Welcome New Faculty and Staff

Gonzaga is excited to welcome 14 new faculty and staff members to the community this fall. This past week, these new teachers and staff members spent a few days getting to know one another and Gonzaga during orientation. In addition, the three young alumni who will be serving in the Alumni Service Corps joined the orientation. To read about the members of the Class of 2020 who will be joining us on campus this fall, please click here.

Teaching Faculty

Ms. Akua Agyei Boateng

Learning Specialist/History Teacher

Hometown: Alexandria, VA

Education: B.S. Neuroscience and Behavior, University of Notre Dame; M.A. African Studies, Yale University

Before coming to Eye Street: “I taught at Roland Park Country School in Baltimore for three years.”
On why she loves teaching: “My educational philosophy always starts with, 'I love helping kids learn.' True exhilaration lies not just in the subject matter I am teaching, but in witnessing genuine moments of discovery and growth in my students. There is an undeniable thrill in witnessing their eyes light up with understanding, in hearing the excitement in their voices as they grasp new concepts, and in seeing their confidence soar as they master challenging skills. It is these transformative moments of learning that fuel my passion for education and reaffirm my belief in the profound impact that teaching can have on young minds.”

Ms. Lourdes Ferreira

Spanish Teacher

Hometown: Asunción, Paraguay

Education: B.S., Applied Computer Science; International Master’s degree, Teaching Spanish Language and Culture

Career background: “I’m a systems analyst by profession. I started my career at IBM Paraguay and later I spent 10 years as an Information Technology auditor for financial institutions at Paraguay’s Central Bank. In 1999, we moved our family here. I taught Spanish to adults working for the federal government, and I carried that over to the Foreign Service Institute focusing on diplomats for over 13 years.”

On joining Gonzaga: “I’m looking forward to joining this community because of its strong tradition of academic excellence and commitment to service. This institution views language and culture as essential tools for creating future global citizens and I know I can contribute to that goal.”

Ms. Katie Garbart

Science Teacher

Hometown: Baltimore, MD

Education: B.A., Biology, St. Mary's College of Maryland; M.S., Secondary Science Education, Johns Hopkins University

Career background: “I taught at Potomac High School in Prince George's County for 3 years; at Gonzaga from 2016-2021; and at Georgetown Day School from 2021-2024. “

On coming back to Gonzaga: “I am returning to Gonzaga because of the strong sense of community and care. I love that every day is different and never boring. I love seeing kids get excited about science and ask questions. I get to share my love of biology with others every day.”

Mr. RJ Jacobs, SJ

Chemistry and Religion Teacher

Hometown: Vienna, WV

Education: B.A. Chemistry, M.A. Secondary Education, Pharm.D., West Virginia University; M.A. Social Philosophy, Loyola University Chicago

Career background: “Before I entered the Jesuits, I taught high school science in the public schools of West Virginia for four years. As a Jesuit, I've had the opportunity to work in campus ministry at our co-ed Jesuit high school in Maine (Cheverus High School) as well as in campus ministry at Loyola University Chicago.”

On joining the Gonzaga community: “I'm excited to become part of this spirit-filled community! From what I've already gathered, I know that members of our Gonzaga community exhibit a healthy pride and look out for one another. I love helping students not only master new content, but also discover new things about themselves as part of the learning process. I also love being an agent in helping a student reach his or her God-given potential. It takes a village to help form each of us as individuals!”

Ms. Katie Madigan

Substitute French Teacher for the Fall semester

Hometown: Raised in small towns and Philadelphia, PA, but recently spent nearly 25 years in Kansas City, MO

Education: B.A., College of New Rochelle, NY; M.A. and PhD, Comparative Literature, UNC-Chapel Hill, NC; M.A., Universidad de Salamanca (Spain)

Career background: “After teaching in Appalachia for over a decade, I taught in and chaired for several terms the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures at Rockhurst University (KC, MO), and later, I completed a term in the Associate Dean's office. For a year at a time, I taught in Montpellier, France, undertook dissertation research in Hamburg, Germany, and was a Fulbright lecturer/researcher in Dakar, Senegal. Several summers were spent in Spain, while completing a master's degree, and I also co-led study abroad in France, Quebec, etc., and service trips in Central America.”

On joining Gonzaga: “I am grateful to join the Gonzaga community, even temporarily, because of its values and purpose, and the potential to provide a little link in its great impact at the high school level. I have already enjoyed the welcome extended!”

Dr. JJ Mitchell ‘13

Applied Piano Teacher and Accompanist

Hometown: Arlington, VA

Education: B.M., Westminster Choir College; M.S.M, University of Notre Dame; Certificat en Perfectionnement, Conservatoire de Toulouse; D.M.A., University of Houston

Career background: “After I graduated from Eye Street, I spent 11 years concertizing around the world and working through school as a church musician. Since finishing grad school, I have been looking for a job in which I both teach music to students and serve as a church musician. It is wonderful that this exact opportunity has come about at Gonzaga, the beloved school that formed me at a young age. I am delighted to return to Eye Street to share with this community my experiences as a professional musician through the choral arts and applied piano programs as well as liturgies and special ceremonies.”

Mr. Christian Zombek, SJ

Math Teacher

Hometown: Oneida, NY

Education: B.S., Mathematics, Fordham University; M.A., Philosophy and Theology for Ministry, Saint Louis University

Career background: “After graduating from Fordham University, I worked at Canisius High School in Buffalo, NY for one year while I discerned a vocation with the Jesuits. Then, in 2019, I entered the Society of Jesus. I have been a Jesuit for five years, spending two years in Syracuse, NY for my novitiate, followed by three years of First Studies in Philosophy and Theology in Saint Louis. Along the way, I have worked with refugees, Nativity students, the differently abled, and the incarcerated.”

On teaching: “I love challenging students to get out of their comfort zone because we grow by trying new things and reflecting on them. Ultimately, I can teach my students about Jesus and what it means to be a sinner redeemed by his love because they notice everything God is giving them.”

Staff

Rev. Sean Hagerty, S.J.

Director of Ignatian Identity and Assistant Campus Minister

Hometown: New York, New York

Education: Currently studying Canon Law at Catholic University of America; Licentiate in Sacred Theology, Boston College; M.Div., Boston College; M.A., Philosophy, Saint Louis University; B.A., Political Science, Fordham University

Career background: “I was commissioned as a field artillery officer in the U.S. Army and deployed to Iraq as part of an infantry battalion. After the Army I worked logistics in the private sector before joining the Society of Jesus in 2012. I spent my regency at Cheverus High School as a theology teacher and after ordination served as the Assistant Director of Vocations for the UEA province.”
On joining the Gonzaga community: "I am thrilled to be back in a high school, I love the sense of community and mission. I am excited to work with the campus ministry team and get to know the faculty, staff, students and families at Gonzaga. As a Jesuit, I am also excited to share the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola--whether it is student retreats, retreats in daily life for faculty, or the 19th Annotation of the Spiritual Exercises. It is a gift to be in this ministry!"

Mr. Jamel Jones

Athletic Trainer

Hometown: Brooklyn, New York

Education: BSAT, Athletic Training, Temple University. M.S., Sports Management, Pennsylvania Western University

Career background: “Before coming to Gonzaga, I worked at the University of Houston, the University of Pennsylvania, and Princeton University, as well as the head athletic trainer for the Penn Relay Carnival.”

On joining Gonzaga: “I am greatly anticipating working alongside a like-minded community of individuals who work toward things bigger than themselves. I’m also looking forward to bringing initiatives and skills honed over the years in the collegiate environment, now to the secondary school setting.”

Summer highlight: “I had the joy of watching several former student athletes of mine participate in this year's Olympics. I was very proud seeing them showcase their talent on one of the world's biggest stages!”

Mr. James Marshall Marks ‘14

Manager of Major Gifts

Hometown: Silver Spring, Maryland

Education: B.A., Xavier University

Hail Gonzaga: "I am a proud alumnus of Gonzaga, Class of 2014. My experience as a student was transformative. I am a firm believer in the mission of Gonzaga, and this is my third role here on Eye Street. I have served as a member of the Alumni Service Corps, Assistant Athletic Director, and now in a role supporting the advancement and fundraising team, where I am excited to hear alumni, parents, and friends talk about how Gonzaga has positively impacted their lives.”

Ms. Erin O'Leary

Assistant Director of College Counseling

Hometown: Cohasset, MA

Education: B.A, Anthropology, and M.A., Education with a concentration in Counseling, The Catholic University of America

Career background: “My career in education began as an Admission Counselor at Catholic University. After five years I ‘switched sides of the desk’ and was the Director of College Counseling at an independent Catholic high school in Middleburg, VA. For the past 16 years I have been the Director of Counseling at Bishop Ireton High School.”

On working in college counseling: “The best part about college counseling is helping students explore their own definitions of self and guiding and assisting them in the next step of their educational journey, where they will continue to grow and flourish.”

Ms. Annie Rosello

Advancement Communications Manager

Hometown: Tolland, CT

Education: B.A., Political Science, Saint Michael's College; M.A. Political Management, George Washington University

Career background: “I worked as a political consultant for 12 years, then in communications and marketing at a labor union and nonprofits. I transitioned to working in education when my kids were small - first as a teacher at St. Luke's preschool, then remotely in development and communications for my beloved college alma mater, Saint Michael's. I joined the team down here at Gonzaga this past spring.”

Joining Gonzaga: “My first introduction to Gonzaga was as a parent; my son Brendan is a member of the Class of 2025. I've really come to appreciate what a special place this is, through my son's experiences with teachers, coaches, mentors and friends. The alumni engagement and community spirit are what all schools should emulate. I'm glad to contribute my experience in educational marketing, development and communications to Gonzaga's very talented and dedicated team.”

Mr. John Sullivan

Dean of Students

Hometown: Virginia Beach and Greensboro, NC

Education: B.A., History and Political Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte; M.A., Teaching, Mount St. Mary's University; Graduate Certificate, School Administration and Supervision, Johns Hopkins University

Career background: “After completing my Masters of Art in teaching, I began teaching economics, government and history at Our Lady of Good Counsel. This experience led to an interest in curriculum development and ultimately a fellowship with DC Public Schools and the Center for Inspired Teaching and then as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Holy Trinity, an Episcopal School in Bowie, MD. For the past six years I served as Principal at the Academy of the Holy Cross and worked to provide students with organic learning experiences that allowed them to demonstrate mastery of content and skill.”

On working in education: “I am passionate knowing that I am helping each person become the best person that they can become. I hope to do so by acknowledging each person as an individual and developing relationships which support engagement in their passions and interests.”

Mr. John Thompson ‘19

Assistant Athletic Director & Computer Science Teacher

Hometown: McLean, VA

Education: B.S., Computer Science, Fairfield University

Career background: “I worked in commercial real estate for one year, before joining Gonzaga’s Alumni Service Corps last year. There is no place like Gonzaga – a place where people genuinely care about you and your interests.”

On working in athletics: “I want to help teach students the many life lessons and tools I have learned from playing sports, and how sports not only teach you how to perform on the field or court but also offer great life lessons.”

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