Wilson Reading Specialist. I feel so blessed to be able to use my special God-given talents in an environment in which we can openly live and share our faith!
Samantha Robinson
Kindergarten
Send Email
Biography
About Samantha Robinson
Heather Girard
First Grade
Send Email
Biography
About Heather Girard
Christine Bennett
Second Grade
Send Email
Biography
About Christine Bennett
'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
Mrs. Bennett is blessed to serve as second grade teacher at SJPII. She is the product of eight years of Catholic education. She holds a bachelor of science in education (K-12) with a concentration in special education from the University of Akron in Ohio. Over the past thirty years she has taught in public, private, and homeschool settings, as well as in Catholic faith formation. She has taught in grades Pre-K through twelfth. Mrs. Bennett feels that teaching is a passion and a calling to serve.
Mrs. Bennett is a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pinehurst. She resides in Aberdeen with her former high school sweetheart and husband of 27 years, Shawn, their four children, three dogs, cat, bunny, and two turtles. In her spare time Mrs. Bennett enjoys reading, writing, crafting, and gardening.
Kendra Teclaw
Third Grade Substitute
Send Email
Biography
About Kendra Teclaw
Kendra Teclaw is a certified Broadfield English teacher holding a lifetime licensure from the State of Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. After graduating in 2016 from University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point with a bachelor of arts in English (minoring in creative writing), Mrs. Teclaw taught for five years in a public high school. She attended Saint Mary's University of Minnesota graduating with a master's degree in education while teaching full time as an English teacher. Her courses included but were not limited to American literature, senior creative writing, freshman literature and composition, advanced placement freshman literature and composition, sophomore literature and composition, junior literature themes and composition, reading and writing workshops grades nine and ten.
Mrs. Teclaw relocated to North Carolina last year, where her husband is currently stationed. Mrs. Teclaw attends St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church where she sings in the choir. She loves playing jazz music on her phonograph, riding her horses, hiking with her dog, and writing. She is so excited for this upcoming school year serving in His Glory as a substitute teacher at St. John Paul II Catholic School.
Alicia Miller
Fourth Grade
Send Email
Biography
About Alicia Miller
My name is Alicia Miller, and I am proud to be a SJPII Eagle! I was born and raised near St. Louis, Missouri. I received my bachelor's degree in elementary education from Lindenwood University in 2005, and a master’s degree in reading and literacy from Eastern New Mexico University in 2016. I have taught both third and fourth grades and have taught in Missouri, Washington, and New Mexico.
I have a true passion for teaching and helping each child progress in all areas of their development. I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures this growth in a positive, fun environment.
Personally, I am a military spouse and the mother of two daughters. We love to spend time together as a family being outdoors and traveling. I enjoy reading, cooking, music, relaxing at the beach, and spending time with friends and family.
Leeann Felicetta
Fourth Grade ELA, Fourth Grade Religion
Send Email
Biography
About Leeann Felicetta
'Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth; and God has placed in the human heart a desire to know the truth—in a word, to know himself.' - St. John Paul II
Mrs. Felicetta considers herself beyond blessed to share her love of Christ and her passion for literacy with her students in a Catholic school setting for the last 29 years. Her goal as an educator is to develop a community of lifelong learners through self-motivation, self-regulation, cooperation, prayer, and a positive attitude while maintaining a high level of expectation from all students.
In addition to teaching language arts and religion, Mrs. Felicetta is the PLC leader for grades four through six, is a member of the leadership team, and represents our school in the Moore County Reading Association. She is an active member at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Southern Pines.
Mrs. Felicetta resides in Whispering Pines with her husband Frank and she has two daughters, Cristina and Sofia (SJPII class of 2016). She enjoys spending time with her grandsons, exercising, reading, and cooking.
Mrs. Felicetta attended Rutgers University on a full academic scholarship as a governor’s teaching scholar and graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a bachelor's of arts in psychology. She is certified K-8 in New Jersey and K-6 in North Carolina.
Pamela Francis
Fifth Grade and Sixth Grade Math, Science, and Social Studies; Fifth Grade Homeroom
Send Email
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.
Middle School
Erin Konz
Seventh and Eighth Grade ELA, Eighth Grade Homeroom
Send Email
Biography
About Erin Konz
"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." - Saint John Paul II
Mrs. Konz teaches middle school English language arts, and she is passionate about sharing her love of the Catholic faith and literature with her students. She believes that the study of language arts connects students to the world around them, prepares them to be effective communicators and critical thinkers, and helps them come to know what is good, true, and beautiful. She continuously strives to build engaging learning communities using effective teaching strategies that ensure all students benefit from meaningful instruction. Her professional goal is to create lifelong learners with a deep appreciation for the written word.
Mrs. Konz received a bachelor's of science degree in human development and family studies from Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, and she received a post-baccalaureate certificate in teaching from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Over the course of her career she has taught in high school, middle school, and preschool. Mrs. Konz is a member of the Moore County Reading Association and the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE).
Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, she is married with one son, and has called the Southern Pines area home for over a decade. Mrs. Konz enjoys cooking, reading historical fiction, cheering on the Auburn Tigers, and spending time outdoors with her family. They are active members of their local Catholic church.
Patrick O'Connell
Fifth Grade and Sixth Grade ELA and Religion, Sixth Grade Homeroom
Send Email
Biography
About Patrick O'Connell
Patrick O'Connell is married to his wife Mary and has three children. He is originally from New York and has been in North Carolina teaching upper elementary and middle school since 2011. He received all of his education from Catholic schools and is happy to be back in the Catholic school system.
Lori D'Argenio
Seventh and Eighth Grade Social Studies & Religion, Seventh Grade Homeroom
Send Email
Biography
About Lori D'Argenio
Lori D'Argenio and her family have lived in the area since 2009, when the military brought them here. Two of her four children graduated from St. John Paul II Catholic School. She was born in Pennsylvania and received her bachelor's degree in political Science from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. After the privilege of twenty years as a stay-at-home mom, Lori joined our faculty in 2012. She is licensed in middle school social studies and language arts. Mrs. D'Argenio loves the collaborative and inquiry-based nature of our middle school curriculum, which leads all to search for truth.
Lori Haley
Middle School Pre-Algebra, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II
Send Email
Biography
About Lori Haley
As a four-decade teaching veteran, Mrs. Haley’s passion for teaching and learning increases every year. Mrs. Haley believes that all students crave the intellectual stimulation afforded by rich and engaging mathematical investigations. It is her professional goal to develop and continually strengthen classroom strategies that provide her students with meaningful learning opportunities. Mrs. Haley shares that she values the daily opportunity she has to share her faith and to pray with her students. Mrs. Haley has a master’s degree in middle grades mathematics and earned national board certification in early adolescent mathematics. She has been married for over forty years, has three grown children, and, at present, six wonderful grandchildren.
Terry Nickens
Seventh and Eighth Grade Science, Eighth Grade Homeroom Team
Send Email
Biography
About Terry Nickens
My name is Therese Nickens but my family and friends call me Terry. I am a veteran science teacher for middle and high school with over twenty years of experience. I am also a registered nurse who has practiced in the area of obstetrics, mostly in labor and delivery at First Health.
I love science! I love learning how and why things work. I love hands on experiments and creating and building knowledge by doing. I believe science should be fun! I love being at SJPII because I am free to express my Catholic faith and because I am with people who desire to love and serve God. I have been married 39 years; I have three sons and five grandchildren. I love the beach, sea turtles, and reading.
Special Area
Abbey Flores
Athletics Director, Safety Coordinator, Pre-K - 8 Physical Education
Send Email
Biography
About Abbey Flores
Jennifer Peters
Pre-K - 8 Art
Send Email
Biography
About Jennifer Peters
Originally from Connecticut, Jenny Peters went to Pace University in New York for her bachelor's degree in communications and went on to get her master's in elementary education from Grand Canyon University. After teaching second grade for a few years at a Catholic school in Washington State, in 2019 she moved to Southern Pines and started teaching art for Pre-K through eighth grade at St. John Paul II Catholic School. Pablo Picasso said that "every child is an artist" and Mrs. Peters relishes the opportunity to bring out the creativity of the students here at SJPII!
Charlynn Walker
Pre-K - 8 Music
Send Email
Biography
About Charlynn Walker
Magdelena Posada
3 - 8 Foreign Language, Eighth Grade Homeroom Team, Sacristan
Send Email
Biography
About Magdelena Posada
Mrs. Forero-Posada is a native Spanish speaker and is also fluent in German. She has a bachelor’s of business degree from the University of Technology, Sydney and a master’s degree in international relations from UJTL in Bogota. She loves to read, hike, and travel. She believes one of the best gifts we can give our children is the opportunity to learn other languages early on and to be exposed to different cultures. She has two teenage boys. As a teacher, she wants to provide each child the necessary tools to become the best version of themselves. “Be brave. Take risks. Nothing can substitute experience.“ - Paulo Coehlo
Yudy Barragan
Pre-K - 2 Foreign Language
Send Email
Biography
About Yudy Barragan
Ms. Barragan was born and raised in Colombia, South America, and moved to the United States in 2005. Mother of two smart and sweet boys, Mario, 18, and Mateo, 5 years old. After completing several English classes from 2008–2012 at Sandhills Community College, she pursued her associate's degree in early childhood development. While working at Sandhills Children’s Center and raising her older son, she completed her associate's degree in 2015. Yudy has been involved in several positions, including Assistant Teacher, Professional Nanny, and Montessori Assistant Guide. Yudy has a passion for helping each student reach their full potential while providing genuine support.
Support Staff
Kathleen Tanski
Aftercare Director
Send Email
Biography
About Kathleen Tanski
Ewa Blaszczec
Aftercare Assistant
Send Email
Biography
About Ewa Blaszczec
Jacqueline Leeper
Resource Director
Send Email
Biography
About Jacqueline Leeper
Ms. Leeper, a native of Northern Ireland, is an experienced teacher with 20+ years in the education field. Her depth of experience includes several years teaching internationally. She believes that learning, growing, and excelling in her field will always be a lifelong journey.
Ms. Leeper has a passion for ensuring that all students succeed; guiding them in realizing their full academic, social, and spiritual potential. To that end, she loves working with students, colleagues, and parents to help others reach goals and to further the Catholic mission of the school for each child. She often takes a one-on-one approach to teaching her students, helping her better incorporate each child’s individuated learning style as well as that which motivates them. This increases self- awareness and self-esteem in her students. She utilizes a diverse array of teaching and learning strategies and is particularly committed to kinesthetic learning in conjunction with the use of evidence-based curricula.
In addition to teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) qualified, Ms. Leeper has a BA, with honors, in psychology from Queen's University in Belfast, Northern Ireland, a postgraduate degree in education from St. Andrews University in Glasgow, Scotland, and a masters in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.
She has a husband, Bill, and a son, Conan, and a much too spoiled dog, Bear. Her personal enthusiasms are focused on the outdoors; hiking, cycling, kayaking, and traveling.
Tara Pellasce
Resource Teacher
Send Email
Biography
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
Send Email
Biography
About Sophia Jaramillo
Sherry Sanders
Kindergarten Assistant
Send Email
Biography
About Sherry Sanders
Amanda Manning
Kindergarten Assistant
Send Email
Biography
About Amanda Manning
Ann Quinlan
First Grade Assistant
Send Email
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.
Meredith Richard
Second Grade Assistant
Send Email
Biography
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
Send Email
Biography
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.
Becky Foreman
Fifth and Sixth Grade Assistant
Send Email
Biography
About Becky Foreman
Becky Foreman is the teacher’s assistant for fifth and sixth grade at Saint John Paul II Catholic School for the 2022–2023 school year. Mrs. Foreman earned her bachelor of arts degree in general studies from St. Louis University. Her work history includes being a teacher’s aid for fourth and fifth grade, a Pre-K 4 teacher, a private nanny, and a tutor/mentor for children in under-served communities through the YMCA. This will be Mrs. Foreman’s second year at SJPII as the teacher’s assistant and third year with the school as she was the Pre-K 4 teacher in the 2007–2008 school year.
Mrs. Foreman is happily married to her husband of 15 years and has one daughter who is in the first grade at SJPII. The Foreman family live on a farm in Carthage, North Carolina, where they enjoy their many animals and gardening. Mrs. Foreman also volunteers at Life Care Pregnancy Center once a week to serve families in the community with life affirming resources. Through this volunteer opportunity, Mrs. Foreman has connected with many women and children by leading parenting classes and providing confidential peer advocacy.
The Foreman family are parishioners of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Southern Pines, North Carolina. The Catholic faith is the center of Mrs. Foreman’s life and she is delighted to work in an authentically Catholic institution. Having the unique and privileged opportunity to merge her career with her Catholic faith is a blessing from God. Mrs. Foreman is a proud Eagle and is grateful to be a part of the SJPII family.
Kendra Tranel
Middle School Assistant
Send Email
Biography
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.