Teachers

Gregg Alex, MSc

Courses Taught: Earth Science, AP Environmental Science

Phone: 801-984-7366

Biography: I began teaching at JD in 2013. Prior to teaching, I had a 20-year career as an Environmental Scientist and business owner. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering from Auburn and a Master's in Environmental Science from Indiana University's School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Where possible, I try to integrate my business experience into my teaching and lesson planning. When I'm not teaching, I'm into golfing, pickleball, hiking, cooking, guitar and gardening. I also have 2 boys--both graduates of JDCHS

Christine Celestino, PhD

Courses Taught: AP Research, Academy of Sciences

Phone: 801-984-7365

Email: ChristineCelestino@jdchs.org

Biography: Dr. Christine Fogarty Celestino joined the JDCHS faculty in 2006. Before making Utah her home, she grew up in upstate New York, where she attended SUNY Geneseo and earned her B.S. in Biophysics. While studying at Geneseo, Dr. Celestino researched electrical signaling in weakly electric fish, prompting her to pursue a graduate degree in Neuroscience at the University of Utah, studying insect sensory systems. Since joining JDCHS, Dr. Celestino has worked to enrich science education at the school through the establishment of a summer research program in partnership with the University of Utah College of Pharmacy, as well as the JDCHS Academy of Sciences.. The program includes participation in local science competitions, science electives, and AP coursework. Dr. Celestino was awarded the JDCHS Christ the Teacher Award in 2011, the National Association of Biology Teachers Outstanding Biology Teacher Award for the State of Utah in 2012, the Utah Governor's Medal for Science and Technology in Education in 2015, and the Diocesan Outstanding Employee award in 2019. She is currently the JDCHS Director of Faculty Development and Curriculum Instruction.

Isabella Ianora

Courses Taught: AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP Physics 1, Academic Physics, Algebra 2 Academic

Phone: 801-984-7688

Email: isabellaianora@jdchs.org

Biography: Ms. Ianora started working at JDCHS in 2024. She grew up in Northern California and attended the University of San Diego for undergrad where she earned a degree in Physics and Italian Studies with a minor in Mathematics. She was accepted into a Physics PhD program at Notre Dame and spent about a year in the program before deciding it wasn’t the right fit. She then spent a few years traveling, working, and figuring out what to do next. She eventually found her way into teaching through the PACE program at the University of Portland. Ms. Ianora is currently a masters student working towards a Masters of Teaching (and will be graduating in June!). In her (limited) free time, Ms. Ianora enjoys country swing dancing, line dancing, and doing puzzles!

Jack Lee, MSc

Courses Taught: AP Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, Academic Chemistry, Academic Physics

Phone: 801-984-7396

Email: JackLee@jdchs.org

Biography: Mr. Lee began teaching at JD in 2023. Long before coming to Utah in 2017, he was born in Berkeley, California. By age seven, he had lived in North Carolina, New Zealand, and San Luis Obispo (back in California) before finally returning to Berkeley for most of his childhood. After high school, Mr. Lee left California to live in the small town of Northfield, Minnesota, and attend Carleton College. In Minnesota, Mr. Lee enjoyed Nordic skiing, Aikido, and gourmet cooking (he once met the White House pastry chef). While at Carleton, Mr. Lee took a wide variety of subjects before focusing on Physics and Chemistry, ultimately majoring in the latter. He had the opportunity to do research with both a physicist and a chemist, and his penchant for laboratory research eventually led him to the University of Utah to pursue a graduate degree in Chemistry. While at the U of U, Mr. Lee researched ways to convert carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into useful chemicals using electrochemistry. He also helped to teach both high school and undergraduate Chemistry classes, which cemented his love of teaching. After working at the U as a research chemist, Mr. Lee earned his Master of Arts in Teaching from Westminster University and began his high school teaching career. When not in the classroom, he enjoys reading, cooking, hiking/camping, and learning about airplanes/aviation (he hopes to get his pilot's license in the near future).

Jaime Otis, Chair

Courses Taught: Biology, Earth Science, Astronomy, Zoology, Marine Biology, Ecology, Spanish

Phone: 801-984-7265

Email: JaimeOtis@jdchs.org

Biography: Mr. Otis began teaching at JD in 2022. He currently serves as the Director of Student Services. Mr. Otis has enjoyed being an educator for 38 years helping learners achieve their full potential. He earned his undergraduate degree in Biology from Denison University and a Masters in Non-profit Leadership from the School of Educational Sciences at the University of San Diego. Mr. Otis has served on the senior leadership teams of international schools on 5 continents. He comes to Utah after serving as the Head of School at the International School of Hamburg in Germany. Before that, he served for 4 years as the Superintendent of the American Cooperative School in La Paz, Bolivia. Mr. Otis also served as a lead administrator at Korea International School just south of Seoul and at the Lincoln Community School in Accra, Ghana. He is also a lead instructor with the Principal's Training Center based in Miami, Rome, Lisbon, and Dubai. Mr. Otis enjoys spending quality time with his wife Katherine and their 3 children. Most recently he has been taking guitar lessons from his daughter.

Jennika Perkins

Courses Taught:

Phone:

Email:

Biography:

Cassie Wales

Courses Taught: Chemistry, Astonomy

Phone: 801-984-7611

Email: cassiewales@jdchs.org

Biography: Mrs. Wales began teaching at JD in 2025. Growing up in Michigan, she has a Bachelor's in Chemistry and Education with minors in Physical Education and City & Regional Planning from Grand Valley State University. Since 2015, she has worked in both rural and inner-city public schools in Michigan, Spain, Utah, and Texas. Mrs. Wales and her husband, Corey, have two young children and an Italian Greyhound. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, being active outdoors, and completing house projects.

Felix Vazquez-Chona, PhD

Courses Taught: Academic Biology, Anatomy and Physiology

Phone: 801-984-7300

Email: felixvazquez@jdchs.org

Biography: Dr. Vazquez joined the Juan Diego Faculty in 2020. As a product of catholic education, I share in the mission of Juan Diego to create a community through faith as well as to develop students’ character and gifts. I have a PhD in Neurobiology, Bachelor’s in Biology and Economics, and a minor in Physics. Teaching and mentoring are the most fulfilling aspects of my academic journey. Especially appealing to me, is the opportunity to relate teaching material to daily life, to engage students in the learning process, and to equip students with the knowledge to succeed in their career goals.

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