Faculty 

 

Debbie Barmeier

Debbie Barmeier is the Grade 1 South Co-Lead. Debbie 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. Debbie and her husband, Chip, have two sons. TOP

Sharon Barnholtz

Sharon Barnholtz is the Nursery Co-Lead. Sharon has a master of arts from Maryville University in early childhood and elementary education and a Ph.D. from St. Louis University. In addition, she received a degree in child development from St. Louis Community College and graduated from a two-year program in Child Development from the St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute. During the summer, Sharon directs Burr-Oak Preschool and Kindergarten Camp, which is held at Community School. She is the 2007 winner of the ISSL Teacher of Distinction award and the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award. Sharon’s interests include family activities, tennis, reading, exercising, and collecting hatpins. TOP

Mindy Bezdichek

Mindy Bezdichek is the 3rd Grade Co-Lead with Marty Hoessle. 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

Lori Branch

Lori Branch is the Grade 1 North Co-Lead. She 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

Christine Bugnitz

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. 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

Lynn Christopher

Lynn Christopher is Fourth Grade North co-lead.  She 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.  Lynn has previous experience teaching, substituting, and tutoring. TOP

Sandra Cirrito

Sandra Cirrito is the Early Childhood Learning Center teacher. Sandra has a master's in education from the Boston College Graduate School of Education and a Missouri Teaching Certificate for Grades 1-6. Previously, she taught first/second grades at Clayton Academy. Sandra and her husband, John, enjoy visiting family in Boston. Her interests include playing the flute, reading, and running. (Sandra is a marathon runner). TOP

Steve Culver

Steve Culver is Community’s Technology Coordinator. He received a bachelor of arts degree and teaching certificate from Webster University. Steve came to Community in 1975 as the shop associate. He has taught third grade at Community and worked with the outdoor education program. Steve has taken courses and workshops on computers, writing, and outdoor education from Washington University, UMSL, Apple, and the Minnesota Outward Bound program. His interests include family activities, gardening, photography, scuba diving, and traveling. Steve and his wife, Margaret, have two children, both Community School alumni. TOP

Darla Ellsworth

Darla Ellsworth, Junior Kindergarten, graduated from UMSL with a degree in elementary education/special education and is certified in Early Childhood Special Education and Learning Disabilities. Darla previously worked for the St. Louis Special School District and St. John’s Mercy Child Development Center. At St. John’s, she administered screenings; supervised, consulted, and provided in-service training to staff of the onsite daycare/preschool program; and taught pre-school age children in a team teaching arrangement with physical therapists and speech and language pathologists. Darla likes to read, bake, and sew. She and her husband, Rick, have three children. TOP

Ann Epps

Ann Epps is the Grade Two North Co-Lead. She 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

Judy Fisher

Judy Fisher is the Upper Elementary Learning Center teacher. Judy has been at Community School since 1997. She holds a bachelor of arts in elementary education from Millikin University and a master's degree in reading from the University of Illinois. Having taught first through eighth grades in both county, inner city, and independent schools, Judy has also taught classes at Fontbonne College in the education department. A recipient of the MO-CAPE and Emerson Electric award for teaching excellence, Judy has also published in both educational and community journals and newspapers. TOP

Sara Forrester

Sara Forrester has joined the 3S Team. She holds a bachelor of arts in economics and a master's in elementary education from Vanderbilt University. Sara has taught kindergarten at Twin Creeks Elementary in San Ramon, CA, and at Anthem School in Anthem, AZ. She substitute taught at Community last year, spending the end of the year as a long-term substitute in Third Grade South. In her free time, Sara enjoys running, cooking, and spending time with familiy and friends. TOP

Barbara Forst

Barb Forst, Linguistics Teacher and Homework Advisor, is a native St. Louisan, and graduated from Fontbonne with a bachelor of arts in elementary and special education. She has had twenty years experience in education, both in the classroom and as a learning consultant in public and private schools. She recently taught at an independent school in Denver before moving back to the St. Louis area. Barb previously taught Homework Club and sixth grade at Community School. She and her husband, Jim, have one son. Barb enjoys hiking in Colorado, yoga, reading, music, and spending time with family and friends. TOP

Shannon Galfi

Shannon Galfi is the Third Grade South co-lead. 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. TOP

Joelle Goetz

Joelle Goetz is the Early Childhood French teacher. She is a native of Saverne, France, and went to college in Strasbourg, France. Since her arrival in the U.S., Joelle has been teaching French to young children in various settings, including Meramec Community College Day Care, Bonhomme Preschool and Rohan Woods School. She enjoys reading, cooking, hiking and swimming. TOP

Jered Gruszka

Jered Gruszka, Grade Two South co-lead, 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. TOP

Jennifer Haney

Jennifer will be Community School's Upper Grade Music Teacher. A native of Crystal City, MO, Jennifer received her bachelor of music degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and her MA Music History/Philosophy degree from Webster University in St. Louis. Jennifer was a Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholar to England where she received her first professional review in the Birmingham Post as an opera singer while studying at the Birmingham Conservatoire. After singing with the International Opera Festival di Roma and other companies in Europe, Jennifer returned to the U.S. and taught at the Maryland Conservatory of Music. TOP

Julie Heitmann

Julie Heitmann is joining the First Grade team for the 2007-2008 school year. Julie 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 has substituted at Community School for two years, last year as a long-term substitute in First Grade North. She and her husband, Rick, have two daughters. In her free time, she enjoys walks with her dogs and reading. TOP

Marty Hoessle

Marty Hoessle is the Grade 3 North Co-Lead. Marty 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

Jim Hoots

Jim Hoots is one of the Upper Elementary Physical Education teachers. Jim has been at Community School for over twenty 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

Kristin Hornell

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

Barb Jaworski

Barb Jaworkski, Extended Day Coordinator, recently retired from Ladue School District after 33 years of working in various positions within the district - a classroom teacher for 20 years, in special services for 9 years, and a school counselor for 4 years. Prior to working in the Ladue District, Barb taught elementary school at two different parochial schools. Barb is involved in many professional organizations. In her free time, she loves writing children's stories, reading, gardening, and poetry. TOP

Janice Kamps

Janice Kamps is the Grade 4 North Co-Lead teacher. Janice has a BS degree in elementary education from Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa. Prior to moving to St. Louis from Alberta, Canada, she taught eighth grade math and social studies and sixth grade language arts at Lacombe Christian School. She and her husband, Gil, have four children. In her free time Janice enjoys hiking, interior decorating, tole painting, music, and exercising. TOP

Suzanne Keefe

Suzanne Keefe is the Grade 4 South Co-Lead. A native of Minnesota, Suzanne received her bachelors degree in English from Augsburg College in Minneapolis and her teaching degree and master's degree in elementary education from the University of St. Paul. She has teaching experience in first, third, fourth, and fifth grades, as well as reading. Suzanne and her husband Tom have two children. She enjoys travel, reading, and baking. She is also an avid sports fan with years of experience as a volleyball and fast pitch softball coach. TOP

Molly Kerckhoff

Molly Gruszka is the Grade 6 co-lead.  A native of St. Louis, she graduated from Indiana University with a degree in elementary education.  After graduation, Molly taught sixth, seventh, and eighth graders in Cincinnati.  She also taught at Jefferson Elementary School in Chicago.  Molly spends her free time running and reading. TOP

Terri Kerley

Terri Kerley is a part-time Discovery Center Coordinator. She has a bachelor of arts in English from Mount Saint Mary College. She has had a long volunteer career at Meramec Elementary and Wydown Middle schools in Clayton and has been a docent at the St. Louis Public Library. She is a board member of the The Wellness Community of Greater St. Louis, and past Chair of the National Speaking of Women’s Health Foundation. Among other things, Terri enjoys swimming, tennis, golf, and reading. She and her husband, Jim, have two sons and a granddaughter. TOP

Amy Kilpatric

Amy Kilpatric is the Science Teacher for grades 2 and 4-6. 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. She enjoys gardening and nature study and is an active volunteer in her children’s activities. TOP

Jessica Klingbeil

Jessica Klingbeil is the Second Grade North co-lead.  She graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with a bachelor of science in elementary education.  Jessica completed her student teaching at Community, substituted at Community, and most recently, taught first grade here. TOP

Rob Knight

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

Debbi Krieg

Debbi Krieg is a part-time Discovery Center Coordinator. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology at St. Louis University. After a career in banking, Debbi spent 15 years as a homemaker and community volunteer, particularly enjoying those hours spent helping out in school libraries. She is currently working on a master of library science degree at the University of Missouri. Debbi enjoys gardening, tennis, and reading. Debbi and her husband, Keith, have three children and one grandchild. TOP

David Lang

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

Carole Lemen

Carole Lemen is the Senior Kindergarten West Co-Lead. Carole 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

Sharon Linde

Sharon Linde, part-time science teacher, teaching grades 1 & 3, received her bachelor of education in 1997 from the University of Missouri St. Louis. She taught for nine years in St. Louis Public Schools in First and Second Grades, specializing in literacy and constructivist educational practices. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree from UMSL, focusing on cognitive neuroscience as it applies to the early learning and development of children in poverty. She and her husband, Marty, live in St. Louis and have two children – Tyler, currently a freshman at UMSL, and Livy, a rambunctious four year old. Sharon has a passion for nature and environmental issues and is excited about sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience with the Community School family. Sharon will teach First and Third Grade science and nature. TOP

Kristine Major

Kristine Major, Junior Kindergarten East co-lead, 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 first child – a daughter named Addison Rose. Their dog, Taz, is adjusting to the new addition. Her free time is spent with her family and going for long walks. TOP

Lori Marusic

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

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

Paige Noel

Paige Noel, Nursery, is a graduate of Miami University, Ohio, with a bachelor of arts in speech communications-public relations. She has completed several classes in education and will obtain her teaching certificate from Webster University. 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

Katie Norris

Katie Norris, JKE co-lead, 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

Stephanie Oteng

Stephanie Oteng is the Sixth Grade Co-Lead. Before coming to Community, she was a substitute teacher for the Hazelwood School District. 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 the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Stephanie is the second of six children and has three 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 Leader. TOP

Martha Overcash

Martha Overcash is the SK West Co-Lead. She 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

Sonie Rao

Sonie Rao, Nursery, 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

Tricia Reeb

Tricia Reeb is Community School's part-time nurse. Tricia received her master of science in nursing from the University of Missouri St. Louis, completing the family nurse practitioner program. She received her bachelor of science in nursing from the Catholic University in Washington, DC. Tricia and her husband Dan have three children who attend Community School. In her free time, she enjoys reading, home improvement projects, and spending time with her family. TOP

Gale Reed

Gale Reed is the SK-East Co-Lead. Gale 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

Carolyn Rhett

Carolyn Rhett is the Grade 1 North Co-Lead. Carolyn graduated from Wheaton College and received a masters in education from Washington University. She holds Missouri and Massachusetts certification in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Carolyn has directed Community’s Summer Play Camp for children aged three to five. Carolyn has written a book for her students titled, “Off to First Grade We Go!” In 2003, she was named an "ISSL Teacher of Distinction," as well as winning the "Emerson Electric Award for Excellence in Teaching". In her spare time, she enjoys photography, gardening, reading, and swimming. TOP

Pam Rothschild

Pam Rothschild is the Grade 6 co-lead. She 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

Kristen Ruckman

Kristen Ruckman is the Grade 5 co-lead teacher. She earned her bachelor of arts in elementary education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and her master in education degree from the Mid-America Nazarene University. She taught third grade for seven years at Shawnee Mission School District in Overland Park, Kansas. In 2005, she was named an "ISSL Teacher of Distinction." Kristen enjoys traveling, computers, photography, reading, and gardening. TOP

Heather Sanders

Heather Sanders is the Fifth Grade Co-Lead.  Raised in St. Louis, she attended Nerinx Hall High School and St. Louis University where she received a degree in elementary education. After graduation, she taught fifth grade at St. Mary Magdalen School and then moved to Texas while her husband attended law school. During that time she taught fourth and fifth grade levels. Heather enjoys travel, reading, movies, dining out, and spending time with friends and family. TOP

Nancy Schmer

Nancy Schmer is the Early Childhood 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 School District and at John Burroughs. In addition, Nancy coaches Field Hockey at John Burroughs. She and her husband, Frank, have a daughter, Haley, and a son, Koby, both enrolled in Community School. Nancy’s interests include sports and photography. TOP

Lynn Smith

Lynn Smith is a Fifth Grade Co-Lead.  She 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. Lynn is active in the Junior League and numerous volunteer organizations. She has teaching experience in grades second through sixth. TOP

Karen Temporiti

Karen Temporiti is the Director of After School Programs. Karen came to Community in 1995. She has a bachelor of science in education from Southern Illinois University and a master's degree in education with a specialization in reading from UMSL. She has experience with students across the elementary grades and has special training for teaching children with learning differences. In her free time Karen enjoys sewing and traveling. Karen and her husband, John, have four children. TOP

Andy VanDerTuin

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

Ellen Watts

Ellen Watts is the SK-East Co-Lead. Ellen 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, the oldest enrolled at Community. TOP

Debbie Willis

Debbie Willis is the Grade 4 South Co-Lead Teacher. Debbie 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 two grandchildren. TOP

Jan Wisland

Jan Wisland is the Grade 2-South Co-Lead. She 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

Caroline Zarinelli

Caroline Zarinelli teaches drama and band. Caroline began teaching drama at Community in 1995, and later started teaching band. 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