Our Faculty and Staff
Administration
B.A. (History) Oregon State University
M.S.Ed. (Educational leadership and administration) Old Dominion University
Heather joined the PCHS faculty in 2018, but she is not new to the school. She is the mother of three alumni ('19, '21 and '23). Heather began her career at Peninsula Catholic as a social studies teacher. After returning to school and earning her Master's in Educational Leadership and Administration, she was promoted to Dean of Faculty and in 2022 she was named Principal. Heather is passionate about Catholic education and loves being a part of the PCHS family!
B.A. (Flute Performance) Christopher Newport University
M.Ed. (Curriculum and Instruction) Liberty University
Ashleigh came to Peninsula Catholic in 2022 after teaching in Gloucester County for 17 years. She was born and raised in the Hampton Roads area and is the proud mom of two teenage boys. Ashleigh and her family reside in Seaford, VA. In her spare time, Ashleigh likes to travel and go camping with her family.
PC Clubs /Activities: Peer Mentors and Mass Music Ministry
National Strength and Conditioning Association, CSCS 2012
B.A. Christopher Newport University
Christopher is a new member of the PCHS leadership team this year. He is a passionate sports enthusiast and mentor who loves guiding student-athletes. He has coached and trained athletes for over 20 years at different levels. He says, "God has blessed me with this opportunity to bring my experience and talents to the PCHS community, and I'm going to do everything in my power to help every student-athlete, coach, and team reach their full potential."
B.S. (Communications) Old Dominion University
David joined the PCHS leadership team in the early 2023 and brings over 30 years of professional development, marketing, and non-profit executive leadership to the school. David and his wife Jan live in Williamsburg and have three grown children. David is excited to be a part of the PCHS family!
B.S (Criminal Justice) Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA
M.A. (Professional School Counseling) Bradley University in Peoria, IL.
Since 2019, Jade has been a licensed professional school counselor, primarily working in elementary schools. She chose this profession to help children reach the next level in their lives. Jade's goal is to help students achieve their life goals through pursuing higher education or trade professions. Her time as an elementary counselor has helped me guide students in understanding how academics can support them in their daily lives and in developing emotional regulation to navigate the social world. Overall, Jade's goal is to help children succeed in this world and to make it a better place for future generations.
B.A. (Government and Public Service) University of Arizona
M.A. (Human Relations) University of Oklahoma
Abella joined the PCHS team in 2018 when her military husband was transferred to Virginia (the 7th state in which she has lived). She is originally from Arizona. In her spare time, Abella enjoys traveling, camping, reading, and spending time with her husband, cats, and rambunctious dogs Kentucky and Tennessee. She is excited and grateful to continue her journey with PCHS and looks forward to creating lasting relationships within the PCHS community.
PC Clubs /Activities: Interact Club and Student Ambassadors
Melissa joined the PCHS staff in 2016, following a career of bookkeeping for more than 12 years in the construction industry and extensive experience in Customer Service. She has a penchant for fishing, coffee, Mexican food, and relaxing at the beach. Melissa resides in Williamsburg with her three demanding pets; Gunnar, Delilah, and Captain.
Staff
B.A. (Spanish) George Mason University
Masters of Theology John Paul II Institute
Maria (aka MT) came to PCHS in 2018. As a member of a religious community within the Catholic Church called Women Youth Apostles, she is dedicated to working with young people to promote the Catholic identity of our school through prayer, organization of liturgies, retreats, and service projects. She is passionate about bringing the PCHS community to a deeper relationship with Christ. Maria has worked with middle and high school students in various capacities since college, has taught Theology and Spanish in the classroom for grades 5-12, and served as a volunteer youth minister and Religious Education teacher. She has raised five amazing children and now loves taking care of her grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys refinishing furniture.
PC Clubs /Activities: Retreat Team, Liturgical Team, and Mass Music Ministry
Angel came to PCHS in July 2023 as an Administrative Assistant following 4 years as a stay-at-home Mom. Prior to that, Angel ran the office of her family's auto body business where she acquired and developed her office management skills that she leverages here at PCHS.
Angel, who was born and raised on the Peninsula, has two children, a son who is a Junior at PCHS and a daughter who is a 6th grader at Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
When she isn't working in the school office or caring for her children, she enjoys fishing, watching hockey, and photography. She has a great eye for composition and design and in her spare time can often be seen around PCHS with her camera or at her workstation editing photos and composing graphics for the school website.
PC Clubs /Activities: Theatre Photographer
Certificate (Nursing and Pharmacy) Thomas Nelson Community College
Cathy began work at the "old" PCHS as a secretary in 1984. For the next 20 years, she served as the Campus Ministry Coordinator, office manager, and secretary to the principal, before climbing the ladder to support the school President. Peninsula Catholic High School has been her home for many years, and she is happy to further assist the PCHS community by serving lunches in the cafeteria.
B.A. (Mass Communications & Fine Arts) Hampton University
Wynter is a savvy marketing and advertising professional with over fifteen years of events, public affairs, experiential marketing, and fundraising experience. Throughout her career, she has assumed leadership roles in the long-term strategic development and execution of annual marketing plans for clients within the multicultural consumer segment and provided strategic communications. Before joining the staff at PCHS, she blended her experience in higher education while working at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. She has served in the Office of Admissions and was also a Study Abroad Advisor. Wynter has an amazing attitude towards working smart and loving life! In her spare time, she enjoys attending concerts, collecting vinyl records, cooking, and spending time outside.
B.S. (Business Administration & Career Writing) Roger Williams College Class of 1985.
Mike joined the PCHS Development & Marketing staff in the fall of 2023 after a 30-year professional career, most of which was spent as a technical writer and Big 4 management consultant specializing in Incident / Crisis Management, Business Continuity, and Disaster Recovery services.
He is a New Jersey transplant and has been a resident of Newport News since November 2021, where he lives with his wife Kathy, and their crazy lovable rescue puppy, Kona. Mike and his wife (a fifth-grade teacher at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel) have two grown children, a wonderful son-in-law, and a spoiled grandson, their first.
Outside of school. Mike is a member of the Newport News Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, with whom he volunteers for various events to bring the PD and the community together. He is also a member of the Ministry of Hospitality at his home parish, St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Yorktown, and a member of the Board of Directors for his HOA.
PC Clubs /Activities: Yearbook
Certificate in Catechesis - Boston College STM Online
B.A. (Arts Administration w/ a concentration in Music History) University Kentucky
While Margaret is new to PCHS this year, this is her ninth year working with the Diocese of Richmond. After a brief career in Arts Administration (at the Virginia MOCA and the Department of Theater & Dance at CNU), she was a stay-at-home mom and owned a small handmade jewelry business before becoming the receptionist at Saint Mary Star of the Sea School, and later the Youth Minister for the Peninsula Cluster Parishes (where they still attend Mass). She is a Norfolk native, and currently lives on the Peninsula with her husband and their two sweet girls (both hopeful future Knights) and their adorable (but mischievous) rescue pup, S’more. She loves spending time with her family, reading, doing arts activities, crafting, working at her girls’ ballet studio, traveling, and cheering on the Kentucky Wildcats. She is a huge advocate of Catholic education and is so excited to be a part of the PCHS family!
Associate's Degree in Nursing from Maria College
Originally from Albany, NY, I moved to Virginia in 2021. I have over thirteen years of experience in healthcare, with five as a Registered Nurse. I enjoy learning and sharing information about health and wellness. I have two loving dogs, Dinah and Destin, that I adore. In my spare time, I love spending time with my husband, reading, watching suspenseful movies, going to the beach, and exploring new places.
Interpreter Certification
B.S. (Human Services) Old Dominion University
Lisanette has been working as a translator since 2007. Her true passion lies in bridging the language gap by helping students and parents reach their full potential, as well as organize cultural events to share the beauty of diversity. During her free time, she loves spending time with family and friends.
Faculty
- Robin Brockmiller
- Michael Burnette
- Rosemary Carpenter
- Philip Decker
- Karen Domzal
- Matt Eviston
- Valerie Enwall
- Bo Guynn
- Angela Haggard
- Kathy Handy MEd
- Michelle Horner Grau
- Helena Jeny
- Katherine LeForge
- Marton Lonart
- Rob Meisner
- Angelia Muha
- David Penrod
- Caroline Petters
- Mike Pilola
- Jacob Rogala
- Peggy Rogala
- Kelly A. Schulte
- Dara Sherman
- Tim Sparks
- James Stanley, Jr.
- Alice Stephenson
- Melanie Weser
- David Williams
VA Community College System - Career Switchers Program for Education/Teaching (2006)
B.S. (Business Administration-Accounting) James Madison University
Robin is a "career switcher" and has now been teaching mathematics for 18 years. She taught at YCSD for 16 years and is in her second year at PCHS. She is passionate about teaching PCHS students.
She is married to her husband, Steve (40 years in 2024!). She has a son, Blake, who is married to Katelyn, and a daughter, Aubrey, married to Cody. Outside of involvement with PCHS, Robin serves the community through her local church. She also enjoys staying active by going to the gym, walking, and playing golf.
PC Clubs /Activities: 2024 Prom
B.A. (Animation) Regent University
Michael has been an art teacher for 4 years. He has experience in a variety of both traditional and digital art forms, including drawing, painting, 2D and 3D animation, graphic design, etc. Michael received his degree in animation from Regent University, and has been part of the PCHS family since fall 2022.
PC Clubs /Activities: National Art Honor Society
MA (Spanish) George Mason University
BA (Spanish) Old Dominion University
BS (Music Ed. Instrumental K-12) Old Dominion University
Rosemary is an experienced educator who has taught in both public and private schools before joining PCHS. As the child of a Navy family, she moved frequently and attended over 20 schools across various states and countries, giving her a unique and global perspective on education. A year-long study abroad in Argentina further broadened her world view.
Passionate about learning, Rosemary loves to explore new languages and cultures through travel. She has a deep love for music and the arts, inspired by her grandmother, who taught her to play piano at the age of four. Rosemary brings her diverse experiences and love for the arts into her teaching. She is excited to join the PCHS family!
PC Clubs /Activities: Spanish Club and Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica
BA (English Language and Literature) University of South Florida
Being part of a military family, Philip spent some time moving around, before his family settled in Florida. He graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s in English. Soon after graduation, Philip moved to Newport News and immediately considered Virginia home. He quickly began working at St. Joan of Arc parish in Yorktown before spending five years in seminary formation. Philip is excited to join PC and ready to share his love for the Lord while teaching theology.
B.A. (History and Religious Studies) Saint Mary's College
Karen is a long-time member of the PCHS community. She and her husband, Jason, moved to Hampton Roads in 2005 and are a proud retired Navy family. Karen and her husband have five children who all attend either OLMC or PCHS. She is in her eighth year of teaching. Before coming to PCHS, Karen taught at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School.
B.A. (Philosophy and Religious Studies) Old Dominion University
Mr. Eviston earned his bachelor's degree in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Old Dominion University in 2017. He completed his student teaching experience at Peninsula Catholic High School during the fall 2015 semester. Mr. Eviston previously taught Middle School Religion at Saint Agnes Catholic School in Fort Wright, KY, and Saint Joseph Catholic School in Petersburg, VA from 2018-2023. He was also the Youth Minister for Saint Jerome Catholic Church in Newport News, VA from 2017-2018. Mr. Eviston is currently in the United States Navy Reserve and has been in the service for 12 years, including four years of active duty. He currently lives in Williamsburg, VA with his wife and two children.
A.S. (Science) Tidewater Community College
B.S.Ed. (Secondary Mathematics Education) University of Georgia
M.A. (Sports and Performance Psychology) University of the Rockies
PhD (Psychology) Saybrook University
Mr. Guynn haught in three states and many high schools and a college; Pinole Valley High School (California 1999), Indian River High School (Virginia 2000-2005), Tidewater Community College (Norfolk 2001-2005), Arabia Mountain High School (Georgia 2010-2012), Lithonia High School (Georgia 2012-2015), Chamblee Charter High School (Georgia 2015-2020), Warhill High School (2020-2022) and Charles City High School (2022-2024). Before and between these teaching positions, he held various positions in civil engineering firms. Mr. Guynn love psychology and sports and have volunteered as a sports psychologist for a local semipro football team.
B.A. (History) Christopher Newport University
B.A. (Philosophy/Concentration in Religious Studies) Christopher Newport University
M.A. (Teaching) Christopher Newport University
M.S. (Film and Television) / concentration in Sound DePaul University
Angela taught at the middle school level in Newport News before joining the PCHS family. Growing up, Angela moved around quite a bit, as her father was a retired Air Force pilot, and is now happy to call Newport News her home. Angela studied abroad in Rome, where she completed her Religious Studies Bachelor's at CNU. While there, Angela experienced Pope Benedict XVI's resignation and the Conclave that elected Pope Francis. Angela is looking forward to another wonderful year at PCHS!
PC Clubs /Activities: NHS
B.A., (English) Emory & Henry College
M.Ed. (Special Education) Cambridge College
Kathy has been teaching in the special education field for 13 years. This school year will be her seventh year teaching at Peninsula Catholic. Kathy is enjoying her time at PCHS and is looking forward to assisting our students with achieving their dreams. Her career began at Suffolk High School as an assistant to a physically challenged student and evolved into teaching and case managing in special education. Since 2014, Kathy has been a member of the National Association of Special Education Teachers and the Omega Gamma Chi National Honor Society for Special Education Teachers.
PC Clubs /Activities: Class of 2025 Team Leader and Moderator for the Council for Academic Integrity
B.S. (English & Spanish Education) Indiana University of PA
M.A. (Spanish) Indiana University of PA
M.A. (Spanish) Millersville University of PA
Native of western Pennsylvania, Michelle lived in the U.S. Virgin Islands for 2 years before moving with her husband to Hampton Roads. She has four children, two stepchildren, and three grandchildren.
Michelle is a veteran teacher of over 30 years! She has taught at middle school, high school, and university levels. Michelle currently teaches both at PCHS and at Christopher Newport University. She is certified to teach Spanish, English, ESL, and TESOL. Her Catholic faith and identity as a child of God are what drives her to do all that she does! Michelle loves to learn and is passionate about all cultures of life.
PC Clubs /Activities: Spanish National Honor Society and Life Runners Club
B.A. (Comparative Literature and English) University of Zagreb
M.A. (Classics)Johns Hopkins University
M.A. (Comparative Literature) University of Georgia
Ph.D. (Comparative Literature) University of Illinois
Dr. Jeny was born in Croatia and moved to the States several years ago. She is very interested in Virginia and its history. She likes to read and listen to music. Her favorite author is Jane Austen.
PC Clubs /Activities: Latin Club and Latin Honor Society
B.S. (Biology /with a minor in Secondary Education) Columbus State University
Mrs. LeForge is in her second year at Peninsula Catholic, bringing 15 years of teaching experience across Georgia, Texas, Maryland, and Virginia. She has taught a variety of science subjects, including Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Earth Science, Aquatic science and Physical Science. An Air Force spouse and mother of two boys, Mrs. LeForge is dedicated to creating an engaging and supportive learning environment for her students. She is excited to continue contributing to the Peninsula Catholic community and supporting her students' academic and personal growth.
B.S. (Mathematics) University of Virginia
M.A. (Secondary Math Education) Old Dominion University
M.Th. (Theology) St. Mary's Seminary and University
Marton has been teaching math at PCHS for six years. He was motivated to teach by his love of math, youth, and the Catholic faith.
PC Clubs /Activities: Mu Alpha Theta
B.A. (English Education) Minot State University
Angelia is an English language arts (ELA) teacher. She is married to an active duty Air Force service member. Together, they raise their four children, ranging from seven to sixteen years old in the Catholic faith. Angelia knows and appreciates the value of a Catholic education. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Minot State University with a Bachelor's in English Education. Angelia has taught ELA for the last eight years and cares deeply about each of her students. She enjoys watching students grow and develop through their examination of issues in texts, discussion of different views, and written analysis of texts. Angelia is excited to be a part of her students' personal growth and looks forward to seeing their development as confident writers.
PC Clubs /Activities: Sophomore Team Leader
B.A. (English) Christopher Newport University
David grew up in West Michigan. He joined the Marine Corp and served active duty for 4 years and active reserve for three. He attended Christopher Newport College majoring in English and minoring in Education. He and his AMAZING wife and has been married for 32 years, and they have raised two AWESOME people, Noah and Eden. David has worked as a teacher at Peninsula Catholic for 31 years.
PC Clubs /Activities: Forensics team assistant coach and coach for 18 years, Mental Health Club advisor for three years and PC Gazette for two.
Native to Cleveland, Ohio, Carrie graduated from Saint Joseph Academy and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Dayton. There, she was a member of Kappa Delta sorority and played an active role in the leadership of the sorority. Carrie is excited to join the PCHS family and is looking forward to a memorable year!
B.A., (English) Virginia Tech
M.F.A., (Creative Writing) Hollins College
Mike is a PCHS alum whose fond memories of English class and running on the cross country team lured him back to the school, where he's been happily teaching and coaching now since 2007. Between grad school and coming back home again, he published stories, did cost analysis, and worked as a technical writer for the government. Even though they all torment him in different ways, he loves his wife, his two kids, and Virginia Tech football.
PC Clubs /Activities: Unnamed YouTube Charity Club
B.A (Physical Education) Old Dominion University
M.Ed (Physical Education) Old Dominion University
Jacob is in his second year teaching at Peninsula Catholic High School. He is married to Peggy, a Theology teacher here at PCHS. Together they have a daughter and a son. He loves both watching and playing sports.
B.S. (Rehabilitation and Human Services) Pennsylvania State University
M.A. (Catechetics and Evangelization) Franciscan University
Peggy joined the PCHS Faculty in 2018. She is a resident of Newport News with her husband, PE Teacher Mr. Rogala and her children Nell and Callen. She has 2 pets; Kovu, a dog & Oliver, a cat. She teaches the Catholic Culture (non-9th graders new to PCHS) class along with Theology 12. She is also the advisor of the SCA. She is passionate about making students' high school experience, both in and outside the classroom, one to remember.
PC Clubs /Activities: SCA Moderator
Associates (Education) College of Allegheny County
B.S. (Education) Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Kelly is originally from Pittsburgh, PA. She is a graduate of Serra Catholic High School and graduated with her degree in Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She has 27 years of teaching experience of all ages of students and subjects and has a background in teaching STEM education and Social Sciences. Kelly also has a background in theatre and dance. In her hometown of Pittsburgh, she appeared in many theatrical performances and was a dance instructor. She loves helping to direct/ choreograph the Fall Theatre and Spring Musical Performances here at PCHS. She has been happily married for 20 years and has two children.
PC Clubs /Activities: Theatre and Musical Performance
B.M. (Music Education) Christopher Newport University
M.A. (Education) Christopher Newport University
Ed.S. (Educational Leadership and Administration) The George Washington University
Dara comes to us from Poquoson City Schools. She has been an educator in the Hampton Roads area since 2011. Before that, she was a member of the Army National Guard. She is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, the National Association for Music Education, and the Virginia Choral Directors Association. She lives in Newport News with her family and is a member of St. Jerome Catholic Church.
PC Clubs /Activities: Fall Play Production, Spring Musical Production, International Thespian Society
B.S. (Interdisciplinary Studies) Norfolk State University
M.Ed. (Curriculum and Instruction) Castleton University
Tim was born and raised here in the Hampton Roads area. He and his wife have three kids. They are both leaders in their Church. Tim enjoys coaching Basketball.
PC Clubs /Activities: Assistant AD and Boys Basketball Coach
Completion of The Armed Forces School of Music
Bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University
Master’s (Music) Norfolk State University
Jim is extremely active as a professional percussionist, drummer instructor, and music educator. He has an extensive musical background. Jim has toured the United States and the world as a percussionist and jazz drummer while a member of the United States Army Band program. He has performed with The RIOS Big Band (Jazz-Berlin, Germany). The Original Super Band (Big Band jazz - formerly under the direction of jazz legend Frank Foster). He has also performed with Clark Terry, David (Fathead) Newman, Judy Collins, Aretha Franklin, Jr. Walker and the All Stars, Gene Chandler, Frank Mantooth, Richie Cole, Ernestine Anderson, Marguerite Stanley, and Leo Porter to name a few. He has been a percussion/drum set clinician for The Alaska Music Educator’s Convention, The Mid-Eastern Music Convention, and at high schools, colleges, and universities throughout the United States.
B.S. (Secondary Education) Chowan University
M.Ed. (Educational Leadership) Regent University
Alice joined the PCHS family in 2021. She loves Jesus, teaching teenagers and America! It is a dream come true to be able to teach US History to students through a Biblical worldview every day! In her spare time, she enjoys puzzle books, doing her nails, spending time with her children and her dog.
PC Clubs /Activities: New Teacher Mentor, Rho Kappa sponsor, Team Leader for Classes of 2028 and 2029
B.S. (Business Administration, Small Business Management Concentration) Chowan University
B.S. (Printing Production and Image Technology) Chowan University
M.A. (Pastoral Theology) St. Joseph's College of Maine
Mrs. Weser joined the PCHS faculty in 2006 after a career in graphic design. A life-long learner, she earned a Master's in Pastoral Theology this summer. She teaches the award-winning Economics and Personal Finance class, AP Micro and Macro Economics, Marketing, Intro to Business, and Economics of Social Justice. She also keeps the school up and running with the latest educational technologies. During lunch, she can be found helping to manage the student-run Bayport Credit Union.
PC Clubs /Activities: Bayport Student-Run Credit Union Moderator, FBLA Moderator, Operation Smile Moderator, Class of 2025 team, Tech & Network Specialist
B.S. (Physics) Virginia Commonwealth University
M.S. (Applied Physics) Virginia Commonwealth University
P.G. (Business Analytics) University of Texas (Austin)
David's father is an alum of PC, class of ’88. Before beginning his teaching career, David was a researcher at VCU in a 4D printing laboratory. After working at the university level for many years, he decided to teach high school to give back to the community.
PC Clubs /Activities: KRC Robotics