Joliet Catholic Academy is proud to announce the following faculty and staff additions to begin the 2020-2021 school year:

Mr. Kevin Keller – Theology Teacher, Theology 1 & 2

Biography/Educational Background: Mr. Keller is a native of the southside of Chicago and a friend of people from around the region and world. Although he went to Mount Carmel HS (Chicago), we are happy to welcome Mr. Keller and make a Hilltopper out of him. After Mount Carmel, he attended the University of Illinois where he completed a BA in Communication at the Chicago campus. For five years after college, he worked in Emergency Medical Services and enjoyed riding a motorcycle on sunny days. Currently, Mr. Keller is completing a Master of Arts in Christian Spirituality at Creighton U. in Omaha. Before he turns 40, Mr. Keller wants to walk El Camino de Santiago de Compostela.

Why did you choose to work at Joliet Catholic Academy?

JCA is the school for me because it is a Carmelite and Franciscan school steeped in tradition and filled with pride. I want to enter the tradition and be a part of the pride.

What is your favorite quote?

“Come have breakfast.”  – Jesus (a far too little quoted pronouncement; Jn 21:12)

Ms. Annie Mihelich – Math Teacher/AP Stats, Algebra 2 Trig, Algebra 1; Girls Basketball Coach

Biography/Educational Background: I graduated from JCA in 2015. I went to Illinois State University and graduated in 2019 with my Bachelor of Science in Mathematics.

Why did you choose to work at Joliet Catholic Academy?  I chose to work at JCA because it is where I went to school and I loved the sense of family and community. 

Jackie Pullara – College and Career Counselor

Biography/Educational Background: I was born and raised in Plainfield. I attended St. Mary Immaculate grade school and then graduated from JCA in 2008. I went to Saint Mary’s College in South Bend, IN where I received a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies in 2012. I then graduated from Lewis University in 2015 with a Master of Arts in School Counseling. I worked in college admissions at Lewis University before starting at JCA. My husband (Nick Pullara JCA ’06) and I have been married for five years. We live in Shorewood with our two children, Kate and Liam.

Why did you choose to work at Joliet Catholic Academy?

I chose to work at JCA because of the amazing community of staff and students, the excellent Catholic education and the traditions that live on with each and every alum. After graduating from JCA and being away for a few years, coming back has felt like coming home. I want to support current JCA students to reach their goals and instill in them the JCA traditions that I live out every day.

What is your favorite quote?

“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” -Dr. Seuss

Ms. Kisha Cameron – Director of Diversity and Inclusion; Girls Volleyball Coach

Biography/Educational Background: BA from University of IL-Springfield, MA in Professional Counseling from Argosy University

Why did you choose to work at Joliet Catholic Academy? I have loved the atmosphere coaching here at JCA the past couple of years and believe wholeheartedly in their commitment to enhancing their learning environment for staff, students, faculty, and their community. I enjoy helping others and coaching and this is another opportunity for me to continue doing what I enjoy.

What is your favorite quote? “Be stronger than your excuses.”

Tanya Acevedo Questell – Spanish Teacher/ Spanish 2

Biography/Educational Background? (please specify if SFA/JCHS/JCA alum and graduation year)

Tanya Acevedo has a master’s degree in Education from La Universidad del Turabo in Gurabo, Puerto Rico. She has over 20 years of experience teaching grades Kindergarten up to college level. 

Why did you choose to work at Joliet Catholic Academy?

I chose to be part of the Joliet Catholic Academy because it fosters and cultivates well-rounded students’ values while being a top academic institution.

What is your favorite quote?

“Why be average when we all have the potential of being amazing?”

Alma Farrell – Spanish 1 and Reading 1 Teacher

Biography/Educational Background?

Alma Farrell, married, 2 sons, BA in Spanish/Education/ESL/ Bilingual

Why did you choose to work at Joliet Catholic Academy?

I chose to come to JCA because I was looking for a school close to home and I like teaching in private Catholic high schools. I also like that I can share my faith with my students. 

Favorite quote?

 “Never Apologize for Being You!”