by Miranda Eby | Nov 7, 2025 | Academic, Alumni Spotlight, School News
Below is an email sent by CRSM Principal, Dr. Michael Odiotti, to the students and staff on November 5, 2025:
Dear CRSM community:
We don’t have an assembly this week so thought I would share a celebrating success story via email.
I don’t know how many of you got a chance to see or talk to Karolyn Williams (SMdP Class of 2012) when she and her mom visited today. The mom and Karolyn (and Karolyn’s daughter) came by today to thank the school for the impact a SMdP/CRSM education had on their family. The mom told Pierre, “This place is a miracle, keep on doing what you all are doing.” The mom recounted how she was just 14 when she had Karolyn and was just a kid herself navigating school choices for her daughter when she was in her 20s. Karolyn recently passed the bar and now works in the AG’s office in Indianapolis. She works in the consumer protection division of the AG office protecting consumers from unethical and unlawful business practices. She joins her sister, Cheyanne Williams CRSM ’15, as the second lawyer in the family. Cheyanne, as you may be aware, is a lawyer for the King and Spalding law firm and was our keynote speaker at last year’s Founders Dinner. Cheyanne’s practice focuses on complex commercial real estate transactions, primarily in real estate finance and development. Both of them had their struggles in their high school careers but matured and grew exponentially (behaviorally and academically) over their four years with us. Thanks to everyone that helped and played a part in Karolyn’s and Cheyanne’s development over their years here with us at CRSM. And thanks to everyone for creating a school and environment that helps play a small part in all these incredible stories of our current students and our alumni who are truly “going forth and setting our world on fire.” If you have a good Williams’ sister story, reply to this email. I know Mr. Horcher has some 🙂
May we seek “ever to excel” in all we do.
Sincerely,
Mike Odiotti
by Miranda Eby | Oct 16, 2025 | CWSP, School News
Cristo Rey St. Martin is excited to welcome Mark Gasche as our new Director of Corporate Work Study. Mark brings a wealth of experience in career development, coaching, and employer relations. He has worked at several universities, including Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, the University of Chicago, the University of Evansville, the University of Minnesota, and Capella University.
Mark earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Cornell College and his master’s degree in counseling from the University of Minnesota. His journey into career coaching began during his time at Cornell, when a work-study position helping students with career planning and job search efforts sparked a lifelong passion for guiding others. “That experience showed me how powerful it can be to help people find direction and purpose in their lives,” he says.
Throughout his career, Mark has focused on connecting students with opportunities that help them grow personally and professionally. His background includes managing career centers, developing corporate partnerships, and coaching individuals through career transitions. “This is a career pivot for me to work in a high school setting, but it feels completely natural,” he says. “I have always loved helping students gain experiences that transform their lives.”
Mark was drawn to Cristo Rey’s mission because it perfectly aligns with his values. “I have spent my whole career encouraging students to seek internships. At Cristo Rey, every student graduates with four years’ worth. This program gives our students a real advantage.” He looks forward to building strong partnerships with local employers, adding new business partners and helping students develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
A native of Park Ridge, Mark grew up in a family of educators. His father taught at Maine South High School, and Mark says working in a high school setting feels like coming full circle. He lives nearby, enjoys spending time with his girlfriend Allison, who works at Deloitte, and his Sheltie, Sophie. He is also a proud father to his son Chris, a second-year law student, whom he calls “my favorite person in the whole universe.”
Mark’s enthusiasm for his new role is unmistakable. “Cristo Rey is such a special place,” he says. “The combination of strong academics, faith-based mission, and real-world work experience creates something truly transformational. I am proud to be part of a community that helps students build bright futures.”
by Miranda Eby | Oct 16, 2025 | Academic, School News
For four years, Moira Caserio has been a familiar face at Cristo Rey St. Martin, first as a volunteer and now, briefly, as a college counselor, stepping in while Sharon Holdvogt, one of two CRSM college counselors, was on maternity leave. Her last official day is October 3, but her impact on students will be long-lasting.
“I love hearing students’ stories. That is the best part of being a college counselor,” Moira says. “I wish everyone had to write a personal statement. Students are so willing to open up and dig deep, and I really appreciate the trust they place in me during this process.”
She works hard to make the stressful college journey more approachable. “I try to make it fun and comfortable for them. Students are so engaged and willing to participate. It’s a wonderful experience for me, and I hope it is for them as well.”
A recent moment perfectly illustrates her approach. A student who was initially hesitant to trust Moira ended a personal statement session with a high five, a small but meaningful sign of confidence and connection.
Before joining CRSM, Moira was a lawyer and completed a college counseling certificate through UCLA. She also works as an independent education consultant with Tree Street College Consulting. Still, she says the best part of her work is collaborating with Sharon and Ana and helping students grow.
Through her guidance, Moira has demonstrated that college applications can be challenging, rewarding, and even enjoyable. CRSM is deeply grateful that she stepped in during such a critical time for college counseling. Without her support, the tremendous workload would have been a tall order for just one college counselor, and Moira’s presence made all the difference for both students and staff.
by Miranda Eby | Oct 16, 2025 | Alumni Spotlight, School News
Sebastian Catalan-Castrejon (CRSM ’20) recently earned his Bachelor’s in Athletic Training from the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS), becoming the first in his family to graduate from college. He is currently completing his Master’s degree through the UIS Athletic Training program, before transitioning to a clinical setting for 16 weeks.
Now interning with an athletic trainer at Athletico Physical Therapy in Grayslake, IL, Sebastian is putting his skills to work while inspiring others to follow his path.
“Being the first in my family to attend a four-year institution signifies the forging of a new path for future generations,” he said. “I want to be a leader to anyone and everyone, because kindness and compassion can help others continue building forward for our community.”
“I wish to give back to the community that has given me so much, so others who look like me can find their own success.”
by Miranda Eby | Oct 16, 2025 | Development, School News
When Kristen Watson first volunteered in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood in the 1990s, she didn’t know it would set her on a path back home to Waukegan and to Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep. Encouraged by her Jesuit brother, Brian Paulson, she joined a junior development board in 1996 and met many dedicated members of the Catholic community, including Preston Kendall.
Years later, after settling in Evanston with her family, Kristen’s brother stopped by and mentioned that Preston was now leading a Cristo Rey school in Waukegan. It felt like things had come full circle. Kristen had grown up in Waukegan, where her family once owned and operated a restaurant across from what is now the school.
“I loved the model,” she said. “It helps students not just prepare for college but also learn how to navigate the world through real work experience.”
Kristen soon joined CRSM, first helping to build partnerships for the Corporate Work Study Program, then serving as the Director of Development and participating in a capital campaign that led to the state-of-the-art campus we are in today. Her brothers, Martin and Tom Paulson, have also been part of the school’s early history. Martin served on the founding board before it became Cristo Rey St. Martin, and Tom has supported fundraising and work study efforts throughout the years.
Kristen worked at CRSM for eight years, leaving to spend more time with her children but carrying with her a deep connection to the place. “I don’t consider myself a very religious person, but at CRSM I often felt close to God. Miracles happen there. The students and their resilience constantly reminded me of that.”
She smiles when she remembers the early days. “Back in the old school, gym class took place in the parking lot. Seeing photos now of students playing on a real field and in a gym makes me so happy. No community deserves it more.”
After leaving full-time work at CRSM, Kristen expanded on her passion for supporting the rights of migrants and the rights of educational opportunities for under-resourced youth. Today, she serves on the boards of Evanston Scholars and Jesuit Refugee Services USA, and as a mentor with the Humanas Foundation. Through Humanas, Kristen and her husband, Mike, mentor CRSM alumni Litzy Martinez (’23) and Josh Hernandez (’22), meeting regularly to encourage and advise them as they navigate college life.
Kristen and her husband continue to be deeply involved with Cristo Rey St. Martin as generous supporters of the Promise Scholars Program, which provides financial assistance to help CRSM graduates persist through college. Their commitment reflects the same spirit that drew Kristen to the school years ago, a belief in opportunity, hard work, and the power of community.
For Kristen Watson, CRSM will always be a place where hard work, faith, and compassion come together to make something extraordinary happen every day.
