I am Brother Nepi Willemsen, a Carmelite in formation with the province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary (PCM). More information on the Carmelite Order can be found following this link:  http://www.carmelites.net

Originally I am from Germany, where I entered the order in 2002. I came to the United States in 2011. These past two years I have been studying theology in the Master of Divinity program at Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, in preparation for the priesthood. My professional background is in social work, public health, and community organizing. I worked for Caritas in Southern Germany (Catholic Charities) with homeless people, with particular focus on persons suffering from mental illnesses and various addictions. Besides that, I was a counselor for Child Protective Services, mainly dealing with teenagers.

The assignment at Salpointe Catholic is my first teaching experience at an American high school. I started teaching here in the Fall of 2013. Before, I taught Social Competence and Skills Training classes at a public high school in Germany, in the capacity as an intern during my studies in social work. Furthermore, I have teaching experience form positions as lecturer at two different German academic institutions, and as Assistant Teacher in the Department of International Health at Georgetown University in Washington, DC.

My theological interests are strongly based in issues of justice and peace. I am involved in activities of the Carmelite NGO, a project of the members of the Carmelite Family around the world (http://carmelitengo.org) and contributed to the mission of the World Health Organization in the Western Hemisphere as a consultant to increase cooperation between that international organization and Faith-based organizations, which are actively involved in the field of health in Latin America and the Caribbean. More on my experience at PAHO/WHO can be found on this homepage.

Salpointe Catholic High School is a great place for students to form community, and a place where they learn to become responsible members of society, based on Christian values. I am very grateful for having the opportunity through my ministry as teacher to participate in this process!

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.