Our Team

Meet the incredible faculty and staff at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School. Not a day will go by without their compassion, reverence, professionalism, joy, respect, creativity, humor, kindness, honesty, loyalty and trust being shared with their students and colleagues.

Our school continues to look beyond the curricular areas by developing the whole student – education of the mind and heart. Our school is staffed by teachers who believe unquestioningly that all children can and must learn, regardless of income, status, or race. Equally important is the teachers’ dedication to one another, and their determination to improve the lives of their students.

Emily Arruda

Grade 4

I received a B.A in Elementary Education and M.Ed with an endorsement in ESOL from the University of Portland. My passion for education lies in empowering students and sustaining a lifelong love for learning right alongside them.

Jeri Askman

Secretary

Before I started in the office in 2004, I was a staff assistant for several years in Kindergarten. I gradually branched out to assist in Kindergarten through 2nd grade.

Kellen Ball

Grade 2 and Title 1

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Washington State University Vancouver. Over the past 5 years I’ve had the privilege of coaching and volunteering in Catholic schools.  I’m thrilled to join the OLL team, and look forward to growing alongside my students in faith and learning.

Ashton Blair

Music and Band

I have my bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Gonzaga University. I’m inspired by music and the art of improvisation, and love sharing those interests with young musicians! I can’t wait to see these music-makers change the world!

Lenn Bonawitz

Instructional Aide

I was born and raised in the Philippines. My volunteer work through my daughters’ schools led me to working with children. I aim to make a positive impact on your child’s education while working together with the primary teachers and staff.

Joe Braunstein

Physical Education

My goal for my Physical Education classes is for students to form a lifelong love for a variety of physical activities.

Sam Costello

Grade 1

I believe that teaching is not just about delivering content—it’s about inspiring curiosity, fostering critical thinking, and building confidence in every learner. My philosophy centers on creating an inclusive, supportive environment where students feel safe to ask questions, make mistakes, and grow. I hold a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts and a Master’s in Elementary Education from Eastern Washington University. Go Eags!

Heather De Nault

MS / Grade 8 Home Room

I love what I do! I have a BA in English Literature with a Secondary Ed. Credential in Language Arts. Teaching is a passion of mine, and I thrive on having students come back after graduation to say that they used what they learned in my class later in life. 

Rachael Dickson

Grade 2

I have been teaching kindergarten through second grade for over 20 years. I received my Master’s degree in Education with a reading endorsement at Washington State University in Vancouver.

Laura Englebert

Library and Technology

As a teacher, I believe in camaraderie, empowering students to find their full potential and encouraging them to creatively explore all the wonders of this beautiful life. Learning and growing together should be fun! I achieved a BS in Psychology from PSU and a MA in Teaching from George Fox University.

Walt Ferguson

Instructional Aide

I have taught previously for over 40 years and received my Postgraduate at the University of Portland. I was asked to come to sub as an assistant years ago and I never left! I love this position!

Briel Girod

Development and Events Coordinator

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Western Washington University, and my passion lies in fostering community connections and supporting the businesses of our school families. I love this school and I firmly believe that it takes a village to keep our community thriving. I strive to bring people together and create opportunities that benefit both our school and the families we serve.

Veena Girod

6th and 7th Grade Math, 7th Grade Religion, MS Elective

I was in public schools for 20+ years and I felt I needed a change. My hope is to create confident math students. For religion, I want students to feel the love and mercy of God each day and by understanding who we are as Catholics, Christians, and any other beliefs, we can stay united in God.

Amber Glassmire

Office Manager

I love being a staff member at Our Lady of Lourdes! My goals are to assist staff and families with the ins and outs of being a member of this big family as best I can. I have a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Oregon – Go Ducks!

Emily Gomez

Grade 5

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Gonzaga University, with endorsements in Reading, English Language Learning, and Elementary Education. In my classroom we celebrate our progress and use every opportunity to grow. I strive to foster critical thinking, encourage curiosity, and create a supportive environment where every student can thrive.

Carol Hopkins

Instructional Aide

 I have worked with children all my life, as a dance teacher, mother and grandmother. I owned my own dance studio for many years. I enjoy being active, the outdoors, and participating in activities with the students.  

Adaley Lagerquist

Instructional Aide

I am honored to be a part of the OLL community as a preschool aide! My goal is to help our students build confidence in their emotional, educational and social abilities. I believe that early education is essential to a child’s love of learning and I am grateful to help instill this.

Crystal Lines

Kindergarten

It is fun to sing, dance and play games when I am teaching skills and building academic excellence. Lourdes is such a special community of students, parents and staff where everyone supports one another and keeps the faith alive daily. My goal is to ignite a flame inside each child to live like Jesus and love one another unconditionally with tolerance and grace.

Miguel Lopez

Spanish

I hold an MA in Education, a BA in Spanish, and a BA in Anthropology from Eastern Washington University. My objective is to provide students consistent learning instruction so they are confident in using the Spanish language in real life situations and have an understanding of the diversity of the Hispanic culture.

Christine Masterson

Grade 3

I have had the pleasure of being a part of the OLL family as both a parent and a teacher. Having taught at different schools across the country, both public and private, I can truly say this is a very special place to be! I hold a BA in Criminal Justice and an MA in Teaching, with an Elementary Education endorsement.

Gavin McCormick

MS Math / Grade 7 Homeroom

In my classroom, my goal is not only to teach students the importance of mathematics, but also the skills that will prepare them for a successful future. I received my BA in Education from WSU – Vancouver with certificates in Middle Level Mathematics, Elementary Education, and English Language Learners.

Andy Nutter

MS  / Grade 7 Homeroom

My mission is to engage students in the understanding that life, like science, is an ever eventful process of inquiry and problem solving. Explore, ask questions, and remember that the purpose of education is life after education.

Kate Odin

MS / Grade 6 Homeroom

My favorite part of our school is the relationships with the students and their tremendously supportive families. I received a BA English & Irish Studies, College of the Holy Cross, and an MA in Teaching, University of Portland. I love to teach because I love learning.

Angel Ogle

Instructional Aide

After being a part of the OLL community for over 20 years, I am excited to join the incredible team here at Our Lady of Lourdes school. I look forward to being a part of your student’s educational journey.

Angel Ogle

Instructional Aide

After being a part of the OLL community for over 20 years, I am excited to join the incredible team here at Our Lady of Lourdes school. I look forward to being a part of your student’s educational journey.

Suzanne Olson

Media Center Specialist, Learning Resource Coordinator, GRACE Teacher Leader

I am committed to helping students develop a love for reading, while also engaging them in learning important library, media, and technology skills to amplify their potential. I have a passion for ensuring that  all students have access and a pathway to learning. I hold a BA in Social Work and an MA in Teaching from the University of Portland.

Cala Phillips

Preschool Lead Teacher

I’m thrilled to be part of your child’s early learning adventure at Little Blessings! With 19 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and working toward my CDA credential, my goal is to provide a classroom full of curiosity, play, and discovery. I believe children learn best when they feel happy, safe, and supported in a close-knit, caring community.

Vikki Pynenburg

Admissions and Marketing Director 

I find it incredibly rewarding to guide families through the admissions process and help find the right fit for their child. Watching new students flourish and seeing parents feel at ease as they meld into our community, confident that they made the best decision, is a joy.

Grace Sherman

Instructional Aide

I have been a member of the Lourdes family as a student since Kindergarten. I graduated in 2016. I’m so excited to return to Lourdes as an instructional aide. I am currently studying to become a teacher and this offers me a wonderful opportunity in my career path. 

Becky Smith

MS / 6th Grade ELA and Religion

I am in my 29th year of teaching in the Archdiocese of Seattle. My goal is to make learning engaging and inspire students to want to explore more. I am excited to be at Lourdes because of the supportive faculty and the welcoming community of parents and parishioners.

Shena Starbuck

Preschool Lead

This is my seventh year here at Our Lady of Lourdes and I feel so blessed to be part of this incredible school! Working in preschool is an adventure and such a joy every single day.

Mary Ticknor

Principal

Coming soon!

Tricia Walsh-Coughlan

Learning Specialist

It is my goal to help and encourage students to achieve their academic potential by providing quality nurturing instruction and to build their self-esteem by offering numerous opportunities for success.  I have a B.A. from Whitman College and an M.S. From Portland State University.

Sarah Weddle

Preschool Director

I have worked in various classrooms but have always been a part of the preschool program. I love sharing the excitement of school with the preschoolers and the hugs and loves are an added bonus!

Terry Wolf

Preschool

Coming soon!