Faculty & Staff

Tisha Jackson serves at the Head of Lower School and teaches 5th grade. Ms. Jackson works closely with students and parents to find solutions for academic and disciplinary issues. As a teacher, her focus is on implementing a curriculum that engages each student, encouraging them to do their best and rise to challenges. She gives them techniques to address and work through discomfort in public presentations, stressful testing, and tough homework.

Ms. Jackson earned a B.A. in History and Art History from Hanover College and is currently working on her Master of Science in Catholic School Leadership from Creighton University. Ms. Jackson finds joy in challenging herself and is a role model for the students to become life-long learners. She has completed multiple continuing education courses in STEM, Interdisciplinary Teaching, Intervention, and Cultural Diversity.

Deborah Mariana Llanos is the Pre-K 3 Lead teacher. Ms. Llanos has 4 years of experience as a preschool teacher and loves working with small children. She believes that learning should be fun, engaging, and joyful to promote creativity and critical thinking skills. Ms. Llanos leads by example and teaches her students about the importance of autonomy and self-regulation for a calm mind, body, and classroom.

Ms. Llanos is bilingual (English and Spanish) and earned her B.A. in Preschool Education from Universidad La Salle in Mexico City. She has multiple certifications in English as a Second Language, Technology for Preschool Education, STEAM for Early Childhood Education, and Educational Testing.

Mrs. Leinon is so excited to be at Holy Rosary Academy! Born in Western Pennsylvania, Victoria moved south and achieved an AA degree at CBC in Arkansas. She migrated to St. Louis to complete a BA degree at MBC. After teaching preschool for several years, she completed a Masters in Education degree at UM St. Louis. 1992 was her big move to Anchorage, teaching at ASD until 2020. For the past three years, she taught art and gym classes for the elementary grades at HRA as well as substituting for classes and volunteering around the school.

She and her husband attend SEAS church and are very active parishioners. Mrs. Leinon is especially happy to be involved with the SPRED community in the church as well as helping in projects for the Sisters in the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus order.

Mrs. Shaut has been teaching kindergarten for over 15 years at HRA. A graduate of SUNY with a BA in Musical Production, she builds strong foundations in phonics, math, and handwriting in every student. Through her focus on oral communication, she sets clear expectations for student behavior and fosters academic growth. As a trained catechist in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Mrs. Shaut plants the seeds for the Catholic faith, guiding them in prayer, Scripture, and liturgy each week. Many of her former students have graduated from HRA, thriving with strong moral character and confidence. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys live concerts, beading, and traveling.

Olivia Haywas is a cheerful kindergarten aide. Family-oriented, she brings care and a welcoming spirit to the kindergarten classroom. An avid writer, Olivia enriches her students' days with creativity, storytelling, and strong values. Currently pursuing her degree in Elementary Education and History at Pima Community College, she is dedicated to supporting the Kindergarten class as they grow.

Ms. Patricia Verreux has been nurturing young hearts and minds for the past 26 years and is one of our most dedicated educators. She is a valued member of HRA's community and is passionate about challenging her students academically while encouraging high standards of behavior.

Her classroom is respectful and calm. She ignites a love of learning in her students, and they thrive under her leadership. She believes in open communication and working closely with families to ensure each child receives the guidance they need to excel.
Ms. Verreux received her bachelor's degree in early education from the University of Alaska, Anchorage. In her free time, she enjoys traveling to Europe, helping friends, and cooking.

Lucy Maher hails from North Carolina and is a proud graduate of Thales College. She holds a BA in Classical Education and is an experienced lower and upper-level student teacher. Miss Maher is deeply interested in stoking a child's imagination and inspiring students to love the Classics, no matter the subject she is teaching. Miss Maher loves to read, embroider, and English country dancing.

Annalena Ortega is an experienced 4th grade teacher who delights in creating a calm learning environment where her students can engage in creativity, research, and friendship, all while practicing their faith. Mrs. Ortega is passionate about deploying learning paths which best serve her students and enhance the curriculum. She has a special calling for teaching students of all ages about the Catholic faith, helping them on their journey toward sainthood.

Mrs. Ortega is a graduate of University of Alaska, Fairbanks, where she earned her B.A. in Elementary Education. She has taught a mixture of elementary classes at Chugiak Elementary and faith formation classes for high school students at St. Benedict’s Parish. Mrs. Ortega loves reading, crocheting, and cooking.

Mrs. Ortega loves reading, crocheting, and cooking.

Steven Ring brings 14 years of teaching experience to our 6th grade. Mr. Ring completed the Spirit & Craft of Teaching in the Liberal Arts Tradition teacher training course this past summer and will utilize the strategies he learned to lead students in classical studies. Mr. Ring has earned multiple “Teacher of the Year” awards during his career and his energy and his joy of learning in evident in his classroom.

Mr. Ring has a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from Marshall University and an M.S in Elementary Education from Troy University. His volunteer experience runs the gamut – coaching sports, tutoring, advising competitive academic teams, and playing piano as the accompanist for school performances.

Anastasia Khokhlova-Semak, originally from Saint Petersburg, Russia, is a talented artist and teacher with a Master's degree in Stage Design and Theater Technology from the Saint Petersburg Academy of Theatrical Art. A devoted mother of seven, she brings a unique perspective to her teaching.

At Holy Rosary Academy, Anastasia fosters a nurturing environment that values each student's creativity. Her lessons are tailored to individual abilities, encouraging students to explore their artistic potential while cultivating a love for nature.

Anastasia's warmth and dedication make her a cherished presence in the lower and middle school art classes, inspiring students to express themselves and thrive in their artistic journeys.

Mrs. Lewis is a lifelong Alaskan, triathlete, and mother. She is committed to fitness and sports, both as a participant and as a coach. She serves as the assistant middle school basketball coach and is passionate about sharing her love of movement with HRA students.

Mrs. Lewis believes that PE class is an ideal opportunity to spark children's interest in various sports through engagement and practice.

Mrs. Lewis graduated from UAA with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Public Communications.

Chiharu Dewhurst received her B.S. in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University. After graduation, she lived in Florence, Italy, teaching English as Foreign Language at the University of Florence and helped students grow in their Catholic faith. She returned to the states and taught ESL Physics for several years at high schools in Houston, Texas. She has also taught at a classical school in Denver, Colorado, teaching Latin for 7th to 11th grade, Biology and Chemistry. She is an avid dressage rider, enjoys alpine and cross-country skiing, golf, traveling, fishing, and camping with her husband, Andrew, along with their daughter, Vera. Mrs. Dewhurst is excited to return to Holy Rosary Academy as Dean of Student Life. She is looking forward to further enriching our campus life by working closely with students, staff, and parents to create opportunities for friendship, service, and community engagement.

Dr. Laura Walters has been sharing her love of art and science with HRA students for over 12 years. She is a well-respected and valued member of the Anchorage community, where she offers educational lectures on history and art at schools and local organizations.

Dr. Walters received her B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, and her MLitt and PhD in History of Art from the University of St Andrews in Scotland. While in Scotland, she taught at the University of St. Andrews and worked at what is now Art UK, an art education charity that houses digital copies of over 300,000 public artworks. She also holds the position of Adjunct Professor of Art Appreciation at the University of Alaska, Anchorage. When not teaching, she enjoys making art, hiking, playing the piano, and spending time at home.

Isaiah Martinez received his B.A. in Liberal Arts from Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, California. A homeschooler all through high school, he is excited to work alongside parents to guide students towards lifelong engagement with the true, the good, and the beautiful. When not grappling with the truth alongside his students, Mr. Martinez enjoys performing onstage, listening to Broadway musicals, and reading Great Books.

Peter King graduated from Thomas Aquinas College with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts. He is a lifelong student of the Classics and Catholic theologians. He is well-prepared and excited to lead high school students in Socratic discussions. He is a great journalist and creative writer and hopes to share his love of words with his students. Mr. King left the plains of Kansas to explore God's majestic Alaskan wilderness. In his free time, Mr. King reads, acts in plays, and hosts a creative writing club. Mr. King teaches Ancient Seminar 9, American Seminar 11, Composition 12, and Latin. As Head of Thesis for Juniors and Seniors, he guides seniors through the key stages of the capstone project. We are thrilled to have his energy, logic, and writing expertise in-house, equipping our seniors as they complete their capstone thesis.

Michael Morales serves in several roles at HRA: Teaching 7/8th grade boys Theology and 7/8th grade boys English, Head of the High School Drama Department, and Christian Service Coordinator. Mr. Morales is a leader by example. He believes that a strong Catholic culture challenges students to become courageous, disciplined, joyful, and sacrificial. And students with these virtues develop stronger friendships, have more meaningful conversations, engage in faithful service, and a resilient personal integrity.

Mr. Morales is currently pursuing his teaching degree from the University of Mary and is heavily invested in the Pro-Life movement and the Reach More evangelization training program. Mr. Morales also leads retreats at St. Theresa’s Camp.

Joshua Kenz received his bachelor's in liberal arts from Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, California. He also studied philosophy & theology at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkeley, California. Mr. Kenz is the Head of Logistics, where he oversees all of the logistics for the entire school. His stories and deep knowledge of the Catholic faith, Latin, and history make him a beloved figure among the school. Students call him the "walking encyclopedia." Joshua keeps his Latin skills and pedagogy fresh by having attended the Salvi Rusticatio Omnibus summer sessions in all Latin.

Mrs. Stramilov is an HRA parent with over 20 years of teaching experience, including 10 years at Holy Rosary Academy. She teaches 8th-grade Saxon math, 9th-grade Sacred Scripture, and our dual-credit senior course with the Catholic University of America. She is passionate about building strong math and reasoning skills and content retention in her students. This year, she will also train to teach CUA's Catholic Entrepreneurship and Design Experience (CEDE) course, forming students in entrepreneurial thought in light of Catholic theology to make a meaningful impact in the workplace and beyond.

She brings real-world experience to CEDE as owner of Giver of Beauty Property Management and Didaskalos Tutoring.

She is also excited to bring the Teen Timeline, which teaches Scripture through the lens of salvation history, back to HRA this year.

Mrs. Stramilov earned her BA in Philosophy from Thomas More College of Liberal Arts, a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Alaska Southeast, and a Master of Theological Studies from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family at the Catholic University of America.

Jordan Grabski teaches 7 th and 8 th grade history, 12th grade Government, and Pre-

Algebra. Mrs. Grabski helps the children find joy in learning and develops their critical

thinking skills with individual and group work educational strategies. She gives her

students the tools they need to meet her high expectations and engage in meaningful

work. Mrs. Grabski seeks to support each of her students and understands that the

classroom experience is made richer through participation in school culture and events.

Mrs. Grabski is a graduate of Florida State University, where she earned her B.A. in

History and Education. She married her college sweetheart this summer and together,

they enjoy camping and exploring Alaska.

Joseph Syren is a CPA and received his master's degree in accountancy from Gonzaga University. While at Gonzaga, his love of music grew even stronger as a member of the University's Men's chorus. Joseph's musical interests include Gregorian chant under the interpretation of Dom Cardine (Gregorian Semiology), organ accompaniment, and Znamenny Chant (Russian Orthodox Chant).

In his youth, he participated in choirs, operas, and schola (liturgical choirs) throughout Alaska and remains convinced that the study and execution of both sacred and secular music are integral to the faithful formation of God's children. He has served as the director of the schola for St. Therese's Chapel in Anchorage, AK, since 2023 and looks forward to working with the Middle School Men's Choir this fall.

As a lifelong Catholic and native Alaskan, Principal Schirda continues to share her deep love of Christ and her enduring appreciation of God's hand in the wonders of the Alaskan landscape with Holy Rosary Academy students. She is rooted in Alaskan soil, not only by virtue of her family's work as the state's largest producer of farm-to-table produce, but also in her long-term commitment to delivering a classical K-12 curriculum in the Catholic tradition to Holy Rosary Academy students.

Mrs. Schirda adventured around the globe to achieve her distinctly Catholic education. She attended high school at Trivium School in Massachusetts and then graduated from Thomas More College of Liberal Arts in New Hampshire. While at Thomas More, she spent one semester in Rome, steeped in the art and architecture of many magnificent Catholic churches, backdropped by the grandeur and beauty of the ancient ruins. She earned her master's degree in Anglo-Irish Literature and Drama from University College Dublin, Ireland, and came back to the States to attend Gonzaga University, where she completed her state licensure to teach.

With over two decades of experience in teaching grades 7-12, Mrs. Schirda's teaching expertise played a pivotal role in developing HRA's classical curriculum and in her implementation of the school's Junior and Senior Thesis program. She expanded her educational portfolio with a Catholic School Leader certification from the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education.

As a parent of both an alumnus and current students at HRA, Mrs. Burger is a strong advocate for our classical curriculum and is happy to welcome and support parents and students as the Office Manager and Registrar. Mrs. Burger is a licensed real estate agent with deep expertise in developing customer relationships and preparing important documents. Her project management skills are an asset to HRA's office operations.

Mrs. Burger is a graduate of Williams College in Massachusetts and worked as a Kaplan Test Prep tutor for Math, Critical Reading, and Writing for four years. She loves to spend time with her family and teaching catechism at St. Benedict's Parish.

Mrs. Mara El-Khoury has deep ties to Holy Rosary Academy as an alumnus and as the mother of three current students.  Mrs. El-Khoury enjoys meeting new potential students and their families and loves to share her Catholic faith as the lead teacher for our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. She serves the school community as our Admissions Manager and Events Coordinator. 

She graduated from Thomas Aquinas College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts.

Judy Friar has been a college guidance counselor for 20 years and is in her second year at HRA. Mrs. Friar teaches our college prep course for junior and seniors, helping them build strong resumes for their college applications. She developed a step-by-step program to assist students in class selection, transcript development, and testing strategies.

Mrs. Friar also reviews semi-finalist applications with the National Merit Corporation. This opportunity gives her the inside knowledge about college admission expectations and the essay writing process – information she shares with students.

Mrs. Friar has invited several college admission officers to Alaska to speak about the trends in admission, the application process, and the importance of a well-written application essay. She maintains connections with the admissions deans and staff of several universities, namely University of Southern California, Franklin and Marshal, U.C. Berkeley, and Stanford.

Yuriy Bogdanov received his high school diploma in Russia. Yuriy comes with 17 years of security guard experience and 6 years combined maintenance and residential construction work. When Yuriy is not working he enjoys fishing, kayaking and flying RC planes. This past year Yuriy has changed his career focus to Maintenance and so far is enjoying the new challenges and rewards that the HRA community presents.