FINALSITE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist & Physical Education Specialist
Abby graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with her undergraduate degree in Health Science. Abby then continued at Mizzou to receive her Masters degree in Occupational Therapy. Before coming to The St. Michael School of Clayton, Abby worked as an occupational therapist in the Fulton School District as well as in acute care.
Abby believes that the mission and values of The St. Michael School align strongly with the values she holds as a therapist and individual. Abby believes that children are able to best fulfill their role as students when educators and families collaborate as a team, and support their children's individual strengths and dynamic learning styles. In addition to providing OT services in the classroom, Abby is able to work on a variety of different OT related skills while teaching physical education for the younger children. Those skills include gross and fine motor coordination, balance, strength, executive functioning, self-regulation, motor planning and participation.
In her free time, Abby loves spending time with her family and friends, exploring new restaurants, hiking, and traveling.
Allison graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with her undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education. Allison then received her Masters degree from Lindenwood University in Gifted Education. Allison worked in the Fort Zumwalt School District for 10 years before finding The St. Michael School of Clayton.
Allison loves the philosophy of TSMOC in which individual student learning is the top priority and the Early Childhood suite is based on learning experiences, learning journeys, and play. Allison loves to learn along side of her students and watch their growth throughout the year.
Allison is a mother to Mason and Hannah who attend TSMSOC, as well as her dog, Max. Allison loves to be outdoors walking and hiking and spending time with her family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Speech - Language Pathologist
Allyson graduated from Truman State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Disorders and a minor in Psychology. After graduating, she worked for two years in Fulton, Missouri as a Speech/Language Implementer. She loved the job so much, she decided to go back to Truman State University for her Master of Arts degree in Speech/Language Pathology.
After earning her MA, Allyson worked for Special School District for five years, followed by eight years at a non-profit, and then to a private practice before joining The St. Michael School of Clayton last year.
Allyson is married to Jamie and they have two daughters, Evelyn and Elaine. She enjoys reading and yoga/pilates in her free time. She loves her job and how supporting students with their speech/language concerns can help them succeed in the classroom.
She is excited to be at The St. Michael School of Clayton and to be a part of the school's unique way of connecting with each student and their own individual learning styles.
Job Titles:
- Pre - Kindergarten Teacher
- PreK Teacher
Barb attended William Woods University and majored in Elementary Education with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education. She worked at the Clayton Child Center for 8 years before staying home with her own children. Seven years ago, Barb discovered The St. Michael School of Clayton. She truly enjoys getting to know and learning about each child. Barb believes every child is special and brings their own individual gifts to the class. She believes in the philosophy of TSMSOC and feels every child learns through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences. Barb's favorite part of teaching is watching the children discover, grow, and learn throughout the year.
Outside of school, Barb keeps very busy with her own three children. Justin attends the University of Wisconsin, Trent Indiana University and Corinne Cor Jesu Academy. In her free time, Barb's favorite things to do are watching her daughter play competitive soccer, spending time with family and friends, antiquing, and the outdoors.
Job Titles:
- Physical Education Specialist
Brendan was born in Danville, IL and moved to the Central West End as a young child. Brendan's passion for speed skating started when he was three years old. Brendan's older sisters taught him how to ice skate at Steinberg Ice Rink. Brendan was a member of the 1994 United States Olympic Speed Skating Team in Lillehammer, Norway. In 1989, he began competing internationally for 12 years for the United States speed skating team. He is the only St. Louisian to compete in both short and long track world championships.
In 1995, Brendan was the National Long Track Champion. Brendan attended and trained at Northern Michigan University in Marquette Michigan. Brendan has taught PE at TSMSOC for over 10 years. Brendan's goal in teaching his students is to promote the love of lifelong sports. Since Brendan is retired from speed skating, he enjoys sharing his stories about speed skating with his students. Brendan attends local Olympic events in the St. Louis area.
In his spare time, his passion for athletics continues. He enjoys riding motocross with his son, cycling, lifting weights, and staying active. Brendan is married to Ms. Kara, the First Grade teacher.
My name is Claire Sease and I attended Fontbonne University while also playing four years of college volleyball. I have worked at the St. Michael School of Clayton for the past six years for the before and after program as well as the summer camp!
I have loved getting to know the children and their families each and every year and I am so blessed to be returning to the aftercare program as well as one of the toddler program teachers!
Job Titles:
- 5th - 8th Grade Science / 8th Grade Math
Debra graduated from The Johns Hopkins University in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology. She taught high school and middle school Chemistry, Biology and Algebra for three years at Darlington School. In 1991, she moved to St. Louis to attend Washington University and received her Masters of Science Degree in Deaf Education in 1993. She then taught at Central Institute for the Deaf for twelve years. Debra returned to Darlington School in 2005 with her family. She taught high school Algebra and Geometry until 2010, becoming Chair of the Math Department in 2008.
In order to pursue her love of cooking, Debra enrolled in Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in 2010, receiving her Culinary Certificate in 2011. She also joined the faculty at The St. Michael School of Clayton in 2010, working part time teaching 7th grade math. In the fall of 2011, Debra began to teach full time at TSMSOC. She has taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grade math as well as 7th and 8th grade science. Debra incorporates cooking into her math and science lessons whenever she is able.
In her free time, Debra enjoys cooking, baking, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Kindergarden Teacher
- Kindergarten Teacher
Elise graduated from Auburn University in 2011 with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies. She taught Preschool and Junior Kindergarten in Atlanta and Chicago for several years before moving back to St. Louis. She has loved teaching at The St. Michaels School of Clayton for the past three years.
Elise is excited to be back at The St. Michael's School for another year. She loves the TSMSOC philosophy and believes kids learn best through play and real-world learning experiences. Elise enjoys the excitement young children bring to the classroom each day.
Elise is a mother to Beau and Fitz and her dog, Lanka. In her free time, Elise enjoys being outdoors, reading, and traveling.
Job Titles:
- Pre - Kindergarten Teacher
Job Titles:
- Early Elementary Science Specialist
- PreK - 1st Science Specialist
Ginger graduated from Ripon College in Ripon Wi. with a degree in History and elementary education, K- 8th grade with an emphasis on the early elementary years. Returning to St.Louis, she worked at Community School first as an intern and then co-lead teacher in the 4yr-old classroom. She attended a two-year child development course covering development from birth to 8 years old at the Psychoanalytic Institute. She attended The Gesell Institute workshop in New Haven Ct. on two occasions, earning a certificate to administer their screening to current and prospective students at Community School.
Although she thought she would remain a classroom teacher after her marriage to Jan Jacobi, her first child arrived 8 weeks early and that was the start of a new home journey. Three children and many years later, Ginger was fortunate to be invited to teach at The St. Michael School. She knew about the school as her place of worship is The Church of St. Michael and St. George. What she did not know was what a caring, creative and unique education each child receives at this school.
When not at school, you may see Ginger walking her dogs throughout the neighborhood. In addition to enjoying the outdoors, she loves movies, reading and being with friends.
Job Titles:
- 4th - 8th Grade Humanities
Jessie began her collegiate studies at Colgate University, graduating with a B.A. in Sociology, Anthropology and Education. She then went to St. Louis University to get her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. She taught 2nd and 4th grade at Premier Charter School in South City for 10 years and then transitioned to City Academy to teach 1st grade for 5 years. She joined TSMSOC last year teaching 5th grade and helping with 6th grade ELA. This year she is excited to be working with the 4-6 cohort! Jessie is married to Alex and they have three children - Zander, Parker and Maggie. Maggie is currently in JK and loves to hang out with her big kids! She loves to travel, read and take walks with her dog Rascal!
Hi I'm Jillian Boone. I graduated from Fontbonne University with a bachelor's degree in elementary education. Before graduating college, I started my TSMSOC journey directing the before/aftercare program and flow teaching.
I spent 1 year at Holy Cross Academy teaching 5th grade before returning to St. Michaels to teach 4th/5th grade. I also direct The St. Michael School of Clayton's summer camp program and I have returned to my role as director of extended care.
I love the learning environment TSMSOC provides. I fully believe in the power of children learning through play and real life experiences, and that is exactly how St. Michael's allows me to teach.
In my free time I like to read, relax outside, and spend time with my family.
Kara graduated from Fontbonne University in 2006 with a B.A. degree in Elementary Education. She holds Missouri certification in Elementary Education. While studying at Fontbonne, Kara worked at The St. Michael School in the before and after school program. Upon graduation, Kara started working in the Early Education Classrooms at TSMSOC.
Kara promotes the love for learning that TSMSOC promotes. Kara believes that all children learn through play and applying skills they are learning to "real world" events. Kara strives to develop her students' social, emotional, and cognitive abilities. Kara enjoys teaching young children and seeing their excitement for learning.
In her free time, Kara enjoys cooking, yoga, and Pilates. Kara was a ballerina for The Belleville School of Ballet and enjoys telling the story of the Nutcracker to her students.
Lauren is a part of the team caring for and teaching the youngest members of the TSMSOC family.
Lauren grew up in Illinois and moved to St. Louis after attending the University of Missouri. She worked 6+ years as a full-time nanny, caretaking for infants, toddlers, and young children. The opportunity to work at TSMSOC was one she could not pass up. The school is a unique, magical place, and she is so grateful to be a part of it.
She finds caretaking for, nurturing, and teaching little ones both so important, and so rewarding. She knows every single child and family is different, and believes it is fundamental to adapt to each child's needs and situation. It is a privilege to be a day to day part of their mental, emotional, and physical development, and she values the lead of the parents and an open line of communication to be the best team for your child.
Job Titles:
- Director of Infant and Toddler Program
Lindsay was born and raised in the city of Saint Louis and has been a member of the Church of St. Michael St. George since she was a toddler.
After graduating from the University of Kansas in 2014 with a degree in Behavioral Science, she worked as a behavioral therapist in clinical, school, home, and social environments. This fostered a dedication to promote student learning in the classroom setting with special attention to social and emotional learning.
In 2017, she moved to Columbia, MO, and worked in Columbia Public Schools in student support. During that time, she graduated from William Woods with a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. She returned to Saint Louis in 2019, where she taught 5th grade and obtained a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Maryville University.
She is enrolled in Maryville University's Doctor of Education in the Educational Leadership program and will graduate this May!
Lori graduated from The University of Central Missouri with an undergraduate in public relations and a minor in broadcast media and film. She worked in foreign currency trading for five years before starting as the business manager at TSMSOC. Lori has now been with TSMSOC since 2013 and now has the role of Admissions Director.
Lori's job brings her joy every day by witnessing the joyful, inquisitive, loving, creative students our school nurtures. Touring new families allows her to experience The Difference The St. Michael School of Clayton offers.
Lori is the mother to Andi Grey, Ryan Laverne, Kyle Nora Roe and Eddy. She enjoys the energy her children bring to the household and loves watching the sisters' relationships grow.
Job Titles:
- Elementary Preforming Arts Specialist
Meghan graduated from Rockhurst University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Psychology. Meghan then received her Masters in Education with a focus on Special Education from Fontbonne University in 2021. She holds certifications in both Missouri Elementary Education and k-12 Special Education. Meghan has been in the education field for eight years, teaching 4th grade, 7th grade math, and as the current Learning Consultant. Meghan is entering her third year at The St. Michael School of Clayton.
Meghan knew she wanted to be a teacher at a very young age. She has a passion for supporting students through their learning experiences. In her free time, Meghan enjoys reading, yoga, and spending time with friends and family.
Missy graduated from Missouri State University with a BS in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Emphasis. She was born to be a teacher and knew this was always the path for her. In addition to being a classroom teacher, Missy also aided in grant writing and co-authored a literacy curriculum through Mega Bloks. Missy considers herself very lucky as she has called TSMSOC home since 2006. She has worked with Pre-K, Kindergarten but primarily First Grade and Second Grade.
Learning should be fun and relevant. Every child should feel successful, capable and celebrated while learning. TSMSOC allows Missy to live true to her philosophy while at the same time providing a safe, warm and welcoming environment. Everyday is a new day; a day for learning, laughing, creating and growing at TSMSOC. It is her goal that students leave her class feeling accomplished, proud and happy.
Missy is a mom to Molly and Kate as well as all her students. She loves fitness, is an ACE certified personal trainer, baking, singing, dancing, and spending time with friends and family. She incorporates all these passions into the school day while celebrating special moments, big and small, with her students.
Job Titles:
- Studio Art Specialist
- Toddler - Studio Art Specialist
Monica graduated from Lynchburg College with her undergraduate degree in Special Education. She began her career in Arlington, VA, followed by teaching in Austin, Texas.
Upon moving to St. Louis and enrolling her children, Charlie (then entering the 5th grade) and Izzy (entering the 3rd grade) at TSMSOC, she found herself volunteering her time at the school. It did not take long before she was filling in as a substitute and then happily agreed to teach a 4th grade math class. In 2012, Monica was thrilled to be totally immersed as the full-time 2nd grade teacher.
One of the things Monica loves most about TSMSOC is the collaborative nature of our school. "Bouncing ideas from one professional to another allows me to be a better teacher, provides richer educational experiences, and forges a cohesive community." Mistakes are often applauded in Monica's classroom. "When we make mistakes, we learn to be problem solvers, with greater self confidence, and without fear of failure."
Monica is an avid traveler (she's lived in seven different states as well as the country of Cyprus), which has taught her to appreciate the beauty of learning through exploration.
Today, Monica keeps herself busy by attending the various activities of her teenage children. Charlie, now at Crossroads Prep, has become a part of the theater program-acting, writing, and directing various plays, musicals and one-acts. Izzy, at Nerinx, is a member of the Cross Country and Track teams. She has had meets all over Illinois and Missouri. During the summer months Monica can be found somewhere in the northeast catching up with family and friends.
Peter Lang's extensive background spanning education, music, leadership, and business has culminated in his appointment as the Interim Head of School for The St. Michael School of Clayton. Here, he is poised to bring forth an era of innovation, creativity, and comprehensive growth for our students, faculty and school community.
She has a huge passion for taking care of children! To Ronnie, it truly has been a pleasure, honor, and blessing to have met and nurtured more than 100 babies over the years she has spent working here. She has met countless wonderful families and hopes to meet many more in the coming years.
In addition to providing childcare, she is active with the CSMSG's Youth Ministry's Mission Week, helping with activities such as transportation and volunteer activities.
When not working, she enjoys bingo, karaoke, and spending time with my 29-year-old "baby", Chelsea.
During Theresa Eppert's twenty-plus years teaching at The St. Michael School of Clayton, she has developed several innovative programs to include biking. This made TSMSOC one of the only schools in the country to offer a biking curriculum for Pre-Kindergarten-8th grade.
Other notable programs that Theresa has brought to our students include the Annual Forest Park Adventure, Orienteering, Learn to Ice Skate, Learn to Swim and the TRI-ART Summer Camp (14 Years). In 2020, Theresa transitioned to our Studio Art Program, bringing with her a wealth of talent and skills to share with our students.
Hi, I'm Tiffany Leake! I am thrilled to enter the 2022/2023 school year! I have been an Infant Educator with TSMSOC since 2016. I have over ten years of experience in child care. I have worked with children in their home as a nanny, in the public school sector and learning centers.
TSMSOC has enlightened me on the importance of learning through exploration. Since childhood, I've had a passion to help people learn and grow. I enjoy spending time with my family and taking my cat for walks. I can't wait to join you on the journey of education, growth and success with your child!
Tracey graduated with her bachelors degree and certificate in Early Childhood Education. She has always wanted to work with children and be a teacher.
Her daughter attended TSMSOC for 6th-8th grade and fell in love with the school and the way children were able to be taught in a way that made sense to them. She wanted to teach there when she graduated and was excited when a position opened up.
Tracey's daughter is now a junior in high school and likes to come back to visit her teachers and help with the current students. In her free time, she enjoys being with family and friends, crafting, taking her dog Buddy for walks, and being outside.