Fine Arts Faculty

Ms. Katie Baker
Visual Art

Ms. Katie Baker ([email protected]) helps her students not only learn valuable artistic skills but also to create meaningful pieces and understand the importance of art in everyday life. She currently teaches Art I, Art II, Art III, Art IV (Senior Portfolio) and Art IV (AP Art.) Ms. Baker is most well known for her charcoal drawings and portraiture. A 2005 graduate of St. Henry, she took Visual Art classes all four years she was enrolled at SHDHS. Ms. Baker decided to pursue an Art-Education Degree at Thomas More University because of the positive experience she had in her art classes as a Crusader. She is currently attending Thomas More University to obtain her Master’s Degree.

Ms. Mamee Salzer
Digital Art and Design

Ms. Mamee Salzer ([email protected]) is a St. Henry District High School 2012 graduate. She continued her education at Thomas More University where she graduated with a BA in Graphic Design. She currently teaches the Global Digital, Digital Art and Design, and Art 1 classes. Before joining the SHDHS faculty, Ms. Mamee worked as a professional graphic designer and which allows her to bring her real-world experience and an impressive body of work on how to use art in the professional world. She also assists in coaching the Lady Cru softball team. Ms. Mamee ‘s excitement is evident to all her students, especially her Graphic Art students who appreciate her insight and talent.

Mr. Joseph Payne
Band

Mr. Joseph Payne ([email protected]) is the director of Cadet Band and Crusader Band. Mr. Payne’s career began in 1976 as band director, chorus director, and music teacher in the St. Bernard-Elmwood Place School District. Mr. Payne also taught band in the Kings Local School District where student enrollment in the band program grew from 35 students to about 300. Mr. Payne spent over two decades as a school administrator. He retired as a high school principal from Danville City Schools. Mr. Payne is an active music arranger and private music teacher. He has been performing professionally for over 50 years. He currently leads a little big band called the Vintage People Show Band.

Mr. Ethan Avina
Chorus/Drama Teacher & Fine Arts Facilities Manager

Ethan Avina is not only leading our Choral, Chamber Choir, and Drama classes this school year, but he has also taken on the task of managing our new Fine Arts facilities. With more than eight years of experience in the events industry, as well as a background in both instrumental and choral music, Ethan has served in coordinator and director roles for both nonprofit and for-profit colleges. He holds a B.A. in Music Performance from Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, IN, and his passion for music has led him on tours with choirs internationally through Canada and Italy.