Board and Faculty

Margaret Weir-Sangalli brings a lifetime of experience, integrity, and servant leadership to her role as Chair of the Board of Directors at Blessed Sacrament Academy. A retired Certified Financial Planner® with a distinguished career at Vanguard, Margaret served high-net-worth and institutional clients with wisdom, care, and a deep commitment to ethical practice. She regularly advised boards and leadership teams, helping them navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and prudence. She now brings that same commitment to financial transparency and accountability to her role in Catholic education, ensuring that every resource entrusted to the Academy is stewarded faithfully.

A devout Catholic and a well-traveled student of the world, Margaret studied abroad in Spain and holds a degree from a Lutheran university, which she insists is more Catholic in spirit than most Jesuit-run institutions. Her sharp wit, deep faith, and love for truth make her a formidable advocate for authentic Catholic education. She also expresses her joy in the created world through hiking, gardening, and quiet evenings at home with her husband and their beloved cat, Patch.

Margaret is a generous neighbor and a faithful friend to many. Since retiring, she has poured her time and energy into serving others, particularly the children of Concho, Arizona, where she has been a dedicated volunteer at the annual Christmas in Concho event, ensuring no child is forgotten during the season of giving.

Her leadership at Blessed Sacrament Academy reflects her belief in classical Catholic education, the dignity of every child, and the need for clear and trustworthy governance. Margaret is committed to fostering a school where faith, reason, virtue, and community flourish together. Her service is not just administrative, it is deeply personal and rooted in her vocation to love God and serve His people.

Criss E. Candelaria, a native of Concho, Arizona, is a retired attorney whose career spanned nearly four decades of service to the people of Northern Arizona. After graduating from Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law, Criss earned his law license in 1985 and quickly became known for his steadfast dedication to justice. His legal work focused primarily on family and criminal defense law, where he brought compassion, fairness, and deep local insight to every case. Throughout his professional life, he earned the trust of those he served through honest counsel, a steady presence, and genuine care for his clients and their well-being.

Criss comes from a long line of community-minded individuals. His father, Cristobal Policarpio Candelaria, served in the Korean War and later became a respected postmaster and rancher in the Springerville and Concho areas. Criss inherited from his father not only a deep love for this corner of Arizona, but also a strong work ethic, a commitment to serving others, and a heart rooted in faith. He was raised in the Catholic tradition and continues to live that faith today, attending Mass regularly and supporting his local parish. His Catholic identity is not just a personal devotion but a guiding force behind much of his public and private life.

Even in retirement, Criss remains active in his community. Friends and neighbors know him as someone who is always willing to lend a hand or offer guidance. Whether volunteering at local events, giving free legal advice when someone is in need, or simply being a voice of wisdom and encouragement, Criss continues to impact the lives of those around him. His humility and generosity are traits that leave a lasting impression on everyone he meets.

Criss E. Candelaria is a man who has lived a life of integrity, service, and faith. He has seen the best and worst of humanity through his legal career and has never lost sight of the dignity of each person. His presence in the Concho community is a quiet but powerful reminder that justice, charity, and faithfulness to God are not just ideas to be spoken, but values to be lived.

Meredith Marks is a seasoned registered nurse who brings a wealth of clinical experience, leadership, and spiritual conviction to her role at Blessed Sacrament Academy. Originally from California, Meredith has spent most of her career in the field of infectious disease, where she has served in various leadership roles including new graduate RN preceptor, charge nurse, and nurse manager for several specialty departments. She has a strong passion for guiding and teaching others, and is known for her steady presence and deep commitment to excellence in care.

Her work during the COVID-19 pandemic was a defining moment in her life. As a front-line nurse, Meredith experienced the crisis from the inside, witnessing the challenges and ethical dilemmas that tested both the healthcare system and individual conscience. This period strengthened her resolve to pursue truth without compromise and led her to reevaluate her priorities. In time, she stepped back from her professional career to focus more fully on her family, her faith, and her call to serve the Church in new ways.

Meredith is a devoted wife and the mother of three children. She views motherhood as her highest calling and believes that her most important job is to lead her family to Heaven, bringing as many souls with her as possible. Her approach to parenting is rooted in prayer, truth, and the example of the saints. She sees each day as an opportunity to form her children in virtue and to live out the Gospel through word and deed.

She is a courageous defender of what is right and just, and she does not hesitate to stand up for those who cannot stand for themselves. Meredith often reminds others that we were made for these times and that Catholics are called to live boldly and faithfully no matter the cost. Her strength of character, shaped by years of service and trial, brings a grounded and principled voice to every conversation.

Stacey Scott brings a unique blend of compassion, professionalism, and faith to her role on the board of Blessed Sacrament Academy. A certified pharmacy technician for 26 years, Stacey has dedicated much of her life to the healthcare field, offering care and precision in a role that demands both. In addition to her medical background, she is also a successful small business owner, balancing the challenges of entrepreneurship with grace and determination. Her real-world experience and steady leadership make her a valuable voice in our mission to form students in both intellect and virtue.

Her greatest joy, however, is being a full-time mom. Stacey sees motherhood not just as a responsibility, but as a sacred calling. She is deeply involved in the lives of her children, guiding them with patience, love, and faith. She brings this same maternal warmth to her interactions with other families in the community. Whether she is helping out at school functions or encouraging another parent through a difficult time, Stacey shows up with sincerity and strength, always ready to serve.

Known for her kindness and generosity, Stacey has a heart that is always open to others. She is the first to offer a helping hand, the first to greet someone with a smile, and the last to complain when things get hard. Her life is marked by quiet acts of charity that speak louder than words. She believes deeply in the power of love, community, and faith, and she lives those beliefs in everything she does. Her humility and joy are a quiet witness to the values we strive to cultivate in our students.

As a member of the board, Stacey is committed to upholding the mission of Blessed Sacrament Academy and supporting its continued growth. She understands the importance of forming not just minds, but souls. Her voice brings insight, encouragement, and clarity to the conversations that shape the future of our school. With her decades of experience, unwavering faith, and deep love for families, Stacey Scott is a blessing to our academy and to everyone who knows her.

Coming Soon.

Ann Bunn brings decades of life experience, a strong Catholic faith, and a joyful spirit to her role as Academy Secretary. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from York College of Pennsylvania and also studied at the University of Maryland and Notre Dame of Maryland. For many years, she served as the parish secretary at Holy Infant Catholic Church in York, Pennsylvania, where her love for the Church and commitment to education were clearly seen. She has also taught CCD and is an active member of the Legion of Mary.

Ann’s professional background is broad and filled with dedication. She has worked in a variety of roles including truck loader, waitress, cleaning lady, teacher, and media producer. After raising her two sons, both of whom served as infantry Marines during wartime, Ann began a 20-year career as an Auditor for Medicare contracts with Florida Blue. She also worked briefly as a TSA agent and spent time in the student loan industry. Her steady work ethic and strong sense of duty are matched by her care for others and her devotion to her family.

Now living in Arizona, Ann is a valued member of the Concho community. She volunteers regularly at the St. Lawrence Thrift Store and spends much of her time helping those in need. A devoted wife of 44 years, mother of two, and proud grandmother of nine, Ann lives her faith with sincerity, humility, and joy. Her presence at Blessed Sacrament Academy is a true gift to students, staff, and families alike.

With a lifetime of hard work, humility, and service behind him, John Bunn brings unmatched experience and heart to his role as Campus Operations Coordinator. He has been married for 44 years and is a proud father of two sons, both Marine Corps veterans. John embodies the virtues of faith, duty, and quiet strength.

His professional background spans over four decades and includes 15 years in the hazardous waste treatment industry, where he served as a plant operator, truck driver, maintenance man, maintenance supervisor, and first shift supervisor. He successfully implemented a comprehensive maintenance plan and managed planning for incoming waste, inventory, and raw material orders.

John also spent over 10 years running his own full-time home improvement business. He has worked as a traveling Notary Public in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Arizona, and spent 13 years with California Closets installing custom closet systems. For three years, he completed warranty work for a manufactured home company, ensuring each job was handled with care and precision.

A former tree climber and lifelong handyman, John is also an amateur beekeeper and an avid observer of all God’s creatures, a title he considers his favorite. Whether repairing equipment, tending his bees, or simply admiring the beauty of creation, John brings attention, respect, and joy to everything he does.

John is known not only for his generosity and constant willingness to help, but also for being a good and loyal friend. He is a true renaissance man and a daily blessing to the Blessed Sacrament Academy community.

Edward Sangalli is a seasoned educator and lifelong learner whose joy for life is contagious. With a distinguished teaching career on the East Coast, Ed spent decades guiding students not only in academics but in the deeper art of living well. He was recognized as a “highly qualified” special education teacher and is especially proud of the work he did helping children discover the joy of reading. Many of his students began the year unable to read and left with the words, “Mr. Sangalli, now I can read!” As he often says, “Is there a better reward in life?”

Ed once lived in a national park, an experience that deeply shaped his love for nature and his approach to education. To this day, he enjoys hiking, reflecting outdoors, and encouraging students to wonder at the beauty of the created world. A true Renaissance man, Ed also restores classic cars, plays the ukulele, paints, and reads widely. Whether he is tuning an engine or sharing a great book, he brings a spirit of joyful curiosity to everything he does.

At Blessed Sacrament Academy, Ed offers faculty support and mentorship, working closely with staff and students to foster a culture of encouragement, growth, and delight in learning. He and his wife, Margaret Weir Sangalli, Chair of the Board and a retired Certified Financial Planner, are deeply committed to the mission of Catholic education.

In his free time, Ed enjoys quiet evenings with his wife and their beloved cat, Patch, along with music, books, and meaningful conversation. As Ed puts it, “The League’s faith, commitment to mission, and enthusiasm make me want to be involved in any way I can.”

His presence at Blessed Sacrament Academy is a living reminder that education is not just about passing on knowledge. It is about forming hearts and minds through love, creativity, and joy.

Kimberley Dalle Nogare is a devoted mother of three and a dedicated educator whose career has been shaped by over a decade of service to children and families across Arizona. A resident of Concho, she has worked in multiple school settings in both academic and support roles, developing a deep love for early childhood education and a reputation for diligence, compassion, and adaptability.

Kim began her professional journey at Concho Elementary, where she served as a food service assistant, then as a paraprofessional supporting Title I classrooms. Her work naturally expanded into special education support, reading intervention, and eventually classroom instruction. Whether she’s leading a small group of struggling readers, supervising students on the playground, or stepping in as a substitute teacher, Kim brings energy, patience, and attentiveness to every role she takes on.

From her early days tutoring with Three Rivers Education Foundation to her more recent position at George Washington Academy in Snowflake, Kim has focused on helping young learners thrive. She holds current EL testing credentials, is trained in all major state assessments, and is currently completing her bachelor’s degree through Grand Canyon University in pursuit of full teacher certification. Her experience ranges from diapering toddlers in a preschool setting to guiding middle school students through their coursework.

Kim is known for her joyful spirit, generous heart, and strong moral compass. Her passion for children is matched by her desire to grow in faith and service. As a member of the Blessed Sacrament Academy, she brings not only her professional insight but also her lived experience as a Catholic mother who believes in raising children with integrity, courage, and reverence for truth. She is a strong advocate for academic excellence rooted in faith and is honored to help shape the future of classical Catholic education in her community.

Natasha joins Blessed Sacrament Academy as a dedicated aide, bringing a strong background in early childhood development and a deep love for helping children grow. She previously worked in daycare, where she supported young learners through their first milestones. Her calm presence and natural connection with children make her a steady and compassionate support in the classroom. Natasha understands the importance of creating a warm, structured environment where children can explore, learn, and thrive.

A native of Southern California, Natasha is also a proud new mother. Her experience as a parent has given her an even greater appreciation for the early years of learning and the role that strong adult support plays in a child’s development. She is a hard worker who approaches each task with care and commitment. Whether helping with classroom activities, assisting a teacher, or comforting a student, she gives her full attention to the needs of those around her.

Outside of her work in education, Natasha is passionate about film, animation, and visual storytelling. She enjoys studying different art styles and often draws inspiration from the characters and scenes she admires. Her artistic talents and love for creative expression bring a valuable spark to the school, offering students chances to see the beauty in stories, design, and imagination.

Natasha has also worked in customer service, including a position with Amazon, and brings a strong sense of responsibility and organization to her role. She is an animal lover who finds joy in caring for pets and connecting with others who share that affection. Her steady personality, artistic gifts, and sincere heart make her a welcome and valued member of the Blessed Sacrament Academy team.

Ruben Vizcarra is a dedicated educator, coach, and mentor whose presence at Blessed Sacrament Academy brings strength, energy, and integrity to the formation of young minds and bodies. A native of California and fluent in multiple languages, Ruben brings a wide range of cultural and professional experiences to his role. He believes that physical education is not just about strength and agility but about forming habits of discipline, courage, and perseverance that shape a child’s whole character.

A double black belt and state champion in Taekwondo, Ruben has spent years developing the mental and physical resilience that martial arts demands. He now passes on that knowledge to the students of Blessed Sacrament Academy, where he leads both the physical education program and the school’s Taekwondo Club. His classes emphasize high standards, mutual respect, and the belief that every student can grow in confidence and self-control through consistent effort and guided practice.

In addition to his work in education, Ruben is a small business owner and a lifelong car and motorcycle enthusiast. Whether he is tuning up motorcycles, restoring classic cars, or modifying trucks, Ruben approaches each project with craftsmanship and care. His mechanical skills and entrepreneurial mindset have made him a role model for students interested in trades, business, or hands-on vocations. He often takes time to mentor students in practical skills and to encourage them to pursue excellence in every area of life.

Outside of his work at the Academy, Ruben is a proud new father, a committed husband, and an avid weightlifter. He enjoys traveling, spending time with his three spirited huskies, and taking road trips with his growing family. Ruben’s ability to combine strength with gentleness and confidence with humility makes him a steady and inspiring presence on campus. His mission is to help every student become a person of character, resilience, and joyful purpose both on and off the field.

Mrs. Louise Brown brings a lifetime of dedication, experience, and heart to her role as our 3rd and 4th grade teacher. A wife, mother, and seasoned businesswoman, Mrs. Brown lives out her vocation as a married woman with deep joy and purpose. She pours her gifts into the formation of young minds and hearts, drawing from her many years of professional and personal experience. For over four decades, she has balanced entrepreneurship with service, education with faith, and professionalism with maternal compassion.

Originally from California, Mrs. Brown founded and managed a successful landscape design business while raising her family and serving her local church. Her love of children and belief in their God-given potential led her to serve in religious education for over a decade, preparing students for the Sacrament of Confirmation. She also worked in public schools as an ASL interpreter, supporting middle school students with both classroom learning and communication needs.

Now living in Arizona, Mrs. Brown brings her rich and varied life experience into the classical classroom. She has a deep passion for helping children discover wonder through story, develop virtue through example, and experience joy through learning. She believes in forming the whole child through the integration of intellect, will, and soul. For her, education is not just a career but a vocation of love and service to others.

At Blessed Sacrament Academy, Mrs. Brown creates a classroom environment where children are known, loved, and challenged to grow in wisdom and virtue. Her respect for the classical tradition and its emphasis on truth, beauty, and goodness makes her a treasured part of our faculty. She is committed to helping each student become who God created them to be.

Lisa Hezmalhalch is a seasoned educator with over 25 years of experience working with children in both educational and ministry settings. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Bible/Theology and Journalism from Multnomah University and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies and Pastoral Counseling/Psychology from Multnomah Biblical Seminary.

Originally from Northern California, Lisa was raised in a devout Protestant household, where her love for Christ and Scripture first took root. After years of prayer, theological study, and spiritual discernment, she entered into full communion with the Catholic Church in 2015. Her conversion deepened her passion for the richness of the Catholic intellectual and liturgical tradition and led her to join the League of the Blessed Sacrament, where she serves actively in liturgical formation and faith-based outreach.

Lisa teaches English and Journalism with a classical Catholic approach, guiding students to think clearly, write effectively, and communicate truth with moral clarity. She emphasizes the transformative power of language, literature, and storytelling in shaping the soul and forming a Catholic imagination. She has completed advanced certification in classical education through the Augustine Institute and Classical University, enriching her teaching with the tools of the Trivium and the Great Books tradition.

In addition to her work in the classroom, Lisa is also a published author. Her upcoming book, A Rome for Restless Hearts, will be released by Penguin Random House, marking a major milestone in her ministry as she shares her personal spiritual journey and insights with a broader audience.

Lisa is passionate about nurturing the next generation of articulate, faithful, and virtuous Catholic leaders who are grounded in the truth and beauty of the Church.

Edward is a dedicated Catholic educator known for his passion for mathematics, philosophy, and literature. With several years of experience teaching in Catholic schools, he has guided students through subjects such as algebra, logic, and literature, always with the goal of forming both the intellect and the soul.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from Thomas Aquinas College, where he was steeped in the Great Books tradition, studying the works of Aristotle, Euclid, Aquinas, and Shakespeare through Socratic dialogue and classical reasoning. This foundation instilled in him a love for the harmony of faith and reason and a desire to pass on that integrated vision to the next generation.

To further deepen his vocation as a Catholic educator with a classical vision, Edward has completed advanced formation and earned certifications through the Augustine Institute and Classical University two institutions at the forefront of the renewal of Catholic liberal arts and Classical education. These programs have strengthened his mastery of the Trivium, deepened his engagement with the Great Books tradition, and enriched his approach to cultivating wonder, virtue, and intellectual excellence in the classroom. In addition to his classical formation, Edward is currently pursuing teacher certification through the state of Arizona, broadening his credentials and commitment to serving students in Catholic education.

Eric is a passionate educator and theologian dedicated to renewing Catholic education through a classical lens. With a deep love for history, sacred art, and the liturgy, he brings a rich theological and cultural perspective to the classroom, helping students see the harmony of faith, tradition, and beauty in the life of the Church.

Born in Portland, Oregon, Eric was raised in the Church of the Nazarene and developed a strong foundation in Scripture and Christian ministry. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Bible, Theology, and Educational Ministries, with a minor in Pastoral Ministries, from Multnomah Bible College. His spiritual journey led him to the Catholic Church, where his experience of Benedictine monastic life awakened in him a profound appreciation for Catholic tradition, prayer, and liturgy. He entered into full communion with the Church at the Easter Vigil in 2014.

With over a decade of experience in education and ministry, Eric teaches Art and History with a classical approach, drawing from the Church’s intellectual and artistic heritage. His courses emphasize the role of sacred art, historical continuity, and the development of Christian culture. Eric has earned advanced certificates in classical education through the Augustine Institute and Classical University, deepening his expertise in the liberal arts, classical pedagogy, and the integration of faith and reason in the classroom. He is also currently pursuing state certification through the Arizona Department of Education, expanding his qualifications to better serve Catholic schools and their mission.

Giovanni is a dedicated educator with extensive experience in philosophy, theology, pastoral care, and education. Fluent in multiple languages, he brings a diverse and well-rounded approach to Catholic education, focusing on intellectual formation, critical thinking, and pastoral outreach.

He attended Holy Apostles College and Seminary, earning a bachelor’s degree with a double major in philosophy and theology. He later pursued graduate studies in theology, philosophy, divinity, and pastoral counseling, deepening his expertise in both academic and pastoral formation. Giovanni also completed Clinical Pastoral Education at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, enhancing his ability to provide compassionate care and spiritual guidance.

In addition to his academic background, Giovanni is certified by the Augustine Institute for Catholic Educators and by Classical Academic Press University in School Leadership, Classical Pedagogy, Disability and Classical Education, among other areas. Further expanding his professional qualifications, he is currently in the process of completing his Arizona teaching credentials, reinforcing his commitment to excellence in Catholic education and leadership.

With extensive teaching experience, Giovanni has taught Spanish, American Sign Language (ASL), coding, religion, robotics, math, and science in various educational settings, including Catholic schools and specialized programs for victims of domestic violence. His interdisciplinary background allows him to integrate classical Catholic education with modern skills, ensuring that students develop both intellectual depth and practical abilities.

Anthony is a dedicated educator renowned for his passion for sacred music, liturgy, and classical Catholic education. His lifelong love for the Mass and sacred beauty informs his teaching, especially in music, theology, and philosophy, where he strives to instill in students a reverence for the true, the good, and the beautiful.

Born in San Diego, California, Anthony spent much of his childhood in Japan, where he first encountered the profound beauty of the liturgy and developed a deep devotion to Our Lady of Akita. His early experiences, enriched by involvement in parish choirs and piano performance, inspired him to pursue higher education. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music and Philosophy and a Master’s degree in Philosophy (Systematics), undertaking extensive studies in sacred polyphony, Gregorian chant, and choral conducting.

With years of experience in both education and music ministry, Anthony teaches sacred music and philosophy with a distinctive classical approach. He has earned advanced certificates in classical education through the Augustine Instituteand Classical University, institutions at the forefront of the Catholic educational renewal. These certifications have deepened his expertise in integrating the beauty of the liturgy with rigorous academic formation. In addition, he is currently pursuing teacher certification through the state of Arizona, further broadening his credentials and commitment to Catholic education.