This Advisory Board helps the school achieve excellence both institutionally and in its program for students. Comprised of community leaders, clergy members, key parent leaders, and alumni, the Advisory Board provides advice and counsel to the President, carries the school’s message to its many publics, and strengthens the school’s external relationships. Ultimate school governance is vested in the Roman Catholic Bishop of Fall River and his designee, the Superintendent of Schools.
Mrs. Jenn Canzano, P '16, '18
Advancement/Admissions Director
Mrs. Jenn Canzano, P '16, '18
Advancement/Admissions Director
Mrs. Canzano holds a B.A. from St. Anselm College and a M. Ed. from Providence College. Mrs. Canzano serves as Director of Admissions and Advancement for St. John Paul II School. She is a member of the school advancement and strategic planning committee.
Ms. Paula Daly
ex officio, Assistant Head of School Grades 5-8
Ms. Paula Daly
ex officio, Assistant Head of School Grades 5-8
Mrs. Daly joins the JPII community from Saint Joseph Preparatory High School in Boston where she was the Mathematics Department Chair. An educator with more than 20 years of experience, Mrs. Daly holds Massachusetts certifications to teach math in grades 5-9 as well as grades 9-12.
Prior to Saint Joseph Preparatory School, Mrs. Daly taught middle school math at Monsignor Haddad Middle School in Needham, MA. In addition to teaching five sections of pre-algebra and algebra, Mrs. Daly created a math lab curriculum for seventh-grade enrichment, incorporated writing skills across the math curriculum, and was the lead teacher and mentor for new teachers. Previously, Mrs. Daly spent two years teaching all fifth grade subjects at the Jackson School in Newton, MA.
Paula earned her Master’s degree in education from Emmanuel College. She is currently working on a second Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Boston College, with an expected completion in 2024. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Massachusetts, Boston. Paula and one of her children live in Hyannis. Since moving here full-time, she is actively seeking a parish to call home.
Mr. Michael Doyle '13
Medical School Student
Mr. Michael Doyle '13
Medical School Student
Michael graduated from JPII in 2013 as a member of the third graduating class where he received the "Spirit of Saint John Paul II" award. As a student at JPII he was active in performing arts, Student Council as well as the soccer and tennis teams. After JPII he attended Assumption College where he graduated with a major in biotechnology and molecular biology. He returned to JPII in 2017 to help create and lead the first year of JPIITV. He is currently a third year medical student at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine where he is pursuing a residency in emergency medicine.
Rev. Michael Fitzpatrick
Pastor, St. Francis Xavier Parish
Rev. Michael Fitzpatrick
Pastor, St. Francis Xavier Parish
Mrs. Kathy Griffin-Mayo, P '23, '27
Mrs. Kathy Griffin-Mayo, P '23, '27
Mr. Stephen Hamel, GP '26, '29
Vice-Chairperson
Mr. Stephen Hamel, GP '26, '29
Vice-Chairperson
Mr. Hamel is a graduate of Marian High School, Phillips Exeter Academy, PG and Northeastern University, B.S. After an early career in commercial banking, he has been involved in marine sales management. He is a member of the school advancement committee.
Mr. Christopher Lawson, P '23, '25
Senior VP & CDO Cape Cod Healthcare
Mr. Christopher Lawson, P '23, '25
Senior VP & CDO Cape Cod Healthcare
Christopher is the Senior Vice President & Chief Development Officer for Cape Cod Healthcare. He has spent the majority of his career working in non-profit development including high-level and planned giving positions at Curry College, St. Anselm College, Boston College and the University of Colorado Boulder. Chris holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Bentley University in Waltham, MA. He lives in Sandwich, Massachusetts with his wife Kerry and five children.
Ms. Kathleen Mason '14
Environmental Analyst
Ms. Kathleen Mason '14
Environmental Analyst
Kathleen graduated from JPII in 2014 before attending Colby College for her B.A., and the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University for her Master of Environmental Management (MEM). She has career experience in water quality management, land conservation, and environmental law and policy. Kathleen has recently returned to the Cape where she works as a Water Resources Analyst with the Cape Cod Commission. Kathleen's positive experience at JPII motivates her to ensure the success of St. John Paul II School, creation of dynamic and holistic students, and connection with alumni.
Mr. James McGrail, P '24, '27
Town Administrator (Marion)
Mr. James McGrail, P '24, '27
Town Administrator (Marion)
Mr. McGrail is a graduate of Barnstable high school and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He was born and raised on Cape Cod and spends time investing in his community. Currently, Mr. McGrail serves as the Town Manager of the Town of Marion. He was also an elected member of the Sandwich School Committee and served as chair. He is also the proud father of three school-age daughters.
Mr. Lawrence McGrath, Esq., P '25
Mr. Lawrence McGrath, Esq., P '25
A licensed attorney for 28 years and a long time community and government affairs professional. Mr. McGrath served as President of the MA Deputy Sheriffs Association and Chief Deputy Sheriff in Suffolk County for over 10 years. He also served on the Executive Staff of two Sheriffs and the Massachusetts State Auditor. McGrath has led community relations efforts on several projects including Cape Cod. He has served as statewide and Regional Director for political campaigns as well as many local, regional and national campaigns in various capacities. Married to Mary McGrath and father to Owen currently an 8th-grade student at SFXP.
Mr. Joseph O'Keefe, P '23, '24
Mr. Joseph O'Keefe, P '23, '24
Joe O’Keefe was raised in Connecticut and attended St. Theresa Elementary School, St. Joseph High School and Sacred Heart University. Raised by ardent supporters of Catholic education, Joe continues this legacy as the President of the O’Keefe Family Foundation, an organization dedicated to funding Catholic school scholarships and initiatives.
Joe has also volunteered on the Fall River Diocesan Foundation Development Committee and the Diocesan Governance Committee. He is currently a member of the Diocesan Pastoral Council led by Bishop Edgar da Cunha.
Joe graduated from Colorado State University with a BS in Landscape Architecture and worked as a consultant developing Geographic Information Systems for land use decision making. As an Associate Executive Director for the South Shore YMCA, an organization with a $38 million budget, his responsibilities included finance, program development, staff supervision and development, strategic planning, fundraising, property management, and Master Plan development and execution.
Currently, Joe lives on Cape Cod with his wife Wendy and his children Jack, ‘23 and Lulu, ‘24. He is principal of O’Keefe Property Services, a property management company.
Mrs. Danielle Siscoe, P '28, '30
ex officio
Mrs. Danielle Siscoe, P '28, '30
ex officio
Preparatory Division HSA President
Mr. Richard Sullivan, GP '24
Mr. Richard Sullivan, GP '24
CPA, MST - Partner at Piccerelli, Gilstein & Company LLP
Ms. Mona Lisa Valentino, P '11
ex officio, Assistant Head of School Grades 9-12
Ms. Mona Lisa Valentino, P '11
ex officio, Assistant Head of School Grades 9-12
Ms. Mona Lisa Valentino joined the school's administration team in 2012.
Previously, she taught science for ten years at Mashpee High School, including a summer web-based curriculum for science and English. Ms. Valentino entered the education field following a career marketing for Digital Equipment Corporation and Compaq Computer Corporation.
She earned her undergraduate degree from Fairfield University and her Master's Degree from Lesley University. Ms. Valentino and her daughter, a 2011 graduate of Pope John Paul II High School, worship at Christ the King Parish in Mashpee.
Mr. Phillip VanDenBrink
Head of School
Mr. Phillip VanDenBrink
Head of School
Mr. VanDenBrink comes to us from Wasatch Academy in Mt. Pleasant, Utah, where he was the Associate Director of Admissions, Director of University Foundations, and a teacher. Prior to Wasatch, Mr. VanDenBrink was the principal at Great Falls Central Catholic High School in Great Falls, Montana. In addition, he has served in leadership positions at Leysin American School in Switzerland and at Beijing National Day School in China. Throughout his career, he has worked to create new programs, develop new partnerships to enhance education and increase enrollment to ensure the overall health and quality of programs while focusing on the student experience as the center of programmatic initiatives.
Mr. VanDenBrink brings 19 years of experience in education to the role. He received his undergraduate degree in International Business and German, with a minor in French, from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He holds master’s degrees in education and educational leadership from Middlebury College and the University of Cincinnati, respectively. In 2016, Mr. VanDenBrink earned a certificate in catechesis from
the University of Dayton. A Michigan native, he is excited to enter into the next chapter of his career at St. John Paul II, where he can focus his energy on leading the school toward a bright future.
Mrs. Jenn Canzano, P '16, '18
Advancement/Admissions Director
Mrs. Jenn Canzano, P '16, '18
Advancement/Admissions Director
Mrs. Canzano holds a B.A. from St. Anselm College and a M. Ed. from Providence College. Mrs. Canzano serves as Director of Admissions and Advancement for St. John Paul II School. She is a member of the school advancement and strategic planning committee.
Ms. Paula Daly
ex officio, Assistant Head of School Grades 5-8
Ms. Paula Daly
ex officio, Assistant Head of School Grades 5-8
Mrs. Daly joins the JPII community from Saint Joseph Preparatory High School in Boston where she was the Mathematics Department Chair. An educator with more than 20 years of experience, Mrs. Daly holds Massachusetts certifications to teach math in grades 5-9 as well as grades 9-12.
Prior to Saint Joseph Preparatory School, Mrs. Daly taught middle school math at Monsignor Haddad Middle School in Needham, MA. In addition to teaching five sections of pre-algebra and algebra, Mrs. Daly created a math lab curriculum for seventh-grade enrichment, incorporated writing skills across the math curriculum, and was the lead teacher and mentor for new teachers. Previously, Mrs. Daly spent two years teaching all fifth grade subjects at the Jackson School in Newton, MA.
Paula earned her Master’s degree in education from Emmanuel College. She is currently working on a second Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Boston College, with an expected completion in 2024. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Massachusetts, Boston. Paula and one of her children live in Hyannis. Since moving here full-time, she is actively seeking a parish to call home.
Mr. Michael Doyle '13
Medical School Student
Mr. Michael Doyle '13
Medical School Student
Michael graduated from JPII in 2013 as a member of the third graduating class where he received the "Spirit of Saint John Paul II" award. As a student at JPII he was active in performing arts, Student Council as well as the soccer and tennis teams. After JPII he attended Assumption College where he graduated with a major in biotechnology and molecular biology. He returned to JPII in 2017 to help create and lead the first year of JPIITV. He is currently a third year medical student at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine where he is pursuing a residency in emergency medicine.
Rev. Michael Fitzpatrick
Pastor, St. Francis Xavier Parish
Rev. Michael Fitzpatrick
Pastor, St. Francis Xavier Parish
Mrs. Kathy Griffin-Mayo, P '23, '27
Mrs. Kathy Griffin-Mayo, P '23, '27
Mr. Stephen Hamel, GP '26, '29
Vice-Chairperson
Mr. Stephen Hamel, GP '26, '29
Vice-Chairperson
Mr. Hamel is a graduate of Marian High School, Phillips Exeter Academy, PG and Northeastern University, B.S. After an early career in commercial banking, he has been involved in marine sales management. He is a member of the school advancement committee.
Mr. Christopher Lawson, P '23, '25
Senior VP & CDO Cape Cod Healthcare
Mr. Christopher Lawson, P '23, '25
Senior VP & CDO Cape Cod Healthcare
Christopher is the Senior Vice President & Chief Development Officer for Cape Cod Healthcare. He has spent the majority of his career working in non-profit development including high-level and planned giving positions at Curry College, St. Anselm College, Boston College and the University of Colorado Boulder. Chris holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Bentley University in Waltham, MA. He lives in Sandwich, Massachusetts with his wife Kerry and five children.
Ms. Kathleen Mason '14
Environmental Analyst
Ms. Kathleen Mason '14
Environmental Analyst
Kathleen graduated from JPII in 2014 before attending Colby College for her B.A., and the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University for her Master of Environmental Management (MEM). She has career experience in water quality management, land conservation, and environmental law and policy. Kathleen has recently returned to the Cape where she works as a Water Resources Analyst with the Cape Cod Commission. Kathleen's positive experience at JPII motivates her to ensure the success of St. John Paul II School, creation of dynamic and holistic students, and connection with alumni.
Mr. James McGrail, P '24, '27
Town Administrator (Marion)
Mr. James McGrail, P '24, '27
Town Administrator (Marion)
Mr. McGrail is a graduate of Barnstable high school and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He was born and raised on Cape Cod and spends time investing in his community. Currently, Mr. McGrail serves as the Town Manager of the Town of Marion. He was also an elected member of the Sandwich School Committee and served as chair. He is also the proud father of three school-age daughters.
Mr. Lawrence McGrath, Esq., P '25
Mr. Lawrence McGrath, Esq., P '25
A licensed attorney for 28 years and a long time community and government affairs professional. Mr. McGrath served as President of the MA Deputy Sheriffs Association and Chief Deputy Sheriff in Suffolk County for over 10 years. He also served on the Executive Staff of two Sheriffs and the Massachusetts State Auditor. McGrath has led community relations efforts on several projects including Cape Cod. He has served as statewide and Regional Director for political campaigns as well as many local, regional and national campaigns in various capacities. Married to Mary McGrath and father to Owen currently an 8th-grade student at SFXP.
Mr. Joseph O'Keefe, P '23, '24
Mr. Joseph O'Keefe, P '23, '24
Joe O’Keefe was raised in Connecticut and attended St. Theresa Elementary School, St. Joseph High School and Sacred Heart University. Raised by ardent supporters of Catholic education, Joe continues this legacy as the President of the O’Keefe Family Foundation, an organization dedicated to funding Catholic school scholarships and initiatives.
Joe has also volunteered on the Fall River Diocesan Foundation Development Committee and the Diocesan Governance Committee. He is currently a member of the Diocesan Pastoral Council led by Bishop Edgar da Cunha.
Joe graduated from Colorado State University with a BS in Landscape Architecture and worked as a consultant developing Geographic Information Systems for land use decision making. As an Associate Executive Director for the South Shore YMCA, an organization with a $38 million budget, his responsibilities included finance, program development, staff supervision and development, strategic planning, fundraising, property management, and Master Plan development and execution.
Currently, Joe lives on Cape Cod with his wife Wendy and his children Jack, ‘23 and Lulu, ‘24. He is principal of O’Keefe Property Services, a property management company.
Mrs. Danielle Siscoe, P '28, '30
ex officio
Mrs. Danielle Siscoe, P '28, '30
ex officio
Preparatory Division HSA President
Mr. Richard Sullivan, GP '24
Mr. Richard Sullivan, GP '24
CPA, MST - Partner at Piccerelli, Gilstein & Company LLP
Ms. Mona Lisa Valentino, P '11
ex officio, Assistant Head of School Grades 9-12
Ms. Mona Lisa Valentino, P '11
ex officio, Assistant Head of School Grades 9-12
Ms. Mona Lisa Valentino joined the school's administration team in 2012.
Previously, she taught science for ten years at Mashpee High School, including a summer web-based curriculum for science and English. Ms. Valentino entered the education field following a career marketing for Digital Equipment Corporation and Compaq Computer Corporation.
She earned her undergraduate degree from Fairfield University and her Master's Degree from Lesley University. Ms. Valentino and her daughter, a 2011 graduate of Pope John Paul II High School, worship at Christ the King Parish in Mashpee.
Mr. Phillip VanDenBrink
Head of School
Mr. Phillip VanDenBrink
Head of School
Mr. VanDenBrink comes to us from Wasatch Academy in Mt. Pleasant, Utah, where he was the Associate Director of Admissions, Director of University Foundations, and a teacher. Prior to Wasatch, Mr. VanDenBrink was the principal at Great Falls Central Catholic High School in Great Falls, Montana. In addition, he has served in leadership positions at Leysin American School in Switzerland and at Beijing National Day School in China. Throughout his career, he has worked to create new programs, develop new partnerships to enhance education and increase enrollment to ensure the overall health and quality of programs while focusing on the student experience as the center of programmatic initiatives.
Mr. VanDenBrink brings 19 years of experience in education to the role. He received his undergraduate degree in International Business and German, with a minor in French, from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He holds master’s degrees in education and educational leadership from Middlebury College and the University of Cincinnati, respectively. In 2016, Mr. VanDenBrink earned a certificate in catechesis from
the University of Dayton. A Michigan native, he is excited to enter into the next chapter of his career at St. John Paul II, where he can focus his energy on leading the school toward a bright future.