Head of School

Sr. Anne Louise Abascal, MPF

Sr. Anne Louise Abascal, MPF moved to Rio Rancho, NM from New Jersey in 2000 to help establish St. Thomas Aquinas School.  She has faithfully served our school since we were founded in August of 2000.  She started her career at STAS as the first grade teacher.  In the fall of 2004, Sr. Anne Louise became our school principal and has dedicated her life to school leadership.  Prior to moving to New Mexico, Sr. Anne Louise served as a teacher and principal in the New Jersey area.  She has served in her religious order for more than 65 years.

Sr. Anne Louise is a member of the community called Religious Teachers Filippini.  This order of sisters was founded by Saint Lucy Filippini in Montefiascone, Italy for the teaching of poor young women.  In 1910, five missionary sisters were sent to the United States by St. Pope Pius X to teach Italian immigrants in Trenton, New Jersey.  Their charism is “Euntes Docete Verbum Domini,”  or “Go and teach the word of God.”  Through Monsignor Raun’s diligent efforts, four sisters came to New Mexico to found St. Thomas Aquinas School.  Sr. Anne Louise is one of the original founders of our school.