Christ the King Faculty & Staff

Principal
Mrs. Kili Hady
Coming to Christ the King is a bit of a homecoming for Mrs. Hady; ten aunts and uncles attended school at CK in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Her dad graduated in the class of 1968 and her grandfather built the rectory. She attended Mass here with her family as a child, and she is exceedingly proud to continue her family legacy as the leader of the school. Mrs. Hady attended Saint Mary College in Leavenworth, Kansas, where she earned her Bachelor’s in Sociology and Political Science. Soon after college, she returned to Colorado to be with family and earned her Master’s in Elementary Education and eventually a second Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. With a career that has led her through classrooms and administration offices of both public and Catholic schools, Mrs. Hady has observed a notable difference between the two: Love. Love is palpable in the classrooms, courtyards, and hallways of a Catholic school. Catholic educators possess an intrinsic motivation to truly connect, inspire, and educate the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. Mrs. Hady and her husband are boastful fourth-generation Colorado natives and proud parents of two beautiful daughters. They love to frequent Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain where they swim, boat, hike, camp, and lounge through the summer; and snowmobile, play basketball and occasionally whine about the lack of sunlight in the winter. Fun Facts: - After spending five summers as a camp counselor at Camp Santa Maria in Bailey, Mrs. Hady realized she loves children and decided to pursue a career in education. - Mrs. Hady likes guacamole but hates avocados--how does that work??

Physical Education Teacher
Dr. Matthew Paul Bergles
Dr. Bergles has been in education for 42 years. Before teaching P.E. at Christ the King, Dr. Bergles taught Social Studies and coached high school football. Dr. Bergles was also a professional mediator and has mediated hundreds of disputes between neighbors, workplace associates, and citizens and police officers. Dr. Bergles has a son and a daughter. Dr. Bergles is passionate about environmental sustainability, especially for endangered species and all wildlife. He also has a strong interest in affecting a deeper relationship between faith communities. When Dr. Bergles is not at school, you may find him working out, biking, hiking, or playing with his dogs and cat. Fun Facts: - Dr. Bergles’ favorite Colorado activity is attending U.S. Air Force Academy football games—Go Falcons! - Dr. Bergles is a published author—three times over! He has written two illustrated children’s books about wildlife conservation and the third is an academic study of endangered species policy implementation.

Fine Arts Teacher
Mrs. Katie Casey
Mrs. Casey was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She received her undergraduate degree from Loyola Marymount University and recently earned her Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. Mrs. Casey married the man of her dreams and together they moved to Japan to teach English and experience a wonderful culture. They now have three amazing sons and a dog who guards the house. When she's not in the classroom, Mrs. Casey loves to sing and dance, drink delicious coffee, spend time with family and friends, travel, and do anything that sparks creativity. Fun Facts: - Mrs. Casey loves teaching at Catholic schools because Jesus is the cornerstone of everything we do. Prayer is a powerful teaching tool. - Mrs. Casey has performed in over 30 musical theatre productions and choreographed even more.

Admissions Director & Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Heidi Dignan (Ms. Heidi)
Mrs. Dignan is a Denver native—in fact, she grew up just four blocks away from Christ the King! Before graduating from Arizona State University, she spent her junior year at the University of Salzburg (her favorite year in college). After college, she worked in sales for Nestle Food Service before she and her husband started their family. Many years and two grown daughters later, Heidi still loves her job at CK. When she’s not at Christ the King, you’ll find her enjoying the mountains, playing golf or pickleball, and spending time with family and friends. Fun Facts: - Mrs. Dignan’s favorite Colorado activity is downhill skiing on a bluebird day, preferably with 5 inches of fresh powder. - Mrs. Dignan stumbled upon her role at CK: One day, when her daughters were attending CK, the school secretary didn’t show up for work and Mrs. Dignan stepped in to help and hasn’t looked back--her girls graduated but Mrs. Dignan stayed. “The academics and faith-based education are amazing at CK, but the community is the icing on top.”

Middle School History & Theology Teacher
Mrs. Dana Gallegos
Mrs. Gallegos’ first trip to Christ the King Church was on Divine Mercy Sunday in April 1999. She felt such a welcoming spirit and was so taken by the beautiful stained-glass windows in the church that she immediately felt at home and pursued a job opening as a middle school teacher. Before working at CK, Mrs. G. attended the University of Northern Colorado where she graduated cum laude. Following graduation, she worked in marketing before returning to UNC to pursue a teaching license. Mrs. Gallegos shares a home in Frederick with her husband, one of their daughters, her son-in-law, and their four children. When school is out, Mr. and Mrs. G love to spend time visiting with their other three daughters and their families. Mrs. G has taken the mission of spreading the word about Jesus’ love and forgiveness – His divine Mercy – to heart as she works with CK “tween-agers.” Fun Facts: - Mrs. G’s role model is Sister Sheila, a now-retired Christ the King teacher, who took Mrs. G under her wing and told her, “Stop being such a cupcake! Tough love, people.” - Mrs. Gallegos lived in the Dominican Republic in third grade while her parents volunteered in the Peace Corps.

Fourth Grade Teacher
Ms. Cecilia Gartland
Ms. Gartland is the oldest of ten children and was born and raised in Colorado. She and her two sons attended 16 years of catholic school. Mrs. Gartland applied here at Christ the King right after college and has never left! Fun Facts: - Ms. Gartland’s days at CK are filled with joy and laughter, and if the moment strikes, she might bust into a song over the classroom microphone. - Ms. Gartland is definitely not a thrill seeker—no rollercoasters or scary movies for her! She’d much rather see as many Broadway musicals as possible.

Preschool & PreK Teacher
Mrs. Deanna Heffern
Mrs. Heffern is a Colorado girl at heart! She grew up in Colorado Springs and attended Colorado State University where she received her degree in Technical Journalism with a minor in Marketing. After graduation, Mrs. Heffern spent 15 years in marketing and advertising in the casino industry. With the realization that casino life didn’t work well with family life and keeping up with two active boys, Mrs. Heffern transitioned to teaching. Fun Facts: - Mrs. Heffern’s most memorable teaching moment came one day when she brought her younger son to visit the classroom before his enrollment. Her older son happened to be in the class and both boys look very much alike. Mrs. Heffern introduced the younger boy and one of the students seemed very confused and concerned. With a wrinkled forehead, she asked, “How did you shrink your son?” - Mrs. Heffern was drawn to work at CK because she loves the family-like community and the strong values the children and families learn, believe, and follow. The core values of CK of Know, Love, Serve, Lead and Grow are creating a strong foundation for everyone involved to live by and thrive.

Third Grade Teacher
Ms. Mary Ledom
Ms. Ledom is originally from Kansas City, she attended the University of Kansas—Rock Chalk!—where she earned her education degree. After teaching for a few years, Ms. Ledom made the I-70 trek to Denver in 2019 and continued her career at CK. She is the youngest of four kids and loves being an aunt to the three cutest boys in the world. Most weekends you can find her outside skiing, hiking, golfing, playing pickleball, walking at Wash Park, or hanging out with her friends and family. Fun Facts: - Got milk? Ms. Ledom LOVES milk and drinks it with every meal. - Ms. Ledom feels there is something incredibly special about the Catholic school community. In college, she had an opportunity to teach in both a public school and a Catholic school. The community that is held in a Catholic school is unmatchable. Every day when she walks into work at CK, she feels like she is a part of something bigger and her role is more important than just a job. She has families, parents, teachers, our priests and so many more people who can share in the movement of bringing our students closer to our faith.

Second Grade Teacher
Ms. Bailey McHugh
Before becoming a teacher, Ms. McHugh graduated from Santa Clara University and began her business career working for the Colorado Avalanche. Bored by the smile-and-dial life and discovering her true passion to work with children, she tested the teaching waters by becoming an aide for Mrs. Moran at Christ the King. Her experience led her to earn her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction along with an endorsement in culturally and linguistically diverse education from the University of Denver. Ms. McHugh is not only a Denver native but she grew up in this neighborhood, visiting her grandparents in Crestmoor. When not teaching you might find her skiing, cheering for Denver sports teams, cooking, hiking, traveling, reading, or hanging out with family and friends. Fun Facts: - Ms. McHugh has 38 first-cousins and is the oldest of 27 on her mom's side. - Ms. McHugh lived in Ireland for 3 years when she was in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade. While there, she attended a boarding school where horseback riding was an extracurricular activity so students could bring their horses to school. Ms. McHugh went on multiple fox hunts jumping over fences, hedges, ditches, and walls. She always fell off on the first jump and learned to hold on!

Cultural Diversity Director
Ms. Sandy Moss
Ms. Moss is a graduate of the University of Washington where she earned a degree in Legal Investigation. She also received a Mediation Certification from the State of Colorado and her CDE Early Childhood Teaching Certificate. During her career, Ms. Moss has taught in Texas Public Schools, worked in corporate training at Qwest Communications, and served in the Aurora Public Defenders Office as a Criminal Investigator. Ms. Moss is the mother of two sons and grandmother to a wonderful grandson who attends Christ the King. She loves all sports, the arts, theater, travel, and going to the mountains. Fun Facts: - Ms. Moss’ role model is her mother who taught her to be strong, honest, and to love others. She always reminded her to be kind: “If you cannot say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” And on top of that, “Pray, pray, and pray.” - Ms. Moss is a firm believer that we can build bridges, trust, respect and understanding across all cultures. We are all God’s children.

Spanish Teacher
Mrs. Claudia Sandridge
Mrs. Sandridge is from Cali, Colombia, she received her degree in Business Administration from Icesi University in Colombia. In 2001, she moved to Denver to teach Spanish. She and her husband love traveling, walking, cooking, and cheering on the Broncos. Fun Facts: - When Señora Claudia gets excited, don’t be surprised if she speaks English and Spanish at the same time. - Señora Sandridge teaches in Catholic Schools because she can express her beliefs and values with the children. She enjoys watching the spiritual and academic growth of students during their time at CK.

First & Second Grade Aide
Mrs. Michelle Schultz
Mrs. Schutlz holds a bachelor's degree in Philosophy and Women’s Studies from Metro State, and is one class away from earning her Master's degree from the Iliff School of Theology. Since learning how to knit and crochet she has bestowed gifts of scarves, shawls, blankets, fingerless gloves, and more to her friends and family. Her knitting supplies are always nice and neat thanks to her two feline yarn sorters. Mrs. Schultz is a member of the Board of Directors at New Cottage Arts where she also takes guitar lessons. She is an avid fan of both the Chicago Bears and Jane Austen. Fun Facts: - Mrs. Schultz loves to relax at Red Rocks. She also loves to box (both watching and training!), knit, and play the guitar. -She recalls fondly working and laughing with a student on his work. The child’s smile and laughter were simply contagious.

Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Annie Snow
Mrs. Snow is a tried and true CK Ram—she attended CK from Kindergarten through 8th grade, two of her daughters are CK Alums with the third rapidly approaching her CK graduation day, and now, she works here! “There’s just something about CK, it’s ingrained in my blood!”, explains Mrs. Snow. Mrs. Snow earned a degree in Journalism and Public Relations from Creighton University in Nebraska. She loves spending time with her husband and three daughters, and their dog named Scotch. Mrs. Snow fills her free time with her favorite hobbies: gardening, entertaining friends and family, and decorating her home. Fun Facts: - The students at CK make her smile every day and her sweetest memories are the little voices that call her “Mrs. White” instead of “Mrs. Snow”. - Her favorite Colorado activities are gardening and white water rafting.

Middle School Science & Language Arts
Mr. Scott Askew
Scott Askew earned his Master’s in Teaching from St. Martin's University in Lacey, Washington. He has taught multiple subjects and ages of students. Before entering graduate school, he was a private music teacher, specializing in guitar and drums. He is the proud parent of Lauren. In the Summer of 2022, Mr. Askew moved his mother to the Denver Metro area and they were able to enjoy their first Thanksgiving together in 35 years—he looks forward to many more memorable moments with her. Fun Fact: - Mr. Askew is a huge Cubs fan! - His proudest Teaching Moment came when a former guitar student was invited to perform on America’s Song Contest, and they invited Mr. Askew to the audition in Los Angeles.

Support Teacher
Mrs. Anna Burns
Mrs. Burns was born in California and earned her undergraduate degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from UNLV. She later went on to receive her Nursing degree from Rutgers University and worked as a Mother/Baby nurse for seven years at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. She and her husband just celebrated 16 years of marriage and together they have three wonderful children who are proud members of the CK Rams family. Fun Facts: - On summer and fall weekends, you’ll find Mrs. Burns visiting local farmers’ markets. -Mrs. Burns’ role model is her mother because she was open-minded, loving, empathetic, strong, and no-nonsense.

Middle School Math Teacher
Mrs. Jennifer DeLurgio
Mrs. DeLurgio is originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, but she has lived in Colorado since 1998. She graduated from Regis University with an English degree and a minor in Spanish. Before becoming a teacher, Mrs. DeLurgio worked in test prep helping students prepare for the SAT and ACT. She started working for the Archdiocese as a teaching assistant and got her teaching license the following year. She is married to her college sweetheart and has two teenage children. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, baking, trivia, reading, and watching football. Fun Facts: - Mrs. DeLurgio has been in two earthquakes – one during her 9th birthday party! - Mrs. DeLurgio’s role model is her father because of his humility.

Fifth Grade Teacher
Mrs. JoAnn Ehrlich
Mrs. Ehrlich is a third-generation Coloradoan. She knew she wanted to teach when she was in 4th grade and still, after many years, she thoroughly loves to see her students’ excitement about learning. She is married to her college sweetheart, and they have three daughters and nine grandchildren—most of whom attend Christ the King. Fun Facts: - Mrs. Ehrlich’s most memorable teaching moments happen when students connect “book to real life” on field trips. She loves taking the students to the Denver Audubon Society (holding birds and releasing them), Plains Conservation Center, and fishing with the Colorado Department of Wildlife. These are some of the students’ most memorable teaching moments, too! - You will never guess this one: Mrs. Ehrlich loves to tour Colorado on motorcycles!

Computer Technology Teacher
Mr. Glen Gallegos
Mr. Gallegos attended Catholic school in Longmont (St. John the Baptist) and Fort Collins (St. Joseph’s) before attending the University of Colorado in Boulder. After graduation, Mr. Gallegos worked for 20+ years as a chemical engineer in the military and commercial electronics industry. He received his Applied Statistics training at Arizona State University and helped pioneer many of the chemical manufacturing processes in use today for projects like the Stealth Fighter, the Space Shuttle, the F-22 (Raptor), and the Joint Strike Fighter (F-35). Mr. Gallegos was one of only three engineers chosen to work on the first live-fire test of the Predator unmanned drone and the GPS-guided Hellfire missile. As a member of the Secretariat for the Archdiocese of Denver English Cursillo Movement, Mr. Gallegos taught many classes on the Christian life. Throughout his teaching career, Mr. Gallegos has taught numerous age levels, from 5th grade CCD religion to graduate-level statistical design experimentation, but he loves teaching K-8 computer technology most of all. Fun Facts: - Mr. Gallegos is an avid fly fisherman and Kuntao/Silat pelitat. - Mr. Gallegos is a true family man—he is the oldest of seven siblings, he has been married to his wife Dana for 38 years, and they have four beautiful daughters and fourteen grandchildren!

PreK Aide
Mrs. JoAnn Gartland
Mrs. Gartland is a Colorado native and lover of our beautiful great outdoors. She received her BA from Loretto Heights College in Denver with a double certification in both Education and Special Education; as a bonus, she met and married her college sweetheart. After many years teaching special education in public schools and then raising four children, Mrs. Gartland returned to teaching. She appreciates the opportunity to teach in a Catholic School with a religious and disciplined atmosphere where she can nurture the Catholic Faith in future generations. When she’s not in the classroom, you may find Mrs. Gartland volunteering at the Denver Zoo or enjoying time with her husband as they relish the activities of their ten grandchildren. Fun Facts: - Back in the day, Mrs. Gartland was a children’s dance instructor at Art Linkletter’s Hollywood-based Dance Studios in Denver. - Mrs. Gartland is an avid fly-fisherwoman.

PreK Teacher
Mrs. Rebecca Kopperud
Mrs. Kopperud grew up in London, Ontario, Canada where she completed her undergraduate work. After graduation, she traveled to Australia for a year before moving to Montreal, Canada to earn her teaching degree. She has taught in Montreal, Calgary, and now CK. She moved to Denver in 1998 and is blessed with two grown children. Her two dogs and cat keep her company while she enjoys reading and watching ice hockey. Fun Facts: - Mrs. Kopperud’s favorite Colorado activity is watching hockey and skaters on Evergreen Lake - Mrs. Kopperud is an avid reader—she reads 8 books a month on average!

Middle School Language Arts & Literature
Mrs. Jessica McCutcheon
Mrs. McCutcheon is a Denver native and attended All Souls Catholic School from 3rd through 8th grade. She graduated from Denver’s Metropolitan State University with two degrees; one in Behavioral Science and Secondary Education and later a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. Mrs. McCutcheon loves to learn. Her passion for learning led her to become an educator so that she could share her love for learning with students. When she is not teaching (or grading papers), she enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors hiking, biking, and camping with her family. Fun Facts: - Mrs. McCutcheon’s most memorable teaching moments are visits from former students and hearing about their successes. - One of Mrs. McCutcheon’s role models is St. Maximillian Kolbe, his act of selfless love is an inspiration to love all no matter the circumstances.

First Grade Teacher
Mrs. Bridget Moran
Mrs. Moran is a Denver native. She grew up in Park Hill and attended Blessed Sacrament School and then Manual High School. She received her degree from St. Mary's College of California. Mrs. Moran has many hobbies but mostly she enjoys spending time with her family in the mountains either skiing or biking, depending on the season. Fun Facts: - “My family thinks I am a Master Chef, which is a surprise to me!” - Mrs. Moran’s most memorable moment in teaching was on her very first day of school: Her students were so scared but she was even more terrified!

Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Becky Peel
Mrs. Peel grew up in Galesburg, Illinois. She attended Illinois State University where she earned a degree in Education with a Minor in Art for Elementary Education (no wonder CK kindergarteners get to do so many fun projects). She met her husband when they were in 6th grade and together they have lived in Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Wyoming, and now Denver. She currently lives with her daughter and grandson (a CK student). Fun Facts: - Today, Mrs. Peel loves exploring Rocky Mountain National Park, visiting Estes Park, and catching fish by the lake. Yesteryear, she was an avid scuba diver and dove all over the world. - Mrs. Peel wanted to work on a barge on the Mississippi River, instead, she listened to her mother and became a teacher—that was 58 years ago!

Kindergarten Aide
Mrs. Rachel Sangchompuphen
Mrs. Rachel was born and raised in the Philippines and came to the United States in 1993, and became a U.S. Citizen in 2000. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Detroit - Mercy and later received an Early Childhood Teacher certificate from the Community College of Denver. She and her husband have two children. Mrs. Rachel enjoys working with younger children and learning from them. “There is something magical about young children and their innocence.” Fun Facts: - Mrs. Rachel is from the Philippine Island where Ferdinand Magellan and “his” Spanish ship landed and discovered the Philippines on March 15, 1521. Her family still has a house there today. The island still does not have motor vehicles and only just started getting limited electricity in March of 2021. It can only be reached by boat. - Mrs. Rachel loves to go to Elitch’s – she especially likes the upside-down roller coaster.

Preschool Teacher & Director
Mrs. Suzan Sclove
Mrs. Sclove attended Catholic School at the Academy of the Sacred Heart in New Orleans, Louisiana from Preschool – 12th grade. She received a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Early Childhood from the University of New Orleans. Mrs. S has been teaching, observing, and assessing in Preschool classrooms since 2001. She enjoys teaching in Catholic School because she loves fostering the love of learning and faith in the littlest hearts. Mrs. Sclove has one son, who is also a student at CK. Fun Facts: - Mrs. S’ most memorable teaching moments happen any time a student has an ‘Aha’ moment and with a big smile and says, “Look, Mrs. S, I did it!”. It’s those joyful discoveries that make teaching priceless. - Mrs. S loves dancing, hiking, camping, skiing, gardening, and reading in a hammock by the lake.