2026 Class Grid

2026 Class Descriptions

Adult Classes                                
Period A 
KEYNOTE
Katie Jo LaRiviere, Ph.D
See front page for more information.

Period B
Dialogue with Keynoter
Katie Jo LaRiviere, Ph.D
An opportunity to explore specific topics presented during Keynote through discussion in a small group setting. 

SPIRITUALITY AND MORALITY
Liam de los Reyes
Class explores relationship between morality and spirituality. The class format will adjust to meet the desires of participants, but will likely include discussion and reading short texts in class. Themes also follow participant interest, but can cover topics such as friendship, civic/political participation, spiritual practices-moral growth, scripture-morality-spirituality, etc.

THINK LIKE AN ENTREPRENUER
Nate Conroy
Creating something designed to engage others can be a powerful expression of who we are. Whether or not you have ambitions to start a company, thinking like an entrepreneur can help you gain valuable insights, find focus, and achieve your goals. You'll come away from this class aligned with your values and clarity on your next steps.  Gr. 10 and up

Period C 
Parenting for Mortals: Connection, Correction, and Real Life
Andy Oldham 
This class is for parents, grandparents, teachers, and anyone that lives with or works with young people.  Build a “guilt-free” relationship where your child feels safe enough to cooperate and you feel confident enough to lead.  Through dialogue and role-playing we will explore and practice strategies that are doable, sensible, and practical.

EACH DAY A PILGRIMAGE
Jay Conroy and Bruce Weber
This class invites you to see each day as a personal pilgrimage—growing in faith through life’s ordinary ups and downs. With reflections from Joyce Rupp and Henri Nouwen, participants are gently encouraged to share their own journeys in a safe, welcoming space.

THE myth of normal 
Tara Ludwig
Learn how normalcy is a social construct that has been manufactured over time, and how the pressure to be "normal" does a disservice to our spiritual lives and our ability to connect with one another. We will look to Jesus as someone who was decidedly abnormal by the standards of his time, and who actively defied social norms to live in a fuller, deeper way. Get ready for a walk on the “weird” side!

Intergenerational Classes  
             
Period B 
The Daily Bluffer
Peter Weber 
Come help us chronicle Summer Conference! We will find and tell the stories of Conference and publish a daily companion to our shared life for these five days. Bring your whimsy, your sense of humor, your curiosity, your storytelling, your artistic talents and, if you want, your camera. All skill levels welcome.  Gr. 5 and up. 

VOLLEYBALL
Alyssa Hughes and Kayla Hambley
This class is designed for those who want to learn or strengthen the fundamental skills of volleyball. We will focus on passing, serving, setting, hitting, and blocking, with an emphasis on developing skills that prepare participants to play real games, including 4-on-4 and 6-person formats. Classes will be held on the grass, and no special equipment is required. This class is a great fit for those who enjoy being active and want to build confidence and consistency in their volleyball skills. Gr. 10 and up

ALLERGY FRIENDLY cooking
Theresa Conroy
Learn how welcoming and doable allergy-friendly cooking can be. From weeknight dinners to simple sauces and sides, we’ll make one complete meal each day and eat together at the end. Recipes will include gluten-free options and helpful substitutions for common allergens.  Gr. 5 and up

JOY IN MOTION 
Christy Kohler and Julie Conroy
We are going to have some fun outside, kids! You will need to be ready to move, play, and work together as teammates and friends.We will also get to explore the outside and learn about the nature around us.  Gr. 5 and up

RUG HOOKING
Judy Conroy
Learn this simple craft of painting with wool, yarn, and cloth that started a century ago as a necessity to warm floors. We will explore soulful creating of a small rug as art as we learn a one-stitch technique. Gr. 5 and up. 

Period C
Mosaics
Toni Cooper 
Come learn the art of mosaics, from design to production to presentation. Priority will be given to first-time class participants.  All supplies provided.  Gr. 5 and up. 

BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU
Jonathan and Saori DeBruyn
BJJ started as a form of self-defense, but now exists as a sport that is growing in popularity worldwide. Jiu Jitsu is a fun way to stay in shape, make friends, and learn to use your body. Gr. 5 and up

SCIENCE SHENANIGANS
Irena Langer 
Join other budding engineers in hands-on challenges everyday from building a roller coaster with paper to balloon race cars and homemade ice cream. Gr. 5 and up. 

PICKLEBALL AND TENNIS
Susie Campbell
For anyone who wants to try tennis and pickleball for the first time or wants to improve their skills. This class involves all participants.  Bring rackets to share. Gr. 2 and up..

Children's Classes         
                 
Period A
Keynote Infant Care
TBD

Promise A (Pre K-Gr 1)
Sadie Hjorth 

Karing Kids A (Gr 2-4)
Will Barsotti 

Horizons (Gr 5-6)
Jen Furl 

Choices (Gr 7-9)
Jack Kiesewetter

Youth & the Church (Gr 10-12)
Zac Oldham


Period B

Promise B (Pre K-Gr 1)
Caroline Barsotti and Elsie Hjorth

Karing Kids B (Gr 2-4)
Anie Helbling

Period C

PLAY AND STORIES
Bobbie Weber 
For children at the end of a busy day. We will have fun activities and great books to read. Children can move between activities and listen to stories. The class is for children who are 4 years and older. Caregiver of children 3 and younger are welcome to join in and are asked to stay with their child(ren). Ages 4 and older. (Ages 0-3 with a caregiver)

Kids-R-Cookin'
Peggy Thompson
Come learn basic cooking skills such as measuring, cutting, and mixing as we explore the kitchen and express our individuality. Kids will enjoy their unique kitchen creations. *Please note if you have gluten intolerance or other dietary restrictions/allergies on the registration form so Peggy can make accommodations in advance. Gr. 2 and up. 

SCIENCE EXPLORERS  
Jennie Olson
Create and build with us every afternoon as we explore science and engineering. Grades 1-4.
​
LET'S DANCE
Natalia Zreliak  
A fun and energetic dance class for elementary-aged kids. Will include stretching, basic dance movements, and creative activities to promote self-expression.
Pre K and up. ​

2026 Staff

Barsotti, Caroline: Senior at Marist High School in Eugene. Lifeguard and swim instructor during the summer.
Barsotti, Tara: Teacher at St. Paul Catholic School in Eugene; has three children and enjoys reading, watercolor, and staying active; University of Portland graduate.
Barsotti, Will: Student at St. Mary's College of California. 
Breitenstein, Caitlin: 1st grade teacher at St. Paul Catholic School in Eugene. 
Burch, Sarah: Private piano and voice instructor. Owner of Emerald Piano Studio and teacher at St. Paul Catholic School. Music Director at St. Paul Catholic Church. 
Buccola, Molly: Longtime SC Participant. Former Director of Campus Ministry at Priory School in CA for 16 years. Founder of Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke.
Campbell, Susie: Retired 28-year women’s head tennis coach at UP, currently Director of Spanish Hills Club in Camarillo, CA.
Conroy, Jay:  Retired high school teacher and administrator, including seven years as principal of Marist in Eugene; B.S. in Political Science, OSU; JD - U of O Law.
Conroy, Judy: Long time conference participant who loves dabbling with various textures.
Conroy, Julie: With sister, Christy Kohler, has been attending Conference as long as she can remember. School counselor, with interest and skills in getting kids to experience outdoor fun with mind, body, and spirit.
Conroy, Nate: Teacher turned entrepreneur. Participated in and led over a dozen entrepreneur accelerators across multiple industries. While growing his own venture, assists others as an Entrepreneurship Navigator in Linn and Benton Counties.
Conroy, Theresa: A working mom who learned to cook out of necessity after being diagnosed with celiac disease. What began as a practical adjustment became a deeper appreciation for how food shapes family life and hospitality. 
Clarke, Don: Director of Campus Ministry at Jesuit High School in Portland and a student of all things Catholic. He loves his job, camping and playing guitar. 
Cooper, Toni: Journalism and photography teacher at Marist Catholic High School.
DeBruyn, Jonathan: Musician; Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu jitsu.
DeBruyn, Saori: Opera Singer; Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu jitsu.
de los Reyes, Liam:  Associate Professor of Moral Theology at Mount Angel Seminary. BA in Econ and Env Sci Univ of Virginia; MTS and PhD Notre Dame.
Drake, Anna: Wife, mom to 4 awesome kids and one crazy pup. Some learned to make sourdough, I learned to homeschool. Enjoys hiking, the outdoors, kids, dogs, learning/education, sports. 
Furl, Jen: Research and content design professional. BA & BBA, Univ of Texas; MA in Folklore, Univ of Oregon.
Golden, Dolores:  Retired teacher. Enjoys liturgy, prayer, and families at SC..
Golden, Kelly: Helps build cool buildings at Nike and mom of two ridiculously active student athletes.
Gonzalez, Fr. Charles OSB:  Priest-Monk: Mt. Angel Abbey, Drummer 15+ years: Family Band, Jazz Band, Seminary Work.
Hambley, Kayla: Brings 15 years of experience coaching volleyball at the high school level and currently teaches and coaches at Jesuit High School.
Helbling, Anie: Catholic educator in Eugene.
Hjorth, Elsie: Recent graduate of Central Catholic High School. Avid runner and loves to work with kids.
Hjorth, Sadie: Kindergarten teacher in the Portland Public Schools; Bachelor of Education in Special Education from Gonzaga University;has taught elementary K-5 and special education K-8th grade since 1999. 
Hughes, Alyssa: Played collegiate volleyball and is a recent graduate of Gonzaga University and the University of Oregon. She currently works in sports marketing and coaches volleyball at Jesuit High School.
Kiesewetter, Jack: Educator in Eugene. B.A. in Biology, Gonzaga University and M.Ed., Grand Canyon University. Attending Summer Conference with wife and daughter.
Kohler, Christy: With sister, Julie Conroy, has been attending Conference as long as she can remember. Physical therapist, with interest and skills in getting kids to experience outdoor fun with mind, body, and spirit.    
Langer, Ellen:  Mom of three, cell biologist and cancer researcher; basketball coach.
Langer, Irena: Physics student at Gonzaga University.
Langer, Jakub:  Hand surgeon, soccer dad, outdoor enthusiast, beer brewer, unicyclist.
Ludwig, Tara:  Spiritual Director and Retreat Leader - The Wind Rose Collaborative. Loves to marry deep theology with down-to-earth playfulness and irreverent humor.  Tara, her husband Matt, and their 3 children are proud to be an unashamedly "non-normal" family. 
Oldham, Andy: Parent, grandparent, and high school educator. BA University of Oregon, MAT Lewis and Clark
Oldham, Zac: Generator Technician in Eugene. B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Gonzaga U.
Olson, Jennie: Nurse Practicioner, avid reader, and mother to two explorers.
Thompson, Peggy: Recently retired after 33 years of practicing physical therapy in the Portland area; loves to cook and taught her 2 children to appreciate good homemade food.
Weber, Bobbie: A lifetime of working with young children including her own grandchildren as well as having graduate degrees in child and human development.
Weber, Bruce: Retired after 42-years as an Applied Economics professor at Oregon State University; worked in Oregon’s communities promoting civic dialog on taxes and the social safety net and other public spending.
Weber, Peter: Writer and editor at The Week, an online, weekly news and entertainment magazine; has worked at a financial newswire, Facts on File, and The New York Times Magazine; longtime Conference participant.
Weber, Rachael: Has worked in the field of international education and intercultural training in U.S. higher education for more than 22 years; longtime Conference participant.
Zreliak, Natalia: Multimedia Coordinator at Marist Catholic High School. Dancer for 25 years and teacher for 7 years.