Faculty & Staff

Art | St. Sebastian

Cheneal is from Courtland, KS and went to Pike Valley High School in a neighboring town. After graduating high school, she attended McPherson College as a double major in graphic design and art education. After graduating and before coming to Maur Hill-Mount Academy, she worked for a year at a school in Nebraska. She is now the visual arts teacher and prefect at Maur Hill-Mount Academy.

Education

A.A. Art and Humanities (2020) - Cloud County Community College

B.A. Graphic Design; Art Education (2023) - McPherson College

Quote

Just because someone carries it well, doesn't mean it isn't heavy. - Christin Lew

Science | St. Teresa

Luke is originally from Kansas City where he attended Staley High School. After high school, he attended Benedictine College where he earned degrees in secondary education and biology. While studying at Benedictine College, Luke played rugby for the Black Monks Rugby Club for three years and became a student coach until his graduation in 2024.

Education

Benedictine College (Atchison, Kansas)

B.A Biology Education (2024)

Quote

“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” Steve Prefontaine

Social/Emotional Counselor | St. Sebastian

Ella Coy is from Omaha, Nebraska where she attended Mercy High School. After high school, she moved to Kansas City to attend Rockhurst University and study secondary education and English. Ella taught middle school English and worked in standardized testing before earning her master’s degree in counseling from MidAmerica Nazarene University. Ella and her husband, Michael, moved to Atchison in 2023 with their daughter Rosalie and recently welcomed their second daughter, Elizabeth.

Education

Rockhurst University (Kansas City, MO)

B.A. Secondary Education and English (2017)

MidAmerica Nazarene University (Olathe, KS)

M.A. Counseling (2024)

Quote

“I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8

Physical Education | St. Sebastian

Zack is originally from Saint Joseph, MO, graduating from Benton High School in 2016. After high school he attended Benedictine College to play football, graduating in 2021. He began working at Maur Hill - Mount Academy in 2021. He is currently the head football coach and powerlifting coach.

English/Language Arts

David is originally from Kansas City where he attended Bishop Miege High School. After high school he worked in the construction industry and was blessed to spend time as a stay-at-home parent. David attended Washburn University, earning a degree in secondary English education. He then earned his masters degree in education administration from Fort Hays State University. Prior to joining the Maur Hill - Mount Academy family in 2022, David was a teacher and building principal at Sabetha High School. David and his wife Kerry have two children; Henry attends Notre Dame University and is currently an ACE teacher in Brownsville, Texas. Ellen is a junior at Benedictine College studying music and psychology.

Education

Washburn University (Topeka, Kansas)

B.A. Secondary English Education (2012)

Fort Hays State University (Hays, Kansas)

M.S. Education Administration (2018)

Quote

"Whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well." Philip Stanhope

Music | St. Teresa

Mary Catherine was raised in Oklahoma City, OK and graduated from Mustang High School in 2020. She then attended Benedictine College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in music, and graduated in 2024. Her undergraduate studies specialized in composition and sacred music. Mary Catherine began working at Maur Hill-Mount Academy as the music teacher immediately after graduation. In addition to her duties at MH-MA, she is currently the graduate assistant for the Raven Regiment Marching Band at Benedictine College while she pursues a master’s degree in teaching. Mary Catherine is now happy to call Atchison her home and is excited for what her future at MH-MA holds.

Education

Benedictine College (Atchison, KS)

Bachelor of Arts in Music (2024)

Master of Arts in Teaching (Anticipated 2025)

Quote

“There is the music of Heaven in all things.” - St. Hildegard von Bingen

Religion

Br. Placidus is originally from Mobile, Alabama, graduating from McGill-Toolen Catholic High School. He attended Auburn University, Southern Catholic College, and finished at Benedictine College, graduating with a B.A. in Theology in 2011. He began teaching at Maur Hill - Mount Academy in August 2015.

Education

Benedictine College (Atchison, KS)

Bachelor of Arts in Theology (2011)

Quote

"Ut in omnibus glorificetur Deus: That in all things, God may be glorified"

Mathematics | St. Gabriel House Mentor

Luke is originally from Nortonville, KS, graduating from Jefferson County North High School in 2008. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 2012 and completed his masters, also from KU, in 2017. He spent six years teaching and coaching in Topeka at Hayden Catholic High School before arriving at MH - MA in 2019. He resides in Cummings with his wife, also a MH - MA teacher, and three (soon to be four) children.

Education

University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS)

Bachelor of Science Secondary Math Education (2012)

Master of Science in Education (2017)

Quote

"Let us remember the past with gratitude, live the present with enthusiasm, and look forward to the future with confidence." Saint John Paul II

Science | St. Sebastian House Mentor

Sara is a 2010 alum of Jefferson County North High School. She then attended Benedictine College where she was a member of the volleyball team, and acquired bachelors degrees in chemistry and secondary education in 2014. She graduated from Benedictine College in 2022 with her master of arts in school leadership. Sara, along with her husband Luke began at Maur Hill - Mount Academy in 2019. They reside outside of Cummings with their three (soon to be four) kids!

Education

Benedictine College (Atchison, KS)

Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry (2014)

Bachelor of Arts Secondary Education (2014)

Master of Arts School Leadership (2022)

Quote

“If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” St. Teresa of Calcutta

Mathematics, Intervention | St. Gabriel

Sarah was born and raised in Atchison, KS, and is a lifelong Raven having graduated from ACES, Mount Saint Scholastica Academy High School, and Benedictine College. She tutored high school students in math for over 20 years while being a stay-at-home mom and then began working full-time at Maur Hill - Mount Academy in 2021. Sarah resides in Atchison with her husband and six children.

Education

Benedictine College (Atchison, KS)

Bachelor of Arts (2001)

Quote

"Do small things with great Love." St. Teresa of Calcutta

Dean of Students, Campus Minister | House Director

Christian is from Atchison, KS. Christian graduated from Maur Hill - Mount Academy in 2016. After graduating from MH - MA, Christian went to Benedictine College and studied secondary education and social sciences. After graduation, Christian continued his education at Benedictine College and received a master's of school leadership in 2022. Christian has served as the coordinator of youth ministry for St. Benedict Parish and has coached several sports in and around Atchison. Christian is entering into his fourth year at MH - MA and serves as our campus minister and is the head boys basketball and is a golf coach.

Education

Benedictine College (Atchison, KS)

Bachelor of Social Science (2020)

Bachelor of Secondary Education (2020)

Master of Arts in School Leadership (2022)

Quote

"Behold the mystery of your salvation laid out for you; behold what you are, become what you receive."  St. Augustine