The start of the 2019-2020 school year not only welcomes new students but also served new faces among the staff.

This year Loretto Academy has its first Assistant Principal Mrs. Rebecca O’Neill.

Mrs. O’Neill has been in education for 20 years working as a teacher in regular education and special education and working as an education diagnostician.

She is very happy to be returning to Loretto and being part of the all the traditions once again.

Mrs. O’Neill graduated from Loretto Academy in 1992.

Not only is she part of the staff,  but she is also a mother of three students at Loretto and she loves to run. 

Mrs. O’Neil said that what the Loretto community should know about her is “I think that each of the students will accomplish great things and I feel a responsibility to help them find the greatness within themselves.” 

In the science department there is a new teacher Ms. Sara Gonzalez teaching freshman AP and regular biology, sophomore environmental systems and junior AP and regular chemistry. 

Before coming to work at Loretto she was a chemistry and physics teacher at Jefferson High School. 

She loves to draw and sing and loves to take care of her three chickens, dog, bird, and a snake. 

Ms. Gonzalez said, “The girls here have a willingness to learn that’s very easy to play into which makes my job a lot more fun.”

In the history department there are two brand new faces, Ms. Hannah Marshall and Dr. Rose Haluschak.  

Ms. Hannah Marshall teaches freshmen world geography and AP Human Geography. Before joining Loretto’s staff Ms.Marshall traveled to places such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, and Mexico. 

This is her first year of teaching and she feels she’s doing better the she believed. 

Ms. Marshall said “I love working with all young women. I’ve done some education before but never teaching but I feel like I’m doing great. ” 

Dr. Rose Haluschak teaching junior U.S history and AP U.S history. 

Before joining Loretto staff Dr. Haluschak working in a high school in Fort Worth, TX teaching U.S history.

 Before teaching she worked at a law firm as an attorney.

 She graduated from Texas Tech law school in 2002. Her love for law is what lead her to history.

Dr. Haluschak said “ I care about people and I want to be someone students can come to if they need help.”

The math department welcomes alumna Ms. Leanne Palisoc who is teaching junior algebra and senior independent study of math. 

She graduated from Loretto Academy in 2015 and went on to study at St. Johns University majoring in mathematical physics. 

She loves being able to come back to Loretto and pass on her knowledge and experiences to her students since she is not far from our age. 

In her free time she loves to sing and dance. 

Ms. Palisoc said “ I miss being a student and being part of all the activities and the sisterhood, but as a teacher I love being able to give you the power of knowledge and help you navigate through your teenage years.” 

In Loretto’s Counseling department is now a new face and a returning face taking up a much bigger job.

Returning this year is Mrs. Janise Pries who is now the middle and high counselor for students with last names ranging from L-Z. 

Before coming to work at Loretto Mrs.Pries was the director of guidance and counseling at the Ysleta ISD and before that she was a high school counselor and has taught all levels ranging from Pre-k and graduate school. 

Mrs.Pries loves working at Loretto because of the religious freedom. She loves to read, sing, dance and write. 

Mrs. Pries said “ I love being able to help the students in any way possible.”

The newest counselor to Loretto is Mrs. Alice Drury who is the middle and high school counselor for students last name starting with A-K. 

Before coming to Loretto she was a counselor at an early college and a duel credit and Pre-AP English teacher at Burges High school. 

She loves that Loretto is an all girl school and the girl power in the atmosphere. 

In here free time she loves to swim, walk her dogs, and read. 

Mrs. Drury said “I love the idea of gender education, less worrying about appearances. The girls are strong and focused and not derailed.”

 The library has seen some new changes from new arrangements to a new librarian, Mrs. Jane Villasana. 

Before coming to work at Loretto 

Mrs. Villasana was a academic services librarian at the El Paso Community College.

 She loves being able to work in an private institution and being able to be around of one of the things she loves most, books. 

Mrs. Villasana said, “ I feel privileged to be working with such a fine group of students, faculty, and staff.”

If your computer is in need of fixing don’t worry Mr. Johnny Martinez will help you. 

Before coming to work at Loretto he worked for the city of El Paso and he is very happy to be at Loretto. 

We love to see all the new faces at Loretto and are happy to welcome them into our community.