Faculty & Staff

Gratitude for all Who Made This Year Possible

photo grid of teachers and staff members
photo grid of teachers and staff members
photo grid of teachers and staff members
photo grid of teachers and staff members
photo grid of teachers and staff members
photo grid of teachers and staff members
photo grid of teachers and staff members
photo grid of teachers and staff members
photo grid of teachers and staff members
photo grid of teachers and staff members
photo grid of teachers and staff members

Search Faculty/Staff Directory

Mr. Dave Balint

Mr. Dave Balint

IT Director
BS, Computer Science, Webster University
AS CNT, Ranken Technical College
Dr. Mariette Baxendale

Dr. Mariette Baxendale

Teacher, Department Chair
PhD, Biology, St. Louis University 1996
MS, Research-Biology, St. Louis University 1992
BS, Biology, Rockhurst University 1988
Mrs. Carrie Becher

Mrs. Carrie Becher

Communications Manager
BJ, Journalism, University of Missouri-Columbia
BS, Spanish, University of Missouri-Columbia
Dr. Rob Behm

Dr. Rob Behm

Teacher
PhD, Chemistry, Washington University 1999
BS, Chemistry, University of Chicago 1990
Mr. Gene Bender

Mr. Gene Bender

Teacher, Science Teacher
MA, Teaching/Educational Technology, Webster University 2002
BS, Electrical Engineering, Missouri University of Science & Technology 1990
Mr. Rob Bergman

Mr. Rob Bergman

Class of 1993
Teacher, Writing Lab Supervisor
MLA, Language Arts, Washington University
BA, English, Rockhurst University 1998
BA, Education, Rockhurst University 1998
Mr. Kevin Berns

Mr. Kevin Berns

Class of 1987
Teacher
BA, Media Communications, Webster University
Mr. Adam Boehm

Mr. Adam Boehm

Teacher, Department Chair
BS, Mathematics, St. Louis University 2016
BA, Russian Studies, St. Louis University 2016
Mr. Dave Boland

Mr. Dave Boland

College Advisor
ME, Education, University of Missouri-St. Louis 1990
BA, Philosophy, Cardinal Glennon College Seminary 1985
Mrs. Carmen Bowman

Mrs. Carmen Bowman

Teacher, International Tour Coordinator
BA, Spanish Literature, St. Louis University 1973
BA, Education, St. Louis University 1973
Mr. Steve Burr

Mr. Steve Burr

VP of Administration/CFO
UCLA 1979
Mr. Tom Burr

Mr. Tom Burr

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

Rev. Jim Burshek S.J.

Director of Mission/Teacher, Campus Ministry
MA, Divinity, Regis College, Toronto School of Theology 1975
BA, Classics, St. Louis University 1969
Mr. David Cabrera

Mr. David Cabrera

Teacher/Director of Global Education, Director of Global Education
MEd, Secondary Education, University of Missouri-St. Louis 2015
BA, Business Administration, Lindenwood University 2012
Dr. Mike Callahan

Dr. Mike Callahan

Teacher
PhD, Philosophy & Film, St. Louis University 2008
MA, Media Literacy, Webster University 1998
BA, Theology, St. Louis University 1993
Mr. Timothy Canavan

Mr. Timothy Canavan

Teacher/Head Baseball Coach
MA, Teaching, Lindenwood University 2004
BSBA, Business Administration, University of Missouri-St. Louis 2000
Mr. Sean Cavanagh

Mr. Sean Cavanagh

Teacher
MLA, Language Arts, Washington University 2000
BA, Philosophy, Fordham University 1994
Mr. Jeff Cernicek

Mr. Jeff Cernicek

Class of 1992
Director of Development
BS, Marketing/Advertising, Missouri State University 1997
Mrs. Mary Clear-Drexler

Mrs. Mary Clear-Drexler

Executive Assistant to the President
AA, Hickey College
Mr. Jarrod Cobb

Mr. Jarrod Cobb

IT Systems Engineer
BS, Computer Information Systems, St. Louis University 2016
Dr. Drae Cox

Dr. Drae Cox

Director of Diversity/Teacher/Wrestling Coach, Teacher, Head Wrestling Coach
EdD, Instructional Leadership, Lindenwood University 2016
MA, Education, Lindenwood University 2014
BS, Athletic Training, Lindenwood University 2012
Mr. Mark DeGreeff

Mr. Mark DeGreeff

Assistant Dean of Students/Teacher, Assistant to Dean of Students
MA, Education, University of Missouri-St. Louis 2011
BA, Business Administration, Benedictine College 1992
Mrs. Molly Devereux

Mrs. Molly Devereux

Nurse
BSN, Nursing, Maryville University
Mrs. Linda Doherty

Mrs. Linda Doherty

Learning Consultant
MA, Educational Leadership, Maryville University 2002
BA, Special Education, University of Missouri-Columbia 1999
Certification - Reading Specialist 2004
Mr. Nick Dressler

Mr. Nick Dressler

Class of 2002
Teacher
MA, English Literature, University of Missouri-St. Louis 2011
BA, English, Loyola University-Chicago 2006
Ms. Bevin Freeman

Ms. Bevin Freeman

ASC Volunteer
BS, History, Xavier University 2021
Mrs. Kelsey Grimm

Mrs. Kelsey Grimm

Director of Campus Ministry, Teacher
Graduate Certificate, Catholic School Leadership, Creighton University 2020
MA, Teaching, Lindenwood University 2011
BS, Linguistics, Truman State University 2008
BA, Spanish, Truman State University 2008
Mr. Alex Hall

Mr. Alex Hall

Teacher, Campus Ministry
BA, Religious Studies, Loyola University-New Orleans 2013
BA, Spanish, Loyola University-New Orleans 2013
BA, Philosophy, Loyola University-New Orleans 2013
Mr. John Hawkey

Mr. John Hawkey

Class of 1996
Teacher, Junior Service Projects
BA, St. Louis University 1999
Mr. Peter Heithaus

Mr. Peter Heithaus

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

Mr. Dan Herrin

Class of 2008
Athletic Trainer - Mercy
B.S., Health Sciences, University of Missouri - Columbia 2012
MAT, Athletic Training, Saint Louis University 2014
Mrs. Debbie Higgins

Mrs. Debbie Higgins

Director of Communications
BA, English Writing & English Literature, Saint Mary's College 1992
Mr. Rob Hutchison

Mr. Rob Hutchison

Teacher/LaCrosse Coach/Freshman Soccer Coach/NHS Moderator, Lacrosse Coach, Freshman Soccer Coach, NHS Moderator
MA, English, St. Louis University 2009
MS, Biology, St. Louis University 2005
BS, Pre-Med, University of Notre Dame 2003
Mr. Evan Jenkins

Mr. Evan Jenkins

Class of 2013
Teacher/Robotics Coach, Robotics Coach
BS, Mechanical Engineering, University of Missouri-Columbia 2017
Mr. Josh Klein

Mr. Josh Klein

Class of 1997
Teacher/Head Soccer Coach, Head Soccer Coach
MS, Sports Psychology, Florida State University 2003
BA, Psychology, Rhodes College 2001
Ms. Lisa Knabe

Ms. Lisa Knabe

Teacher, Sophomore Service Projects
MA, Religious Education, St. Louis University
BA, Education, Eastern Illinois University
Mr. Kurt Knoedelseder

Mr. Kurt Knoedelseder

Drama Director/Theater Manager
MA, Educational Leadership, Maryville University 2007
MA, Theater, Lindenwood University 1992
BS, Theater & Journalism, MacMurray College 1982
Mrs. Laurie Kohler

Mrs. Laurie Kohler

Teacher
MA, Fine Art, Webster University 2009
BS, Fine Art, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville 1992
Mr. Chris Kohring

Mr. Chris Kohring

Assistant Treasurer
BS, Business Accounting, University of Phoenix 2009
Mrs. Becky Lane

Mrs. Becky Lane

Director of Special Events
BSOT, Occupational Therapy, University of Kansas
CPR/AED Certified, Mercy Hospital
Mrs. Maria Lang

Mrs. Maria Lang

Assistant Director of Admissions
BA, Education, University of Missouri - St. Louis 2008
BA, Spanish, University of Missouri - St. Louis 2008
Mrs. Emily Ledbetter

Mrs. Emily Ledbetter

Teacher
BA, Fontbonne University 2011
Mr. Pete Lenzini

Mr. Pete Lenzini

Dean of Students, Social Studies Teacher
MA, History, University of Missouri at St. Louis 2008
BA, Philosophy, Vanderbilt University 2000
BA, History, Vanderbilt University 2000
Mr. Dan Likos

Mr. Dan Likos

Class of 1994
Teacher/Head Golf Coach, Head Golf Coach
MFE, Mathematics, Webster University 2012
BA, Education, University of Dayton 1998
BA, Mathematics, University of Dayton 1998
Mr. Pat Littleton

Mr. Pat Littleton

Class of 1987
Teacher
MA, Athletic Administration, William Woods University 2007
BS, Southeast Missouri State University 1995
BS, University of Missouri-St. Louis 1991
Mr. William Manaker S.J.

Mr. William Manaker S.J.

Teacher, Liturgy Coordinator
BA, Philosophy and Catholic Studies, University of St. Thomas, MN
MA, English, Loyola University-Chicago
Mrs. Collin Miller

Mrs. Collin Miller

Director of Personal Counseling, Personal and Academic Counselor
MA, Counseling, Webster University 2004
BA, Human Services, Fontbonne University 2001
Mr. Matt Mohan

Mr. Matt Mohan

Class of 1982
Teacher/De Smet Depot Bookstore Manager, De Smet Depot Bookstore Manager
BA, History, University of Missouri-St. Louis 1995
BS, Secondary Education, University of Missouri-St. Louis 1995
Mr. Nicholas Moramarco

Mr. Nicholas Moramarco

Teacher
MFA, Lindenwood University
BA, Beloit College
Mrs. Lil Morlock

Mrs. Lil Morlock

Registrar
Certificate, St. Louis Community College 1980
Mr. Pat Morris

Mr. Pat Morris

Class of 2006
Director of Alumni Engagement, Alumni Relations
BA, Journalism, University of Denver 2010
Mrs. Lisa Mosquera

Mrs. Lisa Mosquera

Admissions Counselor
BS-Paralegal, Paralegal, Minnesota State University
Dr. Pete Musso Ed.D.

Dr. Pete Musso Ed.D.

Class of 1989
Asst. Principal for Curriculum & Instruction
Ed. D, Maryville University 2012
MA, University of Dayton 1994
BA, University of Dayton 1992
Mrs. Michele Neary

Mrs. Michele Neary

Receptionist
Mr. Mike O'Brien

Mr. Mike O'Brien

Teacher, Department Chair, Work Grant Director, Outdoor Club Moderator
MA, Secondary Education, University of Missouri-St. Louis 2005
BA, Philosophy, St. Louis University 1995
Rev. Ronny O'Dwyer

Rev. Ronny O'Dwyer

Interim President
MA, Divinity, Boston College
Ecclesial Degree, Boston College
MA, Philosophy, St. Louis University
BA, Philosophy, The Catholic University of America
MA, Catholic Educational Leadership, St. Louis University
Mrs. Anna Oliver

Mrs. Anna Oliver

Database Manager
BA, German Language and Literature, University of Missouri-St. Louis 1994
Mrs. Sarah Patton

Mrs. Sarah Patton

Learning Consultant
MAEd, Fontbonne University 2005
BS, Communication Science & Disorders, St. Louis University 2000
Minor, Elementary Education, St. Louis University 2000
Mrs. Audrey Penberthy

Mrs. Audrey Penberthy

Personal and Academic Counselor
M. E.d., Education & School Counseling, Stephens College
BA, Psychology, Columbia College
Mr. Kennedy Phillips

Mr. Kennedy Phillips

Teacher
BHS, Health & Exercise Science, Regis University
Minor, Physical Education, Regis University
Mr. Scott Phillips

Mr. Scott Phillips

Class of 1988
Head Chef
Mr. Howie Place Jr.

Mr. Howie Place Jr.

Retreat Coordinator/Teacher/Ultimate Frisbee Coach
MA, Theology/Religious Education, St. Louis University 2016
BA, Theology & Economics, Loyola University-Chicago 2007
Mr. Tony Plein

Mr. Tony Plein

Teacher
MSE, Curriculum & Instruction, University of Kansas 2020
MA, Theology, University of Notre Dame 2009
BA, Theology, St. Louis University 2002
Mr. Kevin Poelker

Mr. Kevin Poelker

Class of 1998
Principal
MS, Sports & Recreation, Ohio University 2013
MA, Educational Leadership, Maryville University 2018
BA, Philosophy & Religion, Truman State University 2002
M.S, Maryville University
Mr. Jarod Powell

Mr. Jarod Powell

Teacher, Assistant Athletic Director
MBA, Lindenwood University
Mr. John Pukala

Mr. John Pukala

Director of Athletics
MS, Education, National Louis University 1998
BA, Northwest Missouri State University 1986
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Mrs. Brenda Reinsfelder

Mrs. Brenda Reinsfelder

Financial Services Coordinator
BA, Accounting, Lindenwood University
Mr. John Reyes

Mr. John Reyes

Class of 1994
Teacher/Sophomore Soccer Coach, Mathematics Teacher, Sophomore Soccer Coach
BS, Biology, Western Illinois University
Mr. Marty Rodgers

Mr. Marty Rodgers

Teacher
BS, University Studies, Southern Illinois University
Mrs. Jen Rothermich

Mrs. Jen Rothermich

Assistant to the Principal
BA, Communications, University of Missouri-Columbia
Mr. Mike Russo

Mr. Mike Russo

Teacher/Director of Student Activities, English Teacher, Director of Student Activities, Head Track & Field Coach
MEd, Education, University of Notre Dame 2002
BA, English, University of Notre Dame 2000
BA, History, University of Notre Dame 2000
Mr. Henry Samson

Mr. Henry Samson

Teacher, Department Chair
MEd, Learning and Technology, Western Governors University 2017
BA, Education, St. Louis University 2010
BA, English, St. Louis University 2010
Ms. Sarah Schmidt

Ms. Sarah Schmidt

Teacher, Department Chair, International Tour Coordinator
MA, Latin, University of Georgia 2016
MEd, Latin Education, Creighton University 2008
BA, Latin Classics, Creighton University 2007
Mrs. Terri Schuchmann

Mrs. Terri Schuchmann

Assistant Treasurer

Mr. Charles Scott

Custodian
Associate, Grace Christian College
Mr. Ryan Sextro

Mr. Ryan Sextro

Class of 2004
Teacher
MS, Learning Technology, Fontbonne University 2013
BS, Computer Science, University of Missouri-Columbia 2008
Mr. Ray Sherrock

Mr. Ray Sherrock

Teacher/Choir Director/Library Resources, Department Chair, Choir Director, Library Resources
BA, Music Education, New Mexico State University 1988
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. Tom Sothers

Mr. Tom Sothers

Teacher/Spartan Association Moderator/Scholar Bowl Coach, Department Chair, Spartan Parents Association Moderator, Scholar Bowl Coach
MLA, Washington University 1991
BA, History, St. Louis University 1985
BA, Education, St. Louis University 1985
Mr. Timothy Sullivan

Mr. Timothy Sullivan

Admissions Director
BS, Business Administration, Maryville University 1992
Mr. Michael Talken

Mr. Michael Talken

Director of Educational Technology
MS, Educational Technology, University of Missouri, St. Louis 2006
BS, Biology, Rockhurst University 1992
BA, Political Science, Education, Rockhurst University 1992
Mr. Bryan Traughber

Mr. Bryan Traughber

Class of 1997
Teacher/Head Cross Country Coach, Head Cross Country Coach, Assistant Athletic Director
MA, History, University of Missouri-St. Louis 2005
BA, History, Truman State University 2001
Mrs. Christine Tseng

Mrs. Christine Tseng

Teacher, International Tour Coordinator
MBA, St. Louis University 1997
BS, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale 1995
Mrs. Felicie Van de Riet

Mrs. Felicie Van de Riet

Cafeteria Manager
Mr. Jim Walsh Jr.

Mr. Jim Walsh Jr.

Class of 1976
Teacher
MAT, Educational Technology, Webster University 1993
BS, Secondary Education, University of Dayton 1980
Mr. Christopher Welling

Mr. Christopher Welling

Teacher
LLM, De Paul University College of Law 2003
JD, St. Louis University 2000
BA, St. Louis University School of Law 1997
Mr. Chris Williams

Mr. Chris Williams

Assistant Principal for Academics
MEd, Educational Leadership, Park University 2016
MEd, Athletics and Activities Administration, William Woods University 2010
BA, Psychology, William Jewell College 1998
Mr. Kent Williams

Mr. Kent Williams

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

Mr. Larry Woodson

Director of Facilities Services
BAT, Architectural Technology, Washington University
Ranken Technical College
Mrs. Susie Zahn

Mrs. Susie Zahn

Teacher
MS, Spanish Language Education, NOVA Southwestern University 2016
BS, Biology, St. Mary's University-San Antonio 1985

Why We Serve at De Smet Jesuit

Mr. Bender smiles looking at two students, helping them on their laptops
  • 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.

Mr. Hutchison explains something to student in front of white board
  • 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.

Dr. Baxendale smiling in her science lab classroom
  • 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. 

Evan Jenkins '13
  • 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.

Mrs. Grimm smiles and leans on podium covered in colorful blanket
  • 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.