ARLAND K. NICHOLS
President and Founder
Arland K. Nichols is President and founder of the St. John Paul II Foundation. Early in his career, as an educator and non-profit executive, he became a popular speaker and successful writer while he established the groundwork for the initiatives that would become the St. John Paul II Foundation. Arland launched the St. John Paul II Foundation in 2014 and he is author of the 4th edition of the Handbook on Critical Life Issues published in 2024 by the National Catholic Bioethics Center. Arland earned a BA in philosophy from Texas A&M, an MDiv in Theology from University of St. Thomas, and pursued doctoral studies in bioethics at Regina Apostolorum in Rome. With the generous support of his wife, Cindy, and their ten children, Arland is blessed to lead the St. John Paul II Foundation as it serves, educates, and supports medical professionals, married couples, and clergy.
SUSIE SAENZ
Chief of Staff and Vice President
Susie Saenz is Chief of Staff and Vice President at the St. John Paul II Foundation where she is responsible for providing counsel to the President, promoting overall operational efficiency for the Foundation across departments, as well as managing and representing the Office of the President. Susie earned her BS in Kinesiology from Texas A&M University and, prior to joining the St. John Paul II Foundation in 2017, worked at Baylor College of Medicine in the philanthropy and alumni relations office. She and her husband, Victor, along with their son, are parishioners at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Houston and enjoy gathering with friends over a meal, wine, and lively conversation. Susie has benefited greatly from the mission of the St. John Paul II Foundation during her time as a team member and continues to be grateful and humbled to have the opportunity to use her gifts and talents to enrich the lives touched by this apostolate.
ROLAND MILLARE, STD
Vice President of Curriculum and Director of Clergy Initiatives
Dr. Roland Millare, a native Houstonian, serves as Vice President of Curriculum and Director of Clergy Initiatives for the St. John Paul II Foundation (Houston, TX). Dr. Millare served as a member of the Theology Department at St. John XXIII College Preparatory (Katy, TX) for over 15 years. He received a BA in Theology from Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio. He has a MA in Theological Studies (with a concentration in Moral Theology) from the Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College (Alexandria, VA) and a Licentiate (STL) and Doctorate in Sacred Theology (STD) in Dogmatic Theology (with a specialization in Sacramental Theology) from the University of St. Mary of the Lake (Mundelein, IL). Dr. Millare also serves as an adjunct professor of theology for permanent deacon candidates, seminarians, undergraduate and graduate students at the University of St. Thomas, St. Mary’s Seminary, the Diocese of Fort Worth and the University of Dallas. He has published various theological articles for Logos, Antiphon, New Blackfriars, Nova et Vetera, and the Heythrop Journal. He has published the book, A Living Sacrifice: Liturgy and Eschatology in Joseph Ratzinger (Emmaus Academic, 2022). Dr. Millare has also contributed an article to a forthcoming lexicon on the theology of Joseph Ratzinger (Ignatius Press). Dr. Millare is a member of the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars, Academy of Catholic Theology, and the Society for Catholic Liturgy. Dr. Millare lives with his beautiful wife Veronica and their three children.
PAUL ROULEAU
Director of Philanthropy
Paul Rouleau is the Director of Philanthropy for the St. John Paul II Foundation. After graduating from the University of Ottawa with a bachelor's degree in Philosophy he served on the development team at Catholic Christian Outreach in Canada. During this time, Paul discovered his passion for working with benefactors to help them achieve their philanthropic goals. Raised in a family profoundly influenced by the teachings and life of St. John Paul II, Paul is deeply committed to the Foundation’s mission of proclaiming the Gospel of life and family.
ELLEN SANTORO
Director of Conference Events
Ellen Santoro is the Director of Conference Events at the St. John Paul II Foundation. She graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Sciences. During her time at Louisiana Tech, she was involved in the Association of Catholic Tech Students. Prior to joining the St. John Paul II Foundation, she worked as a therapist for children with autism. Ellen and her husband, Joey, are parishioners of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Ellen is grateful to work with a team that is committed to sharing the Good News with spouses and medical professionals.
NANCY ARIZA
Conference Coordinator
Nancy Ariza is a Conference Coordinator at the St. John Paul II Foundation. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering. During her time at A&M, Nancy was active with Pro-Life Aggie and the Dr. Joseph Graham Fellowship for College Pro-Life Leaders, as well as serving on retreats and small groups at St. Mary’s Catholic Center. Prior to joining the St. John Paul II Foundation, she worked in various positions including research, entrepreneurship, and customer success. Nancy is also a proud member of the 2024-25 GIVEN Catholic Young Women’s Leadership Cohort. Nancy is blessed to be a part of the Foundation’s mission to share the truths of St. John Paul II’s teachings, enriching couples and medical professionals in the values of life and family!
TAYLOR BRIGGS
Conference Coordinator
Taylor Briggs is a Conference Coordinator at the St. John Paul II Foundation. She is originally from Anahuac, TX, and recently graduated from the University of St. Thomas in Houston with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a minor in Theology. While in college, Taylor was active in Campus Ministry, as a Service Intern, and worked with MAX Studios where she helped to create Catholic media and content. Her love for St. John Paul II's teaching really began to blossom when she joined the Theology of the Body club on campus. She is blessed to join the Foundation team where she can use this love to share the Good News and the beauty of life and family.
BELLA OPRANDI
Conference Coordinator
Bella Oprandi is a Conference Coordinator at the St. John Paul II Foundation. She studied Hospitality Management in Switzerland and completed her studies at the University of Houston, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management. Bella is a parishioner at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, where she also volunteers as a 5th grade faith formation teacher. Bella is grateful to be working with a team and foundation committed to sharing the Good News about life and family.
SYDNEY VACEK
Assistant Conference Coordinator
Sydney Vacek is an Assistant Conference Coordinator for the St. John Paul II Foundation. She graduated from Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, NC, with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Educational Studies. Prior to joining the St. John Paul II Foundation, Sydney worked for several years within Catholic apostolates across the US and in Australia, and most recently, spent her time in Florida serving young adults with autism. Sydney and her husband, Christopher, attend the Traditional Latin Mass at St. Peter and Paul in Frelsburg, TX. She is grateful and excited for the opportunity to share the Gospel of Life alongside such a faithful, dynamic, and joy-filled team at the St. John Paul II Foundation.
JESSIE MANNELLA
Community Engagement Coordinator
Jessie Mannella is a Community Engagement Coordinator at the St. John Paul II Foundation. Originally from Greencreek, Idaho, she is a graduate of Benedictine College, with degrees in Political Science and Journalism & Mass Communications. During her time in college, Jessie was a member of the Campus Activities Board and Benedictine’s cross country and track team. Jessie is excited to start a new adventure with a team passionate about sharing the Good News of life and family!
PAM GARZA
Program Coordinator
Pam Garza is a Program Coordinator for the Together in Holiness Formation Series. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, where she helped plan memorable events with the Campus Activities Board and enjoyed enhancing her Catholic media skills as a production assistant with MAX Studios. She is an active parishioner at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Houston and helps manage the English young adult group social media. She also served as a LifeTeen summer missionary, an experience that deepened her passion for walking with people in their faith. Pam is excited to support parishes, couples, and families at the St. John Paul ll Foundation with a missionary heart.
MICHELLE SALAS
Program Coordinator
Michelle Salas is a Program Coordinator for the Together in Holiness Formation series. Originally from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, she finished her philosophical and theological studies under a religious institution in Washington DC and one year in Italy. Michelle was actively involved in church ministry for many years, especially in parish work and faith formation. Her love for St. John Paul's teaching took particular vigor when she took the Theology of the Body course through the University of Dallas. Michelle and her husband, Santiago, are parishioners at Holy Rosary in Houston, TX. She is excited to join the St. John Paul II Foundation team and share with others the joy promised by Christ to married couples and families in their call to holiness.
SHELBY DELEON
Senior Program Coordinator – Marketing and Operations
Shelby DeLeon is Senior Program Coordinator - Marketing and Operations for the Together in Holiness Formation series. She is a graduate from Texas A&M University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Educational Psychology. Prior to joining the St. John Paul II Foundation, she was an elementary school teacher in Houston ISD. Shelby and her husband, Allan, are parishioners of St. John the Evangelist in Baytown where they teach CCE and serve the Youth and Young Adult Ministries. After encountering the life and teachings of St. John Paul II on a pilgrimage to Poland for World Youth Day, Shelby is grateful to join the Foundation and their mission to proclaim the good news of life and family.
TARA MCCONATHY
Business Administrator
Tara McConathy is Business Administrator at the St. John Paul II Foundation where she oversees the management of human resources and administration in support of the day-to-day operations of the staff and mission of the St. John Paul II Foundation. Tara earned a BA in Communication from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and previously served as Chief Operating Officer of a Houston based non-profit and as Business Administrator for an Episcopal church in the Houston medical center. She and her husband, Sean, are parishioners at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Nassau Bay where they are raising their three children. Tara is excited to be able to use her talents for the Glory of God, the Catholic Church, and to the benefit of the St. John Paul II Foundation and its mission for life and family.
CHRISTIE BOOTH
Accounting Manager
Christie Booth is Accounting Manager at the St. John Paul II Foundation. She grew up at St. Francis de Sales and graduated from St. Agnes Academy. Christie went on to attend Texas A&M University where she received a bachelors in business administration and a master’s of science in accounting. Her previous accounting experience includes both time in public accounting and also commercial real estate. After eight years at home with her children, she is excited to now be part of the team at the St. John Paul II Foundation. She and her husband Ryan have three daughters and are parishioners at St. Thomas More.
TARYN LOCKWOOD
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Taryn Lockwood is the Marketing and Communications Coordinator at the St. John Paul II Foundation. A native Houstonian, Taryn graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. She and her husband, Ryan, have three young daughters and recently moved to The Woodlands where they attend Sts. Simon and Jude. In 2017, through a Cana Family Institute Group at Christ the Redeemer, Taryn began studying the teachings of St. John Paul II about God's design for women in their vocation as wives and mothers in their domestic church. She is humbled and excited to answer the call to share her talents to magnify the Good News of life and family, and share the endless beauty and joy in the Catholic Church under the intercession of St. John Paul II.
AMY NORRIS
Senior Administrative Coordinator
Amy Norris is Senior Administrative Coordinator for the St. John Paul II Foundation where she assists the team in various areas to support the overall mission and work of the Foundation. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing and minor in History. She brings experience from previous roles in marketing and events, most recently from Houston Country Club. After a pilgrimage to Krakow, Poland for World Youth Day, she is grateful for the opportunity to join the Foundation and its mission of promoting the sanctity of life and family, characterized by the life and teachings of St. John Paul II.
KATHERINE DAIGLE
Operations Coordinator
Katherine Daigle is Operations Coordinator for the St. John Paul II Foundation where she works with our Vice Presidents in support of the overall mission and work of the Foundation. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and minor in Religious Studies. While there, Katherine helped found a chapter of the Thomistic Institute after discovering the richness of the Catholic intellectual tradition. Prior to coming to the St. John Paul II Foundation, Katherine served as an apprentice teacher at Great Hearts Classical School in Irving, TX. She and her fiancé, Logan, are new residents to Houston and hope to be active parishioners at The Church of the Annunciation downtown. Katherine is grateful to serve on a team passionate about spreading the Good News about life and family.