Dr. Steven Bridge, Program Director and Chair of Theology

Please click on the + sign next to a name to learn more about each faculty member.

On Campus Faculty

Steve Bridge, theology faculty

PhD, Marquette University
MA, Marquette University
BA, Hope College

Dr. Bridge is the Chair of Theology at Saint Joseph's College. Since arriving in 2000, he has taught a variety of biblically-based courses on the Hebrew Scriptures, the Gospels, the Life and Letters of Saint Paul, and Koine Greek, as well as courses on Catholic Doctrine, the Sacraments, Ethics and Morality, and Catholic Social Teaching. He spearheads the popular and impactful International Service Trips to Haiti and Guatemala, as well as SJC's Campus History Project. He is the author of four books and numerous popular and scholarly articles. He resides near the College with his wife, Camilla (an SJC Biology lab instructor), and their son, Gideon.

Jeff Morgan, theology facultyPhD. University of Notre Dame

Jeff Morgan received his PhD in Christian Ethics from the University of Notre Dame in 2015 and held postdoctoral positions at Notre Dame and Villanova University before coming to Saint Joseph’s College in 2019, where he is an Assistant Professor of Theology. Dr. Morgan works in the areas of modern theology and theological ethics, specifically in research and teaching that explores fundamental topics in theology such as the nature of moral agency, conscience, and responsibility and that looks for the practical implications of those topics across a range of contemporary moral dilemmas (especially in medical and environmental ethics). In this regard Dr. Morgan teaches introductory theology courses as well as ethical courses such as Biomedical Ethics and Food Ethics. His scholarly work has appeared in the Journal of Religious Ethics, the Journal of the Society of Christian Ethics, Studies in Christian Ethics, and the Heythrop Journal. His first book on conscience in Christian ethics, “The Single Individual and the Searcher of Hearts,” has been accepted for publication and is forthcoming.

Chris FullerPhD, Graduate Theological Union
MA, Graduate Theological Union

Chris Fuller has an M.A. in biblical studies from the Graduate Theological Union (GTU) and a Ph.D. in interdisciplinary studies from the GTU. Prior to his arrival at Saint Joseph's College in 2019, he was an associate professor of theology at Carroll College in Helena, Montana. During his fifteen years at Carroll College he taught Introduction to the Old Testament, Introduction to the New Testament, the Letters and Theology of Paul, Comparative Religion, Catholic Social Teaching, Theological Foundations, Wealth and Poverty in the Bible, The History and Theology of the Holocaust, Theology and Film, American Cinema and the Catholic Imagination, and The Gospel according to Harry Potter. During his time there he was also the director of the Honors Scholars Program and the inaugural holder of the Archbishop Raymond G. Hunthausen Professorship in Peace and Justice.

Graduate Online Faculty

Steve Bridge, theology faculty

PhD, Marquette University
MA, Marquette University
BA, Hope College

Dr. Bridge is the Chair of Theology at Saint Joseph's College. Since arriving in 2000, he has taught a variety of biblically-based courses on the Hebrew Scriptures, the Gospels, the Life and Letters of Saint Paul, and Koine Greek, as well as courses on Catholic Doctrine, the Sacraments, Ethics and Morality, and Catholic Social Teaching. He spearheads the popular and impactful International Service Trips to Haiti and Guatemala, as well as SJC's Campus History Project. He is the author of four books and numerous popular and scholarly articles. He resides near the College with his wife, Camilla (an SJC Biology lab instructor), and their son, Gideon.

David Budiash, online graduate theology facultyMTS, Boston College
MPhil, PhD, The Catholic University of America

David Rohrer Budiash studies systematic theology, especially in the areas of fundamental theology and method. His areas of expertise include Bernard Lonergan's theology and philosophy, Thomas Aquinas, and method in theology. His areas of interest include divine governance/providence, especially Jesuit mysticism on divine providence, a systematic theology of wisdom focusing on the consciousness of Christ, and Trinitarian theology.

Previous to his academic career, he served as a director of religious education, taught pastoral studies online, and was a Jesuit Volunteer.

Steve Bujno, online graduate theologyPhD, Global Center for Advanced Studies, Dublin
MA, Holy Apostles College and Seminary
MA, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
BA, Bloomsburg University

Stephen Bujno, Ph.D. is an ethicist and philosopher whose research and writing focuses theoretically on the ontology of love and beauty in relation to the moral life, and practically how an inadequate anthropology affects bioethics and the ethics of healthcare. Stephen has earned graduate degrees both in Moral Theology and Philosophical Anthropology. His doctorate is in the Philosophy of Political and Social Thought from the Global Center for Advanced Studies, Dublin. Besides teaching Morality and Bioethics at SJCME, Stephen teaches philosophy and medical ethics in-class at Villanova and Alvernia, social justice at SJU, and logic/critical thinking at PSU. Two recent publications are The Ways of Love: Transforming the Person, A Guided Hundred Day Journal (2020) and Ethics of Care and Wellness: An Inquiry for Professionals, Caregivers, and Patients (2022). Living in SE Pennsylvania with his wife Tina of 33 years, he has 3 daughters and 5 grandchildren: all live within a mile. Tina and Stephen, who also has a BA in Studio Art, are both life-long professional artists: Tina continues to manage and operate their 4000 sq. ft. clay studio.

Anne Chrzan, Online Theology Program DirectorDMin, (cand) Conferred May, 2024, Catholic Theological Union
MDiv, Loyola University
MHS, Governor State University
BA, St. Leo College

Anne Chrzan, D.Min (cand) is the Online Theology Program Director. Since 2023, Anne has served as an adjunct theology professor for undergraduate and graduate students through the online theology department. Before arriving at Saint Joseph College, Anne taught distance learning courses through the University of St. Francis and the University of Notre Dame.

Daniel Clough, online theology facultySTL, International Marian Research Institute
MA, Christendom College
BA, University at Albany

Daniel M. Clough holds a Licentiate of Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) with a specialization in Mariology from the International Marian Research Institute, a M.A. in Theology from Christendom College, and a B.A. in Linguistics from the University at Albany. His master’s thesis is entitled The Interpretation of Genesis on the Creation of Man and he published a book called Genesis according to the Saints. The title of his Licentiate thesis is St. Lawrence of Brindisi: Mary in the Psalms as Model of the Spiritual Life. He has worked as a Professor of Theology (Online) at Saint Joseph’s College in Maine since 2019 and currently teaches Mariology and Theology of the Sacraments.

Ximena Debroeck 2022PhD, Systematic Theology Duquesne University
STL, Biblical Studies St. Mary’s Seminary & University
MA, Sacred Scripture St. Vincent Seminary
BSN, University of Texas at Austin

Ximena was born in Ecuador and moved to the US in 1981. She’s been married for 38 years and has four adult children and five grandkids. She worked as a Critical Care Registered Nurse from 1985-1999 and then began her theology career in 2005. Her husband was active-duty military and they lived in Europe for six years. She currently teaches at Saint Joseph’s (since 2019) and at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, MD. Other institutions she has taught at include as an invited professor at the University of Notre Dame and the University of St. Thomas in Houston, TX, at St. Mary’s Seminary, Baltimore, MD, the Archdiocese of Baltimore, St. Vincent Seminary, and Blessed Sacrament Cathedral. Her interests include the intersection of theology and psychology, Innovative Pedagogical Methods, and Lectio Divina in small groups and group theological reflection.

Charles Dern, online graduate theology facultyPhD, The Catholic University of America
MA, Villanova University
MA, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary School of Religious Studies
BS, Drexel University
AA, Bucks County Community College

Dr. Charles Dern is an adjunct teacher and lives in Doylestown, PA (suburban Philadelphia), with his wife Geri and their Bichon Frise (dog) Mya. They have three children in their early 20s. Two are out of college and the youngest is halfway through. Dern's job for the past 30+ years has been as an engineer for a company that makes pharmaceutical machinery but he has been an adjunct teacher of theology for over 15 years and has taught at Philadelphia's major seminary and for Immaculata University. His specialty is moral theology with an emphasis on the writings of Pope St. John Paul II.  He is currently studying to become a Permanent Deacon for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and hopes to be ordained in 2025. For fun he plays guitar for music ministry in a neighboring parish and is an avid road cyclist.

Rev. Frank Donio, director, Catholic Apostolate CenterDMin, The Catholic University of America
MDiv, Washington Theological Union
MA, The Catholic University of America
BA, The Catholic University of America

Fr. Frank Donio, SAC, DMin, a member of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottine Fathers and Brothers), is director of the Catholic Apostolate Center. He has an extensive background in young adult ministry, particularly at the collegiate level and has assisted pastorally at various universities in Maryland and the District of Columbia over the last 16 years. He regularly assists at The Catholic University of America, at the Catholic Student Center at the University of Maryland College Park, and is adjunct faculty at Saint Joseph's College in the online theology program. He has also taught undergraduate courses in pastoral ministry and Catholic mission at The Catholic University of America.

Shannon Fossett, online graduate theologyJCL (licentiate in canon law), The Catholic University of America
BA, The Catholic University of America

Shannon has worked as a canonist for the Diocese of Portland since 2008. She serves on the Tribunal as a judge, advocate, Defender of the Bond, and Promotor of Justice. Shannon is the Director of the Office of Conciliation, which aims to serve individuals and organizations in conflict who seek reconciliation in accord with Christ's presence, Scripture, and the principles of Catholic social teaching. Shannon is also the Coordinator for Deliverance Ministry, which assists individuals who are seeking deliverance and exorcism. She lives in Saco with her husband, Jack, who is a blues and rock guitarist, and their six children.

Lisa Gulino, online graduate theology facultyDMin, Catholic University of America
MA, Providence College
BA, Franciscan University of Steubenville

Dr. Lisa Gulino brings to her courses her theological knowledge and pastoral experience having served in Church ministry for 35 years.  She brings 20 years of Diocesan Leadership as Director of Evangelization and Faith Formation for two Dioceses each having over 120 parishes. Under her direction, her offices were responsible for Young Adult Ministry, RCIA, Small Christian Communities, and Marriage Preparation. Through her ecclesial work and as a Consultant, Lisa works with Diocesan Offices, Parishes, and apostolates in Strategic Planning and Pastoral Staff formation to create evangelizing parishes and organizations. She also brings 15 years of academic teaching as Adjunct Faculty for Ministry courses, Pastoral Counseling, and Theology courses, and assisting students in internships/practicums. Lisa has 10 years of Parish Ministry experience as Director of Faith Formation and Pastoral Assistant, Evangelization, and RCIA coordinator. She is a guest columnist for the Diocese of Fall River Diocesan Newspaper, The Anchor.

During the Year of Faith, she walked 120 miles of the Camino in Spain and shared a few thoughts at Saint Joseph's Blog.

DMH portrait 3PhD, The Catholic University of America
MA, The Catholic University of America
AB, University of Note Dame

David Hammond was an associate professor in the Department of Philosophy, Theology, and Religious Studies at Wheeling Jesuit University, Wheeling, West Virginia, from 1988 to 2008. He was appointed multiple times as chair of the Religious Studies Department, twice as chair of the Philosophy Department, and twice as director of the Master of Arts in Applied Theology program. The faculty elected him in 1998 to be the third recipient of the university’s “Professor of the Year Award” for excellence in teaching and scholarship. He has also served as a member of the board of directors of the College Theology Society.

Pamela Hedrick, online graduate theology facultyPhD, Religion, Baylor University
MA, Religion, Wake Forest University
BA, Classical Languages, University of North Carolina-Greensboro      

Pamela Hedrick taught at Wheeling Jesuit University from 2003 to 2008 and from 2008 to 2013 she was an Associate Professor at High Point University. She's been the Registrar at excavations at Sepphoris, Israel, for two seasons, and has led three student study abroad trips to Italy. She enjoys camping, hiking, plants, and dogs. She is a certified dog trainer (CPDT-KA), a certified Companion Animal End-of-Life Doula (through the University of Vermont), and a certified Animal Reiki practitioner and teacher in the Let Animals Lead method of Kathleen Prasad.

Vahan Hovhanessian, online theology facultyPhD, Fordham University
MDiv, St. Vladimir’s Seminary

Dr. Vahan Hovhanessian holds a PhD in Biblical Studies from Fordham University in New York, New York and the Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree from St. Vladimir’s Theological Seminary in Crestwood, New York. He lectured around the world including at Sorbonne University in Paris, France, Gevorkian Seminary in Etchmiadzin, Armenia and Fordham University in New York, NY and Georgian Court University in Lakewood, NJ. His research focuses on the New Testament, the Letters of St. Paul and Christian apocrypha as well as the Bible in the early centuries of Christianity. He has published articles and books, in the Arabic, Armenian, English and French languages. He serves on the editorial board of several theological journals and is the Series Editor of "Bible in the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches" by Peter Lang Inc.

His most recently published book, which is in French, is: Né de l'eau et de l'esprit. Notre renaissance du baptême. Paris : Diocèse de France de l’église arménienne, 2021(French).

Among his recently published articles are:
“The Bible and Biblical Hermeneutics in the Armenian Tradition” in Oxford Handbook of the Bible in Orthodox Christianity (ed.) Eugen J. Pentiuc (Oxford University Press, 2022), pp. 411-426.

“Apocryphal Repose of the Blessed John,” in The Proceedings of the International Conference on the Occasion of the 350 Anniversary of the Oskanean Bible (1666216) (ed.) Gevorg Ter-Vardanian. Etchmiadzin: Mother See, 2018, pp. 86–93.

For more of his recent publications click here and here.

Patricia Ireland, Online TheologyPhD, Drew University
MPhil, Drew University
MDiv, Andover Newton Theological School
MA, Boston College
BA, Boston College

Patricia Ireland’s “first” love is historical theology, and specifically, Patristics; however, she is a generalist when it comes to teaching and course design. She has taught in every area of theology and has designed academic programs in theology and humanities. She has experience teaching both online and on-site courses. She has written several articles and published two books. One of her lengthiest projects was working on the multi-volume Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture series for several years as a graduate student, where she was able to immerse herself in the world of the Church fathers, of whom St. Augustine has had the most profound impact on her life.

Mark Koehne; Online Theology professorPhD, Marquette University
MA, Marquette University
BA, Marquette University

In addition to teaching online theology courses at Saint Joseph’s College, Mark Koehne teaches theology in the Lay Formation Institute and Deacon Formation Program of the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin. He also teaches theology at Aquinas High School, La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he serves as chair of the Theology Department. He has instructed in theological ethics and Catholic social teaching (CST) for 22 years, and has implemented numerous programs—imbued with ethics and CST—at the diocesan, parish, and secondary school levels. In 2011, a student group that he directs—IMPACT—received the Catholic Charities “In My Name” award. In contribution to theological scholarship, he has authored one book, two articles, a professional paper, and a book review.

Fr Benjamin Roberts, online theologyD.Min, Aquinas Institute of Theology
MDiv, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
MA, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
BA, D’Youville College

Fr. Roberts is a Priest in the Diocese of Charlotte, NC and is a Pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, in Monroe, NC. He has taught at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine since 2020 and has taught at St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry since 2021. He is also an instructor in Preaching at the Diocese of Charlotte Permanent Diaconate Program since 2013 and has studied at Centro Pro Unione in Rome, Italy.

e23d5d11 c930 4990 bcad 01ef03cbb400PhD, Fordham University
MA., St. John’s University, New York
BA, Passionist Monastic Seminary

Dan Sheridan’s fields are the history of religions and comparative theology within the context of Catholic Systematic Theology. History of Religions understands religious experience from the “primordial” tribal societies to the higher civilizations. Within this field he has studied the religious traditions of India that were expressed in the Sanskrit language, Hinduism and Buddhism. He also studies Islam with an emphasis on the prophetic role of Muhammad. His cultural-historical methodology studies the cultural and religious context within which each tradition emerged, the sequence of stages through which it passed, and the influences that have shaped the variety of its manifestations. Special attention is paid to each tradition’s place within the diversity of the religious and theological development of the United States. He participates in the development of Comparative Theology  and an Inter-Religious Dialogue that is informed by the History of Religions.

Jonathan Sitko, online graduate theologyBA, The Catholic University of America
MS, Villanova University

Jonathan Sitko works as the Director of Programs for the Catholic Apostolate Center, where he helps coordinate the content and collaborations of the organization. Jonathan has helped with digital, print, and event programs related to the areas of Evangelization, Lay Ecclesial Ministry, and Youth and Young Adult Ministries. Previously he has served as a board member of In Word and Witness, a national catechetical organization for practitioners in the field. Additionally, he has served in leadership roles on committees, organizations, and projects with national Catholic organizations such as the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Furthermore, he has an interest and passion for management and leadership in evangelizing parishes and communities in the United States.

Undergraduate Online Faculty

Steve Bridge, theology faculty

PhD, Marquette University
MA, Marquette University
BA, Hope College

Dr. Bridge is the Chair of Theology at Saint Joseph's College. Since arriving in 2000, he has taught a variety of biblically-based courses on the Hebrew Scriptures, the Gospels, the Life and Letters of Saint Paul, and Koine Greek, as well as courses on Catholic Doctrine, the Sacraments, Ethics and Morality, and Catholic Social Teaching. He spearheads the popular and impactful International Service Trips to Haiti and Guatemala, as well as SJC's Campus History Project. He is the author of four books and numerous popular and scholarly articles. He resides near the College with his wife, Camilla (an SJC Biology lab instructor), and their son, Gideon.

Lori Bower, online theology facultyMA, Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
BA, Dickinson College

Lori Brower has been teaching at the college level for more than 25 years.  She has been teaching courses for Saint Joseph’s online Theology program since 2014, including TH 101: Introduction to Catholic Doctrine and Theology and TH 330: Fundamentals of Christology. She cites two years of study abroad, as well as extensive additional exposure to the Catholic Church and the Catholic cultures of Spain, Mexico, and Brazil, as helping lead her to her conversion to Catholicism. Participation in her parish’s RCIA program, as both a candidate and then a catechist, as well as her interest in higher learning, led her to pursue her M.A. in Pastoral Theology at Saint Joseph’s. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys reading biblical studies and books on apologetics, as well as action and mystery novels–those featuring G.K. Chesterton’s Father Brown are a particular favorite. She also loves all things arts and crafts, including painting and knitting.

Anne Chrzan, Online Theology Program DirectorDMin, (cand) Conferred May, 2024, Catholic Theological Union
MDiv, Loyola University
MHS, Governor State University
BA, St. Leo College

Anne Chrzan, D.Min (cand) is the Online Theology Program Director. Since 2023, Anne has served as an adjunct theology professor for undergraduate and graduate students through the online theology department. Before arriving at Saint Joseph College, Anne taught distance learning courses through the University of St. Francis and the University of Notre Dame.

Virginia Lieto, online undergraduate theology facultyMAPT, Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
MBA, Fairleigh Dickinson University
BS, Fairleigh Dickinson University

Immediately upon graduating with her Masters in Pastoral Theology from Saint Joe’s, Virginia Lieto began her undergraduate teaching career at Saint Joe’s. She currently teaches Fundamentals of Catholic Moral Theology, as well as Theology of the Church. For aspiring parish Catechists, Virginia also teaches a non-credit course titled, Catechism for Catechists.

Prior to joining the faculty, Virginia had a 36-year banking career with major American financial institutions, serving much of that time as an Audit Manager. In 2015, Parenesis Publishing published her book Adventures of Faith, Hope, and Charity – Finding Patience. She is a 2016 National Indie Excellence Honorable Mention.

In her free time, Virginia serves as the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) Coordinator for her parish. Her program is a year-round program designed to bring adults into full communion with the Catholic Church.

Deacon Greg Ollick, online theology facultyMA, Theology, Saint Joseph's College of Maine
BA, Theological Studies, Saint Joseph's College of Maine

Deacon Greg was ordained for the permanent diaconate of the Archdiocese of Atlanta in 2007. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theological Studies and a Master of Arts degree in Theology from Saint Joseph’s College. Deacon Greg has 25 years of experience teaching theology at the parish and diocesan level and has been the director of Christian Initiation and Adult Faith Formation at a large suburban parish since 2008. His experience includes teaching theology for the diaconate formation program in Atlanta and developing and teaching Introduction to Sacred Scripture (TH 110) on-line in the Catechist Certification Program at Saint Joseph's College. He is currently teaching Introduction to Sacramental Theology (The Sacraments TH 226) for Saint Joseph’s College. Deacon Greg also leads retreats, missions, catechetical workshops, and sessions on specific theological topics throughout North Georgia and beyond. His main areas of interest are Sacramental Theology, Sacred Scripture, Evangelization and Catholic Apologetics.

Deacon Michael PascarellaThD candidate, Pontifex University
MA in Theology/Advanced Diaconal Studies, Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
MS, West Chester University
BA, from Temple University

Deacon Pascarella was ordained a permanent deacon for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and was assigned to Epiphany of Our Lord Parish in Plymouth Meeting, PA. In September of 2014, he was appointed to the position of Associate to the Vicar for Clergy for Permanent Deacons. In this capacity, Deacon Pascarella is responsible for managing the admissions program for the School of Diaconal Studies at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, as well as serving as the administrator regarding all post-ordination personnel matters, including the ongoing formation and spiritual care of approximately 300 deacons in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Prior to entering into full-time ministry, Deacon Pascarella enjoyed a 35-year career in law enforcement. His hobbies include writing; recording podcasts (YouTube channel: Deacon Michael Pascarella); and studying the history of the American Civil War. He has been married for nearly 39 years and has adult twin sons.

Jake Thibault, online undergraduate theologyPhD, Salve Regina University
JD, Southern New England School of Law
MBA, Bryant University
MAth, Providence College
BA, Stonehill College

Dr. Thibault published a comprehensive academic book on "Transgender Ideology & Gender Dysphoria: A Catholic Response” in addition to two children's books, "It's Fun to Be a Nun" and "Discover the Brothers." He serves as the chair of the anthropology team at the USCCB's Catechetical Institute. Before teaching at Saint Joseph’s, he was a lawyer for the United Nations in The Hague. As the head of the Pierre Toussaint Society, he raises scholarship money for children in Haiti and is trying to build a school in Anse-à-Galets.

Fawn Waranauskas, online undergraduate theology facultyMA, Saint Joseph's College of Maine
MS, University of Nebraska-Omaha
BS, Texas A&M University
BS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Fawn, who has graduate degrees in sacred theology and education along with undergraduate degrees in meteorology and physics, brings over 15 years of government management experience. An Air Force veteran, she served as an active-duty weather officer performing meteorological, computer programming, and management duties. Her service stateside and overseas included a deployment to Saudi Arabia during the Persian Gulf War. Additionally, Fawn was a DoD civil service supervisory manager directing and prioritizing the Air Force Weather Agency’s global meteorological, climatological, and information services.

Fawn’s diverse curriculum and instructional knowledge span the primary, secondary, and adult levels. She has worked for the Forest Service creating interpretive programs and education classes for adults and children. Holding both elementary and secondary teaching certificates, Fawn has taught and created curriculum for both public and Catholic schools. Since 2014, she has designed and instructed various undergraduate theology courses for Saint Joe’s.

She has participated in a variety of ministries and has been a hospice volunteer. Though her theological interests are wide, her focus is on spirituality, to include end-of-life spirituality.