Khira Rotty '99

Khira Rotty was born to Ronny and Angela Albonetti and raised right here in Memphis, TN, where she attended Farmington Elementary, Houston Middle, and St. Benedict at Auburndale High School, where she played volleyball, was actively involved in choir and theatre, served as a Senior Retreat Leader, attend the March for Life, and was inducted into the Spanish Honor Society. Her sister Kristen Spratlin graduated from SBA in 2004. 

After high school, Khira attended the University of Memphis, graduating in 2003. After college, Khira returned to SBA to serve as a theology teacher; but her contributions did not end there. During her eleven year-tenure, Mrs. Rotty taught ninth grade theology, served as Student Government advisor, chaperoned the March for Life, and for her last three years, served as Director of Spiritual Affairs. In that role, Khira served as a coordinator for campus ministry programs, a point of contact for clergy and guest mass celebrants, was integral to the faith formation and education of students, and as an open door for students with questions about their faith. For many, Mrs. Rotty was an introduction to the Catholic faith. For others, she served as a pivotal figure in the deepening of their faith journey. For still others, Mrs. Rotty provided the catalyst for conversion and union with the Church. During her many years at SBA, Khira served as a role model of faith and study, inspiring hundreds of students to dig deeper into the love God shares. 

Outside of work, Khira spent those years as an advisor for ST. Louis’ Youth Group, SEARCH Young Adult Team Leader, young adult counselor at Camp Good Grief Bereavement, professional level catechist for the Diocese, professional level catechist for the Diocese, speaker at various parish and diocesan events, parish retreat leader, trained leader for the Called and Gifted Workshop through the Catherine of Sienna Institute, and teacher of Natural Family Planning and Marriage Prep for St. Mary's parish and the Diocese. With all that busy work and a growing family, Khira left SBA to spend time as a stay-at-home mom. 

Khira now serves as the Director of Adult Faith Formation at St. Michael's parish as well as Director of their speaker series. Additionally, Khira is working on completing a certification through the Theology of the Body Institute, an institute whose classes cover a full range of St. John Paul the Great’s human anthropology, along with many related topics & aspects, taught by some of the greats like Dr. Peter Kreeft, Dr. Janet Smith, Dr. Christopher West, & Fr. Timothy Gallagher. Mrs. Rotty is also the recipient of the St. John Bosco Award from the Diocese of Memphis. 

Of all these accolades and accomplishments, Khira notes the greatest work of her life as her vocation, saying “trying to have a holy marriage, and raise holy children is messy and beautiful and I'm honored that I get to serve them everyday." Khira is married to Derek Rotty, with whom she has five children, Gabriel, Noah, Gianna, Benjamin, and Dominic. The Rottys make their home in Jackson, TN.