Matthew Chandler is the new principal of St. Joseph Catholic School. Having attended St. Joseph and Salpointe Catholic High School, he is honored to return to the community that helped shape his educational and faith journey. With 28 years of experience in education as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, director, and superintendent, he is committed to student success, academic excellence, and building strong school communities. 

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Rev. Robert A. Rodriguez is a Yuma native who grew up attending Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in divinity from Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. Before entering ministry, he spent 21 years working for his family’s company, Southwest Janitorial Inc., in Arizona and California. He previously served as parochial associate at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church on Tucson’s Northwest Side. Fr. Robert became pastor of St. Joseph Parish in 2018.

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Claudia Teran facilitates scholarships for St. Joseph students. A proud mother of a Salpointe Lancer now attending college, she understands the importance of providing students with opportunities to succeed. She is passionate about helping families access resources and navigate the complex scholarship system. Before joining St. Joseph, she spent nine years as part of a scholarship program at another private school. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and camping whenever possible. 

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Alejandrina Rodriguez is a Tucson native and is proud to be part of the St. Joseph Catholic School community. She brings several years of experience in Catholic education and a strong commitment to supporting students and families.

Ms. Rodriguez retired from the State of Arizona in 2015 after 26 years of dedicated service. She is the proud mother of two adult children. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, attending live concerts, and going to the movies.

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Katie Bronkema began her journey at St. Joseph Catholic School as a Pre-K teacher and has continued to be an integral part of the school community. She now serves as the Director of the Preschool and Pre-kindergarten Programs, overseeing operations and licensing. In addition, Ms. Bronkema serves as the School Food Authority for the National School Lunch Program, helping ensure students have access to nutritious breakfast and lunch each school day. A proud mom of a high school student, she enjoys reading and creating arts and crafts in her free time.

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Annette Munoz is a Tucson native who brings 11 years of experience working in Catholic schools to St. Joseph. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of roles and has especially enjoyed coaching cheerleading and supporting students through athletics and school activities. Ms. Munoz is the proud mother of two wonderful sons and has a special love for all things Disney. She is thrilled to be part of the St. Joseph Catholic School community and looks forward to making a positive impact on students and families.

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Mr. Brooks is the compliance officer at St. Joseph Parish and School for the Diocese of Tucson.

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Paul Scalise feels truly blessed to be back at St. Joseph Catholic School, where in 1979 he started his teaching career in Arizona. He has been a math tutor since 1975 and a church musician since 1972. As a perpetual student, Mr. Scalise earned three teaching certifications – Elementary (K-8), Secondary (9-12), and Special Ed (K-12). He holds an Early Childhood Education endorsement, as well as endorsements in the areas of Structured English Immersion, Reading Specialist, Middle Grades Mathematics, and Music. Along the way, he earned a piano performance minor at Shenandoah University and a Master of Art in Music Education at the University of Arizona. Above all, Mr. Scalise is thankful for the opportunity to use the gifts he has been given to support the resource needs here at St. Joseph Catholic School.

“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” Psalm 20:4

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Artie Guzman is an instructional aide at St. Joseph Catholic School.

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Luis Contreras joined St. Joseph School from St. John’s and brings more than a decade of experience teaching Physical Education. In his new role, Mr. Contreras will lead P.E. classes for all grade levels and direct the school’s athletic programs. He is passionate about student wellness, fitness, and athletics and looks forward to helping students develop healthy habits, build confidence, and enjoy an active lifestyle. His experience and enthusiasm is a valuable addition to the St. Joseph community. 

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Denise Grijalva has called Tucson home since 1987. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Arizona, with endorsements in General Science and Gifted and Talented Education. She is passionate about lifelong learning and is currently considering pursuing a master’s degree in music education. Music has always been an important part of Mrs. Grijalva’s life. She began playing piano at age five and has continued her studies ever since. Her musical experiences include theater, choirs, musicals, opera, and performing in a country band. Mrs. Grijalva is married and is the proud mother of two children and grandmother of three. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, traveling, sewing, crafting, and spending time with her family.

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Eileen Miller was raised in upstate New York and Baltimore, Maryland, attending Catholic schools for elementary, middle, and high school. She received degrees from Miami University in Ohio and the University of Maryland School of Law. She moved to Tucson in 2000 and has been working in K-8 education for nearly two decades. In her free time, Ms. Miller enjoys reading, organizing anything and everything, and keeping current with family and friends.

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Erika Rodriguez is a passionate educator who is excited to welcome her Pre-K students and families to a year filled with learning, fun, and adventure. Originally from Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, she speaks English, Spanish, and American Sign Language and enjoys creating a classroom community built on kindness, respect, collaboration, and communication. She is the proud mother of two daughters and a cat mom to Pia. Outside the classroom, Ms. Rodriguez enjoys running, dancing, and traveling the world. She looks forward to partnering with families and helping each child grow and thrive.

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Martha Luebbering is a University of Arizona graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and more than 10 years of teaching experience. She has also served as a volunteer youth minister and co-founded a social justice program for teens. Mrs. Luebbering and her husband have called Tucson home for more than three decades and are the proud parents of three grown daughters. She feels blessed to be part of the St. Joseph Catholic School community and looks forward to working with students and families throughout the year.

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Edna Ambriz was born in Mexico and raised in Anaheim Hills, California. She proudly served 18 years in the U.S. Army, including time as a Chinook helicopter mechanic and later as an Adjutant General’s Corps officer in the Army Reserves. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Campbell University and a Master of Education in ESL and Bilingual Education from Northern Arizona University. With many years of experience teaching students from Pre-K through middle school, she is passionate about helping students learn and thrive. Ms. Ambriz is the proud mother of three and a devoted dog mom to two. In her free time, she enjoys working out, walking her dogs, reading, writing, and staying connected with family and friends.

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Kelly Islas is the 2nd grade teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School.

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Rebecca Murray is the 3rd grade teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School.

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Crystal Nicodemus is the 4th grade teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School.

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Tina Turcotte has been an educator since 1992 and has taught at St. Joseph Catholic School since 1996. She loves teaching fifth grade as it is a pivotal year filled with academic, social, and personal growth. Originally from the East Coast of the United States and Canada, Ms. Turcotte has called Tucson home for more than 20 years. She holds degrees from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia and the University of Maine at Presque Isle. She is grateful to be part of the St. Joseph Catholic School community and loves watching her students learn, grow, and thrive.

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Jude-Paul Griffin teaches Religion, ELA, Science, and Social Studies to 6th grade and Social Studies to 7th grade. With more than ten years of classroom experience, Mr. Griffin has taught students at all grade levels, including high school and college, as well as theater. Originally from New York, Jude has taught at various private and charter schools throughout Southern Arizona. He holds a Master of English in Rhetoric and Teaching Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English, and is certified to teach English in grades 6–12.

Mr. Griffin is grateful to be part of the St. Joseph Catholic School community while studying to become a deacon through the Diocese of Tucson Diaconate Program. Outside the classroom, he enjoys spending time with his wife and children, attending Mass and Adoration, reading, writing poetry, watching football, and taking long walks. Through his “Poems Without a Home” initiative, he also enjoys using poetry to connect with and support those experiencing homelessness. His faith is at the heart of his life, and he strives to live each day in a contemplative relationship with Jesus Christ.

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Joshua Simone is the 7th grade teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School.

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Jeffrey Gehring is the 8th grade homeroom teacher and teaches 6th, 7th, and 8th grade math, as well as 7th and 8th grade science/STEM. He has been a valued member of the St. Joseph Catholic School community since 2014. Mr. Gehring holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Arizona and a secondary teaching certificate with approved areas in middle grades math and social studies. He enjoys helping students develop a strong foundation in math and science while encouraging curiosity and problem-solving. Outside the classroom, Mr. Gehring enjoys running, playing guitar, and spending time with his children.

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