SophieGolka

Mrs. Erin Whiteside joined the math department after 12 years of teaching math at St. Wenceslaus, and although she loved where she worked, when Marian teachers she knew contacted her about a teaching job, she knew it was time to leave. She always wanted to teach dual level high school classes, and this was the perfect opportunity. She said she was “excited to be back in an all-girls environment” as she got a taste of that community when she attended Mercy. Whiteside doesn’t just love math, though. She played the piano for 12 years, and in her free time loves going to Spezia, an Italian restaurant, and watching “Back to the Future,” a go-to movie.

After working at Mercy for 30 years, including being principal, and spending the last year teaching math at Mary Our Queen, Mrs. Kristi Wessling was happy to be back teaching math in an all-girls school. “Being away from all-girls education made me realize how important it is,” Wessling said. When not in school, she loves getting Mangia and seeing “The Odyssey.” Wessling is excited to learn more about the community, students and traditions, like Field Day. 

Mr. Cole Mingo taught math for the first time last year at Millard North. However, he realized that he wanted to teach at a Catholic school, as he had been a student at Skutt. As he was looking for openings, he was reminded of his sister’s good experiences at Marian and knew that he wanted to teach here. He is excited to get to know all the students. Outside of the classroom, Mingo loves to eat at Spaghetti Works as well as watch “The Count of Monte Cristo,” which he says is a great adaptation of the book. In his free time, he collects palm sized D1 college football helmets, and makes the ones he can’t buy. 

Mrs. Sierra Moore joined the performing arts staff to teach instrumental music after 10 years at Boys Town. While looking for a better fit for her family, she was guided toward Marian. “I have two little ones, and with Marian’s schedule, it was going to work out better for me and my family,” Moore said. She is not only excited to be involved with her first musical at Marian in the fall, but also to learn more about the CABs and the differing assemblies in them. When not working, Moore loves to go to Yamato, a sushi restaurant that delivers customers’ meals with a conveyor belt, and watching the Harry Potter movies, especially “Goblet of Fire.”

Mr. Lance Raabe joined his wife, Mrs. Molly Raabe, on staff, becoming a new Social Studies and broadcasting teacher. He has always had a love for Marian as his daughter graduated from Marian in 2022. He always hoped that when he retired from Bellevue East, there would be a teaching job at Marian; after 31 years he is finally here. “I’m beyond excited to be around such a dynamic, motivated, energetic, talented group of young women,” Raabe said. Raabe is also an announcer for Creighton volleyball and women’s basketball games and the Supernovas. Announcing “fills his bucket.” Raabe also loves going to Big Fred’s and watching Marvel movies.

Mrs. Kimberly King joined the Social Studies department after 15 years teaching at UNO, Iowa State and Boys Town. “I’m excited to work with girls who are interested in their academics,” King said. King loves Mexican food, especially tacos from Taquería Tijuana and El Dorado, as well as the Italian restaurant Via Farina for their gluten-free gnocchi. She also enjoys watching Star Wars, especially “A New Hope.” In her free time, King loves to travel, with her favorite places being Herculaneum and Rome. She would love to travel to England, Scotland, Puerto Rico and Costa Rica. 

Mrs. Kristie Hicks and her family were previously living in Weeping Water, where she worked for five years in student services, after having taught Spanish for in another school. Looking for something new when she got here, Hicks was drawn to Marian. “I wanted to find a place that could challenge me to grow as a teacher and make an impact with the students, and this just seemed like a great fit,” Hicks said. She is excited to meet everyone and see what makes each class thrive. Having not been in Omaha very long, she has had few opportunities to try many Omaha restaurants, but has already found a love for Izumi Sushi. Hicks also loves the Disney movie “Hercules” as well as her dachshund named Toast.

Ms. Jamie Demson is coming back to the Spanish classroom after working for two years at Boys Town. Before that, she taught Spanish for 15 years. Demson felt Marian calling her back to the classroom. “I love telling stories and building a storytelling community,” Demson said. She also teaches fitness classes at the YMCA. She loves to travel, collecting baseball caps wherever she goes. One of her most recent adventures was New York City. She also loves Pitch Pizza and the movie “Titanic.”