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Saint Mary's

Teachers and Staff

Mr. Durkee

Mr. Durkee enters his 20th year as a teacher and coach at Saint Mary’s. He dedicated his first twelve years as a freshman and sophomore theology instructor. He now begins his eighth year as the freshman boys and girls physical education/health teacher. Mr. Durkee earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from Grand Valley State University and his master’s in theology from Mount Angel Seminary. Prior to coming to Saint Mary’s he taught in Catholic elementary schools in Miami, Florida and Albuquerque, New Mexico, and was a life insurance agent for a Catholic fraternal insurance company in Phoenix. Mr. Durkee has been a cross-country coach at Saint Mary’s since the program began in 2000. He also re-established the track and field program at Saint Mary’s in 2002 after many years of not having the sport at the school. His Father-in-law, wife, and three children are all graduates of Saint Mary’s. Mr. Durkee and his family are proud to say “once a knight, always a knight”. He and his wife attend Saint Francis Xavier Parish.

Ms. Acosta

Ms. Acosta has worked in the Business Office at St. Mary’s since June 2019.  She earned her Associate degree in Accounting from El Paso Community College.  She originally came from El Paso Texas where she worked at Levi Strauss & Company for 20 years in various positions.  She also worked at a Charter School in Texas.  She enjoys spending all her spare time with her family, she also loves to sew when she can find the time.  She attends  Saint Henry’s in Buckeye AZ.

President
Father Bolding

In 2012, Bishop Thomas Olmsted blessed Saint Mary’s in a particular way by assigning Rev. Robert Bolding as President-Rector.  Father does not only serve as Chief Executive of the school, but he also works to articulate and deepen the school’s Catholic identity through an emphasis on the virtues both in and out of the classroom. Fr. Bolding teaches upper level dual enrollment Theology classes.

Front Office Staff
RoxAnn Placencia

Mrs. Placencia begins her fifth year at Saint Mary’s. She has served Saint Mary’s in many roles in the front office but this will be her first year as Administrative Assistant to Father Bolding and the Dean of Students Mr. Storey. Mrs. Placencia will also continue to serve as the Student Activities Director as she continues to be a dedicated team player for the Saint Mary’s community.

Principal
Kevin Muir

Mr. Muir begins his second year as Principal and eighth year at Saint Mary’s.  Prior to serving the school as Principal, he served as Assistant Principal and Dean of Students.  Mr. Muir is a faithful and dedicated leader who is proud to be part of the Saint Mary’s community.

Spanish Teacher
Sister Mercedes

Sr. Mercedes is beginning her fourth year teaching at St. Mary’s. This year she will continue teaching Spanish 1-2 and Speech and Rhetoric. She is also looking forward to her new role as the House Dean for St. Catherine of Siena House.