Leadership

Over the years, Mary Claire has provided valuable insight from multiple perspectives: faculty member, parent, graduate of all-female Catholic education, and visionary for the mission of Oakland Catholic High School. In 1992, Mary Claire joined the Oakland Catholic community as a French teacher, a position she held for 22 years. During that tenure, she engaged in all aspects of the school's life, instituting and directing several initiatives that remain strong components of the OC experience today. Whether serving as the first Director of Admissions or stepping in as Interim Principal, founding the JOA Society of Scholars or advocating for the addition of Mandarin, Mary Claire entered each year with renewed dedication to building on what it means to achieve an Oakland Catholic education.

Since 2014, Mary Claire has served as President of the school. Under her leadership, Oakland Catholic has expanded its STEM curriculum, upgraded classroom technology and IT infrastructure, instituted a Director of College Counseling position, established the Global Competence Initiative Certificate and helped found a new leadership program. A targeted fundraising approach has created additional scholarships, increased financial assistance, and provided grants for student travel, service, and leadership opportunities. Mary Claire continues to strive for the academic, spiritual, and social justice-oriented environment that will best prepare Oakland Catholic women to approach their future as globally competent, spiritually grounded, critically thinking agents of change in our world.

A Philly native, Mary Claire has lived in Pittsburgh since moving here for her undergraduate degree. She and her husband Jon live in Shadyside where they raised their three daughters - all proud OCHS alumnae - and son, a Central alum. In her spare time she loves to read, cook, walk all over the city, and spend time with her grandchildren.

Nikki joined the Oakland Catholic community in 2016 as Assistant Principal. During her tenure, she spearheaded numerous initiatives to foster a supportive, productive environment for both students and teachers. Among them are the Fiat Mentoring program that pairs freshmen with senior mentors, Measure of Academic Performance (MAP) testing for 9th and 10th graders, and an increased focus on mental health and wellness.

Nikki was appointed Acting Principal in August 2021 and has been promoted to Principal by the Diocese of Pittsburgh in July 2022. Through her leadership, Nikki aims to enrich the strong, supportive, and collaborative culture among the faculty and staff, and to foster the growth of Oakland Catholic High School, its faith tradition and its lasting impression on the greater community.

In her spare time, Nikki is a proud Big Sister with the Big Brother Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh. She resides in the North Side of Pittsburgh with her husband Robert. They were married at St. Peter's Church, part of the Christ our Savior Parish and welcomed a daughter in January 2021 (OC Class of 2039!) Nikki also loves biking on the North Shore and making pasta.

Michael Anselmo
Executive Vice President of PNC Financial Services & Corporate Banking Market Leader of Western and Central Pennsylvania

Tracey DeAngelo
Chief Marketing Officer, Post-Gazette & President, Post-Gazette Charities

William Garrison
Partner, Garrison Hughes Advertising

Mary Claire Kasunic
President, Oakland Catholic High School

Peter P. Leone, Jr.
Financial Representative, Northwestern Mutual

Kelley Cooper Miller, Esq.
Partner, Reed Smith LLC

Rhodora Freyvogel Noethling
Founder, Educational Coaching Center

Jennifer Pannill
Manager, Recruitment at Covestro LLC

Nikki Powell
Principal, Oakland Catholic High School

Christina (Tina) Richard
Previous Co-Owner & Operations Manager, Bethel Park Rapid Wash L.P. and Energy Logistics Corporation, now part of a private equity group Mr. Magic

Robyn Shepherd
Head of Corporate Engagement, Bridgewater Associates

Member of the Corporation

CHSDOP
Catholic High Schools of the Diocese of Pittsburgh

Ms. Ellen Mady
Chancellor, Diocese of Pittsburgh
emady@diopitt.org