The Monsignor John A. Ecker Foundation was originally established as the St Paul School Education Foundation in 2002 and had a name change in 2012 to honor Monsignor John A. Ecker. Monsignor’s commitment to Catholic Education is unparallel in the Yakima Diocese. He has been part of the pastoral care in the Diocese for over 60 years and was responsible for the success of St Paul School for 38 years.
Today, the Monsignor John A. Ecker Foundation (MEF) supports Christ the Teacher Catholic School after the name change from St Paul Cathedral Catholic School and a location move to the Yakima Holy Family Parish Campus in 2017.
Casey joined the foundation in April 2024. For the past two decades he has owned his own insurance company and has built strong relationships within the community.
Casey is married to his wife Maura and has two daughters that attend CTCS. Casey is active in the community, serving on the St. Paul Knights of Columbus and volunteering at CTCS.
Chuck is a Carroll High School Graduate and attended Mt. Angel Seminary. He has worked in healthcare for 42 years and is currently an administrator at Orthopedics Northwest, PLLC. Chuck has been married for 36 years and has one daughter. He and his wife have been blessed with 2 beautiful grandchildren.
Geri has served on planning committees for events sponsored by the Msgr. Ecker Foundation. Lifetime member of St. Paul Cathedral, attended St. Paul School and has been active in the music ministry at the Cathedral, (choir & cantor), for several years. Married to Rick Baumgardner, together they own and operate Baumgardner Studio. Along with Rick’s 3 daughters, they have 4 grandchildren, who are great blessings, one of whom attends CTCS.
Greg joined the Foundation in 2017. He is a retired Commercial Appraiser with the Yakima County Assessors Office, member of Holy Family Parish and Parish Finance Committee. Married to his wife Jonella for 46 years and they raised three children and enjoy thirteen grandchildren. In his free time he golf’s, officiates basketball and travels.
Heather joined the Foundation in August of 2023. She and her husband Erik have three children and are supporters of Catholic Education and Christ the Teacher Catholic School. Heather is a former principal of Christ the Teacher and is a member of Holy Family Parish.
Marc joined the Foundation in 2020. He and his wife Cindy, have been married for 47 years and they raised five children and have twelve grandchildren. Marc is retired after 40 years. The last 31 years working for Double-Kold in Yakima. They are members of Holy Family Parish. Mark has been involved with several non-profit organizations including Boy Scouts, Camp Fire, Diocese of Yakima, Knights of Columbus and St Vincent’s Food Bank.
Mike joined the Foundation in July 2018 and served as a Vice-Chairperson before being elected to Chairperson in July 2021. Mike has been married to his wife Susan for 48 years and has four children & seven grandchildren. He is a member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and serves on the Parish Council.
Mike retired from Memorial Hospital after 32 years where he was in Contract Food Management.
Steve joined the Foundation in 2017. He is a Radiation Oncologist at North Star Lodge Cancer Center. Steve is married to Katie and they have two children that attend Christ the Teacher Catholic School. They are members of Holy Family Catholic Church.
Bill has been a longtime member of the Monsignor Ecker Foundation and has served for 6 years and has previously held the position of Chairperson. Bill has been married to his wife Sandi for 39 years and is a member of St Paul Parish. He and Sandi have two children that graduated from St Paul’s Elementary & La Salle High School. They are also blessed with two grandchildren.
Bill keeps busy as a Retirement Specialist with New York Life in Yakima.
We are a Catholic School located in the beautiful Yakima Valley. With a rich history of over 100 years, Christ the Teacher Catholic School (formerly St. Paul Cathedral School) is proud to be committed to our families and community. We offer education from Pre-Kindergarten (starting as early as 3 years old) through 8th grade. Class sizes are kept to a minimum to ensure plenty of student/teacher interaction and attention.
If you have any additional questions, please find our contact information www.ctcsyakima.org.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about our school! We look forward to meeting you.
