Colleen Eddy, Career Coach and Teacher,  will share a teaching experience.  Consider her ability to listen as she “coached” a student into class participation.  She believes God has helped her to learn to listen to understand — coaching from the heart which she will share. Learn tips on a most elemental form of building trust…being part of a faith community.

Stephanie Teresi, a student and Catechist Volunteer, will share a story of a young person who confided not believing in God to her.  Hear what the same student said at the end of the year. Hear the empathy she feels towards her students who are not much younger than her. Hear tips we all can use, especially teaching CCD, a religious education program.

Alex Ellyin, a student and Catechist volunteer, in his first full year of teaching CCD, a religious education program,  will share a story of peer pressure that all young people face today.  Hear how he brings what goes on outside of church into the CCD classroom.  Hear how repetition of important messages and getting interested in students gets results.

Brian Brown, a chaplain, will tell us what it takes to be a lay chaplain. Hear about a hospital patient and the trust she placed in Brian. Hear how grace permeated that encounter. Hear tips on being a good listener that we all can use. Hear tips on dealing with the home bound. Hear how Brian felt a tender part of his heart touched by God through his ministry.

Betsy Kass, a high school Math teacher, will tell the story of a series of small steps by one student that resulted in increased confidence and better grades. Hear why she chose this profession. Hear how turning her math talent into tutoring, led to her own fulfillment. Hear tips that any parent with a struggling math student needs to know. Hear what Betsy loves about her Catholic faith.

Rosa Ceja is a passionate educator and the Program Director of the Capistrano Community Mariachi Program. Rosa describes how her focus on helping individuals and trust in the Lord shapes her successful work as a teacher and creator of the Mariachi Program.

Susaan Culjak, studying for a Masters in Theology, has an accounting degree and works as an accountant. Hear Gospa, Croatian for Blessed Mother, at work in her life as a10 year old child visiting Medjugorje. Hear her real life story about listening to Gods plan for you. Hear her deep love of her family.

Gerda Weitzel, a 30 year teacher with a Masters in Learning Disabilities, will tell how another teacher’s love of the Blessed Mother inspired Gerda to become a teacher. Hear Gerda’s touching story of Marilyn, a 9 year old, and a class that honored hard work. She said: “God works in mysterious ways and it is so important to accept it.”