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.
CHRISTOPHER J. STRAVITSCH, DMin
Co-founder
Dr. Chris Stravitsch is Co-founder of the St. John Paul II Foundation. He earned an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy and an MA in Pastoral Ministry from St. Mary’s University, and a Doctor of Ministry from The Catholic University of America. He earned a BA in Psychology from Texas A&M University. Chris previously served as Director of College Formation at Assumption Seminary. He brings to the Foundation a wealth of experience in Church ministry and the unique ability to identify the most effective ways to evangelize spouses and families.
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.
SUSIE SAENZ
Vice President of Operations
Susie Saenz is Vice President of Operations at the St. John Paul II Foundation where she oversees and supports the Conference team as they plan and execute Converging Roads and Together in Holiness conferences, along with the Together in Holiness Formation series team as they expand this initiative to parishes and schools across the country. 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, are parishioners at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Houston and enjoy gathering with friends over a meal, wine, and lively conversation. Susie is grateful and humbled to have the opportunity to use her gifts and talents to enrich the lives touched by the St. John Paul II Foundation across the country.
ELLEN SANTORO
Senior Conference Coordinator and Team Leader
Ellen Santoro is a Senior Conference Coordinator and Team Leader 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.
GABBY ANGLIN
Conference Coordinator
Gabby Anglin is a Conference Coordinator at the St. John Paul Foundation. She graduated from Ball State University with a degree in Sport Administration. For the past 5 years, Gabby worked at various Parks and Recreation Departments throughout Texas. After some serious discernment, she decided it was time to move on from public service and put her experience in operations, marketing, and programming to use at the St. John Paul II Foundation. She is looking forward to spreading the good news of life and family and being able to live out her true identity as a daughter of Christ.
CAMERON KELLY
Conference Coordinator
Cameron Kelly is a Conference Coordinator at the St. John Paul II Foundation. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a BS in Wildlife and Fisheries, and a Masters in Business. During her time in college, she was involved in music ministry and the youth retreat team at St. Mary’s Catholic Center, and worked in marketing and website management for the Texas Master Naturalist program. She is excited to join the Foundation and spread the love of Christ to families and medical professionals.
ALEXANDRA LANDRIGAN
Conference Coordinator
Alexandra Landrigan is a Conference Coordinator at the St. John Paul II Foundation. She is a graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Catechetics. Before joining the St. John Paul II Foundation team, Alexandra served with NET Ministries Ireland, worked for the Steubenville Conference Office and was the High School Youth Minister and Director of Communications at her home parish back in New Hampshire. She is very excited to take her past experiences and serve families and medical professionals through the work of the Foundation.
JESSIE SONNEN
Conference Coordinator
Jessie Sonnen is a Conference 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!
SYDNEY VACEK
Assistant Conference Coordinator
Sydney Vacek is a 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 joyfilled team at the St. John Paul II Foundation.
RACHEL TOWNSEND
Senior Program Coordinator and Team Leader
Rachel Townsend is a Senior Program Coordinator and Team Leader for the Together in Holiness Formation series. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Honors in Psychology distinction. During her time in college, she was an active member of the sorority at St. Mary’s Catholic Center. Prior to joining the St. John Paul II Foundation, she worked as a Career Counselor at a real estate school helping students to achieve their career and licensing goals. Rachel is currently a parishioner of Presentation of the Lord Catholic Church and volunteers at her parish as a member of the altar guild. She is honored to use her gifts to grow the Together in Holiness initiative and to help strengthen married couples and families.
GENEVIE ALEJANDRO
Senior Business Development Coordinator
Genevie Alejandro is a Senior Business Development Coordinator for the Together in Holiness Formations Series. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Texas State University. During her time in college, Genevie was involved with Bobcat Awakening and L.I.G.H.T. Ministries- retreat coordinator. Prior to joining the St. John Paul II Foundation, she spent 10 years in the food industry, in sales working with food manufacturers. She is excited to work with and help provide tools and empower families to grow together in holiness through St. John Paul II's teachings.
ELISA MAZZAROLO
Program Coordinator
Elisa Mazzarolo is a Program Coordinator for the Together in Holiness Formation series. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Carleton University. Elisa spent five years actively involved with a Catholic ministry in Canada where her passion for sharing the gospel and journeying with others through life’s highs and lows was ignited. She also spent four years working in the healthcare sector in both Procurement and HR. Elisa is thrilled to be returning to a Catholic apostolate, and to be supporting couples and families here at the St. John Paul ll Foundation.
ERICA ROHDE
Program Coordinator
Erica is a Program Coordinator for the Together in Holiness Formation series at the St. John Paul II Foundation. She spent a year enjoying studying music with a concentration in vocal performance and has since returned to her career in Catholic apostolates at the Foundation. Her past experience as a missionary, teacher, and youth ministry coordinator has lent itself to her growth in understanding family life as a vital human experience. Erica, originally from Dallas, is excited to serve couples and families across the nation through the Formation series.
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.
ANA QUIREZA
Executive Assistant to the President
Ana Quireza is Executive Assistant to the President for the St. John Paul II Foundation where she assists the President in support of the overall mission. She graduated from UT Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations. Prior to joining the Foundation, she was a 4th grade teacher in Houston Independent School District. She is an active member of the Regnum Christi Federation and sings in the Spanish choir at Sts. Simon and Jude parish. Ana is excited to join the Foundation and help bring families and medical professionals closer to Christ.
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
Accountant
Christie Booth is the Accountant 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 & 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.
