What do you teach?

“I teach Algebra I and AP Statistics. In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I serve as a co-moderator for Mu Alpha Theta and the Calculus Club.”

What inspired you to become a teacher, particularly in this subject?

“Mathematics has always been a passion of mine, and I have long enjoyed helping others understand and appreciate it. I became a teacher to guide students in developing both a strong understanding of mathematical concepts and a genuine appreciation for the subject. My goal is to make math accessible and meaningful, showing students how it connects to real-world applications and their future academic and career paths.”

By the end of the year, what do you hope students will take away from your class?

“For my Algebra I students, I aim to help them build a strong foundation in algebra that will support them throughout their math education. Additionally, I encourage them to develop effective study habits and time management skills—essential tools for success in mathematics and beyond.”

How should incoming freshwomen prepare for your class next year?

“For my AP Statistics students, I want them to gain an appreciation for a branch of mathematics that many may not have encountered before. I hope they develop the ability to read, interpret and analyze statistical information, skills that are invaluable not only in math but also in fields such as psychology, biology and other research sciences.

To be successful in my courses, students should have a firm grasp of number sense and a strong understanding of basic arithmetic. I encourage them to rely less on calculators and instead to strengthen their mental math skills. Additionally, fostering good study habits early on is crucial, especially for those preparing for the rigorous academic expectations of institutions like Xavier.”

What do you teach?

“I teach freshman theology, which is an introduction to Catholic faith.”

What inspired you to become a teacher, particularly in this subject?

“I became a teacher of theology because in my early life, I was very skeptical about faith. But I studied very hard and I had a profound encounter with God as the fullness of love and truth. This compelled me to seek deeper and deeper understanding. And I found the most compelling, rational and beautiful answers to my biggest questions in the Catholic faith. And so I was determined to share that with others.”

By the end of the year, what do you hope students will take away from your class?

“By the end of the year, I hope that my students will come to see the Catholic faith as reasonable and beautiful.”

How should incoming freshwomen prepare for your class next year?

“I would hope that my students would prepare for my class by reading the entire Bible and annotating! Just kidding. No, I would just hope that they would know that no matter where they are- strong faith or no faith- they are all so welcome and they will do well in class, promise.”

What do you teach?

“I teach World History/Geography for freshwomen.”

What inspired you to become a teacher, particularly in this subject?

“I was inspired by my grandmother’s travel experiences and stories as well as her tenacity and survival as the child of the Armenian Genocide. She fled the Ottoman Empire during WWI with her four sisters and mother. Her stories and survival have created a passion to understand more about the world and the causes and effects of historical events.”

By the end of the year, what do you hope students will take away from your class?

“My hope is that my students learn discipline, to love history and have a solid foundation for basic world history,  note-taking strategies and grit. “

How should incoming freshwomen prepare for your class next year?

“Be prepared to work hard and have fun!”

What do you teach?

“I  teach Physical Education.”

What inspired you to become a teacher, particularly in this subject?

“I always knew I wanted to be a teacher at a young age but my first passion of playing professional basketball gave me a later start. I have been very fortunate to do the two things I love to do in my life which is teaching and coaching.”

By the end of the year, what do you hope students will take away from your class?

“By the end of the school year I hope that my students will have better overall fitness and a lifelong passion to stay healthy and fit as well as have an increased knowledge of different sports and activities.”

How should incoming freshwomen prepare for your class next year?

“I hope that the incoming freshwomen will come in with a positive attitude, a willingness to learn and a strong work ethic.”

What do you teach?

“I teach ninth-grade English and Creative Writing.”

What inspired you to become a teacher, particularly in this subject?

“I was inspired to become a teacher because I want to create an environment for students to develop their curiosity, courage and creativity to express their own ideas.”

By the end of the year, what do you hope students will take away from your class?

“By the end of the year, I hope that students feel confident in their abilities to read texts closely, to write with critical thinking, and to voice their opinions with strong reasoning. 

How should incoming freshwomen prepare for your class next year?

“To prepare for class next year, I’d encourage freshwomen to find new favorite books this summer. The more students invest in developing their own reading interests, the more unique perspectives we can have in discussions about class texts.”

What do you teach?

“As you know I teach Theology 1 here at Xavier.  It is my second year at Xavier.  Before I came here I taught the same subject at NDP in Scottsdale.”

What inspired you to become a teacher, particularly in this subject?

“I became interested in theology in college and eventually graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Religious Studies and then went on to earn a master’s degree in New Testament Study from the University of Notre Dame.  I suppose I was ultimately inspired to teach this subject because I studied under so many gifted communicators among my many professors.  I actually teach a course (for adults) that takes a journey through the entire Bible that takes five years to complete.  I have been teaching this course for the past 23 years in various parishes around the diocese.”

By the end of the year, what do you hope students will take away from your class?

“My ‘end of the year goal’ for my students would be that they would become proficient at finding passages in the Bible and would have gleaned a great deal of new insights about the Gospel passages that we read and I comment upon each time we come together in my class.  I promise my students that they will always learn something new in my class every time they attend.”

How should incoming freshwomen prepare for your class next year?

“I would encourage my incoming students to take this course seriously so that they can grow in their faith throughout the course of the year we will spend together.”

What do you teach?

“I teach English I and Journalism I, Journalism II Journalism III.”

What inspired you to become a teacher, particularly in this subject?

“When I was in college at Willamette University, I had a great professor. He was later my adviser, Wilbur Braden. I was always good at writing, and he intrigued me and many other students to follow passions in literature and writing and speaking.”

By the end of the year, what do you hope students will take away from your class?

“Well, love for literature, for writing, for talking with others, whether it be Socratic discussions or public speaking, and just becoming more and more comfortable with language.”

How should incoming freshwomen prepare for your class next year?

“So for the basic student, I just think that the two things that would really help students coming in as frosh would be time management, that you’re going to have to sit down and study a little bit. It’s Xavier. Time management, and probably the second is maybe just making sure that you’re going to be invested in the environment. Get involved, whether it be a sport, a club, or trying to make connections with friends who may help you with study groups.”