Jesuit Welcomes... New Faculty and Staff Bianca Auble joins the Jesuit community to teach Biology. Bianca has a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from St. Mary’s College and a Master’s degree in Secondary Education from Loyola Marymount. While at LMU, Bianca was a member of the PLACE Corps (Partners in Los Angeles Catholic Education) and taught Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, and all levels of Biology at Bishop Mora Salesian High School in LA.
Katherine Madden joins Jesuit’s Visual and Performing Arts Department and will be teaching Digital Photography, Digital Filmmaking, and Art of Film. Katie has a Bachelor’s degree in Film and Media Studies (and a minor in Education) from UC Irvine and a Ph.D. in Critical Studies in the School of Cinematic Arts from USC. While she was at USC, Katie taught undergraduate courses in Film and Critical Studies.
Amy Becker joins Jesuit’s Science Department and will teach Physics and Chemistry. Amy holds a B.S. from the University of Notre Dame and a M.Ed (with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction in Science) from the University of Missouri. Amy spent the last eight 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.
Jay Nacionales is Jesuit’s new designated prefect. Jay has been a certified athletic trainer at Jesuit since 2007 and has been working on strength and conditioning with the basketball and football teams since 2013. He is also an assistant coach for the varsity basketball team. Jay has a Bachelor’s degree from Sacramento State and has done graduate work in kinesiology.
Jennifer Borasi is the newest member of Jesuit’s English Department. Jenny has spent the last 14 years teaching at St. Francis High School, where she taught all levels of English. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Literature and Writing from UC San Diego and a Master’s degree in English (with an emphasis in Creative Writing) from Loyola Marymount University, where she also taught Freshman writing courses. While at St. Francis, Jenny was on the Student Affairs Council and the Faculty Advisory Committee and was involved in the Kairos retreat program and CSF. Valerie Bronstein joins Jesuit as the Librarian, with a focus on educational technology. Valerie brings a wide range of experience and training to this role. She has taught composition and literature at American River College since 2004 and taught English and History at both Christian Brothers High School and Independence High School (where she was also the Technology Coordinator). Valerie has a B.A. in English from UC Davis, an M.A. in American Studies from George Washington University, a Master’s in Education from National University, and Credentials in Social Science and English, and she will receive her Librarian Credential in the Fall.
Chris Seibert joins the Jesuit community as a Counselor. Chris has been an educator for 22 years, most recently at Notre Dame School in Chico (where he served in roles ranging from middle school teacher to Principal). Chris has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science from Whittier College, a teaching credential from Chapman University, and a PPS (school counseling) credential from National University. Chris also has coached basketball for many years, most recently at Pleasant Valley High School in Chico. New Responsibilities Leah Heine is the new Department Chair and Program Director for the Visual and Performing Arts. Michael Cheney has concluded his service as Director of Faculty Development and will teach in the Theology Department full-time. Mandy Smith continues her work in the Counseling Department as a Counselor, and Wazhma Kakar is the new Administrative Assistant for Counseling. Cleann McGuire retired as a JHS counselor and is the new part-time Assistant Registrar in the Main Office.
Alyssa Frazier is Jesuit’s new Advancement Associate. She is a graduate of CSU Sacramento and is excited to become part of the Jesuit community.
After a year away, Katy Fox returns to teach part-time in the World Languages Department.
Emily Graffis joins Jesuit’s Science Department to teach Biology. 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 four years, Emily has been teaching Science at St. Michael’s Episcopal Day School and working with their Robotics program.
After more than 20 years, Tom McGuire has decided to step down from his role as Head Track Coach, and Rod Jett assumes the position of Head Track Coach this year.
Dave Bischoff ‘79 retired after 25 years as a teacher and department chair in VPA.
Justin Hall returns this year to teach in the Social Science Department.
Dr. Robert McAlese retired from Jesuit after 16 years in the Counseling Department JESUIT MAGAZINE
SUMMER/FALL 2016
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