Faculty – School of Education

Dr. Adams earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Benedictine College in 2004. She earned a master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Emporia State University in 2006 and a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Kansas in 2014. Dr. Adams worked for ten years in the Leavenworth, Kansas school district as a first-grade teacher, K-8 virtual education teacher, and virtual education administrator. She lives with her husband (a fellow Raven) and four children in Atchison. In her spare time, Dr. Adams enjoys family time, reading, cooking, coffee, and porch-sitting.

Dr. Piper Wentz graduated from The University of St. Mary with a B.S. in Elementary Education in 1993.  She then spent 12 years as a classroom teacher and went on to complete her M.A. in School Leadership here at Benedictine College. Dr. Wentz returned to Benedictine in 2011 as a professor in the Elementary Education program. She finished up her education at the University of Kansas with a doctorate degree in Curriculum and Teaching. Currently, Dr. Wentz teaches upper level methods courses and also supervises student teachers. She is passionate about incorporating children’s literature into the classroom and utilizing differentiation to meet the needs of all learners. Dr. Wentz enjoys spending time with her family on their small farm in Nortonville. In the meantime, she enjoys exploring the countryside on the back of her husband’s motorcycle, relaxing in their hot tub, and country sunsets.

Dr. Kelly Cogan graduated from Benedictine College with a degree in Elementary Education in 2006.  In 2007, she earned her certification to teach visually impaired through Missouri State University followed by her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Northwest Missouri State University in 2009.  Dr. Cogan currently attends the University of Kansas in pursuit of a doctorate degree in Curriculum and Teaching.  She spent seven years teaching special education and as an Autism consultant and then became the Director of Programs at The Farmer’s House where she developed and implemented community integrated vocational based-learning programs and transition opportunities for students with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities.  She is passionate about special education and the inclusion of all individuals with exceptionalities throughout schools and local communities.  At home she enjoys beautiful landscapes, delicious food and family which fill her life with joy.

Dr. Michaela Culkin graduated from Chaminade University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She also has a Master of Science in Education from Troy State University and a Master of Science in School Leadership from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Dr. Culkin most recently earned her PhD in 2016 at the University of Kansas in Curriculum and Instruction. She has worked as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and administrator. Her dissertation focused on reasons veteran teachers in the middle of their careers left the profession before reaching full retirement age. In her free time, Dr. Culkin enjoys reading, cooking, attempting to learn the ukulele, and traveling.

Sarah Wise received her B.A. in Secondary Education in 2002 with emphasis in both Math and Biology. She earned a master’s degree in School Leadership from Benedictine College in 2013. Sarah has spent 17 years in secondary education teaching in a variety of school settings and grade levels. Teaching is one of Sarah’s greatest passions. She enjoys finding new ways to bring to life a variety of topics in her classroom and sharing that passion with her students and future teachers. The past five years, Sarah worked at Maur Hill – Mount Academy teaching advanced math, biology and leadership classes, as well as being the campus minister. Sarah was recently named “Educator of the Year” for MH-MA for the 2020-2021 school year. Sarah enjoys sports as she has coached softball, basketball and volleyball, and you can find her at the golf course during the summer months. In her spare time, she likes to dabble in art, read a good book and be outside, as much as possible.

Dr. Ashley Haase graduated from The University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science in journalism in 2007. In 2012, she graduated from Rockhurst University with a Master of Education in elementary education. Then, in 2022, Dr. Haase graduated from The University of Kansas with a Doctor of Education in curriculum and instruction. Dr. Haase has worked as a classroom teacher, technology coach, and innovation coach, focusing her dissertation research on digital citizenship. Dr. Haase has also worked in curriculum development, creating reading resources and curricula. At home, Dr. Haase enjoys reading, cooking, pursuing creative hobbies like refinishing furniture, and spending time with her two children and husband.

Mindy Montemayor is a Raven alum and earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Benedictine College in 2001. She earned a Masters in Education from Baker University in 2006 and a Masters in School Leadership in 2015. As a military spouse, she has been privileged to hold many roles in education in various states and even overseas;  Middle School Teacher, Technology Integration Specialist, Curriculum Specialist, STEM Coordinator, and a Director for US Army Child and Youth Services. In her spare time, Mindy enjoys road trips and traveling, reading, and being outside in nature.