Faculty & Staff

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Ms. Fitzgerald is a passionate early childhood educator dedicated to creating a nurturing, engaging, and joyful learning environment for her youngest students. With eight years of experience working with children from preschool through 9th grade, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of child development to the classroom. For the past six years, she has focused exclusively on early childhood education.

Ms. Fitzgerald holds a Bachelor of Science in Education with an emphasis in Secondary English Language Arts from the University of Nevada and a Master of Education in Literacy, Language, and Culture from the University of Washington. Her strong background in literacy development helps foster a love of learning and language from an early age.

In her Pre-K classroom, Ms. Fitzgerald encourages curiosity, creativity, and confidence through hands-on exploration, purposeful play, and meaningful relationships. She is committed to helping each child build a strong foundation for lifelong learning while feeling known, valued, and supported every day.

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. She is passionate about helping children grow academically, socially, and emotionally while creating a warm, welcoming classroom environment where every child feels valued and encouraged.

Prior to joining Cathedral School, Ms. Lara served for several years as a provider and director at Internacional Leadership (La Crèche), where she cultivated a nurturing and engaging learning environment focused on early childhood development. Her experience working with young children and families has given her a strong understanding of the importance of building positive relationships and fostering a love of learning from an early age.

As a Pre-Kindergarten Instructional Assistant, Ms. Lara works closely with students and teachers to support daily learning activities, encourage curiosity and exploration, and help each child develop the confidence and skills needed for future success.

1st Grade Teacher

Mrs. Stacey Hanf brings more than 15 years of teaching experience to Cathedral School and is passionate about helping young learners build confidence, independence, and a strong academic foundation. Her classroom is a welcoming environment where students are encouraged to take risks, ask questions, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

After teaching 5th grade during the 2022–2023 school year, Mrs. Hanf transitioned to 1st grade in 2023, where she enjoys guiding students through a year of tremendous academic, social, and emotional growth. Her experience across multiple grade levels provides valuable insight into the skills students need for long-term success.

Mrs. Hanf earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of California, Davis and her Master of Arts in Education from the University of Washington. She is committed to fostering strong literacy skills, a growth mindset, and a love of learning while helping each child feel known, supported, and successful.

1st Grade Instructional Assistant

We are excited to welcome Miss Adele Jawed as our new First Grade Instructional Assistant. Miss Jawed is a Cathedral alumna her mother, Mrs. DeClercq, is also a member of our staff. After graduating from Loyola Marymount University, she returned to Portland and brings her love of children, art, and learning to our classrooms.

3rd Grade Teacher

Mrs. Michelle Dooley is entering her second year as Cathedral School’s 3rd grade teacher. With more than 20 years of teaching experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and dedication to helping students grow academically, socially, and spiritually.

Before joining Cathedral, Mrs. Dooley taught in Yakima, Washington, where she spent two decades fostering student success and building strong classroom communities. After relocating to Southwest Washington, she was excited to begin a new chapter in her career at Cathedral School.

As a former Catholic school student herself, Mrs. Dooley values the unique opportunity to combine academic excellence with faith formation. She is passionate about creating a supportive and engaging learning environment where students are encouraged to develop confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning while growing in their faith. Her experience, warmth, and commitment to each child make her a valued member of the Cathedral School community.

3rd Grade Instructional Assistant + Extended Care Director

Mrs. Aloysha Ricards serves as both the 3rd Grade Instructional Assistant and Cathedral School’s Extended Care Director. She brings a diverse professional background, a passion for working with children, and a commitment to creating supportive environments where students can learn, grow, and thrive.

Mrs. Ricards holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Conservation and has extensive experience in a variety of fields, including scientific research, childcare, and retail leadership. Prior to joining Cathedral School, she worked as a daycare provider and spent 14 years as a Produce Lead at New Seasons Market, developing strong organizational, leadership, and relationship-building skills.

In both the classroom and Extended Care program, Mrs. Ricards enjoys supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional development while helping create a welcoming and positive community for families.

Outside of school, Mrs. Ricards is a Master Gardener who enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and German Shepherd. Her love of nature, curiosity, and enthusiasm for learning enrich the experiences she shares with students each day.

5th Grade Teacher

Miss Bella Baksay is thrilled to be entering her second year as the 5th Grade teacher at Cathedral School. She first joined our community in January 2024 as a long-term substitute, teaching 7th Grade Math and 8th Grade Science, and quickly became a valued member of our faculty.

Miss Baksay brings energy, creativity, and a deep commitment to helping students grow both academically and in their faith.

5th Grade Instructional Assistant

Mrs. Niedermeyer has been a cherished member of the Cathedral School community for nearly three decades. She first became part of the Cathedral family as a parent in 1997 and joined the school staff in 2005 as an Instructional Assistant.

Throughout her years at Cathedral, Mrs. Niedermeyer has served the school in a variety of roles, including Development Coordinator, Hot Lunch Coordinator, Advisory Council member, and Parents’ Association President. Her longstanding commitment to the school reflects her deep love for the Cathedral community and its mission.

After several years working in school administration and development, Mrs. Niedermeyer happily returned to the classroom, where she enjoys working directly with students and supporting teachers. As the 4th & 5th Grade Instructional Assistant, she brings a wealth of experience, a caring presence, and a deep understanding of Cathedral School’s traditions and values. Her dedication to students, families, and faculty makes her an invaluable member of the Cathedral team.

Art Specialist

Mrs. Nicole Selis joined the Cathedral School faculty in 2020 and brings a unique blend of artistic, design, and professional experience to the art program. Her passion for creativity and visual storytelling inspires students to explore their own artistic talents while developing an appreciation for art from around the world.

Mrs. Selis attended Catholic schools in her native Chicago before earning her degree in Architecture with a minor in Art History from the University of Illinois Chicago. During her studies, she spent a year in France attending the École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture in Versailles. She later earned a master’s degree in Design from Domus Academy in Milan, Italy. Her professional background includes work with Wieden+Kennedy as well as freelance projects as a designer and artist.

At Cathedral, Mrs. Selis’s art classes focus on the elements and principles of art while introducing students to a wide variety of techniques, mediums, and creative processes. Students explore art history from diverse cultures and time periods, learn about influential artists from around the world, and gain exposure to the fundamentals of graphic design and architecture. Through hands-on projects and creative exploration, students develop artistic skills, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for the visual arts.

Mrs. Selis is also a Cathedral parent and has had three children attend the school, giving her a strong connection to the community and its mission. Her creativity, expertise, and enthusiasm make art an engaging and inspiring experience for students of all ages.

Music Specialist

Mrs. Wendy Goodwin joined the Cathedral School faculty in 2021 and brings a lifelong passion for music to her role as Music Specialist. Her love of music began at the age of three when she started studying the violin, and she has since built an impressive career as both a performer and educator.

Mrs. Goodwin holds a Master of Arts in Music Performance from Portland State University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from George Fox University. In addition to her teaching experience, she has an extensive professional background in the music industry, including releasing original music, performing on national and international tours, and collaborating with musicians from around the world on a variety of creative projects.

In the classroom, Mrs. Goodwin inspires students to explore music through singing, movement, performance, and creative expression. She is passionate about helping students develop confidence, appreciation for the arts, and a lifelong love of music.

Outside of school, Mrs. Goodwin’s favorite role is being a proud girl mom to her four daughters, including three who currently attend Cathedral School. Her strong connection to the school community and dedication to her students make her a valued member of the Cathedral family.

Spanish Specialist

Ms. Shelby Walker has been a valued member of the Cathedral School faculty since 2013, serving as our Spanish Specialist. She is passionate about helping students develop language skills while fostering an appreciation for Hispanic cultures and global perspectives.

Before relocating to Portland, Ms. Walker taught Spanish to students across multiple grade levels at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Ridgeland, Mississippi. Her extensive teaching experience and enthusiasm for language learning help create engaging, interactive lessons that encourage students to communicate with confidence.

Ms. Walker earned her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language and Literature from Kalamazoo College, a Master of Arts in Teaching Languages from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a Master of Education from Marylhurst University. Through her dynamic and supportive approach to teaching, she inspires students to become curious, confident, and culturally aware learners.

P.E. and Health Specialist

Miss 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.

Miss Cooper began her coaching career in high school, leading volleyball and basketball teams at All Saints. She is currently the Co-Head Women's JV Volleyball Coach at Central Catholic High School, Cathedral CYO 7th grade girls head coach, and Head of Operations at All Around Volleyball Academy (AAVA).

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