Faculty and Staff

Before beginning his teaching career at Scecina, Cam worked as a tutor and as a life skills teacher at the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, experiences that helped shape his commitment to supporting students as individuals.

Cam says that "one of the most rewarding parts of education is working alongside students and helping them become the best versions of themselves." That same sense of care is central to what being part of the Scecina community means to him. In his words, “Being a Crusader means taking care of those around you.”

As for favorite books, movies, music, or sports—Cam has far too many favorites to choose just a few. His solution: ask him in person—he’d love to talk with you about them!

Steve Battiato began his Information Technology career at Blue Cross and Blue Shield in 1983. Over the years, he has worked for the world’s largest networking provider, an internet service provider, and a local IT integrator. His specialty is helping small and medium-sized organizations solve their needs with IT-based solutions. Steve is a graduate of the University of Indianapolis and Indiana Wesleyan University. He and his wife, Lisa, have been married for over 35 years. He enjoys spending time with his family and traveling the world. His favorite people call him “Pops.”

Matt has experienced the Crusader community from both sides of the classroom and now enjoys helping today’s students grow into the best versions of themselves. He is a 2010 Scecina alumnus and graduate of Marian University.

What stands out most to Matt about Scecina is how deeply the faculty and staff care about the success of their students. He brings that same commitment to his own classroom and embraces the Scecina tradition of “giving that little extra.” In 2025, Matt was recognized as a Champions Educator recipient. He is also proud to have helped establish the Crusader Cup, adding another tradition to the school community he has been part of since his own high school years.

Outside the classroom, Matt enjoys video games, board games, and coaching his children’s soccer teams. He is also an enthusiastic home cook, earning the nickname "The Garlic Geek." One experience still on his bucket list? Seeing the northern lights.

Nicole Bodnar has worked in the public sector for more than 10 years in marketing research, property management, and customer success. She homeschooled her children and is now completing her teaching license in Business through Teachers of Tomorrow. Nicole holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Organizational Behavior from LaSalle University in Philadelphia.

At Scecina, Averi helps bring the Crusader community together by planning Homecoming, class reunions, fundraising events, and more. She brings experience in higher education, including student life events, student success, and admissions, as well as experience in corporate communications. She holds a B.S. in Communication from Ball State University.

Outside of work, she enjoys singing, crafting, and participating in Catholic young adult groups. She is glad to be part of the Scecina community and looks forward to connecting with alumni, families, and friends at upcoming events.

Before becoming a teacher, Daniel spent 28½ years in law enforcement with the State of Ohio. Following his retirement from law enforcement, he attended graduate school at Earlham College and began his teaching career at Richmond High School.

Education, however, is deeply rooted in Daniel’s family. He is a fourth-generation classroom teacher whose great-grandfather, John O’Hara, taught in a one-room schoolhouse in Ohio. Today, Daniel considers it a privilege to continue that family tradition at a school with a rich legacy of its own.

Daniel especially enjoys the opportunity to wrestle with the big ideas of the world alongside his students. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and willingness to work hard inspire him in return. What he values most about Scecina is the community itself and the commitment he sees demonstrated each day by students, families, faculty, and alumni. His appreciation for Scecina actually began before he joined the faculty. Through athletic events with his former school, he encountered Crusader student-athletes as fierce competitors who also demonstrated sportsmanship, school spirit, and joy. Today, he is proud to wear the red and gold and help carry that tradition forward.

Outside the classroom, he enjoys just about anything on two wheels, whether he is clipped into a bicycle or riding one of his motorcycles. He is an enthusiastic Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band fan and attends concerts whenever he can. He is also a devoted Indianapolis 500 fan with great seats each year for the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

Dr. Peg Dispenzieri brings extensive experience as an educator and leader in Catholic education. Throughout her career, she has served as a biology teacher, assistant principal for academics, principal, and superintendent. She has also taught university-level courses in curriculum at the University of Dayton and Marymount University, as well as Transition to Teaching courses at Franklin College.

At the heart of Dr. Dispenzieri’s work is a commitment to helping young people recognize and develop their God-given gifts. She especially values the opportunity to share her faith with students and help them explore the many possibilities available to them as they prepare for life beyond high school. Throughout her career, she has mentored countless young teachers, helping them strengthen their classroom skills and grow in their ability to make a difference in students’ lives.

As principal, Dr. Dispenzieri values the partnership among Scecina’s educators, families, and the broader east side community in creating a caring and supportive environment where every student can flourish. For her, being a Crusader means belonging to a longstanding legacy on the east side of Indianapolis while taking pride in a diverse community that supports one another, celebrates differences, and comes together for the good of its students. She considers it a blessing to serve Scecina and to work alongside educators who share a deep belief in the potential of every student.

Outside of school, she loves to travel and has visited all 50 states, more than 25 national parks, and several different countries!

Having spent 12 years teaching chemistry, health, and ninth-grade science in the Philippines, Janine loves being part of the Science Department here at Scecina! For Janine, some of the best moments in teaching happen when she sees a student’s eyes light up as they begin to enjoy a lesson and recognize how chemistry connects to the world around them. She strives to help students move beyond simply learning scientific concepts to understanding their real-life applications. Something she appreciates most about Scecina is the strong sense of belonging she has found within the community—“It is a place where people feel that they belong and are truly appreciated.”

Outside the classroom, she is a Harry Potter fan and enjoys binge-watching anime and Korean dramas.

With experience teaching science at both the middle and high school levels, Marianne enjoys helping students discover their own curiosity about the world around them and especially values the moments when students become genuinely excited about science.

Marianne's own interest in science has taken her beyond the traditional classroom. While in college, she received an Oceanography Field Study Scholarship that gave her the opportunity to spend part of a summer studying in the Florida Keys—an experience that remains a memorable part of her own educational journey.

At Scecina, Marianne especially appreciates the way members of the community look out for one another. For her, being a Crusader means being part of a longstanding tradition on the east side of Indianapolis and contributing to the community that continues that tradition today.

Outside of school, she enjoys exercise classes at the YMCA, spending time with her family, and attending sporting events at every level—from high school to college and professional sports. Basketball, football, soccer, and volleyball are among her favorites. Her time in the Florida Keys instilled in her a love of the ocean, and one of the top things on her bucket list is to one day visit Hawaii.

Helping students connect what they learn in the classroom to the world beyond it is an important part of Lori’s approach to teaching. At Scecina, she teaches Honors Algebra I, Personal Finance, and Preparing for College and Career, as well as the dual-credit courses Marketing Fundamentals and Management Fundamentals.

Lori brings experience from both education and the business world to her classroom. She has taught at Catholic schools in Indiana and Nebraska and, before entering education, worked as a sales representative and as a buyer for L.S. Ayres. That combination of experiences allows her to help students build a strong academic foundation while also developing practical skills they can carry into college, careers, and everyday life.

Faith is also central to Lori’s work as an educator. A published author, her article “My Classroom as a School of Prayer” appeared in The Catechetical Review. In her classroom, she hopes to help students take their relationship with God “from the head to the heart” and carry what they learn about their faith into their own lives. She especially values Scecina’s family-like atmosphere and the way members of the Crusader community support one another.

Outside the classroom, Lori enjoys walking, baking and cooking, water and jet skiing, dancing, and singing. She cheers for Notre Dame, the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, and Indiana Fever, enjoys spiritual reading and Hallmark movies, and hopes to one day travel to Hawaii, New England, and Japan.

Father Jim Farrell has served as Chaplain Coordinator at Scecina Memorial High School since 2022, enriching the spiritual life of the school community through his presence and ministry.

Ordained on June 29, 1975, Father Jim has spent decades serving the Archdiocese of Indianapolis in a wide range of roles, including parish leadership, school chaplaincy, and retreat ministry. His lifelong commitment to spreading the Gospel and supporting others in their faith journey continues to inspire students, faculty, and families at Scecina.

Patty is a proud Class of 1993 Scecina grad and loves serving her alma mater to help welcome prospective students and families to the Crusader community she once experienced as a student herself!

Before returning to Scecina, Patty worked with the National Guard, helping service members complete the medical clearance process for service, and previously worked in the dental field. Today, one of her favorite parts of working in Admissions is getting to know students—from eighth graders beginning to explore their high school options to the Scecina students she sees each day. Their energy and personalities, she says, make her job especially fun.

As a Scecina alumna, Patty brings a personal connection to the school and now has the opportunity to help a new generation of students and families discover the Crusader community. Outside of Scecina, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and traveling.

Before joining Scecina, Jeffrey served as Sports Director at the Huntington YMCA.

Jeffrey is passionate about inspiring student-athletes to work hard, challenge themselves, and achieve big things—both individually and as part of a team. He especially values the togetherness, toughness, and determined mentality he sees throughout the Scecina community and strives to help foster those qualities within Crusader Athletics.

Outside of Scecina, Jeffrey is a Chicago Bears fan.

Amy brings a unique professional background to her role as English Language Development Coordinator, including 14 years of teaching experience in public schools in both Texas and Indiana and experience serving as Creative Director for an advertising agency in Colorado.

At the heart of Amy’s work is a desire to help students believe in themselves and recognize that they can become more than they ever imagined. She is passionate about continuing to grow Scecina’s English Language Development program and creating opportunities for students to thrive. Amy also values the role faith plays in the Scecina experience, particularly the opportunity for members of the school community to pray together. For her, being a Crusader means “giving that little extra” and taking pride in the work you do.

Outside of school, Amy enjoys reading, hiking, spending time with her family, and making time each day for prayer and devotional reflection. An avid reader who enjoys nearly every genre, she also hopes to one day walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain.

Before becoming a Crusader, Dave taught for 34 years at Warren Central High School. He also has extensive experience working with student-athletes, having coached and served as team leader for several wrestling teams and traveling with them to competitions and events in a variety of places.

"Teaching is about more than helping students master mathematics," he says. For Dave, the most rewarding part of teaching is getting to watch young people grow both academically and personally throughout their high school experience. One of the things he appreciates most about Scecina is the diversity of its community and the different experiences and perspectives students bring to the school.

Outside the classroom, Dave enjoys spending time with his mom, including watching movies and playing games together. He is also a fan of the band MercyMe, and an Alaskan cruise is at the top of his to-do list.

Before joining Scecina, Magaly spent eleven years working at Warren Township, where she gained valuable experience in education and developed a passion for supporting students and families.

She especially enjoys getting to know students as individuals and learning more about their interests, goals, and unique experiences. She enjoys building relationships with students and helping them feel supported as they prepare for life after high school.

Magaly's favorite thing about the Scecina community is the strong sense of connection and support among students, families, staff, and alumni. She values the diversity of the community and the unique perspectives and experiences that each person brings to the Scecina family.

Outside of Scecina, she enjoys spending time with her family, attending sporting events, and exploring new places. Originally from Chicago, she is a Bulls, Cubs, and White Sox fan while also enjoying cheering on Hoosier teams. She and her family are members of Holy Spirit Parish, and one of her favorite books is Becoming by Michelle Obama.

After serving as principal of Little Flower Catholic School, Kevin Gawrys is enjoying a return to the classroom—and says there’s nowhere he’d rather be teaching than Scecina. One of his favorite parts of the job is the opportunity to learn alongside his students and share in their curiosity and growth.

Kevin also serves as the Archdiocesan trainer for Crisis Prevention, drawing on his experience in Catholic education to help support safe and caring school communities. Since joining Scecina, he has especially appreciated how welcoming and friendly he has found both students and staff.

Away from the classroom, Kevin enjoys traveling, reading, hiking, and golfing. He’s also a dedicated Indiana sports fan, cheering for the Pacers, Colts, Fever, and IU. His favorite book is The Brothers K, he’s a fan of all things Monty Python, and Egypt is at the top of his travel bucket list.

For Harold ’83, Scecina is more than the place where he teaches—it’s a community that has woven its way through much of his life. His connection to the Crusader community stretches from his own days as a student to his work with generations of students in the classroom.

Harold began his teaching career at Bishop Chatard before returning to Scecina, where he taught from 1988 to 2000. His career later took him to Bloomington High School South and Bloomington High School North before eventually bringing him home to Scecina.

He loves introducing students to something about history or culture they never knew and bringing the past to life in ways that help them better understand the world around them. His love of teaching has deep roots, too. Growing up, he watched young people look up to his father as an educator, and he is proud to have followed in his footsteps.

Harold especially values the closeness among Scecina’s faculty and students. As both an alumnus and educator, he appreciates the bond that connects generations of Crusaders and the feeling of being part of one very large family.

Outside the classroom, he enjoys spending time with his family, including his sons, Griffin and Devin, and his grandson, Kellon. He’s also an Elvis Presley fan with a story that’s pretty hard to top: Harold’s first concert was Elvis’ final concert, right here in Indianapolis in 1977!

Helping students imagine what their future could look like—and then helping them find the path to get there—is one of the things Doug enjoys most about school counseling. He values getting to know students and their families, learning about their interests, and understanding the goals they have for life beyond high school.

Doug began his career in education as a French and social studies teacher. After earning his master’s degree from IUPUI, he went on to serve as a school counselor and school administrator, primarily in public schools. His career has given him experience working with students from a variety of perspectives—as a classroom teacher, counselor, and school leader.

Service has also been an important part of Doug’s life. He spent 20 years in the Air Force National Guard before retiring from military service in 2019.

At Scecina, Doug enjoys the close-knit nature of the Crusader community and the connections among families that often span generations. He especially enjoys seeing students and their families beyond the school day—whether at Mass or simply while out and about on the east side of Indianapolis.

Doug stays connected to young people in the community outside of Scecina as well, coaching the Holy Spirit Cross Country Team and Eastside Crusaders Track and Field Team. In his spare time, he enjoys exercising and just about any outdoor activity, but his favorite place to be is at the lake with his family.

Dan Harris has been teaching for seven years at Noblesville, Ben Davis, and Roncalli. Over the years, he has taught a variety of classes, but his favorite subject to teach is economics to seniors. He is married to his wife, Hannah, who is a nurse anesthetist in Terre Haute. They have a son, Gabe.

Mike brings extensive experience working with students and student-athletes, including 15 years of coaching football at Roncalli High School, along with additional experience in Perry Township Schools before becoming a Crusader.

For Mike, one of the most rewarding parts of working in education is seeing students set goals, work toward them, and experience the pride that comes with accomplishing them. Since joining the Scecina community, he has especially appreciated the strong sense of school pride shared throughout the school. He embraces Scecina’s tradition of “giving that little extra” and enjoys being part of a community that supports its students both inside and outside the classroom.

Away from school, he enjoys attending sporting events and concerts. His favorites include Back to the Future, the band Oasis, and cheering on the Indianapolis Colts, Notre Dame, and the Indiana Pacers.

Throughout his work in international education, John has recruited students from more than 30 countries, helping young people from around the world pursue new educational opportunities and experiences.

John’s path to education has been anything but ordinary. Before his work with students, his varied experiences included working as a bartender, truck driver, fishmonger, and, in his words, a “spinner of yarn.” That diverse background has helped shape the global perspective he brings to his work and his appreciation for the unique story of every student.

For John, the most rewarding part of his role is seeing the individual growth that takes place as students discover who they are and who they are becoming. His favorite thing about Scecina is simple: the community.

John was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, but grew up in Ireland and his Irish roots run deep. He loves cheering for his favorite sports team, the Kilcar Gaelic Football team, and one experience he would love to repeat is walking in a Bataan Death March memorial event.

Christopher's professional background includes working as a sleep technician at IU Health as well as teaching theology at Central Catholic Jr.-Sr. High School in Lafayette and Roncalli High School before becoming a Crusader. His academic focus is systematic theology, and he also has a reading knowledge of Greek and Latin.

He especially enjoys watching students grow into themselves as they wrestle with some of life’s biggest questions. For him, teaching theology is an opportunity to serve the Church by helping students deepen their faith and preparing them to live as confident, thoughtful Christians in the world.

What Christopher values most about Scecina is its genuine sense of community. He appreciates the way students, faculty, and staff are quick to support and uplift one another and believes that spirit makes Scecina an extraordinary place to teach and learn.

Outside the classroom, he enjoys cooking and spending time with his wife and four children. Some of his favorite things include reading Russian Literature, studying philosophy, reading St. Augustine, praying the Rosary and pursuing the perfect cup of coffee. 

Otto brings a love of language, culture, and connection to his role as a Spanish teacher at Scecina, where he teaches Heritage Spanish I, II, and III, Spanish IV, and AP Spanish Language and Culture.

A magna cum laude graduate of Universidad Nacional Evangélica in the Dominican Republic, Otto studied Spanish, English, French, and Portuguese and later earned a master’s degree in education administration from Universidad Católica de Santo Domingo. His teaching experience includes work in public and Catholic schools, as well as five years as a lead English teacher at the New York Mets academy for baseball prospects in the Dominican Republic.

Otto especially enjoys watching students grow in confidence and discover what they are capable of achieving. He values helping students connect language learning with culture, personal experience, and a broader understanding of the world.

At Scecina, Otto appreciates the strong sense of family and support throughout the community. Outside the classroom, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, trying new foods, exploring different cultures, and watching sports—especially baseball.

One of Kalynn Huntoon’s favorite things about being a school counselor is that no two days are ever quite the same. Working one-on-one with students gives her the opportunity to get to know them beyond the classroom and see the personalities, interests, and strengths that make each student unique.

Before coming to Scecina, Kalynn spent 11 years at Butler University working in Institutional Research. During her time there, she decided to pursue a new direction in education and returned to school to earn her master’s degree in school counseling. Today, she serves Scecina students in grades 9–11 whose last names begin with A–L.

When she isn’t working with students, Kalynn enjoys reading and crafts and is a New York Yankees fan. Her travel wish list includes an Alaskan cruise and trips to Ireland and Scotland—and fittingly for someone who works with high school students, one of her favorite movies is The Breakfast Club!

As a school counselor, Kim Johnson enjoys getting to know students beyond the classroom and becoming someone they know they can turn to. She helps students recognize their strengths, work through challenges, and develop the confidence and skills they need for school and life beyond Scecina.

Kim finds it especially rewarding to watch students grow—whether they are overcoming an obstacle, finding their voice, setting a goal, or discovering what they are capable of. She believes that listening, encouraging, and simply being present can make a meaningful difference.

The strong sense of connection at Scecina is one of the things Kim appreciates most about the community. She enjoys seeing students, families, faculty, and staff support one another and celebrate students’ accomplishments. To Kim, being a Crusader means showing up for others with kindness and respect and living out Father Thomas Scecina’s call to “Give That Little Extra.”

Outside of Scecina, Kim has another team she’s always ready to support: Go Chicago Bears!

Aidan Kaczanowski has worked as a consultant and software engineer for Indianapolis-based companies and is excited to bring his experience to secondary computer science. He also volunteers as a high school youth group leader at St. Joan of Arc. Aidan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, both from Purdue University.

For Jason ’88, Crusader athletics is about much more than what happens on the scoreboard. As Scecina’s Athletic Director and an alumnus himself, Jason values the opportunity to watch student-athletes grow, compete, build friendships, and develop into young adults—all while representing the Red and Gold.

Athletics have long been part of Jason’s story. He traveled around the world playing hockey while attending college and was invited to Colorado Springs to try out for the USA Junior Hockey Team. Those experiences helped shape his appreciation for competition, teamwork, and the relationships built through sports.

Back at Scecina, Jason says being a Crusader means being part of one big family, with friendship and pride at its core. Away from Scecina athletics, he enjoys spending time with his family, cheering on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and working toward a family bucket-list goal: visiting every Major League Baseball stadium with his kids. They’ve already made it to 21 of 30—just nine ballparks left to go!

Jacob is a graduate of Indiana University Bloomington and brings eight years of experience teaching English language arts in Indiana, Florida, and Hawaii. He is certified in both secondary English language arts and English as a second language.

For Jacob, some of the most rewarding moments in the classroom come from hearing students communicate confidently in academic and professional settings and watching them collaborate to achieve a common goal. He was immediately drawn to Scecina’s tradition of high expectations for both academics and student behavior and looks forward to helping carry forward the excellence and kindness that have long been part of the Scecina community.

Outside the classroom, he enjoys playing sports, singing, reading, and volunteering at the Cathedral Soup Kitchen. A Real Madrid fan, he is also looking forward to experiencing more of Scecina’s own sports traditions, including attending an away Crusader football game this fall.

Tony brings a love of languages, cultures, and learning to his French classroom at Scecina. A longtime world language educator, he has taught everything from introductory language courses to AP, IB, and dual-credit classes—and these days, he enjoys putting that experience to work with the next generation of Crusaders!

For Tony, learning a language is about much more than vocabulary and grammar. He enjoys watching students discover that they can communicate in a language other than their own while gaining a greater understanding of the people and cultures behind it. He especially values the opportunity to do that at Scecina, where faith is part of the everyday experience. Being a Crusader, to him, means doing the work of the Lord and recognizing the many ways Scecina’s teachers, staff, and students put that into action.

And he certainly doesn't leave his love of languages at school. Outside the classroom, he enjoys exploring restaurants and keeping his Spanish, Italian, and French skills sharp. He has also recently returned to the piano after a 40-year hiatus and is enjoying making music again. An enthusiastic traveler, Tony hopes there are plenty more trips to Spain, Italy, and the Dominican Republic in his future.

Before joining Scecina, Miriam served as an Enrollment Coordinator at Providence Cristo Rey High School and worked as an ABA therapist. Her background has shaped an approach rooted in listening, intentionality, and taking the time to understand each student and family. Her goal is to ensure prospective students feel welcomed, known, and excited about the opportunities available to them at Scecina.

One of the most rewarding parts of Miriam’s work, she says, is building relationships that grow over time. She may first meet future Crusaders through Scecina’s summer camps or as eighth graders beginning their high school search, and she enjoys seeing those same students become part of the Scecina community, discover their strengths, and grow throughout their high school years.

That sense of connection is also what Miriam values most about Scecina. She describes the Crusader community as one that “wraps around you—celebrating with you, supporting you when you need it, and reminding you that you are part of something bigger than yourself.”

Born and raised in Mexico, Miriam is a proud Indiana University Hoosier. Outside of Scecina, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and all things food. Her favorite movie is "The Pursuit of Happyness", and seeing the Northern Lights in person is something she has high on her list of things to experience someday.

After graduating from Scecina in 2019, Josie attended Marian University, where she competed in track and field. She then began her career in education, teaching at Beech Grove High School for three years before returning to Scecina—this time as a member of the faculty!

For Josie, coming back to Scecina is a full-circle experience. What stands out most about the Crusader community is simple but meaningful: “It feels like home.” Now, as a teacher, she has the opportunity to be part of creating that same sense of belonging for today’s students.

Born and raised in Southern California, Liset previously worked for a nonprofit equine therapy organization serving children with special needs. That experience reflects something she continues to value at Scecina: the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Liset loves serving in a role that allows her to get to know the students and their individual personalities and to find opportunities to make them smile. To Liset, something she has noticed from her very first day on staff is that the Scecina community feels like home and, even more importantly, like family. She believes being a Crusader means showing responsibility and patience while sharing a love for the red and gold. Her faith is also an important part of who she is, and she strives to be a positive influence in the lives of those around her.

Outside of Scecina, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her pets. She is a fan of Zendaya, singer Kenia Os, the Kansas City Chiefs, and Club América. Someday, she hopes to travel throughout Europe.

Jasmine Picardo joins the theology department through the ECHO program at the University of Notre Dame. Originally from Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, she studied at the University of Mumbai and holds degrees in psychology, philosophy, and English literature. For the past several years, Jasmine has served as a counselor, catechist, and college lecturer.

Grant brings more than 13 years of experience working and volunteering in high school ministry. His professional background also includes work with various non-profit organizations.

Following college, Grant served with NET Ministries, a Catholic missionary organization focused on reaching young people. During his year of service, he and his team traveled across the country and led more than 170 retreats for high school students—an experience that helped shape his passion for mentoring young people in their faith.

For Grant, being a Crusader means allowing God to help prepare us for life. He finds it especially rewarding to watch students grow over the course of their high school years into young adults who take their faith seriously and understand both their love for God and God’s love for them.

Outside of Scecina, he enjoys going to the movies, especially now that his son is old enough to join in the fun! He is a fan of Marvel movies and cheers for IU football and basketball. One item still on his bucket list is traveling outside the United States.

Before coming to Scecina, Kim spent 18 years teaching art at Hamilton Southeastern Schools. For Kim, the creativity each student brings to the classroom is a daily source of inspiration. She encourages students to explore their own ideas, try new things, and embrace the creative process, even when it means stepping outside their comfort zones. One of her favorite reminders is, “Be brave enough to be terrible at something new.”

Kim’s own artistic passion is ceramics, and she is especially skilled at throwing pottery on the wheel. An artist who enjoys trying new things herself, she brings that same spirit of curiosity and creativity to her work with Scecina students.

Patrick Ralston currently serves as an Aviation Officer Platoon Leader in the Indiana Army National Guard, where he coordinates the maintenance of UH-60A/L Blackhawks and ensures all aviators remain mission-capable. He joins the Scecina staff with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies Education and a minor in History and Military Science and Leadership from Purdue University.

A graduate of Holy Spirit Catholic School, Scecina Class of 1980, and The Citadel, John brings a wide range of professional and life experiences to his work with students.

He has spent nearly 25 years as an educator, following earlier careers as an IT manager and an officer in the United States Navy. Having worked in schools throughout Marion County during his career, John has developed a special appreciation for Scecina students and the dedication they demonstrate. For him, being a Crusader means being dedicated to both the students and the school—something he now has the opportunity to model for a new generation of Crusaders.

Outside the classroom, John is a musician and enjoys sharing that passion with students through Scecina’s Rock Band program. Some of his favorite things include the book Shadow Divers, the movie Jingle All the Way, and the Beatles. Still on his bucket list is becoming fluent in Spanish.

Hida’s career as an educator began in the Dominican Republic and has grown into approximately 15 years of experience helping English learners build the skills and confidence to succeed in the classroom.

Originally from the Dominican Republic, Hida holds a bachelor’s degree in business and taught English language arts and social studies at a bilingual school there. She also worked with the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Higher Education English Immersion Program, teaching English to university students. After moving to the United States in 2022, she continued her commitment to supporting English learners and is currently furthering her professional development through the ENL program at the University of Notre Dame.

One of the most rewarding parts of teaching for Hida is helping students develop confidence in themselves and their abilities. She loves having a front-row seat to seeing those moments when something finally “clicks” for an English learner who may have once been unsure of themselves. Her goal is to create an environment where students feel welcomed, valued, and confident as they learn and grow. “Being a Crusader means leading with faith, compassion, service, and perseverance while helping students grow academically, personally, and spiritually,” and she’s grateful to be a part of a Catholic school community where faith and relationships are woven into the student experience.

Outside the classroom, Hida enjoys spending time with her family, reading, sightseeing, working out, and exploring new places, foods, and cultures. Her favorite book is Jane Eyre, and she enjoys baseball. She hopes to one day travel through Europe, particularly Italy and Spain, to visit Catholic and historical sites.

Serving as the Mathematics Department Head at Scecina Memorial High School, Matthew brings three decades of experience to the classroom, having taught mathematics at Warren Central High School for 30 years before joining the Scecina community.

For Matthew, one of the most rewarding parts of teaching is the moment when a student begins to understand how and why all the pieces of a complex math problem fit together. He values Scecina’s strong sense of loyalty and believes being a Crusader means representing yourself in a way that would make generations of Scecina alumni proud.

Outside the classroom, he enjoys golfing and spending time with his family. He and his wife, Pam, have been married for 39 years and have three adult children and four grandchildren (with one more on the way!). His favorite movies include All the King’s Men, Star Wars: The Last Jedi; and his favorite music groups include Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith. He's also a huge Chicago Bears fan! Someday he hopes to have an opportunity to fulfill his long-time dream of going skydiving.

Dave Smith became the Facility Manager at Scecina in July 2017 after a successful 20-year career in operations and facility management. A 1976 Scecina graduate, he is delighted to be back “walking the halls.” Dave and his wife, Lisa, have been married for 21 years and have two daughters, ages 19 and 14. They are members of Holy Name Parish in Beech Grove.

Bringing extensive experience in development, sales and operations, and education to his role, Adam is thrilled to be able to combine his skills and talents to help advance Scecina's mission and to help make a Scecina education accessible and affordable to families. One of the things he appreciates most about the Scecina community is the tremendous pride people have in the school. He also values the legacy of Father Thomas Scecina and the way his story continues to inspire members of the Scecina community wherever life takes them.

Adam earned his bachelor’s degree from Ohio Dominican University and his master’s degree from The Catholic University of America. He has had the privilege to lead student and family trips throughout France, Spain, Italy, and Ireland and hopes to one day travel to every continent. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, tinkering with watches, and reading, movies, and music. When it comes to sports, there is no question where his loyalty lies: Adam is a devoted Philadelphia Eagles fan. Go Birds!

Gia has built her career around supporting organizations and the people who believe in their missions. At Scecina, she brings previous development experience from Mulberry Lutheran Home and Wesley Manor Retirement Community to her work supporting donor relationships and the school’s advancement efforts.

Although much of Gia’s work happens behind the scenes, one of the things she values most is having the opportunity to watch Scecina students grow into young adults. She embraces the school’s tradition of “giving that little extra” and sees being a Crusader as being part of a team committed to something bigger than any one individual.

One of Gia’s proudest moments at Scecina was receiving the Father Tom Award, a recognition that holds special meaning for her and reflects her connection and commitment to the Crusader community.

Outside of Scecina, Gia enjoys reading, camping, and spending time with family and friends. Some of her favorite things include The Notebook, both the book and movie, and country artists Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, and Cody Johnson. When asked what's one thing she would love to do, she responded, "Visit Australia!"

Chad has been part of the Scecina faculty for more than 20 years. Before coming to Scecina, he taught English at Center Grove Middle School and English and Journalism at Franklin Central High School, where he also advised the student newspaper. During his time at Scecina, Chad has taught a wide range of courses, including English, Speech, Journalism, Newspaper, Yearbook, and Broadcast Media.

One of Chad’s most significant contributions to Scecina has been the development of the school’s broadcast media program. He launched the Red and Gold Show in 2008 and has continued to grow the program, giving students opportunities to develop skills and gain hands-on experience in media production. A trauma-informed educator, Chad also shares his experience with other educators by providing trauma training presentations for schools.

He especially values the diversity and community-centered culture at Scecina—from students greeting one another in the hallways and holding doors to the willingness of people throughout the school to help when someone needs it. For him, being a Crusader means giving all you can—and then “giving that little extra.”

Outside of school, Chad enjoys spending time with his family, playing basketball, fishing, and working around the house. A third-generation, die-hard Chicago Bears fan, Chad has seeing a Bears game at Soldier Field at the top of his bucket list!

Before joining the Scecina community, Jane spent 40 years with a global technology company, working first as a Systems Engineer and later as a Project Manager.

It is the genuine feeling of community that she most appreciates about being a Crusader—“There’s a feeling of being home when you’re here,” she says..

Outside of Scecina, Jane enjoys music, theater, watching sports, and reading historical novels. Among her favorite books are The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton, and My Name Is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok. When it comes to sports, her allegiance is clear: Go Bears!

Christopher J. Walsh, Ed.D., is the Interim President of Scecina Memorial High School. He came to Scecina after serving as Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis from 2020 to 2026. Prior to joining the archdiocese, Dr. Walsh was an experienced educational leader having served as Chair of the College of Education at Spalding University, and Assistant Professor of Education in the Annsley Frazier Thornton School of Education at Bellarmine University. Prior to his service in higher education, Dr. Walsh served in the Archdiocese of Louisville as a teacher, assistant principal, and interim principal of his high school alma mater, Bethlehem High School; as well as Principal of St. Francis DeSales High School.

Dr. Walsh earned his undergraduate degree at Western Kentucky University. Later, he earned a Master of Arts in Teaching degree at Spalding University; a Master of Arts in Instructional Leadership and School Administration degree from Bellarmine University; and a Doctor of Education in Leadership Education degree from Spalding University.

He is a graduate of Leadership Louisville’s Bingham Fellows class of 2019 and served on the Board of Trustees of Sacred Heart Schools from 2013 to 2019. During his tenure as Chancellor, he served as the point person for the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress and chaired the Pastoral Planning Committee, which led to the recent publication of "Go Forth in Joy and Hope as Missionary Disciples: A Pastoral Letter and Plan for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis."

Dr. Walsh and his wife, Sallie, are natives of Bardstown, Kentucky. They have been married for 24 years and currently reside in Greenwood where they are members of Ss. Francis and Clare parish.

Kimberly’s path to marketing communications has been anything but conventional, spanning fundraising, nonprofit leadership, human resources, and even two years living and working in Guatemala. Together, those experiences have shaped her approach to communication around a common theme: connecting people with stories, missions, and communities that matter.

She holds a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Leadership from Cincinnati Christian University, as well as a Master of Science in Strategic Communication from Purdue University. Before joining Scecina, she served in fundraising and marketing leadership roles for nonprofit organizations, including a therapeutic horseback riding organization. .

Outside of work, Kimberly loves traveling, exploring new places, reading, cooking, and trying new things—particularly anything involving music or art. Her adventures have included hiking and horseback riding to the top of an active volcano (twice!), traveling by tuk-tuk through the Cambodian countryside, performing in community theater, and singing as part of a small backup choir for Gloria Estefan and Sandi Patty. And there are still plenty of adventures on her bucket list: seeing the Northern Lights from a geodesic dome in Iceland, going on an African safari, attending an Olympic event, and visiting every U.S. national park—with a few international parks added for good measure!

Serving as a PE, Health, and Weightlifting Teacher and Assistant Varsity Football Coach, Matthew is proud to be part of the Crusader Athletics crew! Before joining Scecina, he taught PE, health, and weightlifting for two years at Irvington Preparatory Academy. He also brings a unique perspective to his work with student-athletes, having spent seven months playing professional football in Germany.

For Matthew, the most rewarding moments as an educator come when students accomplish something they did not think was possible. Whether in the classroom, weight room, or on the field, he enjoys helping students set goals, push themselves, and discover what they are capable of achieving. He values the close-knit spirit of Indianapolis’ east side and enjoys being part of a school community where supporting others is an important part of what it means to be a Crusader.

Outside of school, he enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, and traveling with his wife. He cheers for the Dallas Cowboys, New York Knicks, and Indiana Hoosiers, and hopes to one day see the Cowboys play in Dallas.

"A great book can do more than tell a story—it can change the way a student sees the world." Kathryn believes literature gives students the opportunity to encounter new perspectives, become more open-minded, and even learn something new about themselves, all while developing the reading and writing skills they’ll carry into life after graduation.

A graduate of the University of Dayton, Kathryn holds degrees in English and Adolescent to Young Adult Education. She began her teaching career at St. Thomas More High School in Rapid City, South Dakota, where she taught for six years while earning a master’s degree in Educational Leadership through Creighton University’s Magis program. She was also honored to participate in the Catholic School Leaders Academy, an experience that further strengthened her understanding of Catholic education and school leadership.

As an English teacher and department chair at Scecina, Kathryn enjoys helping students expand their horizons through reading a diverse range of literature while preparing them to communicate, think critically, and write effectively well beyond the classroom. What stands out most to Kathryn about Scecina is the people. She describes the Crusader community as one filled with genuinely good people who care about one another and about the community they share.

An avid reader and self-described Shakespeare enthusiast, Kathryn recently took her love of literature on the road during a trip to Scotland, where she explored sites connected to Macbeth. Outside the classroom, she also enjoys cooking, baking, hiking, scrapbooking, crafting, and watching movies. The proud daughter of a U.S. Air Force veteran who served for 23 years, Kathryn hopes her future adventures include plenty more travel—and perhaps even learning how to blow glass.

Teaching is more than a profession in Elizabeth’s family—it’s a tradition. Both her mother and grandmother were teachers, making Elizabeth part of a multigenerational legacy of educators committed to helping young people learn and grow.

Throughout her own career in education, Elizabeth has demonstrated a strong commitment to student achievement. Among her proudest professional accomplishments is helping St. Roch Catholic School achieve accreditation through significant improvements in student ISTEP performance. At Scecina, she brings that same dedication to the mathematics classroom, challenging students academically while striving to be a positive moral influence in their lives.

Elizabeth considers it a privilege to educate young people and believes teaching is about more than academic achievement alone. She values the opportunity to help cultivate both students’ minds and their character, encouraging them to grow not only as learners but also as individuals.

Outside the classroom, Elizabeth enjoys playing the piano, reading, and taking walks with her two Golden Retrievers. She also hopes to travel to Wales and Denmark to visit relatives and explore places connected to her family’s heritage.

For Casady ’91, being part of Scecina isn’t exactly new—she first knew the halls as a student. Today, as a Business Assistant, she gets to experience the Crusader community from a different perspective while helping to keep things running behind the scenes.

While her role may not put her in the classroom, Casady still enjoys watching students build friendships, have fun, and make Scecina their own. She’s even played a part in helping the kitchen staff discover a few new student-approved foods along the way. What stands out most to her, though, is the way people at Scecina show up for one another. For Casady, being a Crusader means “giving a little extra” in whatever you do.

Her connection to Scecina’s international community also goes back to her student days. Casady’s parents hosted international students while she was in high school, and she remains in touch with some of them today. Now, that connection has come full circle as her own family hosts international students and builds new friendships along the way.

Outside of Scecina, Casady enjoys gardening, caring for her houseplants, listening to audiobooks, attending live theater, cross-stitching, crocheting, and above all spending time with her family. She’s a fan of the Wheel of Time book series, the Indianapolis Indians, and the Chicago Cubs. And her bucket list should keep her busy for a while: Casady hopes to visit every national park and every Major League Baseball ballpark!

Coming back to Scecina has given Amy ’99 the opportunity to bring more than 23 years of experience in education back to the school where her own journey began. More than two decades of that career have been spent serving Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.

Before returning to Scecina, Amy spent 14 years at Holy Name Catholic School in Beech Grove, including seven years as principal. She now draws on that extensive experience in Catholic school leadership to support Scecina’s students, teachers, and academic programs.

At the heart of Amy’s approach to education are relationships. She especially enjoys getting to know students and watching them grow throughout their high school years—not only academically, but also socially and in their faith. As both an educator and Scecina alumna, she values the opportunity to help today’s Crusaders discover their strengths and prepare for whatever comes next.

Amy also appreciates the diversity of the Scecina community and the genuine kindness she sees throughout the school each day. She values the way people welcome one another and the shared pride and love for Scecina that connect generations of Crusaders.

Outside of school, Amy enjoys staying active and spending time watching her children participate in their various activities. She is also a fan of the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, and Indiana University.

Leslie Young, a proud Scecina alumna, is thrilled to continue growing the theatre program both onstage and in the classroom. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Theatre Education from the University of Northern Colorado and has been directing musicals and plays at Scecina since 2004. Leslie is passionate about fostering creativity and self confidence in her students.