Headmaster, Upper School Humanities

Hailing from the mountains of Colorado, Dr. Fletcher brings a love of nature to his vision for JPII. He has more than 25 years’ experience in Catholic education and leadership.

Read Dr. Fletcher’s full bio here.

Assistant Headmaster, Math Faculty

Cathy Hula is an Iowa native, holds a B.S. in accounting and minor in Management Information Systems from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. After pursuing a career in accounting at Mutual of Omaha, she homeschooled her four children, during which time she discovered the beauty of the classical method of learning. She is excited to be a part of offering this unique education to the Omaha area and to be working alongside joyful, faith-filled Catholic men and women. In her free time, Cathy enjoys hiking, bicycling, sewing, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Her favorite book is Anna Karenina and her favorite saint is St. Thérèse of Lisieux.

Upper School Martial Arts, Humanities

A proud 22 year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Dr. Aguila works primarily as a peripheral nerve surgeon who treats chronic pain with surgical interventions. He holds a B.A. in Spanish Literature from Boston University, an M.D. from Boston University, and an M.A. in Theology and New Evangelization from the Augustine Institute. He is in formation for the Diaconate for the Archdiocese of Omaha, and his hobbies include learning languages, theology, and martial arts.

His favorite book is The Bible, and his favorite saints are Servant of God Fr. Vincent Capodanno and St. Joseph of Cupertino.

IEW Instructor

Originally hailing from Wisconsin, Jennifer Aguila has lived all over the United States, and has happily called Omaha “home” for the past 4 years. She holds a B.A. in English from University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, an M.A. in Higher Education Administration from The Ohio State University, and Master of Theological Studies from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family at Catholic University of America. In her free time, she loves being with her family, reading, cooking, walking, exploring new restaurants, and traveling.

One of her favorite books is Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset, and one of her favorite saints is St. Padre Pio.

Upper School Math & Science

Elizabeth Chouinard was born and raised in Omaha Nebraska. She received a B.S. in Physics from the University of Dallas. During her spare time, Miss Chouinard loves playing violin and piano and going on adventures with her fellow teachers. Miss Chouinard has been immersed in a Catholic classical education since a young age and is excited to be back in the classroom. 

One of her favorite books is I Believe in Love by Fr. Jean d'Elbée, and her favorite saint is Mother Teresa. 

Upper School Faculty, Choir, Drama, Boys Leadership Program

Born in Omaha and raised in Louisiana, Aidan Fletcher earned his B.A. from Christendom College with a specialization in Education, and is currently pursuing his M.A. in Classical Education Leadership at Benedictine College. He has been immersed in Classical Education and the Liberal Arts since his own middle school years, and is an accomplished chorister, thespian, and outdoor wilderness survival instructor. When not at school, Mr. Fletcher enjoys reading and spending time with his wife and their three beautiful children. 

His favorite book is A Canticle for Leibowitz and his favorite saint will always be our Blessed Mother.

Upper School Art, Theology, Drama

Clare Fletcher is a 2017 graduate of Christendom College with a degree in Theology. She has a passion for classical education and has been immersed in studying it (and its implications for educational models) for over 5 years now. Miss Fletcher’s favorite topics to teach are swing dancing, lives of the Saints (especially Cardinal Newman & Brendan the Navigator), and above all else Theology.

One of her favorite books is Anne of Avonlea and one of her favorite saints is Mother Teresa.

Upper School Latin, Humanities, Boys Leadership Program

Luke Mellender grew up in Omaha before attending Magdalen College of the Liberal Arts in New Hampshire, where he earned his B.A. in Great Books—a mix of Theology, History, & Philosophy—with honors. He is the 34th Eagle Scout of Troop 319 (with Bronze, Gold, &  Silver Palms) and loves to backpack and explore God’s country for days on end. When he isn't at school, Mr. Mellender enjoys reading, woodworking, biking, and visiting National Parks with his family.

Having only one favorite book is a baffling concept for Mr. Mellender, but he would name Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis, Wind, Sand, and Stars by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Satin Slipper by Paul Claudel, and any mystery novel by Agatha Christie as contenders for the title. St. Francis of Assisi is his favorite saint.

Upper School Humanities

Bio coming soon!

Upper School Math

Born and raised in Elkhorn, NE, Hannah Seidl received her B.S. in Mathematics and Education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. After teaching in Omaha Public Schools for a few years, she began working at Gloria Deo gift shop and teaching advanced mathematics part-time in the Omaha area. In her free time, Hannah enjoys learning about birds, admiring flowers, singing, and playing Catan.

Her favorite book is The Lord of the Rings, and her favorite saint is St Joseph.

Upper School English and History, Kindergarten CGS

Natalie Thorpe holds a Bachelor's in English from Hillsdale College. Over the years she has taught Humane Letters, economics, literature, writing, and math at classical schools both public and private. She serves as a catechist in a Toddler Atrium as well as in the JPII Level I Atrium. In her free time, she is usually looking at bugs with her daughter or beautiful architecture with her husband.

Her favorite book is Moby Dick by Herman Melville, and her favorite saint is St. Augustine.

Kindergarten

Born in England, Annelise Mellender has lived in Nebraska since she was three. She graduated from Ave Maria University with a B.A. in Theology. She spent two summers teaching Totus Tuus for the Archdiocese of Omaha, and she completed CGS Level I Formation in 2025. When not at school, Ms. Mellender can be found singing in parish choir and hanging out with her siblings.

Her favorite book is Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, and her favorite saint is St. Cecilia.

Kindergarten Aide

Bio coming soon!

Lower School Assistant Faculty

Jennifer Franco was raised in Omaha, but spent her last 24 years in Chicago, Illinois. She graduated with a BSOT from Creighton University and spent 30 years working as OT in both Omaha and Chicago. She completed a Masters of Arts in Pastoral Studies in 2019 and a Masters of Theological Studies in 2026 from the University of St. Mary’s of the Lake at Mundelein Seminary in Illinois. She is also a catechist for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Levels I and II. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Her favorite Saints are St. Maximillian Kolbe, St. Phillip Neri, and Saint Mother Teresa. Her favorite book is the Bible. 

Lower School Faculty

Bio coming soon!

Lower School Faculty, Girls Leadership Program

Eva Simons holds a B.A. from Benedictine College in Art, with a minor in Education. After serving as a Seton Teaching Fellow in the Bronx in New York for a year, she returned to the Omaha area as a member of the Lower School Faculty, and completed CGS Level I Formation in 2025.. Ms. Simons is a talented artist, and loves creating and teaching art. Even more so, she enjoys spending time with children, and is passionate about learning and teaching across the curriculum.

Her favorite book is Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, and her favorite saint is St. Josephine Bakhita.

Lower School Faculty

Bio coming soon!

Lower School Phonics

Cathy Potter is a retired resource teacher for the Archdiocese of Omaha. Her career also includes 25 years as a private tutor for students in grades K-8. Mrs. Potter is certified in the Spalding Phonics Method. Spalding is a language arts program that uses explicit, integrated instruction and multisensory techniques to teach spelling, reading and writing. Cathy enjoys teaching and spending time with her 12 grandchildren.

Her favorite books are the Little House on the Prairie series, and her favorite saint is St. Catherine of Siena.

Lower School Math

Bio coming soon!

Lower School Math

Bio coming soon!

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)

Angela Vogel graduated from Creighton University with a B.A. in American Studies and a Business Certificate. She is a certified Catechist for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She completed Level 1 Formation (training) in 2016, Level 2 Formation in 2018, and recently completed Level 3 in 2026. Her favorite hobbies include cheering on her five children at their various activities, reading and telling stories, going for walks, and traveling.

Her favorite book is Emma by Jane Austen, and her favorite saint is Queen Esther.

Lower School Assistant Faculty

Bio coming soon!

Physical Education

Bio coming soon!

Marketing

Originally from the beautiful state of Maryland, Anna Fletcher earned her B.A. from Christendom College, after receiving a K-12 Classical, Catholic education. She started working in Marketing in her Junior Year of high school and loves the creative outlet it provides. She is blessed to be a wife and mother, and works for JPII in a mostly remote capacity. She enjoys sipping coffee, cooking, sewing, playing harp, assisting in CGS Level T and Level I Atria, or spending time with her husband and their three lively children.

One of her favorite books is The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis, and one of her favorite saints is Bl. Imelda Lambertini.

Director of Operations

Prebble Hare received her B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Texas Tech University, and is currently pursuing her M.A. in Classical Education Leadership at Benedictine College. Her passion for Faith formation for all ages recently led her to serve as a non-profit missionary with FOCUS for several years, before returning to the classroom as a member of JPII’s Lower School Faculty. In her spare time, Miss Hare loves doing cartwheels, playing sports, discovering new coffee shops, and going on adventures with friends.

Her favorite book is Searching for and Maintaining Peace by Fr. Jacques Philippe, and her favorite saint is St. Mary Magdalene.

High School Coordinator

Bio coming soon!