Jean-Thierry Mendiola - Social Studies & Religion
My name is Jean-Thierry Mendiola and this is my 4th year at St. Felicitas. 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 other instruments. My other hobbies include singing, running, politics and kickboxing. I live in Oakland with my wife, Jennifer, and attend the Cathedral of Christ the Light by Lake Merritt.
Beth Stern - English & 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 third year teaching English and Literature 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.
Lori Mastrantonio - Math
& Science
I grew up in the Catholic Faith Community and graduated from St. Felicitas and Moreau Catholic High School. I made the transition to 8th grade after teaching 4th grade at St. Felicitas for 7 years. My favorite subjects to teach are Math and Science. For fun, I enjoy painting, swimming, spending time with my two Boston Terriers and visiting new places. As an educator, I hope to create an atmosphere where students feel comfortable taking on new challenges and are inspired to reach their full potential.
Teaching philosophy- You will never be able to fully reach a student if you can't relate to them.
Amos Hodgson - Math
& Elementary Science Lab
My name is Amos Hodgson, A.K.A. “Mr. H”. I teach half of the middle school math classes and, I assist with the science classes here at St. Felicitas. I am a product of Catholic School education, having graduated from St. Jarlath in Oakland and St. Mary’s in Berkeley. I graduated from U.C. Berkeley with a degree in Environmental Earth Science. When I am out of the classroom, I like to spend time with my family, read comic books, and cook. I am a fairly nerdy guy who believes that a classroom is a place where students should feel free to explore the concepts that they are learning. In doing so, they are able to reach their God given potential, and excel.
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” -Martin Luther King Jr.
Meghan Jorgensen - Religion
My name is Meghan Jorgensen and I am not only the 8th grade religion teacher but I am the principal of St. Felicitas. I come to St. Felicitas with many years of teaching experience and this is my sixth year as principal. I am passionate about teaching and enjoy getting to know the 8th grade students on a deeper level. Teaching religion is by far my favorite subject and I find that often the students teach me just as much as I teach them each year. Middle school students always inspire me with their faith sharing and passion for service. Religion is not just a subject but a part of life and I truly enjoy walking the faith journey with my students.