| Brooke Bagwell |
| Spanish Teacher, advisor |
| Division: HS |
| Education: B.A., Davidson College; M.A., Southern Methodist University; M.A., Stanford University |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2008 |
| Hobbies & Interests: rock climbing, dance, live music |
| "What I like the most about St. Mary's Academy is the community, and the opportunity to build relationships that will endure for years. Since I taught at the Middle School three years ago, and now I am teaching in the High School, I have some of the same students from a few years ago. The small class size contributes to teachers and students having more personal relationships, which enhances learning, and makes possible instruction that is more individualized and relevant to students." |
| Celia Bard |
| English Teacher, Social Studies Dept. Chair, advisor |
| Division: HS |
| Education: B.A., Metropolitan State University, M.A., University of Colorado at Denver |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2000 |
| Other SMA Activities: Model U.N., New Orleans trip, Motherhouse Service Project |
| Hobbies & Interests: traveling, hiking, biking, skiing, reading, movies, music |
| \"I like working at SMA because of the students, faculty, staff and adherence to the values on which the school is founded.\" |
| Sara Barksdale |
| Fine Arts Teacher |
| Division: LS, MS, HS |
| Education: B.A., William Woods University |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1983 |
| Hobbies & Interests: tennis, biking, art clubs |
| "I like working at St. Mary's Academy for many reasons. Art is a large part of who I am, and the school allows me a comfort zone to express to my students the world of art. The SMA environment is teacher and kid friendly. I like the diversity of people on campus and being a cross-divisional teacher gives me the opportunity to experience all backgrounds and ages." |
| Andrew Beckham |
| Art Teacher, Visual Arts Chair, advisor |
| Division: HS |
| Education: B.F.A., Pacific Northwest College of Art; M.A., Prescott College; Fulbright Fellow, Bezalel Academy of Art and Design |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2000 |
| Other SMA Activities: literary magazine sponsor |
| Hobbies & Interests: professional artist and photographer, hiking, backpacking, gardening |
| "Our students are exceptional young women who are finding their own powerful voices as leaders for their generation. It is a privilege to have an opportunity to work with them on a daily basis, and see them grow into thoughtful, compassionate, creative young adults." |
| Mary Berlin |
| Math Teacher, advisor |
| Division: HS |
| Education: B.A., Marietta College; M.B.A., University of Denver |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2000 |
| Other SMA Activities: clubs and after school math study sessions |
| Hobbies & Interests: traveling, family/friends, reading, book club, hiking, volunteering on homeowners association committees, golf, tennis |
| "I enjoy imparting experience and knowledge to such a wonderful student body. I enjoy my colleagues and the professional atmosphere. I feel blessed to teach in an environment of excellence, respect, and community." |
| Elizabeth Boehmer |
| Math Teacher, advisor |
| Division: HS |
| Education: B.A., University of Utah; B.S., Metropolitan State College; M.A., University of Northern Colorado |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1991 |
| Other SMA Activities: Math Lab, National Honor Society, Cooking Club |
| Hobbies & Interests: hiking, reading, cooking, family |
| "Discipline is not an issue at St. Mary's Academy so I get to do what I love. I get to teach! Supportive parents, talented, caring colleagues and focused students make my job a joy." |
| Courtney Clarke |
| Science Teacher, advisor |
| Division: HS |
| Education: B.S., Eckerd College |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2007 |
| Other SMA Activities: coaching lacrosse and volleyball |
| Hobbies & Interests: anything outdoors |
| "I like working at SMA because the school gives teachers the freedom to inspire kids with their own passion." |
| Mary-Jeanne DeMarie |
| French and Spanish Teacher, advisor |
| Division: HS |
| Education: B.S., New York State University College at Buffalo; M.Ed., State University of New York at Buffalo |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2002 |
| Other SMA Activities: summer student trips to France |
| Hobbies & Interests: swimming, weaving, spinning, knitting |
| "I have found St. Mary's Academy to be a community where we are encouraged to be invested in the whole student, to encourage students to their achievement and to maintain mutual respect with all members of the community." |
| Kristen Ferguson |
| Library Media Specialist, 9th Grade Lead Advisor |
| Division: HS |
| Education: B.A., Colorado State University; M.A., Emporia State University |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2000 |
| Other SMA Activities: Common Ground Club, New Orleans Service Trip |
| Hobbies & Interests: traveling, gardening, volleyball, art, reading hiking, biking, studying ancient cultures and art history, trying new restaurants, spending time with friends and family |
| "I love the sense of community here at SMA and the administrative support to stretch myself professionally. I also enjoy working with such talented and inspirational teachers." |
| Sharon Gayley |
| Music/Band Teacher |
| Division: LS, MS, HS |
| Education: B.A., University of Northern Colorado |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2004 |
| Other SMA Activities: HS Tri-M Honorary Music Society |
| Hobbies & Interests: gardening, hiking, camping, traveling and cooking |
| "I enjoy the variety in my job with working with students of all grades throughout the day and having a variety of music classes. By teaching within all school levels, I get to see our students grow up. I like having the support for and opportunity of teaching music classes at SMA, especially knowing that many schools are eliminating or cutting out the fine arts programs." |
| Phil Gentry |
| Math Teacher, Director of College Counseling, advisor |
| Division: HS |
| Education: B.A., Colorado College |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1997 |
| Other SMA Activities: Varsity basketball coach, yearbook sponsor |
| Hobbies & Interests: music, photography, reading |
| "I enjoy being at St. Mary's Academy because of the tremendous sense of community that is felt by students, parents and faculty alike. I enjoy coming to school each day and having the opportunity to work with such great kids, and I appreciate the values of our Academy." |
| Mike Gleason |
| Athletic Manager, PE Teacher |
| Division: MS, HS |
| Education: B.A., Lynchburg College |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2002 |
| Other SMA Activities: boys soccer, basketball and lacrosse coach |
| Hobbies & Interests: golf, basketball, lacrosse, softball, walking my dog at the end of a tough day. |
| "SMA is a safe environment to work in. I truly enjoy my colleagues in my department because we laugh with one another over silly stuff. Plus, one of the best things about St. Mary's Academy is, wherever I roam, there is always food somewhere." |
| Greta Glugoski-Sharp |
| Science Teacher; advisor |
| Division: HS |
| Education: B.A., University of California at Santa Cruz; M.Ed, University of San Francisco |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2003 |
| Hobbies & Interests: reading British literature, actively involved in several science education and philanthropic organizations |
| "I like teaching at St. Mary's Academy because of the wonderful students and the excellent support from the administration." |
| Roberta Hamilton-Griggs |
| Music and Drama Teacher |
| Division: MS, HS |
| Education: B.A., Mesa College; M.M., University of Denver |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2004 |
| Other SMA Activities: After School Theater |
| Hobbies & Interests: performing, camping, swimming, skiing, reading with my family |
| "I like everything including the community and the opportunity to talk about faith and justice in the classroom and at rehearsals. I also enjoy the friends I have made and the support of the entire staff, especially by fine arts co-workers." |
| Gerald Harnett |
| Math and Science Teacher, Math Dept. Chair, advisor |
| Division: HS |
| Education: B.A., Pomona College; M.A., University of California, Berkeley; Ph.D., University of Colorado, Boulder |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2001 |
| Other SMA Activities: Run for Hunger organizer |
| Hobbies & Interests: running, music |
| "St. Mary's Academy is a small community where everyone can feel they are known, valued and cared for. As a teacher, I have a reasonable degree of autonomy to develop ideas for improving learning." |
| Jamie Hatch |
| Art Teacher, Grade 11 Lead Advisor |
| Division: HS |
| Education: B.F.A., New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2005 |
| Other SMA Activities: National Honor Society, Junior Class Student Council |
| Hobbies & Interests: making sculpture, hiking, snowboarding, cross-country skiing |
| "St. Mary's Academy has an excellent staff and a wonderful group of students. They make this job incredibly rewarding." |
| Abby Holloway |
| PE Teacher |
| Division: LS, MS, HS |
| Education: B.S., Wheaton College in Illinois |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2008 |
| Other SMA Activities: tennis and basketball coach |
| Hobbies & Interests: playing the guitar and piano |
| "I am excited to be part of a school with such a great legacy." |
| Deborah Horning |
| Theology Teacher, advisor |
| Division: HS |
| Education: B.A., University of Colorado; M.Ed., Northeastern State University of Oklahoma |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1997 |
| Other SMA Activities: Common Ground Club sponsor, Admissions Committee |
| Hobbies & Interests: reading, gardening, playing with my grandson |
| "I enjoy the caring SMA community, the welcoming attitude and the willingness to be open to new ideas." |
| Coleen Hubbard |
| English Teacher, advisor |
| Division: HS |
| Education: B.A., University of Denver; M.A., University of Denver |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2008 |
| Hobbies & Interests: wrote and co-produced first documentary file about the role of spirituals in racial healing called "I Can Tell the World."; theater, reading, writing, vegetarian cooking, traveling and hanging out with her three daughters. |
| "I am excited to be teaching at SMA this year after having daughters in the high school for the past ten years. The faculty and staff are awesome and committed and the students are bright, curious, interesting young women who will change the world." |
| Jennifer Klein |
| English Teacher, advisor |
| Division: HS |
| Education: B.A., Bard College; M.A., CU Boulder; Colorado Principal Licensing, University of Denver |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1999 |
| Other SMA Activities: Model United Nations, literary magazine sponsor, Director of Educational Development for the Research Journalism Initiative, Amnesty International |
| Hobbies & Interests: community service in international settings, poetry and non-fiction writing, Director of Research Journalism Initiative, which facilitates self-expression among Palestinian youth and direct dialogue with American youth. |
| "Young people find their own voices at SMA--and even when that search creates turmoil or conflict, this is a community which helps students learn from difficulty. I am proud of the strong young leaders SMA graduates, who are academically prepared but also ready to do good work in the world, ready to be agents of change and actors for justice and compassion. As our students learn to take the world and their responsibilities in it seriously, they become increasingly engaged in making it a better place." |
| Mary Kolbach |
| Associate Athletic Director, PE Teacher |
| Division: LS, MS, HS |
| Education: B.S., University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1982 |
| Hobbies & Interests: bicycling, motorcycling, gardening, photography and sports fan. |
| "I love the family-friendly environment at SMA. Throughout my 26 years as a teacher, coach and parent at SMA, I have experienced the support and encouragement of parents, students, colleagues, staff and administration. Our curriculum and program challenges students in mind, body and character. Academics are complemented with daily physical education, fine arts, community service and sports. The adminsitration provides numerous opportunities for our professional development and encourages us to be life-long learners just like our students. The small class size creates a very productive and friendly atmosphere." |
| Tanya Komandt |
| Math Teacher, advisor |
| Division: HS |
| Education: B.A., College of William and Mary |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2001 |
| Hobbies & Interests: reading, camping, hiking, movies and traveling |
| "I appreciate the sense of autonomy as a teacher and the close relationships one develops with students at SMA." |
| Clare Lovett |
| High School Administrative Assistant |
| Division: HS, Staff |
| Education: B.A., University of Colorado, Boulder |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2000 |
| Hobbies & Interests: Ombudsman for people in long term care settings, Colorado history, cooking, gardening, needlecrafts and being a mother and grandmother |
| "I like working at SMA because I am in daily touch with people from whom I can learn many things." |
| Michelle Lyon |
| Academic Dean, Science Teacher, Science Dept. Chair, advisor |
| Division: HS |
| Education: B.S., Florida State University; M.A., University of Great Falls in Montana |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1998 |
| Other SMA Activities: Technology committee, Infinite Campus and Naviance Facilitator |
| Hobbies & Interests: |
| "St. Mary's Academy affords me professional autonomy. It is in this environment that I can empower my students to be agents of change in their academic career but also encourage them to contribute their gifts to the arts, the sports field and their community." |
| Julie May |
| Counselor |
| Division: HS |
| Education: B.S., University of Nebraska; M.A., University of Colorado, Denver |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1998 |
| Hobbies & Interests: running/fitness, traveling, spending time with my family |
| "I like working at SMA because of our commitment to community, education and the empowerment of young women." |
| Kathryn McNamee |
| High School Principal, advisor |
| Division: HS |
| Education: B.A., Loretto Heights College; M.A., University of Colorado |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1970 |
| Hobbies & Interests: reading, movies, golf, walking, watching sports |
| "At SMA, I enjoy creating a supportive, caring environment; providing a fine education for young women; the energy and enthusiasm of the people in our community." |
| Mary Pat Mueller |
| Theology Teacher, advisor |
| Division: HS |
| Education: B.A., Notre Dame College of Ohio; M.S.S., University of Denver; M.A., Loyola University of Chicago |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1998 |
| Other SMA Activities: College Counseling, moderator of Amnesty International, SMA sports fan |
| Hobbies & Interests: tennis, gardening, hiking, reading |
| "I appreciate the strength of the bonds among SMA faculty, staff and students rooted in the Loretto values; I also like the fact that joy and laughter are part of each day at SMA." |
| Marcene Murphy |
| Athletic Director, PE Teacher |
| Division: Staff, HS |
| Education: B.S., Baylor University; M.A., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2006 |
| Other SMA Activities: Varsity field hockey coach, lacrosse coach |
| Hobbies & Interests: camping, hiking, golfing, fly fishing, biking and trail running |
| "The SMA community is a special place to work and to go to school. Teachers and students are respected and able to share their unique ideas, talents and abilities in the classroom, on the playing field, on stage and at a town/faculty meeting." |
| Don Nelson |
| History Teacher, advisor |
| Division: HS |
| Education: B.A., Washington University/University of Colorado |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1998 |
| Other SMA Activities: Mock Trial, 10th Grade Community Service Coordinator, 10th Grade Officers Co-Coordinator |
| Hobbies & Interests: sea kayaking, sailing, back packing, cross-country skiing, woodworking and carpentry |
| "I have always been impressed by the sense of community at SMA that comes out of the low student-teacher ratio and the Loretto values. We are trusted and given great freedom to develop our curriculum to reflect our real passion about the subject we teach." |
| Vicki Peirce |
| Library Aide |
| Division: HS |
| Education: B.A., University of Denver |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2000 |
| Hobbies & Interests: needlework, classic cars, photography, grandchildren |
| "I like the sense of community, camaraderie, and caring at St. Mary's Academy. This is not only a job; it is also a family. I enjoy the learning and conversations that occur on this campus, not only within the realm of academics, but also spiritually and personally." |
| Christine Saulsbury |
| Science Teacher, advisor |
| Division: HS |
| Education: B.A., University of Denver |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2007 |
| Other SMA Activities: attending sporting events and school plays |
| Hobbies & Interests: reading, soccer, tennis, traveling, spending time with friends and family |
| "I have enjoyed having small classes and a supportive faculty to work with at SMA. Also, the students are enthusiastic about learning and they challenge me, which always makes my days interesting." |
| Amber Smith |
| Humanities Teacher, Director of Community Service, advisor |
| Division: HS |
| Education: B.A., Saint Louis University |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2005 |
| Other SMA Activities: Coordinator of the Community Service program (New Orleans and Motherhouse service trips); assist with prayer services, retreats, etc., JV volleyball coach, 9th grade advisor, faculty co-sponsor of the Outreach Club |
| Hobbies & Interests: outdoors, kayaking, snow shoeing, sports, traveling, live music, snow boarding, community service, social justice issues, board and lawn games. |
| "It's hard to put into words what I like about working at St. Mary's Academy because the list is long. I love watching the students achieve independence, growth and maturity. I love the Sisters of Loretto and their passion for justice. I love working alongside an accomplished, heart-filled and talented staff. They, along with the students, teach me every day and continuously push me to become a better part of the community. There is a feeling I get when talking about SMA that I can't quite describe, yet it is the basis of my gratitude for working at such a wonderful place." |
| Peter Sniegowski |
| English Teacher, Grade 10 Lead Advisor |
| Division: HS |
| Education: B.A., Indiana University; M.A., University of Colorado |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1999 |
| Other SMA Activities: Chess Club, occasional drama productions, some Outdoor Club activities |
| Hobbies & Interests: fly fishing, rock climbing, canyoneering |
| "The open-mindedness of this institution is impressive. As a High School faculty member, I am given much control over what I taught--this allows me to transmit the best of my knowledge to the students. Because our students are of a high caliber and our class size is controlled, I can teach. Classroom discipline is not an issue in the High School." |
| Cherie Swisher |
| Fine Arts / Music Teacher |
| Division: LS, MS, HS |
| Education: B.A., University of Denver |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2005 |
| Other SMA Activities: Pioneer Day, school plays, performances, field trips, auditions, graduation, continuation ceremonies and assemblies |
| Hobbies & Interests: family, gardening, volunteering with The Colorado Ballet |
| "Although I work within a wonderful community of parents, teachers and students, my music team is the best!" |
| Kelsey Vrooman |
| French Teacher, advisor |
| Division: HS |
| Education: B.A., Trinity University; M.A., Columbia University |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2008 |
| Hobbies & Interests: hiking, gardening, camping, snowboarding, painting, cooking, music, movies and traveling |
| "I am looking forward to having smaller classes and to really getting to know my students." |
| Kay Wall |
| Registrar |
| Division: HS |
| Education: B.A., Colorado University |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1994 |
| Hobbies & Interests: outdoor activities, reading, travel |
| "I love the flexibility I have always had here and the people I work with at SMA. I am allowed to do my job with being micromanaged. There is a true element of trust and confidence. I respect this community and will always be grateful for time spent at SMA." |
| Dan Weiss |
| History Teacher, advisor |
| Division: HS |
| Education: B.A., University of Colorado, Boulder; M.A., University of Colorado, Denver |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2006 |
| Other SMA Activities: Varsity Soccer Coach |
| Hobbies & Interests: soccer, skiing, reading |
| "My favorite part about SMA is the students. They are talented, tremendously hard-working and overall just a pleasure to be around." |
| Jerry Welte |
| Theology Teacher, Religious Studies Dept. Chair, Campus Mini |
| Division: HS, MS |
| Education: B.A. and M.A., Loyola University of Chicago |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2004 |
| Other SMA Activities: Masses and prayer services, retreats, Junior Service Seminar, Outreach Club, Run for Hunger |
| Hobbies & Interests: playing guitar, movies, writing, computer games |
| "I love the open, personal and collaborative nature of our school. There is an opportunity to know faculty, staff and students well and to work closely with them in an atmosphere of mutual support." |
| Megan Welty |
| Spanish Teacher |
| Division: HS |
| Education: B.A., Westminster College; M.S., Saint Vincent College |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2007 |
| Other SMA Activities: High School cross country coach |
| Hobbies & Interests: skiing, running, biking, swimming |
| "St. Mary's Academy is a great place to work. I like the sense of community and maturity of the students at SMA. The students show a genuine interest in learning. The small class sizes allow the teachers to get to know their students on an individual level." |
