Administration & Staff
Doug Bleggi (Principal/Chief Executive Officer) - Dr. Doug Bleggi has served as an English teacher, a high school principal, a superintendent of schools, an adjunct professor at Wilkes University and an associate professor of education at Saint Francis University. He has worked with students as a yearbook advisor, student newspaper advisor, director of musicals, swimming instructor, class advisor, detention hall supervisor and student exchange program advisor. While at Saint Francis, Bleggi was recognized by his students by being nominated as a finalist for the Saint Francis Honor Society Distinguished Faculty Award three times.
Bleggi earned his bachelor's degree in English from The Pennsylvania State University; his teaching certification from Saint Francis; his M.Ed. from the University of Virginia; and his D.Ed. from Penn State. Dr. Bleggi also completed post-graduate work at the University of North Carolina.
As the first principal/CEO in Saint Joseph's history, Dr. Bleggi has been given the responsibility of creating a school that upholds a strong Catholic Christian tradition and offers a rigorous college prep curriculum in a safe and disciplined environment. He brings with him a strong background in curriculum and instruction, personnel management, strategic planning, finance and capital campaigns.
Jean Kozak (Guidance Counselor/Dean of Students) - Jean Kozak comes to Saint Joseph's from Juniata Valley High School, where she served as the school's guidance counselor for 19 years. Mrs. Kozak implemented a host of college prep, career exploration/planning and individual/group counseling programs while there. She also served as the coordinator/advisor for several programs, including the job shadowing program; the gifted support program; the Graduation Project; the Student Assistance and Instructional Support teams; and the National Honor Society, to name a few. Mrs. Kozak received the University of Miami School Counselor of the Year Award in 2003 and the Educator of the Year Award from the Huntingdon County (Pennsylvania) Chamber of Commerce in 2009.
Mrs. Kozak taught at Cor Jesu Academy (St. Louis, Missouri), St. Francis High School (Sacremento, California) and St. Vitus School (New Castle, Pennsylvania) before her tenure at Juniata Valley. She has also served as an adjunct professor of Spanish at St. Louis University, director of religious education for Christ Church (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) and a career counselor for the Vocational Rehabilitation Center. Mrs. Kozak earned her bachelor's degree in Spanish from Loyola University of Chicago; her master's degree in applied Spanish linguistics from St. Louis University; and her M.Ed. in secondary school counseling from Slippery Rock University.
Katie Wheeler (Administrative Assistant) - Katie has a BA in Business Economics and Secondary Education from Benedictine University. She has extensive teaching experience in Business, Computer Resources, and Career Education with Slinger High School, Lourdes High School and Brother Rice High School.
In addition to her business curriculum and instruction Katie has worked for General Electric/Aldworth Company in Bridgeview, Illinois as an Administrative Account Executive before relocating to Centre County two years ago. She has experience with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Rebecca Trunzo (Athletic Director) - Rebecca (Becky) has a BS from Penn State University in Health and Physical Education and an MS from Penn State University in Sport History. She played varsity field hockey and lacrosse while at PSU.
Becky brings to SJCA over 30 years as a teacher, official, and coach (field hockey and volleyball) having worked with kindergarten through adult learners. She also has extensive experience in intramural offerings.
Becky was a United States Delegate to the 18th International Session of the Olympic Academy and to the 2nd USOC's National Olympic Academy. She also has certification in teaching various parenting classes, Nonviolent Physical Crisis Intervention, Conflict Resolution, and is a member of the Pennsylvania Athletic Directors Association.
Ruth Irwin (Healthcare Advisor) - Ruth Irwin has enjoyed a distinguished career as a public health nurse, healthcare administrator and independent individual and family services professional. She has served as executive director/manager of Holy Cross Hospital; president and CEO of Solutions by Galten; senior social science analyst for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, division director for regulatory and state affairs/vice president for the National Association for Home Care; and editor-in-chief of Caring magazine. Mrs. Irwin earned her bachelor of science in nursing from American University and her master's degree in management/health care administration from the University of Maryland.
As Saint Joseph's health care advisor, Irwin will coordinate health services, review student health policies, consult on the design of the health room and facilitate healthcare management with the Dean of Students.
