Meet Our Faculty and Staff
Pre-K Green
Jill McCauley
Hired 2021
Education
1992- B.A. from Washington State University in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Early Childhood Education 1996- Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Development from City University
Biography
I have lived in Olympia since 1985 and have been an active member of our amazing St. Michael Parish for over 28 years. It is a blessing and privilege to be a part of the family of families at St. Michael Parish School, where being a disciple of Jesus Christ is at the core of all we do. I have over 21 years of teaching experience in Kindergarten, First Grade, and Preschool prior to teaching Pre-K at St. Michael School. My husband, Jim, and I are blessed with three sons. We enjoy playing games and being active together. I like reading, gardening, cooking, and running in my spare time.
Pre-K Gold
Sabine Asher
Hired 2023
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Education
BA in Graphic Design(1996) and Masters in Communications(1999) from College HBLA Linz, Austria
Biography
Born and raised as a cradle catholic in Austria, Europe, I have always enjoyed working with children and seniors as well as traveling.
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So, after I completed my college degree, I decided to work in the USA for 13 months. Long enough to fall in love with Washington and my American husband of 22 years.
Since then, I have worked as a graphic designer, a kickboxing instructor, an au pair, as well as the Activity and Center Director of the “Elder and Adult Day Care Services” center in Issaquah.
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After our third child was born, we moved to Covington and then three years later to Europe. I am blessed to say that I was able to be a home educator for 15 years.
After we moved back to Washington from Austria (2019), we decided after a while to put all of our children in catholic schools.
Consequently, in July of 2023, I thought I would ask Mrs. Lashley if she needed any teachers. Turns out she did. So here I am. And I LOVE it so much!
Outside of school, I enjoy reading, listening to podcasts, swimming, skiing, observing nature, and spending time with my family and six pets.
Kindergarten
Dee Broussard
Hired 2014
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Education
Master's degree in Flute Performance and pedagogy/ National Music Academy in Sofia Bulgaria-1995
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Biography
I grew up in Eastern Europe. Moved to the USA in 1995. I made the Pacific Northwest my home in 1997 when I also became an American citizen. I have been part of St.Michael School as a parent and substitute teacher since 2006. I Am an Instructional Aide in Kindergarten. I am also an active classical musician. Playing with Bremerton West Sound Symphony for over ten years. I am an avid traveler and enjoy reading and learning new skills.
Kindergarten Gold
Rosie Mathews
Hired 1993
Education
BA Elementary Education (K-8) Mathematics (4-12) St Martins College
Biography
My husband Ron and I have four daughters, all of whom have attended St. Michael Parish School. I graduated from St. Martins in 1993 and have been teaching at St. Mikes since then. I taught 1st and 2nd grade and a year of Middle School math before settling in as a kindergarten teacher. There is no place I'd rather be!
Kindergarten Green
Andrea Yount
Hired 2009
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Education
BA Elementary Education
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Biography
We moved from Illinois to Washington in 2007. We have two daughters and a son, all of whom graduated from St. Mike's. I enjoy spending time with our growing family, traveling, and cheering on the Mariners. We are so grateful to be part of the St. Michael family, especially our amazing Kindergarten team.
1st Green
Brandi Krause
Hired 2023
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Education
SMU: BA in Elementary and Special Heritage University: Education Masters in Teaching and Learning
Biography
I grew up in Moxee, WA, where I attended Catholic School. After High School, I went to Saint Martin’s University, where I played basketball and pursued my degree in elementary and special education. I knew that I wanted to be a teacher since I was young and I could not be happier with my career choice. I have taught many different grade levels with the most recent being 1st grade. Being at Saint Mike’s is truly a blessing. In my spare time, I like to travel with my husband and two kids. I enjoy coaching, walking, and baking. My favorite part about being a teacher is the impact I get to have on so many kids. ​
1st Gold
Nancy Petruska
Hired 2002
Education
BME, Elementary Certification
Biography
I have been teaching for 31 years. I've taught grades K-3, and I have an endorsement in Music Education. I began my Catholic school teaching career in the Diocese of San Jose, CA. I moved to Olympia in 2002 to reside closer to family. At the same time, I was hired as a first-grade teacher at St. Michael Parish School. I have been teaching here for 21 years. I enjoy reading, gardening, and all types of music.
2nd Gold
Nicole Womac
Hired 2021
Education
BA in elementary education and an endorsement in ESL at Central Washington University
Biography
I joined the St. Mike's staff in 2021 as a second-grade teacher. Previously, I taught first grade for ten years at a catholic school in Des Moines, WA. I was born and raised here in Olympia. My husband Kevin and I are thrilled to be back in our hometown and to have our kids attend St. Mike's.
2nd Green
Magdalene Virk
Hired 2023
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Education
BA in Teaching (ECE) and Endorsement in Early Childhood Special Education
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Biography
I grew up in Olympia and even attended St. Mike's as a child! I went on to graduate from Pierce College with my Bachelor's in Teaching and endorsement in Early Childhood Special Education in 2022. I then taught Kindergarten in the Clover Park School District for a year. When I heard that St. Mike's was looking for new teachers to join the school, I was ecstatic and knew it was an answered prayer. I now teach second grade at St. Mike's and could not love it more!
2nd Grade
Amelia McHugh
Hired 2022
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Education
Currently finishing a BA in Elementary Education
Biography
I grew up in Olympia, WA, and attended St. Mike’s! I am currently finishing my degree in Elementary Education at St. Martin’s University–which has been my dream since Kindergarten. I joined the staff last year as a Pre-K Instructional Aide, and it was such a joy to be at a school I love so much, especially since I got to be present for so much of my younger brother’s last year here. I am currently in second grade, finishing up my classroom placements, and loving it! I love learning with all of the littles, and teaching at this school has been a lifelong goal for me. My family and I attend the parish and feel so blessed to be a part of such an amazing community. In my free time, I love spending time with family and friends, skiing, and traveling.
3rd Green
Sandra Needham
Hired 1999
Education
Masters in Education - St. Martin’s University
BS in Animal Science - WSU
Biography
I came to St. Michael Parish School in 1999, where my first position was as the Kindergarten Aide. During this time, I attended St. Martin’s University to earn my Masters in Teaching degree. I have been a third-grade teacher at St. Michael Parish since 2002. My employment before teaching third grade at St. Michael Parish School included working for the state of Washington, operating an in-home childcare for many children from infant to elementary school-aged, and working as an assistant preschool teacher. My husband and I are graduates of WSU and have two sons who are graduates of St. Michael Parish School.
3rd Gold
Gretchen Pitkin
Hired 2023
Education
MA Autism Spectrum Disorders BA Early Childhood Education, Special Education
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Biography
I was born and raised in Olympia, Washington, and have been a part of the St. Michael Parish Community for almost as long as I can remember. I come from a family of teachers. I have always loved being in the classroom. I spent many days in my mother’s classroom before becoming a teacher myself. I love teaching and have had a variety of positions prior to coming to St. Michael Parish School, including resource room teacher and self-contained special education teacher. When I’m not in the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family. Being a mom of triplets plus one keeps me pretty busy. Now that the children are getting older, our favorite activity is traveling. It is a blessing to be a part of St. Michael Parish School.
4th Green
Cheryl Halligan
Hired 2023
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Education
BA in Liberal Studies from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA. Post Graduate Studies at UCSB, CLAD Certification, (Cross-Cultural, Linguistic and Academic Development)
Biography
Received my formal education and training in California. I grew up in Southern California and moved to Washington in 2008 with my husband. I have three grown children and three grandchildren. I have taught for many years in diverse settings, including inner city, suburban, and Native American Reservation. Creating and designing lessons is my passion, and seeing the “ah ha moment” on a child's face is what keeps me coming back. I am also an artist and enjoy painting and crafting. My husband and I love to take road trips together, being in God’s nature and of course grand parenting is wonderful!
4th Gold
Ewa Rios
Hired 2023
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Education
B.A. in Business Administration from CSU, Fresno. M.A. in Human Resources Management from Chapman University, Orange, CA. Teacher Certification with endorsements in Elementary Education and Special Education from City University of Seattle.
Biography
I am originally from Poland. During my last year of College, I married my husband and became an Army wife. After almost 20 years of Army life, my family moved to Olympia, WA, in 2021. Prior to moving to Olympia, I worked as a teacher substitute and as a coordinator for different ministries for the Catholic Church. It has always been my goal to make positive changes in children’s lives and their education while incorporating Catholic values into the teachings. Working at St. Michael Parish School makes it possible. My hobbies include traveling, hiking, and spending time with my husband and kids.
5th Green
MS ELA
Brooke Vreeland
Hired 2015, 2018
Education
BA, Saint Martin’s University 2015
Biography
I am originally from Portland, OR, where I attended Catholic school K-12 and was brought to Olympia to further my Catholic education at Saint Martin’s University. Since then, I have found my home at St. Mike’s. I have worked as an instructional aide, librarian, and 4th-grade teacher, and I am now in my dream role in 5th grade and MS ELA. In my free time, I like to read, hang out with Mr. Vreeland, bake, and visit my parents.
5th Gold
MS ELA
Jessica Hanson
Hired 2023
Education
Saint Martin’s University
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Biography
I grew up attending Saint Michael Parish and the parish school. I am so grateful to be teaching in a place that feels like home. I attended Saint Martin’s University and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in English Language Arts. I enjoy spending time with my family, knitting, and of course, reading!
6th Gold Homeroom
MS Math | 5th Math
Jered Boyd
Hired 2012
Education
BS in Mathematics, Master of Education
Biography
My family and I joined the parish in 2000. My wife grew up in the parish. I am originally from Seaside, OR. We have 11 children: Emily, Luke, Andrew, Noah, Grace, Sophie, Lucy, Katherine, Nathan, Dominic, and Felicity. I have taught middle school math, high school math, and physics. My favorite class to teach is religion, and I enjoy the energy and enthusiasm of our students. I enjoy playing basketball, woodworking, and spending time with my family.
7th Homeroom
MS History
Nicole Swenson
Hired 2020
Education
B.A. from Western Washington University in Secondary Education in 1999. M.A. in Educational Technology, Curriculum and Instruction from Lesley University in 2005
Biography
Olympia is my hometown. I have lived here most of my life. After completing my B.A. at W.W.U., my husband and I were stationed in Yuma, AZ, where I taught middle school ELA. After moving back to Olympia, I taught Humanities (ELA and Social Studies) at Griffin Middle School and Marshall Middle School. Next, I taught Educational Technology professional development classes through ESD 113 for five years while I also substituted here at St. Mike's. Previous to teaching here full-time, I taught ESL, English, and Education courses at St. Martins University for five years. I enjoy spending time with my husband and my three children. On the weekend, you can often find us camping with my boys' scout troop or visiting my daughter at Gonzaga University.
5th Grade Latin
MS Spanish
Crystal Gaspar
Hired 2017, 2020
Education
BA French with Spanish Minor-Cabrini University/MA French-Middlebury College
Biography
My husband, Joe, and I moved to Washington in 2017 from the Philadelphia area, where, for twenty-five years, I had taught Spanish, French, and Latin (English) to my favorite category of students: the middle schoolers! While becoming “in-person” grandparents to our grandson and granddaughter was the primary reason for this cross-country move, I believed that God was guiding me back to the classroom! Apparently, retirement was not for me! God led me here to St. Mike’s, where I am blessed to teach Spanish to our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders and an Exploring Latin Connections class for our 5th grade. I truly love this job - so much of the Spanish language and culture is based on the Catholic religion, so while studying at St. Mike’s, the students enjoy a language experience tied to their religious beliefs. Outside of school, my husband and I enjoy spending time with our grandkids, reading, and scouring estate sales for that elusive once-in-a-lifetime treasure. While our Philly sports teams will always be first in our hearts, we have acquired some Mariner and Seahawk apparel! I will, however, always carry an umbrella despite having been told that Washingtonians never do!
MS Science
Katelyn Rhizor
Hired 2023
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Education
BS Biology from The Ohio State University (2018). MA Education from WGU (present).
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Biography
I was raised in Carrollton, Ohio. I grew up in a small rural town where there are more cows than people! I attended OSU as a Biology Pre-Med student. Shortly after graduating, I met my husband, Kodi, and we started our family. I have two beautiful boys, Nathaniel and Nolan, and earning the title mom has been the biggest blessing in my life. I have always had a passion for education and science. Teaching allows me to share my passions with my students. I am very excited to be here and start my teaching career! In my free time, you will find me reading research articles, watching medical dramas, playing dinosaurs with the boys, or folding endless amounts of boy laundry!​
Instructional Aide
Jennifer McCauley
Hired 2018
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Education
BA Communications/Public Relations-Spanish
Washington State University
Biography
I LOVE helping in Kindergarten and feel so blessed to work with amazing, faith-filled teachers and staff! I continue to learn and grow right along with all the ‘little people,’ who are the best teachers.
My sister Jill is PreK Mrs. McCauley, and it is a tremendous gift to serve alongside her.
My husband John and I are blessed with two wonderful sons, Kellen and Brendan, and a beautiful daughter-in-’love’ Savannah. Our hearts keep expanding with our two grandchildren, Penelope and Jude!
I have been blessed to serve in ministry at St. Michael’s for the past 30 years as Steward for various ministries from PreK to High School, as well as Sacramental Prep catechist over the years. Carefree timelessness with w/family and friends is my favorite pastime, along with decorating, traveling, antiquing, reading, boating, & and cooking!
Physical Education | Health
Darrel Hart
Hired 1986
Education
B.A. in Education, C.W.U. 1980 M.A. in Education, Curriculum and Development, City University 1995
Biography
I graduated from C.W.U. in 1980 with a B.A. in Education. I earned my master's degree in Curriculum and Development from City University in 1995 with an emphasis on At-Risk Students. I joined St. Michael in 1986. I have taught various subjects but have especially enjoyed Middle School Science and P.E. I currently teach P.E. Pre K - 8th grade. I am also the head football and basketball coach. I enjoy theater, especially Shakespeare, reading, cooking, movies, and spending time with my son and our three dogs.
Learning Specialist
Antoinette Perez
Hired 2009
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Education
B.A. from Saint Martin's College in Elementary Education with endorsements in Special Education and Reading
Biography
I have been blessed to be a part of the St. Michael family since 2009. Prior to working here, I spent 15 years caring for children with special needs as a respite care provider. I love spending time with my husband and two kids. We enjoy spending time at the beach and playing card games. I love dabbling in photography, trying to learn Italian, baking treats, and eating chocolate.
Physical Education | Health
Lisa Bishop
Hired 2018
Education
Elementary Education degree and a Master's in Counseling Psychology from St. Martin's College
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Biography
I grew up in Federal Way, WA, and attended John F. Kennedy High School (Kennedy Catholic) in Burien. I received an Elementary Education degree and a Master's in Counseling Psychology from St. Martin's College. I met my husband in high school, and we married after my first year of college. We have two grown sons. Our family owns a shellfish farm homesteaded in 1883 by my husband's great-great-great uncle. I love music, reading, camping, knitting, volunteering in the community, and the Mariners.
Middle School
Laurel Robillard
Hired 2023
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Education
BA in Elementary Education from Central Washington University; Math/Science; MA in Educational Technology
Biography
I was born and raised in the small town of Poulsbo, Washington, where I was involved in many sports and activities and ASB. I am the oldest of six in my family…I moved to Olympia in 1989 and taught almost every subject in the Yelm School district for 32 years. I’ve also been a coach for 32 years (volleyball, soccer, basketball, and track). I LOVE to travel and have been blessed to have been to places on 6 of the seven continents…Australia is the next goal! I love all kinds of music and all kinds of people! God brought me to St. Mike's this past year after being a parishioner since 1989. I am beyond grateful.
Music | Choir
Musical Theater
Erika Peterson
Hired 2015
Education
Studied Music Performance at Saddleback College and Mount San Antonio College
Biography
I was born in Southern California and sang in my first musical at the age of 2. From the time I was three years old, I studied music, dance, and acting six days a week, 4 hours a day for 21 years. I began working professionally at the age of 8 and have worked in the entertainment industry my entire life. In California, I worked for 10 years at Carden Academy Private School until moving to Washington in 2012. Music has been a constant in my life and has always been my number one form of communication with my Heavenly Father. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to share my love of music with the students at Saint Michael School. I have also had the blessing of being able to lead the Life Teen band at Saint Michael Parish, giving me the opportunity to minister to the families in our community through worship. In my free time, I enjoy the company of my husband, Chris, and our four beautiful children, Samantha, Josiah, Reagan, and Mercy.
Librarian
Development Director
Liturgy Coordinator
Sandra Quebedeaux
Hired 1999
Education
BA in Education from St. Martin's College May 1999/Masters in Education from St. Martin's University May 2011
Biography
I graduated from St. Martin’s College in May of ‘99 with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. Right after graduation, I accepted the best job in the world as a 2nd-grade teacher here at St. Michael. In May 2011, I graduated from St. Martin's University with a Master's Degree in Education with an emphasis on reading. In September of 2021, I switched and became the school Librarian. Besides the Librarian, I am also the School Development Coordinator starting the 2023-2024 school year. I am now in my 25th year. Besides teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband and 11-year-old son (who is currently in 6th grade here at St. Michael), reading, baking, camping, and spending time outdoors.
Band Director
Extended Care Director
Visual Arts | Drama
Theresa McKenzieSullivan
Hired 2014
Education
B.A. Music/Percussion Pedagogy - CWU 2003
Biography
I graduated from CWU in 2003 with a BA in music with a special emphasis in Percussion Pedagogy. After graduation, I moved to Annapolis, MD. I spent three years coaching gymnastics and playing percussion/singing with local bands. I earned the post as percussion section leader with the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, served as a fill-in for the Baltimore Philharmonic Orchestra, and was a Professor of Music at Anne Arundel Community College. After moving back to the beautiful Pacific Northwest in 2007, I spent several years as recreational director at Black Hills Gymnastics.
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I began teaching band here at St. Michael Parish School in 2014. In addition to my band director position, I am also the director of the school’s Extended Care program, Shakespeare Program stage manager, and art teacher. When I’m not working at school, I love to immerse myself in musical theatre. I am actively involved in the Tenino Young-at-Heart Theatre, The Evergreen Playhouse, Centralia College, and playing drums/singing with the Olympia Family Theatre Trio. Outside of my career, my favorite activities include going camping/hiking/kayaking, volunteering in the community, and hanging out with my awesome husband, Isaac, and my amazing son, Nathaniel, our two cats, and our Axolotl.
Instructional Aide
Robin Hanzeli
Hired 2023
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Education
BA in Geography, University of Washington, 2005
Masters in Teaching (K-8) - Gonzaga University, 2007
Biography
I’m a Washington native who grew up in a large Catholic homeschool community in the Seattle area. This sparked my love for learning. After graduating with my teaching degree, I returned to that community to privately tutor until my family began to grow. My husband and I have five children, ages 14-5. My family has alternately homeschooled or attended Catholic schools throughout Western Washington as we have moved around for work. In 2021, we joined St. Michael Parish, and we were able to enroll our kids at St. Mike’s school in 2022. We are truly blessed to have found a school community that just feels like home. I began working as an aide in January of 2023 and have been so happy to be a part of the St. Mike’s staff. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, gardening, and family time.
Instructional Aide
Regan Brakebush
Hired 2022
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Education
Bachelor of Arts in History from the American Military University; Master’s in Teaching from Saint Martin’s University
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Biography
I earned my Master’s in Teaching (MIT) from Saint Martin’s University with an emphasis on elementary education and early childhood education. I have three young boys who brought us to Saint Michael’s, where we fell in love with the parish and the school. Besides working with kids, I love doing anything with my husband and our boys. We love to get outside and go for hikes in the state parks or cycling along the Western Trail.
4th | 5th Grade Science
Roseann Feldmann
Hired 2020
Education
B.S. College of St. Francis
M.S. Ed. Northern Illinois University
Biography
My educational career began in 1973, and since then, I have been a middle school science teacher, a high school science teacher, a college science methods instructor, a curriculum writer for the Illinois State Board of Education, an author of six children’s books on simple machines, and an administrator in the Diocese of Rockford, Illinois for 20 years. My husband (of 49 years) and I moved to Olympia, Washington, in June 2019 to be with our grandchildren, Jason (Kindergarten) and Lana (Second Grade). We moved from Sycamore, Illinois, which is 70 miles west of Chicago. Both of us are lifelong residents of Illinois, and both of us are retired. During the last three years, I have volunteered as the fifth-grade instructional aide, the fourth and fifth-grade science teacher, and the co-principal of St. Michael Parish School while the search for our new principal was being conducted.