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
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 Vol
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 and attends NAU.
Walter & Alysia Yosin
Walter & Alysia Yosin
Walter & Alysia Yosin
Board Member
Dylan Baca
Walter & Alysia Yosin
Walter & Alysia Yosin
Dylan Baca is a citizen of the Navajo Nation and the White Mountain Apache Tribe. He serves as Chairman of the Indigenous Peoples’ Initiative Board of Trustees and is a Udall Scholar at Columbia University, where he studies Political Science and American Studies.
Dylan has led national and regional efforts to advance Indigenous policy pr
Dylan Baca is a citizen of the Navajo Nation and the White Mountain Apache Tribe. He serves as Chairman of the Indigenous Peoples’ Initiative Board of Trustees and is a Udall Scholar at Columbia University, where he studies Political Science and American Studies.
Dylan has led national and regional efforts to advance Indigenous policy priorities, including supporting environmental cleanup, infrastructure development, and tribal recognition efforts. As Chair of the Arizona Human Trafficking Prevention Committee, he expanded public education campaigns and improved interagency coordination on trafficking prevention.
In his role with the Indigenous Peoples’ Initiative, Dylan advises tribal leaders, state officials, and federal policymakers on pressing issues affecting Native communities. He has also worked on high-level campaigns and legislative strategy, managed regional political operations, and helped negotiate major intergovernmental agreements.
He currently resides in New York City and enjoys playing golf and spending time with his dog, Sunny. Dylan is a St. Anthony School Alumni student.
Mallorie Sturm
Walter & Alysia Yosin
Mallorie Sturm
Mallorie Sturm grew up in Show Low, AZ, and is an alumnus of St. Anthony School, graduating in 2016. She was a member of the first pre-k class when the school opened in 2006 and was the first student to go through all of the grades at St. Anthony’s. She attended Show Low High School and graduated in 2020. In 2024, Ms. Sturm graduated Mag
Mallorie Sturm grew up in Show Low, AZ, and is an alumnus of St. Anthony School, graduating in 2016. She was a member of the first pre-k class when the school opened in 2006 and was the first student to go through all of the grades at St. Anthony’s. She attended Show Low High School and graduated in 2020. In 2024, Ms. Sturm graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an English as a Second Language Emphasis. While at the University of Arizona, Mallorie was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority, which taught her great leadership and life skills. Ms. Sturm is a highly qualified teacher, licensed by the State of Arizona to teach K-8. She is a fourth grade teacher at a charter school in Gilbert, Arizona, and has been at that school for two years. She enjoys visiting Show Low and coming back to St. Anthony’s to substitute occasionally and to help out whenever she can.
Our Principal
Bryan Yorksmith, M.A.Ed.
Bryan is a lifelong resident of Arizona's White Mountains and a graduate of Blue Ridge High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Arizona and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. He is a state-licensed teacher and administrator and a Certified Catechetical School Administrator through the Diocese of Gallup. He is also the Director of Religious Education for St. Rita's Catholic Church in Show Low, AZ. Mr. Yorksmith has been part of the St. Anthony Catholic School community since 2003 and has served as principal since 2012. Prior to becoming principal, he taught fourth grade at St. Anthony's and was on the board before that. As principal, he oversees all aspects of school leadership, including academics, finances, personnel, technology, facilities, and strategic planning. He has successfully guided the school through two accreditation cycles and played a key leadership role in the capital campaign and development of St. Anthony's new school facility, opening for the 2026–2027 school year.
A passionate advocate for Catholic education, Mr. Yorksmith is committed to helping students grow academically, spiritually, and morally with Christ at the center of their education. He and his wife are proud parents of four children, all graduates of St. Anthony Catholic School.
Heidi Sturm Business Manager
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.
Stephanie McCarthy Front Office Assistant
Ms. McCarthy was raised in northeastern Illinois before moving to the White Mountain area in 1996. She attended St. Johns High School and Arizona State University. She has a BA in Organizational Leadership - Project Management and a Masters Degree in Human Resources and Employment Law. Ms. McCarthy has over 25 years of professional exp
Ms. McCarthy was raised in northeastern Illinois before moving to the White Mountain area in 1996. She attended St. Johns High School and Arizona State University. She has a BA in Organizational Leadership - Project Management and a Masters Degree in Human Resources and Employment Law. Ms. McCarthy has over 25 years of professional experience she brings with her to St. Anthony's. Ms. McCarthy serves St. John the Baptist parish in St. Johns, and San Rafael parish in Concho, as the parishes' secretary, a CCD teacher, sacristan, choir member, and member of both parish finance councils and the parish pastoral council. She is also a member of the Legion of Mary and serves as the secretary for the Santa Mariae Praesidium and the Our Lady Mediatrix of all Graces Curia. She felt a call to become more involved in serving the Catholic faith and found St. Anthony's provided such an opportunity.
Laura Higgins - WMTSF & Community Service Director
Laura Higgins - WMTSF & Community Service Director
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.
Josh Edwards - Development Director
Laura Higgins - WMTSF & Community Service Director
Driven by a commitment to faith, family, and service, Josh Edwards brings a unique blend of education, entrepreneurship, and grassroots fundraising to St. Anthony Catholic School. A White Mountains resident since 2012, he served as a Title I aide and multi-sport coach at Mogollon Junior/Senior High School, where he became deeply involved
Driven by a commitment to faith, family, and service, Josh Edwards brings a unique blend of education, entrepreneurship, and grassroots fundraising to St. Anthony Catholic School. A White Mountains resident since 2012, he served as a Title I aide and multi-sport coach at Mogollon Junior/Senior High School, where he became deeply involved in the local school community. Professionally, Josh has launched local businesses, supported communications and fundraising initiatives for entrepreneurial ventures, and contributed to outreach efforts for regional nonprofits, most recently Heber’s Raise the Flag 250 project. He views St. Anthony as a vital regional anchor and looks forward to cultivating a culture of stewardship to ensure the school’s Catholic mission thrives for generations to come.
Roger Miller - Facilities Manager
Roger Miller - Facilities Manager
Roger Miller was born in England in 1967 and began a distinguished career of service when he enlisted in the United States Army in 1985. After more than 23 years of dedicated military service, he retired from the Army in 2008. Continuing his commitment to lifelong learning, Mr. Miller earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Purdue University
Roger Miller was born in England in 1967 and began a distinguished career of service when he enlisted in the United States Army in 1985. After more than 23 years of dedicated military service, he retired from the Army in 2008. Continuing his commitment to lifelong learning, Mr. Miller earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Purdue University Global in 2023. Mr. Miller and his wife are proud parents of three sons, all of whom are graduates of St. Anthony Catholic School. As a longtime supporter of Catholic education, he is excited to serve the school community as Facilities Manager and help maintain a safe, welcoming, and well-cared-for campus for students, staff, and families.
Outside of work, Mr. Miller enjoys spending time outdoors and can often be found boating, fishing, hunting, scuba diving, or enjoying time at the beach with family and friends.
Jerry Moran - Project Manager
Roger Miller - Facilities Manager
Jerry Moran became involved with St. Anthony Catholic School in 2011 when his two children enrolled as students. Inspired by the school's mission and community, he joined the Board of Trustees in 2012 and quickly became one of the school's most dedicated volunteers and leaders.
Over the years, Jerry has played a vital role in strengthening
Jerry Moran became involved with St. Anthony Catholic School in 2011 when his two children enrolled as students. Inspired by the school's mission and community, he joined the Board of Trustees in 2012 and quickly became one of the school's most dedicated volunteers and leaders.
Over the years, Jerry has played a vital role in strengthening the school's financial stability, helping to improve fundraising efforts and eliminate debt. In 2019, he helped launch the vision for St. Anthony's new school facility and has been deeply involved in its planning, design, budgeting, and development. Since construction began in 2025, he has served as the school's Building Project Manager, helping turn a decades-long dream into reality. Through his leadership, expertise, and countless hours of service, Jerry has made an immeasurable impact on St. Anthony Catholic School and its future.
Our Outstanding Educators
PreK - Christina Verdugo
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's in 2015 as our 5th grade teacher and has recently taken over our state licensed Prekindergarten program. She loves being able to help children reach their academic goals and foster their relationships with God.
Kindergarten - Sarah Castillo
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 licensed with state of Arizona 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. She is a certified catechist with the Diocese of Gallup.
1st Grade - Angela Schahn
Mrs. Schahn graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science in Education and has spent 29 years in elementary education, teaching kindergarten for 14 years and second grade for 15 years. Her family moved to the White Mountains in 2003, where they have raised two children and built strong roots in the community. She is excited to begin her journey at St. Anthony's and looks forward to growing in faith while fostering meaningful relationships with God and those around her.
2nd Grade - Marie Avalos
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. Her love of working with, supporting, and empowering children has led her to pursue a career in teaching. Ms. Avalos has been an elementary teacher for St. Anthony's for 10 years and all of her kids have attended our school. She continues to help cultivate youth in their academics as well as in their faith in an engaging classroom environment. She is a certified catechist with the Diocese of Gallup.
3rd Grade - Faith Jessup
Mrs. Faith Jessup is passionate about Catholic education and helping children grow academically, spiritually, and personally. She earned her bachelor's degree in education and has been actively involved in the St. Anthony Catholic School community for many years as both a parent and educator. After completing her first year of teaching at St. Anthony Catholic School, Mrs. Jessup has quickly become a valued member of our faculty. Her dedication to student success, strong faith, and nurturing approach help create a classroom environment where students feel supported, challenged, and encouraged to reach their full potential. Mrs. Jessup is also a certified catechist with the Diocese of Gallup and is committed to integrating faith into all aspects of learning. She considers it a privilege to help students grow in their relationship with Christ while developing the knowledge and skills they need for future success.
4th Grade - Emily Klein
Mrs. Emily Klein brings more than 20 years of elementary education experience to St. Anthony Catholic School and is excited to join our faculty as the Fourth Grade Teacher. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a Science Specialization from Arizona State University and has taught in both traditional and virtual classroom settings throughout Arizona. Most recently, she served as a K–5 educator, grade-level lead, and math interventionist with Arizona Virtual Academy, where she supported students and families while providing engaging academic instruction. Throughout her career, Mrs. Klein has been recognized for her strong communication with parents, commitment to student success, and dedication to helping children reach their full potential.
Mrs. Klein and her husband have a special connection to St. Anthony Catholic School. Their family includes a St. Anthony alumnus, and their daughter will be entering sixth grade at St. Anthony this year. As both an educator and parent, Mrs. Klein values the faith-filled, family-centered environment that makes St. Anthony such a special place. She is looking forward to partnering with families and helping her students grow academically, spiritually, and personally throughout the school year.
5th Grade - Carrie Jones
Mrs. Carrie Jones has called the White Mountains home since first grade and is a proud graduate of Blue Ridge High School, where she graduated with honors. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Science from the University of Arizona, graduating on the Dean’s List. After college, she married her high school sweetheart, and together they have raised three sons.
Mrs. Jones enjoys spending time with her family and taking advantage of the beauty of the White Mountains through hiking, canyoneering, boating, rappelling, and family movie nights. She has been a valued member of the St. Anthony Catholic School faculty since 2016 and has dedicated the past ten years to helping students grow academically, spiritually, and personally. As a certified catechist with the Diocese of Gallup, Mrs. Jones is passionate about fostering a Christ-centered learning environment where every child is encouraged to reach their God-given potential.
Jr. High History, Science, and Religion - Terry Burchett
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's ultimate goal is for each student to learn about the love of God, their Catholic faith, and to find success throughout their educational journey. Mrs. Burchett is a certified catechist with the Diocese of Gallup and is deeply involved in the parish community of St. Rita's Catholic Church.
Jr. High Math and Religion - Doug Sturm
Mr. Sturm spent his early childhood up and down the East Coast until 1976 when he and his family moved to Tucson, AZ. He attended Sabino High School and the University of Arizona where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1987. Mr. Sturm worked for Honeywell Aerospace as a gas turbine engineer for 17 years and then for Salt River Project as a power plant engineer at Coronado Generating Station in St. Johns, Arizona for 22 years. Mr. Sturm has been an avid supporter of St. Anthony School for a long time. His daughters Mallorie and Rachel are both proud graduates of St. Anthony's, attending from PK through 8th grade. He has also been a member of the Knights of Columbus since 2009, the largest Fraternal Order of Catholic Men in the world, where he has held numerous officer positions. He recently 'retired' and decided he wanted to 'give back' to the school that his daughters attended and where his wife Heidi has volunteered/worked since the school opened. He is now a certified catechist with the Diocese of Gallup. In his spare time, Mr. Sturm enjoys camping, cooking, fishing, golfing, gardening, beaching, scuba diving, and... MATH!
Jr. High Language Arts and Religion - Steffanie Garguilo
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. Anthony's, 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 a highly qualified teacher, a certified catechist with the Diocese of Gallup, and is licensed by the state of Arizona to teach K-8 with over 20 years of teaching experience.
P.E. & Jr. High Special Classes - Samaria Burnette
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 seventh year teaching and coaching at St. Anthony Catholic School. She coaches multiple sports and is a certified catechist with the Diocese of Gallup.
Music & Art- Cambria Quinn
Ms. Cambria Quinn is an Arizona native and is excited to be serving as St. Anthony Catholic School's Music and Art Teacher. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Music from Northern Arizona University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University. She is a highly qualified educator licensed by the State of Arizona and brings a passion for both teaching and the arts to her classroom. She is also a certified catechist with the Diocese of Gallup. Over the years, Ms. Quinn has worked in a variety of educational settings, including serving as a music teacher where she was able to combine her love of working with children with her passion for music. She has been part of the St. Anthony Catholic School community for over five years and is thrilled to continue sharing her gifts with our students through music, creativity, and faith-filled learning experiences. Ms. Quinn's connection to St. Anthony is also personal. Her son attended St. Anthony Catholic School for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten, and the positive impact the school had on their family inspired her desire to serve our school community. She feels blessed to be a part of the St. Anthony faculty and looks forward to helping students discover their God-given talents while fostering a love for the arts.
Geraldine Ryan
Geraldine Ryan
Geraldine Ryan
Teacher Aide
Agnes Miller
Geraldine Ryan
Geraldine Ryan
Lunch Coordinator
Chloe Yorksmith
Geraldine Ryan
Chloe Yorksmith
PreK Teacher Aide