PHS Bio Page

Barbara Alvarez: English.
Ms. Alvarez is a native of Chicago, Illinois, where she attended DePaul University, the University of Chicago for a Master’s degree in English, and Loyola University of Chicago for a Master’s degree in Spanish. She began her teaching career at Queen of Peace High School, a Catholic all-girls high school on the south side of Chicago, then taught for eight years at St. Ignatius College Prep, a Catholic co-ed high school in the heart of the city.
Ms. Alvarez has lived in San Antonio for eleven years and continues to enjoy her days of sharing her love for literature with the Providence students.

 

Nichole Armand: Math.
Nichole Armand is a native of Louisiana and spent 10 years in the Memphis, Tennessee area before moving to San Antonio in 2006. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Louisiana State University in Computer Science (Mathematics minor), and worked in the IT industry for 10 years. Nichole was called to teach in 2002 and received a Master in the Art of Teaching (Instruction, Curriculum and Leadership with emphasis in Secondary Mathematics) degree from University of Memphis in 2005.
Mrs. Armand has taught all levels of high school students in mathematics, and came to Providence in January of 2007. She is married, with two teenaged children and two dogs. Her daughter is here at Providence, and her son attends high school at Clark. Nichole thinks math is fun, relevant, and that everyone can learn to enjoy it. She considers teaching to be a ministry, and is delighted to be part of the Providence “GIRL POWER!” community.

Barbara Helen Baker: Fine Arts.
Barbara Helen Baker has been writing, acting, directing and teaching for the theatre for over 25 years. She comes to Providence from Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, Texas, where she was theatre director for 4 years, as well as adjunct acting/voice instructor at UT/Tyler. In 1997 she left her home in Maine for the uncharted territory in Texas to teach and direct theatre at Ursuline Academy of Dallas and the Dallas Theater Center.Barbara Helen holds a B.S. degree from Northwestern University and an M.A. degree from the University of Maine. In 1983 her song, "Flight 007: And They Were Just Goin' Home, (about the Korean airline disaster) received national airplay and media attention. In her 'salad' days she performed on "The Edge of Night" and "All My Children". Her most current professional appearance was as Aunt May in Italian American Reconciliation.She is delighted to be in the River City and looks forward to helping the performing arts department at Providence High School become the best high school performing arts department in the City of
San Antonio

Trisha Barksdale: 6, 7, 8 Social Studies.
Tricia has grown up in San Antonio, graduating in 1995 from MacArthur High School.  She attended Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi for four and a half years and received a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies.  During college, she lived with her grandparents in Rockport and stayed for a few years after her graduation to teach.  In 2004, Tricia moved back to San Antonio.  She has taught almost every grade from Kindergarten to eighth grade.  In her spare time, Tricia is raising 2 beautiful little girls and enjoys reading historical fiction.  She is very happy to be at Providence and teaching her favorite subject to future women leaders.

Sister Mary Jane Bell, CDP: Data Services.
Sister Mary Jane Bell has been working in the educational field for over 50 years. She has taught in elementary schools in Oklahoma; has taught Math and Science in Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas most of her teaching years. She has been employed at PHS for twenty years. She holds a B.S. from O.L.L.U. in Math; an M.S. from Notre Dame University in Biology.

Elaine Bir: Fine Arts.
Elaine is a San Antonio native and 1977 graduate of Providence High School, along with her mother from the class of '54, and two sisters from the classes of '88 and '93. Her favorite classes while attending PHS were in music and math. Elaine received a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance with teaching certification from Trinity University in 1982. She also received a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Texas A&M University in 1988. Elaine has been the music director at the Little Flower Basilica since 1992. Elaine also has a private voice and piano studio in her home and sings for funerals and weddings. "It is a blessing to be teaching and giving back to the students here at Providence. It was Divine Providence that called me back to the school."

Sister Phyllis Bunnell, CDP: Language.
Sister Phyllis Bunnell received her Bachelor of Science degree from Our Lady of the Lake University and Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in English from the University of North Texas. Her teaching career has been in Catholic Schools except for the time she had a Teaching Fellowship at UNT. While finishing and after receiving her doctoral degree, she taught at Our Lady of the Lake University. Sister Bunnell resigned from her university position to return to secondary teaching. Her current assignment is to teach Latin at Providence Catholic School.

Margo Burkholder: Middle School Language Arts

Margo Burkholder is a graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English.  She has taught Kindergarten at St. Anthony Catholic School and Middle School Literature at St. Luke Catholic School.  She served as moderator of the book club, chaperoned various student activities, and remains active in her home parish of  St. Luke.  Mrs. Burkholder and her husband, Billy, are native San Antonians and are the parents of four children and one grandson.  She enjoys traveling, reading, and cooking.  Mrs. Burkholder is looking forward to sharing her passion for literature with the young women of Providence.

Cathy Cerdedo: Admissions Director.

Warren Christilles: Religion.
Warren Christilles is a native of Medina County and has taught for fifteen years in San Antonio schools, primarily in the Judson and Northside Districts. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Theology and History in 1988 from St. Mary’s University as well as a Master’s in History from Texas State. Warren and his wife Miriam have four daughters, two of whom are currently in the prep school at Providence.

Jennifer Dean: Physical Education 
Jennifer Dean came to Providence Physical Education department in 1997 to pursue her love of teaching and keeping physically active. She teaches PE to girls’ 6th to 12th grade and is the Head Cross-Country coach and Student Council Sponsor. Mrs. Dean moved to Texas in 1994 after graduating from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation Management. For several years she worked at an adventure camp for kids as a Field Instructor and teaching environmental education. While there she met her future husband and now they are proud parents of a little boy. Mrs. Dean enjoys camping, running and other outdoor recreation activities and spending time with her family.

Elise Marie Denoux: Athletic Director.
Elise Marie Denoux began teaching science at Providence in the preparatory school in 2006. In her second year at Providence, she moved into the high school to teach Physics and Human Anatomy and summer school health. Denoux has coached volleyball, basketball and track in both the middle school and the high school. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a minor in Chemistry at the University of the Incarnate Word. She competed on the basketball team at UIW (4 years) and softball (2 years). She will receive her Masters in Teaching and certification in May of 2009 from UIW. Besides math, science and athletics, she loves to travel and is passionate about the mission work in Tanzania that she has done with Women’s Global Connection

Grace Edwards: Language.
Mrs. Edwards has 25 years of teaching experience and has taught from first grade to university level, 11 of those years at Providence High School. She holds a BA in Spanish from the University of Texas at San Antonio, An Associate of Arts in Math and an Associate of Science, both from San Antonio College. She is a Certified Foreign Language Teacher and has completed training in Advanced Placement Spanish classes. She will be taking students and parents to Málaga, Spain on a Study Abroad Program. They will land in Madrid, Spain and spend 3 days in the city. Afterwards, they will spend 2 weeks in Málaga, Spain. The trip is planned for June 2010.

Emily Flores: English.
After 34 years teaching public school and 3 years at Providence High School, I realize how happy I am to be “back home” at Providence High School (1967 graduate of PHS). As a New Jersey Writing Project trainer, I have presented summer writing institutes to teachers of all disciplines for 27 years and co-authored/presented similar institutes for the Boerne ISD Writing Project. My greatest joy, however, is my work with students where I can see their growth, success, and promise every year. Learning to write effectively and experiencing the joy of literature as a strong writing model, working cooperatively, and “thinking on our feet” are all focus points of my classes and student activities. I am also proud to sponsor the Providence High School chapter of the National Honor Society. I look forward to an exciting year!

Arnoldo Garza: Fine Arts. 
Mr. Garza started his teaching career at Central Catholic in 1984. After a brief three year stint teaching in the San Antonio Independent School District as the director at Longfellow Middle School and at Fox Tech High School, Mr. Garza returned to Central Catholic in 1990. A graduate of UTSA with a Bachelor's degree in Music Education, Mr. Garza served in the 323rd U. S. Army Band at Ft. Sam Houston, TX.and in the 8th Infantry Division Band in Bad Kreuznach, Germany. Mr. Garza has a son at Central Catholic who is in Junior year and plays the tuba in his band. Currently, Mr. Garza is in his thirteenth consecutive year as the band director at Central Catholic. 

Stella L. González: Librarian.
Mrs. González, a native of West Texas, received her elementary and middle school education from the CDP's. She holds a Bachelors Degree in English from UTEP and a Masters in Library and Information Science from UT-Austin. She has been a Catholic school librarian since 1986 and was the school library consultant for the Diocese of El Paso. Mrs. Gonzalez began and chaired, for several years, the Private Schools Section of the Texas Association of School Librarians. She is married to Joe González, PHS Assistant Principal and is the mother of four and grandmother of one. She enjoys, among other hobbies, Civil War living history and re-enacting alongside her husband.

Evelyn Griess: Assistant, Academic Counselor. 
Evelyn Griess has been the Academic Counselor at Providence High School since 2004, after teaching English at Summit High School, Summit, New Jersey, Brookline High School, Brookline, MA, Rodgers Middle School, Rochester, NY, the Hillel School (second grade) in Rochester, New York, and MacArthur High School NEISD, where she was a counselor since 1995.She received her BA from Valparaiso University, Indiana, began her MA degree at Boston University and followed her husband to San Antonio where she completed both her MA and M.Ed in counseling and administration at UTSA. She was recently applauded by Harvard Graduate School of Education for “inspiring others in the pursuit of their goals.” Ms. Griess enjoys spending time in the Northwest, visiting her children and enjoying the cool, wet weather.

Dorothy Hemphill: Religion.
Dorothy is an alum of Providence High School (c/o 2001) and while she was here she was greatly involved in campus ministry and was counting down the days till she would be able to come back and bring her joy of campus ministry to Providence. Dorothy is a graduate of St. Mary’s University San Antonio where she also currently working on her Masters in Theology. She is newlywed who recently married her high school sweet heart a Central Catholic grad this past July. She enjoys teaching the scripture, planning retreats and masses and spreading the love of God to all she meets.

Jane Hernandez: Language.
Mrs. Jane Hernández earned a BA from OLLU and an MA from TSU. Her career includes teaching positions overseas in places such as Hamura, Japan and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.  State side, Mrs. Hernandez taught four years at Wright State University as an adjunct professor. Prior to teaching at Providence, Mrs. Hernandez taught at Alamo Heights High School and Incarnate Word High School.  Her specialty is teaching Spanish Language 4AP/DCShe takes pride in the foreign language department as well as the  students' many accomplishments. 

Veronica Hernandez: Administrative Assistant.

Preston Kuykendall : Science.
Mr. Kuykendall is a San Antonio native and 1961 graduate of Harlandale High School.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Mary’s University and a Master of Arts degree from Incarnate Word University. Mr. Kuykendall taught Biology and Chemistry for 37 years at MacArthur High School.  His current mission is to unravel the mysteries of Chemistry for the students at Providence High School.

Ellen Lueck: Development Director.
Ellen Lueck joined Providence High School as a Director of Development on March 20, 2006. Responsibilities include providing direction, management and leadership for the school’s fundraising activities, including annual giving, capital campaigns, special events, endowment, special gift programs, and planned giving. Her work involves support and cultivation of the school’s various constituencies, including trustees, alumni, parents, grandparents and friends of Providence.
Ms. Lueck has 29 years experience in non-profit fund raising in San Antonio, and has achieved the status of Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). An active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, she has served as President, Executive Committee member, and National Delegate Assembly representative.
Previous development positions include Trinity University, Baptist Children’s Home Foundation, Daughters of Charity Services, and the San Antonio Zoo.
She holds a BA degree in Home Economics and Education from Berry College in Rome, Georgia. Teaching experience through the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service include adult education classes and county 4-H director for 1,000 girls.
Married for 30 years, she and husband Michael have a 24 year old daughter, Sarah, and they also share their home with two dogs. (no cats now) Her hobbies include interior design, sewing, gardening, piano, and she is an avid mystery reader.

Darrell Martin: Information Technology Director.
Mr. Martin is a 20-year veteran of the United States Air Force where he specialized in computer network operations and inventory management. He holds a B.S. in Computer Science majoring in Management Information Systems. Through the years Mr. Martin seized many training opportunities which enabled him to obtain Microsoft's Certified System Engineer (MCSE) certification and the Computing Technology Industry Association's (CompTIA) A+ and Network+ Certifications. Mr. Martin looks forward to sharing his technical expertise with many future Provets.

Kristen Matte: Social Studies.
Kristen Matte holds a B.A. in history from Millsaps College in Jackson Mississippi. She graduated in 2007 cum laude with honors in history after having completed her honors thesis entitled “Early Eighteenth Century Journalism and the Female Voice: The Female Tatler and the Table of Fame.” Ms. Matte attended a Catholic girls’ school in New Orleans. She is particularly excited to be at Providence where she can give her students the kind of exceptional education that she received.

Margaret McKee: Language.
Mademoiselle McKee arrived in San Antonio in 2005, after spending three years teaching French, Latin and English in Washington, DC, and Paris, France. She holds a BA in Classical Studies from Middlebury College (VT), and an MA in Second and Foreign Language Teaching from the University of London Institute in Paris. Having attended an all-girls' school in the Philadelphia area from K through 12, Mlle McKee is delighted to be on the faculty at Providence. In her spare time, Mlle McKee enjoys reading, learning new languages, singing in the choir of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, and playing with her cat, Frankie.

 

Bobbie Miller: Business Manager.

 

Maria Mogas: Art.
Maria Elena Mogas is a graduate of Ursuline Academy. After graduating she began her career as an education docent at The San Antonio Museum of Art, and worked as a window display designer for Dillard’s Department Store. Her experience at The San Antonio Museum Association led to her involvement in the installation of exhibits at both the San Antonio Museum of Art and the Witte Museum. She began studying Fine Arts at San Antonio College where she was actively involved in the Art Guild, arranging exhibitions of student work, and organizing educational fieldtrips to Mexico. While in school, she assisted in developing projects for The Hertzberg Museum, and The Museum Group. Maria Elena transferred to The University of Texas at San Antonio to complete a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree, and an all level teaching certificate, while exhibiting her work in San Antonio, Austin and New York. Upon graduation Maria began served as a board member of Blue Star Art Space, where she has coordinated fundraising events and education programs, and exhibitions. She also served on the executive committee for “Chalk/ SA” in association with Artpace San Antonio, where she provided educational programming. And she has worked as a Design Consultant with her husband, Richard Mogas of Richard Mogas & Associates Architects. Currently, Mrs. Mogas serves on the gala committee for the Southwest School of Art and Craft, and the Arts and Culture Committee for the San Antonio Area Foundation. Ms. Mogas has been teaching at Providence for three years, and will be completing a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction this fall. Teaching Philosophy: “is to be a diverse and observant teacher so that I may approach the different learning styles of my students and extend their frame of reference on the subject I am teaching. My relationship with students is one that is centered on individuality. Knowing that each student is different is the key to respecting differences between teacher, student and classmates.”

 

Edith Garcia Montez: School Secretary
Mrs. Montez came to Providence in August 2002 and assumed the position as school secretary, although the school is not new to her since she is an alumnus of PHS '71. She comes to us after she retired with 30 years of service with SBC where she was an Executive Administrative Assistant. She served on the Archdiocese of San Antonio Catholic PTC Federation and School Council. She has served on the St. Luke's School Council and various committees at Holy Cross High School. Mrs. Montez attended San Antonio College and Southwest Texas University. Mrs. Montez has been married to Roger for 26 years and has 3 children, Bryan who is married to the former Laura Vinton, Yvette a PHS alumnus Class of 2002, Michael. She has two grandchildren Christina Elena and Nicholas Anthony.

Joanne Mylacraine: Campus Counselor.
Mrs. Joanne Ayala Mylacraine received her Master’s Degree in Counseling specializing in Marriage and Family Counseling from St. Mary’s University in 2001. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Assoc. and a Licensed Professional Counselor intern. She is currently a therapist at the Marriage and Family Institute of San Antonio and at Holy Name Catholic School. She has interned as a school and family counselor for the East Central ISD and the St. Mary’s Family Life Center prior to Providence. Mrs. Mylacraine is a native San Antonian, married with four children, two girls and two boys. In her leisure time, she and her family enjoy bicycle riding and traveling. She often says her grown daughters didn’t come to Providence but her granddaughters will. She loves children, her profession and with God’s guidance, helping others.

Angelo Russo: Science. 
Mr. Russo has been an educator for the past 44 years. After retiring from the public school system in 1994, he joined the Providence faculty. His experience includes holding such positions as middle and high school science teacher, curriculum writer, vice-principal, instructional officer and middle school principal. He holds a bachelor's degree from the City University of New York, a master's degree from the University of the Incarnate Word as well as Mid-management and a Superintendent's certifications. Mr. Russo thoroughly enjoys teaching at Providence and hopes he will be able to continue in the years ahead.

Sarah Salinas: Social Studies
Mrs. Salinas is a native Texan from Dallas. She attended the University of Texas at Arlington where she received her Bachelors and Masters degrees in history. Her teaching career began with the public schools in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch School District, a suburb of Dallas. It continued to flourish in El Paso and San Antonio for over 21 years. This is her first experience at teaching in a private girl's Catholic school. What a wonderful difference it makes !

Jessica Sanchez: Assistant Business Manager.
Jessica became a part of the Providence Family in February 2007. She works in the Business Office with over 7 years experience  in bookkeeping. She is very happy and proud to be a part of the Providence Family.

Sister Janez Schonfeld: Registrar
Sr. Janez Schonfeld came to Providence High School in 1970. She enjoyed teaching mathematics to the enthusiastic young women. She believes in the education Providence is providing young women. She came back to Providence in the 80's as Assistant Principal and again in the 90's as Registrar.

Sue Scruggs: 6, 7, 8 Religious Studies and Assistant Principal for the Preparatory. 
Ms. Scruggs has a B. A. degree in Secondary Education and Physical Education/ Health, with a minor in History from East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, Texas. She received her M. A. from Aquinas Institute, St. Louis, Missouri. Sue has earned Master Level Catechist from the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois and the Archdiocese of San Antonio. While at Providence, she has taught religion, history, speech and English.

Ron Simms: Computer Technology
Mr. Simms is an honor graduate of Garland High School, Garland, Texas; a Cum Laude graduate of Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas (Bachelor of Arts with double majors in mathematics and history); and a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Augusta College, Augusta, Georgia (Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Management). His love of learning also includes significant, additional hours of science, math, and computer courses. He holds a Lifetime Secondary Teaching Certificate in Texas in the fields of Computer Information Systems, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, and History. Mr. Simms has enjoyed working with technology and mathematics students for over 25 years and still counting! Mr. Simms’ mission at Providence is to encourage, model, and instruct students to be confident, productive, creative, and responsible with computing devices and software. In our dynamic world of frequently changing technology, it is Mr. Simms’ goal that all students feel personal advancement in what will be their lifelong technology education.

Sister Michael Rose Stanzel, CDP : Administration Educational Assistant
Sister has served in many educational capacities: social studies teacher both in high schools and summer school at Our Lady of the Lake University. She was High School principal in Alexandria Louisiana and Victoria Texas for 18 years. Receiving an M.A. from the University of Texas, Austin with a major in history, Certification in Education and Supervision from Our Lady of the Lake University prepared her for work as Congregational supervisor of schools, followed by Archdiocesan Assistant Superintendent for six years. Enrichment gained by a year of Religious Studies at Gonzaga University, Spokane. WA. was a great experience in meeting people from worldwide ministries and visiting the U.S. Northwest and Canada.. During the last eight years she worked as Curriculum Director st St. Joseph High School, Victoria and is presently the Administrative Educational Assistant at Providence High School. Summer vacations to St. Louis, Santa Fe, Ottawa, Hawaii and Alaska and Pilgrimages to Alsace Lorraine and European countries further enriched learning and experience.
Sister also is responsible for the promotion of CDP Heritage for the high school.  She is co-director of the Heritage Center at the OLL Convent Center in San Antonio.  She has completed 14 documentaries on the origins and ministries of the Sisters of Divine Providence for promotion ministry.

Zonia Tamez: Health Coordinator.
Zonia is a 1991 graduate of Fox Tech High School.  She attended San Antonio College and Our Lady of the Lake University.  Zonia has worked for the San Antonio Independent School District and the Archdiocese as a substitute teacher and afterschool care worker.  She has served on the PPC board at Providence and on the PTA board at her sons’ school, Lamar Elementary School.  Zonia and her husband, Mike, are the proud parents of two young boys (Derek and Dylan).  They are also raising her sister, Gabriela (Providence H.S. Class of 2007), who is a student at OLLU.  Zonia’s hobbies include reading, arts and crafts, and being a “soccer mom.”

Maria Tobin: Religion.

Long, long ago in a far away place Maria Tobin was born! She graduated from University College, Cork, Ireland and did her postgraduate work at the Pontifical University in Maynooth, Co Kildare culminating in a Higher Diploma in Education. For more years than she cares to count she taught the Irish language and Theology in Irish High Schools, and also enjoyed a term as Principal. She was introduced to the vitality and diversity of American life in San Francisco and later absorbed the scholarship and energy of the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA, during a year of postgraduate studies. She received her Masters in Community Leadership from Regis University in Denver. Her passion is traveling in order to experience and appreciate diverse cultures. Today she is enjoying Providence, the city of San Antonio and the rich Hispanic milieu.

Meg Tuttle: Math.
Meg Tuttle grew up in Wabash, Indiana and graduated from Indiana University. Her husband’s Air Force career allowed her to live all over the United States and in Germany. It was during their tour in Germany that Meg’s love of math was rekindled. When she returned to Texas from Germany, she completed the requirements to teach mathematics in Texas at UTSA and Our Lady of the Lake University. After 20 years of teaching math in public schools in the San Antonio area, Meg retired and joined the Providence High School faculty in 2007. Teaching at Providence is a joy and a blessing.

Rachelle Williams. Social Studies.
Rachelle Williams has over 15 years of teaching experience and was born and raised in Florida. After receiving her Bachelors degree in History from Florida State University, she moved to the central part of the state to continue her education with a Master’s degree in Administration from the University of Central Florida. Moving to New Orleans Louisiana, which she considers her second home, Mrs. Williams began her first all girls school teaching experience and fell in love with the entire process. Continuing her education, she began working on her doctoral degree at Tulane University. After Hurricane Katrina, Mrs. Williams and her husband, a chef at a local restaurant, and two dogs moved to their new home in San Antonio. Mrs. Williams has taught all levels and all subjects in the Social Studies spectrum. Her love is history in infectious with her crazy stories and power point lectures. Throughout time, history has been his-story, Mrs. Williams tries to show the girls at Providence that it can be her-story as well.

Kim Whitely: 6, 7 and 8 Science.

Maureen E. (Beth) Ziegler: Math/Engineering.
Beth grew up in Energy Illinois, a small town in Southern Illinois. She has an Associates degree in Engineering from John A. Logan College and a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Missouri at Rolla. After earning her Engineering degree, Beth worked as a Mechanical Engineer for the next 15 years in manufacturing plants such as General Motors, Mobil Chemical, and Monsanto.

In 2000, her Air Force husband’s job took them to Germany (Beth, her husband Bill, their son James, and dog Heidi). While in Germany Beth earned a Masters Degree in Management Information Systems, and did engineering and computer contract work for the US Army and many civilian American companies based in Germany. Beth also worked as a substitute teacher for Landstuhl Elementary and Middle school, on the Landstuhl Army Base in Germany. This is where she found her love of teaching. After her husbands transfer to San Antonio, Beth once again worked as an engineer and maintenance manager for a cabinet company and compressor company in San Antonio. Following her husband’s retirement, she worked to obtain alternative certification to teach high school math. She has been teaching math at Palo Alto College. Beth’s philosophy on math and education in general is “you can do anything you CHOOSE to do, determination makes the difference”. Beth and her family are very excited and feel truly blessed to be joining the Providence family.