Middle School

Gary Peterson – 8th Grade Homeroom

                                         7th/8th Grade English & Religion

I received my undergraduate degree in English from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1993. I relocated from Long Island, New York to Omaha in 1994. Two years later I decided to return to school to earn a degree in Theology, with the goal of teaching religious literature. I studied at Creighton for one year before transferring to Grace University, from which I graduated with a Master's degree in Theology in 2004. 

From 1994 through 2006, I worked as a proofreader and later a proposal writer for the downtown Omaha law firm Kutak Rock.  My experience led to Grace University asking me to return as an adjunct professor over the 2005-06 academic year. I taught four classes of freshman composition and thoroughly enjoyed the experience; in fact, it was that year teaching English that sparked me to consider teaching as a career. 

One of the best jobs I have been blessed to hold was a half-year stint as a chaplain and case manager to homeless men at the Open Door Mission.  That experience led to a year working in a church where I enjoyed the privilege of teaching regularly. 

I did not have the privilege of attending a Catholic school, but I still fondly recall thoroughly enjoying my confirmation classes and attending Mass at Our Lady of Grace in West Babylon, NY.  It was a rare and delightful experience those Sunday mornings to sit in a classroom with an open Bible learning about our Lord Jesus from a layman in love with his faith who desired to pass it on to the next generation.  I now find myself possessing that same desire to pass along not only knowledge but our shared faith in Christ. Catholic education, with its coupling of faith and intellectual rigor, is positioned to prepare future generations to succeed and to impact their culture.

I am honored to have been so warmly welcomed into the St. Patrick's family. I am excited to meet and teach each student and his or her family. It was abundantly evident from my first visit to St. Patrick's that the prevailing spirit among its administration and faculty is one of camaraderie, caring and dedication to the students.  I enthusiastically embrace the school's mission to teach as Jesus did and I pray I will be used by God to help each student entrusted to me to become his or her best academically, behaviorally and spiritually. 

I married Cindy in 1996 and we have thus far been blessed with two children, Kevin in 2001 and Emma in 2004.  We live near and are parishioners in the Mary Our Queen parish.

Dan Maline - 7th Grade Homeroom

                                             7th/8th Grade Math & Science

My family and I are extremely excited about starting our journey with all of you here in the St. Patrick’s family.  We are coming to you from Kearney, NE where we have spent the last 3 years living and working.

After receiving my Bachelor’s Degree in the spring of 2002 from the University of Dubuque in Dubuque, IA, we spent the next 2 years in Kimball, NE where I was a 6th grade teacher in an all inclusive elementary classroom setting.  We enjoyed our time there, but budget issues brought us to Kearney, where we have spent three years.  I taught outside of Kearney, in Shelton, where I taught middle school math, science, and computers courses all three years.  I also coached cross country and track while at Shelton, which was awesome.  I am a super enthusiastic person who is always up for some fun and new things to explore.

I was married in 2001 to my beautiful and talented wife, Kathy, and since then we have had the honor to have two children.  My son, Ethan, was born in 2002, and my daughter, Avery, was born in 2007.  My immediate family resides in Aurora, CO at present after spending most of their lives outside of Chicago, where I grew up.  My wife’s family resides in small town Iowa.  We hope to meet many of you and get to know you and your children well!

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, golfing, camping, fishing, and running.  I ran the Chicago Marathon back in 2001 and look forward to running in many other marathons in the future.

Kari Truax - 7th Grade Homeroom

                                            7th/8th Grade Social Studies & Reading

I received my Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education with Minors in History and Psychology from Pittsburg State University at Pittsburg, Kansas in December of 2002.  Since that time, I taught in a rural school in Kansas teaching 7th and 8th grade Language Arts for 2 years.  Then, I moved to the Omaha area to be closer to family.  I am continuing my education at UNO to complete my Masters program in the fall of 2009.   

I believe that the combination of character education, religious and moral teaching, as well as a strong emphasis on academics make for a well rounded individual.  Developing the students of St. Patrick’s and helping them grow into these well-rounded members of the community is a challenge that I embrace. I feel it is a privilege to be a part of this at St. Patrick’s Catholic School. 

My mom, dad, sister, grandma, aunt and uncle, and other extended family all live in the Omaha area.  I am fortunate to have so much support.  On August 16, 2008, I married Jason Truax. We have a beautiful 2 year old son, Colt.