Faculty & Staff

Why We Serve at De Smet Jesuit

  • Fine Arts
Dr. Michael Callahan

I teach because I was raised to believe that the exchange of ideas is one of the most important things we can participate in. Being in a Jesuit school allows us to be lifelong learners.

  • Class of 2004
  • Director of Educational Technology
Ryan Sextro

This is my vocation, not my job. I cherish the day-to-day opportunities I get to live my faith life in my teaching and in my interactions with students.

  • Fine Arts
Emily Ledbetter

I choose to teach in a Catholic high school because I receive the opportunity each day to create a life-giving home for my students in a faith-based environment. Our school is a family that shares in our academic, spiritual, and personal successes and joys. Our students and teachers lovingly guide each other through simple moments of this life, slowly walking each other towards our eternal home in heaven.

  • Social Studies Teacher
Chris Welling

As the son of two career Catholic educators and administrators who have dedicated more than 50 years of each of their lives to education and educational administration in St. Louis, I have always possessed a true appreciation of—and respect for—the concept of "education as a vocation," and the challenges, sacrifices, and ultimate rewards and successes that define such a career choice.

  • Science Teacher
Gene Bender

The future world can always be better, and the future is our students. I teach because I want to help shape a better future.

  • Coach
  • English Teacher
Rob Hutchison

I teach to challenge students to go beyond what they think they are capable of achieving. Ultimately it’s about pushing a student to that moment when he realizes he doesn’t need me to learn and to support him in the failures that happen along the way.

  • Science Teacher
Dr. Mariette Baxendale

I get to practice my faith in my place of work and do what God called me to do. A school is much more than simply succeeding in academics. Understanding content means nothing if you can't see beauty and value in "knowing" and don't utilize knowledge to live out your gifts, which God bestowed on you in service to others. 

  • Science Teacher
Evan Jenkins '13

Physics introduces students to a different way of scientific thinking. My goal is to have my students learn that way so if they do wish to pursue physics or engineering in college, they will have skills that will help them succeed at the next level.

  • Spanish Teacher
Kelsey Grimm

I work at De Smet Jesuit because I want to help lead students closer to Christ, as well as provide a supportive environment for students.

Search Faculty/Staff Directory

Video created by Jack Shaughnessy ’23, Digital Media class

Mrs. Claudia Anderson

Mrs. Claudia Anderson

Assistant to the Principal
Mr. Dave Balint

Mr. Dave Balint

IT Director
BS, Computer Science, Webster University
AS CNT, Ranken Technical College
Mr. Harold Barker

Mr. Harold Barker

Director of Athletics
MS, Athletic Administration, Ohio University
BA, Biology, Washington Unversity
Dr. Mariette Baxendale

Dr. Mariette Baxendale

Teacher, Department Chair
PhD, Biology, St. Louis University
MS, Research-Biology, St. Louis University
BS, Biology, Rockhurst University
Dr. Robert Behm

Dr. Robert Behm

Teacher
PhD, Chemistry, Washington University
BS, Chemistry, University of Chicago
Mr. Gene Bender

Mr. Gene Bender

Teacher
MA, Teaching/Educational Technology, Webster University
BS, Electrical Engineering, Missouri University of Science & Technology
Mr. Rob Bergman

Mr. Rob Bergman

Class of 1993
Teacher, Writing Lab Supervisor
MLA, Language Arts, Washington University
BA, English, Rockhurst University
BA, Education, Rockhurst University
Mr. Kevin Berns

Mr. Kevin Berns

Class of 1987
Teacher, Mirror & Yearbook Moderator
BA, Media Communications, Webster University
Mr. Adam Boehm

Mr. Adam Boehm

Teacher, Department Chair
BS, Mathematics, St. Louis University
BA, Russian Studies, St. Louis University
MA, Mathematics, University of Missouri St. Louis
Mr. Dave Boland

Mr. Dave Boland

College Advisor
ME, Education, University of Missouri-St. Louis
BA, Philosophy, Cardinal Glennon College Seminary
Mrs. Carmen Bowman

Mrs. Carmen Bowman

Teacher, International Tour Coordinator
BA, Spanish Literature, St. Louis University
BA, Education, St. Louis University
Mr. Sherand Boyd Jr.

Mr. Sherand Boyd Jr.

Learning Consultant
M.A., Educational Leadership, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
B.A., Special Education, University of Northern Colorado
Ms. Emma Braun

Ms. Emma Braun

Teacher/ASC
MS, Geotechnical Engineering, Colorado School of Mines
BS, Civil Engineering, Colorado School of Mines
Mr. Steve Burr

Mr. Steve Burr

VP of Administration/CFO
UCLA
Mr. Tom Burr

Mr. Tom Burr

Class of 2007
IT Systems Engineer
De Smet Jesuit High School
Rev. Jim Burshek S.J.

Rev. Jim Burshek S.J.

Director of Mission/Teacher, Campus Ministry
MA, Divinity, Regis College, Toronto School of Theology
BA, Classics, St. Louis University
Mr. David Cabrera

Mr. David Cabrera

Teacher/Director of Global Education/Tennis Coach
MEd, Secondary Education, University of Missouri-St. Louis
BA, Business Administration, Lindenwood University
Dr. Mike Callahan

Dr. Mike Callahan

Teacher
PhD, Philosophy & Film, St. Louis University
MA, Media Literacy, Webster University
BA, Theology, St. Louis University
Mr. Timothy Canavan

Mr. Timothy Canavan

Teacher/Head Baseball Coach
MA, Teaching, Lindenwood University
BS, Business Administration, University of Missouri-St. Louis
Mr. Sean Cavanagh

Mr. Sean Cavanagh

Teacher
MLA, Language Arts, Washington University
BA, Philosophy, Fordham University
Mr. Jeff Cernicek

Mr. Jeff Cernicek

Class of 1992
Senior Director of Development
BS, Marketing/Advertising, Missouri State University
Mrs. Christine Chapo

Mrs. Christine Chapo

Spartan Fund Director
Communications, University of Kansas
Mr. Jarrod Cobb

Mr. Jarrod Cobb

IT Systems Engineer
BS, Computer Information Systems, St. Louis University
Mr. Bob Cogan

Mr. Bob Cogan

Teacher
Dr. Drae Cox

Dr. Drae Cox

Director of Diversity & Inclusion
EdD, Instructional Leadership, Lindenwood University
MA, Education, Lindenwood University
BS, Athletic Training, Lindenwood University
Mr. Greg Deane

Mr. Greg Deane

Class of 1987
Custodian
University of Missouri-Columbia
Mr. Mark DeGreeff

Mr. Mark DeGreeff

Assistant Dean of Students/Teacher
MA, Education, University of Missouri-St. Louis
BA, Business Administration, Benedictine College
Mr. Matt Delehaunty

Mr. Matt Delehaunty

Registrar
BS, Business Administration, Missouri State University
Mrs. Molly Devereux

Mrs. Molly Devereux

Nurse
BSN, Nursing, Maryville University
Mrs. Melinda Dillon

Mrs. Melinda Dillon

Accounting & Payroll Specialist
BS, Business Administration, University of Central Missouri
Mrs. Linda Doherty

Mrs. Linda Doherty

Learning Consultant
MA, Educational Leadership, Maryville University
BA, Special Education, University of Missouri-Columbia
Certification - Reading Specialist
Mr. Matt Dorsey

Mr. Matt Dorsey

BS, English, Notre Dame

Kyle Dougherty

Math Teacher
BA, St. Louis Community College
BS, Mathematics, University of Missouri-St. Louis
Mr. Aidan Gillespie

Mr. Aidan Gillespie

Class of 2006
Teacher
BA, University of Notre Dame
MEd, Loyola University-Chicago
MS, St. Louis University
Mrs. Julie Golomski

Mrs. Julie Golomski

Spartan Shop Coordinator
Bachelors, Communications, St. Louis University
Mrs. Kelsey Grimm

Mrs. Kelsey Grimm

Director of Campus Ministry
Graduate Certificate, Catholic School Leadership, Creighton University
MA, Teaching, Lindenwood University
BS, Linguistics, Truman State University
BA, Spanish, Truman State University
Mr. Alex Hall

Mr. Alex Hall

Teacher
MS, Educational Leadership, Creighton University
Graduate Certificate, Catholic School Leadership, Creighton University
BA, Religious Studies, Loyola University-New Orleans
BA, Spanish, Loyola University-New Orleans
BA, Philosophy, Loyola University-New Orleans
Mr. Paul Harris

Mr. Paul Harris

Grounds Maintenance
Mr. John Hawkey

Mr. John Hawkey

Class of 1996
Teacher, Junior Service Projects, Assistant Athletic Director - Sports Information Director
BA, St. Louis University
MS, Digital Media, Arizona State
Mr. Peter Heithaus

Mr. Peter Heithaus

Human Resource Advisor
BA, English, University of Missouri-St. Louis
MEd, Counseling, University of Missouri-St. Louis
Mr. Michael Herrmann

Mr. Michael Herrmann

Teacher/part time
MEd, Secondary Education, University of Missouri-St. Louis
BS, Biology, Missouri State University
Mrs. Debbie Higgins

Mrs. Debbie Higgins

Director of Communications
BA, English Writing & English Literature, Saint Mary's College
Mr. Ryan Hodge

Mr. Ryan Hodge

Class of 2002
Director of Admissions and Strategic Marketing
BS, Biological Science, University of Missouri-St. Louis
Joey Hormberg

Joey Hormberg

Class of 2018
Admissions Counselor
BSBA, Business Administration, University of Missouri-Columbia
Mr. Rob Hutchison

Mr. Rob Hutchison

Teacher/LaCrosse Coach/Freshman Soccer Coach/NHS Moderator
MA, English, St. Louis University
MS, Biology, St. Louis University
MS, Educational Leadership, Creighton University
BS, Pre-Med, University of Notre Dame
Mr. Josh Klein

Mr. Josh Klein

Class of 1997
Teacher/Head Soccer Coach
MS, Sports Psychology, Florida State University
BA, Psychology, Rhodes College
Ms. Lisa Knabe

Ms. Lisa Knabe

Teacher, Sophomore Service Projects
MA, Religious Education, St. Louis University
BA, Education, Eastern Illinois University
Mrs. Kim Koenig

Mrs. Kim Koenig

Special Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives
MA, Public Administration, St. Louis University
BA, Psychology, St. Louis University
BA, English, St. Louis University
Mrs. Laurie Kohler

Mrs. Laurie Kohler

Teacher
MA, Fine Art, Webster University
BS, Fine Art, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
Mr. Chris Kohring

Mr. Chris Kohring

Assistant Treasurer
BS, Business Accounting, University of Phoenix
Mrs. Becky Lane

Mrs. Becky Lane

Director of Special Events
BS, Occupational Therapy, University of Kansas
CPR/AED Certified, Mercy Hospital
Mrs. Emily Ledbetter

Mrs. Emily Ledbetter

Teacher
BA, Art Education, Fontbonne University
Mr. Pete Lenzini

Mr. Pete Lenzini

Dean of Students
MA, History, University of Missouri-St. Louis
BA, Philosophy, Vanderbilt University
BA, History, Vanderbilt University
Mr. Dan Likos

Mr. Dan Likos

Class of 1994
Teacher/Head Golf Coach
MFE, Mathematics, Webster University
BA, Education, University of Dayton
BA, Mathematics, University of Dayton
Mr. Pat Littleton

Mr. Pat Littleton

Class of 1987
Teacher
MA, Athletic Administration, William Woods University
BS, Math Education, Southeast Missouri State University
BS, Business Administration, University of Missouri-Columbia
Mr. Joseph Merrick

Mr. Joseph Merrick

Class of 2017
Teacher, ASC
University of West Florida
BS, Education, Missouri State University
MA, History, Missouri State University
Mr.  John Merritt Jr.

Mr. John Merritt Jr.

Head Football Coach and Teacher
BA, History/Education/African and African-American Studies, Washington University
Mr. Matt Mohan

Mr. Matt Mohan

Class of 1982
Teacher
BA, History, University of Missouri-St. Louis
BS, Secondary Education, University of Missouri-St. Louis
Mrs. Shelly Monschein

Mrs. Shelly Monschein

Development Services and Stewardship Coordinator
BS, University of Missouri-Columbia
Mr. Nicholas Moramarco

Mr. Nicholas Moramarco

Teacher, Theatre Director
MFA, Theatre, Lindenwood University
BA, Theatre and Russian, Beloit College
Mr. Pat Morris

Mr. Pat Morris

Class of 2006
Director of Alumni Engagement
MBA, Business Administration, Washington University
BA, Journalism, University of Denver
Mrs. Lisa Mosquera

Mrs. Lisa Mosquera

Assistant Director of Admissions
BS, Paralegal, Minnesota State University
Dr. Pete Musso Ed.D.

Dr. Pete Musso Ed.D.

Class of 1989
Asst. Principal for Curriculum & Instruction
Ed. D., Educational Leadership, Maryville University
MA, English, University of Dayton
BA, English, University of Dayton
Mr. Mike O'Brien

Mr. Mike O'Brien

Teacher/Head Tennis Coach, Department Chair/Senior Service Projects
MA, Secondary Education, University of Missouri-St. Louis
BA, Philosophy, St. Louis University
Rev. Ronny O'Dwyer S.J., Ed.D.

Rev. Ronny O'Dwyer S.J., Ed.D.

President
MA, Divinity, Boston College
Ecclesial Degree, Boston College
MA, Philosophy, St. Louis University
MA, Catholic Educational Leadership, St. Louis University
BA, Philosophy, The Catholic University of America
Ed.D., Educational Leadership and Policy, Vanderbilt University
Mrs. Sarah Patton

Mrs. Sarah Patton

Learning Consultant
MA, Education, Fontbonne University
BS, Communication Science & Disorders, St. Louis University
Minor, Elementary Education, St. Louis University
Mrs. Audrey  Penberthy

Mrs. Audrey Penberthy

Personal and Academic Counselor
MEd, Education & School Counseling, Stephens College
MEd, Psychology, Stephens College
Mr. Kennedy Phillips

Mr. Kennedy Phillips

Teacher
BHS, Health & Exercise Science, Regis University
Minor, Physical Education, Regis University
Mr. Howie Place Jr.

Mr. Howie Place Jr.

Retreat Coordinator/Teacher/Ultimate Frisbee Coach
MA, Theology/Religious Education, St. Louis University
BA, Theology & Economics, Loyola University-Chicago
Mr. Terrance Poe

Mr. Terrance Poe

Academic and College Mentor
BA, Communications, Greenville University
Mr. Kevin Poelker

Mr. Kevin Poelker

Class of 1998
Principal
MA, Educational Leadership, Maryville University
MS, Sports & Recreation, Ohio University
BA, Philosophy & Religion, Truman State University
Mr. Steve Price

Mr. Steve Price

Head Chef, Food Service Consultants
Culinary Arts, Johnson & Wales University
Mr. Mike Russo

Mr. Mike Russo

Teacher/Director of Student Activities/Head Track Coach
MEd, Education, University of Notre Dame
BA, English, University of Notre Dame
BA, History, University of Notre Dame
Mr. James Saali

Mr. James Saali

Teacher
MA, Teaching, Webster University
BSE, Spanish, University of Central Missouri
Mr. Henry Samson

Mr. Henry Samson

Teacher, Department Chair, Liturgy Coordinator
MEd, Learning and Technology, Western Governors University
BA, Education, St. Louis University
BA, English, St. Louis University
Ms. Sarah Schmidt

Ms. Sarah Schmidt

Teacher, International Tour Coordinator
MA, Latin, University of Georgia
MEd, Latin Education, Creighton University
BA, Latin Classics, Creighton University
Mr. Charles Scott

Mr. Charles Scott

Custodian
Associate, Grace Christian College
Mr. Ryan Sextro

Mr. Ryan Sextro

Class of 2004
Director of Educational Technology/Teacher
MS, Learning Technology, Fontbonne University
BS, Computer Science, University of Missouri-Columbia
Mr. Ray Sherrock

Mr. Ray Sherrock

Teacher/Choir Director/Library Resources, Department Chair
BA, Music Education, New Mexico State University
Mrs.  Liz Snopek-Vegovisch

Mrs. Liz Snopek-Vegovisch

Personal and Academic Counselor
MA, Social Work-Clinical, University of Missouri-Columbia
MA, School and Guidance Counseling K-12, Lindenwood University
BS, Mass Communication, Southeast Missouri State University
Mrs. Linda Sodemann

Mrs. Linda Sodemann

Personal and Academic Counselor
MEd, Counseling, University of Missouri-St. Louis
BS, Secondary Education, Southeast Missouri State University
Mr. Mike Talken

Mr. Mike Talken

Director of Data Systems and Learning
MS, Educational Technology, University of Missouri, St. Louis
BS, Biology, Rockhurst University
BA, Political Science, Education, Rockhurst University
Ms. Nicole Talley

Ms. Nicole Talley

Financial Services Coordinator
MBA, Business, Missouri Baptist University
BA, Biology, Missouri Baptist University
Mr. Bryan Traughber

Mr. Bryan Traughber

Class of 1997
Teacher/Head Cross Country Coach/Head Track Coach, Assistant Athletic Director
MA, History, University of Missouri-St. Louis
BA, History, Truman State University
Mr. Spiro Trifonas

Mr. Spiro Trifonas

Director of Facilities Services
AA, Applied Electrical, South Tech
Mrs. Christine Tseng

Mrs. Christine Tseng

Teacher, International Tour Coordinator
MBA, Business Administration, St. Louis University
BS, Finance, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Mr. Chris Welling

Mr. Chris Welling

Teacher
LLM, De Paul University College of Law
JD, St. Louis University
BA, History, St. Louis University School of Law
Mr. Terrel Wilbourn

Mr. Terrel Wilbourn

Teacher/Head Wrestling Coach
BA, Sports Recreation, Lindenwood University
Mr. Dairal Wilderness

Mr. Dairal Wilderness

Custodial Supervisor
Mr. Chris Williams

Mr. Chris Williams

Assistant Principal for Academics
MEd, Educational Leadership, Park University
MEd, Athletics and Activities Administration, William Woods University
BA, Psychology, William Jewell College
Mr. Kent Williams

Mr. Kent Williams

Teacher/Head Basketball Coach, Department Chair, Assistant Athletic Director
BS, Marketing, SIU-Carbondale
Mr. Matthew Wren

Mr. Matthew Wren

Custodian
Gateway High School
Mrs. Susie Zahn

Mrs. Susie Zahn

Teacher, Department Chair
MS, Spanish Language Education, NOVA Southwestern University
BS, Biology, St. Mary's University-San Antonio