Joe Walberg

Director of Speech & Debate, Social Studies Teacher | Mother Teresa

Joe Walberg is a Parent, Teacher, Coach, Mentor, Nerd, Believer, Ultracrepidarian, Cartophile, and head coach of the Speech and Debate team of St. James Academy. He was the 2017 recipient of the SJA Teacher of Excellence award, a 2020 Fellow of the Duc in Altum Catholic Schools Collaborative, and the 2022 District New Coach of the Year for the National Speech and Debate Association. He and his wife Erin are raising two lucky-but-unimpressed children, Leah and Jack.

What have you that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if it were not a gift? - 1 Corinthians 4:7

Certifications

History Government and Social Studies 6-12, Speech/Theatre 6-12, Business 6-12, Technology Education 6-12

Education

University of Kansas: B.G.S. Political Science

Avila University: Master of Arts in Education: Teaching and Learning

Helen Harrelson

Director of Instrumental Music | Benedict | Band and Orchestra

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace

Certifications

Postgraduate Degree in Secondary Education, OPEN University DMA Candidate, Salford University

Education

Royal Northern College of Music: BMus (Hons)

University of Missouri Kansas City: MA

Terra Henderson

Visual Arts Teacher | St. Peter | National Art Honor Society, Art Club

I have taught at St. James Academy since its second year in operation (2006) and taught before that for nine years at Maur Hill–Mount Academy, formerly known as Maur Hill Preparatory School in Atchison, Kansas. I teach all art mediums including drawing, painting, ceramics, a little printmaking and some sculpture, but my favorite is is teaching those with no artistic skill at all in drawing, because I, too, drew stick people before I came to discover that drawing is a LEARNABLE skill through the book, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards. It was because of this book that I became a high school art teacher rather than an elementary school teacher, which is what I’d wanted to be since 1st grade.
My husband, Cameron, and I were married in 2004 and we have two sons. Mason and Caden both attended Sacred Heart in Shawnee, where we are parishioners, and then will both attend high school here at St. James Academy.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Education

Emporia State University: BSE Bachelor of Science in Education

Emporia State University: Master of Science

Sarah Wright

Director of Theatre; Drama & Sophomore Seminar Teacher | St. John Paul II | Theatre Department, Improv Club

Sarah Wright is thrilled to be teaching at her alma mater. She has worked in the professional and educational world of theater/film for the past 10 years in Kansas City and Savannah, GA. When not directing and teaching at the Academy, she directs for First Act Theater Arts, acts in the KC area, and hosts a podcast with her husband called The PlayWrights. Sarah resides in Shawnee with her wonderful husband, Will, and her two kittens, Harvey & Sawyer.

"Humanity in every age, and even today, looks to works of art to shed light upon its path and its destiny." - Pope Saint John Paul II

Education

Benedictine College; Bachelors Theatre Arts and Journalism & Mass Communications

Savannah College of Art and Design; Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Performing Arts

Theo Musick

Assistant Director of Bands & Drumline Instructor

Christy L'Esperance

Sophomore Seminar, Accompanist | Choir, Instrumental, Soloists, Musical

I began my professional career as a classical radio announcer/producer before moving on to adventures in piano performance, private teaching, composition, and ensemble directing. St. James has been my musical home since 2019, and I love the happy energy and the drive for quality that fill our school every day. Interacting with wonderful humans about music and life makes for a joyful existence.

My husband and I are blessed with nine children. You’re sure to run into at least one of them in the halls of St. James.

"O Father, light up the small duties of this day's life: may they shine with the beauty of Thy countenance. May we believe that glory may dwell in the commonest task of every day." - St. Augustine

Education

University of Iowa: Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy