Our Faculty & Staff

Fr. Alexander Diaz

Pastor

Dr. Kristie Meyers

Principal

Ms. Flora Wack

Business Manager


Support Staff

Ms. Rachael DeMartino

Office Assistant

Mrs. Gisela Rios

Enrollment Specialist

Mrs. Maureen Earner, PA

Physician Assistant- Health Clinic

Ms. Silvia Escobar

Housekeeping

Mrs. Hortensia Torres Santos

Housekeeping

Mrs. Estrellita Pangilinan (Ms. P.)

Extended Day

Primary Grade Faculty

Mrs. Michaele Kilian

Kindergarten

Michaele Kilian holds a Master’s degree and has nine years of teaching experience, including one year at Queen of Apostles School. She enjoys reading, walking, and traveling in her free time. Mrs. Kilian has a special devotion to Saint Pope John Paul II, inspired by his profound love for Mary and his devotion to Divine Mercy. Her favorite book genre is historical fiction. She finds Queen of Apostles most special for its teachers and staff, who truly live and love their Catholic faith.

Ms. Susannah Tombes

Kindergarten Aide

Susannah Tombes holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and is in her first year of teaching, joining Queen of Apostles School this year. She enjoys running, watercolor painting, traveling, and spending time in the mountains. Ms. Tombes has a deep admiration for several saints, including Saint John Paul the Great for his love of young people, pro-life witness, and Theology of the Body; Saint Teresa of Calcutta for her service to the poor and deep prayer life; Saint Thérèse of Lisieux for her trust and love of Jesus; and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati for his magnanimity and love of the mountains. Her favorite book genre is fiction. Ms. Tombes appreciates the strong sense of community at Queen of Apostles and is especially grateful for the leadership of Dr. Myers.

Ms. Dinah Emmanuel

1st Grade

Dinah Emmanuel holds a Master’s degree in Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction (Special Education). She is licensed in Elementary Education through the State of Virginia. Her teaching experience includes two years as a substitute teacher and one year as a classroom teacher, with her first year at Queen of Apostles School. Ms. Emmanuel enjoys reading and drawing in her free time. She has a special devotion to Saint Catherine of Bologna, inspired by her love for painting and her encouragement to others in performing good deeds. Her favorite book genre is fiction. Ms. Emmanuel values Queen of Apostles for its strong sense of community among students, families, and faculty.

Ms. Laura Bacani

1st Grade Aide

& Extended Day Director

Coming Soon!

Mr. Jonathan de Bernardo

2nd Grade

Jonathan deBernardo holds a Bachelor’s degree and a Youth Ministry Certificate. He has six years of teaching experience, all of which have been at Queen of Apostles School. In his free time, he enjoys working out and watching sports. Mr. D. has a deep devotion to several saints, including Saint Dominic, Saint Francis de Sales, Saint John Paul II, and Blessed Pierre Toussaint. His favorite book genres are fantasy and self-help. What Mr. D. values most about Queen of Apostles are the families and the people, their servant hearts and their joyful living of the faith.

Ms. Catherine Nguyen

2nd Grade

Catherine Nguyen holds a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and is certified through the Virginia Catholic Education Association (VCEA) as well as a Catechist. She brings 10 years of teaching experience, including six years at Queen of Apostles School. In her free time, Ms. Nguyen enjoys reading, hiking, cooking, biking, and playing board games. She has a deep devotion to several saints, including Saint Dominic, Saint Catherine of Siena, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, Saint Teresa of Jesus, Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, Saint John Paul II, Servant of God Léonie Martin, and the Vietnamese Martyrs. Her favorite book genres include nonfiction, theology, philosophy, and spiritual works. Ms. Nguyen values Queen of Apostles for its integration of faith, excellence, and joy in all aspects of school life.

Ms. Kathleen Brado

3rd Grade

Mr. Richard Wentworth

4th grade

Kathleen Brado, now in her 12th year of teaching, joined Queen of Apostles as a long-term substitute in spring 2025 and began her first full year that Fall. She holds a B.S. in English with postgraduate certification in Secondary English Education and is certified in CPR and First Aid. Kathleen enjoys walking, traveling, reading, college football, and cheering on her nephew at his sporting events. Her favorite saint is Saint Teresa of Calcutta for her love and humility, and she especially values QoA’s welcoming community and diverse student body.

Mr. Wentworth holds a Master’s degree and 15 total years of teaching experience, four years at Queen of Apostles. He brings knowledge and creativity to his classroom. He holds VCEA and TESOL certifications, reflecting his commitment to excellence. Outside of school, he enjoys music and writing and loves reading nonfiction and poetry. His favorite saint is St. Thomas Aquinas, whose wisdom inspires his teaching. When asked what he finds most special about QoA, Mr. Wentworth says simply: “The students.”

Ms. Katherine Karau

5th Grade

Kate Karau holds a Bachelor’s degree and a Graduate Certificate in Elementary Education. She brings six years of teaching experience, five of which have been at Queen of Apostles School. In her free time, Ms. Karau enjoys reading, cooking, and traveling. She has a special devotion to Saint Cecilia, the patroness of music. Her favorite book genre is fantasy. Ms. Karau values Queen of Apostles for its caring and supportive community.

Middle School Faculty

Ms. Kelsey Arquette

6th Grade Homeroom MS Literature and Social Studies

Kelsey Arquette holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and is certified in Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED. She has been teaching for four years, with the past two years at Queen of Apostles Catholic School. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, baking, and reading. Her favorite saint is St. Ita, known as the “Foster Mother of the Irish Saints” and spiritual guide to St. Brendan the Navigator. Ms. Arquette admires her for being a powerhouse of wisdom and guidance. She enjoys reading historical, gothic, and nonfiction works. For Ms. Arquette, the most special part of Queen of Apostles is its strong sense of community.

Mrs. Hillary Halili

7th Grade Homeroom MS Math and Science

Hillary Halili holds a college degree and is certified through the Virginia Catholic Education Association (VCEA). She brings over 20 years of teaching experience, including five years at Queen of Apostles School. Mrs. Halili enjoys music in her free time and has a special devotion to Saint Anthony. Her favorite book genres are fantasy and romance. She values Queen of Apostles for its strong sense of family.

Eric Seith

8th Grade Homeroom MS Math and Religion

Eric Seith holds a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and is certified through the Virginia Catholic Education Association (VCEA). He has three years of teaching experience, all at Queen of Apostles School. In his free time, Mr. Seith enjoys singing, reading, and playing board games. He has a special devotion to Our Lady, whom he considers the best mother. His favorite book genre is fantasy. Mr. Seith values Queen of Apostles for the genuine care that the faculty show for one another and for the students.

Mr. Frank Vuong

MS Team Lead MS Language Arts and Math

Frank Vuong holds two Master’s degrees and is currently pursuing his doctorate. He is certified through the Virginia Catholic Education Association (VCEA) and brings 11 years of teaching experience, 10 of which have been at Queen of Apostles School. His hobbies include cooking, photography, and spiritual reading. Mr. Vuong has a special devotion to Saint Ignatius of Loyola, whose Spiritual Exercises inspire him to recognize and embody God’s presence in all things. His favorite book genres are mystery, science fiction, and fantasy. Mr. Vuong values most the dedicated faculty, staff, and students who make Queen of Apostles a vibrant and faith-filled community.

Specials Faculty

Mrs. Vanessa Aviles

Art

Vanessa Aviles holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and is certified through the Virginia Catholic Education Association (VCEA). She has six years of teaching experience, including one year at Queen of Apostles School. Mrs. Aviles enjoys exercising in her free time and has a special devotion to Saint Carlo Acutis, who represents the faith of the modern era. Her favorite book genres are science fiction and psychology. She values Queen of Apostles for its strong emphasis on faith and the Catholic tradition.

Mr. Nick Delaware

P.E. and Technology

Nick Delaware holds a Bachelor of Science degree and multiple professional certifications, including NASM, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Performance/Enhancement Specialist, and Youth Fitness and Stretch Therapist. Mr. Delaware has three years of teaching experience, all at Queen of Apostles School. In his free time, Mr. Delaware enjoys writing, drawing, reading, and gaming. Mr. Delaware has a special devotion to Saint Paul, the Patron Saint of Warriors, admiring how he overcame challenges, corrected his path, and achieved greatness. His favorite book genre is fantasy. Mr. Delaware values Queen of Apostles for its strong and supportive community.

Mrs. Carolina Mattson

K-8 Spanish

Carolina Mattson holds a Bachelor’s degree and is certified in Orton-Gillingham instruction. She has been teaching for three years, all of them at Queen of Apostles Catholic School. In her free time, she enjoys running, practicing Pilates, and shopping. Her favorite saint is Mother Teresa, who inspires her to love unconditionally and practice patience. Mrs. Mattson’s favorite book genre is romantic comedies. For her, the most special part of Queen of Apostles is its rich diversity.

Mr. John Gullickson

Music and P.E.

John Gullickson holds a Bachelor of Science degree and is certified through the Virginia Catholic Education Association (VCEA). He brings 18 years of teaching experience, including two years at Queen of Apostles School. In his free time, Mr. Gullickson enjoys reading science fiction, biographies, and books on science and history. He has a special devotion to Saint Sebastian, the patron saint of athletes, and Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music. Mr. Gullickson values Queen of Apostles for the faith of its diverse community, which he finds most special about the school.

Mrs. Aline Newstead 

Learning Resources

Aline Newstead brings 18 years of teaching experience and holds a Master’s degree along with multiple certifications, including Elementary Education, School Counseling, Reading Specialist, and Special Education. Now in her third year at Queen of Apostles, she enjoys reading and following St. Bonaventure basketball. Her favorite saint is St. Francis of Assisi, whom she admires for his love of people and creation. Mrs. Newstead treasures the joyful spirit of the Queen of Apostles community, which renewed her love for Catholic education and continues to inspire her vocation as a teacher.

Mrs. Alice Sansaver

Library

Alice Sansaver holds a Master’s degree and a VCEA teaching license. She has five years of teaching experience, including one year at Queen of Apostles School. In her free time, Mrs. Sansaver enjoys reading and walking. She has a special devotion to Saint Jerome, the patron of librarians. Her favorite book genre is historical fiction. Mrs. Sansaver values Queen of Apostles for its strong sense of community and supportive atmosphere, which she finds most special about the school.

Dr. Andrei Pidkivka

Band Director


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