Faculty & Staff

Mr. Jon Bishop is entering his eighth year of teaching and is proud to call STA home. He joined the faculty at STA in the 2023-24 school year. Originally from Wilmington, Massachusetts, he attended Assumption College for his undergraduate education and holds master’s degrees from Salem State University and the University of St. Thomas in Houston.

Outside of teaching, Mr. Bishop is a writer and poet. At STA, he co-advises the Improv Club and also leads the Ethics Club. He lives in Rochester with his family.

Brittany Castillo teaches AP Environmental Science, Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, and Forensics. She began working at STA in 2020 and is also a graduate of the Class of 2009. She is originally from Epping and currently lives in Dover.

Brittany holds a Master’s degree in Theology and Ministry from Boston College and a Bachelor’s degree from Colby College in Biology, with a concentration in Neuroscience, and Religious Studies. She serves as the head Cross Country coach and enjoys running, hiking mountains, and traveling with her family.

Her favorite part of working at STA is teaching dedicated, driven students who love learning.

Jude Clymer is a teacher in the Mathematics Department at STA. He began teaching during the 2024–2025 academic year after receiving his Master’s degree in Philosophy from Boston College. Prior to that, he lived in California, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from UCLA.

In addition to teaching mathematics, Jude enjoys touring art museums and historic churches, discussing theology and philosophy, and attending classical concerts and symphonies. The aspect of STA he appreciates most is the warm sense of community shared by everyone at the school.

Judy Coffey serves as the afternoon cafeteria proctor and joined STA in 2024 after retiring from a career in radiation protection. She has lived in the New Hampshire Seacoast area since attending UNH after high school.

She enjoys watching STA basketball and volleyball games. Her favorite part of working at STA is interacting with students—especially when they stop by to try to answer Mr. Hippern’s Question of the Day.

Leah Cosgrove works in the Counseling Department at STA as one of the School Counselors and serves as the Testing Coordinator, overseeing the PSAT, SAT, and AP programs. She began working at STA in January 2023 after previously working in higher education. Originally from Durham, New Hampshire, she continues to reside in the Seacoast area. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Oral Roberts University and is currently working toward her master’s degree.

In addition to her role in the Counseling Department, Leah coaches the reserve girls’ basketball team and assists with the summer league. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, learning new board games, and taking on organization projects. Her favorite part of working at STA is developing meaningful relationships with students and families while using her God-given gifts in her daily work.

Jessica Cummings is a member of the Mathematics Department at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. She graduated from Fairfield University with a Bachelor of Science degree and a dual major in Mathematics and Social Work. She is an alumna of STA’s Class of 2008 and began working at STA during the 2017–18 school year.

Jessica is a lifelong resident of the Seacoast and currently lives in Dover, New Hampshire. She enjoys experiencing all four seasons that New Hampshire has to offer. Her interests include attending sporting events, baking, watching Hallmark movies, and all things Disney.

At STA, she serves as the head coach of the Girls’ Varsity Tennis team, works the scorebox at hockey games, and can often be found cheering on STA athletes. She also enjoys attending school plays and concerts. Her favorite part of the STA community is the support and respect everyone shows one another; she describes it as a true family.

Drew Cunningham is an English teacher and the Fine Arts Department Chair. He joined STA in 2023 after moving to the region from southern Ohio. Drew holds a B.A. in Philosophy from Transylvania University, a B.A. in English Education from Shawnee State University, and an M.A. in English from Bowling Green State University. He is currently completing his M.S. in Library and Information Science at Simmons University.

In addition to teaching, Drew serves as the Theater Director at STA and is an avid musician. His favorite parts of the STA community are the wonderful students and his fellow faculty and staff members.

Mr. Demos joined the faculty of St. Thomas Aquinas in the fall of 2019 and has been teaching physics since 2005. He earned his B.A. in Physics from the University of Maine. After graduating, he worked as a program manager and research engineer for a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) company conducting aerospace and re-entry composite materials research for the Department of Defense, with additional work in materials science and radio frequency technology.

At STA, Mr. Demos teaches AP Physics C: Mechanics, Honors Physics, CP Physics, and Introduction to Electrical Engineering. He also serves as the lead mentor for the St. Thomas Aquinas FIRST Robotics Team, the Robosaints. He has over twenty years of teaching experience, serves on the board of directors for the Maine Science Teachers Association, and holds a General Class FCC ham radio license.

Outside of school, he directs and arranges music for his own 18-piece big band, performs jazz on electric and upright bass, builds analog electronic music synthesizers, and enjoys sailing and scuba diving. Mr. Demos deeply appreciates the support of the STA community and the opportunity to explore a wide variety of research projects with students.

Brenda Foster is the Registrar and Attendance Officer at St. Thomas Aquinas. A native of Biddeford, Maine, she currently resides in Rollinsford, New Hampshire, and began working at STA in 2010.

She attended Boston University, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Manufacturing Engineering. Brenda spent 20 years working in the semiconductor and defense industries before transitioning into education at St. Mary Academy and St. Thomas.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband of more than 35 years, her three grown children and two sons-in-law, and her two grandchildren. She also enjoys working out and attending spin classes. Her favorite part of St. Thomas is interacting with students daily and witnessing their growth over four years.

Erin Gauthier serves as STA’s Registered Nurse and joined the team in 2019. She grew up in Kittery, Maine, attended nursing school in Virginia, and has been a resident of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, for over twenty years.

Erin is passionate about comforting students who are feeling unwell and helping them make choices that maximize their health and wellness. She works diligently to manage barriers that could potentially inhibit a student’s access to education and advocates as needed to ensure all students have the opportunity to meet their potential. She also co-teaches STA’s Healthy Stress Management Club, where students learn strategies that can last a lifetime.

In her downtime, Erin enjoys live music, Jeep drives to the beach, yoga and Pilates, hiking in the fall, and snowboarding in the winter. She values feeling truly appreciated as both a professional and a community member at STA and especially appreciates being able to incorporate faith and service into daily school life.

Mr. Bill Green began his second career in teaching in 2003 and joined the STA Mathematics Department for the 2021–2022 school year. He has taught courses ranging from Algebra I to BC Calculus, teaches the Honors Pre-Calculus summer course, and supports faculty in the use of technology in the classroom.

After graduating from Harvard College with a degree in Applied Mathematics, he worked as a consultant in the computer field across industries including banking, retail, manufacturing, insurance, and healthcare. He later earned his master’s degree in Education from Lesley College.

Originally from New York, Mr. Green raised his family in Massachusetts and now resides in Dover, New Hampshire. An avid traveler, he has visited all 50 states, 10 Canadian provinces and one territory, and much of the European Union. His favorite thing about STA is the students’ positive attitude and sense of responsibility for their work.

Robert Hippern has been with STA since 2018. He serves as a cafeteria monitor and is a proud alumnus of the Class of 1985. He graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology and retired after a career with the Department of Corrections.

An avid hockey fan and player, Mr. Hippern was captain of the STA hockey team and also played in college. He continued playing for over fifty years. His favorite part of his job at STA is interacting with the students, whom he describes as polite, kind, and respectful.

Mr. Ron Holtz teaches Honors and AP Biology as well as Biotechnology and Advanced Genetics. He began teaching at St. Thomas in 1985. Originally from the Hartford, Connecticut area, he currently resides in Farmington, New Hampshire.

He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Connecticut in 1984 and completed his Master of Education in Administration in 1998. Mr. Holtz co-moderates the Gardening Club and enjoys woodworking, landscaping, supporting UConn athletics, and watching his grandsons play soccer, basketball, and baseball.

His favorite thing about teaching at St. Thomas is working with wonderful students, including the children of former students, and seeing alumni return to join the faculty.

Patrick Hureau is a Social Studies instructor and the Varsity Girls’ Soccer Coach. An alumnus of the Class of 2003, he returned to his alma mater in 2018 to teach and coach.

Mr. Hureau earned both his Bachelor’s degree in History and his Master’s degree in Secondary Education from the University of New Hampshire. In addition to his passion for teaching and athletics, he enjoys traveling and scuba diving in his free time.

Mrs. Jessica Johnson joined STA in the 2023–2024 school year as an English teacher. She brings experience teaching grades 4–12 and previously served in the Diocese of Dallas, Texas.

Mrs. Johnson earned her undergraduate degree from Iona University, where she was also a Division I swimmer. She completed her Master of Education through the University of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) program, earned Special Education certification through Notre Dame’s Program for Inclusive Education (PIE), and later received her Master’s in Administration through the University of Notre Dame’s Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program.

She grew up in Derry, New Hampshire, and now lives in the Seacoast area with her husband and cats. She previously moderated the Pep Club and currently serves as moderator of the All-Girls Debate Club.

Kelleigh Kennedy-MacInnis teaches chemistry and serves as the Chair of the Science Department. She is an alumna of STA’s Class of 2008. She went on to study chemistry at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, earning her B.S. in 2012, and later earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Biophysics from Brandeis University in 2017. Her doctoral research focused on identifying novel spider toxin inhibitors of ion channels.

Kelleigh began working at STA in 2021. She grew up in Dover and continues to live there with her husband and their two sons. She enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach or pool, and doing puzzles. Her favorite thing about working at STA is the strong sense of community.

Jacob Lamontagne began working at St. Thomas Aquinas High School during the 2025-26 school year as the French teacher. He graduated from Saint Anselm College with a Bachelor’s degree in French. Raised in southern Maine by his proud Franco-American family, he now lives there again after moving back from France.

He has restarted STA’s French Club and is excited to share his passion for the French language and Francophone culture with students. Outside of teaching, he enjoys hiking New Hampshire’s 4,000-footers, developing film in his darkroom, and experimenting with different coffee beans to brew the perfect espresso.

His favorite thing about STA is the school’s holistic approach to education, which nurtures both students’ minds and souls.

Ms. Alexandra Landrigan joined St. Thomas Aquinas High School as Director of Campus Ministry in the fall of 2025. She is from the Seacoast area and continues to call it home.

She earned degrees in Theology and Catechetics from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Ms. Landrigan is excited to walk with students as they grow in faith and friendship. She hopes Campus Ministry will be a place where every student—regardless of personal faith background—feels seen, known, and loved, and where they can encounter the love of Jesus in a real and personal way.

Her relationship with God is a great source of joy. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and reading at local coffee shops. She looks forward to continuing to get to know the students and community at STA.

Ashley Leighton is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire, where she earned her B.S. in Athletic Training. She is a Board Certified and New Hampshire State Licensed Athletic Trainer and has been at St. Thomas Aquinas since 2013, serving as Athletic Trainer and Assistant Athletic Director. She has been involved in sports or emergency medicine since 2004.

Ashley began her career as an EMT with a volunteer fire department while still in high school and spent nearly ten years in emergency medicine. She grew up as a competitive dancer and played basketball in grade school. After graduating from Coe-Brown Northwood Academy, she attended New Hampshire Technical Institute, earning an A.S. in Travel & Tourism and returning to basketball. After an injury, she began coaching at Coe-Brown and later with the AAU program Seacoast Thunder before focusing on her studies at UNH. She still enjoys practicing with the STA volleyball teams whenever possible.

Ashley lives in Strafford, New Hampshire, where she grew up. In her free time, she enjoys crafting and runs her own Etsy shop, “Leighton Creat’N.”

Mr. Dan Limauro joined the St. Thomas Aquinas High School Mathematics Department for the 2021–2022 school year. Since then, he has taught Algebra I, Algebra II, Statistics CP, and AP Statistics.

A proud alumnus of the Class of 2005, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Business from Clemson University in 2009, specializing in Professional Golf Management. Born and raised in Durham, New Hampshire, Mr. Limauro now resides in Berwick, Maine, with his wife, Rebecca (Class of 2005), and their daughter, Emily.

In addition to teaching, he coaches the coed golf team and serves as faculty advisor for the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Club. He is an avid golfer and maintains active membership with the PGA of America.

Mr. Enrique López began working as a Social Studies teacher at STA in 2023. A lifelong resident of New England, he attended Providence College and Brandeis University.

Before teaching Social Studies, Mr. López worked as a Therapeutic Counselor, a HiSET teacher, and a Spanish teacher. At STA, he leads the Model U.N. Club. Outside of school, he enjoys biking, hiking, rock climbing, writing, and spending time at the archery range.

President

Since December 2022

Get to know Mr. Marquis:

As President, Paul serves as the Chief Academic Officer and directly oversees all matters of the faculty, curriculum, student development and scheduling of the School.

Paul joined the St. Thomas Aquinas Chemistry and Physics faculty in 2016 and was named Principal in 2020. He most recently was appointed President in 2022. Mr. Marquis is a dynamic leader who, in his many varied roles, responsibilities, and experiences, is well-known for creating a culture of respect among students, families, and communities. He has over 25 years of teaching experience and has held positions in Maine and New Hampshire.

Also a highly acclaimed former high school coach, Paul has earned over 200 victories in basketball and 100 wins in soccer. He also has successful coaching experiences in baseball, softball and tennis. He guided his teams to state, regional and conference championships along with numerous sportsmanship awards.

Along with noted achievements in bringing innovative new technology into the classroom, Paul has served in the Knights of Columbus as a Deputy Grand Knight and Treasurer.

Paul holds his academic degree in Biochemistry from the University of Maine, also attending Campbell University and the University of South Carolina.

Andrew McNabb joined STA during the 2025-2026 academic year as a theology teacher. He previously taught at St. Dominic Academy in Maine and is now swapping one group of Saints for another. A lay Dominican and latecomer to the teaching profession, Andrew is also a well-published writer of fiction, memoir, and poetry.

He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst and New York University. Andrew and his wife have four grown children and live in Portland, Maine.

Dave Morissette serves as the Director of Athletics at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, where he oversees all aspects of the school’s athletic programs. This includes managing more than 25 sports, coordinating coaches and support staff, and ensuring the development and well-being of student-athletes and athletic facilities. With more than 80% of STA students participating in athletics, Dave is passionate about fostering a strong and supportive athletic culture.

Dave joined St. Thomas Aquinas in August 2021. Prior to that, he spent 16 years at Rivier University in Nashua, New Hampshire, where he held multiple roles, including Assistant Athletic Director, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Head Softball Coach, and Head Cross Country Coach. He also previously served as Assistant Athletic Director and Head Men’s Basketball and Softball Coach at Notre Dame College in Manchester, New Hampshire, and briefly acted as Director of Athletics.

In addition to his administrative and coaching experience, Dave has been an active official with the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association (NHIAA), the New Hampshire Lacrosse Officials Association (NHLOA), and New Hampshire Board 32 IAABO Basketball Officials. He earned his Master’s degree in Sports Science from the United States Sports Academy and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Plymouth State University. Dave resides in Exeter, New Hampshire, with his wife, Kristen, and their two sons, Cody and Joshua.

Steve Morrison serves as the Director of Admission at STA. He began working at STA in 2023 and is a proud alumnus of the Class of 1993. His connection to STA spans generations—both of his parents attended STA, and his son graduated with the Class of 2025. He is originally from Dover, New Hampshire, where he currently resides.

Steve attended Assumption University, where he earned his degree in History and Secondary Education. Outside of work, he enjoys sports and watching his children play. His favorite thing about working at STA is the people—faculty, staff, and students.

Erin Murphy teaches Spanish and serves as Chair of the World Language Department. She first joined STA in 1993, left in 2000 to raise her family, and returned in 2006. For much of her career, she has taught both French and Spanish.

Erin grew up in Rye, New Hampshire, and currently lives in Eliot, Maine. She graduated from STA in 1986 and earned her B.A. in International Relations from Tufts University. She also studied abroad in Aix-en-Provence, France, where she traveled throughout Europe and strengthened her language skills.

She currently leads the Life Skills Club and teaches a Winterterm course titled Preparing for College. Erin enjoys exploring new places with family and friends. Her favorite thing about working at STA is the strong sense of community.

Alexis Nadeau began working at STA during the 2025–26 school year as a Science teacher, where she teaches STEM and Biology. Originally from Massachusetts and now happily rooted in Dover, she studied Biochemistry at Saint Anselm College.

When she is not in the classroom, Alexis can often be found gardening or arranging flowers. She also enjoys cooking, baking, camping under the stars, and browsing local shops. At STA, she is especially excited to co-lead the Gardening Club with Mr. Holtz and to share her love of nature’s small wonders.

Her favorite part about joining STA is returning to a close-knit community, where she hopes to spark curiosity and delight in all things living.

Dr. Mike Orlando serves as the Principal of St. Thomas Aquinas High School and brings over twenty years of experience in teaching and educational leadership. He began his career as a Spanish teacher and has served as World Languages Department Chair and Assistant Principal before becoming Principal at STA in 2023.

Dr. Orlando earned his B.A. in Spanish Language and Literature from Saint Anselm College, with minors in Secondary Education and Latin American Studies. He holds an M.A. in Hispanic Literature and Culture from Simmons University and a Doctorate in Education from Northeastern University, focusing on Curriculum, Teaching, Leadership, and Learning, with an emphasis on teacher professional learning in Catholic secondary schools.

He is also an avid baseball umpire and has made appearances at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in 2022 and 2025. He greatly values the supportive and caring community at STA.

Ms. Mary Pate began working as an English teacher in 2010. She currently serves as English Department Chair, Professional Development Coordinator, and Teaching & Learning Coordinator.

A New Hampshire native, she attended the University of New Hampshire for all of her degrees, including her M.A. and M.S.T. Ms. Pate enjoys card making and scrapbooking and brings her creativity into her classroom lessons and activities.

She appreciates the STA community, which allows her to continue honing her craft as an educator.

Virginia “Ginny” Rolfe joined the St. Thomas Aquinas High School Spanish Department for the 2024-2025 school year. She earned a B.A. in Music and a Master’s degree in the Art of Teaching Spanish from Salem State University. Originally from Massachusetts, she has lived in Exeter, New Hampshire, for seven years.

Mrs. Rolfe previously taught at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School in Massachusetts and also taught Music in Catholic schools, serving as a choir director and cantor for various churches. Her hobbies include music, English history, and cross-stitching. When she is not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her granddaughter, her husband, and her energetic dog.

Her favorite part of teaching at STA is her students.

John Rolleri joined STA during the 2024-25 school year as a Science teacher and Yearbook moderator. Originally from Millville, Massachusetts, he now resides in Exeter, New Hampshire.

He earned two bachelor’s degrees from Saint Anselm College, one in Applied Physics and one in Computer Science with Mathematics, and later obtained a Master’s degree in Applied Physics, specializing in Soft Matter Physics, from the University of Massachusetts Boston.

Outside the classroom, John enjoys hiking and photography. He values the supportive and close-knit atmosphere at STA and appreciates how students and faculty actively support one another both inside and outside the classroom.

Mr. Matt Salito is originally from Trumbull, Connecticut, where he attended Fairfield College Preparatory School. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Philosophy from Wake Forest University, his Juris Doctor from New England Law | Boston, and his Master’s in Education in Secondary Social Studies from Fairfield University.

He joined the faculty at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in the 2022–2023 academic year and has taught U.S. History, Introduction to the Law, Civics, and Sociology. He also serves as a moderator of the Student Advisory Board. Outside of school, he co-hosts a weekly trivia game at Dwyer’s Pub in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and plays lead guitar in a Boston-based Dave Matthews tribute band.

Mr. Salito lives in Eliot, Maine, with his wife, Meaghan (Class of 2006), and their two children. He enjoys attending concerts, playing live music, cheering for Boston sports teams, and watching films. He especially values being part of the STA community and appreciates the impact the school has on its alumni, as well as the unique opportunities offered through Winterterm.

Dr. Julie Schneider is the Director of School Counseling and Student Services. She began working at STA in the fall of 2021 and has been a valued member of the leadership team since that time. Raised in Scituate, Massachusetts, she is a lifelong New Englander and now lives in York, Maine, with her husband and two daughters.

Dr. Schneider is a Licensed Psychologist. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island in 1992 and her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from UMass Boston in 1999. At STA, she works directly with students as a School Counselor, oversees the Counseling Department, and collaborates closely with the Principal and President as part of the Leadership Team.

She loves to read and travel and has explored Central and South America, Europe, Australia, and Nepal. She also enjoys skiing, running, hiking, and going to the beach. Her favorite things about working at STA are the amazing community and the opportunity to serve in a school with strong values that help students grow not only as scholars but as the best versions of themselves.

Zach Snow began teaching English at St. Thomas Aquinas in 2024. Though born in North Carolina, he grew up in Stratham, New Hampshire, and is excited to work in a school community close to home. He studied English and Psychology at Marist College and later earned his Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Southern California, specializing in English Education.

At STA, Mr. Snow leads the Writing Club and coaches the Girls’ Varsity Basketball team, combining his love of language and athletics. In his free time, he can often be found on the basketball court, playing guitar, reading, or writing. His favorite part of working at STA is the supportive and friendly community of colleagues and students.

Heather Soldner has served as one of STA’s School Counselors since 2022. Originally from Meredith, New Hampshire, she has always loved New England’s seasons—especially autumn—but chose to settle in the Seacoast area because of her love for the ocean.

A proud alumna of Assumption University, she earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees there, completing a Master’s in Counseling Psychology. Before becoming a School Counselor, Mrs. Soldner worked in Campus Life at the collegiate level and later as a psychotherapist in community mental health settings.

She serves as moderator for the school’s chapter of National Honor Society and The Green Bandana and coordinates Winterterm programming. Her favorite things about STA are the vibrant community and the annual International Service Trips. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, paddleboarding, and spending time with family.

Stephanie Stockwell has been teaching art at St. Thomas Aquinas since the 2022-2023 school year. She earned her degree in Art Education from Brigham Young University–Idaho and brings a passion for creativity and student-centered learning into her classroom.

She specializes in drawing and watercolor painting but enjoys exploring a variety of media with her students. Stephanie believes every student has a unique artistic voice and strives to create a welcoming environment where students can take risks, develop new skills, and build confidence in their abilities.

Mrs. Julie Verde is a Math teacher and Math Department Chair at STA where she has been since August 2015. She grew up in Concord, New Hampshire, and now resides in Barrington, New Hampshire, with her husband and their three children.

She graduated from Alfred University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ceramic Engineering and a minor in Mathematics. Before becoming a teacher, she worked in engineering and project management roles at Corning, Inc.

Mrs. Verde co-leads the Healthy Stress Management Club and enjoys cheering on STA athletes at basketball games and cross country and track meets. She enjoys camping, gardening, walking on the beach, spending time at the lake, kayaking, cross-country skiing, sewing, and craft projects. Her favorite part of STA is the community and the relationships she builds with students, families, and colleagues, as well as opportunities for faith and programs like Winterterm.