staff

Each member of our distinguished faculty knows that the job responsibilities far exceed the job description. After all, we have the sacred task of nurturing young souls and inspiring young minds.

We provide the tools for self-confidence and the inspiration for a lifetime of learning.
We help each child to reach his or her potential, to fearlessly quest for knowledge and understanding.
We are creative, experienced and passionate. And in our hands we hold a life — the ultimate responsibility.

Cheryl Maayan

Head of School

B.A. Washington University; M.A. Jewish Education, Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion; Recipient of Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education; Recipient of Stuart I. Raskas; Outstanding Day School Teacher Award

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"I believe that every moment of our lives has potential. As educators, we have the privilege of uplifting the moments of our students' childhood so that they can learn, grow, and be a part of an ideal community."

Patty Bloom

Director of Admissions & Marketing

B.A. English/Journalism – University of Texas at Austin

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"Choosing Jewish day school for my children was among the best decisions and most worthwhile investments my husband and I have ever made. Now I spend my days sharing the opportunity for a Mirowitz education with others. It’s a dream job."

Kara Dudley

Business Office Assistant

Studied Art Education at Webster University and UMSL

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"I am thrilled to be able to work in an environment and provide services to such a tight knit family of people that I am now honored to call 'home'. Mirowitz is not just a career, it is family!"

Carrie Gent

Office Assistant

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I am grateful to be in a position to serve this wonderful Mirowitz community.

Tommy Green

Maintenance

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"I am so happy to be back at this school! I love watching the kids grow, and helping to make sure the school is a great environment for learning."

Shelley Kinder

Business Manager

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Lee'at Koertel

Associate Director of Admissions

B.A. Jewish Studies and Hebrew & Semitic Studies — University of Wisconsin; M.A. Non Profit Management, Washington University

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"My own childhood experience as a Jewish day school student gave me the confidence to know who I was and what I stand for. It was like someone tapped me with a leadership wand and said 'You can do that!' I can't wait to give that to others."

Sue Lapp

Interim Director of Instruction and Support Services

B.S. Elementary Education, UMSL;  B.S. Human Resources and Family Studies, University of Illinois – Urbana/Champaign;  M.A. Marketing from Webster University; Pardes Summer Institute, Jerusalem

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"I believe a teacher can meet the needs of students so that each is challenged and successful. My classroom is a place where students are encouraged to expand their thinking through experiential learning, and a place where cooperation and mutual respect are highly valued. I want for my students what I want for my own children: for them to be challenged and loved, prepared for what comes next and excited about learning. "

Becky Lerner

Hebrew Coordinator and Teacher

B.A. Near Eastern Languages and Cultures — Indiana University;  B.S. Psychology — Indiana University;  M.A. Cognitive Psychology — Washington University in St. Louis; Jewish Studies Certificate, Training in Tal Am Hebrew curriculum

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"I believe that Hebrew should be taught as a modern language, and as a language that binds the Jewish people to each other, to Israel and to our heritage. We are lucky to be able to do this during childhood years, when they are best equipped for learning language."

Margo Newman

Director of Development

B.A. International Studies and Marketing, Bradley University

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"I love sharing Mirowitz with community members who care so deeply about the future of the Jewish community. Just a few minutes in the school, and they understand the power of their investment."

Andrea Newstead

Director of Technology

B.S. in Elementary Education, concentration mathematics — University of Illinois- Urbana- Champaign; M.A. in Reading, Reading Specialist — Northeastern Illinois University

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"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."

Rick Schmidt

Middle School Coordinator & Science Teacher

B.A. Elementary Education, Middle School Certification in Science, Social Studies and Math — University of Missouri-St. Louis; MAT Science — Webster University

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"I relish in those "ah-ha" moments when my students connect what we’ve learned in class to what is happening in the world around them."

Rabbi Scott Slarskey

Director of Jewish Life

B.A. Philosophy and Ancient Civilization — Clark University; Rabbinic Ordination — Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies

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“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.”

Mary Wagoner

Office Manager

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"I am inspired by children and grateful to be in a position to put a smile on a child’s face every day!"