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MEET THE PROVIDENCE TEAM

 

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 since 1997 with her husband and daughter and continues to teach at Providence High School excited to share her love of literature and writing.

Tricia Barksdale: Social Studies.
Ms. Barksdale moved from Indiana to San Antonio in 1985. She attended public schools locally, graduating from MacArthur High School in 1995. She always knew she wanted to work with children, so her sophomore year at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi she changed her major to elementary education with an emphasis in history and early childhood endorsement. Ms. Barksdale graduated in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, and her first job was teaching pre-reading skills to Kindergarteners in Dilley, Texas. She gradually worked her way up and enjoys making history interesting for middle schoolers. Ms. Barksdale has 2 daughters, Haley and Lauren, that keep her on her toes. She is grateful for the opportunity to teach at Providence, shaping girls into responsible women.

Sister Mary Jane Bell, CDP: Data Services Clerk
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.


 

Sr. Antoinette Billeaud, CDP: Principal of Providence Catholic School, grades 6 - 12.
Sister Antoinette Billeaud, CDP, Principal of Providence High School, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Our Lady of the Lake College and a Masters in Education with certification in Counseling and Mid-management from Our Lady of the Lake College (now University) in San Antonio, Texas. She holds a certificate in Theological Studies from Regis College in Toronto, Ontario. Sister Antoinette is a graduate of St. Cecilia High School in Broussard, Louisiana.

Her career in education includes twenty years as a high school business and religion teacher in Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma, and a total of twenty years as Principal at Bishop Forest High School in Schulenburg, Texas; Providence High School in San Antonio, Texas; and St. Augustine High School in Laredo, Texas. In 1999, she was elected to leadership by her Sisters as Superior General of the Sisters of Divine Providence where she served for six years.

Sister Antoinette has held membership in religious and educational groups such as the National Catholic Business Association, the National Catholic Education Association, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the Association for Curriculum Development, and the Leadership Conference of Women Religious. She has served on and led various Congregational Committees and has served on planning committees for dioceses in Louisiana and Texas.


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 adult choir director at Little Flower Basilica since 1992 and also sings for Weddings there on Saturdays. "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 graduate degrees, she taught at Our Lady of the Lake University. Sister Bunnell recently resigned her university to return to secondary teaching. Her current teaching assignment is to teach English at Providence High School and Latin at Central Catholic High School.

Warren Christilles: Religion.

Jennifer Dean: Physical Education 
Mrs. Jennifer Dean came to Providence High School’s Physical Education department in 1997 to pursue her love of teaching. She is currently the Head Cross-Country as well as the 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 while there she met her husband. They are now 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 & Science.
Elise Denoux, originally from Bryan/College Station, TX, came to San Antonio in 2002. Denoux received her Bachelors of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of the Incarnate Word, graduating in 2006. She soon began teaching at Providence. She truly enjoys teaching and will complete her Masters in Teaching at UIW in May 2010. Starting in the middle school where teaching science, Denoux moved into the high school to teach Physics, Anatomy & Physiology, and Health. She currently teaches Health and Anatomy. Denoux loves math and science and enjoys teaching. She has spent summers working in Tanzania, Africa with Women’s Global Connection working on projects in girls’ education and women’s economic development. Denoux also has worked with other non-profit /community service organizations in Honduras and locally, with Team in Training-Lymphoma Leukemia Society and Boys & Girls Town San Antonio.

Besides her love of serving and teaching, Denoux is extremely competitive and has a passion for athletics. She was named Athletic Director in 2008, overseeing athletics in both the high school and middle school. Denoux has coached several sports in both the high school and middle school and is currently the Head Basketball coach. She has pursued athletics throughout her life, playing basketball four years for UIW on an academic and athletic scholarship, and also playing softball two years. At UIW, she was on the Heartland Conference Honor Roll and President of the NCAA’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee at UIW. Denoux enjoys all sports and is a true fan of Provet Athletics. Her goal is that each student-athlete realizes their fullest potential as an athlete and person. She currently still enjoys playing basketball, kickboxing and competing in triathlons. Besides sports, she loves the outdoors, traveling and music.


Grace Edwards: Language
Mrs. Edwards has 24 years of teaching experience and has taught from first grade to university level, 12 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 on a 10 day tour of Spain on June 8 – 18, 2010.

Emily Flores: English
With 38 years of teaching, I am happy to be “home” again at Providence. I graduated from PHS in 1967, and after 34 years in the public school sector, I am currently in my fourth year teaching English to Provets! I am a native San Antonian, having attended St. Mary’s University and UTSA, majoring in English and Speech. Throughout my teaching career and in addition to teaching all secondary grades except grade 12, I have also had the pleasure of teaching teachers across Texas as a New Jersey Writing Project trainer and a Boerne Writing Project co-author and trainer. I try to share my joy of writing and literature with my students and am especially pleased when I can see my students grow and improve in these foundations of effective communication. Planning new and exciting teaching strategies, providing rigor and challenge for my students, and helping them to reach those heights fill my days at Providence . I am also pleased to sponsor our campus chapter of the National Honor Society.

 

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.


Jose Gonzalez: Assistant Principal.
Joe L. González, a native of El Paso, graduated from that city's Cathedral High School, founded in 1925 and staffed by the Christian Brothers ever since. He then received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education Degrees from the University of Texas at El Paso. He has taught at El Paso's Job Corps Center and has been an adjunct faculty member of Webster College (Ft. Bliss, TX), and the El Paso Community College, as well as the El Paso Police Department and El Paso County Sheriff's Office Training Academies. At the end of an 18 year career in private business, he returned to his high school alma mater and worked there until the end of the 2002-2003 school year.

At Providence, Mr. González's duties will include student handbook compliance, discipline issues, student attendance, student services, and school plant operations. His hopes are to assist Providence in realizing the vision of its administration as it continues to perpetuate the heritage and traditions of such an excellent institution.

Mr. González is an avid reader of espionage, police mysteries, and history, especially the era of the U.S.Civil War and its impact on the Southwest. He and his wife are civil war re-enactors and members of the Friends of Ft. McKavett and Old Ft. Griffin Memorial Regiment which participates in several living history and reenactment events throughout the year. He also enjoys playing golf, particularly "on the days when he hits 'em long and straight."


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.

Vanessa González: Dance.
Originally from El Paso, Texas, Ms. Gonzalez began her studies in dance at the age of 5. She eventually apprenticed with Ballet El Paso in numerous productions year round. She moved into the realm of stage dancing when she became a cast member of Viva! El Paso, and for the next four years she progressed to principal dancer, dance captain, choreographer, and member of the Special Edition Company under the umbrella of the El Paso Association for the Performing Arts, all prior to her graduation from high school. In 1999, she was honored as Studio Dancer of the Year by the Tremaine Dance Convention in Los Angeles, CA. Receiving a dance scholarship to West Texas A & M University, Ms. Gonzalez continued her university and dance studies while a member of the Lone Star Ballet. At the same time, she was a cast member of the summer musical drama "Lone Star Rising" under the direction of the Center for Texas Culture. Under both companies, she again evolved into principal dancer, dance captain, and choreographer. She graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance and was inducted into Alpha Chi, a collegiate honor society, based primarily on her outstanding overall grade point average and community outreach service to the local public school sector.

She then relocated to San Diego, CA., where she taught dance at Coronado School for the Performing Arts, a performing arts high school in the Coronado School District, and at Children's Creative and Performing Arts Academy under the San Diego County School District. She also taught at North County Dance Arts and Rising Star Dance Company, both privately owned competition dance studios. She has presented several dance workshops to various El Paso Public Schools. Taking a leave of absence from teaching in May 2006, she has spent the last 2 1/2 years dancing and choreographing with Carnival Cruise Lines.

She's looking forward to building a strong dance program at Providence and helping all students "find the dancer within".


Evelyn Griess: Assistant, Academic Counselor. 
Evelyn Griess comes to Providence after teaching and counseling at NEISD for 24 years. She is a mother of two adult children. A native of NYC and NJ, she has been in San Antonio for 27 years, attended Valparaiso University B.A. and UTSA for her M.A. and M.Ed.

Jane Hernandez: Language.
Mrs. Jane Hernández has taught Spanish for over 20 years. She has a BA in Spanish and an MA in education. Her career has taken her to teaching positions in Japan as well as in Saudi Arabia.In Ohio, she taught at Wright State University as an adjunct professor for 4 years. She enjoys teaching high school the most. Her specialty is teaching 4AP. She looks forward to contributing to the development of an outstanding Spanish department.

Veronica Hernandez.

Charlene Ibrom: Social Studies.
Charlene Ibrom teaches in the social studies department – 6th grade Ancient Cultures, 10th grade World History (Pre AP and on-level) and 12th grade government. She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in English and history from Texas A&M University in College Station and her education hours from the University of the Incarnate Word. She holds a Texas secondary (6-12) teaching certificate for English and history. Mrs. Ibrom has been working in Catholic schools for over twenty years. Although not a native Texan, Mrs. Ibrom has lived in Texas most of her life. Mrs. Ibrom is married and has three children - two "grown up" and one still in high school - and two grandchildren.

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.

Anissa Lopez: Alumnae Director.
Anissa Lopez, a San Antonio native and John Marshall graduate, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in Film and Digital media and a minor in Business Administration from Baylor University in 2001. She is currently working towards earning a Master of Science degree in Non-Profit Management. Before stepping into her role at Providence as the Alumnae Director, she was employed as the Coordinator for the Baylor Business Network with Baylor University. Anissa serves as President-Elect for her local sorority’s alumnae association of Kappa Delta. She is a member of the National Hispanic Professionals Organization and an active local Baylor University volunteer with the San Antonio Baylor Women’s League and the Baylor Business Network. She has enjoyed her first year at Providence and looks forward to another year!

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.

Susan McClure: Math.
Susan McClure, a native of San Antonio, received a Bachelor of Science Degree with a minor in Mathematics and a Master of Education Degree from the University of North Texas. She has taught at Ursuline Academy in Dallas, Fayetteville High School in Arkansas, and in the Mathematics Department at San Antonio College. Mrs. McClure and her husband Stephen are the proud parents of their two children, Lauren and Matthew. The entire McClure family is very active in their home parish of St. Matthew. Mrs. McClure is the project coordinator for the parish’s Habitat for Humanity Ministry and helps with the Youth Ministry. She is truly blessed to be part of the Providence Community and is excited to share her love of Math with the young ladies of the Prep School

Maria Mogas: Art.
Maria Elena Mogas is a graduate of Ursuline Academy. After graduating high school she began her career as an education docent at The San Antonio Museum of Art, and worked as a store designer.

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.

After graduation Maria began her teaching career working at Judson Montessori School and Keystone School. She also 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 board of directors of the Artist Foundation and the Arts and Culture Committee for the San Antonio Area Foundation.

Since her arrival at Providence in 2005, Ms. Mogas received her Master of Education degree, and will be completing National Board Certification this spring, she plans to entering a PhD in program in the Fall of 2010.

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 and Providence High School. Mrs. Montez attended San Antonio College and Southwest Texas University. Mrs. Montez is married to Roger and has 3 children, Bryan who is married to Laura; they have two children, Christina Elena and Nicholas Anthony. Yvette, a PHS alumnus Class of 2002 and Michael.

Angelo Russo: Science. 
Mr. Russo has been an educator for the past 45 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.

Raquel Sakai: English.
Mrs. Sakai was born in Laredo, Texas where she graduated from Texas A &M International University (formerly known as Texas A & I University at Laredo) earning a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with a concentration in English and Spanish. She moved to San Antonio to attend graduate school and work as a secondary English, reading and Spanish teacher. After earning her Master’s Degree in Psychology/Guidance and Counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio, she continued teaching and had a small private counseling practice. During her 34 years in public education, she has served as a counselor, academic dean, educational program supervisor and director for curriculum and instruction as well as a principal. Mrs. Sakai has also served as the Executive Director for the Harlandale Education Foundation, Inc. and served as a board member for several community based organizations that focus their work on children, youth, and families. Her greatest enjoyment is working with students to develop a love of learning and community in order to build a strong foundation for their future endeavors. She is a member of St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church and the St. Pius X, Women’s Reflections Group. Together with her husband, and two children, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and reading.

Mrs. Sakai is excited to be a member of the exemplary Providence community and looks forward to working with the journalism and yearbook students to publish an outstanding The PHILOTHEAN (yearbook) and THE PROVUE (newspaper). She is proud to be a member of the outstanding English Department that does well in preparing students for college and the world of work.


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: Business

Sister Janez Schonfeld: Registrar
Sr. Janez Schonfeld came to Providence High School in 1970 when modular scheduling was being tried for the first time. 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: Middle School Coordinator 
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, speech and English.

Zonia Tamez: School Nurse.
Zonia came to Providence in the Spring of 2006 as the Health Coordinator. She now works in the Front Office as the Health Coordinator/Attendance Clerk. She is a native of San Antonio and a 1991 graduate of Fox Tech High School. She attended San Antonio College and Our Lady of the Lake University. She and her husband, Michael, are the proud parents of two young boys. They are also raising Zonia’s sister, Gabriela (PHS class of 2007). Zonia’s hobbies include spending time with her family, reading, going to the beach, and attending any kind of sporting event. 

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 is a native of Indiana but she has also lived in 8 other states and in Germany and has lived in San Antonio for nearly 27 years. She holds a bachelors degree from Indiana University and certification in mathematics in the state of Texas. She has taught all levels of mathematics – Fundamentals of Math through Pre Calculus Pre AP – for over 20 years. She retired from public education two years ago before joining the faculty of Providence High School. She loves the all girl environment and truly believes that all girls can learn math. Math is the key to opening doors of opportunity – go figure!

Meg is married and has 3 grown children, all of whom are married and on their own. She loves to spend time with her family, especially her 4 grandchildren. She is active in her church and enjoys playing in a handbell choir. She also enjoys counted cross stitch and is beginning to learn how to quilt.


Cheryl VanLeeuwen: Academic Assistant Principal for High School.
Cheryl VanLeeuwen joined Providence in 2006 with 11 years experience in education. Most recently she taught middle school science and was a team leader at St. Matthew Catholic School. She has taught American Sign Language at the University of the Incarnate Word, Anatomy and Chemistry II at Central Catholic High School, and Honors Biology and Chemistry at Clark High School. Her leadership and passion in education have become hallmarks of her professional career.

From 1992-2002, Ms. VanLeeuwen was the Director of Deaf Ministry for the Archdiocese of San Antonio, providing accessibility, assistance, and advocacy for Deaf Catholics throughout South Texas as well as enabling Deaf youth throughout the archdiocese to realize their potential spiritually and socially.

Ms. VanLeeuwen holds two Master of Arts degrees—one in Catholic School Leadership from St. Mary’s University and another in Adult and Higher Education from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from St. Mary’s University. Ms. VanLeeuwen is certified by the Texas Education Agency in the following areas: Principal and Secondary Sciences; and by the Texas Commission for the Deaf as a Level II Sign Language Interpreter.

Ms. VanLeeuwen enjoys spending her free time with her sons Andrew and R.J.


Nora Walsh: Enrollment, Marketing & Public Relations.
It is my mission to promote Providence to both individual students, their families and the community at large.   Providence offers excellence in education through rigorous academics and feeds the soul through it’s strong visual and performing arts department.  I invite you and anyone you know to learn more about us at one of our open house events throughout the year.  In addition to my time at Providence I attend the weekend college program at OLLU. I am the proud mother of Providence seniors Jade and Jenna as well as Rachel who is a graduate student at DePaul University in Chicago.  My husband John is employed by USAA and it is through his career that this Red Sox loving family from Boston landed in San Antonio.   


 

Providence College Preparatory School Grades 6 -12 - 1215 N St Mary's St - San Antonio - Texas - 78215 - Tel 210-224-6651 - Fax 210-224-6214
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