Women’s History Month Q&A with Whitney McHaffie

Whitney McHaffie is in her 1st year teaching Senior Theology at Central Catholic High School. Prior to arriving on Cherry Street, Whitney was a 5th grade teacher at nearby Rosary Cathedral.

Whitney earned a bachelor’s degree in Theology with a minor in Philosophy from Lourdes University. She is currently working on a master’s degree in Theology from Franciscan University. Whitney also did some work at Owens Community College in EMT basic training and at the University of Mary Bismark in South Dakota taking undergraduate summer classes.

Outside of teaching, Whitney enjoys working out, doing Mixed Martial Arts, and training her Belgian Malinois.

Whitney is engaged to Gabriel Maxon and the couple will be married on St. Patrick's Day, March 17.

What advice would you give to women in your respective field?
The best way to make a change is to lead by example.

Tell us about a woman you looked up to & why?
St. Joan of Arc was my patron Saint. At confirmation, I resolved to join the military like she did. Ten years later, I enlisted in the Marine Corps as an aviation mechanic. I always admired how she followed God's call to serve despite being looked down upon for being a woman. Strong and courageous, she was faithful to God even unto death, burned alive at the stake.  

What does Women's History Month mean to you?
Women's History Month is a time to reflect on Genesis 1:27, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female He created them." 

What makes Central Catholic High School a SPECIAL place on Cherry Street?
I wake up every morning, and I know that I have a purpose, one that I can share with others.