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.
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.
Jill joined the foundation in 2025 and, alongside her husband Brian, is a proud parent to four sons and three grandchildren. They are delighted to have their family close by, all residing in town. Devoted members of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Jill and Brian are steadfast supporters of Catholic education.
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.
Pam Cleaver is a native Washingtonian, growing up in Sumner, Washington and eventually moving back to Central Washington where both her parents were from. She graduated from the University of Washington with a BS in Business/Accounting.
Here in Yakima, Pam was a partner with Moss Adams, LLP and worked there for almost 25 years. Her specialization was in serving Not For Profit Organizations of all sizes.
Community Service activities include serving on various boards. This presently includes Yakima Sunrise Rotary, Yakima Valley Farmworkers Clinic & Yakima Town Hall. Her role on the MEF board is that of Treasurer.
Sean joined the foundation in July of 2025. He has been a member of Yakima’s Catholic community his entire life having attended St. Paul’s school and Carroll High School. He’s been blessed with 3 sometimes wonderful children and now 2 incredible grandsons.
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.
