Staff Directory

Father Parrish was born and raised in Seattle. He grew up in Ballard until the end of high school when his family moved to Stanwood/Camano Island. Though not Catholic, he attended St. Catherine’s for K-8 and went on to attend O’Dea High School. After high school, he joined the Navy and served three deployments. During that time, he converted to Catholicism having encountered Jesus through the Navy chaplain who was a Catholic priest. He is excited to come home and serve as Pastor for St. Alphonsus, St. Benedict, and St. John the Evangelist.

Mr. Padrnos began his career in Catholic education teaching 5th grade on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. After moving to Seattle, he taught high school world history, economics, and theology. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Gonzaga University, Master of Education from the University of Notre Dame, and Principal Certificate from Seattle University. As an educator, he views the world through the lens of faith and reason and is passionate about helping students find God in all things. Outside of school, Mr. Padrnos enjoys fly fishing, rollerblading, podcasting, reading Lord of the Rings, and hiking 14ers in his native Colorado.

Sarah comes to us from San Antonio, moving here with her husband and two young sons, who attend St. Alphonsus. She and her husband welcomed recently a daughter to complete their family. Sarah brings with her a wealth of experience in public school working with a wide variety of learning styles and environments. She has rich experience planning lessons, developing programs, and collaborating with other teachers/specialists to encourage growth in all students.

When did you join St. Alphonsus?
I joined St. Alphonsus in 2013 as a parent and was hired as the Librarian in 2018.

What is your educational background?
I earned a BA in English from the University of Texas and a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from the University of Washington.

What inspires you as an educator?
I have loved Catholic education ever since I was a student at St. Patrick Catholic School in Corpus Christi, TX. I’ve seen how the foundation of faith and community helps shape lifelong connections, and I believe in the mission of St. Al’s. I love interacting with current students and meeting new families who are seeking a place where their children can thrive.

What are your hobbies and interests?
I love road trips and traveling to new places, as well as feeding people and teaching others basic cooking skills to help them feel more confident in the kitchen.

What is your favorite saint?
Mary, Mother of Jesus

What award have you received?
In 2023, I was honored with the Seton Award from St. Alphonsus Parish School

What is your educational background?
I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities from Seattle University.

What inspires you as an educator?
With a background in the United States Army as a helicopter pilot and officer in the Aviation and Signal Corps, I bring a unique perspective to my work at St. Alphonsus. My diverse experiences have shaped my approach to teaching and interacting with students, and I’m passionate about helping them grow and thrive.

What are your hobbies and interests?
I enjoy outdoor activities such as bike riding, gardening, traveling, and spending time with my family.

When did you join St. Alphonsus?
I joined St. Alphonsus recently, bringing my skills and enthusiasm to the team.

What is your background and expertise?
I am a fully qualified electrician with extensive knowledge in construction, project management, and carpentry.

What inspired you to join St. Alphonsus?
Having lived in Ballard most of my life, I once considered attending St. Alphonsus Parish School. I’m excited to now contribute to this vibrant community and bring my expertise to the team.

What do you love about St. Alphonsus?
I love the hardworking and supportive community at St. Alphonsus. It’s a place where dedication and enthusiasm are valued, and I’m proud to be a part of it.

What are your hobbies or interests?
I have a passion for hard work and enjoy putting my hands to good use, whether it’s in construction, carpentry, or project management.

When did you join St. Alphonsus?
I joined St. Alphonsus in 2018.

What is your educational background?
I hold a BS in Computer Science and a Master of Computer Application.

What inspires you as an educator?
I love being a Montessori school educator because it allows me to nurture each child’s natural curiosity and foster their independence in a meaningful way. The Montessori method’s emphasis on hands-on learning and individualized pacing resonates with my belief in the unique potential of every student.

What do you love about St. Alphonsus?
Being at St. Alphonsus enriches my experience as an educator by grounding our educational journey in faith, values, and a sense of community, where spiritual growth is just as important as academic and personal development.

What is your favorite saint?
St. Jeanne Jugan

When did you join St. Alphonsus?
I came to St. Alphonsus as a 6th grade student and graduated in 2012. I later returned as a staff member, where I continue to contribute to the community.

What is your educational background?
I earned a BA in Christian Theology with a Minor in Christian Scripture from Seattle Pacific University, and I hold an MA in Christian Scripture from the same institution.

What inspires you as an educator?
The legacy of my teachers at St. Alphonsus inspired me to nurture the faith and talents of all students I encounter. Whether in the preschool classroom or in the extended care program, I strive to continue the mission of my teachers and guide students in their spiritual and academic growth.

What are your hobbies and interests?
Outside of work, I attend ballet classes, which I have been doing for 23 years. I also enjoy reading fairytales from around the world, watching operas and theatre performances, and I have a particular fondness for horror movies and crime shows. As a St. Alphonsus student, I loved participating in school musicals, and my favorite role was Glinda in The Wizard of Oz.

What is your favorite saint?
St. Margaret Clitherow

When did you join St. Alphonsus?
I joined St. Alphonsus in 2000.

What is your educational background?
I have a BA in Early Childhood Education from Linfield College, as well as a Post-Baccalaureate in Elementary Education with K-8 and P-3 Teaching Certification from Western Washington University.

What inspires you as an educator?
Teaching is challenging but also incredibly rewarding. It’s inspiring to see each child grow throughout the year in kindergarten and beyond. I continue to enjoy learning new content, skills, and teaching methods to better serve my students.

What are your hobbies or interests?
I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and taking long walks. Sometimes I even combine all three! One of my greatest experiences was traveling to Spain with my sister to complete the Camino Ingles and receiving my Compostela in Santiago.

Who is your favorite saint?
Saint Jude

When did you join St. Alphonsus?
I joined St. Alphonsus in the 2007/2008 school year.

What is your educational background?
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and both a K-8 Teaching Certificate and a Master’s in Education, with a focus on reading and writing, from the University of Washington Bothell.

What inspires you as an educator?
I love working with struggling students and watching them grow in confidence. It brings me great joy to help them overcome challenges and see their hard work pay off.

What do you love about St. Alphonsus?
St. Alphonsus has a nurturing community where I can truly make a difference in students’ academic and personal growth. I’m proud to be part of a school that fosters faith and learning in equal measure.

What are your hobbies or interests?
I enjoy reading, writing, and traveling with my husband.

Who is your favorite saint?
St. Teresa

When did you join St. Alphonsus?
I joined St. Alphonsus in 2023.

What is your educational background?
I earned a BEd in Community, Culture, and Language from Gonzaga University, with an ELL endorsement and an Elementary Reading Endorsement.

What inspires you as an educator?
I am an educator because of my love for working with students and seeing their growth, both socially and academically, throughout the school year. My own love of learning also fuels my passion for teaching.

What do you love about St. Alphonsus?
I love the welcoming sense of community at St. Alphonsus, where everyone is committed to the same goals and values. It truly feels like a family.

What are your hobbies and interests?
Some of my hobbies include hiking, watching soccer, and reading fantasy books.

What is your favorite saint?
St. Thomas Aquinas

When did you join St. Alphonsus?
I joined St. Alphonsus in 2023.

What is your educational background?
I earned a BS in Biochemistry from Seattle Pacific University. I am currently pursuing Catholic Educator Formation and Credential, graduating in spring 2025, through the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education.

What inspires you as an educator?
My journey as an educator began with a change of course from aspiring to be a doctor to discovering my true passion for learning and guiding others in their formation. Teaching at St. Alphonsus allows me to nurture both academic and spiritual growth in my students, which is incredibly fulfilling.

What do you love about St. Alphonsus?
I love how St. Alphonsus provides an opportunity to guide students through their academic journey while nurturing their faith and personal development.

What are your hobbies or interests?
In my free time, you can find me reading, playing the guitar, enjoying board games, hitting the gym, or walking with my amazing wife, Jennifer.

Who is your favorite saint?
St. Augustine of Hippo

When did you join St. Alphonsus?
2022

What is your educational background?
I graduated from the University of California at Davis with degrees in History and Political Science and earned an MA in Political Science.

What inspires you as an educator?
I have a passion for helping students develop critical thinking and empathy while exploring the triumphs and challenges of history and society. After teaching high school in San Diego for ten years and later in Shoreline and Edmonds, I’m thrilled to be part of the St. Alphonsus community, where I can continue to inspire young minds.

What are your hobbies and interests?
I love to travel and spend quality time with my kids in my spare time.

Who is your favorite saint?
St. Balthasar

When did you join St. Alphonsus?
I have been a part of the St. Alphonsus community since 2005, joining as a staff member in 2011-2017 and again in 2019-present.

What is your educational background?
I hold a BA in Political Science and a BA in Religious Studies from Washington University in St. Louis. I also earned a JD from Washington University in St. Louis, an LLM in Taxation from the University of Washington, and a Masters in Education from Western Governor’s University.

What inspires you as an educator?
It is a privilege to teach middle school students every day. I love helping them navigate the challenges of adolescence and guiding them as they grow academically and personally. St. Alphonsus is my family in Seattle, and it has been incredibly fulfilling to be part of such a supportive community.

What are your hobbies and interests?
In my spare time, I enjoy reading, doing puzzles, and spending time with my five children and ten pets!

What is your favorite saint?
Mary Undoer of Knots

What awards have you received?
I received the Elizabeth Ann Seton Award and had the privilege of coaching a National qualifying Decathlon Team.

When did you join St. Alphonsus?
2021

What is your educational background?
I hold a degree in Computer Science from Florida International University.

What inspires you as an educator?
I am passionate about making connections between mathematics and video games, and I love sharing this passion with my students. I believe math can be both fun and practical, and I strive to make lessons interactive and engaging by demonstrating how math is used in technology and gaming.

What courses do you teach?
I teach several middle school math classes, including Geometry, and I also lead a Coding enrichment class each trimester.

Who is your favorite saint?
Saint Michael the Archangel

When did you join St. Alphonsus?
I joined St. Alphonsus in 2023.

What is your educational background?
I hold a BA in Business Administration from Washington State University.

What inspires you as an educator?
Being an educator allows me to share my love of learning while also encouraging students to grow in knowledge and faith.

What do you love about St. Alphonsus?
St. Alphonsus is a welcoming community that fosters learning and instills Catholic virtues in its students. I am proud to be part of such a nurturing environment.

What are your hobbies and interests?
In addition to being an educator, I enjoy coaching basketball and spending time with my family.

What is your favorite saint?
St. Martin de Porres

When did you join St. Alphonsus?
I joined St. Alphonsus in 2023.

What is your educational background?
I have an AA in Early Childhood Education from Seattle College, a BA in Education from Pacific Oaks College, and an MA in Non-profit Business Leadership from Seattle University.

What inspires you as an educator?
I started my career as a coach and teacher, and I have always loved finding ways to connect with students and help them build skills through approaches tailored to their unique learning needs. I’ve also had the opportunity to take on school leadership roles, where I led schools, taught educators at the college level, and contributed to long-range planning and fiscal management. No matter the role, I’ve always remained deeply connected to teaching and learning.

What do you love about St. Alphonsus?
I’m thrilled to be at St. Alphonsus because it connects my faith with my career. This school is a hub of educational energy and collaboration, and I’m fortunate to work with such a dedicated community of students, teachers, and families.

What is your favorite saint?
St. Christopher

What award have you received?
I received the Elizabeth Ann Seton Award.

When did you join St. Alphonsus?
2008

What is your educational background?
I hold a Bachelor of Music from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Master of Music from The Boston Conservatory.

What inspires you as an educator?
I bring a deep history of music to St. Alphonsus, having been an opera singer and teaching elementary school music and voice at various schools in California before joining St. Al’s. I’m passionate about sharing the joy and beauty of music with my students.

What are your hobbies and interests?
I enjoy spending time with my husband, Kevin, and our young son, Tucker.

Who is your favorite saint?
Saint Cecilia

When did you join St. Alphonsus?
I joined St. Alphonsus in 2011.

What is your educational background?
I hold a BA in Anthropology from the University of Washington and a Master’s in Education from Mount Saint Mary’s University.

What inspires you as an educator?
St. Alphonsus values art education for all its students, and the schedule seamlessly incorporates art into the core curriculum. This makes St. Al’s a unique and special place, and I’m proud to be a part of this community.

What do you love about St. Alphonsus?
I love the sense of community at St. Alphonsus, and I’m especially proud that all four of my sons are graduates of this school.

What are your hobbies and interests?
I’m fascinated by art—particularly how we interact with it and make it a part of our everyday lives. I also love traveling and have visited nearly every state, with New York being my favorite. Most of all, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family.

What is your favorite saint?
St. Monica

What award have you received?
I was honored with Teacher of the Year in 2020.