Jean-Thierry Mendiola - Social Studies & Religion

My name is Jean-Thierry Mendiola. I have been teaching at St. Felicitas since 2013. I have a degree in Religious Studies from UC Berkeley and a multiple subject credential from San Francisco State University. I also have my Catechist Certification, and teaching the Catholic faith is one of my greatest passions.

I am also very excited about teaching history. Reading is my biggest hobby, and I love to read books about ancient history, theology and philosophy. I am very excited to be teaching middle school because I believe that these are the years when children begin to develop a passion for reading history, as well as consolidating their faith. I enliven my history and religion lessons with the dramatic stories about the past that I have learned through my personal reading of the classics and the early church fathers. I own a large library and I love to bring in my books to share with the students.

I am also a former music and drama teacher and I love playing classical piano, cello, drums, and guitar. My other hobbies include singing, running, politics and kickboxing (Krav-Maga). I live in Oakland and attend the Cathedral of Christ the Light by Lake Merritt. 


Beth Stern - Science & Literature

My name is Beth Stern and I am a San Lorenzo and San Leandro native. I graduated from U.C. Berkeley with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Creative Writing. I have over a decade's worth of experience teaching, directing, and developing curriculum for many different camps and after school programs, as well as for a special needs school in Oakland. This will be my 5th year teaching in the St. Felicitas community, and I look forward to creating a classroom where everyone comes excited to learn- not just about their studies- but about themselves, others, and God. In my spare time, I love to read, play the ukulele, spend time outdoors, and think about the mysteries of the ocean.

 

Kathy Hennigh - English & Math

My name is Kathy Hennigh and I am very excited to be the new Middle School English Teacher, 6th and 7th grade Math teacher, and the 8th grade Homeroom Teacher! I have a B.A. from UCSB and graduated from UC Berkeley with a Masters Degree in Education, Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Reading Specialist Credential. For nine years I taught at St. Anthony School in Oakland as a Middle School teacher and later a Reading Specialist helping students with reading and writing skills. Since I struggled with dyslexia in my youth I am sensitive to students learning differences and know that all children can succeed when given the right guidance and support. When my third child was born I took some time off from teaching. In 2006 I returned to the classroom to teach 5th grade at St. Philip Neri School in Alameda where my children attended. In addition to being a classroom teacher I enjoyed working as the Student Council Moderator, on the Yearbook Committee, and I started the school's first ever Green Team! Reduce, Reuse and Recycle! In 2012 I returned to being at home with my children and enjoyed being my daughter’s Room Parent and Art Docent Teacher at St. Philip Neri School for five years as well as attending my children’s many sports and music events. I truly believe in Catholic education and know first hand how Catholic schools have positively impacted my own children, shaping them into well rounded individuals with core values and beliefs. I feel so blessed to be at a school where we can come together rooted in God's love and grow and learn in a Christ-centered environment. I am originally from Los Angeles but have lived in the Bay Area for almost 30 years. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, baking, going to the beach, museums and sporting events. I love where we live and am so blessed to be working with the Middle School students at St. Felicitas School!