Staff, Faculty & Advisory Board
Staff
- Janet E. Materi Principal
Years in Education: 31, 2 at St. Mary’s
Education: Administrative Certification, University of Wyoming
M.A. Special Education/Educational Diagnostician, UW
B.A. Elementary/Special Education, UW
I hope to make a positive difference in the lives of students. At St. Mary’s, I’m happy to assist students with academic as well as spiritual growth. My goal is to empower teachers who in turn, empower students to become productive members of society through a high quality education and practicing Catholic beliefs.
I’m honored and excited to say yes to my calling as St. Mary’s Catholic School principal. - Kathleen Higgins Administrative Assistant
- Cristie Gasseling Front Office
I started at St. Mary’s Catholic School in August of 2004. The best thing about being at St. Mary’s is the students. They each have their own personalities and always have something kind or funny to say on any given day.
I did not choose St. Mary’s, it chose me. A St. Mary’s parent knew I was going to be losing my job at Trilegiant because they were relocating. She asked me if I would be interested in interviewing at St. Mary’s for the Office Manager’s position. I said sure, why not. I interviewed with the principal and members of her team and I was offered the job. - Laura Yzaguirre Receptionist
- Maria Serna Extended Care
- Katie Mugg Extended Care
- Lorraine Figueroa Extended Care
- Tom Hinderliter Cook
- Fran Pacheco Cook
- Jeanneane Askey PreK 3 Para-Professional
- Cheryl Hite Title I Tutor - Primary Grades
This is my second year at St. Mary’s as a Title One Tutor and I really enjoy working with the students and staff very much.
Education: Associates degrees in Theology from a Biblical Research Ministry and Early Childhood Education from LCCC in Cheyenne,WY. Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD.
I was a wife and mother with a full time job when I decided to work on my B.A. degree in education. Upon graduating, I held a position of Home Visitor for the Laramie Co. Head Start and Early Head Start program for over 9 years. Along the way, I volunteered with Needs, Inc. in their One to One Tutoring Program for over 7 years. I have also worked as a substitute teacher before coming to St. Mary’s school.
I believe the St. Mary’s staff is the best and it is a privilege to work closely with them in helping students. The students can receive a superb social, academic and spiritual training at St. Mary’s and I’m very thankful to be part of the staff.
Teachers
- Kindra Schliffke Pre-K 3
Years in Education: 10
Years at St. Mary’s: 1
The best thing about teaching is: helping children grow mentally, socially and emotionally is the best job in the world. Pre-school children learn so much-they are like little sponges! I love to watch as they realize they know the answers to something new we’ve been working on, their self-confidence shines and their smiles and hugs are the best part of the job!
Why I teach in a Catholic School: I was lucky enough to grow up with a catholic education and graduate from a catholic high school and feel so very blessed to be able to work at St. Mary’s. I believe strongly in the value of children being able to grow not only academically but spiritually along with their peers. Being able to teach kindness and respect in such a positive environment is gift, and being able to share my faith is a blessing that I am thankful for each time I walk into our building. Go To Teacher Page - Jamie Johnson Pre-K 4
Years teaching: 7 years
7 years at St. Mary’s
Education: Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education, K-6, University of Wyoming
The best thing about teaching is those moments when students get really excited about learning and you can see the light bulb go off. I love that I make a difference in a child’s life.
I teach in a Catholic School because I love having God as a focus and presence in my classroom. It just feels right and I can’t imagine it any other way. Go To Teacher Page - Rachel Youngquist Pre-K 4
1st year teaching
1st year at St. Mary’s
University of Wyoming
Bachelor of Arts Elementary Education-Early Childhood Emphasis & Coaching endorsement
The best thing about teaching is the interaction with the students and those moments where they get to teach me. I love leaving after a day of school and feeling like I learned more from them then they could of ever learned from me. I love getting to interact with them, and watching them realize they know the answer to something we have been working on in class together. The time that I get to spend with young children is the best part of my day.
Go To Teacher Page - Chris Schmerge Kindergarten
Years teaching: 21, 18 at St. Mary’s Catholic School
Education: Bachelor of Arts, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education – University of
Northern Colorado
What is the best thing about teaching: Teaching can be a very rewarding field. Every day is an adventure and it is so exciting to see the children’s faces light up when they learn something new.
Why have you chosen to be at St. Mary’s: I have always wanted to teach in a Catholic School because much more is taught there than just academics. We are allowed to teach the whole child including morals, values, responsibility and independence. I can’t imagine teaching without being allowed to stop to pray to God for help and thanksgiving. Go To Teacher Page - Steffanie Baldwin Kindergarten
I have taught in Cheyenne for the last 5 years. This is my sixth year and my first year at St. Mary’s.
I am energetic and I believe in teaching the whole child. In order for that to be possible you must incorporate parental involvement, which is key in my classroom!
Kindergarten is my favorite grade to teach and I believe we can give them that head start so that they may become a successful responsible citizen later on! Go To Teacher Page - Karen Robblee First Grade
Years Teaching: 35, 30 at St. Mary's
Education: Bachelor of Science, World History/Education - San Francisco State University
Teaching has been a gift from God and my ministry has been teaching at St. Mary's. My life has been blessed and enriched by all of the children and adults whom I have had the pleasure to know and/or teach. "Jesus Christ is the center of my life" and I hope my students see that in me. Go To Teacher Page - Estella J. Smith Second Grade
Years teaching: 29, 4 years at St. Mary’s Catholic School
Education: Bachelor of Elementary Education & Masters in Elementary Education, Western Illinois University
The best thing about teaching is the love that students have for learning new things. The excitement and enthusiasm that children have for learning keeps our classroom vibrant.
I choose to teach at St. Mary’s because I believe that Christ is our foundation. St. Mary’s is providing academic, social, and spiritual guidance to students. I wanted to be a part of this wonderful environment. Go To Teacher Page - Judy Heffern Third Grade
This is my second time here at St. Mary's School. I had taught here from 1999 until 2004 the first go-round. I am very happy to be back here after substituting around the district for four years.
Education: Bachelor's Degree - Georgian Court College, New Jersey; Master's Degree - Lesley University, Boston, MA. Like other teachers, I am always taking the latest and greatest classes in education to keep me current.
When I first graduated from college, I taught a multi-age first, second and third grade class on the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana. I was in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. this was a wonderful learning experience for me. I then taught third grade on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservfation also in Montana for a couple years.
It was time to become a mother and I chose to stay at home with my three children. Occasionally during those early years, I tutored after school. when my youngest was in pre-school, I taught three and four year olds in a Lutheran Church school for four years.
After moving to Cheyenne in 1993, I started on the sub circuit, traveling around to all the schools in the district. I finally landed a job here at St. Mary's and was very happy in the third grade. An unforeseen tragedy happened in my family and I was needed close to home for a few years.
I have taught both in parochial and public schools. I much prefer the parochial teaching. I love the prayer, the Christian atmosphere and making a difference in children's lives. Sharing my Catholic faith is very important to me.
I celebrate my return to St. Mary's and just love coming to work every morning. this is such a beautiful building to come to. I love my students and enjoy working with such a pleasant faculty.
Go To Teacher Page - Susan Defreece Fourth Grade
Education: Bachelor of Arts – Colorado Christian University; Masters in Special Education – University of Northern Colorado
Experience: The school year 2011-2012 is my 13th year of teaching elementary. Prior to coming to St. Mary’s two years ago, I taught 4th & 5th grade in the Archdiocese of Denver for several years.
Teaching presents so many rewards. It is especially wonderful when I see a child who has been struggling in a subject suddenly “get it!” I enjoy teaching in the parochial school setting because of the community and family atmosphere that is ever present here. It is so nice to work at St. Mary’s where God is the center of everything we do. The staff and teachers make it a pleasant and caring place to come each day! Go To Teacher Page - Debbie Hirsig Fifth Grade
Years Teaching: 3 ½
Education: Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education at the University of Wyoming
The best thing about teaching: I LOVE CHILDREN. I have been involved with children in every aspect of my life and when God blessed me with two beautiful girls it made me appreciate even more the enormity of my task as a parent and educator. Children are our future and I have been blessed with the ability to help develop their strengths, diminish their weaknesses and nurture and expand on the gifts and talents God has graced them with.
Why I chose to teach at St. Mary’s: I am passionate about my Catholic Faith and am honored that I was chosen to teach at St. Mary’s. What an incredible feeling to know that everyday throughout our day we can experience and invoke the richness of our Faith in every subject taught at St. Mary’s. Go To Teacher Page - Rodney Wilhelm Middle School - Math, Science & Social Studies
Years teaching: 14, 1 at St. Mary’s
Education: Bachelor of Arts Elementary Education, University of Wyoming 1994; Masters Educational Leadership, Northern Arizona University 2002. Certification: Lifetime Wyoming and Arizona Certification K-8.
Why I teach: I feel that as an educator it is my responsibility to each student to help them achieve that best academic education as possible.
I grew up in Wheatland, graduated from Dubois High School and went to the University of Wyoming. After graduating with a Bachelors in Elementary Education I accepted a 6th grade position in Ehrenberg, Arizona. I taught here for 9 years in 6th grade, 8th grade and 5th grade. During this time I earned a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. After 9 years of teaching I became an administrator in Bagdad, Arizona for 5 years. My wife and I moved to Cheyenne in July, 2009. After working two years for the state of Wyoming I wanted to return to education and St. Mary’s was kind enough to offer a teaching position in my original area. I love working with young adults and helping them be successful in the classroom. Go To Teacher Page - Karen Stolz Middle School - English & Religion
Years teaching: 8
Education: Bachelor of Science in Education, Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio; Middle Childhood License with concentrations in Language Arts and Mathematics (Grades 4-9); Reading Endorsement (Grades K-12)
My favorite aspect of teaching: I truly enjoy watching the intellectual and spiritual growth of the students. Since I teach at the middle school level, I usually have the opportunity to teach the same students for at least two years in a row, and it is wonderful to see the progress that a student makes from the beginning of his/her first year in my classroom to the end of the second year. Perhaps, a student’s writing is the best indication of his/her educational maturity, and I love reading what the students have to say. Finally, I look forward to finding out what professions/vocations my students will end up choosing in the future.
I have chosen to teach in a Catholic school because: At a Catholic School, I can teach the “whole child”. My goal is to do my part to help each child discover who it is God wants him/her to be and how he/she can use the information learned at school, as well as his/her God-given talents, to become that person. Go To Teacher Page - Ann Hayes Art Teacher
I received my Bachelor’s degree in art from University of Wyoming. After graduation, I became a freelance artist. I started my teaching at St. Mary’s working in the first grade, I later had the opportunity to teach art, and have been there ever since.
I enjoy working with children in art. I work with the classroom teachers to enhance subjects through art projects in my classroom. Students do projects for the community such as making bowls for the Comea Shelter “Empty Bowl“ fundraiser.
I believe an education in art history and basic techniques allows children to see the beauty in everything around them. Go To Teacher Page - Cindy Wright Librarian, Computers, 2nd Grade Religion
Years teaching: 15, 3 at St. Mary’s
Education: Bachelor of Arts, Secondary English and Reading, University of Wyoming; Master of Library Science, Sam Houston State University.
The best part of my job is sharing my love of reading and great books and watching kids get excited about books.
I attended St. Mary’s and graduated from the high school. I know that the school, the values and the teachers here shaped who I am today. I believe in education, and I have faith in the Catholic education children receive here. Go To Teacher Page - Jill Laping Instrumental Music Teacher
Years teaching: 20, 4 at St. Mary’s
Education: Bachelor’s of Music Piano Performance, Coe College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Masters work in piano pedagogy, Central Missouri State University, Warrensburg, Missouri; Bachelor’s of Music Education University of Wyoming; Orff Schulwerk Level One training University of Nevada, Las Vegas
The best part of teaching at St. Mary’s Catholic School is having the ability to share my faith with impressionable youth. Go To Teacher Page - Patrick Stolz Music Teacher
Years teaching: 16, 10 at St. Mary’s
Education: Masters of Music Voice Performance, University of Northern Colorado; Bachelor of Arts, Music Education, University of Wyoming; Bachelor of Arts in Communication, University of Wyoming; Teacher Endorsement from Regis University
The best thing about teaching is working with children to achieve creativity and to challenge them to achieve their potential. The added benefit of working in a Catholic school is forming the whole person. I am an alum of Seton Catholic High School and it is a pleasure to teach at my alma mater. Go To Teacher Page - Paul Garcia P.E. Coach
Years in education: 1
Years at SMCS: 1
Education: Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Education Teacher Education with a Teaching Health Endorsement
Why you chose SMCS: I chose St. Mary’s Catholic School because of the ability to start a career in Physical Education while teaching our children the importance for lifelong physical activity.
What is your favorite things about teaching: My favorite thing about teaching is the interaction with the youth in an educational setting, providing our youth with the knowledge and experiences that will allow for those individuals to be successful in all of their lifetime endeavors. Go To Teacher Page - Mary Kretzschmar 1st/2nd Grade Core Classes and 7th/8th Grade Spanish