| 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." |
| Chris Best |
| Grade 3 Teacher, Literacy Consultant |
| Division: LS |
| Education: B.A., Miami University; M.A., University of Denver |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2004 |
| Hobbies & Interests: reading, dogs, gardening and family |
| "SMA has been a wonderful oasis in this world for me as I am winding down my educational career. I love the students, parents and teachers. We do noble work at SMA and I am proud to be associated with this school." |
| Linda Deits |
| Kindergarten Teacher |
| Division: LS |
| Education: B.S., University of Colorado; MBA, Regis University |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2000 |
| Other SMA Activities: Mass planning |
| Hobbies & Interests: skiing, sewing, gardening, reading and walking |
| "Being able to include God in all of our activities is what I like best about SMA." |
| Elizabeth Dowling |
| Grade 3 Reading Teacher |
| Division: LS |
| Education: B.A., Haverford College; M.Ed., Lesley University, Ph.D., Tufts University |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2008 |
| Hobbies & Interests: reading, traveling, exercise (Pilates and running), movies, spending time on the beaches of Cape Cod (every summer) and spending time with my three nephews. |
| "It is my first year, but everyone I have met so far has been incredibly sweet. I am excited to learn more and meet some great people--students, teachers and families. It will be great to be back teaching. I have missed being around students for the past few years." |
| Mary Jane Frederick |
| Lower School Principal |
| Division: LS |
| Education: B.A., Michigan State University; M.A., Ed.S., Michigan State University |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2002 |
| Other SMA Activities: curriculum development, Academy Parents, Drama Club |
| Hobbies & Interests: walking, reading, theater, movies, history tours and traveling |
| "I love the community! The parents are supportive and their children love to learn. The faculty is very committed to what is best for children. They are a true team in every sense." |
| Lisa Frieman |
| Grade 3 Teacher |
| Division: LS |
| Education: B.A., University of Colorado; M.Ed., Regis University |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2008 |
| Hobbies & Interests: reading, knitting |
| "As a St. Mary's Academy alumna, I have always enjoyed the sense of community and belonging that I have felt at St. Mary's Academy. It is a privilege to be part of a staff that is committed to the success of every child by providing a caring, academic and spiritual environment." |
| 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." |
| Margaret Gross |
| Library Media Specialist |
| Division: LS |
| Education: B.S., Georgetown University; B.S., Creighton University; M.S., University of Denver |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2000 |
| Other SMA Activities: Technology Committee |
| Hobbies & Interests: reading, baking, cross-country skiing, crochet, computer games |
| "The history of St. Mary's Academy is unique in Colorado; I feel fortunate to be part of the continuing story. In particular, I enjoy the freedom that I have to develop a curriculum for my students that can adjust to their changing needs. Most especially, I enjoy working with children of different age groups and interests. No two days are ever alike!" |
| Darla Hamilton |
| Grade 4/5 Teacher |
| Division: LS |
| Education: B.A., Anderson University; M.S., Purdue University |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1991 |
| Other SMA Activities: Academy Adventures |
| Hobbies & Interests: music, gardening, crafts |
| "I have enjoyed the working relationship and friendships that I have made over my years at SMA. It is a wonderful place to work with a supportive administration and involved parents working together for the best interests of students." |
| Beth Hansen |
| EDC Director, PE Teacher |
| Division: LS |
| Education: B.A., Metropolitan State University |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1994 |
| Other SMA Activities: LS Field Day, LS Health Fair, Late Start Coordinator |
| Hobbies & Interests: crafts, beading, scrap-booking, woodworking |
| "SMA is a big extended family. It is a place where your faith is held with honor. The students are always full of questions and they have a thirst for knowledge." |
| Joan Henkes |
| Primary Teacher |
| Division: LS |
| Education: B.S., University of Wisconsin, Lacrosse |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1984 |
| Other SMA Activities: Admissions Committee |
| Hobbies & Interests: reading, walking, sports |
| "I enjoy working with our students because they love learning. We have wonderful administrators, faculty and staff who together with the students and parents make our wonderful community. Our caring and loving environment support and celebrate the Loretto School Values of Justice, Respect, Community and Faith." |
| 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." |
| Jane Hoogerwerf |
| Primary Teacher |
| Division: LS |
| Education: B.A., Central Michigan University |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1990 |
| Other SMA Activities: Admissions Committee, Destination Imagination |
| Hobbies & Interests: scrapbooking, Jazzercise, cooking |
| "I love the nurturing environment and the caring community that SMA provides. I enjoy my students and their wonderful families. I am pleased to have my own three daughters attend SMA." |
| Gloria Joachim |
| Primary Teacher |
| Division: LS |
| Education: B.A., Salve Regina College |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1979 |
| Other SMA Activities: Admissions Committee, Mass planning |
| Hobbies & Interests: reading, writing, doll collecting, knitting, crocheting |
| "SMA is a wonderful place to work with children. The nurturing environment helps them feel a sense of belonging and gives them a desire to achieve their potential." |
| Judy Johnson |
| Primary Teacher |
| Division: LS |
| Education: B.A., St. Mary's Dominican; M.Ed. Regis University |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1989 |
| Other SMA Activities: Technology Committee, Admissions Committee |
| Hobbies & Interests: cooking, sewing, crafts |
| "I love the children, the teachers and the parents with whom I am fortunate enough to work. They value education and share the Loretto School values. I also love the energy and enthusiasm that I feel when I walk down the halls." |
| Kathy Jordan |
| Kindergarten Teacher |
| Division: LS |
| Education: B.S., University of Albuquerque |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1979 |
| Hobbies & Interests: reading, gardening, biking, hiking, grandkids |
| "I enjoy working in a community group of dedicated teachers who strive to do what is the best for children and incorporate the Loretto values into the daily teaching." |
| Deborah Kasberg |
| Grade 4/5 Teacher |
| Division: LS |
| Education: B.S., San Diego State University; M.A., Regis University |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2007 |
| Hobbies & Interests: triathlons, tennis and reading |
| "I love teaching to students who are eager to learn, and I love the parent community and the support they provide. I feel empowered working with such a professional and highly qualified staff. This school provides the resources and professional development necessary to allow teachers to excel in their areas of expertise. And finally, I love teaching in a school built on the Loretto School Values of Faith, Community, Justice and Respect." |
| Lynn Kelly |
| Grade 4/5 Teacher |
| Division: LS |
| Education: B.A., University of Denver |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1997 |
| Other SMA Activities: AmeriTowne coordinator |
| Hobbies & Interests: gardening, paddle tennis |
| "I like working at SMA because of the view of the Rocky Mountains from my west facing second floor window. Each morning it inspires me!" |
| 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." |
| Sandi Krebs |
| Grade 4/5 Teacher |
| Division: LS |
| Education: B.S., Pittsburg State University |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1985 |
| Other SMA Activities: Admissions Committee, D.A.R.E. program |
| Hobbies & Interests: reading, art, needlework, traveling |
| "St. Mary's Academy provides a faith-based education and it is a privilege to be a part of an educational experience that has high academic expectations and strong moral commitments. Our school is a caring and safe environment for all of the individuals in our community -- students, staff and faculty." |
| Joan Kuntz |
| Grade 4/5 Teacher |
| Division: LS |
| Education: B.A., Mount Holyoke College; M.A., University of Denver |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2004 |
| Hobbies & Interests: outdoor activities, travel, reading |
| "I like working at a school where the values are explicit and a part of what we do on a daily basis. The Loretto values and history are an important cornerstone of the SMA community. I love working on this beautiful campus. I enjoy working with colleagues who are dedicated to what is best for children and work hard to make the curriculum meaningful. Our parents are supportive and appreciative. Our students are proud of their school and enjoy the varied activities we offer here." |
| Theresa Lorenzo |
| Primary Teacher |
| Division: LS |
| Education: B.A., University of Denver |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1995 |
| Hobbies & Interests: |
| "I have never taught at any other school. I love the freedom that is given to us. We are able to teach our classes in the most creative and effective way possible. We are not the type of school that relies on pencil and paper or worksheets to learn. I love the hands-on, interactive approach that we use. I feel like I really know my students and their families. St. Mary's Academy and its staff also feel like a family to me." |
| Linda Marsh |
| PE Teacher |
| Division: LS, MS |
| Education: B.A., London University/Open University; M.A., University of Surrey, Royal Academy of Dance Teaching and certified, registered teacher |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1997 |
| Other SMA Activities: High School and Middle School dance teams coach |
| Hobbies & Interests: traveling, camping, theater, skiing and reading |
| "I love working with the students (K-12). I enjoy the community spirit and savor the beautiful campus in all seasons. SMA is paradise." |
| Ines McCall |
| Spanish Teacher |
| Division: LS |
| Education: B.A., University of Tarapaca |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1997 |
| Other SMA Activities: Faculty Choir |
| Hobbies & Interests: foreign languages, music, dancing, photography, piano |
| "I like the small class sizes, which allow you to get to know the students fairly well. I enjoy the peaceful environment and family oriented community we have here. I appreciate the trust that is given to us as teachers to create our curriculum and the flexibility to make changes when necessary." |
| Michelle O'Shea |
| Primary Teacher |
| Division: LS |
| Education: B.A., University of Alabama |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2006 |
| Hobbies & Interests: sports, music, spending time with family |
| "I like working at St. Mary's Academy because of the great teachers and staff that work in the Lower School. I also cherish the close relationships I have with my students and their families." |
| Anne Pace |
| Primary Teacher |
| Division: LS |
| Education: B.A., Mount Mary College |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1990 |
| Hobbies & Interests: |
| "SMA is a great place to be. The school spirit is very apparent. It can be seen in each of the happy faces skipping down the Lower School hallway. The kids are a reflection of their parents. I enjoy the camaraderie of my teammates and admire their dedication and hard work. SMA is such a truly happy place to be! I count my blessings every day to be able to be a part of such a wonderful place." |
| Barbara Peister |
| Grade 3 Teacher |
| Division: LS |
| Education: B.S., California State University |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1985 |
| Other SMA Activities: Destination Imagination School |
| Hobbies & Interests: sewing, watching HGTV and playing with her three grandchildren |
| "The school is a huge part of my life. I felt at home the moment I walked through the door and just never considered going anywhere else. It's a very special place that conveys a feeling of safety, creativity and intellectual promise." |
| Celsa Rutan |
| Kindergarten and Grade 6 Spanish Teacher |
| Division: LS, MS |
| Education: International Institute of Theology; University of Theology Sancti Damasi; University Del Norte Law School; University of Denver English Language Program |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2007 |
| Hobbies & Interests: sports, reading, traveling and dancing |
| "I love the ambiance of SMA, and its mission and spirit. I really appreciate the supportive environment from my fellow teachers and the principals." |
| Donna Sullivan |
| Counselor, LS and MS |
| Division: LS, MS |
| Education: B.S., University of Virginia; M.S., University of Nebraska |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2001 |
| Hobbies & Interests: reading, hiking, traveling |
| "I love working at SMA because of the wonderful sense of community. I love being a part of a community that tries to 'live' the Loretto values of faith, community, justice and respect. I enjoy getting to know both the Lower and Middle School students as well as being a part of their character education. There is a 'spirit' here that I've not seen matched anywhere else; I feel so luck to be here." |
| 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!" |
| Chuck Wilcox |
| Fine Arts/Drama Teacher |
| Division: LS, MS |
| Education: B.A., University of Wyoming; M.A., University of Colorado |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1997 |
| Other SMA Activities: Chess Club |
| Hobbies & Interests: Music (tuba and tabor-pipe), chess, renaissance history, Costa Rica, Yoga, alternative transportation |
| "One of the things that I like about working at SMA is that I don't have to explain my diverse interests and myself; everyone here has a broad background. I enjoy how the faculty constantly shares teaching tips. I like not having to justify theater to the adminstration; the arts are well respected at SMA." |
| Karen Wuertz |
| Grade 4/5 Teacher |
| Division: LS |
| Education: B.A., University of Colorado, Boulder; M.A., University of Colorado, Boulder; Graduate Certificate in Leadership, Regis University; NAIS Fellowship |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2000 |
| Other SMA Activities: LS Service Learning |
| Hobbies & Interests: family activities, watching hockey, reading, playing with my dog |
| "St. Mary's Academy is like an extended family. I don't go there everyday simply to do my job, but to belong to something bigger than a school. SMA is a community whose legacy stretches back in time for many generations. Being a part of life and learning at SMA connects me to the past, present and future in a meaningful way. I am proud of the work we do at SMA and the way we touch and shape the lives of our students, their families and the community at large." |
