Left to right: Genevieve Jennifer Ferraez, Carla Harris, Seraphima Sierra Butler, Kate VanderLaan, Joanne Gish.

All of our catechists are trained by the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Each level of certification includes 90+ hours of lecture, presentation, prayer, personal album work, and practicum. Together with clergy and scholars from around the country, as well as several seasoned Formation Leaders from the National Association, our catechists have participated in a lengthy and on-going research/adaptation process to assure all content reflects Orthodox theology.

Our catechists are under the direction of Fr. Nicholas Speier, himself an educator by training and experience. He is priest-in-charge at St. Athanasius, and is also a parent and grandparent. He holds a Lifetime Teaching Credential in Special Education, a BA in Liberal Arts, and has enjoyed 21 years in the Orthodox faith. We recently celebrated the 16th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.

Joanne Gish is the Director of Religious Education. She is the mother of three, and is a trained catechist for both Level I (children ages 3-6) and Level II (children ages 6-9). She is Production Manager of our newsletter, "The Sheepfold", and has enjoyed 21 years in the Orthodox faith.

Seraphima Sierra Butler is the Catechesis Coordinator. The mother of four, she holds a BA in Liberal Arts; is trained to serve in all levels of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (children ages 3-12); and is in practicum to become a Formation Leader for the National Association, with an emphasis on serving adults and children within the Orthodox Church. She is the Editor of our newsletter, "The Sheepfold", has 6 years experience as private school teacher, and has enjoyed 11 years in the Orthodox faith.

Genevieve Jennifer Ferraez holds a Masters in Social Work (MSW) and a BA in Psychology, with an emphasis in developmental psychology. She is a trained Level I catechist; has worked with children with learning disabilities; has taught special education; and has therapy experience with traumatized children. She has enjoyed 10 years in the Orthodox faith.

Carla Harris is the mother of one, and holds a BA in Sociology, with an emphasis in elementary education. She has 8 years elementary teaching experience, and serves as a Level I catechist. She has enjoyed 5 years in the Orthodox faith.

Kate VanderLaan holds a BA in Liberal Arts, and has 6 years cumulative experience as a former youth group leader. She is the Administrative Assistant for Catechesis, and serves as a Level I catechist. She has enjoyed 5 years in the Orthodox faith.