Committed to Excellence in All Areas
Lorraine Paruzzolo
Lorraine has been a Catholic Educator for 40 years, serving both as an Elementary and High School Principal, Educational Consultant, Campus Ministry Coordinator, Learning Support Service Coordinator, Academic Advisor, and Teacher. She has a Masters Degree in Religious Education from Loyola University, Chicago, and a Bachelor of Education from UBC. Lorraine & her husband Renato are parishioners of Saint Clare of Assisi Parish.
Susan Kelly
Susan came to St. John Paul II Academy in September of 2018 with 10 years experience as an Administrative Assistant at St. Thomas More Collegiate. As a lifelong advocate for Catholic Education, Susan has served on education committees at the elementary and high school levels. Susan, her husband and children were all educated in the Catholic school system.
Anne Boyle
Modern Languages Teacher
Anne was born and educated in Ireland before moving to B.C to continue her teaching career. She worked at Holy Cross High School and Southridge Independent School. Anne recently returned from Hong Kong where she spent six years teaching French at the Canadian International School. She is passionate about learning languages and loves to share this interest with her students.
Bernadette Yuson
Humanities Teacher
Bernadette grew up in Victoria, BC, where she attended the University of Victoria. She previously taught English Literature and Language in the United Kingdom for 4 years. Upon returning to Canada, she worked as an Educational Assistant in Victoria. Bernadette has been a Humanities teacher at St. John Paul II Academy since 2020.
Mark Wilkie
Mark lives in South Surrey with his wife, Sabrina, and three children. After completing his education at UBC and St. Mark's College, he spent 13 years working at Little Flower Academy. This is his second year teaching at Saint John Paul II Academy. Mark has been competitively involved in Track & Field and Cross Country for most of his life.
Vincent Tighe
Science/Math Teacher
Vincent is a Science and Mathematics teacher with a Doctorate in Medicine, Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology, and certificates in Health Services Management. He then held various management roles in the automotive and motorsports industries before switching to a teaching career in 2018, where he was a Teacher On Call for Vancouver College and Holy Cross High School.
Jessica Cichos
Humanities/Fine & Performing Arts Teacher
Jessica was born and raised in Port Coquitlam. Before deciding on a career in education, she studied Music Performance at both Douglas College and Vancouver Community College. After completing her Bachelor of Music, Jessica decided to complete a Bachelor of Education at Simon Fraser University so she could share her passion for music, history, and stories with students.
Cindy Akyuz
Science, Mathematics Teacher/ Athletic Director
Cindy is a Physics and Mathematics teacher, as well as a Professional Engineer, with a Bachelor of Engineering in Aerospace, Masters in Business Administration in Finance, and Bachelor of Education in High School Mathematics and Physics. Cindy worked for more than 14 years as an engineer and in various management roles for the Aerospace and Simulation industry, before switching to a teaching career in 2010.
Patty Emry
Patty, as a competitive skier, went to University in Washington State and proceeded to graduate from Central Washington University. Patty began her teaching career at St. Anthony's, then spent six years at Little Flower Academy, followed by Crofton House School, where she was a Department Head and Athletic Director and was instrumental in building innovative programs both in Physical Education and Athletics.
Aleli Perez
Learning Support Services Coordinator
Aleli has been working in the catholic school system for more than 13 years supporting and teaching students with exceptionalities. She is one of the first teachers at St. John Paul II Academy and currently works as the Learning Resource Support Services Coordinator. She attended Douglas College and Simon Fraser University.
Anthony Walters
Humanities/Career Education Teacher
From the Seminary of Christ the King, to SFU, to Trinity Western (MA in Educational Leadership), Tony is a life-long learner. He has taught for over 26 years at both the elementary and secondary levels. He is one of the 'Originals' here at SJP2, currently teaching courses as varied as Christian Education 9 and Drones 12.
Darlene Slobodian
Darlene started her career as an Early Childhood Education Assistant working in a Montessori preschool. In pursuing her passion she decided to continue her education graduating with an Education Assistant Diploma. Darlene is in her second year at Saint John Paul II Academy. She is excited to work in the Learning Support Services department.
Manuela Heleno
Educational Assistant
Manuela is a Para Educator with over 20 years experience. She worked in the Toronto Catholic District School Board. She has also worked as a nurse in both Toronto and Vancouver where she specialized in the Extended Health Unit. This is her second year working at SJPII Academy. Manuela has three daughters and a son and resides in South Surrey.
Colleen Girvin
Colleen worked in the Richmond School District before joining Saint John Paul II Academy four years ago. Colleen is a member of Good Shepherd Parish and lives in South Surrey with her husband and seven children. Colleen feels blessed to be part this school community and participates in many areas of school life.
Rita Hernandez
Rita was born in Mexico City and later moved to Canada to start a life with her husband and three children. She has a BA in Economy, an EA certificate and a Behaviour Science certificate. Rita has worked as an EA for 16 years, which has allowed her to broaden her experiences and sikills as a passionate EA. This is Rita's second year at SJPII Academy.
Morgan O'Flynn
working in the Nelson Diocese. In lieu to her experience as a CEA, Ms. O'Flynn brings her experience in athletics coaching Volleyball for the second year at Saint John Paul II Academy. Morgan has a deep love for nature and enjoys spending time outdoors with her dog Berkeley.
Join SJPII Academy
Become Part of Our Faculty
If you are serious about teaching in the Catholic intellectual tradition, in helping to form intentional servant leaders for our community and church, and are interested in expanding Catholic education in South Surrey, we would like to hear from you.
A new education curriculum
Learn more about our academics and programs guiding students in the pursuit of truth, beauty and goodness in the Catholic intellectual tradition
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We offer financial aid
St. John Paul II Academy strives to ensure access to Catholic education for as many families as possible.
A Campus for 21st Century Learning
Our New Campus
Work is now underway to build the school's new campus. Join us in this great endeavour to expand Catholic education in South Surrey. Guarantee your spot today for a future place at the school.