News

SMA High School student, Rishika Kartik, was recently featured in the local Denver news for her ongoing work supporting the visually impaired through her love of art. Rishika discusses how in our current times she adjusted her approach and was able to continue her service work virtually. Watch the full story, including an interview with Rishika HERE

St. Mary’s Academy is excited to announce that we have concluded our national search for our next Middle School Principal. With the support of Educational Directions, a nationally recognized leader in the field of executive searches for independent schools, our Search Committee met numerous candidates from around the country. Ultimately, we invited four finalists to campus for a full day of conversation with constituents representing the entire school community. As a result of that process, we are thrilled to welcome Tiffany Drees to the SMA family.

Tiffany earned her B.A. in Spanish Language and Literature from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and her M.A. in Global Humanities and Languages from the University of Denver. She has worked in education for nineteen years in a variety of teaching, leadership, and administrative roles in public, charter, and independent schools. Since 2009 Tiffany has worked at St. Anne’s Episcopal School, where she served as an English, Spanish and Learning Enrichment teacher, the Middle School English Department Chair, World Language Department Chair, advisor, and soccer & track coach - among other duties. In addition to the experience outlined above, Tiffany is well respected for her work in developing innovative, student-centered, and research-based curriculum in all content areas. She has a depth of experience and love for work in diversity, equity, and inclusivity; conflict resolution and social justice programs, and is a tireless advocate for students and faculty.

In our conversations with Tiffany, it was clear that she is a talented, passionate educator and leader who is mission focused and child centered. Her connection to our Loretto School Values was clearly evident during the many hours we spent with her, and her engaging personality, warmth, and sense of humor resonated with all those she interacted with. We are confident that Tiffany is the right leader to help us continue to build on our outstanding Middle School program, and we are thrilled to have her join us on July 1st. Please join us in welcoming Tiffany, her son, Bear, who will be joining our PK program in the fall, and Tiffany's husband, David, as they join our SMA community.

President Bill Barrett would also like to thank the members of the Search Committee, who devoted their time, experience, and passion for SMA throughout the selection process. Many thanks to:

Karen Smith – Lower School Principal

Iswari Natarajan – High School Principal

Seely Greenberg – Director of Admissions

Art Keown – Chief Financial Officer

Peter Estacio – Director of Technology

Charlie Arbogast – Director of Advancement

Laura Waldron – Middle School Program Liaison

Joe Riehl – Middle School Social Studies

Christina Garcia – Middle School Spanish/Dean of Community Engagement

Terrye Easton – Middle School Social Studies