Faculty & Staff

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Ms. Fitzgerald is a passionate early childhood educator with eight years of experience working with students from preschool to 9th grade—the last six years teaching exclusively in early childhood classrooms.

Ms. Fitzgerald has a BS in Education, Secondary ELA from University of Nevada and a M.Ed Literacy, Language & Culture from the University of Washington.

Pre-Kindergarten Instructional Assistant

Ms. Cynthia Lara brings a wealth of experience in early childhood education and is a dedicated support for our youngest learners. Prior to joining our team, she served for several years as a childcare director at the International Leadership Academy, where she cultivated a nurturing and engaging learning environment.

1st Grade Teacher

Mrs. Stacey Hanf has 15+ years experience teaching in the primary grades. Mrs. Hanf taught 5th grade for the 2022-2023 school year and moved into First grade for the 2023-2024 school year. Mrs. Hanf has a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of California Davis and a Masters of Arts in Education from the University of Washington.

1st Grade Instructional Assistant

A native of Belgium, Ms. De Clercq first came to Oregon as a college student, graduating from Reed College with a degree in Political Science. She earned her Postbaccalaureate in Accounting from Portland State University. Ms. De Clercq spent five years working as a Financial Analyst before taking a career break to raise her five daughters. She joined the Cathedral School staff in 2013, spending seven years as the school receptionist before joining the Pre-Kindergarten classroom in the fall of 2020.

Ms. De Clercq enjoys spending time with her five daughters. She loves teaching Iconography, being involved with the Legion of Mary and the Our Lady of Fatima Apostolate.

3rd Grade Teacher

We are thrilled to welcome Mrs. Michelle Dooley as our new 3rd grade teacher. With 20 years of teaching experience in Yakima, Washington, Mrs. Dooley brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to student learning. Now relocating to Southwest Washington, she is excited to begin this new chapter in her career. As a former Catholic school student, Mrs. Dooley is especially enthusiastic about joining our Catholic community and contributing to the faith-based education that is central to our mission.

3rd Instructional Assistant

Mr. Chago Akles assisted Mrs. Hanf in the First grade classroom for the 2023-2024 school year. He is excited to be back with Mrs. Hanf!

Mr. Akles was previously at Christ the King as an instructional assistant and extended care supervisor. He is a member of St. Mary’s Cathedral parish and has five children. He has a great love for the Lord, spending time with his family, gardening and automotive restoration.

5th Grade Teacher

Miss Bella Baksay is excited to be teaching Fifth grade at Cathedral School. Miss Baksay has been a long-term substitute at Cathedral since January 2024, teaching 7th grade math and 8th grade science. We are looking forward to having her full time in the fall!

5th Grade Instructional Assistant

Mrs Niedermeyer has been a part of the Cathedral Community as a parent since 1997, and joined the school staff in 2005 as an instructional assistant. After several years in the position of Development Coordinator Mrs. Niedermeyer happily returned to the classroom as the Fifth Grade Instructional Assistant. She has supported the school through her work as hot lunch coordinator, Advisory Council member and Parents’ Association President.

Art Specialist

Mrs. Nicole Selis joined the Cathedral School staff in the fall of 2020. She attended Catholic schools in her native Chicago before attending the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she received her degree in Architecture with a minor in Art History. She spent her final year of architecture school in France where she attended the École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture in Versailles. She received her masters degree in design from Domus Academy in Milan, Italy. She has worked for Wieden + Kennedy and as a freelance designer/artist.

Mrs. Selis has four children, three of which have attended Cathedral school. 

Art class at Cathedral focuses on the elements of art and multiple techniques with many different mediums. Students are taught a world wide range of art history spanning many years, and introductions to artists from different cultures. Students also learn about the basics of graphic design and architecture.

Music Specialist

Mrs. Wendy Goodwin joined the Cathedral School staff in the fall of 2021.  Her passion for music began at the age of three when she began study of the violin.  She holds a Master of Arts in Music Performance from Portland State University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from George Fox University.  Mrs. Goodwin has extensive professional experience in the music industry.  She has released several albums of original music, performed on national and international tours and collaborated with musicians around the globe on various creative projects.  

Mrs. Goodwin’s favorite job is that of proud girl mom with 4 daughters including three currently attending Cathedral School.

Spanish Specialist

Ms. Walker joined the Cathedral Staff as a Spanish Teacher in the fall of 2013. Before relocating to Portland, she taught Spanish to multiple grade levels at St. Andrews Episcopal School in Ridgeland, Mississippi. Ms. Walker received her Bachelors of Arts with an emphasis in Spanish Language and Literature from Kalamazoo College. She received her Masters of Teaching from the University of Southern Mississippi and her Master of Education from Marylhurst University.

P.E. and Health Specialist

Ms. Paige Cooper is a Portland native with deep roots in the local Catholic school community. She attended All Saints for elementary and middle school, graduated from Central Catholic High School, and went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sports Management from Marquette University.

Ms. Cooper began her coaching career in high school, leading volleyball and basketball teams at All Saints. Since then, she has coached volleyball at Central Catholic, Cathedral CYO, and with the Oregon Juniors Volleyball Academy (OJVA).

When she’s not in the gym coaching or playing volleyball, Ms. Cooper enjoys baking bread and other treats, experimenting with new recipes, and curling up with a good book.