Dr . Thomas checking in on a classroom
Do you have any hobbies ? I love to cook , I love to boat , and I thoroughly love spending time with my family .
What is the last book you read ? Building a Bridge , Fr . James Martin and Excellence Dividend , Tom Peters .
If you could travel anywhere in the world , where would it be and why ? South Africa . I wrote an online Educational Psychology course for JC : HEM and it was used in South Africa . The stories of the students who took the course were so inspiring that I want to meet them . I want to know how they get the drive to overcome barriers and find their voice to make their community a better place , one student at a time .
What was your favorite subject in school ? Math and art . Math challenged me ; art calmed me .
Tell us about your family . I am married to Brian Thomas , we have 14-year-old twins ( Emma and Owen ) and a 13-year-old son ( Aidan ). We live in Miamitown on the west side of Cincinnati . We enjoy kayaking and camping and simple family dinners .
Favorite flavor of ice cream ? Peanut butter !
What can always make you smile ? My kids !
Favorite sports team ? FC Cincinnati
Of what accomplishment are you most proud ? I think that I have been fortunate to experience several amazing accomplishments . But , as I think about this past year , I am most proud of the fact that I made it through , and thoroughly enjoyed , our SUA / GAA pep assemblies . Now that is an accomplishment ! Dr . Thomas , with Ms . Backherms ’ 74 , Mr . Stickel and Mr .
Strubbe , “ Twist and Shout ” like the Beatles .
Sara Utecht : Next Assistant Principal for Student Affairs
Welcome Sara Utecht as the next Assistant Principal for Student Affairs . Sara is currently serving as SUA ’ s Counseling Director , and is beloved by the students and families she serves . Sara will begin in her new role July 1 .
Sara is a product of local , Catholic education , graduating Magna Cum Laude and as an Honors Program Graduate from the College of Mount St . Joseph , 2002 . She has a degree in Communication Arts and Pastoral Ministering and a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling .
As Director of Counseling here at SUA , she works with freshman and sophomore students using skills of leadership , advocacy and collaboration to promote student wellness and growth . This experience will assist Sara in developing student programming that supports leadership , service , inclusion and development of the whole person .
Among other duties , Sara will also be responsible for developing and coordinating co-curricular programming that is student centered and promotes community building . She is already involved in the development and creation of various meaningful programs including : Comprehensive Counseling Curriculum aligned with ASCA Standards , Parent Education Series , Sophomore Small Group Counseling , and the YouScience Summer Workshop , to name a few .