Administration and Staff

Dr. Kiernan joined the Metropolitan School of Professional Studies in June 2016. Previously, he served as an associate dean at George Mason University and Georgetown University's School of Continuing Studies, where he led the university's undergraduate program for working students. He earned a Ph.D. in mass communication from the University of Maryland, College Park; an executive master's in leadership from Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business; and a master of science in adult and continuing education from Kansas State University. Prior to his work in academe, Dr. Kiernan worked for more than 20 years as a science and medical journalist, and his academic research centers on science and medical journalism, more particularly on relationships between journalists and the scientific establishment. His 2006 book, Embargoed Science, critically examined news coverage of the latest scientific research.

Anthony (Tony) Boehm began working for Catholic University in December 2010. In his current position as Director of Operations for the Tucson Program, Anthony acts as a liaison between Tucson and the D.C. Campus. Anthony contributes to Tucson program management, curriculum management, admissions, enrollment, and advising. Before moving to the Tucson program, Anthony worked as a student advisor and program coordinator in the Metropolitan School of Professional Studies for eight years. Anthony was the recipient of the 2018 Alexander Charters Emerging Professional Continuing Educator Award presented by the University Professional and Continuing Education Association’s Mid-Atlantic Region. Prior to his work at Catholic University, Anthony created and launched a Volunteer and Student Engagement Center at Carroll University in Wisconsin. 

Anthony received his Master of Arts in Religion and Culture from The Catholic University of America in 2015.

Keiran Roche, M.ED, MA Ed. Leadership, is the lead Program Director in Tucson for The Catholic University of America. 
Keiran holds two Master’s Degrees from The University of Notre Dame and has been in educational leadership roles spanning two continents. His most recent venture was founding a consulting business that supports Catholic education in Arizona. Through his consulting work, Keiran has helped significantly increase tuition revenue in schools and improved operating procedures. 
An educator at heart, Keiran has been a Catholic elementary school principal, instructional team member for the Remick Leadership Program at the University of Notre Dame and started his career as a junior high social studies and religion classroom teacher.  Over a four-year period as principal, he transformed an elementary school on the verge of closure into a thriving community. Keiran was the pioneering Regional Director for the Notre Dame Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) Academies. Keiran led efforts locally in Tucson while collaborating with a network of eleven schools across the country.
Keiran, born and raised in Australia, is a transformer, a trailblazer and a passionate Catholic.

Ellen started her education career on a tiny island in Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia as a Jesuit Volunteer. She has taught high school there, in Napa, CA and in Tucson, AZ. Her BA in Theology from Loyola University Chicago has afforded her opportunities to share the Catholic faith in the classroom and through Campus Ministry work. After earning her MA in Educational Leadership from the University of Notre Dame, she has served as a Catholic school elementary principal and a high school educational technology coach. Ellen has a dynamic leadership style that focuses on students following their passions and striving for a more just world.

Juan F. Ibarra is the Admissions Manager for our Tucson program.  He comes with a diverse background in entrepreneurship, business, and higher education.  Before creating his private consulting firm, The Right Juan, LLC, he was part of the Regional Development Team as a Discovery Officer at the University of Arizona Foundation.  He spent time in Catholic education while at San Miguel High School, A Cristo Rey School, where he was an Advancement Officer focusing on Tax Credit Development and Planned Giving.  Prior to his return to the education field, Juan spent over 9 years in the Financial Services Industry as an advisor and insurance sales agent and Partner at New York Life Insurance Company.  He has his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Arizona in Communication with business emphasis, and Master’s in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.

Anthony Ryan Hosmer is an experienced higher education professional passionate about helping students achieve their academic and personal goals. With his life experience with his own kid's educational pursuits and his experience as an Honors Adjunct Professor at the Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University, he has developed a strong background in both the academic and administrative aspects of higher education. As a new college admissions counselor at CatholicU Tucson, Anthony is dedicated to helping prospective students navigate the admissions process and find the program that best suits their needs. With his extensive knowledge of the university's offerings and commitment to providing exceptional guidance, Anthony is an invaluable resource for students seeking to further their education at CatholicU - Tucson.

Student Success Supervisor (626) 429-4144 aragonc@cua.edu

Charles Aragon was born and raised in Los Angeles. Charles joined Catholic University in October of 2022 as a Student Success Coordinator. He earned a Master's Degree in Education Leadership from Northern Arizona University and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Arizona. The past several years before joining Catholic, he served as Director of Education and Training through different programs with the Department of Education and Department of Labor. Charles has managed and developed systems that have created everlasting opportunities for low-income communities and justice involved individuals.

Student Success Advisor (520) 241-4927 morando@cua.edu

Natalie Morando is dedicated to serving the community she grew up in. Natalie graduated from Desert View High School then received her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Arizona. Natalie comes to us from San Miguel High School where she held the position as Vice President of the Corporate Work Study Program. There she made lasting connections with students, families, and the Tucson business community. She is mission driven and her passion to help students thrive is one of the many great things she will bring to this program!

Thomas Morra is an educator who conducts research on learning choices and the use of emerging technologies to enhance the learning environment. Thom teaches online courses at both CUA and NVCC in Annandale, Virginia. He also has published a textbook on Intercultural Communication along with various articles on learning choices theory. Thom consults on textbooks for various publishers of learning theory and communications courses and speaks at conferences and workshop on online learning and technology in the classroom. Finally, Thom is also an organic farmer working with his family in Winchester VA raising pastured poultry for eggs and meat, grass fed beef, pastured pork and brick oven breads and pizzas.

LaShay Boyd, is the Director of Admissions and Communications for the Metropolitan School of Professional Studies. Prior to joining Catholic University, LaShay began a career in education in 2005, as an Education Consultant for Sylvan Learning Center. She continued her career at an education technology company, 2U Inc. for 4 years supporting the University of Southern California’s Rossier School of Education by training new staff on programs, and facilitating virtual marketing events. LaShay’s passion for education continued as a Program Director for Baltimore County Public Schools, and classroom teacher for Baltimore City Public Schools district. LaShay holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Goucher College and a Bachelor of Science concentrating in Education and Psychology.