Kindergarten Teacher
Julie Abeles
Ensuring that children feel a sense of security and belonging enables them to accept and participate actively in transforming situations. That is what leads to meaningful learning.
Preferred pronoun:(she/her)
Degree:B.S. Apparel Merchandizing – Indiana University; MA Teaching – Webster University
1st Grade Teacher
Brittany Barrett
The most rewarding part of my work is watching children build confidence. When they believe in themselves and have a mindset that they can tackle any challenge, I know they have not just learned content, but also important life skills.
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Degree:Bachelors in K-8 Education with an additional endorsement in English language learners K-12 – City University of Seattle, Summa Cum Laude; Masters in Curriculum and Instruction – Western Governors University.
Outdoor Education Coordinator
Lizzie Berkowitz
Outdoor learning delivers many benefits — reduced stress, improved moods, better concentration and increased joy. I love that our outdoor labs allow children to experience science organically and inspire them to form habits that ensure the sustainability of our planet.
:she/her
:BA in Latin American, Caribbean and Iberian Studies — UW-Madison; MAT — Lindenwood University
Director of Admissions and Marketing
Patty Bloom
Choosing Jewish day school for my children was among the best decisions and most worthwhile investments my husband and I ever made. Now I spend my days sharing the opportunity for a Mirowitz education with others. It’s a dream job.
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Degree:B.A. English/Journalism – University of Texas at Austin
Learning Support Specialist
Kristin Boyer
My goal is to teach students to become independent learners, to take control of their own learning, and to feel confident using their new skills throughout their life and to love the journey.
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Degree: B.S. Elementary and Special Education; M.S. Education with a specialization in curriculum and instruction — University of Missouri- Columbia
Middle School Math Teacher
Julia Campfield
I love mathematics! I love to talk about all levels of mathematics and why mathematics is so important. I believe every student is capable of doing mathematics and that they use it every day without realizing it. My job is to help them learn how to communicate the language of mathematics with the rest of the world.
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Degree:BA in Mathematical Sciences; Specialization: Secondary Education
Mirowitz Therapy Dog
Chava
What inspires me: Balls
Chef
Anya Corson
4th Grade Teacher
Krista Gill
I’m most inspired by the experiences I’ve had with past educators who were kind, dedicated and passionate about education. I strive to inspire my students in the way so many have impacted my life.
:BA In Communications-UMSL
2nd Grade Teacher
Sallie Glaser
I was always inspired by teachers who believed in me and encouraged me to take intellectual risks. Now it’s my turn to pass it forward!
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Degree:BS in Early Childhood and Elementary Education — Stephens College
Office Assistant to the Head of School
Riley Grady
I am incredibly grateful to join such a welcoming and inclusive community. Mirowitz is a place where students and faculty can freely be themselves, and I am so excited to be a part of this school.
:Associate of Arts - St. Charles Community College
Custodian
Marcus Henry
I love to learn new things, and feel fortunate to spend my days in place where learning is the purpose!
5th Grade Teacher
Alex Hoffman
The “lightbulb” moment. There is nothing better than witnessing a student grasp a concept, make a connection or apply a new skill. As a teacher, I strive for and relish these moments.
Preferred Pronoun:(She/Her)
Degree:B.S. Sports Marketing & Management – Indiana University; MAT Elementary Education – Webster University
2nd grade Teacher
Emily Mae Johnson
I am inspired by curiosity and joyful energy of my students. It is my intention to help every child connect our classroom discussions to the world outside Mirowitz. It is an honor to be a part of their journey toward becoming ethical, responsible and compassionate global citizens.
Degree:BA in Elementary Education; TESOL certification
Director of Support Services
Laura Johnson
My students inspire me when they are willing to take risks, fail forward, to persevere, and ultimately succeed, even if the success is not what we originally thought it would be. I delight in those joyful moment students feel proud progress.
Preferred Pronoun:(she,her)
Degree:BA Elementary and Early Childhood Education – Maryville University; MA Education – Maryville University; Child Development Graduate of St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute; Orton Gillingham from the Institute Multi Sensory Education
Math Teacher
Jennifer Kenniston
I look at each student as a puzzle, and it is my role to put the pieces — the skills — together. The most rewarding moments are when those pieces finally fit, and a child can say with confidence, “I am a reader,” or “I am a mathematician.”
:BS in Elementary Education & Middle School Math from University of Missouri, MS in Educational processes from Maryville University
Librarian and Technology Teacher
Sara Klenofsky
:B.A. Elementary and Early Childhood Education Saint Louis University, M.A. Elementary Education Lindenwood University, Missouri Teaching Certification in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Library Media
Learning Support Specialist
Sue Lapp
I want for Mirowitz students what I want for my own children: for them to be challenged and loved, and prepared for what comes next and excited about learning.
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Degree:B.S. Elementary Education – UMSL; B.S. Human Resources and Family Studies – University of Illinois – Urbana/Champaign; M.A. Marketing – Webster University; Pardes Summer Institute, Jerusalem
Hebrew and Israel Education Coordinator
Becky Lerner
I believe that Israel education and Hebrew language are integral components of the identity development of our students and the future of the Jewish people. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to work with children during their developmental years when their learning has the greatest impact.
Preferred Pronoun: (she/her/היא/את)
Degree:B.A. Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, Jewish Studies Certificate — Indiana University; B.S. Psychology — Indiana University; M.A. Cognitive Psychology — Washington University in St. Louis; M.A. Teaching Hebrew as a Second Language – Middlebury College
PE Teacher; Athletic & Activities Director
Gary Lerner
I am inspired Mirowitz student and their drive to learn and improve…in the classroom and on the ball field. It’s very gratifying as a teacher and as a coach to have that kind of impact on a child.
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Degree:
1st Grade Teacher
Leiba Levine
I take each of my students on a journey of discovery that helps them grow socially, emotionally and intellectually to become all they can become. I am grateful to be an educator — a career that allows me to positively impact the childhood of my students. As I watch them grow throughout their Mirowitz years, I feel proud to have played a role in the development of the school’s bright, articulate and ethical graduates.
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Degree:BS Elementary Education with a specialization in reading. Judaics Studies – Machon program in Jerusalem
Hebrew Teacher
Roxana Lichtman
Great teachers are remembered not for the knowledge they impart but for the way they encourage and lift their students’ achievement in and out of the classroom.
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Degree:Bachelor of Education from Beit Berl College in Kfar Saba Israel; Master of Education in evaluation and curriculum planning from Beit Berl College in Kfar Saba, Israel
ELA Teacher
Ann Luciani
I am inspired by lightbulb moments — that instant when discovery happens for my students and for myself! I love gaining insight into a student’s thinking, and helping them create lightbulb moments for themselves.
:B.S. in Business and MAT Elementary Education
4th Grade Teacher
Rachel McDermott
I enjoy taking classes that grow my own skills and understanding, so it’s natural for me to pass that enthusiasm for learning on to my students. I do so with an emphasis on experiential learning and global citizenship.
:BA in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology
Director of Admissions
Abbi Marks-Mazur
Watching kiddos learn, grow and appreciate Judaism and Israeli culture. Being able to share the magic of Mirowitz is by far the most rewarding and fulfilling opportunity of my life.
:BA in Sociology and Education, and a MBA in Business Management
Art Teacher
Marla Mayer
The impact a teacher has on students’ lives inspires me. I do my best to help each of my students tap into their creativity and shine in their own way through art.
:BS in Art Education- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Masters of Arts in Teaching Webster University
3rd Grade Teacher
Jerra Merrifield
I love spending my day with children who are excited to learn, and I harness that energy to help them grow their skills and confidence. In our supportive community, students become their best selves, as learners and as human beings.
:B.S. Elementary Education — Missouri Western State University; Elementary Education Teaching Certificate
Judaics Teacher
Rabbi Tracy Nathan
At Mirowitz, learning is both playful and values-driven, creative and intellectually vibrant, transformative and joyful. I feel fortunate to be a part of this kind of learning community.
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Degree:B.A. in English Literature – Wesleyan University; M.A. in Folklore and Folklife – University of Pennsylvania; M.A. and Rabbinic Ordination – Jewish Theological Seminary of America
5th Grade Teacher
Elona Neece
Every day, Mirowitz students come to school ready to be the best version of themselves. They share love and support to peers and faculty around them, showing that they truly know what it means to be a passionate, kind leader.
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Degree:B.A in Elementary Education and Special Education – Fontbonne University; Currently working on B.S in Communication Disorders
Director of Technology
Andrea Newstead
I love giving students opportunities to learn, comprehend and interact with technology in ways that help them solve problems, complete projects and creatively extend their abilities.
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Degree:B.S. in Elementary Education, concentration mathematics — University of Illinois- Urbana- Champaign; M.A. in Reading, Reading Specialist — Northeastern Illinois University
Kindergarten Teacher
Uchenna Ogu
Children’s intellect, inquisitiveness, excitement for learning, resourcefulness and creativity. I love seeing them in action everyday.
:MA in Innovative Early Childhood Education, BA in Early Childhood Education, magna cum laude Certification: PreK through Third Grade
Coordinator of Experiential Education and Social Studies teacher
Kevin Parentin
I am most inspired by seeing students in roles of leadership. I believe a student is at their best when they are leading the way.
:BS -- Outdoor Education / Recreation -- Southern Illinois University at Carbondale MS -- Outdoor Education / Recreation -- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
3rd Grade Teacher
Priscilla Parentin
I am passionate about meaningful, project-based, nature-based, student-centered instruction. Students best retain and apply information through contextual learning and reflection on those experiences. I am their guide, and we grow better together both as learners and human beings.
Hebrew Teacher
Rachel Persellin-Armoza
At Mirowitz, each teacher brings expertise and passion to the classroom. I especially love to infuse my own love of Hebrew language, Israel, and Jewish and Israeli cultural arts into my lessons.
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Degree:B.S - Business – University of Arizona; M.A. International Affairs – Washington University St. Louis; 20 years classroom teaching experience, both traditional and non-formal settings: Hebrew language, ELA (in Israel), Israeli dance
Learning Support Specialist
Susan Rimermann
It is such a privilege to be teaching at Mirowitz . I love providing the love, encouragement and support to help students reach their potential.
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Degree:B.S. Elementary Education K-8, B.S. Intellectual Disabilities , Emotionally Disabled , Learning Disabilities K-8 University of Missouri -St.Louis
Director of Instruction
Shannon Rohlman
Mirowitz embodies the culture and values all children deserve to learn and experience. Our faculty and staff create a warm and nurturing environment for our students to bravely stretch themselves as learners and to develop lasting friendships.
Preferred Pronoun:She/Her
Degree:B.S. Elementary Education, cum laude — Bradley University, concentration- English; M.A. Educational Leadership and Principal Certification – Maryville University; Reading and Writing Project Institute for Writing Coaches – Columbia University; 2009 recipient of Chidush Award for Jewish Educators — Boulder, Colorado; Pardes Summer Institute, Jerusalem, 2021 EducateSTL's Creativity in the Classroom Award
Music Teacher
Greta Rosenstock
I am inspired by the way music allows children to open up, express themselves, and connect with each other. I light up when I have the opportunity to witness great music and theatre as an audience member.
:BA of Music in Music Education University of Kentucky
Head of School
Raquel Scharf-Anderson
Our phenomenal staff and our engaged learners inspire me every day. I love spending time in the classrooms, and seeing great critical thinking and risk-taking!
:she/her
Degree:BA in Elementary Education, specialization in world history; MA in Literacy; additional coursework in special education and leadership
Learning Support Specialist
Suzie Schmidt
I feel fortunate to work at a school that recognizes how children learn differently and provides students with the needed support to be successful in and out of the classroom.
:BS and MA Early Childhood Education, Dyslexia Practitioner-IMSLEC
Hebrew Teacher
Limor Shacham
I want my students to remember where they belong and where they come from. Teaching Hebrew and about Israel reminds them that they have a Jewish home.
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Degree:B.A. Education and Literature — Ben Gurion University; Teaching certificate — Ben Gurion University; Concentration in classroom management — Central Missouri State University; Training in Tal Am Hebrew curriculum
Occupational Therapist
Risa Shyres
I feel fortunate to work at a school that recognizes how children learn differently and allows a variety of materials and equipment to support learning and success in the classroom. Here, each child can reach his or her potential.
Preferred Pronoun:(She/Her)
Degree:B. S. in Psychology – University of Miami; M. S. in Occupational Therapy – Washington University
Director of Jewish Life
Rabbi Scott Slarskey
Educating in a pluralistic setting is exciting to me. By teaching pluralism we empower our children with the skills and attitudes necessary for building future communities that are respectful, rooted in joyful practice, and intent on increasing tzedek in the world. That is what our Jewish future needs.
Preferred Pronoun:He/Him
Degree:B.A. Philosophy and Ancient Civilization — Clark University; Rabbinic Ordination — Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies; Graduate: Jewish Day School Standards and Benchmarks Program; Graduate: Day School Leadership Training Institute; Graduate: Legacy Heritage Teacher Institute for the Arts
Speech Pathologist
Casey Stallings
I believe all forms of communication are valid. It’s inspiring to help a child feel empowered as they connect with others in meaningful ways and become confident knowing that what they say matters.
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Degree:B.S. Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Oklahoma; M.S. Speech-Language Pathology, Fontbonne University
Judaics Teacher
Val Toskin
I am so fortunate to teach Judaics in a pluralistic day school where students have an opportunity to ask deep questions, to learn how the Torah and our sages answer them, and then formulate their own interpretations through art, writing, debates and role play.
Preferred Pronoun:(she/her)
Degree:B.A. Elementary Education-Brussels, Belgium; Missouri Teacher Certification; Certified in Montessori, Singapore Math, Israel Pedagogy, Project Construct, Tikkun Midot
Office Manager
Mary Wagoner
What inspires me? Children! I am grateful to be in a position to put a smile on a child’s face every day!
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Speech and Language Pathologist
Andee Wieselman
I am passionate about helping children reach their potentential. I want them to have success in their communication and feel empowered to express themselves.
:B.S.- Communication Disorders M.S.- Speech/Language Pathology