Michael Bartha (Principal)
I was born in Los Angeles and attended college at Bowdoin College in Maine. I began my teaching career in Memphis, TN, through Teach for America, before moving to Nashville, TN, to work as the Director of Academic Achievement and Middle School Principal for a charter middle school. Following that, I served as the Director of Math for a network of schools in Nashville and Jackson, MS, and finally, served as the Director of K-12 Math for a Christian independent school. I just recently moved to the Portland area, and my personal passions are ice hockey, baseball, and most things sports-related.
Jasmine Love (Counselor)
I received my BA in Neuroscience from Oberlin College, with minors in African American studies and Comparative Religions. My MSEd in Counseling Psychology comes from the University of Pennsylvania. I moved to Portland in 2015 to work at Catlin Gabel as Director of Inclusion and Outreach. Most recently, I was the Senior Director of Education at KairosPDX and served on the board of Friends of Hopewell House. Before coming to Portland, I lived in Los Angeles and taught fourth-grade, eighth- and ninth-grade history and also worked as a television writer on Moesha and other shows. I love basketball, swimming, camping, dancing, singing, and playing the guitar and piano.
Tom McLaughlin (Theology)
I grew up in Seattle and hold a BA in English from the University of Notre Dame and an MA in Comparative Religions from Marylhurst University. I moved to Portland in 1997 when I fell in love with my beloved wife, Rebecca. Before teaching, I served as a U.S. Air Force officer, a Mrs. Fields Cookie Store manager, and a REI customer service rep, among many other roles. I have previously taught theology at Valley Catholic and La Salle Prep. I am also a writer, and I lead retreats and workshops focused on personal, family, and community stories. Additionally, I am an avid reader, a connoisseur of chocolate chip cookies, and the Director of Whimsy and head weed-puller at Telios Farm in Damascus, Oregon.
Edgar Ruiz (HR Coordinator & President’s Assistant)
I grew up in the St. Johns area of North Portland and am first-generation Mexican American, the oldest of five siblings. I graduated from PCC with my AA in General Studies and was focused on a Business degree, but my newly found passion for working in school systems has altered that course. I have a daughter who is a junior at Central Catholic, and in my spare time, I enjoy walks with my wife, getting outdoors, and playing soccer.
Callan Stowell (Physics)
I grew up in the southern Willamette Valley, where the educational gaps in my schools motivated me towards teaching. After graduating from Oregon State University with a BS in Biology, I spent two years teaching high school science to rural and sub-rural students in central Kentucky (an extremely humbling experience) while earning my MA from the University of Louisville. This past year, I served as a substitute teacher in Lane County while re-engaging with some of the activities I love: reading, playing music, hiking, running, and taking quality time with dear ones.
Stephanie Valverde (Art)
I have a BA from Southern Oregon University and an MA in Art Education at the middle and secondary levels from PSU. From preschool to college, I have designed curriculum and instructed art in nearly every medium, and have been teaching art for almost two decades. It is my passion, and I truly enjoy sharing creativity within the classroom. I have traveled to Spain to study art, language, and culture, have designed and judged student art shows, and have participated in many fundraisers that benefit the arts. My hobbies include creating art, cooking, hiking, gardening, spending time with friends and family, and I am also writing and illustrating a children's book.
