Get to Know This Year's New Faculty and Staff
Greta Cunningham
August 27, 2024
We are excited to welcome the following faculty and staff members to CDH this year:
Erin Butler is a new religion teacher, starting with Hebrew Scripture this trimester. She graduated from the University of St. Thomas last spring with a Bachelor’s in Public Health and Sustainability and is starting a Master’s in Theology this fall at the Saint Paul Seminary. She loves to read and play euchre.
“I have been blessed to receive a Catholic education my whole life and was drawn to CDH’s faith and its deep roots in the St. Paul community.”
Mikhail Faulconer is joining CDH to teach a variety of social studies classes. He has a Bachelor’s in History and Spanish from St. Louis University and a Master's in Secondary Social Studies from Rockhurst University. He previously taught Spanish and social studies at Rockhurst High School and Bishop Ward High School. He moved to Minnesota from Kanas City this summer and is excited to play men's ice hockey in a recreational adult league here.
“I have only heard great things about CDH's community. I'm super excited to experience teaching in a new city with new courses.”
Mark Grelson will be teaching College Preparatory U.S. History. He has a Bachelor’s in History and Recreation Administration and a Master’s in Athletic Administration. He was a Community Education Director and City Recreation Director in St. Peter’s, Minnesota, a Community Education Director and Senior Citizen Center Director for the ROCORI School District, and, for the last three years, a substitute teacher at CDH. He coaches CDH B-Squad Girls Tennis and lives in St. Paul with his wife, oldest daughter, and son-in-law. He and his wife love to golf, play pickleball, and work in their flower gardens.
“After subbing here for three years, I accepted this teaching position because I know the quality of CDH's students, faculty, and administration. I look forward to immersing myself in more of the school’s community development and family of dedicated teachers.”
Katie Meier ’95 is returning to her alma mater to teach biology. She has a Bachelor’s in Life Science Education from the University of St. Thomas and a Master’s of Education from St. Mary’s University. She has taught everything from high school microbiology to middle school physical science to kindergarten STEM classes in the St. Paul Public Schools system. She loves to spend time in the woods with her husband, two boys, and two hound dogs.
“I am extremely grateful that my experience at CDH guided me to a career I love. I can’t wait to be a part of the CDH community again. This feels very much like coming home.”
Scott Raymond will teach English for grades 10 and 12. He has a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Central College, a Master’s of Education from Iowa State University, and a Master’s of Arts in Teaching Communication Arts and Literature from MNSU Mankato. He previously taught English at Chaska High School. His wife is a teacher at Lakeville North and a Northern Lights volleyball coach. He also has a three-year-old daughter and enjoys lifting weights, going on long walks, and reading.
“I originally moved to Minnesota to coach at the University of St. Thomas. I immediately learned about CDH, as many coaches and student-athletes at UST were alumni. I was impressed with the culture of excellence in academics and athletics at Cretin-Derham Hall. I am excited to be a part of this community of teachers, students, and alumni.”
Julie Roy is joining CDH’s counseling department to serve students with last names N through R. She has a Master’s of Education in K-12 School Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. She has been a St. Paul Public School K-12 School Counselor at a Catholic school for the last five years and worked as a Child Protection Social Worker and emergency foster provider for ten years. She is originally from Northern Minnesota and loves to bake, quilt, and hike.
“I am looking forward to meeting and working with new students and families!”
Jennie Sabraski is coming to CDH to teach Advanced Analysis and Algebra 2/Trigonometry. She has a Bachelor’s in Genetics and Cell Biology from the University of Minnesota and a Master’s of Arts in Instruction from St. Mary’s University. She worked at Hill-Murray School as a middle and upper school math teacher for nine years and has two daughters, both in middle school, a dog, and a cat. She loves hearing about others’ pets.
“I've always been impressed by CDH and am excited to be a part of its long tradition of Catholic values and academic excellence. I'm looking forward to working with this amazing community!”
Please join us in welcoming our new theater director and teacher, Cullen Wiley, '16. Cullen was very active in theater and music when he was a student at CDH. Following high school, he attended the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, where he earned his BA in Theater. Cullen served as a theater director at Skutt Catholic High School in Omaha where he directed, Footloose the Musical. He has also directed Next to Normal and The Ashland Alumni Cabaret at Ashland Productions in Maplewood. He was also an Assistant Director of The Spirit of '68 at the Nebraska Repertory Theater in Lincoln.
"I am so excited to be returning to Cretin-Derham Hall High School as the Theatre Teacher and Director! From growing up seeing my sisters in shows to being involved myself, this is a program I’ve been so proud to be apart of for so long. This is truly a dream come true. I can’t wait to be back in the Lillian Theatre getting to teach the next generation of Raider talent! Hail Raiders!"
Teddy Williams will be our new band director. He has a Bachelor’s in Music Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and previously instructed band at Cedar Grove-Belgium Middle School in Wisconsin. He is moving to St. Paul from Wisconsin with his girlfriend and is excited to meet CDH community members and students while getting to know Minnesota.
“I appreciate CDH’s welcoming environment and values and am looking forward to building awesome experiences through music here.”
Tim Spika, CDH Girls Varsity Coach of the last 35 years and CDH religion teacher for many years, will also return to teaching religion for the first trimester.
