Lower School Faculty

Valerie Shaut

Kindergarten

Mrs. Shaut has been teaching kindergarten for over 15 years at HRA. A graduate of SUNY with a BA in Musical Production, she builds strong foundations in phonics, math, and handwriting in every student. Through her focus on oral communication, she sets clear expectations for student behavior and fosters academic growth. As a trained catechist in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Mrs. Shaut plants the seeds for her students’ love for the Catholic Faith, guiding them in prayer, Scripture, and liturgy each week. Many of her former students have graduated from HRA, thriving with strong moral character and confidence. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys live concerts, beading, and traveling.

Patricia Verreux

First Grade

Ms. Patricia Verreux has been nurturing young hearts and minds for the past 26 years and is one of our most dedicated educators. She is a valued member of HRA's community and is passionate about challenging her students academically while encouraging high standards of behavior.

Her classroom is respectful and calm. She ignites a love of learning in her students, and they thrive under her leadership. She believes in open communication and working closely with families to ensure each child receives the guidance they need to excel. 

Ms. Verreux received her bachelor's degree in early education from the University of Alaska, Anchorage. In her free time, she enjoys traveling to Europe, helping friends, and cooking. 

Bridget Maddeford

Second Grade

Bridget Maddeford brings 18 years of teaching experience to HRA. Ms. Maddeford is a true nurturer and a gifted child advocate. She cares deeply about the social, emotional, and intellectual development of young students, and works to build reading comprehension and math skills to boost their confidence and find joy in learning. She specializes in early childhood development and is trained in ELA. She holds a BA from the University of Alaska, Anchorage, in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Maddeford loves to build up those around her and looks forward to working collaboratively with parents and the HRA team.

Joshua Kenz

Sixth Grade

Joshua Kenz earned his bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Thomas Aquinas College and studied philosophy and theology at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkeley.

Mr. Kenz is the Head of the Lower School, where he oversees all of the discipline for the elementary school. As a dedicated educator, Mr. Kenz inspires students and fosters a love for learning. His engaging storytelling and deep knowledge of the Catholic faith, Latin, science, history, and literature make him a beloved figure among his students.
In his free time, Joshua enjoys reading, cooking, hunting, and fishing.

Victoria Leinon

Preschool

Mrs. Leinon is so excited to be at Holy Rosary Academy!  Born in Western Pennsylvania, Victoria moved south and achieved an AA degree at CBC in Arkansas. She migrated to St. Louis to complete a BA degree at MBC.  After teaching preschool for several years, she completed a Masters in Education degree at UM St. Louis.  1992 was her big move to Anchorage, teaching at ASD until 2020.  For the past three years, she taught art and gym classes for the elementary grades at HRA as well as substituting for classes and volunteering around the school. 

She and her husband attend SEAS church and are very active parishioners. Mrs. Leinon is especially happy to be involved with her SPRED community in the church as well as helping in projects for the Sisters in the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus order.  

Christina Ford

Music

Mrs. Ford graduated from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, with Honors in both Early Music and Middle High German. While she was at college, she also studied practical flute and was a bandsman with the Australian Army Reserve. She moved to South Africa, where she studied Classics and Renaissance Italian literature while continuing to sing with small ensembles specializing in Early Music and Renaissance Polyphony.  Thereafter, she lived in Belgium and translated two books from Middle Dutch into English before moving to Israel, where she explored the ruins of Crusader castles and documented their kitchen facilities. Currently, Mrs. Ford teaches the middle school girls and lower school choirs. She is the mother of an alumna who graduated from HRA in 2019.  

Outside the classroom, she demonstrates living history with a special emphasis on textiles, music, dance and historic foodways from various periods. Mrs Ford has lived here in Anchorage since 2002, and sings in the 9:30 choir at Holy Family Old Cathedral.  She is excited to share her enthusiasm of music with the school community.

Anastasia Khokhlova-Semak

Art

Anastasia Khokhlova-Semak, originally from Saint Petersburg, Russia, is a talented artist and teacher with a Master's degree in Stage Design and Theater Technology from the Saint Petersburg Academy of Theatrical Art. A devoted mother of seven, she brings a unique perspective to her teaching.

At Holy Rosary Academy, Anastasia fosters a nurturing environment that values each student's creativity. Her lessons are tailored to individual abilities, encouraging students to explore their artistic potential while cultivating a love for nature.

Anastasia's warmth and dedication make her a cherished presence in the lower and middle school art classes, inspiring students to express themselves and thrive in their artistic journeys.