2026-2027 Academic Leadership Updates

Father Ryan High School proudly announces the appointments of Mr. Andrew Reducha as Academic Dean, Ms. Lindsay Baerg as Director of Academic Counseling, and Mrs. Colleen Maxson as Administrative Assistant for Academic and Student Affairs, all effective immediately.

Mr. Reducha joined Father Ryan in 2018 as a Spanish teacher, following his experience teaching English as a foreign language in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. He most recently served as Associate Academic Dean from 2022 to 2026.

Upon announcing the appointment, Principal Francisco M. Espinosa, Jr., emphasized Mr. Reducha’s unwavering dedication to Father Ryan and its students. “Andrew has consistently demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, collaborative leadership, and the mission of Father Ryan High School. I am confident he will serve our faculty, students, and families with wisdom, integrity, and dedication in this important role.”

In accepting the position, Mr. Reducha expressed his enthusiasm for the new role. “I am excited to begin this new journey at Father Ryan. Throughout my time here, I have been consistently inspired by the work my colleagues do in and out of the classroom, and I look forward to continuing our partnership as we expand educational opportunities for our students and strive to fulfill our mission to be an experience of the living Gospel every day.”

A native of Florida, Mr. Reducha holds an A.B. in Hispanic Studies from Dartmouth College and an M.Ed. in Education Policy from Vanderbilt University. He is an active member of the Tennessee Foreign Language Teaching Association.

“Andrew’s wealth of knowledge and commitment to excellence equip him to serve our community well. He has a clear vision for expanding our academic programming, and I look forward to working in conjunction with him and our faculty to provide the stellar learning experiences our students deserve,” said Dean of Faculty, Jennifer Allen.

Ms. Lindsay Baerg joins Father Ryan High School from Belmont University, where she served as an Academic Advising Specialist in the Jack C. Massey College of Business. A native of Washington, Ms. Baerg earned her degree in Psychology from Santa Clara University. She received her Master of Education in Human Development Studies from Vanderbilt Peabody College and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Strategic Leadership in Education at Belmont University.

“Lindsay brings a depth of knowledge and experience to our Academic Department, and we are excited to welcome her to our community. Her dedication to her own educational pursuits will serve as a pillar in her guidance of our students as they navigate their educational journeys at Father Ryan,” shared Principal Espinosa.

Mrs. Colleen Maxson returns to Father Ryan High School, having previously served as Director of Campus Ministry from 2020 to 2023. A native of Erie, Pennsylvania, Mrs. Maxson earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Gannon University. She brings nearly 20 years of experience serving in educational settings.

“We are delighted to welcome Colleen back to Father Ryan. Her knowledge of school operations, commitment to students, and genuine care for others make her an outstanding addition to our academic and support team. We are grateful she has chosen to return, and I look forward to the many ways her experience, talents, and dedication will continue to enrich our community,” said Principal Espinosa.