Faculty 

Community School teachers average over 10 years teaching right here at Community. More than 53% have advanced degrees. To learn more about our creative and talented faculty, their bios are organized by grade below. Specialty subject and other teachers follow.

Nursery

Paige Noel is a graduate of Miami University, Ohio, with a bachelor of arts in speech communications-public relations. She recently received her masters in early childhood education from UMSL. Paige spent several summers working as a teen counselor and youth supervisor. Paige enjoys traveling and spent a semester abroad studying in Luxembourg. She is interested in arts and crafts projects, especially with young children. TOP 


 

Sonie Orsay received her masters in early childhood education from Webster University in 2005. She taught at Community School in Nursery from 2002-2005. Prior to her return, Sonie worked at a financial firm in Clayton and started her own business, Spoiled by Sonie, a children’s apparel line. Sonie’s interests include spending time with family and friends, writing, and working out. TOP 

Junior Kindergarten

Kristin Hornell, JKW, earned a bachelor of arts in english literature from Washington University and a master of arts in early childhood education from Webster University. She joins Community School from Washington University Nursery School where she taught for five years. Kristin's interests include reading, hiking, yoga, nia, and enjoying the outdoors. TOP 

 Kristine Major, JK East, received her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Fontbonne University. She has taught thirteen years – eleven of those years at the Ladue Early Childhood Center. For the last nine years, Kris has been the lead teacher in Ladue’s Early Childhood Center four and five year old class. She and her husband, Tom, recently had their second child – a son named Thomas. Their daughter, Addison, and dog, Taz, are adjusting to the new addition. Her free time is spent with her family and going for long walks. TOP 

Katie Norris, JK East, is a native St. Louisan. Katie graduated from University of Missouri St. Louis with a degree in early childhood education. She taught for two years at St. Mark's School as a kindergarten teacher and was a substitute teacher in the Rockwood School District. Katie is married and enjoys traveling. She recently visited India and Sri Lanka, working with the villagers to open a temporary medical clinic. Her other interests include outdoor activities, renovating their home, and going out to eat. TOP

Senior Kindergarten

Carole Lemen, SK West,  has taught for over thirty years at Community School. Carole received a bachelor of science in elementary education from the University of Cincinnati. Before coming to St. Louis, Carole taught in Cincinnati and Boston and at the Windy Hill Pre-School in St. Louis. Carole has been a team member on ISACS evaluation committees and has presented her mammal unit at two ISACS regional conventions. Carole’s life has revolved around Community School and John Burroughs School where her husband, Jim, teaches and coaches. Carole enjoys attending sporting events, tennis, and golf. Living in the country allows Carole to pursue her love of horses and plants. TOP 

Martha Overcash, SK West, joined Community School in 1986. Martha earned a bachelor of science in education from Wheelock College in Boston. She was the director of the Community School Play Camp for six years. Martha enjoys needlework, stenciling, sewing, cooking, and being a mom to her daughter, Libby, a Community School alum. TOP  

Gale Reed, SK East, received her bachelor of arts in education from Webster University. Before coming to Community School in 1999, she taught four year olds at Village Lutheran Preschool for twelve years. Gale has also taught high school biology. For three years, Gale was the Director of Burr Oak Preschool and Kindergarten Camp which is held here at Community. Gale has been involved in many volunteer activities including being a licensed foster parent through the Children’s Home Society of Missouri. She and her husband, David, have two children, a son and a daughter. TOP




Ellen Watts, SK East, came to Community School from Clayton Child Center. She has a bachelor of science in early childhood education from Fontbonne College. She has taught for over 15 years and has experience with a wide age range of children. Ellen also worked as a counselor in New City’s aftercare program. She enjoys hiking, camping, and family get-togethers. She and her husband have two children, both enrolled at Community.

First Grade

Debbie Barmeier, 1 South,  has a bachelor of science in elementary education from Southwest Missouri State and a Missouri Life Certificate in grades K-8. Before coming to Community, Debbie was a pre-kindergarten teacher in Kirkwood. She enjoys reading, walking, and making crafts. She is also an active volunteer through the Junior League of St. Louis. Debbie and her husband, Chip, have two sons. TOP 

Lori Branch, 1 North, has a bachelor of science in elementary and special education from the University of South Dakota and took graduate course work in special education at the University of Florida in Gainesville. Lori came to Community from Valparaiso, Florida, where she taught first and second grade. She received an award from the Council for Exceptional Children for outstanding performance in 1991 and was selected Teacher of the Year in 1993 by the Valparaiso Elementary School. Lori and her husband, Dalfred, have two children, Ashley and Spencer. She enjoys bowling, biking, and spending time outdoors TOP 

Julie Heitmann, 1 South, graduated with a BS in education from Kansas State University. Prior to coming to Community School, she worked for three years in the Rockwood School District as a Partner in Education School/Community Facilitator. Julie previously substituted at Community School for two years, one as a long-term substitute in First Grade. She and her husband, Rick, have two daughters. In her free time, she enjoys walks with her dogs and reading. TOP 




Karen Swisher, 1 North, is originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, but has spent the last ten years in Oregon. She received her BA in education from Pacific University. She has certifications in early childhood and elementary education. Karen has spent the last five years teaching kindergarten in Tillamook, as well as teaching a bilingual Spanish program. Karen enjoys learning about new languages and cultures, cooking, gardening, hiking, walking her dog, and spending time with her fiancé, Steve. 

Second Grade

Ann Epps, 2 North, graduated from the University of Tulsa with a bachelor of science in early childhood and elementary education. She has taught four-year-old children for years and has served as a mentor teacher. Ann came to Community in 1998. Professionally, Ann has presented workshops for Early Childhood teachers and is a recipient of the “Teachers Touching Tomorrow Award.” In her spare time, Ann enjoys reading, working in her yard, and spending time with her family. TOP 

Jered Gruszka, 2 South, is a native St. Louisan and the son of two teachers. Jered graduated magna cum laude from Fontbonne University with a degree in elementary education. Jered student taught in the Third Grade at Community School as well as working as a substitute and Extended Day staff. Before returning to Community, Jered taught language arts at Churchill School and Learning Center. During the summer, he can usually be found in the Community School gym as the Burr-Oak Camp P.E. and Outdoor Activities Specialist. Jered and his wife Angela live in South Saint Louis and enjoy parks, cooking, and playing washers. They recently had their first child. TOP 

Jessica Klingbeil, 2 North, graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with a bachelor of science in elementary education.  She recently completed her masters in elementary education from UMSL. Jessica completed her student teaching at Community, substituted at Community, and has taught first grade here. Last year, she also developed a Summer Reading Program for students to reinforce their reading skills.  TOP

Jan Wisland, 2 South, attended the University of Colorado where she earned a bachelor of science. She began her teaching career as a second grade teacher at the Mesa Elementary School in Boulder, Colorado. She was selected to work on a federally granted “Right-to-Read” team while she was in Colorado. Jan taught at the Ladue Chapel Nursery School before joining the Community School faculty in 1987. Jan and her husband, Dave, have two children. She enjoys spending time with her children, sports, travel, and needlepoint. TOP

Third Grade

Mindy Bezdichek, 3 North, is a native of Chesterfield. Mindy earned her bachelor of science in elementary education from the University of Missouri in Columbia. Her teaching career started in the Hazelwood School district where she taught fourth grade for three years, two of those years as the fourth grade team leader. After her experience in Hazelwood, Mindy pursued a master's degree in education administration and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Missouri St. Louis. Outside of school, she enjoys playing golf, working out, and spending time with family and friends TOP 



Megan Futhey 3 South, received a BS in psychology and a masters in elementary education from Truman State University. She has been teaching for the last five years in St. Louis City, most recently as a fourth grade math teacher in an eMINTS (technology-enriched) classroom. Megan lives in St. Louis with her two dogs. Megan's hobbies include photography, kirigami, working in her garden, reading and writing, as well as biking, swimming, and hiking. TOP 

Shannon Galfi, 3 South. After graduation from Knox College with a BA in psychology and theater, Shannon moved to Chicago to pursue a career in social work. Two years later, she discovered a passion for teaching and taught Second Grade for three years while pursuing her master’s degree in education. She received her MS in teaching from DePaul University in 2005. Shannon and her husband, Rob, have recently relocated to St. Louis after spending a year living and traveling in Europe. In her free time, Shannon enjoys camping, playing guitar, traveling, biking, reading, and volunteering for Stray Rescue. She and Rob recently had their first child. TOP 

Marty Hoessle, 3 North, came to Community in 1988. She completed her undergraduate work at Southeast Missouri State University and received a master's degree in education in counseling from Washington University, and her elementary and early childhood certification from the University of Missouri. Marty is a 2004 recipient of the "ISSL Teacher of Distinction" and the "Emerson Excellence in Teaching" awards. In 2005, her book Under Three Flags was published, which is about the early history of St. Louis. Marty’s hobbies include dancing, bicycling, hiking, yoga, ice skating, rollerblading, juggling, and reading. TOP

Fourth Grade 

Lynn Christopher, 4 North, graduated with a business degree from Wright State University in Ohio and from Mid-America University in Kansas with a degree in elementary education.  She received a master's degree in educational reading from the University of Kansas.  She recently received Community's Lowenhaupt Award. Lynn also supervises Community's After School Program. TOP  




Nikki Dantuono, 4 North, received a masters degree in educational leadership from Wright State University and a BS in elementary education from Miami University, Ohio. Nikki taught First and Second Grades and coached high school boys/girls tennis and girls basketball in Englewood, Ohio, for five years. Nikki then moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, to help open a new school and become the second grade lead teacher. After marriage, she moved to Augusta, Georgia, where she was a math coordinator for Sylvan Learning Center before relocating to St. Louis. Nikki has been the co-director of Simply Mathematics in Webster Groves, has made presentations for Teach for America's teachers, and has substituted for Community School. Nikki enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, playing various sports, and playing the piano.  TOP  

Michel Pieroni, 4 South, is a native of St. Louis who graduated from Harris-Stowe State University with a bachelor in education and a minor in social sciences. Mike taught middle school social studies at Imagine Academy of Academic Success and at Confluence Academy. During the 2009-2010 year, he substituted for Community School, Webster Groves School District, and City Academy. A lover of sports, Mike was the captain of his college baseball team. He previously coached a Webster Groves youth soccer club and is currently the pitching coach for the University City varsity baseball team. Mike enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with his wife Heidi, and daughter Izzy. TOP  
 

Debbie Willis, 4 South, came to Community from Washington, D.C. in 1997. She has taught for over 30 years and has experience with children from second through eighth grades. Debbie received a bachelor of science from the University of Missouri-Columbia; she has developed curricula for gifted children’s programs and has designed and co-authored textbooks for the United Tribes Educational Technical Center. The texts are being used in 27 states. In her free time, she enjoys hunting for antiques, going to art galleries and museums, traveling, and visiting her three grandchildren. TOP

Fifth Grade

Lynn Smith  earned her bachelor's degree from Elmira College in New York and her masters of education from Xavier University in Ohio. She has lived in London, Madrid and Frankfurt; she also served on the Board of Directors at the International School in Frankfurt.  She has teaching experience in grades second through sixth. Lynn has one daughter who lives in Omaha, NE with her husband, and one son, currently working toward his PhD at St. Louis University. In her spare time, she loves to travel, read, garden, and walk on the beach.  TOP

Sixth Grade

Stephanie Oteng  was a substitute teacher for the Hazelwood School District before coming to Community. She also has experience as a teacher's assistant, nanny, and tutor. Stephanie's bachelor's degree in Journalism is from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. She is currently completing teacher certification coursework through Webster University. Stephanie is the second of six children and has five nieces and nephews. She is married, and she and her husband have a Jack Russell terrier. In her spare time, Stephanie volunteers as a Youth Ministry Mentor. TOP 

Pam Qualy received her bachelor of science in elementary education from the University of Missouri-Columbia and has her Missouri Parent Education Certification. Pam has taught in the classroom for a number of years and has been a Parent Educator in the Ladue School District. She previously taught second grade here at Community. Having three children of her own, Pam has been active in volunteer programs in every phase of school life. TOP




Sherea Dunlap receieved bachelors' degrees in English Literature and History from Hood College in Maryland, where she also studied reading instruction and literacy. She recently completed her masters in English Literature and Language from the University of Maryland. Sherea taught sixth grade language arts in Baltimore before moving to St. Louis. She was a substitute teacher at Communtiy during the 2008-2009 school year.

Specialty Subjects

Chris Bugnitz came to Community in 1989 as a physical education teacher for grades 1 through 6 after working for the Girls’ Club of St. Louis as Program Director. She received a bachelor of science in health education from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and a masters of arts in teaching in physical education from Southeast Missouri State University. Chris is a certified Alpine Tower Leader. She is the Head Coach of the John Burroughs boy’s and girl’s cross-country team and coaches boys' and girls' track at John Burroughs. In 2009, Chris was the recipient of the ISSL Teacher of Distinction and Emerson Excellence in Teaching awards. She is an avid runner and also bikes and plays tennis. Chris and her husband, Paul Bartholomew, enjoy camping, hiking, traveling, and caring for Stella, their Rhodesian Ridgeback. TOP 

Robert Duss, Band Teacher, has been a band director for over thirty years, teaching band at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels. He is a graduate of Missouri State University, and earned his masters in music education at VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. Rob has organized, conducted, and played in many adult concert and jazz bands. He is currently an adjunct faculty member at St. Charles Community College, and he will teach a music education course at Lindenwood University this fall. Rob's passion for music is shared by his wife, Natalia, a voice and piano teacher. They travel yearly to Russia, Natalia's home country, where they perform and share master classes with music students.

Jim Hoots is one of the Upper Elementary Physical Education teachers. Jim has been at Community School for over thirty years. He earned a bachelor of science in health and physical education from Missouri Southern State College. After college, Jim played professional football for the Buffalo Bills and the Dallas Cowboys before beginning his teaching career. He has taught at Affton, Country Day, John Burroughs, and Parkway South High School. Jim is a member of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance and the National Coaches Association. He enjoys golf, archery, backpacking, canoeing, and gardening. TOP 

Amy Kilpatric is the Science Teacher for grades 2 and 4-6, and has been at Community since 1999. Amy received her bachelor of arts in biology and education and graduated summa cum laude from Drury College. She completed her master of arts in education from Washington University. She taught high school biology and middle school science for nine years and worked as a field science educator at Washington University’s Tyson Research Center before joining the faculty. She and her husband, Michael Lillmars, have three daughters. In addition to teaching, Amy enjoys hiking, kayaking, attending Family Nature Summits, square dancing and playing the hammered dulcimer TOP 

Rob Knight is the Shop Co-Lead. He has taught at Community since 1997. Rob has a bachelor of science in social work and child development and a master's degree in social work from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Before coming to Community, Rob was a clinical social worker at Child Center of Our Lady. Woodworking has been a hobby of Rob’s for many years. In his free time, he enjoys camping, hiking, gardening, and cooking. Rob and his wife, Julie, have three children. TOP 

David Lang is the art teacher. Before returning home to St. Louis, David spent ten years in a variety of interesting places. He received a bachelor of arts from Providence College and a bachelor of fine arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. After receiving his master's in teaching at the University of Maine, he taught high school art in Bangor, Maine. David and his wife, Maureen, also spent two years as US Peace Corp volunteers in the Philippines where they worked with university teachers to improve critical thinking skills and assessment skills. David enjoys travel and learning about other people and places. TOP 

Lori Marusic is the Upper Elementary French Teacher. Before coming to Community in 1994, Lori taught at a local high school. She received a bachelor of arts in French and education from St. Louis University and completed her master of arts in teaching at Webster University in 1998. In addition to her French credentials, she is a certified reading specialist. Lori was selected to participate in the New Technologies Institute at Iowa State University, as well as the FLES Institute sponsored by Concordia College. Lori has also shared her knowledge of French as an instructor for St. Louis Community College’s Continuing Education and College for Kids Programs. Lori and her husband have two children, the oldest a student at Community. During her leisure time, she enjoys cooking, reading, and traveling. TOP

Eileen Morrison is the part-time Early Childhood Music teacher. She joined the Community School faculty in 1990 teaching nursery, junior, and senior kindergarten music. Previously, she worked at The Wilson School. Eileen has taught private piano lessons since 1977. Eileen studied at the Oberlin Conservatory from 1963-1966 and has a bachelor of science from Lindenwood University. She is the recipient of "ISSL Teacher of Distinction" and "Emerson Excellence in Teaching" awards. She has taken the complete Suzuki Piano Course with Laura Schindler and studied with Phyliss Weikert for pre-school music certification. Eileen also has a Great Books Certification. She especially enjoys composing children’s songs. Eileen’s hobbies include reading, traveling, and grandparenting. TOP 

Nancy Schmer is an Upper Division P.E. teacher. She holds a B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science from Colorado State University. Nancy has taught P. E. both in the Webster Groves and Clayton School Districts. She has coached five different sports at the high school level (at five different high schools!). In addition, Nancy is a varsity Field Hockey at John Burroughs and a certified high school lacrosse official. She and her husband, Frank, have a daughter, Haley, and a son, Koby, both enrolled in Community School. In her spare time, Nancy enjoys playing and watching sports, coaching and photography. TOP 




Judy Tisdale  taught at Community School for over 30 years, spending 22 of those years teaching science. After five years of retirement, Judy is returning on a part-time basis to teach First and Third Grade Science. She is excited to return, bringing her granddaughter along as a Nursery student.


 

Andy VanDerTuin is the Shop Co-Lead. Andy came to Community School in 1982; he has taught shop and math lab, grades one through five. Andy attended Washington University School of Architecture, Southern Illinois University where he received a bachelor of arts in design, and the Rhode Island School of Design for a masters of fine arts in industrial design. He has taught English and woodworking to Indian, Chinese, and Malaysian students while in the Peace Corps. Andy has done additional study at Webster University, UMSL, The Learning Center, and California State in Los Angeles. Andy received the Alexander Graham Bell Award for Design for Children. Andy has been invited to design an ornament for the White House Christmas Tree. He enjoys gardening, multi-media sculpturing, and photography. TOP 

Caroline Zarinelli teaches drama. Caroline began teaching drama at Community in 1995, and also taught band for a number of years. She has a bachelor of fine arts in theatre from Southwest Missouri State University. For 16 years Caroline has owned and operated Blanket Theatre and Publishing Company. Parlor Pals is her newest summer day camp creation. Caroline coaches children and adult voice students. She is the vocalist with the jazz trio Code Blue. She has two daughters, both alums of Community School. TOP

Other Faculty