Pope St. John XXIII
STEM ACADEMY

Classes

English, Social Studies, Religion

Education

BA in Dance & History, DeSales University, Center Valley, PA; MAT Secondary Social Studies, University of Portland, Portland, through the Pacific Alliance for Catholic Education (PACE) program; Oregon State Teaching License; Washington State Teaching License

Experience

5 Years

Passions/Interests

You can always find Ms. Hojnowski with a cup of coffee. In her time outside of school she enjoys going on hikes, playing trivia, and reading.

Education

Saigon College; Licensed Boiler Engineer

Experience

Over 20 Years

Education

BA, University of Phoenix; AA, Highline Community College

Education

Graduating Steilacoom High School this year; MERIT Early Learning Certification; Continuing STARS Education

Passions/Interests

Miss Cadence enjoys cooking, hanging out with friends, and doing her friends' nails.

Education

BS in Elementary Education with a STEM concentration and a minor in Spanish, North Carolina State University

Passions/Interests

Catherine brings a thoughtful and globally minded approach to education through her classroom experience, academic achievement, and commitment to culturally responsive teaching.

Education

OSPI Kitchen Certification; Food Handlers Permit

Experience

20 Years

Education

MA Educational Leadership, School Administrator Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids Michigan; MA Teaching-Learning Disorders in Specialization Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, Michigan; Bachelors in Science & Secondary Education Certification Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, Michigan; Associate in Science & Arts, Kirtland Community College, Roscommon MI

Experience

Ms. C's 32-year career in the sciences reflects a deep passion for critical thinking and problem solving, grounded in hands-on, project-based learning.

Passions/Interests

In Ms. C's free time she enjoys spending time outdoors, tending to her roses, feeding the birds, cooking, and refinishing old furniture. Her lifelong love for education has brought her full circle to Pope St. John XXIII STEM Academy, where she hopes to share her knowledge, experience, and resources to inspire the next generation of learners.

Education

MERIT Early Learning Certification; Continuing STARS Education

Experience

1 Year

Passions/Interests

The majority of Miss Chelsea's free time is spent with her family. Miss Chelsea and her family love movie and board game nights and having family outings.

Classes

Science

Education

BS in Biology, Minor in Psychology, Loyola Marymount; MA Secondary Science Education, Seattle University

Experience

21 years of teaching experience

Passions/Interests

Mrs. Hemphill enjoys spending her time outside of school coaching rowing for Commencement Bay Rowing Club. She also enjoys spending time with her 3 kids and watching them play sports and participate in various activities.

Education

BA in Anthropology and Ancient Mediterranean Studies, minor in Museum Studies, Beloit College in WI.

Passions/Interests

Emeline is committed to building meaningful relationships and nurturing the whole child. Emeline blesses PSJSTEM with her strong collaboration skills, creativity, and a calm, caring presence that supports students both academically and personally.

Education

B.A. Architecture, Universidad Católica de Honduras; High Scope Infant-Toddler Training

Experience

5 Years

Passions/Interests

Ms. Gabby enjoys spending time outdoors, especially hiking during the summer, and exploring new places through travel and road trips. She values quality time with her family, including her husband and two children, and she also enjoys expressing her creativity through painting and gardening. Ms. Gabby feels that her personal interests inspire the way she connects with children, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and a love for the world around them.

Education

Visitation Alumna, BA in Accounting, University of Puget Sound

Experience

17 years as a bookkeeper

Passions/Interests

Heather enjoys spending her free time reading and watching football

Education

OSPI STARS Certified; LPN License, Bates Technical College

Experience

3 years teaching experience, 30 years in the healthcare field

Passions/Interests

When not working in the ELC, Miss Jenn enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons. They enjoy camping, hiking, and kayaking as a family. Miss Jenn also has a passion for reading, cooking, baking, photography, and creating personal care products and candles using essential oils. Professionally, she enjoys exploring innovative ways to incorporate STEM-based activities into the infant classroom.

Education

BA in Liberal Studies from the University of Notre Dame; M.Ed. from the University of Notre Dame

Experience

9 years teaching experience, 2 years experience as a Resource Specialist

Passions/Interests

Mrs. Hudac loves pigs, reading books, and taking her two kids camping.

Education

BA in Elementary Education K-8, minor in Literacy, Central Washington University; Certifications: Certified PLTW Lead Teacher; K-8 Literacy Endorsement; K-8 Elementary Teacher

Experience

15 years teaching 1st and 2nd grades at Pope St. John XXIII STEM Academy

Passions/Interests

Mrs. Muller enjoys the outdoors. She likes skiing in the winter and hiking and playing water sports in the summer with her husband and two young children. Her family has popcorn movie night every Friday and it is everyone's favorite day of the week. In her spare time she likes organizing, cooking, baking, reading, and renovating her family home with her husband.

Education

Visitation Alumna, OSPI STARS Certified

Experience

Ms. Kelli has been at Pope St. John XXIII STEM Academy for 14 years

Passions/Interests

In her time outside of school, Ms. Kelli enjoys spending time with her 3 children, going to the movies, spending time in nature, hiking, practicing yoga, and being in the sunshine!

Education

AA, University of Maryland; AOS, Pierce Community College; DANB, Clover Park Technical College; OSPI STARS Certified

Experience

14 years teaching experience

Passions/Interests

Miss Laura loves hiking, camping, reading and of course being the Head Chair of our our annual school auction! Miss Laura also enjoys spending time with her 4 children, who are all PSJSTEM alums, and her husband.

Education

BA in Family and Consumer Sciences (CTE), Central Washington University; Currently pursuing a MA in Education from Seattle University

Passions/Interests

Lexi's passion for nurturing growth in young people, building authentic relationships with students and families, and creating classrooms centered on learning, fun, and community reflects the mission-centered spirit of PSJSTEM. One of Lexi's favorite parts of teaching is watching students grow into themselves with confidence and excitement for learning.

Education

BA in Elementary Education, Western Governors University

Passions/Interests

Lucy’s teaching philosophy reflects a genuine love for children and a strong commitment to helping students feel safe, joyful, and successful in the classroom. Her emphasis on social-emotional growth, family partnership, and creating welcoming classroom communities isa meaningful addition to our school community.

Classes

Math

Education

AA, Green River Community College; BA, University of Puget Sound; Currently working on MA, Western Governors University

Experience

6 Years

Education

MERIT Early Learning Certifications, continuing STARS education & training.

Experience

4 years

Passions/Interests

Ms. Ryan's interests outside of school are in humanitarian work, volunteering at multiple animal rescues with animal care and fundraising, and at the Tacoma rescue mission helping out low income/unhoused community members in Tacoma. Ms. Ryan also invests her free time into natural health techniques.

Education

B.A. Economics and Management, Turkmenistan State Institute of Economics and Management

Experience

2 Years

Passions/Interests

Ms. Shayera enjoys nature walks, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends. She is always interested in exploring new places and learning new skills.

Education

BA in Elementary & Special Education, Northern Arizona University; M.Ed Early Childhood Education, Eastern Washington University

Experience

7 years

Passions/Interests

Stephanie enjoys spending her free time with her family, camping, hiking, and kayaking.

Education

BA in Accounting, Universidad de Guanajuato; Certification through the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF); Currently pursuing a diploma in Inclusive Education, Anahuac University

Experience

11 Years

Passions/Interests

Ms. Xochitl says that raising her two children continues to reaffirm her passion for preschool education everyday. Ms. Xochitl especially enjoys camping and nature activities with her family.