Team BBHS

A warm welcome to our new newest team members joining the BBHS community!

Molly Foster - Science & Academic Support
Ms. Foster was born and raised in Sebastopol, CA, a small wine country town an hour north of San Francisco. After attending University of Washington for a year, Molly transferred to Gonzaga University, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in History and English Composition, with minors in Spanish, Classics, and Dance. After a year working for the Spokane County District Court, Molly moved across the country to Washington, DC, to obtain her Master’s Degree in Public History from American University. After a few very eventful years, Molly and her partner (a middle school PE teacher!) packed up and drove to Seattle, where they now live with their cat, Miss Minerva Dubstep. Molly joined the BBHS staff as an assistant cross country coach in Fall 2024, and as a long term substitute last spring. She is now the Head Girls Cross Country Coach. Outside of school, Molly loves to read, write, run, craft, take long walks, explore Seattle and its surrounding areas, and travel. She is thrilled to be joining Blanchet in a full-time role!

Alex Henry - Science
Mr. Henry grew up in Port Orchard, WA, and earned BA's in Biology and Psychology from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, OR, followed by his Master in Teaching from Seattle University. Before entering education, Alex spent nearly a decade as a research scientist at the Allen Institute for Brain Science, where he analyzed mouse brain data for the Allen Brain Atlases, comprehensive resources used by neuroscientists worldwide. Alex taught in Seattle Public Schools for four years before joining the Bishop Blanchet science department. He is an avid chess player, rock climber, and former competitive long-distance runner who has completed several ultramarathons. He and his wife have two children, Juniper and Avery, but before kids they quit their jobs and traveled around the world, visiting more than 20 countries. He is thrilled to join the Bishop Blanchet community.

Connie Magni - Spanish
Originally from Chile, Ms. Magni brings both her firsthand knowledge of Spanish culture and the Spanish language to the Languages Department at Bishop Blanchet. Prior to  joining us, she taught Spanish at Eastside Catholic High School for 15 years, and also co-chaired their World Languages Department. Connie moved from Chile to the U.S. in 2005. She taught English to Spanish speakers and the Catholic Religion in Spanish for 15 years at schools in Santiago, Chile. Connie is the mother of five children and owns and operates a pottery studio in North Burien with her husband Chris. She holds a BA from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile with a minor in Catholic Religious Studies, and her Master in Education, TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from Seattle University.

Ann Ponniah - Math
Ms. Ponniah was raised in Montreal, Canada. She earned her BS in Mathematics from the University of Western Ontario, where she also played collegiate soccer, and her BEd from Lakehead University. Ann began her teaching career in Toronto, as a high school math and science teacher, and then went on to spend over 25 years at an independent school in Louisville, KY. During that time, she embraced a variety of roles - including mathematics teacher for grades 5 through 12, dean of students, learning specialist, and coach of both soccer and academic teams. These remain some of her most meaningful professional experiences. Now living in Seattle, Ann and her family, John and Ashir, enjoy attending Sounders and Reign soccer games, concerts, and theater. She is so excited to be back in the classroom and to be a part of the amazing Blanchet faculty.  

Taylor Siplia - College Counselor
Ms. Sipila grew up in Enumclaw, WA and left for Spokane when she determined Gonzaga University was the best college fit! After being involved during her Gonzaga experience in community-engagement, student government, and mission and ministry, and she earned two degrees in Communication Studies and Sociology. She is a proud first-generation college graduate! After being transformed by her own college experience she wanted to support students though discernment period of determining their next steps after graduation. She has spent the last four years as an Associate Director of Admissions University of Portland reading applications, traveling for recruitment, building relationships, and accompanying students. She even herself became a University of Portland student and graduated with her Master's in Higher Education Student Affairs. Outside of her passion for college access, she is found baking cakes for her business, playing cribbage, going to concerts, and spending time with the people she loves. She is humbled and thrilled to start her journey as a Bear! 

Hannah Van Hollebeke - Assistant Director of Campus Ministry
Ms. Van Hollebeke was born and raised in Seattle and graduated from St. Mark, Archbishop Murphy, and Gonzaga University. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, with concentrations in Economics and Human Resource Management. After graduating, she moved to Ojai, CA, where she spent a couple years serving as a campus minister, theology and economics teacher at a Catholic high school. She then transitioned to a role in admissions and marketing at a Catholic high school in Denver, CO. Now, she is excited to return home to Seattle and to her true passion - Campus Ministry. Ms. Van Hollebeke has had 12 aunts and uncles, both her parents, and 5 cousins graduate from Bishop Blanchet, and she looks forward to joining the community! Outside of school, Hannah enjoys camping, skiing, biking, traveling, playing pickleball, going to the gym, and spending time with family and friends.

Meghan Weber - Learning Resources Associate
Ms. Weber grew up on the Eastside and has since fallen in love with Seattle. She graduated from the University of Washington with degrees in Education and Law, Societies and Justice, along with a minor in Disability Studies. She spent over three years at UW’s Disability Resources for Students office in roles ranging from student employee to testing center manager, where she discovered her passion for supporting students through accessible learning environments and academic accommodations.
She also brings experience as a volleyball coach, paraprofessional at Rising Star Elementary, and Inclusion Specialist with Woodland Park Zoo summer camps. Outside of work, Meghan has been on a mission to find the best bagel shop in the city (and is open to suggestions!). She enjoys cooking, polar plunging at Golden Gardens, and spending time with friends and family. She is excited to bring her inclusive education background and passion for disability justice to the Bishop Blanchet community!