Get to Know our New Teachers and Staff!
August 31, 2022
We are excited to welcome several new teachers and staff to Cretin-Derham Hall!
Claire Bischoff
Religion Teacher
Education: St. Olaf College, psychology and religion
Previous work: Saint Catherine University
Why did you choose to work at CDH? My interest in studying religion began with the wonderful religion teachers I had when I was a student at CDH. I am excited to give back to the community that has meant so much to me. I believe that faith centers on our relationships with self, others, and God, and I am so excited to help students explore what those relationships mean for their lives.
What do you love about your career path? It is such a privilege when young people trust you with their stories. When a student opens up about the joys and challenges they have experienced, I truly feel like I am standing on holy ground.
What should our students and families know about you? I am the proud mom of three wonderful kids. I love reading novels; dabbling in different art forms such as rock and pour painting and coloring mandalas; playing pickle ball and frisbee golf; and discovering new places to hike.
Anne Dougherty
Entrepreneurship and Business Teacher
Education: St. Mary’s College, South Bend
Previous work: Benilde-St. Margaret’s
Why did you choose to work at CDH? I love the CDH community and I’m excited about developing opportunities for entrepreneurship and invention here.
What do you love about your career path? I love to collaborate to solve problems. I love working in teams. And I love improving things through iteration.
What should our students and families know about you? I have five wonderful children - my oldest graduated last year from CDH last year. I’m a serial entrepreneur - I’ve raised venture capital, founded a nonprofit, and most recently, my family reopened a historic resort in northern Minnesota.
Pilar Garcia
Attendance Clerk
Education: University of Minnesota, Morris - psychology
Previous work: Cafe Latte
Why did you choose to work at CDH? I am a graduate of Derham Hall and after all of these years, I wanted to come back to my roots and come back to the school in a different way. I love interacting with people and I love kids so the position of Attendance Clerk seems like the perfect position for me.
What do you love about your career path? I love being in the school system and I am hoping that this starting position will lead me to other opportunities where I can be more hands- on with students and families and teachers and be a positive influence.
What should our students and families know about you? People are my fuel in life and I love interacting and talking with others. I am a very compassionate person and very accepting of others! I love to smile and make peoples days! And I am a single mother of two boys and I am very proud, honored, and blessed to be their mother!
Joe Hutchins
Dean of Students, Boys Basketball - Varsity Assistant Coach
Education: University of St. Thomas – Psychology and Elementary Education, Hamline – Masters of Education
Previous work: Director (Principal) of Banaadir Academy
"I'm looking forward to my role as Dean to be able to connect with and work with the students of CDH. As the Dean, I have the chance to create meaningful relationships and impact positive growth in our community.
My goal is to work on a daily basis to support students academically, emotionally, and spiritually as they strive to reach their own goals for the future."
Chad Loeffler
Math Teacher - Algebra 1 and Geometry
Education: University of St Thomas – Mathematics (Major), Secondary Education (Minor)
Previous work: CDH – Substitute Teacher (’06-’22) and Full-Time Teacher (’97-’03), Metro Transit as a Supervisor and Manager in the Control Center
Why did you choose to work at CDH? I appreciate the Cretin-Derham Hall values, atmosphere, and students. Go Raiders!
What do you love about your career path? I have learned a lot from being in many different classrooms as a teacher and a substitute. My time at Metro Transit gave me ample real-world experience working with people from all walks of life. Both experiences help me bring a great deal to the classroom and give me the ability to connect with students in a real and authentic manner.
What should our students and families know about you? I am very easy going and like to have fun.
Peggy Mansur
Counseling Administrative Assistant
Education: Inver Hills Community College, Business
Previous work: Cretin-Derham Hall, Attendance Clerk. (Before CDH I was at Saint Thomas Academy)
Why did you choose to work at CDH? I choose to work at Cretin-Derham Hall because I was ready for a new challenge and love the Catholic community here.
What should our students and families know about you? I am looking forward to serving students and families with all their college needs.
Kristy McLeod
Executive Administrative Assistant
Education: UW Oshkosh
Previous work: Holy Spirit School
Why did you choose to work at CDH? I love the long standing legacy traditions of CDH - My family is rooted in Cretin, Derham, and Cretin-Derham Hall. I also strongly align with the mission and values of CDH (Catholic,Academic, Leadership,Community,Service,Diversity,Equity) so I knew it would be a natural fit.
What do you love about your career path? There's nothing I love more than working with other engaged individuals working toward a common goal. It is important to be a part of my community, and feel like I am making a difference. I love the variety of work and people. It's important to have a forward-thinking, supportive job that realizes employees and alumni are their greatest asset.
What should our students and families know about you? I treat others the way I want to be treated - I have been married for 18 years and I have 2 children at CDH (Classes of '24 and '25) and an 8th grade at Holy Spirit. I have 4 large dogs - Leonbergers. I'm a total dog mom and I love to cook, travel, and spend time with my family.
Laura Nelson
College Counselor
Education: University of Kansas - BFA Interior Design
Previous work: University of Kansas
Why did you choose to work at CDH? The folks I met here were all genuinely kind and welcoming! CDH has top notch academics and service standards and I am excited to be a part of this community!
What do you love about your career path? I've worked in a handful of different industries and worn many different hats, as they say. Each of these experiences has really allowed me to grow as an individual and a colleague. What I've learned through it all is that I love working with and helping people! I have wanted to be a high school counselor since I was a teenager so it's truly a gift to be able to live out that dream.
What should our students and families know about you? I grew up in Eagan and still live south of the river. I have a wonderful husband, a spunky 2 year-old daughter, and an extra smiley 4 month old son. I enjoy trying new foods/restaurants, traveling, listening to Taylor Swift on repeat, and being on the lake! I love coffee, sweets, and heart-to-hearts.
My college experience was out of this world and I have a true passion for helping students find the right fit for them!
Penelope Parsons-Lord
Theater Director
Education: Graduate - Monash University - Theater/Acting and Performance
Previous work: The Sydney Theatre Company and Belvoir Street Theatre
Why did you choose to work at CDH? I was lucky enough to direct "Chicago" last year and I really enjoyed working with the students and the sense of community within the school.
What do you love about your career path? The variety of places that I have worked and the people that I have gotten to work with.
What should our students and families know about you? I recently moved here from Australia with my husband Luke and our two dogs. I'm still getting used to a lot of American slang and customs! So if I sometimes look confused it's probably because I'm trying to figure out a cultural difference.
Brother Michael Phipps
Counseling
Education: Graduate - Lewis University (School Counseling and Guidance); Undergraduate - University of Northern Colorado (Psychology)
Previous work: I worked as the Recruitment Coordinator and Associate Director of Lasallian Volunteers.
Why did you choose to work at CDH? When looking for a ministry this year, the Christian Brothers of the Midwest recommended Cretin-Derham Hall. In interviewing, I was struck by the clear, intentional dedication to building community. Having worked at a variety of Lasallian institutions, I am excited to work with the students, families, and staff of CDH as we grow in faith, service, and community.
What do you love about your career path? I enjoy walking with young people as they experience 'ah ha' moments and more fully grow into their potential.
What should our students and families know about you? I grew up on the west coast. I have worked with young people and families for 10+ years and find that I often learn more from my students than they learn from me. I consider myself a jack of all trades and enjoy a variety of hobbies when I am off the clock.
Christian Prouty
Chemistry Teacher
Education: St. Olaf (Chemistry), Univ of MN, Teaching
Previous work: Venture Academy Charter School, EP Online School, The Blake School, Bloomington Public Schools, Univ of MN Department of Epidemiology
Why did you choose to work at CDH? Passion for teaching Chemistry
What do you love about your career path? I have been able get experience in a wide variety of settings
What should our students and families know about you? I hope to provide a safe space where a community of learners develop an appreciation of how Chemistry helps us understand our world.
Tiffany Rosen
Social Studies Teacher
Education: Concordia St. Paul - Secondary Education, 5-12 Social Studies
Previous work: I was a Commercial Interior Designer for 15 years before returning back to school to get my teaching license.
Why did you choose to work at CDH? My husband, Paris, attended CDH (Class of '99). Since the moment I walked into CDH, I knew I had to teach here. The history, values, and virtues have an undeniable energy that I had to be a part of.
What do you love about your career path? I love that my career path has not been typical. I've wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember, but it wasn't a straight shot journey for me. There were valuable detours. But, what's meant to be will always find a way! I want to be an inspiration to my students, leading them to see that it's never too late to fulfill your dreams!
What should our students and families know about you? I'm an Inspiration Instigator. I want to inspire my students to discover their own unique passions so they feel empowered to go out into the world and do big, bold, beautiful things with their lives.
Megan Smith
Alumni Relations and Events Coordinator
Education: Bachelor of Arts in English, Master of Arts in English, and Master of Art in Teaching - English Education Program
Previous work: Academy of Holy Angels
"As I transition into my new role as the Alumni Relations and Events Coordinator, I’m enthusiastic to leverage my previous academic and professional experiences to engage alumni and build new networking avenues to connect the CDH community through the Advancement Office. It is a unique opportunity to serve as a resource to strengthen our alumni community"
Thay Thao
School Counselor
Education: Bachelors in Environmental Science from Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts. Masters in Educational Psychology from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.
Previous work: Last year I was a school counselor at New Millennium Academy in Brooklyn Park. Before that, I was an academic advisor with the TRIO programs at St. Olaf College.
Why did you choose to work at CDH? I grew up in St. Paul and attended Central High School (Go Minutemen!). A school like CDH is so closely intertwined within the community of St. Paul that was prevalent to me as a community member of St. Paul. Additionally, CDH's mission and values align with my own, especially its values that focus on diversity and equity.
What do you love about your career path? One of the many things I love about being a school counselor is helping students achieve their goals! School counselors help with academic requests and also assist with social and emotional well-being. I especially really love helping with the social/emotional aspect as that plays a vital role in how we interact with our world. Every day is different and every student is different and it has been a joy to work with a variety of students and their families.
What should our students and families know about you? I love to cook and travel! I recently finished an 8-month backpacking trip across 6 countries in Asia! While there, I took advantage and participated in numerous cooking classes and tried out so many different types of food. I also identify as Hmong American and appreciate that the Twin Cities is such a melting pot of diverse cultures and traditions - I love sharing about my Minnesota Hmong experience!
Steve Walsh
Head Football Coach and Major Gift Officer
Education: University of Miami
Previous work: Walsh spent the last five years coaching quarterbacks in the Canadian Football League (CFL), most recently with the Ottawa Redblacks. He is widely regarded for his development of football programs.
“I am excited for the opportunity to return to my alma mater - a place where I attended as a student and developed both academically and athletically. Now I have this great opportunity to serve the school that meant so much to me and was a significant influence on me as a young man. I can’t wait to teach this game I love and to develop student-athletes both on and off the field at Cretin-Derham Hall.”
Julie Wengelewski
Digital Content Specialist
Education: St. Mary's College, Winona, MN
Previous work: Padilla Spear Beardsley Public Relations, Freelance Designer, CDH Library
Why did you choose to work at CDH? I am so excited to be in a school environment working with/for kids and CDH is such a warm, welcoming place.
What do you love about your career path? I love spreading the great news of CDH to the community and trying to keep up with technology.
What should our students and families know about you? I live in Highland with my husband and three wonderful children ('24 and '26 at CDH and 6th grade at Highland Catholic). My favorite things to do are camping, traveling and enjoying time with my family.
Jeff Winsor
STEM Center and A/V Coordinator
Education: Saint Paul College for an Associate’s degree, currently taking classes at Metro State for a BA
Previous work: I’ve been an electrician since 2016, most recently was working at Brimhall Elementary in Roseville
Why did you choose to work at CDH? I’m a 09 grad, I’ve been working with the Robotics Team since I graduated, I love the community and enthusiasm that everyone has here
What do you love about your career path? I’ve gotten to work in a lot of great locations, meet a ton of interesting people, and I hope I can give a unique viewpoint to students so they all can feel supported and make informed decisions about their futures.
What should our students and families know about you? I want everyone to feel like they have a place at CDH they can go and feel at home, hopefully I can make the Ryan STEM center that place for people.