The heart of Bishop Miege is our incredible faculty, and this year, we’re thrilled to welcome ten additions to the team. They bring experience, energy, and a passion for Catholic education. We know they will make an impact on our students this year. Get to know each of them below!

Grace Anderson — Math Teacher

Before Miege:
Middle school math teacher and seventh grade religion teacher at Resurrection Catholic School

Why Miege:
“I am excited for the challenge of teaching higher level math this year at Miege –learning is fun! This year will be a fun challenge and with that, ‘Here’s to hopin!’ is the motto adopted for my class which was inspired by our wonderful Principal Maureen Engen! In and of it all, most importantly, I am excited to join the STAG community that truly grounds the learning in faith and love for Jesus Christ.”

Hobbies/Interests:
Faith, family, and friends, long runs and walks in unfamiliar parks, recreational sports leagues, and discovering new coffee shops

Philip Hanigan — Math Teacher

Before Miege:
Middle school math teacher at Holy Spirit Catholic School in Overland Park for two years and high school math teacher in Spalding, Nebraska, for three years

Why Miege:
“I’m excited to join Miege as I have heard incredible things about the Bishop Miege community from Father Justin Hamilton, and I love helping high school students get ready for the jump into college.”

Hobbies/Interests:
Reading, chess, and board games

Jordan Lynch — English Teacher

Before Miege:
Middle school English teacher at St. Agnes for the past seven years and, prior to that, an English teacher at high schools in Louisiana and Chicago. She just completed a master’s degree in special education from Benedictine College.

Why Miege:
“I am thrilled to join the Miege community because I have had the joy of watching so many of my former students grow and flourish here. As an English teacher, I am especially excited to share my love of literature and engage students in the meaningful discussions and thoughtful writing that great books can inspire.”

Hobbies/Interests:
Reading, spending time with family, coaching classes at the gym, and trying new recipes

Michael Riley — President

Before Miege:
Principal of St. Elizabeth’s Catholic School. He returns to Bishop Miege after teaching social studies here 20 years ago.

Why Miege:
“Coming home to Miege after being a teacher here 20 years ago, I am reminded that the strength of our school has always been its people, its faith, and its mission. We are building on a legacy that lives not only in its history, but in every student, teacher, alumnus, and family who calls it home. For nearly 70 years, Miege has provided an excellent Catholic education with rigorous academics and a strong commitment for service and the spiritual development of our students. I return with gratitude for the rich traditions and history of Miege, excitement for the future, and a deep hope and belief for what our community can accomplish together in the coming years. Go Stags Go!”

Hobbies/Interests:
Spending time with family, attending sporting events, traveling (especially to Co. Kerry, Ireland, Bethany Beach, and Notre Dame football games), hiking, cycling, running, walking, basketball, and pickleball

Sydney Ritter ’13 — Guidance Assistant

Before Miege:
Third-grade teacher at St. Thomas More School for six years before teaching Special Education and PE and serving as head girls basketball coach at Liberty North High School

Why Miege:
“I am so excited to join the Miege community because this community is so warm and inviting and it feels like home. This community treats everyone like family, and it has been a dream of mine come back and work here since graduating from Miege in 2013. Who I am today is in large part because of the people in this community, and I look forward to guiding these students in faith, hard work, and love.”

Hobbies/Interests:
Going to concerts with family, traveling to new places, attending sporting events, and spending time with her son, Rhodes.

Lori Schierts — Social Emotional Counselor

Before Miege:
Counselor for 15 years, most recently serving as the school counselor at Sacred Heart of Jesus in Shawnee for six years

Why Miege:
“I am excited to begin this new chapter and work alongside high school students as they navigate these important years of growth and development.”

Hobbies/Interests:
Spending time with family, playing with grandchildren, running, exploring nature, making rosaries, and volunteering at her parish

Hailey Skinner — Theology Teacher

Before Miege:
Completed a Master’s in Theology at the University of Notre Dame through the Echo Program while teaching theology in Salt Lake City, Utah

Why Miege:
“I’m excited to join the Miege Community because I love teaching! I love the art of teaching and being in the classroom, so I can’t wait to keep doing that at Miege next year.”

Hobbies/Interests:
Camping, spending time outdoors, baking, volleyball, and pickleball

Taylor Urbanek — Band Director

Before Miege:
Graduated from UMKC with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education with an instrumental emphasis and completed student teaching in the Olathe and Shawnee Mission school districts

Why Miege:
“I’m excited to join the close-knit family environment that Bishop Miege offers where we can all grow as students, teachers, and people.”

Hobbies/Interests:
Cooking, baking, crafting, reading, and knitting.

Ashton Verhulst ’20 — Director of Admissions

Before Miege:
Co-founder of PV Rise youth girls basketball program, Division I student-athlete at the University of Central Florida, and graduate assistant basketball coach

Why Miege:
“I am excited to join the Miege community because I attended Bishop Miege and cannot wait to get back involved in the unmatched atmosphere and culture of the school that shaped me into the person and woman and Christ I am today. I am also ready to have that same positive and life-changing impact on the past, present, and future students at Miege within my new position as Director of Admissions.”

Hobbies/Interests:
Reading, being outdoors, cooking, baking, crafts, DIY projects, and spending time with friends and family

Sarah Wendt — Assistant Principal

Before Miege:
Assistant principal at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic School

Why Miege:
“I have developed many wonderful connections to Miege over the years through coaching volleyball and teaching future Stags as seventh and eighth graders. The school embodies the faith, service, and excellence that I look for as an educator and as a parent. I can’t wait to join this beautiful community!”

Hobbies/Interests:
Reading, cooking, watching movies, listening to live music, and playing games and sports of all kinds

We’re proud to welcome these talented educators to Bishop Miege to provide your students the best education in Kansas City. Please join us in helping them feel at home as they begin this new chapter in our classrooms and community! 

“Instruct the wise, and they become still wiser; teach the just, and they advance in learning.”  Proverbs 9:9