St. Joseph Parish School 94-651 Farrington Highway Waipahu, Hawaii 96797 Phone: (808) 677-4475

Hello! My name is Kate Lagasse and next year will be my third year teaching Junior High Mathematics here at SJPS. I have lived on island since 2014 with my husband, Andrew, who is stationed at Schofield Barracks. Before moving to Hawaii, I graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelors in Middle Grades Education and a minor in Spanish. I have two awesome sisters (I'm the middle!) and two awesome parents, all of whom are sticking to our southern roots still living in Texas and Georgia. When I'm not teaching, I love to do all of the crazy Oahu hikes, go to the North Shore beaches, travel to new islands & countries, test out new recipes in the kitchen, and watch college football (which can be quite difficult when the games are on at 6 am HST!) Go Dawgs! Hi there! My name is Alyssa McCarthy, and I am the 4th and 5th grade mathematics teacher here at St. Joseph Parish School. This will be my second year teaching here, and my third year as a teacher. I moved to Hawaii in July of 2016 to join my husband who is currently stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Prior to living in Hawaii, I lived in Staten Island, New York, where I taught 7th and 8th grade mathematics at the catholic grammar school I attended growing up. In May 2015, I graduated summa cum laude from St. John’s University, Staten Island campus, with a Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education 1-6 with a concentration in Sociology and a minor in Philosophy. I currently possess New York State certification for grades 1-6. My love of education is so strong that I am furthering my own education by pursuing a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Southern New Hampshire University. When I am not busy with school work, I enjoy reading, hanging out at the beach, going on hikes and adventures with my husband, and spending time with my kitten, Mango! My name is Patti McMaster and I currently teach Junior High Social Studies at St Joseph Parish School.    Born and raised in Washington State, I hold a Bachelor's Degree in History from Gonzaga University and a Master of Education Degree from the University of Portland.  For the past 38 years, I have taught social studies in Vancouver, WA/Portland, OR metro area. During that time I also coached Girls Basketball, the We The People Constitution Team, and was an advisor to numerous clubs and activities. I was a member of a team of 3 that created a television program called Capitol Classroom, to bring the state legislature into classrooms across Washington State & is now a model for other states around the nation. I moved to Hawaii this past July to be closer to my son and to enjoy the Hawaii weather (it rains in Portland)! I don't feel like a new-comer, though, as I have traveled here on vacation every summer since 1982. My passions/interests in life are Politics and Constitutional Law, Pug Dogs, and Gonzaga University Basketball (Go ZAGS!).  In my free time, I enjoy the beach, reading, spending time with my son, walking my dog, and traveling. Aloha! My name is Timari Matsuda. This is my first year as a Middle Grades Science Teacher (Gr. 4-5) and 4th Grade Homeroom teacher. I graduated from Chaminade University of Honolulu with both my Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education (2015) and Masters of Education in Child Development (2016). I was born and raised here in Hawaii and cannot imagine my life without my island roots. My go-to special place is the nearest beach where I can put my feet and fingers in the sand and soak in the sun with the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. When I am not in school, I love to sing for my home parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Ewa Beach as well as go out to karaoke with my friends and family. I have two sons, one of whom attends SJPS and have just gotten engaged! I believe Catholic education is an invaluable experience that challenges all involved to follow Christ from wherever they may be in life's journey to be the best people God calls us to be. Aloha! My name is Eileen Oasay and I am a Paraeducator here at St. Joseph Parish School for 8 years. My career started in 1st Grade for 3 years, and moved forward to 2nd Grade for a year, then currently journeyed onto Grades 3, 4, & 5 for 4 years. I am also blessed with many other opportunities to serve as a Morning Care Assistant and a Para Professional Tutor for our Title 1 Program. I am very blessed to be a part of St. Joseph Parish School Ohana. I always share with others that I have the best of both worlds. Working at a private school to share my faith in God with others. And, to give back to my community as an employee for City & County Parks and Recreation as a Recreational Aide servicing at risk students at Waipahu Intermediate School Truancy and Summer programs. I truly enjoy working with children. I was also self employed as a Childcare Provider for 21 years. I was born in Honolulu, HI and raised in Waipahu. On my spare time, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends. God is Good!…...All the Time!   Hi!  My name is Toriann Panee and I am one of the Paraeducators here at St. Joseph Parish School.  I am also one of the leaders in the after school program here.  Prior to working at St. Joseph Parish School I was a certified pharmacy technician for 10+ years.  In the hustle and bustle of my daily life I realized once my son started attending St. Joseph Parish School in Pre-K I wasn’t able to take off of work to see all of his programs and that was when I decided to head back to school.  I got my Associates degree and am currently working towards my Bachelor’s degree through the University of Phoenix online program.  In 2015 I was blessed with the opportunity to join the St. Joseph Parish School Ohana as a Paraeducator for kindergarten. I was born and raised on the island of Maui.  I have been married to my wonderful and supportive husband for 9 years and counting.  We have a 7 year old son and a toy fox terrier.  During my free time I like to spend time with my family, cooking/baking, or doing arts and craft projects.   For me SJPS has become an important part of my life because it not only has given my son the opportunity to attend a catholic school where he can thrive both academically and in faith.  SJPS has also opened the door for me to start a new journey in education and spirituality.  I am truly blessed to be a part of the SJPS ohana! Hello! My name is Heidi Rogers and I am a First Grade ParaEducator, an After School Care program leader, and a ParaProfessional Tutor for our Title 1 program here at St. Joseph Parish School. I have been a part of the St. Joseph Parish School community since 2005 and have truly enjoyed my time here. I graduated from St. Francis High School in 2001. I attended Leeward Community College and the University of Phoenix where I began to pursue my Bachelor’s degree in Education. I have lived in Hawaii all of my life. I have three children, all of whom have had the opportunity to attend St. Joseph Parish School.  During my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and motorcycle riding. SJPS is important to me because I have had the opportunity to grow professionally and spiritually.  Being at SJPS allows me to watch my students grow and flourish. SJPS works closely with families to ensure that their child is engaged, challenged, and supported equally between academics and their Catholic faith.  Aloha,  My name is Kristyn Rogers. I am a Para Educator here at St Joseph Parish School. I am currently working in 1st grade. I have been working here at St. Joseph Parish School for 5 years now. I graduated from Waipahu High School. Before working here I was working with children with special needs for a company called Easter Seals.     I lived in Hawaii all my life and don't think I could survive anywhere else. When I am not working I love to spend time with my family and friends. I love going to the beach, finding new places to eat, or just hanging out at home.    I am so blessed to have the opportunity to be working alongside some of the most amazing people as well as my daughter being a part of the St. Joseph Parish School Community. St Joseph Parish School knows the importance of God being the center of it all but yet bringing out the potential in each student. Hello! My name is Ashley Rupert and this is my second full year teaching Language Arts in the middle grades and 5th grade Religion at SJPS! I have lived on island for almost 3 years with my husband, Bryan, and our two cats, who flew here all the way from Pennsylvania! Speaking of Pennsylvania, I was born and raised in Williamsport (home of the Little League World Series!) and in 2014 I graduated from Lock Haven University of PA with a Bachelors in Elementary/Middle-level Education grades 4-8 with a concentration in English Language Arts. Upon arriving to Hawaii, I was a substitute through Kelly Services and graciously accepted the 5th grade position in April and finished out the 2014-2015 school year. When I am not at school doing what I love most, I enjoy hiking and exploring Oahu, scuba diving the blue waters of the Pacific, traveling to other islands and countries, and, of course, shopping at Target!   Mrs. Maggie Sabater • Maggie was born in South of Manila, Philippines. She got her Bachelor degree in Elementary Education, 21 units of course subjects for an M.A. in Educational Management and Planning, as well as her Teaching License in Manila, Philippines. • She accumulated 25 years of teaching experience from the different educational systems in the Philippines, American Samoa and Hawaii. • She is a Sacristan and Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist at the Resurrection of the Lord Catholic Church since 2013. • She is eager to impart the word of God and help the students to be innovative, a critical thinker, and become creative learners. My name is Amy Sadiarin, and I am the Paraeducator for the Pre-K class.  I joined the SJPS ‘ohana in April of 2008.  SJPS is important to me because of my role in carrying out the school’s mission and philosophy.  Seeing the students grow (physically and academically) from their early beginnings in preschool as crying three- to four-year-olds, to confident young teens who are ready to move on to high school, gives me a sense of pride and purpose.  The Pre-K students in my first full school year at SJPS will be graduating as 8th graders next year in 2018. I worked in the exciting but stressful legal (judicial) field as an official court reporter in the First Circuit Court of the State of Hawaii for 10 years before my major career change into the educational system here at SJPS nine years ago.  Truly blessed and a proud mother of three, my family and I love going camping, travelling to other states and countries, watching movies, and just hanging out and spending time together. My name is Ms. Beverly Sandobal, and l love being an educator of St. Joseph Parish School.  For me, this is an educational ministry where I can contribute to shaping and nurturing the heart, faith, and mind of those in our St. Joseph community.  As an alumni, SJPS provided me the faith formation and academic foundation to be who I am today.  My parents were my role models who stressed the importance of my Catholic faith and being a lifelong learner.  It is my goal to humbly give back and be a servant leader at St. Joseph Parish School in appreciation for all that I received as a student. After graduating from St. Joseph Parish School, I attended St. Francis High School and proceeded to complete my Bachelor’s degree in History and a Teaching Certificate from Mount St. Mary’s College in California.  In my love for learning, I attended graduate school and earned a Master’s degree in History at the University of Hawaii while working as a graduate teaching assistant in the History department. I have enjoyed teaching various grades and subjects at St. Michael’s School in Waialua and Adult Education in the Community School for Adults before becoming the Junior High Social Studies teacher at St. Joseph.  Shortly after completing my Master’s  degree in Private School Administration from the University of San Francisco, I became the Vice Principal and now Principal of St. Joseph Parish School. It is an honor and privilege to be an administrator of the school I attended as a child.   One my greatest joys is journeying with each student, parent, faculty, staff, and other community members to discover, acknowledge, and affirm their unique gifts from God.   I believe, everyone is made in God’s image and is born with special gifts to share that can make a difference in the world.  For with God, all things are possible!   I have been very fortunate to be in this educational ministry for 37 years in the Diocese of Honolulu of which 36 years has been at St. Joseph.  As a teacher and administrator at St. Joseph Parish School, I have a wonderful avenue to experience God’s love, grace and blessings through each person and event of every day. Together, our administration, faculty, staff, parents, and parishioners work collaboratively to be centered in Jesus Christ as we live out our mission as a Catholic school. Hello!  My name is Agnes P. Simpliciano and I am truly blessed to be in my 7th year of my educational ministry here at St. Joseph Parish School.  I have been a Pre-K Teaching Assistant and School Librarian.  Currently, I am the Technology/Media Assistant where our students from Grades Pre-K to 8 come to our Tech/Media Lab once a week for Tech as part of their Enrichment classes.  Each student is equipped with a tablet from Grades Pre-K to 1 or a Chromebook from Grades 2 to 8 so we all get to PLAY and LEARN on our devices!  Come and check out our HUGE Promethean Board!  I have been living here in Hawaii for almost 46 years.  I was born in the Philippines but I came to Hawaii in 1971 when I was almost 3 years old with my mom and baby sister as we followed my dad on a working VISA.  I received my degree of Bachelor of Business Administration major in Accounting from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.  My hobbies include singing, playing the ukulele and the piano, drawing, reading, and playing games on my iPhone when I am done with my homework.  Yes, teachers have homework, too!  I share my God-given gifts and talents of song and music as a co-advisor of the St. Joseph Parish School Choir and as a member of the 12 Noon Choir at St. Joseph Church.  I enjoy going on family trips to the mainland, especially to Disneyland and Disneyworld, with my family during our school breaks.  I live in Mililani with my husband, Alvin, and our two children, Aaron and Andrea, who both currently attend St. Joseph Parish School since Pre-K.  St. Joseph Parish School is important to me because our students, parents, and teachers have the opportunity to journey with one another as we learn, nurture, practice, and live out our Catholic faith.  I love St. Joseph Parish School! Aloha! My name is Mrs. Velasco and I started my journey with St. Joseph Parish School when my daughter entered preschool in 2005. I enjoyed being a part of the St. Joseph ohana so much so that I eventually began teaching Religion and Science to grades 3-5. Today, I am the Director of Technology and love what I do. I currently help to manage all devices and software programs throughout the school and am always on the hunt for new technologies that best help us learn. I am a Google Certified Educator and attend technology seminars and trainings regularly. I received my Bachelors in Business Administration from Wayland Baptist University, Hawaii Campus and earned a Master of Arts in Counseling. I have recently started to use my counseling skills to help educate all students at our school. I am truly blessed to be a part of a school who strives to welcome all.  I have lived in Hawaii since 1987, originally from the Philippines and then raised in Louisiana. I enjoy hiking, trying new foods, and travelling with my family. I have two daughters, Jade and Jasmine, my husband, Gama, and our three cats, Leo, Lulu, and Lily. Sincerely, Rica Velasco Technology/Media Director St. Joseph Parish School Sr. Fidelia D. Villa is a Filipina missionary of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres. She’s been here for six years teaching Music and Religion. Before coming to Hawaii in 2011, she served as a pastoral worker among the indigenous peoples at the Sta. Cruz Mission in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. She finished Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of the Philippines and worked for four years before becoming a sister. She entered in 1997 and made her perpetual vows in 2006.  She taught Religion in high school as a young sister.  Although it’s her first time to teach Music, she enjoys it since it helps her to express her faith and gives her a positive energy. She’s amazed on how our children can make a difference by sharing their God- given talents through the different school and out-of-school activities and performances. She is grateful to be an instrument in spreading God’s message of hope and love here and in other states with our school choir. She feels so blessed and is very grateful to all the love, care and support of the SJPS ohana.   Hello!  My name is Jill Yamashiro and this is my 13th year at St. Joseph Parish School.  When I first started here I taught science, math, and social studies in 5th grade for 2 years.  I moved to 6th grade for a year and taught math and science.  A position opened in kindergarten and I was lucky to be able to be a kindergarten teacher for 8 adventurous years.  During this time I was fortunate enough to be part of the Catholic school cohort and I was able to earn my Masters in Education from Chaminade University.  This degree led me to my current position as Curriculum & Instruction Director.  I was born and raised on the lovely island of Maui.  I moved to Oahu to attend the University of Hawaii where I met my wonderful husband Dr. Yamashiro.  We have three children- one that is an alum and two that are currently attending St. Joseph Parish School.  I love being here because of the people I get to work with- administration, teachers, parents, and students.  I feel like I am a part of a family and I know that my kids are in a safe, caring environment and loved for who they are.   Aloha! My name is Dr. Rick Yamashiro; this is my 16th year at Saint Joseph Parish School (SJPS).  I am a proud alum of SJPS and began my career as a 5th grade teacher.  I then moved up to the 8th grade where I taught Math to the Junior High students.  Currently I serve as the School counselor, Dean of Students, and Project Based Learning Instructor.  I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Master’s in School Counseling, and Doctorate in Education.  I am licensed by the State of Hawaii as a School counselor.  My wife, Jill is also employed at SJPS and we have 3 children.  Our eldest is a graduate of SJPS and younger 2 continue to attend.  In my free time I love being with my family, either attending our children’s athletic events or just lounging together at home.  I am an avid sports fan and also enjoy traveling. As a graduate and employee of SJPS I have a special bond with the school.  SJPS provided me with a quality Catholic Education that contributed to my academic foundation; allowing me to earn my Doctorate.  Even greater than that, SJPS instilled core values in me that I continue to try and teach to my own children.  Most in importantly, SJPS has given me faith to move forward no matter how much adversity I may face in life.