Brandon Eckerson

          Brandon has been the Youth Minister here at St Thomas Aquinas for the past three years. Before coming here, Brandon was involved with many different ministerial roles at St Timothy's in Mesa. Brandon is a fun, energenetic person with the ability to make a fool of himself for the benefit of those around him. He loves to laugh and have a great time at every moment in his life. He is happily married to his wife Lisa since 2005. For fun, Brandon enjoys fishing, movies, video games, various sporting events, concerts and music, and much more! Join us at LIFE TEEN to find out more about this loveable goofball!

    Joel Laird     

          Joel is married to Lisa Laird and has 3 really cool kids; he has been a CORE member for 3 years and a Catholic for 6 years. Joel is very active in the Knights of Columbus and is currently one of the Benefits representatives for the Knights of Columbus Insurance Company he has worked in the Insurance industry for 6 years. Joel is also very active with the Eucharistic Ministry at St. Thomas Aquinas.

Joel’s Interests include Fishing, Paintball wars, Hunting, Hiking, Snow Skiing and pretty much anything outdoors. He loves his Youth Ministry and hopes to be an example to as many of our youth as possible Hey why don’t you come and find out more about me and the fun that we have at Life Teen here at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Community  “God Bless”

    Rich Corona

             Rich Corona and his wife Claudia relocated to Arizona at the end of March, 2006 from Chicago.Claudia is originally from Guadalajara, Mexico.    They are enjoying their baby boy Andres who was born here in the Valley on June 20, 2006.  Rich mentored inner city high school students for 17 years through a program he helped start in Chicago. Prior to relocating to Arizona he also taught catechism to 7th graders fo a year at St. Paul the Apostle in Gurnee, IL. Rich is the HR Manager at the Gatorade plant in Tolleson, AZ.   Prior to joining PepsiCo, Rich accumulated 19 years of HR experience working in the Banking and Pharmaceutical industries since his freshman year in college.   Rich has a BS and MBA in Human Resources Management from DePaul University in Chicago. Rich’s interests include mentoring youth and year round sports, including running, tennis, racquetball, 16” softball, skiing, and camping & hiking in the backcountry.  AND he’s an avid White Sox fan.  Rich is very knowledgeable on Catholic Dogma and Doctrine and can really explain it in practical terms that teens can understand.

                Unfortunately, Rich and his family will be relocating again to St Louis. If you wish to get in touch with Rich his email is: Soxfanin85379@msn.com

   Brandie Maxwell

          Brandie has been involved with Life Teen at St. Thomas Aquinas for 3 semesters.  Originally from Ohio, and a graduate of the University of Kentucky, she’s currently a captain in the U.S. Air Force and stationed with her husband at Luke AFB.  Through the Air Force she’s lived in Virginia, Texas, South Korea, Japan, and Arizona.  She’s also traveled the world on temporary duty assignments – from Alaska to Germany to Saudi Arabia and beyond.  Brandie’s hobbies include running, snowboarding, reading, and hanging out with friends.  This gal loves to laugh and will try almost anything once!

    Jessica "Jimbo" Gardner

          Jessica attends Estrella Mountain Community College and is going into her third year of college. She is currently working at Estrella Mountain Community Collegeas well. Her last name is Gardner but she can't grow anything! Some things you should know about her would be: -She mountain climbs...for real :) - She can't live without her starbucks -She works hard at being gangsta! -She has blonde hair and you can tell by just talking to her on the phone. -She loves going to the movies, alot!

     Brandy "Lil B" Contreras

         Brandy will be attending Estrella Mountain Community College this fall. She works at a pediatric office as a receptionist. Her future ambitions include becoming an Avondale Police Officer, getting married, and finally removing the flour from her car! She is involved as a Eucharistic Minister at St Thomas Aquinas. Some random facts about Lil B are- she loves Tiffany and Co., coach purses, and spending money- She drinks Berryo everyday- She wants to be known as the first official blonde Mexican- She always has something to complain about- She is very outgoing and LOUD- She is going to become a member of the Laird family (May God Bless Them)