ST. JAMES STAFF

Andy Tylicki

President | St. Teresa

Wife Missy, Kids Samuel, Sophia and Isabella

"I have competed well, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" - 2 Timothy: 7

Education

Emporia State University: BSE Education

Emporia State University: Masters School Counseling; Benedictine College: Masters School Leadership

Debbie Nearmyer

Director of Faith Formation | St. Gianna Molla

My husband and I have 5 children, a son in law and daughter in law and 2 grandchildren. They are the joy in our days! I love to snow ski, play driveway basketball, pick up soccer games, shop & travel. I love all things Italian and sharing the work of the Lord in my life with others. I have been a part of the SJA community for 15 years and consider it one of the great blessings in my life.

"Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38

Education

University of Kansas: Bachelor of Science Social Welfare

Terri O'Neill

Administrative Assistant | Faith Formation Department | Gregory

“We cannot all do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” - Mother Teresa

Education

Friends University of Central Kansas: Human Resource Management

Shane Rapp

Principal | St. Gregory

"In the tender compassion of our God, the dawn from on high shall break upon us to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death and to guide our feet into the way of peace." Luke 1:78-79

Education

Benedictine College: English & Secondary Education

Benedictine College: Master's of Arts in School Leadership; Baker University: Doctorate in Educational Leadership

John Muhelberger

Dean of Students | Padre Pio

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong" - 1 Corinthians 16:13

Education

Emporia State: Education

Benedictine: Administration

Anna Bomhoff

Administrative Assistant Athletics and Activities | St. Peter | Assistant Girls/Boys Tennis Coach

My husband Greg and I are truly blessed to be part of such a great community. We have two boys, Andrew 14 and Brett 11. I have a background in science and hope to maybe teach a class at SJA someday.

2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Education

Washburn University: Biology

University of Kansas Medical Center: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Jessica Rolston

Assistant Principal of Curriculum & Instruction | Catherine

Jessica Rolston is a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Shawnee, KS where she resides with her husband, Kevin and daughters, Lily and Violet. She grew up in Kansas City, Kansas and attended Christ The King School and Bishop Ward High School. She graduated from Emporia State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 2000 and Master of Science degree in Educational Administration in 2008. From 2000-2016, she worked in the De Soto School District as a teacher and administrator. In 2016, the Holy Spirit led her to St. James where she continued her career in administration as the assistant principal of curriculum and instruction.

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Education

Emporia State University: Master of Science in Education

Emporia State University: Educational Administration

Susan Ludwikoski

Administrative Assistant to the President | St. Gianna Molla | Mentor/Transfer Program and Freshman Connex

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9

Education

Kansas State University: Social Science/Criminal Justice

Alyssa Tujague

Director of Marketing and Design | Benedict | Student Advancement Committee

Education

Kansas State University: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design

Caroline Schippers

Data Manager | St. Teresa

Married to Dale with three children, Grace, Stratton and Bridget. Members of Prince of Peace Parish in Olathe.

"For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." - 1 Corinthians 13:12

Education

Wichita State University: Math & Economics

Sam Rockford

Director of Innovation | Gregory

2017 Kansas Finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching; married with three kids; parishioner at Good Shepherd in Shawnee; enjoys lawn care, gardening, reading, coaching youth sports, and plays heavy rock guitar in a semi-professional cover band.

Romans 5:1-5

Education

University of Kansas: BSE Secondary Math and English

University of Kansas: MA in Teaching and Leadership

Amber Hellwig

Director of Admissions | St. John Paul II | Assistant Swim Coach

Married to husband Kelby and have two boys Kody and Grayson. Our family loves to be active, be outdoors and spend time together.

"Do all things with great love!" - St. Teresa

Education

University of Central Missouri: Bachelor of Science

Katie Lindgren

Grant Writer | Mother Teresa

Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you. - St. Augustine"

Certifications

Fundraising

Education

Truman State University: English

UMKC Henry W. Bloch School of Management: Public Administration

Susan Ludwikoski

Administrative Assistant to the President | St. Gianna Molla | Mentor/Transfer Program and Freshman Connex

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9

Education

Kansas State University: Social Science/Criminal Justice

Eduardo Godinez

Director of Integrated Marketing | Benedict | Thunder Broadcasting Network | Weekly Storm

Demons run when a good man goes to war.

Education

Benedictine College: International Business

Kim Feist

Alumni Coordinator | St. Gianna Molla

Kim is married to fellow alum Derek; both graduated in the SJA Class of 2010. They have sons Levi, Nolan, and Rocco, and are parishioners at Sacred Heart in Shawnee. Their family is grateful to stay connected to the SJA Community through alumni activities, and they enjoy cheering on the Thunder and K-State!

"The problem with our world is that we draw the circle of our family too small." - Mother Teresa

Education

Kansas State University: Social Work

Anna Bomhoff

Administrative Assistant Athletics and Activities | St. Peter | Assistant Girls/Boys Tennis Coach

My husband Greg and I are truly blessed to be part of such a great community. We have two boys, Andrew 14 and Brett 11. I have a background in science and hope to maybe teach a class at SJA someday.

2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Education

Washburn University: Biology

University of Kansas Medical Center: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Theresa Lyons

Administrative Assistant to the Principal | St. Catherine

St. Mother Teresa "Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless."

Education

University of Missouri-St. Louis: Elementary and Special Education

Cathy McNally

Registrar and Information Systems Manager | Padre Pio

Married to my best friend. Blessed to be a mother to three great kids, and soon to be two awesome sons-in-laws.

"Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person. A beautiful thing!" - St. Teresa of Calcutta

Education

Ottawa University: Business Administration

Shalee Morris

Attendance Manager | Padre Pio

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Certifications

Certificate in Spiritual Mentorship

Education

Avila College: Corporate Communications

Derrick Pierce

School Resource Officer | St. Benedict | Sponsor of Sticker Club

Whatever you are, be a good one

Education

Washburn: Criminal Justice

Susan Ludwikoski

Administrative Assistant to the President | St. Gianna Molla | Mentor/Transfer Program and Freshman Connex

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9

Education

Kansas State University: Social Science/Criminal Justice

Christy Peterson

Director of Finance | St. Gianna Molla

Married with four children and eleven grandchildren so far!

"What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family." - St. Teresa of Calcutta

Education

Kansas State University: Bachelor of Science in Business

Beth Menghini

Finance

Michael Consiglio

Business Technology Teacher | St. Catherine | Boys Golf; Girls Golf; Weekly Storm; Spirit Shop

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7

Education

Kansas State University: Marketing

Avila University: Teaching & Learning

Samantha Hendrix

Technology Teacher & Coach | St. Catherine | Boys Swim

"Don't worry about tomorrow, you have enough to worry about today." - Matthew 6:34

Education

Emporia State University: Secondary Mathematics Education

Emporia State University: Instructional Design & Technology

Tim Wuebker

Personal Finance, Psychology, WWII, Economics, Sociology, and Cold War Instructor | St. Benedict | Philosophy

I seek to teach as well as I can until about age 70 or 75; I also like to write novels, and help people with personal finance questions

The Workers in the Vineyard.
“The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard.
After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard.
Going out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
and he said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.’
So they went off. [And] he went out again around noon, and around three o’clock, and did likewise.
Going out about five o’clock, he found others standing around, and said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’
They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’
When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.’
When those who had started about five o’clock came, each received the usual daily wage.
So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage.
And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner,
saying, ‘These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat.’
He said to one of them in reply, ‘My friend, I am not cheating you.* Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage?
Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you?
[Or] am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?’
Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

Education

Loras College: B.S. in Math, Literature, and Writing

Marquette University: M.A. in Literature

Debbie Nearmyer

Director of Faith Formation | St. Gianna Molla

My husband and I have 5 children, a son in law and daughter in law and 2 grandchildren. They are the joy in our days! I love to snow ski, play driveway basketball, pick up soccer games, shop & travel. I love all things Italian and sharing the work of the Lord in my life with others. I have been a part of the SJA community for 15 years and consider it one of the great blessings in my life.

"Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38

Education

University of Kansas: Bachelor of Science Social Welfare

Terri O'Neill

Administrative Assistant | Faith Formation Department | Gregory

“We cannot all do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” - Mother Teresa

Education

Friends University of Central Kansas: Human Resource Management

Emily Hodes

Campus Minister

George Meyer

Campus Minister

Katie Walters

Theology Teacher, Director of Community | Catherine | G.R.A.C.E. (Girls Respond Actively to Christ's Example) Women's Formation

Wife to Mr. Chris Walters, who also teaches at SJA, and mother to Ethan, Olivia, Kolbe and Annie.

"Where there is no love, put love, and there you will foster love." - St. John of the Cross

Education

Benedictine College: Master of Arts in Theology and Psychology

Augustine Institute: MA Theology

Rebecca Bishop

English Teacher | Dean of St. Gianna Molla | Sophomore Volleyball Coach

“Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did.” - St. Maximillian Kolbe

Education

Pittsburg State University: BSEd

Emporia State University: Masters in English

Andrew Foster

Theology Teacher | Dean of St. Teresa

"I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live." - Ezek 37:14

Education

Benedictine College: Theology

Annelise Feder

Theology Teacher | Dean of St. Gregory

Matt Joshi

World Studies Teacher | Dean of St. Catherine | Football Coach

Mr. Joshi has coached football and track at SJA since the 2011-2012 school year. In 2012 Mr. Joshi set out to complete his Masters in Education at Rockhurst University and completed it in 2014. In 2016 Mr. Joshi got married to Rachel (Gray, SJA 09 Grad) Joshi. Mr. Joshi enjoys traveling in the summer with his wife, gardening and cooking.

"Let not your hearts be troubled" John 14:1

Education

University of St. Thomas, MN: Political Science and Geography

Rockhurst University: Masters in Education, Emphasis in Social Studies

Angela Charlton

Social Science | Dean of St. Benedict

Angela is married to Kent Charlton and has 4 beautiful children. Micala, Jack, Max, and Sam. Micala has given her parents 4 beautiful grandchildren: Mclaren, George, Thomas, and Caroline. Angela and her family are Holy Trinity parish members, and her son Sam is currently in 7th grade there. Besides teaching American Government, she is the Dean of St. Benedict and loves working and watching students grow in confidence and leadership. Outside of teaching, she loves crafting, sewing, and baking. If not doing these things she is cheering on her boys or grandchildren in their activities.

God Bless America

Education

Kansas State University: Secondary Education

MidAmerica Nazarene University: Educational Technology

Tom Radke

Assistant Athletics and Admissions Director | Dean of John Paul II | Head Football Coach, Assistant Track Coach, Weight Room Coordinator

I have worked in education for 21 years in Iowa, Missouri and Kansas. Making stops at Ames High, St. Pius X (MO), St. Thomas Aquinas and Piper High School. I have been blessed to work at St. James Academy for the last 9 years serving as a social studies teacher and head football. I have been married 20 years to my wife Laura. We have 3 daughters (Grace, Kendal, and Emma). We are active members of the Ascension parish.

Isiah 6:8

Education

Iowa State University: B.S. in History

Graceland University: Masters in Education

Maureen Hellhake

Guided Studies Coordinator | Benedict

With God all things are possible.

Education

University of Missouri- Columbia: Special Education

University of Missouri- Kansas City: Special Education

Maggie Petz

Guided Studies

Jenny Hicks

Guidance Counselor | Caseload A-He | St. John Paul II

“Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you.” - Peter 5:7

Education

MidAmerica Nazarene University: Human Relations

MidAmerica Nazarene University: Maters of Arts, School Counseling

Angela Schermerhorn

College Counselor | Padre Pio

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Proverbs 3:5

Education

University of Notre Dame: BS Pre-Professional Science

Pittsburg State University: MAT; University of Kansas: MPH

Kellie Maguire

Guidance Counselor | Caseload Hi-N | St. Catherine

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Education

University of Kansas: Psychology and Human Development Family Life

Gallaudet University: Masters Mental Health Counseling

Cathy McNally

Registrar and Information Systems Manager | Padre Pio

Married to my best friend. Blessed to be a mother to three great kids, and soon to be two awesome sons-in-laws.

"Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person. A beautiful thing!" - St. Teresa of Calcutta

Education

Ottawa University: Business Administration

Colleen kolich

English Teacher, Department Chair | St. Gregory | National Honor Society Advisor

Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Education

Benedictine College: BA English

Baker University: Education

Hether Lytton

English Teacher

Rebecca Bishop

English Teacher | Dean of St. Gianna Molla | Sophomore Volleyball Coach

“Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did.” - St. Maximillian Kolbe

Education

Pittsburg State University: BSEd

Emporia State University: Masters in English

Lauren Surface

English Teacher

Stacey Rains

English Teacher, World Languages | Catherine

Romans 8:28

Certifications

Certification in Youth Ministry through Franciscan University of Steubenville

Education

Benedictine College: English and Secondary Education

Olivia Martin

English Teacher

Jimmy Muehlberger

Maintenance | Padre Pio | Boys and Girls Golf, and Wrestling

Find where your chance of greatness lies and let no power on earth deter you from it.

Mike Medina

Maintenance | Wrestling Coach

Steve Pippin

Maintenance

Donna Sharpnack

Math Department Head | St. John Paul II

"I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot: together we can do great things." Mother Teresa

Education

University of Oklahoma: Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education

Baker University: Masters in Education

Katie Kuckelman

Math Teacher

Clare Larkin

Math Teacher | Dean of St. Peter

Ephesians 4:20

Education

Benedictine College: B.A. Mathematics & B.A. Secondary Education

Masters from Baker University

Lee Ann Ochs

Math Teacher | John Paul II

Do not worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will take care of itself. Today's trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:34

Education

Missouri State University: B.S.Ed

North Carolina State University: M. Ed.

Julie Curnes

Math Teacher | Benedict

Married to Phillip for 23 years. We have five children, ages 10-19.

"When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things." (Mark 6:34)

Education

Miami University, Oxford University, and Ohio University: BS Secondary Math Education

University of Kansas: Curriculum and Instruction

Stan Dohm

Math Teacher; Head Boys Basketball Coach | St. Gianna Molla

Married to Sidni for 18 years, 4 children: Spencer(13), Samuel(12), Sophia(8), Sullivan(6)

It is supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great!

Certifications

Certified Social Science 7-12; Certified Mathematics 7-12

Education

Newman University: Social Studies Secondary Education

Wichita State University: Sports Management

Sam Bruning

PE Teacher | Mother Teresa | Football Freshmen HC and Ast. DL Coach

SJA Alum (Class of 2013). Currently completing a Masters degree in High Incidence Special Education at the University of Kansas. Rock Chalk!

"Go forward bravely. Fear nothing. Trust in God: all will be well." - St. Joan of Arc

Certifications

Certificate in Adaptive Physical Education

Education

University of Kansas: Health and Physical Education

Currently completing a Masters degree in High Incidence Special Education

Jackie Heinerikson

Science, Department Chair | Padre Pio | Clay Target

Science gives man knowledge, which is power; religion gives man wisdom, which is control. Dr. Martin Luther King

Education

University of Kansas: Education

University of Kansas: Curriculum and Instruction

Greg Bomhoff

Science Teacher

Alan Thomas

Science Teacher | St. Gregory | Assistant Cross Country Coach

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” - Mother Teresa

Certifications

Google Certified Educator Level 2

Education

Western Colorado University: B.A. Biology

Wichita State University: M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction

Julie Ward

Science Teacher | Mother Teresa | Assistant Track Coach

Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love. - Mother Teresa

Education

Kansas State University: B.S. in Chemical Science

Avila University: Curriculum and Instruction

Kerri Elstun

Science Teacher | Peter

Philippians 4:6 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Education

Emporia State: Education

Baker University: Masters in Education

Paige James

Science Teacher | St. Catherine | JV Volleyball Coach, Assistant Track Coach

Married to Aj James and have two daughter Faye and Josey.

"Love endures everything, love is stronger than death, love fears nothing." - St. Faustina

Education

Appalachian State University: BA in Spanish, BS in Chemistry

Nancy Dorsey

History Teacher, Department Head | Gianna Molla | Head Volleyball Coach, Spirit Club Sponsor, Lemon Club Sponsor

I am married to Bryan Dorsey, best man ever. We have 5 kids, Finley, Cooper, Ellen, Fiona and Fletcher and a dog Zoey. They attend Sacred Heart Catholic School. We have a Gaga, my mom, Ellen, who is an enormous part of our family as she lives in our home. Our goal is to work with young people to develop strong, confident, capable human beings who love the LORD and spread his goodness!

"It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog"

Education

University of Kansas: Bachelors in Education

University of Kansas: Masters in Curriculum and Instruction

Sister M. Hedwig Kortte, FSGM

Social Studies | St. John Paul II

I am a member of the religious congregation - The Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George. Originally, I am from Sigel, Illinois; and I have 2 brothers and 2 sisters. For 16 years I have been a part of Catholic Education involving children from the ages of 6 weeks to seniors in high school.

"It is God's will. We must be pleased with what pleases God, and what is His will." - St. Hedwig

Education

Benedictine College: Secondary Education and Social Science

Benedictine College: MASL

Angela Charlton

Social Science | Dean of St. Benedict

Angela is married to Kent Charlton and has 4 beautiful children. Micala, Jack, Max, and Sam. Micala has given her parents 4 beautiful grandchildren: Mclaren, George, Thomas, and Caroline. Angela and her family are Holy Trinity parish members, and her son Sam is currently in 7th grade there. Besides teaching American Government, she is the Dean of St. Benedict and loves working and watching students grow in confidence and leadership. Outside of teaching, she loves crafting, sewing, and baking. If not doing these things she is cheering on her boys or grandchildren in their activities.

God Bless America

Education

Kansas State University: Secondary Education

MidAmerica Nazarene University: Educational Technology

Tim Wuebker

Personal Finance, Psychology, WWII, Economics, Sociology, and Cold War Instructor | St. Benedict | Philosophy

I seek to teach as well as I can until about age 70 or 75; I also like to write novels, and help people with personal finance questions

The Workers in the Vineyard.
“The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard.
After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard.
Going out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
and he said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.’
So they went off. [And] he went out again around noon, and around three o’clock, and did likewise.
Going out about five o’clock, he found others standing around, and said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’
They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’
When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.’
When those who had started about five o’clock came, each received the usual daily wage.
So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage.
And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner,
saying, ‘These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat.’
He said to one of them in reply, ‘My friend, I am not cheating you.* Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage?
Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you?
[Or] am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?’
Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

Education

Loras College: B.S. in Math, Literature, and Writing

Marquette University: M.A. in Literature

Joe Walberg

Social Studies Teacher | Mother Teresa | Scholars Bowl Head Coach, Dean of Mother Teresa Community

Joe Walberg is a Parent, Teacher, Dean, Nerd, Believer, Ultracrepidarian, Vexillophile, and head Scholars Bowl coach for St. James Academy. He and his wife Erin have two lucky-but-unimpressed children, Leah and Jack (who sometimes insists on being called John).

Isaiah 46:8-10 - Remember this and consider, recall it to mind, you transgressors, remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, “My purpose shall stand, and I will fulfill my intention."

Education

University of Kansas: B.G.S. Political Science

Avila University: Master of Arts in Education: Teaching and Learning

Max Grisnik

Social Studies | Peter

"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us." - Gandalf

Education

University of Missouri-Kansas City: Film and Media Arts

Rockhurst University: Master of Education

Cathy McNally

Registrar and Information Systems Manager | Padre Pio

Married to my best friend. Blessed to be a mother to three great kids, and soon to be two awesome sons-in-laws.

"Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person. A beautiful thing!" - St. Teresa of Calcutta

Education

Ottawa University: Business Administration

Jerry Tujague

Director of Technology

Happily married father of 7 children.

The riddles of God are more satisfying than the solutions of man. - GK Chesterton

Education

Auburn: Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences

Auburn: Master of Business Administration, Master of Science

Joe Lindgren

Laptop Program Manager | Mother Teresa

Have you tried turning it off and on again?

Education

Rockhurst University

Beth Meier

Theology Teacher

Education

University of Dallas - Bachelors in Biology

Mary Harpole

Theology Teacher

Annelise Feder

Theology Teacher | Dean of St. Gregory

Chris Walters

Theology Teacher | St. Padre Pio

I have a beautiful bride named Katie who works at SJA as a teacher and Director of Community, and we have four incredible kids, Ethan, Olivia, Kolbe and Annelise. Our aspiration as a family is to be disciples of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to do what we can to make more disciples. Teaching at St. James Academy is my dream job! And I am eternally grateful to God for this opportunity and to do it with such an incredible, faith-filled staff has truly been a blessing.

Education

University of Kansas: Bachelor's of Science in Education

Augustine Institute: Masters of Theology

Andrew Foster

Theology Teacher | Dean of St. Teresa

"I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live." - Ezek 37:14

Education

Benedictine College: Theology

Sebastian D'Amico

Theology Teacher

Jason Cole

Director of Choirs | St. Peter

Jason Cole (B.M., Tennessee Tech; M.M., University of Kansas) is a choral composer, arranger, and music educator. His arrangement of the hymn I Will Trust in the Lord was premiered at the 2017 National American Choral Directors’ Association Conference and his setting of O Gracious Light is now available from Cantica Nova. During the Summer of 2018, Jason was selected as one of the winners of a composition contest celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Hong Kong Children's Choir. Jason was also the winner of the 2019 Hymn competition held by the Widow's Corporation for the Episcopal Church of Pennsylvania in celebration of their 250th Anniversary. In addition to composing, Jason has served as a music educator for over 17 years and is currently the Director of Choral Music at St. James Academy in Lenexa, KS and the choir director at Keystone United Methodist Church in Kansas City, MO. He resides in Overland Park, KS with his wife MacKenzie and daughter Ginny.

Always Crescendo

Certifications

Composition and Choral Pedagogy

Education

Tennessee Technological University: Bachelor of Music Education

The University of Kansas: Master of Music Education

Theo Musick

Assistant Director of Bands & Drumline Instructor

Joe Walberg

Social Studies Teacher | Mother Teresa | Scholars Bowl Head Coach, Dean of Mother Teresa Community

Joe Walberg is a Parent, Teacher, Dean, Nerd, Believer, Ultracrepidarian, Vexillophile, and head Scholars Bowl coach for St. James Academy. He and his wife Erin have two lucky-but-unimpressed children, Leah and Jack (who sometimes insists on being called John).

Isaiah 46:8-10 - Remember this and consider, recall it to mind, you transgressors, remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, “My purpose shall stand, and I will fulfill my intention."

Education

University of Kansas: B.G.S. Political Science

Avila University: Master of Arts in Education: Teaching and Learning

Sarah Smeltzer-Wright

Drama Teacher, Director

Education

MPA - Savannah College of Arts and Design

Sherri Denton

Art Teacher

Helen Harrelson

Director of Instrumental Music | Benedict | Band and Orchestra

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace

Certifications

Postgraduate Degree in Secondary Education, OPEN University DMA Candidate, Salford University

Education

Royal Northern College of Music: BMus (Hons)

University of Missouri Kansas City: MA

Visual Arts Teacher | Peter | National Art Honor Society, Art Club

I have taught at St. James Academy since its second year in operation (2006) and taught before that for nine years at Maur Hill–Mount Academy, formerly known as Maur Hill Preparatory School in Atchison, Kansas. I teach all art mediums including drawing, painting, ceramics, a little printmaking and some sculpture, but my favorite is is teaching those with no artistic skill at all in drawing, because I, too, drew stick people before I came to discover that drawing is a LEARNABLE skill through the book, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards. It was because of this book that I became a high school art teacher rather than an elementary school teacher, which is what I’d wanted to be since 1st grade. My husband, Cameron, and I were married in 2004 and we have two sons. Mason and Caden both attend Sacred Heart in Shawnee, where we are parishioners.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Education

Emporia State University: BSE Bachelor of Science in Education (k-12)

Emporia State University: Master of Science

Sonia Toledo

Spanish Teacher, World Language Department Head | Gregory | Spanish National Honors Society

Certifications

Spanish Teaching, Associates in Interpretation (University of Vienna)

Education

University of Kansas: BS Business Administration

Emporia State University: MA TESOL

Stacey Rains

English Teacher, World Languages | Catherine

Romans 8:28

Certifications

Certification in Youth Ministry through Franciscan University of Steubenville

Education

Benedictine College: English and Secondary Education

Wendy Leon-Ryan

World Language | Dean of St. Padre Pio | Big Sister Little Sister Club

Married to Evan, mom to Ethan and Isabella. I enjoy running, being outdoors and reading. Would love to hold a doctorate degree one day, I'm a bit nerdy 🙂

We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in her. 1 John 4:16

Education

Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo: Business

Emporia State University: Masters Education in Teaching

Tricia Hutchison

Spanish Teacher

Diedre Speck

American Sign Language Teacher | Peter

“Make yourself familiar with the angels and behold them frequently in spirit; for without being seen, they are present with you.” St. Francis de Sales

Certifications

Deaf Education

Education

University of Nebraska at Omaha: Education

Baker University: Master of Liberal Arts