Jim Soltau, Youth Ministry Coordinator 

510-471-7766 ext 22 - ym@saintannecatholic.org

Hello, and thank you for taking the time to read these bio’s!! My name is Jim Soltau and this will be my forty-seventh year of being a Youth Ministry & Confirmation Coordinator (forty-four at St. Anne’s). I’m most looking forward to this year as one of hope and building new relationships with one another and strengthening our journey of faith.. We (myself and the staff) are going to do our very best to provide a Confirmation experience that will allow you to love and learn about your faith in unique ways.

My wife Lucy, who is the Director of Religious Education at St. Denis Church in Menlo Park, and I have been married for 42 years. We live in Union City and have two children, Mike and Becky who are both married, and a Grandson, Greyson. I continue to be an avid Giants and 49ers fan since I grew up in San Francisco. When time and a creaky shoulder allow, I love playing golf.

Most of all I want to give credit to our Confirmation Staff...they are the best!!! Each one and collectively as a group are passionate about their faith and live that out every single day. I am so proud to work with them and call them my friends as well.

My favorite Saint, Saint Francis, wrote and closed his letters with how I will do so here...a wish for you and your families throughout this year: Peace and all good!

Jerico, Eddie, Izabelle & Adrian

jedi@stanneconfirmation.com

Jerico

Eddie

Izabelle

Hi all! My name is Izabelle, though many know me as Belle. I was born and raised in Union City and have been a part of the Saint Anne’s community for most of my life. 

I have a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Holy Names University and currently work as a Patient Administrative Specialist. Coming from a large and lively family as the eldest of eight siblings (and the shortest of them all), I’ve learned the value of responsibility, empathy, and leading with love. These qualities have shaped the way I serve others, both professionally and within the church.

My calling to teach began in 2013 when I joined Emmaus, shortly after completing a year in Youth Ministry. I later taught 1st and 2nd year CCD from 2017 to 2020, and went on to serve on the Confirmation staff for 2 years. After a mini break, I’m incredibly grateful to return this year and continue walking alongside our youth as they take this next step in their Faith Journey. 

Outside of work and ministry, I enjoy spending time with loved ones, being outdoors, and staying connected to the communities that bring me joy. One of my greatest intentions is to be a light for others, whether through listening, encouragement, or simply showing up. 

I am especially thankful for the Saint Anne’s community and the constant love and support it provides. A special thank you goes to Jim, whose mentorship and guidance have played such an important role in my spiritual journey.

It is a privilege to be part of this program, and I look forward to supporting and uplifting your children throughout the year. I hope to create a welcoming and safe environment where they feel seen, heard, and inspired in their faith. 

“God is with you in everything you do.” – Genesis 21:22

Adrian

Hey y’all, I’m Adrian but also go by AJ! I was born and raised in Union City my whole life and was a part of the St. Anne’s community growing up. I’ve been a part of the Emmaus Peer Ministry, but this will be my first year teaching the confirmation program, so I'm excited to meet everyone! I’m looking forward to this year of teaching as I hope to build new relationships with the community and talk faith, while building our relationship with God! I’m grateful for this opportunity to be able to teach as well as learn new things from everyone!

Outside of church, I was a recent student who graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a Bachelors in Finance. I enjoy staying active whether it be surfing, running, hiking, or hitting the gym! I love traveling to experience and learn from different cultures. I also have a dog named Willow so you might catch me outside with her on a run or on a hike!

I can’t wait to start this journey with everyone, looking forward to it all!

Collins, Ernest, & QV

ceq@stanneconfirmation.com

Collins

Hi, I am Collins I am so happy that I get to be part of this awesome confirmation staff this year. This year marks my Eleventh year with the Confirmation program. I am on this journey of learning more about all of you and myself. I grew up at St Anne’s and most people recognize me from the Altar. I really discovered my faith through this Youth Ministry program. The last few years of my life I have dedicated a good portion of my life back to the church and I have been more than blessed to be part of Emmaus peer ministry. I have also been a First Communion teacher and involved with every liturgical ministry with the exception of the Music Ministry (I can’t sing). Needless to say you will see me all around the church grounds and beyond feel free to say hello. St. Anne’s has been home for me in the highlights of my life as well as the low times of my life. I have been some of the greatest people because of my involvement with this program. I am so excited to give back to it in any way I possibly can. Confirmation is where you get the chance to say that you want to be Catholic for your life and that decision should be made with great pride and honor. I hope to see all of you proudly say Amen when you become sealed with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

I look forward to working with all of you in one way or another throughout this coming year. 

Ernest

Hello! My name is Ernest, and I’m very excited to return to the confirmation staff this year! I have been actively involved at St Anne since last century! Wow! (1999) Through the years, I’ve been a part of Emmaus Peer Ministry, Confirmation Staff, Eucharistic Ministry, 8th Grade CCD and much more. I’ve learned so much from these programs and I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to pass on what I’ve been taught, as well as learn new things from the staff and students!

Outside of teaching, I’m a Lab Manager for a biotech company, the Director for NorCal Filipinos (find us on fb and instagram), a Sports lover ( go Dubs and 49ers) and a fan of many things like Blackpink, Jollibee Spaghetti, The Office, Mini M&M’s, and clapping when the plane lands. (just kidding about the last one)

I also believe that the children are our future. If we teach them well, they will lead the way. It is up to us to show them the beauty they possess inside. -Ernest Capalla and Whitney Houston 

Looking forward to a great year!

Quynh-Vy

Hello, my name is Quynh-Vy (Quinn V), you can call me QV or Vy (V). I have been teaching confirmation for 13 years, but officially at St. Anne’s for 4 years :). I am thrilled to be a part of this year’s Confirmation Staff.

When I am not teaching confirmation, you will probably see me playing the piano for different parishes around the Bay Area. When I'm not playing piano, I am probably stuck in my lab at work researching or out and about trying to enjoy any little break I can get!

Some fun facts about me: I am an only child born and raised in Union City. I went to St. Bede K-8, attended James Logan High School, have my Bachelor's from UCSC, and my Master's from CSUEB. I love playing video games, watching anime, drama (currently super behind) and streams, going to concerts, and eating ice cream! 

I cannot wait to help each and everyone of you grow your faith. <3

Jeffy, Cat, Kat, & Stacey

jcks@stanneconfirmation.com

Jeffy

Hello, my name is Jeff, but I’m known as Jeffy (Jeff A.). I have been involved in the Youth Ministry program here at St. Anne since 1989. I have watched this wonderful program grow through the years and I know Jim didn’t think it would be like this.

When I’m not teaching confirmation, I’m a eucharistic minister, I sing in the choir on the 4th Sunday, I coached CYO for St. Anne (boys and girls) for the past 15 years.

I tell my students that music is how I pray: listen to the lyrics and GOD is speaking to you. I look forward to helping the young church of today in their faith journey.

Cat

Hi all! My name is Cat, and this year will be my first year as a Confirmation teacher! I’m excited to work alongside an amazing group of people in the place where it all started for me. I grew up attending CCD classes here and played for the St. Anne’s CYO team (two-time champions!). I joined St. Anne’s Youth Ministry in 2013 and continued in 2014, when I joined Emmaus. I went through the Confirmation program with my teachers Sam and Noy. I’m proud to say these programs changed my life, and I’m excited to share my faith journey with my students while continuing to grow closer to God.

In addition to teaching Confirmation this year, I’ll be teaching 2nd and 3rd grade in Union City! For the past three years, I taught 4th grade in San Mateo and I’m excited to bring my ideas to Confirmation classes! When I’m not teaching, I’m usually spending time with family and friends, playing with my dog (Jordy), traveling, playing volleyball, or to be honest— just relaxing at home!

I’m excited for the upcoming year and to help this group of students grow in their faith.

Kathryn

Hi everyone!! I’m Kathryn and I’m happy and grateful to be teaching again. This is my 15th year teaching Confirmation at St. Anne and have been teaching for over 20+ years at different parishes within the Oakland diocese.

When I’m not teaching at St. Anne, I work at Tri-City Volunteers in Fremont, our local food pantry, as a Program Manager. The best part of my job is coordinating the Mobile Pantries throughout Union City, Newark and Fremont. Being a part of a food pantry and feeding the hungry leans very much into my ministry as a Catholic. 

I love being outdoors and onto the next big (or small) adventure. I have 4 adult children who are off and on their own; living life and figuring out who they are and what they’re supposed to become. Now that I’m truly an empty-nester, I have time to travel with my husband, Brad, and care for my fur-babies; my dog, Loki and cat, Torch. 

With God and my faith as my focus, I believe I can do EVERYTHING and ANYTHING I put my mind and determination towards. In challenging times, I lean into my faith and the church as my support and voice of reason. As ministry has been a part of my life for over 20+ years, I am blessed to have an opportunity to share it with our community. Teaching our young adults about our faith and how it fits into their daily lives is one of the passions I carry with me. I am an open book and pray that my life experiences can help another person’s point of view and choices. As much as I love to teach, I also love to learn from my students. 

I’m excited and looking forward to this year of Confirmation and sharing this faith journey with all of you!

Stacey

Hello Everyone! My name is Stacey Sarmiento, and this is my first year as a confirmation staff member. I have been involved with the Youth Ministry Program since 2002. Being a part of SAYM plays a huge part in who I am and how I strive to live my faith daily. I’ve been blessed to participate in many ministries at St. Anne, including altar server, CYO, Eucharistic Ministry, CCD/Faith Formation, Lector, Emmaus Peer Ministry, and our podcast God in Company.

When I’m not at church, you can find me coaching basketball at Logan, IVC, or AAU, spending time with family and friends, barbecuing and cooking for fun, or watching my favorite shows and movies, such as One Tree Hill, The Rookie, Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, and all the Fast and Furious movies. 

I’m so excited for this upcoming year! When I look back when I was going through Confirmation, I am reminded of the impact it made in my life. I was able to find my own way of building my relationship with God and allow God to work through me and share His love in everything I do. I pray that God continues to guide us, bless us, and give opportunities to share our faith with one another, grow closer to God and be open to the “God Moments” we can experience.

Jaylen, Alfred, & Melissa

jam@stanneconfirmation.com

Jaylen

Hi everyone! My name is Jaylen. This will be my first year as a confirmation teacher alongside Alfred, Melissa, and Nikki. I have been a part of Saint Anne for my entire life. Starting as an usher from as young as five-years-old, to joining Emmaus Peer Ministry in high school, to becoming the lector coordinator for our youth lectors when I was in college, I have always tried to be involved and help out wherever I could. When I reflect on my time here at Saint Anne, I can only think about the positive effect that all of the incredible people here had on me. As I step into my first year teaching with the rest of our amazing staff, I look forward to being a part of all of your faith journeys and creating a positive impact on you. Let’s have a great year of learning, faith, and fun together!

Alfred

Hi everyone! I’ve been involved with the Saint Anne Confirmation Program in some way, every year since I was confirmed. I marvel at the fact that our faith has been passed down, taught with words, examples, and deeds, from one generation to the next, from the time of Jesus, to our great-grandparents, to our grandparents, to our parents, and on to us. As a confirmation teacher, it has been a blessing and a gift to be able to witness God working in our youth. It has also been wonderful to see our newly confirmed share their faith with others by joining various ministries. I look forward to getting to know you, sharing our faith with each other, and seeing the people all of you grow into becoming.

Melissa

Hi! My name is Melissa and I’m super excited to be a part of the confirmation staff for the first time. I grew up in Union City and graduated from James Logan. If I’m not working, you’ll normally find me outside biking, climbing, camping, hiking, or all of the above! 

My faith journey started in the 1st grade where I received my 1st communion at St. Annes. From there, I continued onto Youth Ministry and was in Emmaus for 6 years. I look forward to sharing this journey with you