The school has 51 full-time teachers: 75% hold masters or doctorate degrees. Many faculty members graduated from Ivy League schools in the United States and world-renowned universities, including Yale, Stanford, University of Notre Dame, University of California, UC Berkeley, Brown University, Tufts University, University of Notre Dame, University of Manchester, and Vassar College, the top American Liberal Arts College, etc.
Dedicated Faculty
Elite Teachers
Catherine Dauterman
Yale University
Peter St.Onge
UC Berkeley
Mike McGrath
Brown University
Kevin Keating
UCLA
Jeff Cruzan
UC Berkeley
Alastair Hunter
University of London
Mr. Frank Phillips
Head of School
A Rhode Island native, Frank Phillips moved to Oregon in 1989, and started a long career at St. Mary’s School as a teacher and administrator. Frank taught Latin and AP English for many years while coaching basketball and golf. As the Head of St. Mary’s School and then as its President, Frank instituted several exciting changes at St. Mary’s School such as converting St. Mary’s School to a seven-term “module system” that offers students over 300 courses to choose from in high school. Frank enjoys working with international students and seeing the fresh perspectives they bring to the American high school curriculum. He has wide-experience in school accreditation in both the public and private school worlds, serving as Chair and Vice-Chair of several accreditation teams. Frank graduated magna cum laude from Brown University with a BA in English and minor in Latin. He earned a Masters in Business, cum laude, from Notre Dame’s Mendoza School of Business.
Ryan Bernard
President of School
Ryan F. Bernard is a dynamic leader in private education with nearly a quarter-century of experience. He became the 43rd leader of the school July 1, 2022.
Ryan’s time at St. Mary’s started in 2010 when current president Frank Phillips hired him as a World Literature and A.P. Literature teacher. Within three years of arriving, Ryan was promoted to the school’s Academic Dean, where he worked on curriculum and scheduling, all the while remaining in the classroom with students.
By 2015, he was promoted again, assuming the role of High School Vice Principal. In this role, Ryan facilitated St. Mary’s international program, assisted in the capital campaign for additional buildings, contributed to the endowment campaign to see the school into its next chapter, and helped lead the accreditation team.
During his time at St. Mary’s, Ryan also coached sports, led pep assemblies, mentored students, and was at ground zero to implement the school’s innovative module system. Ryan is not just a leader; he is a true educator. Since his first day, he has never left the classroom, despite his growing role in the administration. As a gifted and well-loved teacher and an intellectual who isn’t afraid to think outside the box, Ryan is the authentic “every guy.”
Mrs. Sarah Guo
Dean of Academics (SMS-Boston):
Sarah Guo graduated from Boston University with her master’s degree in education. She is the co-author of four books for middle school and high school students and published several articles on education and teaching strategies. Sarah was a high school teacher for more over 16 years, and currently serves as the Dean of Academics at St. Mary’s School, Saint Raphael Campus. She has a great passion for teaching, research, and cross-culture education. Sarah enjoys working with international students and is committed to helping students thrive academically and develop a sense of personal purpose. She believes our education can and should have a transformative impact.