Creating Future Leaders

In this episode, the Pastor, Principal, and Finance Director share their perspectives and expertise surrounding the excellent quality Catholic education offered at St. Theresa Catholic School.  Father Parks, St. Theresa Pastor and alumnus, talks about the history of the parish and his personal connections and family legacy at the parish and school.  Jenny Zander shares her professional background and how she has been welcomed into the community, not just as the preschool director turned principal, but also as a parent.  Together, Father Parks and Mrs. Zander have a vision to provide a loving, holistic educational experience for children while forming them in faith and service.  Mollie Malovoz, Director of Finance and Operations, shares her approach with families who want to learn about the tax credit scholarships unique to Arizona that makes private education possible for any family that seeks educational options for their children.  To learn about tax credit donations and scholarships and more about St. Theresa Catholic School, tune in to this podcast!

In this episode, Rose Defer shares her personal history as an alumnus of St. Vincent de Paul and the role the school has played in her life and the lives of her family members.  As a Catholic school graduate, parent, and employee, Rose's perspective is inspiring and motivating for anyone considering Catholic education or looking for a school to invest in.  With plans for opening the new building on campus this spring, the curriculum and activities will offer more opportunities for students.  Rose also shares her experiences as a tax credit contributor and discusses how she helps families understand how to afford Catholic elementary school and high school.  Listen to learn more about Rose, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School, and the tax credit scholarships and contributions that change lives.

In this episode Jacquie Kennedy describes the academic, spiritual, and athletic excellence of St. Mary’s High School and the 100+ year legacy of St. Mary’s impact on Phoenix and the world through its alumni. Jacquie compares the availability of Catholic education in Arizona with her professional experiences in New York and California, revealing that tax credit legislation and scholarships in Arizona work to close the achievement gap in ways other states do not. She talks about the impact of Catholic schools on communities and the importance of Catholic education being for the underserved rather than the elite, as she has seen in other parts of the country. Jacquie also provides information on the application process and how to experience St. Mary’s through student shadow days and scheduled visits to campus. Listen to learn more about St. Mary’s.

In this episode Father Fred Adamson talks about his role in the diocese, which includes leadership in many areas including oversight of the Catholic Schools Office.  His support of and involvement in Catholic education goes back more than 20 years when he was an associate at St. Theresa in Phoenix.  He shares his memories of being involved in the school as well as his leadership role in the Diocese of Phoenix for the last 17 years.  Father Fred shares with Nancy his memories of when tax credit legislation came into being in Arizona and the origins of the Catholic education tax credit organization, CTODP, which eventually became Catholic Education Arizona.  Learn more by enjoying stories and memories from Father Fred about Catholic education, Arizona tax credits, and charitable giving.

In this episode Mary Jo Wahlers shares her own history and perspective regarding Catholic schools from Wisconsin to Arizona and her journey as student, parent, volunteer, and Director of Advancement. Mary Jo talks about the history of the parish and school and the 50-year leadership of principal Sister Raphael Quinn as a significant reason for the school’s success and many legacy families. Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral School works with families in a diverse community to make the admissions and scholarship application process manageable. She also shares the importance of educating the community on tax credit scholarships that are unique to Arizona. Educating families on how to apply for scholarships as well as individual and corporate contributors who build those scholarship funds is an important part of her role. Listen to learn more about Ss. Simon and Jude School and Arizona tax credit tuition programs.

In this episode Jill Platt shares news on the exciting campus projects at Notre Dame Prep. While the existence of Catholic education is being threatened in other parts of the country, Catholic schools in Arizona, such as Notre Dame Prep, are building and planning for growth. With a focus on the arts, completion of a hall, new classroom space, and restrooms/locker rooms near the field, the vision of expansion is moving forward. Due to strong community support, successful alumni support, and organizations like CEA, NDP can build for the future. Tax credit scholarships make Catholic education affordable and accessible, and Notre Dame Prep is eager to make it possible for families who seek a quality, Catholic education focused on forming students mind, body, and spirit. Jill talks about the entrance exam coming up on January 9th, and the admissions process for the 21-22 school year. Listen in and be inspired by Jill Platt’s leadership and vision.

In this episode, Deb Preach interviews Kevin Strayton about his involvement in the Catholic Education Arizona scholarship application process for the last 23 years.  Kevin Strayton’s company, FAIR, works with scholarship organizations and schools throughout the country.  His knowledge of school choice programs nationally and the uniqueness of Arizona’s tax credit programs provide listeners with an understanding of why Catholic education in Arizona is affordable to any family that seeks it. He also explains why every family should apply for scholarships.  Kevin explains the application process and shares how the application has changed over the years to be easier and more relevant to the needs of families.  If you’re not sure if you should apply for a scholarship through CEA or wonder if you can afford a Catholic education, Deb and Kevin will enlighten you.

In this episode, Matthew Gonzales talks about laying the groundwork and opening St. John Paul II Catholic High School from the beginning with Principal Sister Mary Jordan Hoover and Curriculum Director/Teacher Sister Mary Brigid Burnham.  The legacy of the Nashville Dominicans adds a unique dimension to the education offered at St. JPII, found nowhere else in Arizona.  With the growth in the west valley, St. John Paul II also has plans to expand. This year’s seniors will be the first class to graduate from the brand new state-of-the-art facility, and Matthew looks forward to welcoming new families and teaching them all about the accessibility and affordability of Catholic education through Arizona’s tax credit scholarships.  Listen to learn more and be inspired by the story of the newest Catholic high school in the Diocese of Phoenix!

In this episode, Nancy Padberg interviews Paul Mulligan about ways Arizona taxpayers can choose to direct part of their Arizona taxes to benefit philanthropic organizations.  Both Catholic Charities and Catholic Education Arizona operate with the help of state tax credits.  Not all taxpayers are aware of their options to contribute to private school scholarships through CEA and foster care, veterans, and other programs through Catholic Charities with a simple redirection of the taxes they owe the state anyway, in the end, costing them nothing.  Dollar-for-dollar tax credits and stacking tax credits are explained in this inspiring podcast.

In this episode, Nancy Padberg interviews Deb Preach, veteran tax credit expert, about Arizona’s Private Education Tax Credit program, more specifically the Individual Tax Credit available to any Arizona taxpayer with a tax liability.  New Arizona residents may not be aware of this unique opportunity, which came into law 23 years ago, to support school choice and private education for families who desire it.  Tax credit programs make private education accessible and affordable, and CEA is a leader in school tuition organizations in Arizona.