Principal
Dr. Semmler has had the pleasure of teaching students in parish religious education programs well as youth ministry. In addition, he has formally taught theology and philosophy on the secondary school level, as well as directed campus ministry programs. These endeavors included creating academic, service, prayer and retreat programs. Dr. Semmler has served on multiple committees on the school, superintendent and diocesan levels, ranging from educational certification to school strategic planning and reconfiguration. Dr. Semmler held educational leadership positions as principal and associate superintendent within the dioceses of Long Island, N.Y. He has had the opportunity to work in adult education as an adjunct professor at St. John's University and Brooklyn College. He taught courses in Catechetical Certification for the Diocese of Rockville Center.
His most recent research surrounds the analysis of Catholic educational strategic planning within dioceses which are experiencing demographic changes. Dr. Semmler is happily married to Christine and they have three beautiful children named Sophia, Thomas and Timothy.
Assistant Principal
Marissa Bohan Vandenberg originally hails from Atlanta, Georgia. Having grown up in Catholic schools, Mrs. Vandenberg believes in the vision of Catholic education and the mission of Christ the King. After attending the Honors College at the University of Georgia Mrs. Vandenberg received her B.A. in English and B.S.Ed in English Education. Part of her undergraduate career also included studying abroad through a Service Learning program in Tanzania. Her first teaching assignment out of college was in Title I education as an instructor of American Literature just south of Atlanta. In addition to her teaching duties, she served as the Student Government Association sponsor, Varsity Cross Country Coach, and held a weekly professional development seminar for fellow teachers. She was named to the Fulton County Vanguard Technology team and awarded Teacher of the Year in her second year of teaching.
Mrs. Vandenberg returned to Catholic education at her alma mater, Blessed Trinity, in Roswell, Georgia, where she taught Freshmen Advanced English and World Literature. She co-moderated the Habitat for Humanity campus chapter and coached the Varsity Girls Cross Country team. After earning her M.Ed in Instructional Technology, Mrs. Vandenberg left the United States to serve in the Peace Corps as a Teacher Trainer at Cebu Technological University in the Philippines.
After relocating, Mrs. Vandenberg was first hired at Christ the King in the role of IT Coordinator and now serves as our Assistant Principal and Girls Cross Country Coach. In addition to her work at Christ the King, Mrs. Vandenberg enjoys running, reading, and exploring Charlotte with her new husband, Adam.
Dean of Students
Susan Bukowski was born and raised in Southern California. She earned a Bachelor of Art Degree in Theater from U.C.L.A. and worked in the theater for many years at The Music Center of Los Angeles. After marrying and beginning a family, Mrs. Bukowski moved to Las Vegas, Nevada where she returned to school and earned a Master’s Degree in Education. She taught English for the Clark County School District and earned the status of Highly Qualified English Teacher. She was the English Department Chair and was awarded Teacher of the Year. She also taught English Language Learners and produced and directed theater. In accord with her belief that it is important to educate youth beyond the classroom, she planned and coordinated student trips to various educational sites across the United States. At the urging of her principal to enter administration, Mrs. Bukowski earned a second graduate degree in Education Leadership and Administration and worked as Dean of Students.
She and her family then moved to North Carolina. Here she has been awarded an EOG bonus for outstanding growth in reading scores. At UNC Charlotte, she worked as an Adjunct Professor and Supervisor of Student Teachers. She was creatively proactive against student bullying and her work in this regard was featured in the newspaper and in the book, “Reading to Make a Difference” by Dr. Katie Kelly.
Mrs. Bukowski has been a lifelong Catholic and feels very blessed to be working at Christ the King Catholic High School where she can combine her love of education and her faith. She loves the performing arts, to travel, garden, write, and spend time with her husband John of 35 years, their family, friends, and dog, Harley.