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.

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.

Emily Bechen

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.

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.

Becky Clark

Title 1 Reading & Math

My ultimate goals as a teacher are to assure all students that they CAN learn, to make learning as fun as possible and to cultivate relationships with students and their families.

Sam Costello

Instructional Aide

I am so incredibly excited to be here at OLL! Currently I am working toward my masters in Elementary Education and loving every minute of it.

Lisa Dean

Grade 1

I received my B.A. in Elementary Education from Washington State University and finished my Master’s Degree with an emphasis in Technology. Continuing to grow and learn is an important part of being a teacher.

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

Grade 4

I feel blessed to be a part of such a welcoming community! 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!

Debbie Gard

Music/Band

I hold a BA in Arts and Letters (Music Education) and Psychology, Portland State University, and I love to sing, and play piano, guitar, and clarinet.

Alex Hart

Vice Principal / MS Math

I believe a classroom should be fun and inviting for all students. I look forward to creating a classroom environment where all students feel they belong and want to learn. I hold a MA in Education, Curriculum and Instruction, and a BS in Education. 

Joan Heimbigner

Service Coordinator/Development Assistant

I love finding and learning about new service opportunities that can help our students actively build community. It is very rewarding when the service we do helps those in need in a profound way.

Simon Holowatz

Spanish

I am a native Spanish speaker and have studied in Spain and Mexico. I have family connections to the school and enjoy the community. 

Kerrigan Honn

Grade 5

I am so excited to be part of this amazing community full of curious and excited learners. I believe in creating a welcoming and supportive classroom where students can grow and learn together. I hold a BS in Psychology from WSU and a MA in Teaching from the University of Portland. 

Becki Hundt

Principal

I work with incredible people and feel blessed to call this place my second home. Whether you’re new or have been here for years, welcome. Here’s to another great year!

Sara Johnson

Kindergarten

I am thrilled to share my passion for Catholic education and feel blessed to be a member of this wonderful staff of educators. I hold a BA in Elementary Education and an MA Ed in Educational Leadership, Northern Arizona University.

Katrina Kirn

Office Manager

After twelve years in the primary classrooms, I moved to the school office. I thoroughly enjoy working with the great faculty, staff, and students at OLL – their enthusiasm for learning is energizing!

Marcela Mahoney

Scrip Coordinator

I run our school’s scrip program. My goal is to find vendors, focusing on local vendors, who will benefit our families with their services or goods and give us larger returns.

Christine Masterson

Grade 3

I have been a part of the OLL family as a parent, substitute teacher, and now a teacher. Having taught at many different schools I can truly say this is a very special place to be! I have an MA in Teaching, Elementary Education endorsement K-8.

Andy Nutter

MS / Grade 7 Homeroom

My missions 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.

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.

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.

Suzanne Olson

Media Center Specialist & Learning Resource Coordinator

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

All aspects of learning, reading and education are some of my favorite things to share with my preschool students! I received an Associates Degree in Child Development.

Bridget Ponzetti

Instructional Aide

I have my Bachelor’s degree and teaching license in Elementary Education, as well as my State Certification in Early Childhood Education. I value the importance of education starting in the early years to encourage children to learn social-emotional and academic skills in a fun, engaging environment.

Vikki Pynenburg

Development and Marketing Director

I so enjoy the friendships that I have made and will be making here at OLL, from the parish, the alumni, the parents, the students, to the faculty. We are blessed to experience this unique community.

Shena Starbuck

Instructional Aide

This is my fifth 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.

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!