Welcome New Faculty

Sister Rita Marie Kampa, O.P.

I am originally from Minnesota. I first heard the Lord's call to religious life when I attended World Youth Day in 2002 with Pope John Paul II, and am so excited to be teaching at a school under his patronage. I entered the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia in 2007 and made first vows in 2009. I love music, especially singing and playing the guitar. I am looking forward to getting to know this beautiful community! 

B.A., Philosophy, Saint Mary's University, Winona, MN

License in Secondary History Education, Aquinas College, Nashville, TN

M.A., Catholic Studies, University of Saint Thomas, St. Paul, MN

M.A. Educational Leadership, University of Notre Dame (In Progress)

Mrs. Mata

Hello, I am Mrs. Mata, a passionate educator with six years of experience specializing in teaching science. My teaching philosophy intertwines faith with scientific exploration, aiming to instill a profound appreciation for God's creation in my students. With dedication and enthusiasm, I foster curiosity, critical thinking, and compassion through a positive and encouraging learning environment. My goal is to inspire you, my students, to embrace being lifelong learners and help you reach your fullest God-given potential intellectually and spiritually. I look forward to the opportunity to grow together this year at JPII!

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Northern Arizona University

Mr. Sanchez

Mr. Sanchez is the new art teacher at Saint John Paul II Highschool. He recently earned his Masters in Fine Arts from the University of Arizona. He has a strong interest in drawing and understanding the anatomical structures of humans and animals. Pope John Paul II's artistic philosophy is one of the most central influences in his art, particularly his Letter to Artists. In his spare time, he enjoys painting in watercolor and experimenting with new colors.

MFA, Painting & Drawing, University of Arizona

BFA, Painting & Drawing, Ohio University

Mrs. Segoviano

My name is Lizeth Segoviano, and I have been in education for 18 years. I hold a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Ottawa University, where I graduated Summa Cum Laude. I am a first-generation graduate in my family. Prior to coming to Saint Thomas Aquinas, I taught in the public schools for 10 years. I have been part of the Saint Thomas Aquinas community as a parishioner and teacher now for over 15 years. While at Saint Thomas Aquinas Grade School, I have had the privilege of teaching 4th grade, middle school math, and 5th grade. I am very excited to continue my educational journey at Saint John Paul II as the new Dean of Students.

On a personal note, I have been married to my wonderful husband, Danny, for 19 years. We are following our vocation as parents, as we have four wonderful children, two boys ages 17 and 3, and two girls ages 13 and 5. Our eldest son will be attending The Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University in the Pre-Veterinarian program in the fall. Our three other children will continue their education at Saint Thomas Aquinas Grade School. We are very blessed to be in a community that continues to nurture our children in their faith and academics. As a family, we look forward to joining the growing community of Saint John Paul II.

Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership, Ottawa University

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Elementary Education, Ottawa University

Sister Caterina Joy Taioli, O.P.

Born and raised in Bologna, Italy, Sister Caterina Joy first came to the United States as an exchange student at UC Berkeley, where she majored in English and Spanish. She then moved to England to complete a postgraduate degree in Viking and Anglo-Saxon Studies at the University of Nottingham. Halfway through her doctoral studies in Middle English, she met the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia, who had recently arrived in Scotland, and discerned a call to follow the Lord more closely as a consecrated religious. She professed her temporary vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience in August 2021 and completed a Masters in Secondary Education at Aquinas College. Before moving to Arizona, she was teaching in McEwen, Tennessee. Sister especially enjoys sharing her cooking, practicing calligraphy, and reading the works of her patroness, Saint Catherine of Siena.

B.A., Languages and Literatures (English and Spanish), Università di Bologna

M.A., Viking and Anglo-Saxon Studies, University of Nottingham

M.A.T., Secondary Education, Aquinas College