SMHSCS.ORG - Key Persons
I am Al Hartzell and I have been teaching the sciences for 19 years. The 2023-24 school year is my 18th year at St. Mary's, and you will find that I am somewhat of a "Jack of all trades" when it comes to science.
I am currently teaching several classes which will undoubtedly include contact with most students during their four year tenure. I teach biology, marine biology, ecology, environmental biology, physical science, and previously fundamentals of engineering. My love of the sciences spans over 50 years and began with my formative years in high school.
I am a graduate of Temple University in Philadelphia (and yes I'm a Philly boy), where I earned my BS in biomedical engineering. After college, I entered the US Air Force and spent 30 years as an Aerospace Physiologist. This included training aircrew about the environmental hazards of flight (thus the teaching urge). This training included high altitude exposure in flight and in hypobaric chambers. Additional fun was had in hyperbaric chambers, spatial disorientation trainers, the centrifuge for high-G training, high and low altitude airdrop, and our reconnaissance mission.
During this time, the Air Force sent me to get my master's degree and I graduated from the University of Arizona in Tucson with a degree in Exercise Physiology. I have certifications as an Aerospace Physiologist through the Aerospace Physiology Society and as an Exercise Physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine. I served for three years at the U.S. Air Force Academy Biology Department and I was an adjunct professor at the Uniformed Services School of Medicine. Eventually I became the senior officer within my career field and finally retired in 2004. Not ready to completely leave the Air Force, I worked in JROTC for one year. Then I moved back to Colorado Springs and worked at Pine Creek High School for one year and then moved over to St Mary's High School after that.
I am here because I love the kids and I love the sciences. As for my personal life, I am married, have two grown children and three grandchildren. All of my family is still in the Philly area and during the fall, there will be much boasting (or crying) about the Philadelphia Eagles. I love to work out nearly every day. I bike, swim, lift, and do the elliptical. I used to run but accidents have ended that part for me. My hobbies include reading, movies, and music. So if you love science, sports, cheese steaks, cheesy movies, and the Beach Boys, then you will find it easy to get to know me.
Job Titles:
- Vice Chair of the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Dr. Marlena Pinner enjoys teaching science and chemistry in particular. Her instructional background includes teaching chemistry at the high school and college levels.
Dr. Pinner's graduate degree in biochemistry and doctorate in education fuel her passion to energize students to explore and appreciate the intricacies of God's creation. She has five grandchildren who fill her life with joy and excitement and two cats who are good at cuddling.
Job Titles:
- Member of the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
- Treasurer of the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Job Titles:
- Member of the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Ms. Lee has been teaching art for over 30 years to adult, college, high school, and middle school students. She recently retired from teaching HS art in School District 11. She also is a working artist, exhibiting works in clay, printmaking, collage, photography, and painting.
Her love of the visual arts started at the age of four when her older sister taught her how to shade to create the illusion of form. Ms. Lee knew that she wanted to be an artist at that very moment. She realized in graduate school that her second passion was for teaching.
One of Ms. Lee's favorite artists, Georgia O'Keeffe, expressed it best for how both the artist and Ms. Lee feel about making art: "I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way, things I had no words for."
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Job Titles:
- Member of the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
- Secretary of the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Job Titles:
- Member of the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Job Titles:
- Member of the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Job Titles:
- Math / Engineering Teacher
Hi, my name is Caleb Smith. My family was military, but I have lived in Colorado most of my life. I graduated from University of Colorado - Colorado Springs with a degree in mathematics.
I have always been logically and mathematically minded, which influenced my hobbies. In high school, I went through the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) program as a student, and I am excited to share those experiences as a teacher now. I love traditional games, and have a large board and card game collection. I am a cradle Catholic and fell in love with the Church all over again in college. My confirmation saint is St. Jerome, but I also feel a strong connection with St. Hubert.
I am excited to be a part of the St. Mary's family since August 2022, and I look forward to teaching and helping spread my love of mathematics!
Dan Mersman is also the head coach of the St. Mary's High School Competitive Trapshooting Team.
Daniel Foster, a Colorado native, joined the St. Mary's faculty in August 2022, to teach music and theater. He is also the theater director and directs the weekly Mass choir.
Originally from Grand Junction, he moved to Colorado Springs in 2013. He has served as Director of Music, Organist, and K-5 Music Teacher at Divine Redeemer Catholic Church for the past seven years. Prior to this, he was the Organist and Music Director for St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Grand Junction. He maintains a small private studio of vocal, piano, violin, and organ students.
Daniel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Vocal Performance from Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction. He completed his Master's of Music degree in Organ Performance at University of Denver. Daniel has been an active performer in the Colorado Springs community. He has performed with the Colorado Springs Chamber Choir, the Colorado Springs Chorale, and the Colorado Springs Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Prior to moving to Colorado Springs, Daniel was an active performer in multiple theater organizations as well as the university, where he worked as an actor, stage manager, accompanist, and director for many shows.
Job Titles:
- Dean of Students / Administration
Job Titles:
- Academic & College Counselor
Eric Baxter took over the role of College & Career Counselor at St. Mary's in August 2022. He has been in education for more than 30 years as a counselor working at the middle and high school levels. He attended Central Washington University where he obtained both his undergraduate and Master's of Education degrees before moving to Colorado Springs in 1997. He worked in various schools in Academy School District 20 for the last 25 years and most recently as a counselor at Discovery Canyon Campus High School.
Eric and his wife have five children, all grown and off exploring the world in many different ways, and two grandchildren. Mr. Baxter enjoys hiking, biking, golfing, movies, and hanging with family. One of his most memorable experiences occurred in 1996 when he led a small group of counselors to Guinea, West Africa, to provide training to regional counselors and pastors on how to provide mental health support in their communities torn by war and violence.
Eric's passion is working with students to help guide them through their school years and in making important decisions towards their future goals.
Job Titles:
- Coach
- Director of Grace Center for Athletics
Jim Cristelli is also the football coach at St. Mary's High School.
Job Titles:
- Math / Engineering Teacher, Department Chair
Paul joined St. Mary's High School in August 2019 to chair the Math/Engineering Department. He is the last member of his family to come to St. Mary's. His wife Monique and three children (Maggie '16, Dom '19, Ellie '22) are St. Mary's graduates.
Paul is a lifelong educator with over 36 years of teaching experience. Before coming to St. Mary's, he taught for 24 years at Palmer High School, the last 12 as Math Department Chair. Prior to coming to Colorado Springs, he taught in Alaska, Washington State, and the South Pacific as a Peace Corps volunteer.
Paul's education includes a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Master's in math education, both from the University of Washington. In the State of Colorado, he is certified to teach math and science. Their family dog, Ozzy, joins in support of St. Mary's and can be seen sporting a St. Mary's T-shirt at home tennis matches. Go Pirates!
Job Titles:
- Administration
- Infrastructure / Technology
Stephen Mantz is native to Colorado Springs. He has a BS degree in Human Resource Management from Colorado Christian University and a Master's of Education from Lesley College.
Steve worked at St. Mary's from 1980-1983 as a Theology teacher, then he returned in 1998 to teach Theology and Computer classes as well as run all technology-related items. He is currently the Director of Infrastructure to include IT and Facilities.
Stephen and his wife, Cheryl, have 3 graduates of St. Mary's: Nathan '98, Jacob '99, and Samantha '04. They enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren. Stephen is a 4th degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus in Council 13981 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Job Titles:
- President / Administration
- St. Mary 's High School As Our New President
In July 2023, Tom Maj joined St. Mary's High School as our new President. With over 34 years in education, Tom brings with him a wealth of experience!
In 1983, Tom received a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Cincinnati. He completed the Teacher Certification Program at Central Michigan University in 1989. In 1994, he attended Fordham University as a Thomas Jefferson Fellow for the National Endowment for the Humanities. Tom went on to get his Masters of Education degree from Grand Valley State University In 1998.
Tom has spent 10 years as a classroom teacher of AP US Government, United States Government, and AP Comparative Government. He has been a Catholic high school administrator for over 24 years, including 14 as President. Highlights of his career include receiving a Jagellonian Fellowship in Krakow, Poland, in 1984 and receiving Teacher of the Year award in 1993. Tom was also publicly recognized by Hope and Alma Colleges, MIT, and Central Michigan University as an "Effective Teacher".
Mr. William "Nate" Rose has taught Theology at St. Mary's since the fall of 2019. He is a native of Colorado Springs, having graduated from Rampart High School in 2002. He holds a BS in construction management from Colorado State University and a Master's in education from the University of Northern Colorado. In 2007, Mr. Rose converted to the Catholic faith and was baptized at the Easter vigil. He has worked in the Diocese of Colorado Springs as both a Youth and Young Adult Director (St. Patrick's) and as a Director of Religious Education (St. Mary's Cathedral).
Nate is happily married to Natalia Rose, who is the daughter of Deacon Frank Ricotta. Together, they have a joyful family of three rambunctious children: Benedict, Nicolette, and Adeline.
Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Jeanne is a SMHS parent since the summer of 2006. She began employment at St. Mary's in January 2016. She graduated with a Computer Science degree from University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Part of Jeanne's job is spent as Registrar, while the other part is spent in supporting Infinite Campus, the master schedule, student and staff emails, Mobile Serve app, and IT support at St. Mary's. Jeanne is always ready to lend a hand and is known to paint walls and work on projects around school as time permits.
Jeanne and her husband, John, are the proud parents of SMHS alumni Cathy '10, Danielle '11, Beth '13, Greg '16, and Monica '20. Their youngest daughter, Nicole, has Down syndrome and graduated from high school in May 2023. Their family enjoys spending time together, tennis, skiing and snowboarding, hiking, backpacking, and traveling. Jeanne and John love to sing and listen to good music, especially their daughter's band South for Winter (https://www.southforwintermusic.com).
Hello, I am Kari Smith. I am a beloved daughter of God, a wife, mother, daughter, sister, auntie, friend, and teacher. I am excited that it is finally my turn to be a St. Mary's Pirate as I come from a family of proud pirates! My husband was a member of the Class of '86, and our four children were graduates of the classes of '13, '15, '18, and '23.
I am honored to serve as a math teacher at St. Mary's High School. I have a B.S in Mathematics, an M.A. in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, and an endorsement in Educational Leadership. My certification, through the state of Colorado, is in Secondary Mathematics, and I have 23 years of teaching experience at the middle school and high school levels.
Previous to joining the spectacular faculty at SMHS, I served as principal of Divine Redeemer Catholic School for over five years. I am passionate about my faith, Catholic education, and teaching, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work directly with students again.
My name is Katherinne Balboa Oviedo, and I was born in Santiago de Chile. I graduated as a Spanish Teacher (Profesora de Castellano) in 2007. In conjunction, I did a diploma course in Latin America Literature, and in 2013, I completed a Masters in Education. I started as a high school teacher when I was 22 years old, and it was a beautiful experience that I will always remember. Most of my working experience dates back from Chile where I worked as a Spanish teacher for over 7 years. I have been lucky enough to work with students from elementary all the way to being a college professor. In the US, my focus has been students who are Spanish heritage speakers where I've worked with students online and in person. In 2019, I completed my second Masters, this time in the field of teaching Spanish as a foreign language at the Barcelona University. The same year, I traveled to Spain to a conference of Spanish teachers. This was a great experience, and since then, I continue to develop my skills by attending courses and seminars focused on teaching Spanish.
I started working at St. Mary's in 2021 as a Spanish teacher for levels II, III and IV. In 2022-2023, I started a new class focused on Spanish heritage speakers. I like my classes to be as dynamic as possible, and I am always looking for new ways to teach this beautiful language. I think that the students will reach their learning objectives faster and more easily if they enjoy the classes. My main goal is for them to feel confident when they communicate in Spanish.
Besides being a teacher, I am a very lucky mother of two kids, Fernando (9) and Violeta (6). Additionally, my husband has been my support since we moved to the US. We are a family of 6 as we have two pups (Nala and Almendra). We love to hike and discover new places in Colorado together.
I love hikes, yoga, aerial hoop, dance, travel, skating with my family (no, the pets cannot skate… yet) and spending time with friends having a good conversation while we enjoy a good coffee.
Job Titles:
- English / Social Studies Teacher, Department Chair
Hi! My name is Katie Ghent. I began teaching at St. Mary's High School in August 2022. I have taught for 15 years.
I grew up in Michigan and studied English and history at Western Michigan University. I spent my first nine years in education in Virginia, teaching 10-12 grade English. My family moved to Colorado in 2017, and I taught in Academy School District 20 for the five years before coming to St. Mary's.
My husband and I love running and hiking with our 3- and 5-year-old sons!
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant / Administration
Leah graduated from St. Mary's in 1993. She was the SMHS Admissions director from 2004-2009. Leah has two boys who attend Divine Redeemer Catholic School.
Linda was the scrip program volunteer coordinator for St. Mary's beginning in 2013 when her two sons were freshmen. She also volunteered at the front reception desk. Linda became St. Mary's bookkeeper in 2017. She and her husband, Tim, are the parents of three SMHS graduates: Patrick '17, Thomas '17 and Claire '19.
Linda graduated from Utah State with a BS in accounting. Her prior work experiences were with a property development company and Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Colorado Springs, a community college in Arizona, and the U.S. Embassy Tokyo.
Linda enjoys hiking and running, to include hiking the Manitou Incline on her birthday with her family. Linda likes to travel and hopes to one day hike the Camino de Santiago and the Kumano Kodo, both World Heritage pilgrimage routes.
Mary Anne Aragon '67 grew up in Colorado Springs and attended Divine Redeemer and graduated from St. Mary's High School. She received a BA in Education from Loretto Heights Catholic College in Denver and a Masters degree in School Counseling from University of Northern Colorado. After teaching for many years, she received a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from University of Denver, and she had the pleasure of being a principal for eight years before returning to her roots at St. Mary's High School in 2016. After six years as a college counselor, she became the director of the Academic Support Program. All of her experiences are testament to the passion she has for working with kids.
Mary Anne and her husband Phil '67 (deceased) graduated from St. Mary's a year apart and have two kids. Both their son and daughter and their spouses are educators. Mary Anne has two granddaughters, one in college and one in her first year of teaching. Seven of nine of her siblings are also educators. The love of helping students learn and grow is in the DNA!
When not at school, Mary Anne enjoys biking, playing tennis, and spending time with family.
Job Titles:
- English Teacher & Chair, Yearbook
Mary Anne Kavanaugh is a certified English teacher with 22 years teaching experience at the high school level. Mary Anne began her career teaching at Audubon High School in Audubon, NJ, after graduating magna cum laude from Rutgers University with degrees in English and education.
Prior to coming to St. Mary's, Mary Anne has taught college prep and honors courses to grades 9-12 in addition to AP Language & Composition. Along with her teaching duties, Mary Anne was Yearbook and Student Council Advisor and was responsible for student pep rallies, Homecoming events, and the Winter Ball. Over the course of her career, she interacted with not only her colleagues as a board member of a community-wide academic consortium in collaboration with the Dodge Foundation, but also worked with community members to rewrite district goals.
Mary Anne joined the faculty at St. Mary's in August 2022. She loves working with students one-on-one to improve their writing skills and is happy to be a part of the St. Mary's community.
Job Titles:
- Science Teacher, Department Chair
Maxine Hennessey joined St. Mary's in August 2019. She has been a teacher for the past 18 years.
Maxine taught middle school science for 15 years and is entering her 4th year of teaching high school science. Maxine has a B.S. degree in pre-med biology and a M.Ed. degree in curriculum and instruction.
Prior to her teaching career, she was a research associate in the area of toxicology and has co-authored several articles in peer-reviewed journals and co-authored two book chapters. Maxine is a member of the National Science Teachers Association and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Maxine and her husband, John, have 4 children, three of whom have graduated from St. Mary's (Morganna '13, Samantha '16, Veronica '21) and one who will graduate this coming May (Trevor '24).
In her spare time, Maxine loves to watch her kids participate in their different events, walk her dogs on the Black Forest Trail, and cheer on her favorite football team - the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Hello! My name is Olivia Bradley, and I am new to the Springs and new to the St. Mary's Pirate family. I recently got married in September 2023.
I am originally from the Gulf Coast area of Alabama where I spent lots of time on the water. Although I loved the coast, I found a greater love for the mountains.
I received my Bachelor's degree in Theology from Benedictine College in 2021 and started working on my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling right after that.
My favorite saint is Padre Pio, and my favorite hobbies include coffee, ceramics, and reading. I am so excited to get to know the St. Mary's community this school year!
I have an undergraduate degree in literature and theater from Colorado College and a master's degree in literature and philosophy from Colorado College.
I have 2 sons and 4 dogs--2 German Shepherds (one named Pirate) and 2 Chihuahuas! I love dance, show tunes, reading and cooking and baking!
I am in my sixth year at St. Mary's High School. In April of 2023, I celebrated 50 years of teaching - 45 in School District 11, and five years at St. Mary's!
Job Titles:
- Principal / Administration
Robyn Cross joined St. Mary's in 2009 as Director of Admissions and Math teacher. She later served as Director of the International Program, Dean of Students and Assistant Principal. A graduate of Louisiana State University, Robyn received her BS in Education. With over 35 years in Catholic education, she has taught elementary, middle and high school classes, earning her Master's in Educational Leadership in 2015.
A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Robyn moved to Colorado with her husband and family in 2002. Robyn taught grades 4-8 at Pauline Memorial Catholic School (now St. Paul's) for 7 years before moving to St. Mary's.
Robyn and her husband Tommy are the proud parents of SMHS alumni Nicole '08, Lauren '10, and Lindsey '12. They love family time with their daughters, son-in-laws, and grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Spanish Teacher, Department Chair
My name is Svitlana Zorya-Benson. I was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, and I have been living in our beautiful state of Colorado for 25 years. It is my home now, yet, I hurt deeply from what is happening now in my home country of Ukraine…
I remember how much I was fascinated by the English language in my childhood and teen years. Of course, I could not understand when I was listening to songs or stories, but the beauty of how it sounded and mystery of the meaning made me strive to keep learning and inspired me to get better. As the years passed, my love for English somehow transferred to a new fascination with Spanish. Learning English and Spanish for me, I believe, is my life journey.
I received my bachelor of arts degree in Spanish in 2013 from UCCS, and I have been teaching Spanish for 10 years now. I am privileged to teach at St. Mary's Catholic High School. We have amazing students and teaching/administrative staff at this wonderful school.
Tiffany Jolicoeur is a native of Wisconsin, but has lived in Colorado Springs for 18 years. She lives with her husband Mark, her daughter Sophie, and her son Adam, who is a senior at Saint Mary's and will graduate in May 2024.
Tiffany received her BA in French and Music from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has traveled to France several times. She enjoys attending her children's sporting events and playing the piano. In recent years, she has composed, recorded, and published a few piano books through the CCC Music Company.
My name is Diamond Davis, and I am excited to join the St. Mary's faculty this year.
I am from Charlotte, North Carolina. I received a Bachelor's Degree in history and political science from Shorter University, and my Masters in Secondary Education from the University of New South Wales.
Ramon has a bachelor of arts in general studies from Louisiana State University and an elementary education degree from UCCS.
Before coming to SMHS in August 2021, Ramon taught in Catholic education for seven years both at Corpus Christi Catholic School and St. Paul Catholic School in Colorado Springs. Prior to that, she was a graphic designer at Liberty Media Group/Starz Entertainment.
Born and raised in Louisiana, Ramon loves cooking and eating Cajun food and traveling to see family. She is also the SMHS Director of Events. When not busy planning events for St. Mary's, she enjoys painting, decorating, gardening, spending time with her daughters and friends, hiking, teaching those around her, and playing board games.
Job Titles:
- Member of the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE