[Hays, KS, June 26, 2024] TMP-Marian is pleased to announce the new faculty joining the school for the 2024-25 school year.
Father will teach sophomore religion (Old and New Testament) while also being the pastor for St. Joseph Church in Hays.
"Moving back to Hays came as kind of a surprise to me, but I am looking forward to teaching again at TMP-Marian and renewing a lot of friendships that I had made during my previous tenure of 19 years in Ellis County,” Fr. Fred said.
Fr. Brian graduated from KU with a degree in secondary education in 2015. He studied at Conception Seminary and Saint Meinrad Seminary, and was ordained in 2021. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the Hays community,” Fr. Brian said. “I look forward to working with and serving the students and staff at TMP-M.”
Fr. Brian will be active at the school for building relationships with the students, providing access to the sacraments, and guest-instructing in various classrooms. “Fr. Brian will be a great asset in counseling and mentoring students and staff alike,” principal Chad Meitner said.
After obtaining his BS in Secondary Education from Ft. Hays State University (FHSU) in 2002, he began his teaching career at Ransom High School. He also taught at Otis-Bison Jr/Sr High School for 9 years during which he earned his MS in Tech Education in 2010, also from FHSU.
Most recently, Mr. Brown taught 11 years at Ruppenthal Middle and Russell High School as the Career and Tech Education teacher. He will lead TMP-Marian’s new Creative Learning Building, which will include classes and instruction in fabrications, computer aided drafting (CAD), welding, STEM, wood shop, and cross curricular outreach to help other teachers use the new facilities.
“I am excited to teach back at my alma mater and build the Career and Tech Ed (CTE) department,” Brown said. Brown is married to Natalie (Major) ‘99 Brown and has three children AJ ‘24, Avery ‘29, and Nicholas ‘32.
Erika Litson will be the new Biology and general science teacher. Ms. Litson grew up in Centennial, CO. She earned her BS in Chemistry and Humanities from Azusa Pacific University (CA). Awarded the prestigious Noyce Post-Baccalaureate Stipend, Ms. Litson is currently earning her MS in Secondary Science Education from FHSU. She is expected to complete the degree this December.
Ms. Litson is familiar with the TMP-Marian science department and students because she did her student teaching there during the 2024 spring semester. When asked to describe the main element of her teaching style, Ms. Litson cited increasing student critical thinking skills through group projects and problem solving exercises.
She is also a strong advocate for student mental health awareness and advocacy, making it a priority to build strong relationships with her students. “I am very excited to officially join TMP-M and help students grow into the people God intends them to be!” Ms. Litson said. She will also be the co-StuCo advisor with Mrs. Melissa Pinkney for the coming school year.
He and his wife Lori have been married for almost 40 years. Lori was a hospice nurse for most of her career but is now working as a school nurse for Russell. The Maiers have 2 grown children and 2 grandchildren.
Also, Mr. Maier has a unique hobby - he raises and shows rabbits. Mr. Maier is a licensed judge with the American Rabbit Breeders Association.
“I'm looking forward to working with the TMP-Marian family and helping students reach their academic goals,” Mr. Maier said. “I have always been involved with and supportive of student activities but emphasize that academic achievement is paramount.”
After teaching two years at Trego County USD 208, Mr. Befort most recently taught vocal and instrumental music for the past three years at Victoria USD 432.
He enjoys bowling, golf, PC building, classic car restoration, and to perform and sing with local vocal and instrumental groups.
In addition to teaching PE, Mrs. Gottschalk has taught 3rd and 4th grades as a classroom teacher, with an emphasis on math, science, and social studies. She was a 4-year letterwinner for the University of Wyoming volleyball team, earning Mountain West Conference All-Academic Team honors in 2003. Megan is married to TJ ‘00 Gottschalk and has four children, Teagan ‘25, Adilyn ‘28, Jonah ‘31, and Remington ‘33.
Mr. Splichal has also conducted numerous workshops, including a Wheel Throwing Workshop at TMP-Marian in 2023. He has worked closely with outgoing art instructor, Nancy Flax, to fine tune his instructional skills while getting to know the TMP-Marian art program and students.
Mr. Smith has sung in and participated in choir for around 14 years and composes music.
Rebecca Windholz is originally from Hoxie, and currently lives in WaKeeney. Mrs. Windholz taught for five years at schools in Trego USD 208. Most recently she was a fiscal auditor for the Kansas State Department of Education.
Mrs. Windholz will put her Masters Degree as a reading/instructional specialist to good use helping students in a variety of high school courses. “Developing positive relationships with each student is crucial for the learning process,” Mrs. Windholz said. “I believe every student wants to feel valued and heard. Setting high expectations for them…with a solid relationship will ensure that they are learning at their maximum potential.”
Other teaching assignment announcements - James Harris will return to the classroom and teach 7-8th PE. And finally, Rick Binder and Joe Pfannenstiel will teach agriculture classes and sponsor the TMP-Marian Chapter of the FFA.
Teaching Position Open - TMP-Marian is seeking a high school social studies teacher to teach U.S. Government, World History, and Current World Issues. Please email Chad Meitner to apply for this opening - meitnerc@tmpmarian.org.
Located in Hays, Kan., Thomas More Prep-Marian is a Catholic school serving grades 6-12. Students come from Hays, the surrounding region, and from countries around the world. The school was founded by the Capuchin Franciscans as Hays Catholic College in 1908 and ultimately became Thomas More Prep-Marian in 1981. The school continues to serve young people in the traditions of spiritual growth, academic excellence, and leadership formation.