Our Team
ADMINISTRATION
Chris Lynch, President
Chris has over 30 years experience in the automotive and telecommunications industries with Continental Automotive, Ford Motor Company, and Motorola. His career has taken him frequently to Europe and, due to his Spanish fluency, throughout Latin America, including a long term assignment in Mexico. Chris brings us deep business acumen and a history of mission driven efforts providing assistance and support to children and families globally as well as right here in Southwest Detroit. After receiving his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, Chris earned an MBA from Thunderbird, located in Glendale, Arizona. Chris and his wife Ruth — whom he met while working in Guayaquil, Ecuador — have three children; Alexa Grace, Nora Elena and Liam Christopher.
Nicole Gize, Director of Development
A native of Detroit, Nicole Gize has worked in nonprofit fundraising, strategic planning, and corporate sales for more than 25 years. She has a passion for asking questions, building relationships, solving problems, and strategically connecting people from a variety of backgrounds — ethnic groups, students, corporate leaders, and philanthropists.
Over the course of her career Nicole has grown revenue, expanded fundraising and “friendraising,” as well as increased brand awareness for a variety of organizations. Her experience includes directing southeast Michigan alumni relations for Northwood University, overseeing fundraising and strategic partnerships for Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation, and managing agency accounts for WDIV and CBS Radio. She graduated from Northwood University., with a B.A. in Management and Minor in Advertising. Nicole is an active member of the southeast Michigan Lebanese community and the Detroit Athletic Club, having served on the Communications & Community Outreach Committees.
Rosa Gutierrez, Assistant to the President
Mrs. Gutierrez joined Detroit Cristo Rey in 2013 and has faithfully served as the Assistant to the President.
Mrs. Gutierrez joined Detroit Cristo Rey in 2013 and has faithfully served as the Assistant to the President.
Karla Gudino, Principal
Karla Gudiño grew up in Southwest Detroit. She earned her Bachelor's degree and teaching certificate from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2008. She majored in mathematics and minored in psychology. Karla's dream was to teach in the neighborhood where she was raised. Fortunately, there was an opening at Detroit Cristo Rey High School, and she was offered a job in the Math department. Karla has been with us since May 2009. She has taught mathematics to all grade levels for over nine years. She was promoted to Assistant Principal in 2019 and soon enrolled at Oakland University to earn a Master of Education in Educational Leadership. She is currently serving as the Interim Principal.
Karla Gudiño grew up in Southwest Detroit. She earned her Bachelor's degree and teaching certificate from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2008. She majored in mathematics and minored in psychology. Karla's dream was to teach in the neighborhood where she was raised. Fortunately, there was an opening at Detroit Cristo Rey High School, and she was offered a job in the Math department. Karla has been with us since May 2009. She has taught mathematics to all grade levels for over nine years. She was promoted to Assistant Principal in 2019 and soon enrolled at Oakland University to earn a Master of Education in Educational Leadership. She is currently serving as the Interim Principal.
Pamela Jackson, Vice President of Operations and Sales, CWSP
Pamela Jackson is The Director of Sales for Detroit Cristo Rey High School and has responsibility for bringing in targeted, year-over-year revenue for the business to operate effectively and to ensure long-term growth and sustainability within the Corporate Work Study Program. A native Detroiter, Pamela attended the University of Detroit College earning her Bachelors degree and Central Michigan University for her Master's Degree. She has had numerous job experiences all in a sales capacity including working for Compuware, IBM, and American Express. Pamela loves entertaining, urban gardening and cooking for a healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Payton Jackson III, Assistant Principal
Mr. Jackson received his bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Masters in Social Work from Wayne State University, and a Master of Education in School Leadership from Grand Canyon University. Mr. Jackson has over 20 years of experience with working in various public high schools and in the community with assisting young people to excel both academically and socially. Recognizing and cultivating the strengths of young people are his priorities.
Lori Kuhn, CFO/Administration
Ms. Kuhn has over 30 years of experience in strategic planning, sales, finance, program management, and supply chain management spanning the aerospace and automotive industries. She recently retired as VP-Chrysler Business Unit from a leading Tier One automotive supplier to pursue a personal goal of joining a non-profit organization. She is elated and feels very blessed that her path led to Detroit Cristo Rey. In her role on the leadership team, she hopes to make a positive contribution to the growth and success of the students by utilizing her business knowledge and passion for education to help the school reach its academic and organizational goals. She is a graduate of the State University of New York (B.S. Computer Science). Her hobbies include running, gardening, and traveling. She is a member of the Alzheimer’s Association - Greater Michigan Chapter, Board of Directors, is part of the DREAM (Dreams Realized Through Education and Mentoring) Mentoring program at a local charity and is an active church member in the church she grew up in – serving as Treasurer for several years and teaching Sunday School to 4th and 5th graders for the past 15 years.
Ms. Kuhn has over 30 years of experience in strategic planning, sales, finance, program management, and supply chain management spanning the aerospace and automotive industries. She recently retired as VP-Chrysler Business Unit from a leading Tier One automotive supplier to pursue a personal goal of joining a non-profit organization. She is elated and feels very blessed that her path led to Detroit Cristo Rey. In her role on the leadership team, she hopes to make a positive contribution to the growth and success of the students by utilizing her business knowledge and passion for education to help the school reach its academic and organizational goals. She is a graduate of the State University of New York (B.S. Computer Science). Her hobbies include running, gardening, and traveling. She is a member of the Alzheimer’s Association - Greater Michigan Chapter, Board of Directors, is part of the DREAM (Dreams Realized Through Education and Mentoring) Mentoring program at a local charity and is an active church member in the church she grew up in – serving as Treasurer for several years and teaching Sunday School to 4th and 5th graders for the past 15 years.
Ines G. Leal, Director of Admissions
Ms. Leal was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She moved to Detroit as a teenager and graduated from Cranbrook-Kingswood. Ms. Lealwent on to Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts where she received a B.A. in International Relations with a minor in Sociology. Prior to her time at Detroit Cristo Rey, Ms. Leal spent time abroad teaching in Michoacan, Mexico, doing paralegal work in New York City and later became a private tutor to low income students in New York City through Champion Learning. Her time with these students inspired her to continue her work in the Detroit community. Ms. Leal hopes to guide as many students as possible to start their journey at Detroit Cristo Rey and continue to the college of their choice.
Ms. Leal was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She moved to Detroit as a teenager and graduated from Cranbrook-Kingswood. Ms. Lealwent on to Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts where she received a B.A. in International Relations with a minor in Sociology. Prior to her time at Detroit Cristo Rey, Ms. Leal spent time abroad teaching in Michoacan, Mexico, doing paralegal work in New York City and later became a private tutor to low income students in New York City through Champion Learning. Her time with these students inspired her to continue her work in the Detroit community. Ms. Leal hopes to guide as many students as possible to start their journey at Detroit Cristo Rey and continue to the college of their choice.
FACULTY & STAFF
Jeremy Alexander, Faculty, Theology and Campus Ministry
Jeremy Alexander, Faculty, Theology and Campus Ministry
Pauline Anderson, Faculty, College Counseling
Pauline has been with Detroit Cristo Rey since the very beginning - literally! She started as a freshman in 2008, when the school first opened its doors to students, and graduated with the school's first seniors in 2012. Pauline went on to study Psychology and Philosophy at Wayne State University as a part of the Irvin D. Reid's Honors College and graduated with her B.S. in 2017. After two years of teaching English to university students in Wuhan, China, Pauline returned to Detroit with a renewed passion for helping students in her hometown reach new, educational heights. As the college counselor, Pauline works closely with seniors and their families to bring ease and joy to the college application process - everything from making a college list, applying to schools, and getting Financial Aid. In her spare time, Pauline takes classes through UCLA's extension online to become a fully-certified college counselor by 2024.
Maddi Baker, Faculty, Math
Maddi Baker graduated from Taylor University (B.A. Mathematics Education, Minor Spanish). She moved to Detroit after teaching in the Dominican Republic and Indianapolis, and began working at DCR in 2020. She loves DCR’s mission and feels passionate about engaging students in math through problem solving and understanding. As the Math Department Chair, she is excited to help create a cohesive and rigorous college-prep curriculum. Maddi is also coaching boys and girls soccer at DCR.
Vanessa Brooks, Custodian
Joe Bryant, Faculty, Mathematics
I've always been a problem solver and love seeing patterns in numbers. I have a degree from both Albion College and University of Detroit - Mercy. My gifts are to make math accessible to all students. You will probably see me in the classroom analyzing Algebra or Geometry problems!
I've always been a problem solver and love seeing patterns in numbers. I have a degree from both Albion College and University of Detroit - Mercy. My gifts are to make math accessible to all students. You will probably see me in the classroom analyzing Algebra or Geometry problems!
Michael Cleary, Faculty, PE/Wellness
Michael Cleary grew up in Metro Detroit (New Boston, MI) and currently lives in Oakland County. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Siena Heights University in Adrian, MI with a Major in English and a Minor in Physical Education. While at Siena Heights, he was a part of the collegiate Golf and Lacrosse teams. He then earned his MFA in Writing from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO. This is Michael's 2nd year at Cristo Rey as the Wellness/Physical Education teacher. In his free time he enjoys reading, writing, golfing, and playing hockey.
LaRonn Davis, Maintenance and Janitorial Custodian
Mackenzie Deck, Development Officer
Mackenzie Deck is a graduate of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, with a degree in English Literature. While in college, she volunteered with the Prison Creative Arts Project, facilitating a photography workshop for incarcerated persons. Mackenzie joins our Development Department with experience from her time at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, and she is very excited to be part of the Cristo Rey Network! Outside of work, Mackenzie enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with family.
Timothy Devine, Faculty, Language Arts
James Dwyer, Faculty, Latin
Mr. Dwyer is a graduate of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (BA in Latin and History, 2011). He has spent his entire teaching career at Detroit Cristo Rey, and he has enjoyed every minute of it. He loves teaching students about the ancient world and imparting to students the importance of understanding the past in order to inform our understanding of the present. Mr. Dwyer also encourages students to take on leadership roles outside of the classroom in extracurricular activities like the Student Council and the Circle of Support, Detroit Cristo Rey's Student-Led Immigration Justice group. Mr. Dwyer also helps coach the DCR Softball team, and he keeps score at volleyball and basketball games. He recently completed his MA in Language Learning at Wayne State University (2020).
Jeanette Echols, Staff, Driver
Maison Gappy, Faculty, Theology
Areli Garcia, Finance & Business Manager
Ms. Garcia works in the business office along with the CFO as the Financial & Business Analyst. She is a graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy in which she received a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration 13’. She lived most of her life in the same Southwest Detroit community where Detroit Cristo Rey High School is located. She is also 1 of 4 Spanish translators in the building, to which she works closely with these families to attend their every need. She loves the work that she does at the school since it is enriching Southwest’s population and providing a bright future for our up and coming generations. She hopes to continue her work at Detroit Cristo Rey for years to come.
Ms. Garcia works in the business office along with the CFO as the Financial & Business Analyst. She is a graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy in which she received a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration 13’. She lived most of her life in the same Southwest Detroit community where Detroit Cristo Rey High School is located. She is also 1 of 4 Spanish translators in the building, to which she works closely with these families to attend their every need. She loves the work that she does at the school since it is enriching Southwest’s population and providing a bright future for our up and coming generations. She hopes to continue her work at Detroit Cristo Rey for years to come.
Laura Garcia, Faculty, English Teacher
Laura Garcia graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy (B.A English, Concentration Education and Minor in History and Spanish) in May 2021. She immigrated from Mexico at the age of one, settled in Southwest Detroit, and has lived here ever since. Detroit is Laura's home, and she believes that educating future generations is the best way that she can contribute to the growth of her community. She is committed to helping students develop values, new perspectives, and skills through the study of literature while simultaneously nurturing a classroom culture that welcomes her students to voice their opinions and engage in inquiry.
Carina Garza, Faculty, Alumni Coordinator
A 2017 Detroit Cristo Rey graduate, Carina returned to be the Alumni Coordinator. She graduated from Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, IN, double majored in History and Humanistic Studies, and minored in Spanish. Carina is also a current student at Wayne State University, working towards her Master's in Library and Information Science. She came back because of her passion for helping DCR alumni get to, through, and beyond college. If alumni are in need of any help, Carina is here! She offers multiple events throughout the year to keep alumni engagement prospering, including fall local alumni dinners and the annual end-of-summer BBQ event. Alumni are also able to participate in programs such as a mentorship program to allow recent DCR graduates to have an experienced alum to help them while navigating their first year of college.
Ron Gilliam, Staff, Driver
Anna Guzman, Assistant to the Principal
Mrs. Guzman was born in Fort Worth, Texas and raised in Southwest Detroit, attending Holy Redeemer High School until it closed in 2005. After graduating from Cesar Chavez High School, Mrs. Guzman received her medical assistant certificate from Everest Institute. Mrs. Guzman has been with Detroit Cristo Rey High School as the Administrative Assistant to the Principal since 2008. Mrs. Guzman enjoys working in the neighborhood in which she grew up and supporting the students and their families through assistance with translation. Having gone to Catholic school herself, and as a mother who plans to send her children to DCR, Mrs. Guzman sees DCR as a unique resource for parents like her who value a Catholic school education.
Mrs. Guzman was born in Fort Worth, Texas and raised in Southwest Detroit, attending Holy Redeemer High School until it closed in 2005. After graduating from Cesar Chavez High School, Mrs. Guzman received her medical assistant certificate from Everest Institute. Mrs. Guzman has been with Detroit Cristo Rey High School as the Administrative Assistant to the Principal since 2008. Mrs. Guzman enjoys working in the neighborhood in which she grew up and supporting the students and their families through assistance with translation. Having gone to Catholic school herself, and as a mother who plans to send her children to DCR, Mrs. Guzman sees DCR as a unique resource for parents like her who value a Catholic school education.
Chenetta Hairston, Front Desk
Ms. Hairston joined the Detroit Cristo Rey team as the front desk receptionist in 2014. She has dedicated herself to ensuring that students, staff, and faculty are kept safe. She enjoys keeping everyone informed of Detroit Cristo Rey news, events and student achievements by maintaining the school's digital communications. She especially enjoys watching students grow each year and move on to a new chapter in their lives.
Regina Harris, Director of Operations and Training, CWSP
Andre Hearn, Janitorial Custodian
Andre Hearn, Janitorial Custodian
Matthew Hynes, Faculty, Computer Applications
After attending a small high school in the middle of the state, I went to Central Michigan University where I received a Bachelors of Science in Education degree with a focus in Business Education and History. I also have a Masters degree in Educational Technology from Grand Valley State University. This is my second year at Detroit Cristo Rey where I get the chance to work with seniors to create the school’s yearbook. Outside of school I enjoy playing golf, watching sports, and hanging out with my family.
Jill Kress, Faculty, Student Enrichment Coordinator
Ms. Kress is happy to be at Detroit Cristo Rey High School after several years working in campus and young adult ministry. A native of Pittsburgh, PA, Ms. Kress first moved to Detroit as a Jesuit Volunteer and has remained in the city ever since! She enjoys working with students to help them identify their passion and interests and help them be ready for college and life post-high school through matching them with after-school and summer enrichment programs. Ms. Kress holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Millersville University of Pennsylvania and master’s degrees from Catholic Theological Union and the University of Chicago.
Mr. Kreucher began at Detroit Cristo Rey as Campus Minister in 2015 and has worked for the last three years as a theology teacher. He attended Hope College, earning a BA in Religion and later Sacred Heart Major Seminary, earning an MA in Theology. He believes that the potential for success is in all students and it is the job of teachers and parents in cooperation to draw it out and make it a reality. His goal as a teacher is to have a lasting, positive effect on young people and their faith, especially towards forming a personal relationship with God.
Andrew Kummer, Faculty, College Readiness 11
Andrew Kummer is new to DCR this year and very excited to be a part of the DCR mission! Mr. Kummer is a graduate of Western Michigan University, where he completed a B.A. in Secondary Education and English, and Central Michigan University, where he completed a M.A. in Educational Technology. As a student who often struggled to find strategies and tools to be successful in the classroom, Mr. Kummer has a passion for helping students find unique strategies and tools that will help them in high school, college, and beyond. Mr. Kummer firmly believes in the ability of all learners to grow and develop, and is committed to inspiring a new generation of life-long learners.
Brittany Lovin, Senior Program Manager
Pairadeau Mars, Faculty, Math and Science
Alex Martinez, Parking Lot Security
Ann McGowan, Faculty, Science
Ms. Ann McGowan came to Detroit Cristo Rey High School in 2013 as a student teacher the science department. She has since graduated from the University of Phoenix (MAeD secondary education instruction, 2014). During her tenure at Detroit Cristo Rey, Ms. McGowan has been integral in the development of an A.P. Environmental Science course and a competitive FIRST robotics program. In addition to teaching the A.P. Environmental Science course she helps the students understand the basics of chemistry and physics. She strives to use real world examples in her teaching to help bring the content to life for her students. Prior to coming to Detroit Cristo Rey she was a member of the educational staff at Cranbrook Institute of Science for five years coordinating the outreach and scout programs in addition to the development and implementation of a variety of life sciences classes for the museum. Her undergrad work was completed at the University of Michigan - Dearborn (B.S. Biology, Minor in chemistry, 2002). While a student at the University of Michigan she discovered her passion for the environment as a student ambassador for the Environmental Interpretive Center. She continues to explore that passion with her family while exploring the beauty of her native state, Michigan.
Luke Miller, Director of Operations
Elvia Murga-Zeno, Faculty, Freshmen Counselor
Mrs. Elvia joined Detroit Cristo Rey in September 2021 as the Freshman Counselor. Mrs. Elvia was born in Mexicali, B.C, Mexico and immigrated to California when she was eight years old. She grew up in Calexico, CA, a small rural city which borders Mexico, where she developed an interest in human rights and social advocacy. She is passionate about mental health equity and has spent the past 6 years working with the Latinx community providing mental health services. Mrs. Elvia obtained a B.S. in Psychology and a M.S. in Counseling from San Diego State University. In her free time, Mrs. Elvia enjoys gardening, community organizing, traveling, and spending time with her husband and their two dogs, Akuma and Luna.
Brandon Peoples, Athletic Director and Dean of Students
Brandon Peoples was born and raised in Detroit, MI. He is a graduate of Holy Redeemer High School. After high school he attended Grand Valley State University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management. He continued his education at Wayne State University and earned his Master’s Degree in Sports Administration. After college Brandon worked as a Site Coordinator for Wayne State’s V.A.C. (Volunteers, Administrators, Coaches) Training Program where his duties included instructing self-esteem centered football and baseball camps for children from Metro Detroit. His work with the V.A.C. Program developed his desire and passion to work with youth sports. Brandon works as the Athletic Director and Admissions Officer at Detroit Cristo Rey. He also serves as the Varsity Boys Basketball Coach. Brandon prides himself on Discipline; Pride; Respect; Character; Commitment; Integrity and Responsibility which is his professional philosophy when it comes to Athletics at Detroit Cristo Rey.
Dr. Matthew Pfaff, Faculty, Latin
Dr. Pfaff joined the teaching staff at Detroit Cristo Rey in 2019. He is a graduate of Wayne State University (BA in English and Classics, Greek and Latin) and University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (PhD, Comparative Literature), where he had the opportunity to teach courses in composition and the classics to a wide range of students. He is a master laser tagger and a devoted writer, and has published articles, poems, and translations in various magazines and journals. In addition, he has never lost a thumb war. He looks forward to seeing all that his students will go on to accomplish.
Sarah Porter, Faculty, US and AP History
Maria Rangel Faculty, Math
Kimberly Redigan, Director of Campus Ministry
Kim was born in Detroit and grew up downriver. She is thrilled to return to the corner of Vernor and Junction as DCR’s Director of Campus Ministry. Kim taught English and Social Justice at Holy Redeemer High School for ten years and then moved fulltime into Theology at University of Detroit Jesuit High School for the past 18 years. Kim graduated from the University of Michigan-Dearborn with a B.A. in English and holds masters degrees in Religious Studies and Social Justice from University of Detroit Mercy and Marygrove College. She believes that education extends beyond the walls of the building and that the world is waiting for the gifts our students have to offer. When she is not at school, Kim volunteers as a nonviolence trainer and advocates for safe, affordable water. She has done human rights work in the Middle East and Mexico and has served on many local violence de-escalation teams. She looks forward to walking with and learning from the Wolves here at Detroit Cristo Rey.
Sydney Redigan, Faculty, English
Ms. Redigan excitedly joined Detroit Cristo Rey High School after receiving her Master of Arts in Teaching at Wayne State University and working as a long-term substitute teacher with Dearborn Public Schools. As a native Detroiter and a Catholic school graduate, she believes strongly in the Cristo Rey philosophy and is thrilled to have found employment at Detroit Cristo Rey. Ms. Redigan enjoys working with her students to not only prepare them for college, but to also create opportunities for self-expression, critical thinking, and exploration of cultural knowledge. Ms. Redigan previously worked for six years as a Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the Wayne State University College of Engineering, gaining experience in writing, editing, and publishing. In addition to her teaching degree, she also has a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in film and media studies from Wayne State University.
Mark Renas, Faculty, Social Studies
Mark Renas is one of the newest Social Studies Teachers at the school. This is his first year teaching at Detroit Cristo Rey High School, but he has taught in Catholic Schools for three years. He earned his B.S. from Wayne State University in Secondary Education with a focus on Group Social Studies and minored in Political Science. Mr. Renas has previously coached boys basketball and track at the middle school level. In his free time he enjoys jogging, reading, and traveling up north A fun fact about Mr. Renas is that he is a baseball fanatic.
Hillary Sesi, Director of School Counseling
Hillary Sesi joined Detroit Cristo Rey in September 2014 as the school guidance counselor. Ms. Sesi received her bachelors degree in social work from Oakland University and her masters in social work from Wayne State University. During her undergrad, she interned at a domestic violence/sexual assault shelter answering the crisis line and completing shelter intakes. Ms. Sesi spent her gap year before grad school working at an elementary school working one-on-one with students that have autism, creating and implementing behavior plans. Ms. Sesi completed her grad school internship as a clinical social worker at a hospital, she was very interested in the medical world but realized she was passionate about working in education. Volunteering at her church's youth group lead her to pursuing a career in high school education. As the counselor, Ms. Sesi provides emotional and social support to students, as well as assisting them with academic goals and motivation.
Brian Shinn, Faculty, Science
Mr. Brian Shinn teaches Biology and Anatomy/Physiology, he will be beginning his third year at Detroit Cristo Rey High School. Detroit Cristo Rey has been “ one of the most rewarding experiences in his teaching career”. Prior to teaching at Detroit Cristo Rey Mr. Shinn taught at Southgate Aquinas, River Rouge High School and Allen Park Cabrini High School for a total of 22 years. Mr. Shinn graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a bachelor of Science degree with a major in history and Biology. He returned to Eastern Michigan University and received his Master of Arts degree in History. Mr. Shinn has also attended University of Michigan Dearborn to complete a degree in General Science. His hobbies include Golfing, Bowling and attending sporting events. Mr. Shinn lives in Allen Park with his wife Patricia.
Richard Straksys, Staff, Transportation Associate
Rose Thomas, Faculty, College Counseling
Rose is a graduate of Michigan State University, with a degree in Kinesiology, and a minor in Health Promotion. She will be continuing her education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Rose serves as the Michigan State University college advisor, a role that Detroit Cristo Rey has held for over a decade. She specifically enjoys being of assistance to students matriculating into their post-secondary careers!
Sharana Wier-Brown, Faculty, Art