St. Anthony of Padua - Our School's Patron Saint
Born: 1195 in Lisbon, Portugal Died: June 13th, 1231 Canonized: 1232
St. Anthony's wealthy family wanted him to be a great nobleman, but for the sake of Christ he became a poor Franciscan. When the remains of Saint Bernard and his companions, the first Franciscan martyrs, were brought to be buried in his church, Anthony was moved to leave the Augustinian Order, enter the Friars Minor, and go to Morocco to evangelize when he was 26 years old. Shipwrecked in Sicily, he joined some other brothers who were going to Portiuncula. He lived in a cave in San Paolo leaving only to attend Mass and sweep the nearby monastery. One day when a scheduled speaker failed to appear, the brothers pressed him into speaking. He impressed them so that he was thereafter constantly traveling, evangelizing, preaching, and teaching theology through Italy and France. A gifted speaker, he attracted crowds everywhere he went, speaking in multiple tongues; legend says that even the fish loved to listen. One of the most beloved of saints, his images and statues are found everywhere. Simple and resounding was his teaching of the Catholic Faith, so that the most unlettered and innocent might understand it. Pope Pius XII proclaimed him a Doctor of the church on January 16, 1946. St. Anthony was canonized less than one year after his death at the age of 36. St. Anthony is best known for his patronage of seekers of lost articles. Few people know that he is the patron of many other causes. He is the patron against shipwrecks, against starvation, American Indians, amputees, animals, Brazil, the elderly, expectant mothers, faith, faith in the Blessed Sacrament, fishermen, harvests, mail, mariners, oppressed people, poor people, Portugal, sailors, starving people, sterility, travel hostesses travelers, the Tigua Indians and of course, St. Anthony of Padua Church in Fresno, California.
Our Shepherds
The Most Reverend James S. Wall
The Most Reverend James S. Wall
The Most Reverend James S. Wall
Fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Gallup
Fr. Dan Kassis
The Most Reverend James S. Wall
The Most Reverend James S. Wall
Our School Chaplain
Pastor - St. Rita Catholic Church
Fr. Isaac
The Most Reverend James S. Wall
Fr. Isaac
Superintendent of Schools
Diocese of Gallup
Board of Trustees
Robert J. Higgins - Founder & Board President
Robert J. Higgins - Founder & Board President
Robert J. Higgins - Founder & Board President
Bob Higgins has been with St. Anthony's from the start and has been the school's Board President since 1997. From 1996 until the school began, he helped raise funds to begin the school. In 2006 the school began with 34 students in pre-k through 1st grade. A grade was added each year until we had our first graduating class in 2014. Mr. Hi
Bob Higgins has been with St. Anthony's from the start and has been the school's Board President since 1997. From 1996 until the school began, he helped raise funds to begin the school. In 2006 the school began with 34 students in pre-k through 1st grade. A grade was added each year until we had our first graduating class in 2014. Mr. Higgins is the former Presiding Judge for Navajo County Superior Court and is now the Pinetop Justice of the Peace. He has a Masters Degree in English from Arizona State University and a Bachelors Degree and Law Degree from Santa Clara University. He and his wife Laura have lived in the White Mountains since 1994 and raised their three daughters, Annie, Molly and Madeline here.
Donna Moore
Robert J. Higgins - Founder & Board President
Robert J. Higgins - Founder & Board President
Donna Moore and her husband Ed have lived in the White Mountains and have been avid parishioners with St. Rita's Catholic Church since 2003. They previously worked in the aerospace industry. Donna is a member of the Legion of Mary, she is the Adoration Coordinator, and helps out in the church office in many capacities. Donna & Ed are a
Donna Moore and her husband Ed have lived in the White Mountains and have been avid parishioners with St. Rita's Catholic Church since 2003. They previously worked in the aerospace industry. Donna is a member of the Legion of Mary, she is the Adoration Coordinator, and helps out in the church office in many capacities. Donna & Ed are are very involved in the parish and help out with the annual Fiesta each year. They were Mayordomos for the Fiesta in 2012 & 2015. Donna has been a board member for St. Anthony School since 2011.
Ray Hubbard
Robert J. Higgins - Founder & Board President
Ray Hubbard
Ray and his family have lived in the White Mountains for 9 years. He completed his Bachelors of Science Secondary Education in Physical Education from the University of Arizona. He has a Masters Degree in Education Leadership from Northern Arizona University. He has been involved with St. Anthony School since 2013, through coaching Volle
Ray and his family have lived in the White Mountains for 9 years. He completed his Bachelors of Science Secondary Education in Physical Education from the University of Arizona. He has a Masters Degree in Education Leadership from Northern Arizona University. He has been involved with St. Anthony School since 2013, through coaching Volleyball and chaperoning on school field trips. His daughter is an alumni student at St. Anthony School.
Walter Yosin
New Board Member
New Board Member
Board Member
New Board Member
New Board Member
New Board Member
Coming Soon
Our Principal
Bryan Yorksmith, M.A.Ed.
Bryan grew up in the White Mountains and was a graduate of Blue Ridge High School in 1988. He completed his Bachelors of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from the University of Arizona. He has a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. Bryan has a passion for Catholic education and has been involved with St. Anthony School since 2003. His four children are all alumni students of St. Anthony School.
Heidi Sturm - Business Manager
Jennifer Butterbrodt Development Director
Jennifer Butterbrodt Development Director
Mrs. Sturm was born and raised in Tucson, AZ. She attended St. Cyril School and Salpointe Catholic High School. She is a graduate with distinction from the University of Arizona with a BS in Business Administration. Upon graduation, Mrs. Sturm accepted a position with Allstate Insurance where she progressed to a senior level manager posit
Mrs. Sturm was born and raised in Tucson, AZ. She attended St. Cyril School and Salpointe Catholic High School. She is a graduate with distinction from the University of Arizona with a BS in Business Administration. Upon graduation, Mrs. Sturm accepted a position with Allstate Insurance where she progressed to a senior level manager position. She left Allstate after 17 years to relocate to the beautiful White Mountains with her husband and family. Mrs. Sturm kept busy with the local MOMS Club chapter and her young children and then became involved with St Anthony School as a parent when it opened in 2006, and then as a board member and an employee. Both of her children are proud
graduates of St. Anthony School.
Jennifer Butterbrodt Development Director
Jennifer Butterbrodt Development Director
Jennifer Butterbrodt Development Director
Jennifer was born and spent her early childhood in the White Mountains. She was young athlete on the Sunrise Ski Team where she learned how to work hard on and off the slopes. She became an alumni from Arcadia Highschool in Scottsdale and later graduated from The University of Arizona. After college, Jennifer met the love her life, Matt a
Jennifer was born and spent her early childhood in the White Mountains. She was young athlete on the Sunrise Ski Team where she learned how to work hard on and off the slopes. She became an alumni from Arcadia Highschool in Scottsdale and later graduated from The University of Arizona. After college, Jennifer met the love her life, Matt and together they became 2013 Ironman finishers, married at The Whispering Pines Resort and became loving parents to their two children. Her professional career has been in sales management in the power tool business working alongside The Home Depot. In her role as a Director of Sales she was dedicated to her Home Depot account, sales results, employee development, and operations. Her skills gained along the way will assist in her in her new role at St. Anthony School as the Director of Development. In her new role, she will oversee the school’s fundraising efforts and successful completion of the Capital Campaign.
Tiffany McFall-Hubbard - PIP Lunch Director & Front Office Assistant
Tiffany McFall-Hubbard - PIP Lunch Director & Front Office Assistant
Tiffany McFall-Hubbard - PIP Lunch Director & Front Office Assistant
Tiffany McFall is a lifelong resident of Arizona. She graduated from Canyon Del Oro High School in Oro Valley AZ. She attended the University of Arizona.
Prior to moving to the White Mountains she was the executive director of The Country Club of La Cholla in Tucson an exclusive retirement community.
She has been involved with St. Anthon
Tiffany McFall is a lifelong resident of Arizona. She graduated from Canyon Del Oro High School in Oro Valley AZ. She attended the University of Arizona.
Prior to moving to the White Mountains she was the executive director of The Country Club of La Cholla in Tucson an exclusive retirement community.
She has been involved with St. Anthony School since 2013. Her daughter is an alumni and is attending NAU.
Laura Higgins - WMTSF & Community Service Director
Tiffany McFall-Hubbard - PIP Lunch Director & Front Office Assistant
Tiffany McFall-Hubbard - PIP Lunch Director & Front Office Assistant
Laura Higgins, along with her husband Bob, has been part of St. Anthony’s since this wonderful school was just a vision. She hoped their three girls would be able to attend St. Anthony’s, but from “vision to fruition” always takes longer than hoped. Molly, their second daughter DID graduate from college with a BA in English Literature
Laura Higgins, along with her husband Bob, has been part of St. Anthony’s since this wonderful school was just a vision. She hoped their three girls would be able to attend St. Anthony’s, but from “vision to fruition” always takes longer than hoped. Molly, their second daughter DID graduate from college with a BA in English Literature so taught English in the St. Anthony’s junior high for 3 years!
Laura finds herself immersed in St. Anthony’s scholarship program, the school’s community service program and more after leaving as Navapache Regional Medical Center’s Foundation Director. Before moving to the White Mountains with Bob and their three girls, Laura grew up in Phoenix, attended the U of A, graduated with a degree in journalism education, was a high school teacher and worked as a stock broker for The Northern Trust and Prudential Securities. After her love of God and her family, St. Anthony’s is her passion. She thanks God every day for Bob’s vision, for this wonderful community who has supported the school and our great principal, faculty and staff.
Our Outstanding Educators
Christina Verdugo - PK
Sarah Castillo - Kindergarten
Sarah Castillo - Kindergarten
Mrs. Verdugo was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ and has been a resident of the White Mountains since 2001. She and her husband have raised a family here and love the outdoors. Mrs. Verdugo worked for a non-profit organization called Arizona Youth Partnership for 10 years in Navajo and Apache County. She worked with youth facilitating
Mrs. Verdugo was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ and has been a resident of the White Mountains since 2001. She and her husband have raised a family here and love the outdoors. Mrs. Verdugo worked for a non-profit organization called Arizona Youth Partnership for 10 years in Navajo and Apache County. She worked with youth facilitating healthy relationship education in 6th – 12th grades. She found that she had a passion for working with youth. Mrs. Verdugo started teaching for St. Anthony in 2015 and loves being able to help children reach their academic goals and foster their relationships with God.
Sarah Castillo - Kindergarten
Sarah Castillo - Kindergarten
Sarah Castillo - Kindergarten
Mrs. Castillo has lived in the White Mountains with her husband for over 35 years. She has a Bachelors of Arts Degree from NAU. She is a highly qualified teacher with an endorsement in English as a Second Language, Early Childhood Education and is a Reading C.L.I.P trained specialist. She has taught on the Apache Reservation for over 30
Mrs. Castillo has lived in the White Mountains with her husband for over 35 years. She has a Bachelors of Arts Degree from NAU. She is a highly qualified teacher with an endorsement in English as a Second Language, Early Childhood Education and is a Reading C.L.I.P trained specialist. She has taught on the Apache Reservation for over 30 years. She was Navajo County Teacher of the Year and a top 5 candidate for State Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Castillo works hard to enrich children’s lives with the Goodness of God and the successes of an academic education.
Sr. Lisa - 1st Grade
Sarah Castillo - Kindergarten
Sr. Lisa - 1st Grade
Sister Lisa is a member of the League of the Blessed Sacrament. She was born and raised in Northern California but moved to Oregon for college. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Bible/Theology and Journalism from Multnomah University and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies and Pastoral Counseling/Psychology from Multnomah Biblical
Sister Lisa is a member of the League of the Blessed Sacrament. She was born and raised in Northern California but moved to Oregon for college. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Bible/Theology and Journalism from Multnomah University and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies and Pastoral Counseling/Psychology from Multnomah Biblical Seminary. She has been working with kids in both educational and ministry settings for the past 25 years and has a passion for well rounded and holistic education. She loves to help students grow academically, socially, and spiritually.
Marie Avalos - 2nd Grade
Terry Burchett - 3rd Grade
Terry Burchett - 3rd Grade
Ms. Avalos is an Arizona native. She grew up in Winslow and attended the University of Arizona. She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Family Studies and Human Development. She spent 15 years working in the fields of Social Work and Human Services. During that time she facilitated many youth groups and taught youth development classes. Ms.
Ms. Avalos is an Arizona native. She grew up in Winslow and attended the University of Arizona. She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Family Studies and Human Development. She spent 15 years working in the fields of Social Work and Human Services. During that time she facilitated many youth groups and taught youth development classes. Ms. Avalos has 1 child attending St. Anthony School and 1 alumni student. Her love of working with, supporting, and empowering children has led her to pursue a career in teaching. She looks forward to helping cultivate youth in their academics as well as in their faith.
Terry Burchett - 3rd Grade
Terry Burchett - 3rd Grade
Terry Burchett - 3rd Grade
Mrs. Burchett was born and raised in Iowa and attended Coe College and received a
Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education and teaching certificate in both elementary and secondary education. She taught in a Catholic elementary school in Dallas, Texas which included coaching and providing afterschool programs. Mrs.
Burchett obtained a
Mrs. Burchett was born and raised in Iowa and attended Coe College and received a
Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education and teaching certificate in both elementary and secondary education. She taught in a Catholic elementary school in Dallas, Texas which included coaching and providing afterschool programs. Mrs.
Burchett obtained a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from University of Iowa and worked as a counselor in Iowa and Arizona with families, children, and adolescents. The majority of her career was spent working in law enforcement focusing on children and adolescents in crisis, as well as, teaching classes at the elementary and junior high level.
Mrs. Burchett is extremely excited and honored for the opportunity to teach at St. Anthony’s School. Her ultimate goal is for each student to learn about the love of God, their Catholic faith, and to find success throughout their educational journey.
Carrie Jones - 4th Grade
Terry Burchett - 3rd Grade
Carrie Jones - 4th Grade
Mrs. Jones moved to the White Mountains in the first grade and graduated with honors from Blue Ridge High School. After high school she graduated from The University of Arizona on the Dean's list with a bachelors in veterinary science. She married her high school sweetheart after college and they have 3 sons. She enjoys spending ti
Mrs. Jones moved to the White Mountains in the first grade and graduated with honors from Blue Ridge High School. After high school she graduated from The University of Arizona on the Dean's list with a bachelors in veterinary science. She married her high school sweetheart after college and they have 3 sons. She enjoys spending time with her family hiking, canyoneering, boating, repelling and watching family movies. She has been teaching at St. Anthony School since 2016.
Robert Wisniewski - 5th Grade
Stephanie LaBlanc - Jr. High Science, History, and Religion
Stephanie LaBlanc - Jr. High Science, History, and Religion
Robert Wisniewski, AKA "Coach Wiz", is a United State Air Force Vietnam Veteran who returned to college and received a Bachelors Degree in English, a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership, and currently pursuing Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Mr. Wisniewski has also coached baseball, football, wrestling, golf, and girls softball
Robert Wisniewski, AKA "Coach Wiz", is a United State Air Force Vietnam Veteran who returned to college and received a Bachelors Degree in English, a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership, and currently pursuing Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Mr. Wisniewski has also coached baseball, football, wrestling, golf, and girls softball at the high school level. He is a veteran teacher who is absolutely thrilled to be teaching in a Catholic environment, where students will thrive in God's love and prepare for an exciting future.
Stephanie LaBlanc - Jr. High Science, History, and Religion
Stephanie LaBlanc - Jr. High Science, History, and Religion
Stephanie LaBlanc - Jr. High Science, History, and Religion
Ms. LaBlanc graduated from Chico State with a BA in Liberal Studies and a minor in Environmental Science. While at Chico State she obtained her Multi-Subject K-8 teaching credential and holds her cleared credential in both California and Arizona. Her previous Catholic school experience included teaching 4th grade and establishing a new Jr
Ms. LaBlanc graduated from Chico State with a BA in Liberal Studies and a minor in Environmental Science. While at Chico State she obtained her Multi-Subject K-8 teaching credential and holds her cleared credential in both California and Arizona. Her previous Catholic school experience included teaching 4th grade and establishing a new Jr High science program and teaching math while she served as Athletic Director and was part of the Administration team. She received her catechesis certification through Notre Dame allowing her to formally instruct student catechesis. Her public school experience includes teaching 3rd, 4th and 5th grade however she looks forward to returning to a Catholic School setting as it allows for the ability to teach the whole child. She especially excited to teach science where she eager to incorporate many of her multidisciplinary certifications especially with Project Wild and Project Learning Tree into her classroom. With her love of science and history she is excited to kick off the 24-25 school year here at Saint Anthony.
Ms. LaBlanc resided in Show Low for a brief time and attended Show Low Intermediate and Jr High Schools and is excited to be back in the White Mountains with her two children.
Brother Edward - Jr. High Math and 7th Grade Religion
Stephanie LaBlanc - Jr. High Science, History, and Religion
Brother Edward - Jr. High Math and 7th Grade Religion
Brother Edward is a part of the Brothers of the Blessed Sacrament https://www.sacramentleague.com/thebrothers
He was born and raised in southern California. He has felt the call to priestood since the age of 7. Brother Edward attended Thomas Aquinas College and received a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in philosophy and theology a
Brother Edward is a part of the Brothers of the Blessed Sacrament https://www.sacramentleague.com/thebrothers
He was born and raised in southern California. He has felt the call to priestood since the age of 7. Brother Edward attended Thomas Aquinas College and received a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in philosophy and theology along with a minor in math. He also studied with the Archdiocese of Los Angelas for 4 years and then entered relgious life. He taught at St. Sebastians for a year before his order made the move to St. Johns, AZ.
Steffanie Garguilo - Jr. High Language Arts and Religion
Steffanie Garguilo - Jr. High Language Arts and Religion
Steffanie Garguilo - Jr. High Language Arts and Religion
Mrs. Garguilo graduated Cum Laude from Northern Arizona University in 1996 with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education, and a content emphasis in Early Childhood Education. She taught second grade for two years in Mohave County and then moved to Phoenix, where she taught third grade for two years. In 2002, Mrs. Garguilo and her fam
Mrs. Garguilo graduated Cum Laude from Northern Arizona University in 1996 with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education, and a content emphasis in Early Childhood Education. She taught second grade for two years in Mohave County and then moved to Phoenix, where she taught third grade for two years. In 2002, Mrs. Garguilo and her family moved to the White Mountains where she put teaching on hold to stay home and be a full-time mom. Even before becoming a teacher at St. Anthonys, Steffanie was working hard to help the school grow by volunteering and really getting the word out to our community about the school and the quality education that it provides. She is certified by the Arizona Department of Education to teach K-8 and has over 17 years of teaching experience.
Samaria Burnette - P.E. & Jr. High Special Classes
Steffanie Garguilo - Jr. High Language Arts and Religion
Steffanie Garguilo - Jr. High Language Arts and Religion
Samaria graduated as Valedictorian from Dishchii' Bikoh Community School and received a B.A. in Exercise Sciences from Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO. Samaria specialized in Leadership Enrichment & Development. She completed her Internship in Cibecue, AZ teaching K-6th grade. This will be Samaria's fourth year teaching and coaching
Samaria graduated as Valedictorian from Dishchii' Bikoh Community School and received a B.A. in Exercise Sciences from Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO. Samaria specialized in Leadership Enrichment & Development. She completed her Internship in Cibecue, AZ teaching K-6th grade. This will be Samaria's fourth year teaching and coaching at St. Anthony School. Samaria also coaches multiple sports at St. Anthony School.
Br. Gio - Campus Minister and Jr. High Specials Teacher
Steffanie Garguilo - Jr. High Language Arts and Religion
Br. Gio - Campus Minister and Jr. High Specials Teacher
Bro. Gio, a member of the League of the Blessed Sacrament, grew up in Southern California and is fluent in various languages. In 2012, he entered the seminary to study for the priesthood and earned a bachelor's degree with a double major in philosophy and theology from Holy Apostles College and Seminary.
He furthered his education pursuing
Bro. Gio, a member of the League of the Blessed Sacrament, grew up in Southern California and is fluent in various languages. In 2012, he entered the seminary to study for the priesthood and earned a bachelor's degree with a double major in philosophy and theology from Holy Apostles College and Seminary.
He furthered his education pursuing Masters degrees in theology, philosophy, divinity, and pastoral counseling from St. John's Seminary. Bro. Gio also completed Clinical Pastoral Education at the Children's Hospital in Los Angeles, deepening his ability to provide compassionate care and support.
Bro. Gio taught religion and science in a Catholic school in California, and math at a school specifically designed for victims of domestic violence.
Br. Eric - Art
Br. Anthony - Music
Br. Anthony - Music
Bio coming soon...
Br. Anthony - Music
Br. Anthony - Music
Br. Anthony - Music
Brother Anthony is a member of the League of the Blessed Sacrament. https://www.sacramentleague.com/gettoknowus
He was born in San Diego and was raised in Japan and Southern California. During his time in Japan, he nurtured a love for music by learning to play the piano. As his family moved back to Southern California, Br. Anthony desired
Brother Anthony is a member of the League of the Blessed Sacrament. https://www.sacramentleague.com/gettoknowus
He was born in San Diego and was raised in Japan and Southern California. During his time in Japan, he nurtured a love for music by learning to play the piano. As his family moved back to Southern California, Br. Anthony desired to pursue a career in music as a concert pianist. After high school, he attended the University of Redlands and received a Bachelor of Music in Keyboard Performance. During his time at Redlands, Br. Anthony also studied organ, choral conducting, and sang in the Chapel Singers. Before he graduated from college, Br. Anthony felt called to be a priest and he entered seminary after graduation. He later received a Masters in Philosophy with a concentration in systematic philosophy.
Geraldine Ryan
Geraldine Ryan
Geraldine Ryan
K-1 Aide Instructional Aide
Agnes Miller
Geraldine Ryan
Geraldine Ryan
2-5 Instructioinal Aide
April Schneider
Geraldine Ryan
April Schneider
PreK Aide