Leadership
Shana DeSouza Druffner, J.D., Ed.D.
Superintendent, Diocese of Nashville
Dr. Druffner has been an educator since 2006. She served as principal of All Saints Catholic School, a three-time National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in Dallas, Texas, from 2018 to 2023. Under Druffner’s leadership, All Saints School significantly increased admissions, constructed an innovation lab, started a Mandarin language program, enhanced its award-winning fine arts program, and added an honors program for students in grades four to eight. Seeking to enrich music in the Diocese of Dallas, she founded an Orchestral Program both at All Saints Catholic Church and School. Dr. Druffner moved to Nashville to lead St. Michael Academy during its inaugural year and currently serves as the Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Nashville.
Shana and her husband, David, have four adult daughters. She received her master’s degree in educational leadership from Creighton University in 2020 and her doctorate in educational leadership and administration from Saint Louis University in 2025. Prior to becoming an educator, Druffner pursued a successful dual career as an attorney and musician for more than 20 years. Upon graduation from Ursuline Academy of Dallas in 1985, Shana attended the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston and later received her bachelor of music performance, summa cum laude from Rutgers University in 1990. She is also a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center, receiving her Juris Doctor in 1994.
Dr. Druffner has presented at NCEA’s national convention on rebuilding school culture and has been a frequent speaker on the importance of building authentically Catholic and academically rigorous schools in furtherance of the evangelical mission of the Church.
We are delighted to hear about your interest in St. Michael Academy! Our mission is to form saints and scholars for the greater glory of God.
We are seeking mission-driven families to fill our beautiful hallways and community. We are blessed that your family is interested in partnering with us to build an authentically Catholic, academically rigorous school right here in Williamson County. Please reach out with any questions that you may have or if you would like more information.
St. Michael, pray for us! Go Defenders!
Welcome Message from Dr. Druffner
Jennifer Cahalan
Assistant Principal
With over 30 years in education, Ms. Cahalan has served as a classroom teacher, mentor, and administrator—most recently as an Assistant Principal in Southern California. Throughout her career, she has taught at the PreK–8 level, led professional development, supported curriculum design, and coached teachers to deliver high-quality, meaningful instruction that supports the whole child. Ms. Cahalan holds a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, a Single Subject Credential in Art, an Administrative Credential from USC’s Rossier School of Education, a Master’s in Education from National University, and a UTK Leadership Certificate from UC Berkeley.
What drew me to St. Michael Academy is its clear and compelling mission to form Saints and Scholars for the greater glory of God. I am deeply inspired by this purpose and by our shared commitment to forming students in both faith and intellect. Equally important are the values that shape our daily work: Humility, Faithfulness, Integrity, Diligence, and Excellence. These virtues guide my leadership and reflect the culture I strive to cultivate—one rooted in service, compassion, and a pursuit of continuous growth. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve this Christ-centered community and partner with you in supporting our students' academic success and spiritual development. I look forward to the journey ahead and to working with each of you to help our children grow in faith, wisdom, and love.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
— Romans 15:13