Faculty & Staff Changes for '26-'27

Read below as we say farewell to faculty and staff members who are leaving Notre Dame, and offer a warm welcome to those joining the Notre Dame family. We are grateful for the impact of those who have served our students and school community, and we look forward with excitement to the new faces who will help carry our mission forward.

Faculty & Staff Departures

Meg Garner
Meg Garner (’93) will be leaving Notre Dame to return to counseling after three years as the school’s director of enrollment. She recently reobtained her LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) and will be providing counseling services at a community agency in Cape Girardeau.

Stepping into the newly created role of director of enrollment, she helped establish the school’s enrollment efforts while also acting as the advisor for student ambassadors, parent ambassadors and the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy. She helped lead Bible studies, participated in retreats, and assisted with music ministry for school liturgies.

“Leaving is bittersweet. It was my intent when I took this job that I would be here until I retired. But the Lord has made it very clear to me that this is not where I’m supposed to be. I’m excited and at peace with where He’s leading me, but at the same time there are so many things I’ll miss. I’ve worked with teenagers in some capacity for 25 years, most of that time being at Notre Dame,” she said, “I will greatly miss the day-to-day interactions, connections, the relationships that develop, the opportunities to share our faith and to help others know and love Jesus. I will miss seeing our students succeed and witnessing their joy in life. I will miss hearing, ‘Hey, Mrs. Garner!’ in the halls and just being a part of their lives in general.”

She also says she’ll miss visiting our elementary schools and creating relationships with their principals, as well as helping guide prospective and new families in the enrollment process.

“It has truly been an honor to know, love and serve the people of Notre Dame,” she said.
Mary Beth Green
Mary Beth Green (’11) will not be returning for the 2026-2027 school year, as she has taken a job with Drury Southwest drafting plans for the hotels.

For the 11 years Green has worked at Notre Dame, she has taught in the Science Department, teaching freshman physics, Advanced Physics, Physical Science, Chemistry and Robotics. Over the years, she has been involved with Glamorous Girls of God (now WinGs), Science Club, the robotics team, archery and managing the school’s fish tanks.

“I had the privilege of teaching Mary Beth,” said Unterreiner, “and having her back here at Notre Dame for the past 11 years has been incredibly special. She has a true love for the mission of our school, along with a passion for physics and our robotics program. Her impact on students and her enthusiasm for learning have made a lasting difference, and her time here will always be cherished.”

She says she is going to miss the daily interactions with students, and her lunch table. Some of her favorite memories are playing UNO and Heads Up with the robotics team on their state trip, and her Advanced Physics class throwing her a surprise baby shower.

If she had to choose one favorite memory from her time at Notre Dame, it’s participating in World Youth Day. “It was amazing getting to see the faith of our students as we traveled together to see Fatima, a Eucharistic Miracle in Santarem, and getting to have mass with 1.5 million Catholic Youth and Pope Francis.”
Alexana Gremaud
Alexana Gremaud has served in the Notre Dame Counseling Office for six years, providing comprehensive support, academic and post-secondary planning, and social/emotional guidance to our students. Additionally, she has been part of the ASAP team, Peer Helpers program, strategic planning committee, and a coach for the girls volleyball program.

Coaching volleyball was something I never expected to have the opportunity to do, and I am so grateful for the three seasons I was able to be a part of,” said Gremaud. “It allowed me to connect with students on a different level and see them grow and succeed outside of the classroom. I will also always value the coaching staff I worked with, who helped me grow not only professionally but also in my role as a coach.”

Gremaud will be moving on to Scott City High School to be school counselor, and says she’s excited for the next chapter in her career; however, she will miss her students and the relationships she’s built with her coworkers. “The support from the faculty has meant so much to me, and it has truly helped shape me into the counselor I’ve become over the past six years. I will always be grateful for that.”

When asked what her favorite memory from Notre Dame is, she said it’s hard to choose just one. She highlights big wins and postseason moments in volleyball, and being part of the Kairos retreats. Mostly, she says “it’s the small, everyday moments, the daily wins and the constant support from those around me, that have made my experience here so memorable.”

“Alexana and I have grown into our roles at Notre Dame at the same time,” said Unterreiner, “and it has been special to see her develop into the counselor she is today. What stands out most is her constant mindset of ‘How can I help?’ and the care she has for each student and what they are going through. We are saying goodbye not only to a trusted professional, but to a friend who has been a true asset to our school community.”
Brian Holland
After serving Notre Dame Regional High School since September 2023, Brian Holland is retiring from his role as Director of Facilities. He began his time at ND as assistant maintenance director before stepping into the newly created facilities position during the transition to the president/principal model. In that role, he has helped oversee facility management, bus maintenance, outdoor spaces, insurance coordination, contracts, and the many day-to-day needs that come with keeping a school running smoothly.

While his next chapter will include a variety of activities such as part-time work, lawn care, delivering flowers, golf, gardening, hunting, cooking and house projects, he says he will not be disappearing from Notre Dame completely. Whether helping care for the flowers out front or stopping by to lend a hand, his connection to the ND family will continue.

Reflecting on his time at Notre Dame, he shared, “When I came to work here, I was welcomed into the family, and while I feel there is so much more, I have experienced the true Spirit of this institution.”

He said he will miss the people, the spirituality, the laughter, and the many daily moments that made Notre Dame special. Though he humbly describes himself as “a tiny blip in the timeline,” we are grateful for the care, dedication, and steady presence he has shared with Notre Dame during his time here.
Renee' Peters
After 19 years of serving Notre Dame as a teacher and coach, Renee’ Peters is retiring, leaving behind a legacy rooted in faith, family and joyful dedication to students. During her time at ND, she led the girls basketball program to a Final Four appearance, taught a wide range of math courses, and made a lasting impact on generations of students and athletes, including her own children who are Notre Dame graduates. As she steps into a new season of life as a grandmother, Peters reflects on a career shaped by meaningful relationships and a deep love for the Notre Dame community. Read more about Peters here.
Dave Sanders
For 25 years, Dave Sanders has worked behind the scenes to make Notre Dame shine. A 1979 graduate, Dave has served as a night janitor and floor care expert, taking pride in keeping our school clean, safe and ready for students each day. As he prepares to retire this summer, Dave leaves behind a legacy of quiet service, dedication and Bulldog pride. His care for Notre Dame has been seen in everything from spotless floors to secured doors, and his impact will be felt long after his last day. Read more about him here.
Crystal Smith
Crystal Smith has served as the athletic administrative assistant for the past two years. She will be going back into teaching for the 2026-2027 school year as a first grade teacher at Immaculate Conception in Jackson.

Smith has been responsible for assisting Athletic Director Jeff Graviett with Athletic Department operations, including gate, concessions, volunteer management and communication with coaches. She was also responsible for ticketing and registration for all events and camps.

While she says she’s excited to be working with kids again on a daily basis, she is going to miss work alongside Graviett and the Notre Dame coaches. “I am amazed by their dedication to their teams and the students. I will miss seeing first hand everything they put into the athletic program at ND and making it what it is.” 

She says her favorite memories of her time at Notre Dame are during Homecoming Week. “The students go above and beyond!”

“Even though her time here was brief, Crystal made a huge difference in our department,” said Graviett. “She stepped into the chaos of athletics and not only survived, but thrived, keeping us organized and on track. More importantly, her fun and happy spirit made every day a ‘good’ day. I’m sad to see her leave, but I’m excited for her next chapter. IC is gaining a good one.”
Matt Vollink
After 24 years of teaching and coaching at Notre Dame, Matt Vollink (’97) has taken a job at Drury Southwest in their real estate division.

Vollink started coaching soccer in the spring of 2002, and came on full-time as a teacher in the fall of 2003. He taught World History, Philosophy and Theology, and coached both boys and girls soccer. He was on the coaching staff for the 2006 and 2007 boys, and 2019 girls, state championship soccer teams.

He also took student groups on beginner mountaineering trips to Alaska, Utah and Washington over several summers.

Graviett says Vollink’s impact on the soccer program has been profound.

“While the goal of any coach is to leave a program better than they found it, Matt took an already elite tradition and elevated it even further. Under his leadership, Notre Dame soccer cemented its reputation as a statewide powerhouse, largely due to his willingness to test our athletes against the toughest competition in Missouri year after year,” said Graviett. “He is universally respected and loved by players, parents, opposing coaches, and officials. He is truly one of the ‘good guys’ in the coaching ranks. Because of the incredible foundation Matt has laid, Notre Dame soccer is positioned to remain a premier program for years to come.”

“Matt has been vital to our Social Studies Department and has also served our Theology Department as a faithful Catholic man our students can relate to,” said Unterreiner. “He has poured his heart and soul into this place, both in the classroom and as the leader of our soccer program. What I will miss most about Matt is the way he treated every student with dignity and how he led young men with honor through a Catholic lens.”

There’s a lot Vollink says he will miss, mainly, “teaching, coaching, and all the wonderful people I get to work with. Most of all I will miss the wonderful students that have had a huge impact on my life. I had heard the saying about you learn more from your students than you teach your students. I think that is true. Thank you to all of the students who have changed me and made me a better person.”

New Faculty & Staff for 2026-2027

Jacob Campbell
Jacob Campbell will be joining the Notre Dame faculty teaching Government, Psychology and Current Events, in addition to being an assistant coach for the school’s new football program.

“Jake is deeply mission-driven, and it was clear from the start that he wanted to be part of Notre Dame,” said Principal Paul Unterreiner. “His passion for Catholic education, combined with his background in social studies and coaching, makes him a great fit for our school.”

Campbell started teaching in 2014 at Althoff Catholic in Belleville, Illinois. He taught Government and Psychology, and was the offensive line coach. He transitioned to the Belleville District 201 Alternative Program in 2019, and then returned to Althoff Catholic five years ago, where he spent time teaching and serving as the Testing Coordinator and a guidance counselor. Campbell continued coaching football at Althoff as the Run Game Coordinator, and was on the coaching staff for the school’s 2024 state championship team.

“I have been enthusiastic about Jake joining our staff since our very first meeting. Sometimes you just have an instinct about a person, and it was immediately clear that he would be an ideal fit, not just for our football program, but for the entire Notre Dame community,” said Graviett. “His deep commitment to his faith, his family, and the development of young people aligns perfectly with our mission. We are excited to have him on campus to establish a new football culture and to integrate his fresh perspectives into our athletic department.”

Campbell graduated from Arkansas State University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Education in Social Studies while playing football. It was there that he met his wife, Jane (Morrill), who is a 2010 graduate of Notre Dame.

“I was drawn to Notre Dame because of its tradition of excellence and the way Jane spoke about her experience as a 2010 graduate,” said Campbell. “I am especially excited to contribute to the school community and be part of building the new football program.

The Campbells have two daughters, Emilia Grace (8) and Lucia Marie (2).
Kalie Compas
Kalie Compas (’21) will be teaching Honors Algebra II, Advanced Math and Geometry next school year, as well as coaching JV cheerleading.

She was born and raised in Cape Girardeau, attending St. Mary’s Cathedral School and Notre Dame Regional High School. After high school, she attended Southeast Missouri State University and earned a degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Mathematics.

After graduating from SEMO in December of 2024, she was hired at Delta RV High School to teach eighth grade Math, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry and Advanced Math/Pre-Calculus.

Compas was active member of the SEMO Cheer team for two years while an undergrad, and currently serves as a graduate assistant for the cheer team while working toward her master’s degree in Teacher Leadership.

She says she chose to work at Notre Dame because of the meaningful experience she had while a student.

“I value the strong sense of community and the way faith is centered in all that we do,” she says. “I am incredibly excited to return to my alma mater and give back to a place that has had such a lasting impact on my life. I am passionate about teaching mathematics and helping students build confidence in their abilities. I look forward to creating a positive and engaging classroom environment where students feel supported and challenged.”

“As an alum, Kalie understands what makes Notre Dame special,” said Unterreiner. “She brings great energy and a clear passion for helping students grow in their understanding of math. Her enthusiasm for teaching and for being back in this building is evident, and we are excited to have her join our faculty.”
Dana Heisserer
Notre Dame will be welcoming Dana Heisserer as a school counselor for the 2026-2027 school year.

“Dana brings a wealth of experience working with students as they navigate the transition from high school to what comes next,” said Unterreiner. “Her knowledge and passion for guiding students in that process will be a tremendous asset. She is truly excited to be here, and we are just as excited to welcome her to Notre Dame.”

Heisserer, who graduated from Oran High School, doubled majored in both Psychology and Fashion Merchandising, and has a Masters of Arts in Guidance and Counseling with an emphasis in Higher Education from Southeast Missouri State University.

While she says being a mom is her most important role, she has dedicated her career to working with students. She spent 20 years as an Academic Advisor at SEMO, and has spent the past four years as the College and Career Advisor at Kelly High School, through a grant-funded position called rootEd.

“My time at SEMO really helped me hone in on the needs of college-bound students,” said Heisserer. “And, my time at Kelly working with high school students has helped me gain valuable insight on how to best prepare students for the next steps after graduation, whether that be military, college or the workforce.”

She says that from her first conversation with Unterreiner, when he expressed the important role counselors play in a high school, she knew Notre Dame was a place she wanted to work.

“As I met more ND staff and spoke with parents and current students, it was very evident how family-oriented Notre Dame is,” she said. “The teachers and staff truly enjoy what they do. They are very committed to student development, and their Catholic faith. I’m also passionate about what I do and the impact I make on each individual student. I am honored to join such a student-focused team of teachers and staff. I can’t wait to be a part of the Notre Dame family, and get to know, and support, each individual student.”

Heisserer lives in Benton, Mo, and has a daughter Allie, who is a junior at SEMO, and twins Anniston and Andrew, who will be seniors in high school. She enjoys reading, playing golf and traveling.
Evan Keesee
Evan Keesee (’15) will be joining the Notre Dame teaching staff in the Foreign Language, Communication Arts and Special Services Departments.
 
She will teach Honors Spanish II, Junior Composition, and will co-teach Spanish III, AP Spanish Language & Culture, and Spanish V this upcoming year. Additionally, she will support students’ educational access as a Resource / ESL teacher.
 
Keesee was born and raised in Kelso, and she comes from a long line of Jansens that have graduated from Notre Dame.
 
“As the next generation of my family enters through the Notre Dame doors, I am so blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of the experience,” she said.
 
Prior to Notre Dame, Keesee taught at Sikeston Senior High as a Spanish I, II, III and IV teacher. She says she loves the human connection and understanding that comes through the learning of new languages and cultures. “I cannot wait to bring this passion into the Notre Dame classroom.”
 
“Evan returns to Notre Dame as an alum with teaching experience and a deep love for Catholic education,” said Unterreiner. “She brings incredible energy and a natural ability to connect with students. As she transitions into a key role in our Foreign Language Department, we are confident her presence will have an immediate and lasting impact on our students.”
 
She feels that working at Notre Dame is a calling. “As a former Notre Dame student, I always felt so welcomed, loved, and challenged by my teachers,” she said. “My morality, rooted in my Notre Dame education, has guided me through my own struggles and has given me the wisdom, kindness, and positivity to be a light for my students. I am honored to be welcomed into a community united under a mission of developing students' mind, body and spirit. Coming back to Notre Dame as a teacher feels like coming back home.”
Scott Kulla
Notre Dame Regional High School is excited to welcome Scott Kulla as the new physics teacher.
 
Kulla and his wife grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and were married shortly after he joined the Army in 1990. They have been married for 35 years and have eight children. Three of their children are connected to Notre Dame: Genevieve and Blaise are alumni, and Kilian is a rising junior. Their two younger sons attend St. Mary Cathedral School.
 
Kulla brings a unique background of military service, education and leadership to the classroom. During his long military career, he served as both an enlisted soldier and an officer. He first deployed to airports following September 11 as a military police officer, and later served an 18-month combat deployment in Iraq, where he helped build a police force. In 2006, he transitioned to the Medical Specialist Corps.
 
During his service, Kulla earned a master’s degree in Education Administration and Exercise Science, as well as a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. For much of the last 15 years, his work has been focused on researching and improving care for amputees and soldiers with burn and traumatic brain injuries. He also managed and led therapeutic clinics around the world before transitioning to education-related assignments in the final years of his military career.
 
“We are excited to welcome Scott Kulla to Notre Dame,” said Unterreiner. “His extensive background in leadership, instruction, and service will bring a unique and valuable perspective to our Physics classroom. Scott’s ability to teach, mentor, and develop others will be a tremendous blessing to our students as he helps them think critically, problem-solve, and see the real-world application of science.”
 
Kulla and his family grew to love Cape Girardeau during his final military assignment, and decided to make it their home after his retirement. They have been members of St. Mary Cathedral since arriving in Cape Girardeau.
 
“I decided to work at Notre Dame because of its great legacy and a desire to contribute to the faith development of young adults,” said Kulla. “Having been personally invested in the ND community for years, I consider it a privilege to mentor students and help equip them with the spiritual and academic foundation needed for their next phase of life.”

Faculty Changes for 2026-2027 School Year

Kirk Boeller 
After coaching girls basketball for the past 16 years, Kirk Boeller (’06) is stepping down. He will continue to serve as Notre Dame’s girls golf coach and the department chair for the P.E. Health Department.

Boeller served as an assistant and JV coach for eight seasons, followed by eight years as the varsity head coach. He amassed a 147-75 record as head coach, leading the program to six district championships and two final four appearances. 

He gives credit to the program’s success to the players, saying he was “very blessed to have incredibly talented girls on all of the teams” he coached. 

He says, “my favorite and absolute best part of my time coaching was the relationships built with girls on the team and their families.”

“Kirk took an already established program and elevated it to the elite statewide level, proving we could compete, and win, at the Class 6 level,” said Athletic Director Jeff Graviett. “To this day, his squad holds our only postseason victory in Class 6, which is a massive achievement for a school our size.

While the pandemic unfortunately cut short what would have been one of the most iconic moments in ND history with both our boys and girls teams headed to the Final Four, Kirk’s legacy is defined by more than just trophies. His greatest strength as a coach was the genuine bond he shared with his players. We are thrilled that Kirk is staying on as our golf coach and look forward to his continued success here at Notre Dame.”
Mary Ha
Mary Ha (’72) will be teaching on a part-time basis for the 2026-2027 school year. She will teach Honors Geometry, French classes, and will co-teach Spanish III, AP Spanish Language & Culture, and Spanish V as the lead teacher alongside new hire and Notre Dame alumni Evan Keesee (’15).

“Mary’s love for Notre Dame is evident in everything she does,” said Unterreiner. “She is a phenomenal teacher, and we are incredibly grateful that she will remain with us in a part-time role. She will continue guiding our French students through the completion of the program with the Class of 2030, while also supporting our Spanish program during this transition. We are blessed to continue to have her in our building and impacting our students.”

New Coaches for 2026-2027 School Year

Chris Harris
Chris Harris joins Notre Dame as the new head coach of the girls basketball program. A former collegiate basketball player and longtime coach, Harris brings more than a decade of playing, training and coaching experience to the program. He is also the founder and director of C5 Skills Academy, where he has worked with hundreds of athletes throughout southeast Missouri and the surrounding region.

“I am thrilled to announce the addition of Coach Harris as our new head girls basketball coach,” said Notre Dame Athletic Director Jeff Graviett. “It is a rare opportunity at the high school level to hire someone who has competed at both the Division 1 and professional levels. Coach Harris brings an immense passion for the game and, most importantly, a deep commitment to developing talent right here in our local community. I am incredibly excited for the future of this program under his leadership.”  

Harris says he is passionate about helping young athletes develop both on and off the court through faith, hard work, discipline and leadership. He is excited to join the Notre Dame community and build a competitive program that reflects the school's commitment to excellence, character and faith. Harris looks forward to investing in the student-athletes and helping them reach their full potential as players, students and young women.

"I am honored to lead the Notre Dame girls basketball program,” said Harris. “Notre Dame has a strong tradition of excellence, and I am excited to build relationships with our players and help them grow both on and off the court. Our goal will be to compete at a high level, represent our school with pride, and create a culture built on hard work, accountability and enthusiasm."
Cord McLaurin
Notre Dame Regional High School is excited to welcome Cord McLaurin as the new head coach of the boys and girls tennis programs.
 
A graduate of Arcadia Valley High School, Cord brings an impressive tennis background to Notre Dame. During his high school career, he posted a 69-14 record, earned All-Conference and All-District honors all four years, was a three-time conference regular season and tournament champion, a three-time district champion, and earned All-State honors in singles three times. He also held top rankings in the St. Louis District/Missouri Valley USTA Section, ranking No. 2 in 18 & under doubles and No. 4 in 18 & under singles.
 
Cord continued his tennis career at Jefferson College, where he was the NJCAA Region 16 singles and doubles champion, qualified for the NJCAA National Tournament in both singles and doubles, and earned All-American Honorable Mention. He later graduated from Arkansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and was named conference Newcomer of the Year.
 
After teaching PE and coaching for three years following college, Cord spent the next 30 years as a national director with two of the largest snack food companies in the world. He is excited to return to coaching, something he always planned to do.
 
“I know that Coach Donna and Coach Linda were tennis coaching legends at ND, and have established an incredible foundation and tradition. I hope with my coaching and past playing experience can take the program to another level,” said Cord.
 
“I am incredibly excited to have Coach McLaurin join our coaching staff,” said Athletic Director Jeff Graviett. “He brings a phenomenal background as a high-level player and deep experience in the tennis world. Our student-athletes are in great hands, and I can't wait to see where he takes the program.” 
 
Cord and his wife, Pam, have been married for 38 years and have two children, Jordan and Callie.
JP Sides

JP Sides is the new head coach for the Notre Dame boys soccer program.

“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Coach Sides to our soccer program,” said Athletic Director Jeff Graviett. “With his proven track record of success at the club level, he is the ideal leader to guide our program into the future. As a school parent, he is already deeply familiar with our community, and he definitely knows the game inside and out.”  

Sides is the founder and president of SEMO Elite FC, which he started in 2011. What began as a single team of eight players has grown into one of the largest youth sports organizations in the region, serving approximately 500 families each season. Over the past 15 years, he has coached well over 1,000 matches while helping develop players and teams at every level of the game.

Since 2022, SEMO Elite FC 11v11 club teams under Sides' leadership have compiled a record of 105-10-13, a win rate of 82.0% and an unbeaten rate of 89.8%, while earning two state championships and two state runner-up finishes. During that same period, SEMO Elite FC teams have captured four state championships and four state runner-up finishes.

A lifelong resident of the Jackson area, Sides graduated from Jackson High School, where he met his wife, Megan. Together they have raised their family in Jackson and have two sons, Bryce and Braxtyn. Bryce is a 2024 graduate of Notre Dame High School, and Braxtyn will be entering his junior year at Notre Dame this fall.

Professionally, Sides has built his career in the automotive industry, but his greatest passion has always been coaching, leadership, and player development. He believes athletics provide a powerful platform for teaching life lessons and helping young people reach their full potential.

"My mission is to serve and support players as they pursue their goals, both on and off the field," said Sides. "I want to help challenge them to become the very best versions of themselves-as athletes, students, leaders and people."

Sides expressed his appreciation to the leadership of Notre Dame for the opportunity to lead the program and looks forward to building upon the school's tradition of excellence while developing the next generation of Bulldog soccer players.
Our mission is to provide a Catholic education that develops each student’s mind, body, and spirit, centered in the teaching mission of Jesus Christ so that when you give us your child, we shall return you an apostle