Our Coaches

Kelly Bonde currently serves as the assistant director for community engagement at the University of San Diego's School of Leadership and Education Sciences. With 15 years of experience as an educator, Kelly served as a Catholic middle school teacher before becoming an award-winning principal of the diocese’s St. Katharine Drexel Academy. Currently the Assistant Director of Community Engagement at the University of San Diego’s School of Leadership and Education Sciences, Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree from Providence College, a master’s degree from San Diego State University, and a certificate in Catholic leadership from Creighton University.

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Kara Bratton currently serves as an assistant professor in the doctoral programs of the School of Education at Concordia University Irvine, teaching special education and research classes and working as a dissertation chair. Previously, she was a special education director and K-8 special education teacher for Lutheran Special Education Ministries. A member of the board of directors of the Indiana Non-public Education Association, Kara is a co-author of Resilient Minds: Christ-centered Mental Health Curriculum, which is a middle school through high school curriculum published by Concordia Publishing House. Kara holds a bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University, a master’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University, graduate certificates from, respectively, Indiana Wesleyan University and Ball State University, and a doctoral degree from Concordia University Chicago.

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An award-winning educator, Megan Burton is currently the Director of Special Education at Cathedral Catholic High School in the Diocese of San Diego. In this role for which she has been recognized via a scholarship program that has been named after her, Dr. Burton oversees a comprehensive special education department that supports academic accessibility through three tiers of service. Dr. Burton holds a bachelor’s degree from Loyola College Maryland, a master’s degree from Nazareth College, and a doctoral degree from the University of Southern California.

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With over 10 years of experience in special education as a teacher and academic coach serving elementary, secondary, and college students, Laura is currently an adjunct professor of special education at the University of Saint Joseph and the University of Hartford. Having previously held the position of Accommodation Coordinator and Academic Coach at the University of Hartford, Laura has also served as a K-12 special education teacher in both public and private schools. In addition to holding two graduate certificates from the University of Saint Joseph and being a certified teacher with endorsements for regular education (K—6) and special education (K—12), Laura holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Connecticut State University and a master’s degree from the University of Saint Joseph.

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Dr. Nicci T. Dowd is a special education scholar, teacher educator, and academic leader whose work centers on inclusive education, disability support, culturally responsive practice, and equitable access for diverse learners. She serves as an Assistant Professor at Marymount University and has also taught and mentored students at Regent University and the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, while building a record of leadership in professional organizations such as the Council for Exceptional Children and the Council’s Division of International Special Education Services. Her scholarship and presentations reflect a sustained commitment to supporting students with disabilities, advancing global and inclusive education, and strengthening partnerships among schools, families, and communities. In addition to her higher education work, she has contributed extensively as a special education teacher, researcher, mentor, and community advocate, including co-founding a social club for young adults with autism and leading initiatives that promote self-determination and accessibility. Dr. Dowd holds an associate’s degree from Northern Virginia Community College, a bachelor’s degree from Park University, a master’s degree from Marymount University, and a master’s and doctoral degree from Regent University.

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Dan has years of experience in Catholic school leadership formation, operational vitality, strategic thinking and planning, financial stewardship, advancement, and board governance. As a Program Director at Boston College’s Roche Center, he co-developed and directed two formation programs, one for executive leaders and the other for Catholic school board members and school leaders. He served as Director for Accreditation and School Improvement at the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and as Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Providence. He has also served as an assistant superintendent, Catholic school administrator, and classroom teacher. Dan holds graduate degrees from The Catholic University of America and the University of Minnesota, as well as a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame.

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Charity Flores is an accomplished educator and facilitator with over 20 years of experience spanning classroom teaching, state leadership, and national assessment work. She has served as Chief Academic Officer and Director of Assessment for the Indiana Department of Education, overseeing statewide curriculum and accountability initiatives. She has also held leadership roles with the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium and CTB/McGraw-Hill. Known for her collaborative and engaging facilitation style, Charity holds a bachelor’s degree from Anderson University and from Ball State University a master’s degree, an education specialist degree, and a doctoral degree.

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Currently the vice principal of Our Lady of Grace Catholic School in the Diocese of San Diego, Tori Franklin has over 20 years of experience in education that includes service as a teacher liaison. Named by the diocese in 2023 the “2023 Catholic Teacher of the Year,” Tori holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Berkeley and a “Multiple Subject Teaching Credential” from San Diego State University.

With a professional background that bridges healthcare and education, Benita Gonzales began her career managing clinics for individuals with hearing impairments before transitioning to the Monarch School and Institute, where she supported students with neurological disorders and helped implement SEL-informed, therapeutic interventions. Benita is currently the Director of Student Support Services for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Catholic Schools, where she leads efforts to create inclusive, student-centered environments across the largest Catholic school system in Texas. A certified early childhood through Grade 12 teacher in Texas with certifications as a Crisis Prevention Instructor, Autism Specialist, and Youth Mental Health First Aid provider, Benita holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston and a master’s degree from the University of St. Thomas.

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As Assistant Dean for Innovation and Community Engagement at the University of San Diego, Sean Green, Ph.D. has spearheaded transformative initiatives, notably leading the Academy for Catholic Teaching (ACT). Through ACT, Dr. Green has strengthened partnerships with educational and religious institutions, emphasizing mentorship, support, and innovative practices to advance Catholic education. His dedication extends to managing university programs like the Pontem Path and the Black InGenius Initiative (BiGI), both of which are bridge programs for aspiring college students, as well as supporting initiatives that promote mental health and equity. Dr. Green holds a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University and master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of San Diego.

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With close to two decades of experience in both public and private K-12 education, Katelyn has served as a teacher, teacher-mentor/coach, and supervising practitioner. Before assuming her current role as a middle school teacher in the Leominster Public Schools, Katelyn was a teacher at Holy Name Catholic High School (now, Saint Paul Diocesan Jr. Sr. High School) in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester. A past recipient of Leominster Public Schools’ “Teacher of the Year” award, Katelyn holds a bachelor’s degree from Bryant University and a master’s degree from Fitchburg State University.

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Beginning her career as physical education teacher in three Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, Amanda served as a 3rd-grade teacher at St. Matthew Catholic School in the archdiocese before relocating to the Diocese of San Diego, where she served as 3rd-grade teacher at St. Mary School before becoming that school’s principal. After 11 years of service at St. Mary School, Amanda became the Assistant Director of Technology at Cathedral High School. A licensed Apple Learning coach, Amanda holds a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University, a master’s degree and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Notre Dame de Namur University, and a certificate from the Academy of Blended Learning at Loyola Marymount University.

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With over 30 years of experience in both public and Catholic education, David Kenney has served as a school psychologist, special education administrator, and head of school in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Hawaii. With a passion for supporting students with diverse learning needs, David’s interests include expanding capacity to create inclusive learning environments. He is currently an adjunct lecturer for the school psychology program at Chaminade University of Honolulu. David holds a bachelor’s degree from The Catholic University of America and a master’s degree and graduate certificate from the University of Massachusetts at Boston.

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Liza has served as a middle and high school teacher, curriculum writer, and instructional coach. In these roles, Liza has developed her passion for fostering students’ wholistic development. Having most recently concluded 8 years of service at Valor Collegiate Academy in Nashville, Tennessee, Liza is currently pursuing graduate studies in education at Southern New Hampshire University. Liza holds a bachelor’s degree from Keene State College.

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Talina Lindsey began her professional career in Catholic education at the School of the Madeleine in the Diocese of San Diego, where she served as both a second grade and kindergarten teacher. She then broadened her experience in public education through teaching roles at Kimbrough Elementary School and Andrew Jackson Elementary School in San Diego City Schools, strengthening her expertise in literacy instruction, differentiated teaching, and student support. She later returned to Catholic education as a kindergarten teacher at Notre Dame Academy in San Diego, where she spent many years integrating faith-based formation with student-centered academic practice. Building on that classroom experience, she went on to serve as Teacher Liaison for the Office for Schools in the Diocese of San Diego before founding and leading Learn with Mrs. Lindsey Educational Enrichment Services. Talina holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of San Diego and a teaching credential from San Diego State University.

Elizabeth A. Looney is an accomplished Catholic-school educator and instructional leader whose work spans special education, school leadership, coaching, and higher education. She currently serves as Director of Special Education at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mission Grammar School, where she oversees services for students with IEPs, leads intervention systems, supports teachers, and partners with Boston Public Schools to expand equitable access to high-quality instruction. Over the course of her career, she has served as principal, instructional leader, coach, adjunct professor, and mentor, consistently emphasizing data-informed practice, inclusive classrooms, and strong academic outcomes for diverse learners. Her broader professional contributions include coaching school systems through Boston College’s City Connects initiative, teaching at Providence College, and presenting and publishing on inclusive education and Catholic schooling. Beth holds a bachelor’s degree from Providence College and a master’s degree  from the Lynch School of Education at Boston College, along with advanced certificates in leadership, autism spectrum disorder, English learner instruction, and exceptional learners.

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An experienced educator with a diverse background in both private and public education, Britanny began her career as a first and second-grade teacher at Ocean View Christian Academy. Serving next as a sixth-grade teacher and a District Resource Teacher/Instructional Coach at Camarena Elementary School in the Chula Vista Elementary School District, Britanny became in 2018 the district’s Instructional Services Coordinator for Assessment, Accountability, and Teacher Induction. By this time, Brittany had also begun her tenure as an Adjunct Instructor/Curriculum Developer for the Professional Development Institute. In 2022, Britanny moved to the San Diego County Office of Education for which she became the Director for Expanded Learning and Community Engagement. Presently this Office’s District Advisor for Community Engagement, Brittany holds a bachelor’s degree from Liberty University, a master’s degree from Azusa Pacific University, and a doctoral degree from San Diego State University.

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Haley Mendes currently serves as Co-Director of Learning Support at Saint John School in the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego. Having served as a teacher before assuming her current role, Haley also contributes to the broader mission of the Catholic schools of the Diocese of San Diego by serving as a mentor teacher for induction candidates, a member of the diversity, equity, and inclusion steering committee, and a teacher liaison. In addition to being CLAD-certified and currently pursuing a master’s degree in special education at Grand Canyon University, Haley holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of San Diego.

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With over 15 years of education experience, Lauren Molinaro currently serves as Co-Director of Learning Support at Saint John School in the Diocese of San Diego. Specializing in fostering academic and social-emotional development through individualized support and collaboration with teachers, administrators, and parents, Lauren holds a bachelor’s degree from California State University at Long Beach and a master’s degree from California State University at Dominguez Hills.

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With over 15 years of experience in K–8 education and teacher preparation, Jennifer Parker Monger serves as Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Archdiocese of Washington (District of Columbia) and an adjunct professor at Marymount University. Her research focuses on multimodal literacies and teacher education. TESOL-certified and internationally experienced, Dr. Monger brings a global, inclusive lens to supporting multilingual and multicultural learners. Known for systematic, solutions-oriented leadership, she has led efforts to streamline archdiocesan-wide projects such as teacher evaluation and has engaged in data-driven analyses to improve curriculum and instruction. Dr. Monger holds a bachelor’s degree from Bucknell University, a master’s degree from Drexel University, and a doctoral degree from Indiana University.

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Kimberly Orendorff is an accomplished school leader and veteran educator with more than two decades of experience advancing academic excellence, strengthening school culture, and supporting teachers and students across Catholic education. Since 2013, she has served as principal of St. Anselm School in San Anselmo, where she has led accreditation efforts, managed budgets, guided instructional improvement, supported faculty development, and helped create an innovative, student-centered learning environment. Earlier in her career, she served as vice principal at both St. Anselm School and St. Rita School, and taught grades 1 through 8 in the Archdiocese of San Francisco, building a reputation for strong relationships, thoughtful leadership, and a deep commitment to student growth. In addition to her school-based leadership, she has contributed to broader educational initiatives as a WCEA/WASC chair, mentor to new principals and educators, presenter, and member of multiple archdiocesan committees. Kimberly holds bachelors’ degrees from Loyola Marymount University and a master’s degree from Dominican University of California.

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With over 20 years of experience in Catholic education, Jocelyn Pierre-Antoine has served the Diocese of Oakland as a Catholic school teacher, administrator, and associate superintendent. In addition, Jocelyn has led retreats and presented catechetical formation sessions for diocesan and Catholic school leaders, the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA), and the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA).

During a career in education that has spanned close to 30 years, Lauren has served as a high school teacher and instructional coach. An AVID teacher and trainer, Lauren is also an adjunct professor of education at the School of Leadership and Education Sciences at the University of San Diego (USD) and an ESL teacher at the San Diego College of Continuing Education. Currently completing a doctoral degree at USD, Lauren holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and a master’s degree from Stanford University.

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Lynsie Reavis began her career in education as a teacher at St. Mary’s School of Piscataway, where from 2009 to 2017 she taught multiple grade levels and subject areas, mentored new teachers, and led student support initiatives such as an after-school reading club and peer tutoring program. She advanced into school leadership in 2018 as principal of St. Mary’s, where she increased enrollment by 45 percent over three years, strengthened relationships across the school community, and established both a Home and School Association and a School Advisory Board. While serving as a school leader, Lynsie also contributed to educator preparation as a university supervisor for Notre Dame of Maryland University from 2020 to 2022, mentoring teacher candidates and providing feedback on instruction and lesson planning. Since 2023, she has served as Director for Educational Programs in the Catholic Schools Office of the Archdiocese of Washington, where she coordinates professional development, certification pathways, and recertification coursework for educators across more than 55 schools and early learning centers. Lynsie holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree from Trinity Washington University.

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Currently a special education program specialist for the El Dorado County of Education, Dr. Sanchez has previously served in the same role for the Escondido Union High School and Sweetwater Union High School districts. Having also previously served as the former’s special education coordinator, Dr. Sanchez is an adjunct graduate and undergraduate professor at the University of San Diego’s School of Leadership and Education Sciences. At the university, she has previously taught in the Academy for Catholic Teaching (ACT) program. A bilingual and bi-cultural educator, Dr. Sanchez holds a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University, a master’s degree from National University, and a doctoral degree from the University of San Diego.

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Beginning his career as a sixth-grade public school teacher, Brian has taught fourth, fifth, and sixth grades in a variety of configurations in public schools. Starting his district’s first multi-grade self-contained gifted and talented classroom, Brian has served in public schools as a coach of differentiated instruction, a mathematics coordinator, an assistant principal, and a principal. Also a published author, presenter, and workshop leader, Brian holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and a master’s degree, license, and doctoral degree from Ball State University.

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Before becoming the Director of Educational Programs for the Catholic schools of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange, Dr. Snyder served as a teacher at and the principal of St. Joseph School in Santa Ana, California. In his current role as the diocese’s Associate Superintendent of Educational Programs, Dr. Snyder is dedicated to using data-driven strategies to support principals and teachers in creating inclusive learning environments that cater to all students. Notably, he led the successful implementation of a Tier 2 reading intervention across 16 of the diocese’s schools, significantly enhancing literacy outcomes and ensuring that each student receives the targeted support (s)he needs. Dr. Snyder holds a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and a doctoral degree from California State University at Fullerton.

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With nearly 20 years of experience in private pre-K-8 education, Lillie Stevens has served as an elementary and middle school teacher, teacher leader, instructional coach, and vice principal. Currently the principal of St. Cecilia School in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Portland (Oregon), Lillie holds a bachelor’s degree from Willamette University, a master’s degree from Lewis & Clark College, and an administrator’s license from the University of Portland.

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Jacqueline Wick began her career in public education at Sullivan Middle School in Bonsall, California, before moving into private Catholic school education. She taught and led at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School and later at Stella Maris Academy in the Diocese of San Diego, where she took on expanding responsibilities in instruction, student programs, and school leadership. She then continued her leadership path at Notre Dame Academy in San Diego, supporting curriculum, teacher development, enrollment, and school improvement. More recently, her work with the Catholic schools of the Diocese of San Diego has focused on professional learning, coaching, accreditation support, and strengthening instructional practice. Jacqueline holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Redlands and teaching credentials from Point Loma Nazarene University.

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