| Dorothy Allan |
| Language Arts Teacher, advisor |
| Division: MS |
| Education: B.A., M.A., University of Edinburgh |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2007 |
| Hobbies & Interests: reading, reading, and more reading |
| "I have very much enjoyed working at St. Mary's Academy because of the sense of community. As an experienced teacher, it is also a joy to work in an environment where students recognize that teachers want to help them achieve their potential, and both staff and students have the same goals." |
| Martha Ashley |
| Middle School Principal |
| Division: MS |
| Education: B.S., Texas A&M University; M.A., Southern Methodist University |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2004 |
| Hobbies & Interests: hiking, biking, camping, gardening and reading |
| "I appreciate SMA's warm and caring community and the Loretto School spirit that underlies all that we do." |
| 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." |
| JoAnn Cencula |
| Science Teacher, advisor |
| Division: MS |
| Education: B.A., Alliance College; M.Ed., University of Alabama Birmingham |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2000 |
| Other SMA Activities: After School Adolescents program |
| Hobbies & Interests: reading, gardening, scripture and cooking |
| "At SMA, we have outstanding professionals to work with in all departments and we have a diverse student body. I appreciate being able to walk my faith journey with the caring people who make up the SMA community. We maintain high academic standards while still focusing on each child's individual learning style." |
| Gertrude (Trudy) Cox |
| Science Teacher, advisor |
| Division: MS |
| Education: B.A., Hamilton College; M.A., University of Maryland |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2005 |
| Other SMA Activities: Middle School cross country, girls' lacrosse |
| Hobbies & Interests: running, hiking, skiing, swimming, biking, reading, painting, writing and spending time with family |
| "I enjoy the close relationships amongst the faculty and with the students at SMA. I also like that our school aspires to the four Loretto School Values: Respect, Community, Justice and Respect." |
| Terrye Easton |
| Social Studies Teacher, advisor |
| Division: MS |
| Education: B.A., University of Maryland |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1998 |
| Other SMA Activities: field hockey, basketball and soccer coach; MS Student Council |
| Hobbies & Interests: My main interests are my children and helping them pursue their passions, most notably skiing, swimming, tennis and gymnastics. My own indulgences include golf, skiing, running and poetry. |
| "My favorite thing about St. Mary's Academy is that the feeling here is not simply familiar; it is familial. My colleagues are also my friends. I know, respect and enjoy the people that I work with each day, and I feel it is reciprocal." |
| Mark Garcia |
| Computer and Library Literacy Teacher, advisor |
| Division: MS |
| Education: B.A., University of Washington |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2008 |
| Other SMA Activities: coaching |
| Hobbies & Interests: golf, frisbee, family and friends |
| "As a first year teacher, I am so impressed by the amount of support given by the entire faculty and staff here at St. Mary's Academy." |
| 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." |
| 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." |
| Sahra Hall |
| Art Teacher, advisor |
| Division: MS |
| Education: B.A., University of Virginia |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2006 |
| Other SMA Activities: High School swim team |
| Hobbies & Interests: painting, skiing, hiking, climbing, reading, writing and sleeping in |
| "St. Mary's Academy is an inclusive community with boundless space for creative and intellectual reflection. As a teacher, I feel that I have the support of my colleagues and the administration to develop a strong, relevant and personalized curriculum. The spirit of the school allows for strong interpersonal relationships amongst staff and students. I am proud to be a part of such a powerful community." |
| 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." |
| 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." |
| Aubree Keys |
| Language Arts Teacher, advisor |
| Division: MS |
| Education: B.A., M.Ed., University of Notre Dame |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2004 |
| Other SMA Activities: Middle School cross country coach, grade 7 girls soccer coach, Writer's Forum leader |
| Hobbies & Interests: snowboarding, mountain biking, soccer, playing the violin and piano, camping, hiking, reading and writing |
| "I appreciate the beauty of St. Mary's Academy's campus, the delightful demeanor of the students, the camaraderie of the faculty, the freedom I am provided within my classroom and the shared desire of everyone at SMA to create a safe, happy place for children to learn and grow." |
| 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." |
| 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." |
| Steve Mayfield |
| Science Teacher, advisor |
| Division: MS |
| Education: B.S., Fort Hays State University; M.Ed., Colorado Christian University |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1984 |
| Other SMA Activities: Academy Adventures Director since 1992 |
| Hobbies & Interests: gardening, walking, watching thriller movies |
| "I love coming to work everyday to smiling faces, hugs and positive learning attitudes. It doesn't matter what happened yesterday, today is all new and all is forgiven. The kids are great!" |
| Kay Medvig |
| Math and Religion Teacher, advisor |
| Division: MS |
| Education: B.S., University of Tennessee |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2002 |
| Other SMA Activities: Math Lab, Admissions Committee, Professional Development Committee |
| Hobbies & Interests: camping, fishing, reading |
| "I like working at SMA because each day is a new experience. It is a joy to work with the students, faculty and staff. After 30 years of teaching, my association with the community at SMA these last six years have been my most enjoyable." |
| Iskra Merino-Martinez |
| Spanish Teacher, advisor |
| Division: MS |
| Education: B.S. |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2006 |
| Other SMA Activities: Amistad Latina (High School Latino Club) |
| Hobbies & Interests: Mexican folklore dance, theatre, musicals, sporting events, attending conferences and events for the Latino and Hispanic communities |
| "Working in the SMA community has allowed me to plant the seed for youth of the importance of being bilingual in today's society. My work here has also allowed me to contribute my part in making the future a better place for my students. The kind and supportive treatment that has been demonstrated to me throughout my years at SMA has allowed me to develop my teaching practice with more love and passion." |
| Sara Monterroso |
| Spanish Teacher, advisor |
| Division: MS |
| Education: B.A., Amherst College |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2006 |
| Hobbies & Interests: painting, sculpting, dancing, hiking, biking, world cultures |
| "I like the sense of community that exists at SMA. I appreciate the effort to teach not only knowledge but also values, in particular the Loretto Values of Faith, Community, Justice and Respect." |
| Rick Nelson |
| Music Teacher |
| Division: MS |
| Education: B.A., Augustana College; B.M./B.M.E., University of Northern Colorado |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1997 |
| Hobbies & Interests: time with my family, skiing, Cub Scout leader, helping with the music team at church, tennis, playing in a jazz quartet |
| "Getting to know the students and spending time with the SMA staff." |
| Michael Pattison |
| Math Teacher, advisor |
| Division: MS |
| Education: B.Ed., Deakin University; M.Ed., Deakin University, Australia |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2000 |
| Other SMA Activities: grade 8 girls basketball and volleyball coach, grades 7/8 boys baseball coach |
| Hobbies & Interests: weight training, creating web pages |
| "Working at SMA is living the dream. The students are wonderful, the MS teaching staff are dedicated professionals and the parents are appreciative and supportive. We have an A+ Principal." |
| Andrew Rogers |
| Social Studies Teacher, advisor |
| Division: MS |
| Education: B.A., University of Wyoming |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1993 |
| Other SMA Activities: ASA Director, volleyball coach |
| Hobbies & Interests: I am an avid bowler. I also play on a softball team and on a football team. In the summer, I write for the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute. Over the past 8 years, I have written 5 books on different aspects of American Hi |
| "St. Mary's Academy allows me the freedom to teach what I want and how I want. St. Mary's Academy is like an extended family. The atmosphere here is one of love and learning." |
| 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." |
| Corey Sampson |
| Social Studies Teacher, advisor |
| Division: MS |
| Education: B.A., University of Northern Colorado |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2006 |
| Other SMA Activities: grade 7 girls basketball coach, grade 7 girls lacrosse coach, grade 8 service project coordinator, Middle School Gold Crown girls basketball team |
| Hobbies & Interests: |
| \"For me, what is most enjoyable about teaching at St. Mary\'s Academy is the way that the Loretto Values of community, faith, justice and respect are not just words, but are woven into the culture of this school.\" |
| Debbie Sanders |
| Language Arts Teacher, advisor |
| Division: MS |
| Education: B.S., Ball State University |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1991 |
| Hobbies & Interests: reading, games, walking/hiking, travel, theatre |
| "I love the community/family aspect of working at SMA. I felt 'it' the minute I stepped on campus as a substitute teacher. There is an ongoing commitment to the students whose paths we cross. We follow them as they pass through our Middle School and High School. Many continue to keep in touch well into college and into the world. They lend a greater value to what we do here because of what they continue to do as they take the Loretto values into the world. They are our hopes and dreams for the future." |
| Janice Schmitt |
| Math Teacher, advisor |
| Division: MS |
| Education: B.A., Adams State College |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 1999 |
| Other SMA Activities: grade 7 volleyball, basketball and soccer coach |
| Hobbies & Interests: golfing, walking and watching sports |
| "I love teaching at St. Mary's Academy for various reasons. It is a school rich in tradition and values and it has a long legacy. Its mission exemplifies excellence. I am able to create and design my own curriculum, incorporating activities, projects, games, etc. of my choosing. The class sizes are small enough that I am able to 'know' each student. The entire staff builds a community of trust, support and encouragement. SMA is a wonderful place to teach." |
| Diane Siennicki |
| Middle School Administrative Assistant |
| Division: MS |
| Education: HS graduate (with lots of life learning) |
| Started at St. Mary's Academy: 2004 |
| Hobbies & Interests: reading and traveling |
| "SMA is a heartwarming, caring community. The teaching staff is dedicated and their love for the children is evident. I love the friendly smiles and the feeling that you are appreciated and respected." |
| 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!" |
| 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." |
| 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." |
