Meet the Team Helping Families Find Their Place at Carrollton & Banks

Posted April 14, 2024 / Last updated April 19, 2024

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In partnering with parents to form their sons into the men they were made to be, Jesuit strives to provide a seamless experience for parents and students. The role of Jesuit’s admissions team is to help families build meaningful, authentic relationships with the school throughout the high school discernment and enrollment process. Jesuit is proud to introduce three outstanding additions to the school’s enrollment and admissions office.

Theresa Bertucci Truxillo has been named Jesuit’s director of enrollment. Truxillo is tasked with strategic oversight of the school’s complete enrollment efforts from families’ first contact with Jesuit through Blue Jays’ experience as students.

Joining her on the team as Jesuit’s new director of admissions is Jonathan Hernandez ’00, a current physical education and world geography teacher who serves as Jesuit’s assistant varsity basketball coach. In his new role, Hernandez will focus on cultivating relationships with prospective students and families to help them discern their best fit in a Catholic high school.

Pre-freshman teacher Matthew Firmin ’10, who has been named an admissions officer, brings years of experience as a classroom teacher, wrestling coach, and co-curricular moderator. In his new role, Firmin will engage with families from a wide range of local schools, personal backgrounds, demographics, and neighborhoods to ensure that a world-class Jesuit education continues to be available to students from all walks of life.

“I am excited that Theresa, Jonathan, and Matt will be walking alongside prospective families in the admissions process,” said Jeremy Reuther ’01, Jesuit’s next principal. “All three are especially gifted at building relationships and sharing their passion for Jesuit’s mission to form students into the men they are made to be. The future is bright for new Blue Jays to find their place at Carrollton & Banks.”

Theresa Truxillo

Truxillo brings a wealth of education and nonprofit experience and a deep, personal connection to the Jesuit community. Truxillo served as the director of adult faith formation at St. Pius, where she showcased her skills in event planning and coordination among the parish and school’s many departments and ministries.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Truxillo has been deeply committed to serving the local community for many years as a board member for numerous non-profit organizations. She is widely known in the greater New Orleans area as a successful leader for countless events and galas.

Truxillo’s association with the school spans generations, with her grandfather, father, brothers, and husband all having attending Jesuit themselves. This tradition continues with her own children: one is an alumnus, another currently attends Jesuit, and a third is set to begin his time as a Blue Jay this August.

“I am humbled, blessed, and so excited to serve as Jesuit’s director of enrollment,” she said. “I especially appreciate the opportunity to work with Fr. Brown and our dynamic leadership team to articulate and live out Jesuit’s mission. I’m deeply grateful for the influence Jesuit has had on me personally as a Blue Jay granddaughter, daughter, sister, wife, and especially as the mother of an alumnus, current student, and incoming student. Jesuit has been a gift to my family and I am eager to share that gift with others.”

Jonathan Hernandez ’00

Hernandez’s journey in education and athletics spans almost a decade, during which time he dedicated himself to teaching world geography and physical education while coaching basketball. He has demonstrated excellence as an educator and a mentor, but he has also spent many years engaging with prospective families as a coach, sharing Jesuit’s values through the lens of its storied athletic program.

Approachable, gregarious, and engaging, Hernandez is committed to providing families with a welcoming and informative experience throughout the admissions process.

“I am honored to serve as director of admissions at my alma mater,” said Hernandez. “As the father of three boys, I personally understand the deep trust that parents place in us when they choose Jesuit for their sons. My goal is to continue our legacy and maintain the standard set by so many Blue Jays through all the days of of their lives.”

Matthew Firmin ’10

Firmin embarked on his education career through Jesuit’s Alum Service Corps in the 2014-15 academic year. His dedication to classroom teaching led him to the charter school system, where he continued to teach until returning to Jesuit in 2020.

Firmin’s journey back to Jesuit was motivated by his vision for supporting students as they transition into the Jesuit community—both socially and academically. He is committed to fostering a supportive and welcoming environment for new families from all walks of life.

“I am deeply grateful and honored to be chosen to serve on the admissions team here at Jesuit. I look forward to working with the incredible people that Jesuit has brought together, and I feel blessed to be given the opportunity to help Jesuit serve the greater New Orleans community.”


To find information regarding prospective student events or to schedule a private tour, contact the admissions office.