"Wonder is the desire for knowledge." St. Thomas Aquinas.
At Aquinas Classical Academy we foster an environment of life-long learning among our faculty that overflows into the classroom. Students and faculty journey together on a common quest for knowledge by reading from the same primary sources and gleaning insights from the fundamental teachers of our school: the authors themselves.
At Aquinas Classical Academy we foster an environment of life-long learning among our faculty that overflows into the classroom. Students and faculty journey together on a common quest for knowledge by reading from the same primary sources and gleaning insights from the fundamental teachers of our school: the authors themselves.
MICHAEL PRATO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Michael Prato joins Aquinas Classical Academy with over 45 years of educational leadership as a teacher, coach, and principal/president in the public and private sectors. He holds an MA in Education from Central Washington University in both Leadership and Program Administration. Mr. Prato and his wife, Laura, have been married for 46 years and have five children, all graduates of Catholic high schools.
When asked what Scripture verse has been both foundational to his platform, while motivating throughout his career, Mr. Prato offered: "A zeal for your house consumes me," (Psalm 69:9). He believes this verse encapsulates what must underpin all leadership in Catholic education. "I am excited to move this shared vision to reality. Zeal for our Catholic faith within a classical, liberal arts environment will characterize an ACA education." Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom, Pray for Us. St. Thomas Aquinas, Pray for Us.
Michael Prato joins Aquinas Classical Academy with over 45 years of educational leadership as a teacher, coach, and principal/president in the public and private sectors. He holds an MA in Education from Central Washington University in both Leadership and Program Administration. Mr. Prato and his wife, Laura, have been married for 46 years and have five children, all graduates of Catholic high schools.
When asked what Scripture verse has been both foundational to his platform, while motivating throughout his career, Mr. Prato offered: "A zeal for your house consumes me," (Psalm 69:9). He believes this verse encapsulates what must underpin all leadership in Catholic education. "I am excited to move this shared vision to reality. Zeal for our Catholic faith within a classical, liberal arts environment will characterize an ACA education." Our Lady, Seat of Wisdom, Pray for Us. St. Thomas Aquinas, Pray for Us.
STEPHEN HOLLAND, HEADMASTER
Stephen Holland joins Aquinas Classical Academy after 12 years of teaching at a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Seattle. He was with the school since its inception, helping to build its literature department and its culture. Mr. Holland earned an MA in Teaching from Loyola University Maryland and holds a bachelor degree from Gonzaga University in English as well as minors in history and jazz performance. He and his wife, Amber, both grew up in Olalla and are excited to be returning to Kitsap County. They have six children and currently homeschool in the classical tradition.
Mr. Holland is inspired by Pope St. John Paul II's message that "Catholic education is, above all, a question of communicating Christ, of helping to form Christ in the lives of others. The cause of Catholic Education is the cause of Jesus Christ and of his Gospel at the service of man." Above all, Mr. Holland is dedicated to ensuring that ACA is a place where students, parents, faculty, and community members encounter Christ so that we may ever conform ourselves to Him.
Stephen Holland joins Aquinas Classical Academy after 12 years of teaching at a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Seattle. He was with the school since its inception, helping to build its literature department and its culture. Mr. Holland earned an MA in Teaching from Loyola University Maryland and holds a bachelor degree from Gonzaga University in English as well as minors in history and jazz performance. He and his wife, Amber, both grew up in Olalla and are excited to be returning to Kitsap County. They have six children and currently homeschool in the classical tradition.
Mr. Holland is inspired by Pope St. John Paul II's message that "Catholic education is, above all, a question of communicating Christ, of helping to form Christ in the lives of others. The cause of Catholic Education is the cause of Jesus Christ and of his Gospel at the service of man." Above all, Mr. Holland is dedicated to ensuring that ACA is a place where students, parents, faculty, and community members encounter Christ so that we may ever conform ourselves to Him.
Shae Ryalls - History & Latin
Miss Ryalls joined Aquinas Classical Academy after having finished her master’s degree in Maritime Civilizations from the University of Haifa in 2020. Prior to that, Shae received a double major in History and Catholic Studies along with two minors in Classical Studies and Biology from the University of Mary. Having a travel bug, she has periodically studied or traveled in various places across Europe and the Middle East. She hopes to take students on her next trip so that she can share the delights of traveling with them. In addition to traveling, Shae enjoys reading, writing, and martial arts. “Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves, ” is her favorite bible verse. (Matthew 10:16) She has a special devotion to her Guardian Angel and asks for his guidance on this teaching adventure!
Miss Ryalls joined Aquinas Classical Academy after having finished her master’s degree in Maritime Civilizations from the University of Haifa in 2020. Prior to that, Shae received a double major in History and Catholic Studies along with two minors in Classical Studies and Biology from the University of Mary. Having a travel bug, she has periodically studied or traveled in various places across Europe and the Middle East. She hopes to take students on her next trip so that she can share the delights of traveling with them. In addition to traveling, Shae enjoys reading, writing, and martial arts. “Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves, ” is her favorite bible verse. (Matthew 10:16) She has a special devotion to her Guardian Angel and asks for his guidance on this teaching adventure!
Mikaela Hertel - Math & Theology
Miss Hertel holds a Bachelors in Mathematics from the University of Washington and earned her Masters in Teaching from the University of Portland through the Pacific Alliance for Catholic Education. She has taught many mathematics courses, though her favorite is Precalculus.
She has found that the more she follows where the Lord leads, whether it be teaching in Alaska, hiking the Camino de Santiago, or becoming a Third Order Dominican, the more deeply she experiences his grace and love. One of Miss Hertel's favorite bible passages is from I Kings 19, where Elijah hears the Lord coming as a whisper. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, sewing, gardening, and making or listening to music.
Miss Hertel holds a Bachelors in Mathematics from the University of Washington and earned her Masters in Teaching from the University of Portland through the Pacific Alliance for Catholic Education. She has taught many mathematics courses, though her favorite is Precalculus.
She has found that the more she follows where the Lord leads, whether it be teaching in Alaska, hiking the Camino de Santiago, or becoming a Third Order Dominican, the more deeply she experiences his grace and love. One of Miss Hertel's favorite bible passages is from I Kings 19, where Elijah hears the Lord coming as a whisper. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, sewing, gardening, and making or listening to music.
Deacon Mikhail Alnajjar - Chemistry
Deacon Mikhail brings a wealth of experience to the classroom as a retired Senior Research Scientist and Chemical Hygiene Officer. He has a PhD in Organic Chemistry, as well as a Master of Science in Inorganic Chemistry. Deacon Mikhail has amassed a prodigious amount of publications, research studies, conference lectures, and patents spanning his 30 plus year career. His many church activities and the Holy Spirit led him to pursue the Diaconate Ministry. He was ordained in September of 2010, and his ordination motto is “Do whatever he tells you.” Deacon Mikhail has a special interest in the early church fathers, especially St. Thomas Aquinas. His favorite saint quote comes from St. Augustine, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” One of his favorite pastimes is watching sports. At one time, he even officiated soccer games at the national level! He is married with three children and five grandchildren.
Deacon Mikhail brings a wealth of experience to the classroom as a retired Senior Research Scientist and Chemical Hygiene Officer. He has a PhD in Organic Chemistry, as well as a Master of Science in Inorganic Chemistry. Deacon Mikhail has amassed a prodigious amount of publications, research studies, conference lectures, and patents spanning his 30 plus year career. His many church activities and the Holy Spirit led him to pursue the Diaconate Ministry. He was ordained in September of 2010, and his ordination motto is “Do whatever he tells you.” Deacon Mikhail has a special interest in the early church fathers, especially St. Thomas Aquinas. His favorite saint quote comes from St. Augustine, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” One of his favorite pastimes is watching sports. At one time, he even officiated soccer games at the national level! He is married with three children and five grandchildren.
Michael Holland - Theology, Fitness & Health
Mr. Holland was immersed in an abundance of fitness and health during his undergraduate years at St. Martin’s University where he ran, threw, and jumped as a decathlete! During this time, he also fell in love with monastic life in the Benedictine tradition and had the incredible privilege of being fully welcomed by the monastic community for the liturgy of the hours, Mass, meals and regular participation in the monastic schola. More recently, he was able to pursue a Master’s in Theology from Holy Apostles College and Seminary. Michael, his wife, and their two children live in Port Orchard and attend their family’s long-time parish, St. Nicholas in Gig Harbor. Mr. Holland’s desire at Aquinas Classical Academy is to help students learn to keep Christ central to their daily lives, as well as to always seek God’s loving design throughout their lives.
Mr. Holland was immersed in an abundance of fitness and health during his undergraduate years at St. Martin’s University where he ran, threw, and jumped as a decathlete! During this time, he also fell in love with monastic life in the Benedictine tradition and had the incredible privilege of being fully welcomed by the monastic community for the liturgy of the hours, Mass, meals and regular participation in the monastic schola. More recently, he was able to pursue a Master’s in Theology from Holy Apostles College and Seminary. Michael, his wife, and their two children live in Port Orchard and attend their family’s long-time parish, St. Nicholas in Gig Harbor. Mr. Holland’s desire at Aquinas Classical Academy is to help students learn to keep Christ central to their daily lives, as well as to always seek God’s loving design throughout their lives.
Elisabeth Gates - Art & Art History
Miss Gates teaches Fine Arts at Aquinas. She is an extremely talented artist and works in mediums such as watercolor, gouache, colored pencil, and digital painting. Woven throughout Miss Gates' art is the expression of her faith. For instance, the theme of light runs strongly through her work, “For God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to bring to light the knowledge of the glory of God on the face of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6) Miss Gates gives students at Aquinas Classical Academy the tools to depict the reality and beauty around them, visually express their ideas, and analyze other works of art.
Miss Gates teaches Fine Arts at Aquinas. She is an extremely talented artist and works in mediums such as watercolor, gouache, colored pencil, and digital painting. Woven throughout Miss Gates' art is the expression of her faith. For instance, the theme of light runs strongly through her work, “For God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to bring to light the knowledge of the glory of God on the face of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6) Miss Gates gives students at Aquinas Classical Academy the tools to depict the reality and beauty around them, visually express their ideas, and analyze other works of art.
Valerie Shepard - Literature
Mrs. Shepard is passionate about teaching and with a BA in Liberal Studies, a Minor in Music, and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, she is capable of teaching in a variety of capacities. Though born and raised in San Diego, CA, she took a leap of faith eleven years ago and moved to Washington, her husband’s home state, where they are now raising their three children. In her free time, Mrs. Shepard loves reading, playing the flute, and spending time in the beauty of nature. Her favorite bible verse is Romans 12:5, “…so we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually parts of one another.”
Mrs. Shepard is passionate about teaching and with a BA in Liberal Studies, a Minor in Music, and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, she is capable of teaching in a variety of capacities. Though born and raised in San Diego, CA, she took a leap of faith eleven years ago and moved to Washington, her husband’s home state, where they are now raising their three children. In her free time, Mrs. Shepard loves reading, playing the flute, and spending time in the beauty of nature. Her favorite bible verse is Romans 12:5, “…so we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually parts of one another.”
Adam Kraeger - Earth Science, Physics, Geometry
Mr. Kraeger holds a Bachelor's degree in Material Science and Engineering from the University of Washington. He enjoys reading and studying all things science from horticulture and quantum chemistry to applied plasma physics and sustainable, regenerative farming. This year, Adam is teaching Earth Science, Geometry, and Physics while pursuing his teacher's certification and Master of Arts in Education. On top of this, he also helps cook meals for Mary's Place and helps out on his brother's micro farm. Above all, he finds happiness in being a proud father of two beautiful children and peace through the acceptance of God's will no matter the hardship or trial. His favorite bible verse is Psalm 22:31-32: "And I will live for the Lord; my descendants will serve you. The generation to come will be told of the Lord, that they may proclaim to a people yet unborn the deliverance you have brought."
Mr. Kraeger holds a Bachelor's degree in Material Science and Engineering from the University of Washington. He enjoys reading and studying all things science from horticulture and quantum chemistry to applied plasma physics and sustainable, regenerative farming. This year, Adam is teaching Earth Science, Geometry, and Physics while pursuing his teacher's certification and Master of Arts in Education. On top of this, he also helps cook meals for Mary's Place and helps out on his brother's micro farm. Above all, he finds happiness in being a proud father of two beautiful children and peace through the acceptance of God's will no matter the hardship or trial. His favorite bible verse is Psalm 22:31-32: "And I will live for the Lord; my descendants will serve you. The generation to come will be told of the Lord, that they may proclaim to a people yet unborn the deliverance you have brought."
Tina Lujan - Music
Mrs. Lujan earned her Bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. She has sung in and accompanied choirs throughout Washington since 1980 and has taught music for over 25 years. Currently, she sings and cantors at St. Gabriel's in Port Orchard. As a Third Order Franciscan, Mrs. Lujan firmly believes God has given everyone a voice to praise Him! She plans to cultivate those joyful sounds with her students while also sharing the music and history of past master composers. Mrs. Lujan enjoys alliterations, the outdoors (horticulture, horsemanship, and hiking), her pets (cats, chickens, and a corgi), and spending time with her husband, two sons, and one grandson. The simplicity and clearness of John 6:68 makes this her favorite bible verse: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of everlasting life."
Mrs. Lujan earned her Bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. She has sung in and accompanied choirs throughout Washington since 1980 and has taught music for over 25 years. Currently, she sings and cantors at St. Gabriel's in Port Orchard. As a Third Order Franciscan, Mrs. Lujan firmly believes God has given everyone a voice to praise Him! She plans to cultivate those joyful sounds with her students while also sharing the music and history of past master composers. Mrs. Lujan enjoys alliterations, the outdoors (horticulture, horsemanship, and hiking), her pets (cats, chickens, and a corgi), and spending time with her husband, two sons, and one grandson. The simplicity and clearness of John 6:68 makes this her favorite bible verse: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of everlasting life."
Julie Flynn - History
Julie has been teaching the humanities for 16 years. She and her husband Rob have 6 children and 5 grandkids. Julie graduated from the University of San Francisco with a BSN and worked as an Oncology and Hospice RN before raising her family. She also was blessed to study the liberal arts at the St. Ignatius Institute while at USF. She is very excited to be a part of Aquinas Classical Academy!
Julie has been teaching the humanities for 16 years. She and her husband Rob have 6 children and 5 grandkids. Julie graduated from the University of San Francisco with a BSN and worked as an Oncology and Hospice RN before raising her family. She also was blessed to study the liberal arts at the St. Ignatius Institute while at USF. She is very excited to be a part of Aquinas Classical Academy!
~Thank you to Milrose Basco Photography ~
TEACHER APPLICANTS:
We are accepting applications for the 2023-2024 school year. Please email your resume along with a cover letter to: headmaster@aquinasclassical.com.
Cover letter should answer the following questions:
Why do you want to work at Aquinas Classical Academy? Why would you be a good fit?
We are accepting applications for the 2023-2024 school year. Please email your resume along with a cover letter to: headmaster@aquinasclassical.com.
Cover letter should answer the following questions:
Why do you want to work at Aquinas Classical Academy? Why would you be a good fit?