ARLAND K. NICHOLS
President and Founder
Arland K. Nichols, PhD (cand.) is president and founder of the St. John Paul II Foundation. For nearly a decade Arland taught at a Catholic high school and worked at an international nonprofit. During those years he became a popular speaker, successful writer, and he established the groundwork for launching the St. John Paul II Foundation. Arland earned a BA in philosophy from Texas A&M, an MDiv in Theology from University of St. Thomas, and is completing a PhD in bioethics from Regina Apostolorum in Rome. With the generous support of his wife, Cindy, and their nine children, Arland is blessed to lead the St. John Paul II Foundation as it becomes the foremost Catholic non-profit proclaiming the Good News of life and family.
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. Dr. Millare served as a member of the Theology Department at St. John XXIII College Preparatory for over 15 years. He received a BA in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He has a MA in Theological Studies (with a concentration in Moral Theology) from the Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College and a Licentiate (STL) and Doctorate in Sacred Theology (STD) in Dogmatic Theology (with a specialization in Sacramental Theology) at the Liturgical Institute of the University of St. Mary of the Lake. Dr. Millare also serves as an adjunct professor of theology for permanent deacon candidates at St. Mary’s Seminary. He has published various book reviews and theological articles for Logos, Antiphon, New Blackfriars, Nova et Vetera, The Adoremus Bulletin, and the Heythrop Journal. His forthcoming book, A Living Sacrifice: Liturgy and Eschatology in Joseph Ratzinger, will be published by Emmaus Academic in the fall of 2021. Dr. Millare has also contributed an article to a dictionary on the theology of Joseph Ratzinger, which will be published in Spanish, German, and English. Dr. Millare lives with his beautiful wife Veronica and two daughters, Gabriella and Karolina, in Sugar Land, TX.
JOSHUA BITTING, PhD
Program Director
Dr. Joshua Bitting serves as Program Director for the Together in Holiness Formation series. Born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, Joshua came into full communion with the Catholic Church on June 22nd, 2003, the Feast of Corpus Christi while completing his BA in philosophy at Southwestern College. Joshua attended Franciscan University of Steubenville where he earned his MA in theology. Afterwards, he had the opportunity to study at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross (Santa Croce) in Rome, Italy. Since then, he has served the Church in various capacities at both the parish and diocesan levels. He earned his PhD from the University of Notre Dame, Sydney, Australia, writing his dissertation on the formation of spouses and families as domestic churches. Joshua and his beautiful wife, Amanda, have six children and enjoy sharing the Gospel of life in their primary vocation as spouses and parents.
SUSIE LOPEZ
Vice President of Operations
Susie Lopez 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 Business Development 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. Over the years, she has been involved with the Houston chapter of Young Catholic Professionals and is a parishioner at The Cathedral of Our Lady of Walsingham in Houston. She 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.
AMANDA ABI-SAMRA
Conference Coordinator
Amanda is a Conference Coordinator at the St. John Paul II Foundation. She graduated from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan with a Marketing Degree. Before joining the Foundation, Amanda was a Marketing Officer and Event Planner for companies in the wealth management and hospitality industries. She serves on the national board for the Maronite Youth Organization, planning retreats, and ministering to youth across the country. Amanda feels blessed to be working with a team who has the same passion and mission as her, bringing God's light into marriages, medical care, and clergy's hearts.
ELLEN CLEMENTS
Conference Coordinator
Ellen Clements is a Conference Coordinator 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. She is currently a parishioner of St. Theresa Catholic Church at Memorial Park where she volunteers with the confirmation and youth group programs. Ellen is excited to be working with a team that is committed to serving spouses and medical professionals within the Catholic Church.
SARA DIETZ
Asst. Conference Coordinator
Sara Dietz is an Assistant Conference Coordinator with the St. John Paul II Foundation. She spent several years planning Together in Holiness and Converging Roads conferences for the Foundation, and loved having the opportunity to impact spouses, medical professionals, and clergy across the country. In 2021, Sara and her husband Trey welcomed their daughter, Veronica Josephine, and Sara moved into her part-time role as Assistant Conference Coordinator. Sara graduated from Texas A&M University with a BA in history and minors in English and anthropology. Sara is an enthusiast of St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body, and she and her husband, Trey, are parishioners at St. Theresa in Sugar Land.
SYDNEY DUNAVIN
Conference Coordinator
Sydney Dunavin 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 regularly attends 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.
ERIN ELLWANGER
Conference Outreach Coordinator
Erin Ellwanger is a Conference Outreach Coordinator at the St. John Paul II Foundation. She graduated from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, TX with a BBA and MBA in marketing and a minor in theology. After planning Together in Holiness and Converging Roads conferences for several years, Erin now supports the conference team's outreach efforts to help impact more couples, families, and medical professionals. In 2016, she traveled to Krakow, Poland for World Youth Day, where her life was profoundly impacted by the life and teaching of St. John Paul II. Erin and her husband Peter have a son and are parishioners at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
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.
SHELBY DELEON
Program Coordinator
Shelby DeLeon is a Program Coordinator for the St. John Paul II Foundation. 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.
ASHLEY SORIANO
Program Coordinator
Ashley Soriano is a Program Coordinator-Business Development and Support for the Together in Holiness Formation series. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Texas A&M University. During her time in college, she served as a leader in the Fellowship of Catholic University Students. Prior to joining the St. John Paul II Foundation, she served as a Lead Missionary for Adore Ministries in Houston, TX, providing youth discipleship in under-resourced parishes. Ashley and her husband, Jonathan, are parishioners of St. Theresa in Sugar Land. She is excited to bring the witness of St. John Paul II into our present culture and the lives of married couples through formation and accompaniment.
RACHEL TOWNSEND
Program Coordinator
Rachel Townsend is a Program Coordinator-Business Development and Support 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.
CHARLOTTE SACCO
Program Coordinator
Charlotte Sacco is a Program Coordinator in Business Development for the Together in Holiness Formation series. She graduated from the University of Saint Thomas where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. She serves as a certified Spiritual Director at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church and supports many other parishes in the Galveston-Houston Archdiocese. Her strong background in business and sales, church ministry and forming relationships will be an asset to the St. John Paul II Foundation and the Together in Holiness team. Charlotte and her husband Jason have three daughters, four grandchildren and are parishioners at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Katy, Texas. She is very excited to help grow the Together in Holiness program and to bring marriage enrichment to spouses and families across the country.
MARY ELISE KELLER
Asst. Director of Philanthropy
Mary Elise Keller is Assistant Director of Philanthropy at the St. John Paul II Foundation. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Management. While there, she was an active member in her sorority, and spent two years playing on the club soccer team. She spent three years working as an administrative assistant to the Texas A&M football coaches, assisting in various operations and recruiting logistics for the football staff. Mary Elise and her husband, Kolby, married in September of 2020, and are new residents to Houston. They plan to be active parishioners at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Memorial. Mary Elise is grateful to work with vibrant staff who share the common mission to perpetuate St. John Paul II’s passion for life and family.
AMY NORRIS
Administrative Coordinator
Amy Norris is the Administrative Coordinator for the St. John Paul II Foundation where she assists the President and team in support of 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 various 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.
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.
CAROLINA FERNANDEZ
Asst. Administrative Coordinator
Carolina Fernandez is the Assistant Administrative Coordinator for the St. John Paul II Foundation, working closely with the Together in Holiness Formation series and supporting the overall mission of the Foundation. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Environmental Design and a minor in urban planning. During her time at A&M she reverted to the Catholic Church and received the Sacrament of Confirmation at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Walsingham in her hometown of Houston. Carolina is excited to glorify God every day by her service to the Foundation and married couples.
CHRISTINE HAMLIN
Project Coordinator
Christine Hamlin is Project Coordinator for the St. John Paul II Foundation where she works on a variety of projects to support the philanthropic and business development efforts of the Foundation. Hailing from Southern California, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Literature with a minor in Theatrical Stage Management at the University of California, Santa Barbara. In her hometown of San Diego, she served as a young adult ministry coordinator at the parish and diocesan levels and worked for four years in marketing & communications at Rady Children’s Hospital Foundation. She is excited and deeply humbled to be called to Houston to serve our Lord and His church through the apostolate of the St. John Paul II Foundation.
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.
LEONORA BUTAU, PhD
Associate Fellow
Dr. Leonora Butau moved to Houston from England, where she taught Christian Ethics and Christian Spirituality at St. Mary’s University, London, for eight years, and where she led efforts to empower Catholic couples, educators and young adults in St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. While in London, she also worked for Caritas Social Action Network, the charitable agency of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales. She earned a BA in Theology and Religious Studies and an MA in Bioethics and Medical Law from St. Mary’s University, London, and has a PhD in Bioethics from the University of Surrey, (England). Leonora is blessed to be married to Rufaro and to enjoy the gift of their sons, Jesse and Louis. She feels honored to work with the Foundation, especially in its important apostolate to medical professionals and married couples.
MARY M. CAPRIO, CFCP, MAT, MTS
Associate Fellow
Mary Caprio currently serves the Foundation as an Associate Fellow. She is also the Director of Family Life for St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, as well as the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Mary is adjunct faculty at the University of St. Thomas in the theology department, and is a Certified Fertility Care Practitioner for the Creighton Model System. Mary attended University of Texas Health Science at Houston for her Bachelor’s in Nursing and Loyola University of Chicago for a Master’s in Nursing. Mary obtained a Masters of Arts in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a Masters in Marriage and Family with a focus on Bioethics from the Pontifical Institute of John Paul II for Marriage and Family at the Catholic University of America. Mary is a local and national speaker on theology of the body, marriage, and family, and she is certified in Bioethics through the National Catholic Bioethics Center.
