PAUL VI - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director of Business Development
Job Titles:
- Dean of Exceptional Learning
Adam Bigbee began his educational career 21 years ago as a teacher in the Options Program at PVI. Since then, he has served as a special educator in Catholic and public schools throughout Northern Virginia. After serving the Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School community as the Assistant Principal for Academics, Dr. Bigbee helped start Loudoun County's newest high school, Lightridge, during the pandemic. He is proud to return to PVI, this time as Dean of Exceptional Learning. Dr. Bigbee earned his B.A. in Religious Studies at the University of Florida. After getting married, he relocated to Virginia and completed his M.Ed in Special Education and Ph.D. in Special Education Leadership at George Mason University. He and his wife of 24 years, Yvonne, have two sons, Ethan and Gabe. Dr. Bigbee is eager to help exceptional learners thrive at PVI.
Mrs. Swenson earned a Master of Arts in Education from the University of St. Joseph and a professional educator license in elementary and secondary history and political science. Additionally, she holds a certificate in school management and leadership from Harvard University.
"I am delighted to join the Paul VI community and look forward to building upon the school's tradition of excellence to grow its mission as a service-oriented, faith-filled Catholic institution. I have been warmly welcomed by all, and feel blessed to join the Diocese of Arlington, a dynamic and supportive diocese that is committed to Catholic education." Laura Swenson
Apolonio Latar is delighted to move into the role of Dean of Curriculum. He was the Department Chair of Theology at PVI and is currently an adjunct professor at St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry. He has published several articles, created exhibits, and given presentations on cultural, educational, philosophical, and theological issues. He has more than 15 years of experience in youth ministry, including organizing retreats and charitable work. He is also actively involved in prison ministry. Mr. Latar and his wife Siobhán enjoy hiking, traveling, and exploring historical sites.
Long-time Panthers baseball coach, Tony Salgado, will join us for the upcoming school year as the new Dean of Students. Mr. Salgado has spent 10 years as a teacher and 10 years as an administrator in both Loudoun and Fairfax County Public Schools. He has worked as both a school-based administrator in LCPS and FCPS, as well as a curriculum specialist in the central office of FCPS. Mr. Salgado is a native of Northern Virginia and has lived in South Riding for 15 years. His wife Suzie is also a native of Northern Virginia and is a school-based administrator at LCPS. Together, they have two young boys, Shane and Luke, and a daughter, Emma, who will be an incoming PVI freshman for the 2023-24 school year. The Salgado family enjoys traveling, movies, and various sports, especially PVI sports!
Ana Aldana is delighted to accept the role of Dean of Instruction at PVI. Most recently, she served as a new teacher mentor and World Language Department Chair. Mrs. Aldana has worked as a Spanish teacher for the Diocese of Arlington for 19 years and is excited to accept this new challenge. She is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Learning Technologies in Schools at George Mason University. Originally from Colombia, she and her husband, Felipe, have one daughter, Isabela '16. When not at school, Mrs. Aldana enjoys spending time with her family and friends and loves traveling and learning about other cultures.
Job Titles:
- Director of Parent & Alumni Development
Job Titles:
- Manager, Alumni and Parent Programs
During her 27 years of teaching English and coaching Track and Field and Cross Country at Paul VI, Melanie Kiernan has continued to develop her passion for learning, literature, and running while working to awaken the untapped potential of her students and athletes. She has acted as a faithful witness to the school's mission by serving in various leadership roles, and she is very excited to challenge herself in this new leadership role as Dean of Faculty. Having such a thorough understanding of the traditions of PVI's history and the influence of St. Francis de Sales, Mrs. Kiernan is well-equipped to maintain the high academic standards of our school while motivating our faculty to embrace professional growth and new traditions. In addition to being a member of the PVI Class of '92 and the PVI Athletic Hall of Fame, she is also the very proud mother to Patrick '21, Maddie '24, Vinny '25, and Sinead Kiernan '31, who have all learned to embrace the meaning of "growing in grace and wisdom."
Job Titles:
- Advancement Services Coordinator
Dr. Opfer first walked through the doors of PVI as a student. He has been an educator at the school since 2002 teaching math, computer, and public speaking courses. In 2006, he became the Assistant Principal/Dean of Academics. In 2016, he was appointed Principal. Currently, he serves as PVI's chief academic officer and oversees the school's curriculum and faculty.
After earning a bachelor's degree in computer science from James Madison University, Dr. Opfer worked briefly as a computer consultant before he found his passion for teaching while tutoring students in math. He has since earned master's degrees in education from George Mason University and school leadership from Marymount University. He received a doctorate degree from George Mason in May 2017. Dr. Opfer teaches as an adjunct professor at the Graduate School of Education at George Mason University.