Michael Villanueva, MTS

Michael Villanueva is a growing national speaker known for his relatable yet highly thought-provoking style, specializing in topics such as: Marriage & Family, Authentic Masculinity, Dating & Vocational Discernment, Catholic Culture, and especially St. John Paul II’s “masterwork”, the Theology of the Body (TOB).  A former seminarian for the Diocese of Phoenix, Michael earned his master’s from the John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family in Washington, DC and completed his undergraduate studies at Franciscan University in Steubenville, OH.  For more than 5 years, he has led the John Paul II Center for Theology of the Body, now serving as its Executive Director.

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As former marriage prep presenters, Michael and his wife, Rachel (another budding Catholic speaker), have formed hundreds of engaged couples and have now started to give talks and retreats focusing on marriage enrichment.  Each year, they lead the dynamic 10-week Igniting Hearts TOB Immersion course for adults (any stage or state of life) and their podcast, All Things Nueva, has been recognized as an effective companion to their teaching and speaking ministry.  The Villanueva’s have been married for nearly a decade and are blessed with 6 children: one in heaven, Magdalena, Joseph, Chiara, Ignatia, and Emilia.

Jeanette Burdell

Jeanette Burdell supports the JPII Center's vibrant and growing programs, events, and member engagement.  She has served in various mission-oriented organizations including St. Joseph County Right to Life as Executive Director, Women's Care Center pro-life pregnancy center as Counselor, Phoenix Rescue Mission as Event Coordinator, and as Music Director and music minister at several parishes.  Jeanette completed some master's level work in Theology from the University of Notre Dame and earned a BA in Mass Communication from St. Mary's College of Notre Dame.  Her most important vocation is wife to Marc for 37 years, mother of three amazing children (this side of heaven), and grandmother of four beautiful grandchildren.

Julia Ornelas

Julia first encountered the John Paul II Center for Theology of the Body alongside her fiancé, Brandon in 2021 through the JPII Center’s first Immersion course.  What began as preparation for marriage stirred a desire for healing, beauty, and deeper formation.  In 2022, this desire bloomed into a call to serve — first in quiet volunteer roles, then in the heartbeat of events, media, and mission.  With a background in nursing, ministry, and media, she supports the Center’s events, communications, and day-to-day operations with quiet strength, joyful readiness, and deep intentionality.  Whether behind the scenes or face-to-face, coordinating volunteers, or preparing sacred spaces, she seeks to cultivate meaningful encounters where hearts are awakened to the truth of one’s goodness, beauty, and desire of the human heart.