Welcome to New Teachers, Round Two

October 9, 2018

Please join us in welcoming two educators to Cretin-Derham Hall.

Tracy Stepka joins CDH in the social studies department. She will teach Honors Economics and Latin America Case Study for ninth graders, in addition to Psychology and Sociology of Sports. Stepka graduated from Minnesota State University-Mankato where she majored in Social Studies education with an emphasis in U.S. History. Her first job out of college was at Owatonna Junior High. She has taught at Tri-City United High School for the past three years.

“I am excited to be at Cretin-Derham Hall because of the visible connections between staff and students. It is apparent that the community culture is strong, and is a high priority here at CDH. I look forward to connecting with colleagues and students, and contributing to this fantastic environment!”

Ms. Stepka enjoys being outdoors and her hobbies include fishing, hiking, paddle boarding, canoeing, and reading.

Laura Wasenius comes to CDH as a Spanish teacher. She has a BA from the University of Minnesota, an MA from the U of M in Hispanic and Luso-Brazilian Literatures and Linguistics, and an MAT from Hamline University. Her hobbies include languages/cultures, reading, gardening, and dancing.

Wasenius grew up in Waterloo, IA, where, she says, she was fortunate to benefit from Catholic education from second grade through the end of high school, plus two years of college.

“My in-laws share a long history with Cretin-Derham Hall, so I was familiar with the school’s excellent reputation for education and community engagement. I am excited to join the faculty at CDH, knowing that I will now be part of this long and distinguished tradition.” 

We extend a warm welcome to these two, along with the other new staff and faculty highlighted in September.