Please join us in welcoming several members to our St. Mary's High School faculty and staff for the 2021-2022 school year.
Katherine Balboa
Mrs. Balboa, who is originally from Chile, South America, has seven years of teaching experience both in Chile and the US and holds a bachelor's degree in education and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. She will be teaching Spanish II, III, IV this year. Mrs. Balboa hopes to add an AP Spanish Course and Spanish Heritage Course for the 2022-2023 school year.
Ramon Falt
Ms. Falt comes to us from St. Paul Catholic School with a wealth of knowledge in events, education, and graphic design. She will assume the role of director of Events and Promotions. Her first day with St. Mary's was Monday, July 12.
Lorelei Kay
Mrs. Kay, who moved to Colorado five years ago with her family, has spent the last 12 years working with international students and has a junior, Emma, at St. Mary's. She received her bachelor's degree in education and is currently pursuing a master's degree in curriculum design and leadership. Mrs. Kay will assume the duties of receptionist, while also handling St. Mary's international program and serving as a volunteer coordinator.
Dr. Justin Rufa
Dr. Rufa holds both bachlor's and master's degrees in aeronautical engineering from the US Air Force Academy and a PhD in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan. At the Air Force Academy, he served as both the director of the STEM program and assistant professor in the math department for more than 12 years. Dr. Rufa will teach pre-calculus, AP Calculus, algebra, trigonometry, and Principles of Engineering.
Rachelle Tuffly
Ms. Tuffly has seven years of Catholic school experience in teaching in both the humanities and English areas and is a certified AP teacher. Ms. Tuffly moved to Colorado Springs from Tucson, Arizona, in June. A certified personal trainer and Crossfit coach, she will teach World Geography, AP Human Geography, Health, and PE.
Theresa Ward
Mrs. Ward holds a bachelor's degree in English and a master's degree in Education: Eduator Effectiveness and has seven years experience teaching English. The mom of three daughters who graduated from St. Mary’s, Mrs. Ward will teach English I and English IA, ESL, and run the Academic Support program. She is also St. Mary’s new forensics coach.
Rosario Weston
Ms. Weston, originally from Chile, South America, holds a bachelor's degree in Spanish Literature and Art (Studio and Painting) and Humanities, and a master's degree in education. With content knowledge in Studio Arts, Design, Sculpture,Painting, and Art History, Ms. Weston will teach Art I, Art II, and Art History.
Svitlana Zorya-Benson
Originally from Kiev, Ukraine, Mrs. Zorya-Benson is fluent in four languages and has more than 10 years of teaching experience. She holds bachelor’s degrees in both secondary education with a teaching major in biology and one in Spanish, as well as a master's degree in biology. Mrs. Zorya-Benson will host a St. Mary’s international student from Mexico and will teach Spanish I. If enough students are interested, she would like to teach a Russian Culture class this year.
In addition to the above new hires, a few St. Mary's employees will assume additional duties for the 2021-2022 or have changed positions.
Dr. Raquel Krasovec
Dr. Krasovec, our former director of Events, has assumed the position of director of Enrollment. Raquel has been director of Events and Development associate since 2017. She has teaching experience at the collegiate and primary levels and corporate sales experience, and holds a doctorate degree in psychology. Raquel looks forward to collaborating with alumni, parents, students, faculty and staff to grow our St. Mary's community.
Dr. Pat Mills
Dr. Mills, director of Operations, will teach Personal Finance for the 2021-2022 school year. He holds both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in business adminitration and a PhD in education. A retired Naval officer, Dr. Mills joined St. Mary's as the director of Operations in 2020 and will continue in this role, in addition to teaching.
Amy Partain
Ms. P., director of Communications and Marketing, will teach 21st Century Journalism and Broadcasting this year. She has worked in the journalism/communications industry (including newspapers, magazines, book publishing, and PR/marketing) for almost 30 years and has been with St. Mary's High School since late 2011. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Arkansas State University.