636-458-6688 x100 Name: Anselm, Sherri Title: Administrative Assistant to the Head Education: B.S. Nuclear Engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology (formerly University of Missouri - Rolla) Comments: I'm so excited for the coming year and the possibilities! The Fulton School is such a special place, and I continue to love being part of educating our youth and preparing them for their future!

636-458-6688 x126 Name: Austin, John Title: Middle School English Education: B.A. Anthropology from Duke University, Ph.D. Theatre History from University of Illinois Comments: Strong habits of mind make an enormous difference as young people grow into adulthood. I came to The Fulton School after 12 years of working in colleges, simply because I wanted teaching to be a larger part of my day. Every day here, my principal motivation is to help students become the kind of students that college professors really want in their classrooms: students who are both fearless and thoughtful, who have well-developed problem-solving and communication skills, and who understand from their experience here that all of us together are smarter than any of us alone.

636-458-6688 x127 Name: Barenkamp, Anne Title: Upper School History, International Program Director, 1818 Program Coordinator Education: B.A. from Rhodes College, M.A. from St. John's College Comments: As a high school history teacher, I have the pleasure of sharing my passion for studying the past while building skills for the future with my students. We are able to examine historical evidence to uncover the values and beliefs of those who came before us, which, in turn, helps us develop our own values and beliefs. As the International Program Director, I enjoy working closely with our international students to provide academic support and promote their success both in and outside the classroom. To foster intercultural awareness and fun in our community, I work alongside international students and student ambassadors to plan activities and events, such as a celebration of the Chinese New Year. I am in my tenth year as a teacher and as a provider of international student support, and I am delighted to be a member of the diverse community of teachers and learners at The Fulton School!

636.458.6688 x136 Name: Bellchamber, Kim Title: Learning Center Director Education: B.S. Education, Special Education from University of Missouri-St. Louis Comments: I am excited to be a part of The Fulton School community. Over the past 20+ years I have enjoyed teaching a variety of students and worked hard to meet their individual needs. I have been a classroom teacher, and more recently, as a private tutor at several private schools within the St. Louis area. My favorite part of teaching is when I run into a former student or their parents, and I get to hear how well they are doing. Maybe they are graduating from college or starting their own business, or I find out that they now love reading and going to school. To hear that they are successful and independent makes my heart swell because I know that I played a part in that student’s success.

636-458-6688 x126 Name: Bryan, Emily Title: Upper School History Subtitle: Lower School Art Education: B.A. Art History from Rhodes College (Memphis), M.A. Art History and Archaeology from Washington University Comments: Human history is all about storytelling—what stories get told, why, and by whom. Storytelling is integral to who we are as human beings in relationship with each other, our communities, and those who came before us. I look forward to helping my students learn how to analyze, understand, and evaluate the stories of the past as they enter the world, become stewards of their own citizenship, and write their own stories.

636-458-6688 x131 Name: Burns, Juliet Title: 4-5-6 Math & Science Education: B.A. from University of Hawaii Comments: I am so excited to continue my path as an educator at The Fulton School. I look forward to becoming part of such a caring and nurturing school that encourages its students to seek out their interests and explore who they are as individuals and as a part of a community. It brings me joy to see students apply what they have learned to their everyday life. At the Fulton School the opportunity for real world, hands on learning seems boundless. I can’t wait to be a part of it.

636-458-6688 x134 Website Name: Dicker, Bridget Title: Toddlers / Preschool / Kindergarten Education: Diploma: American Montessori Society- MOMTEP Reading Reflex Instructor Comments: I get to see the joy on children’s faces as they exclaim “I did it!” I get to learn as much as I teach. There’s nothing like a child’s perspective to keep you in the present. It’s the best gig in town!

636-458-6688 x102 Name: Douglass, Kara Title: Head of School Education: B.A. English Literature and German Studies from Rice University, M.A. Counseling from Covenant Theological Seminary, AMS Montessori Certificate 3-6 year olds Comments: I love being in an environment where *everyone* is learning to be the best version of themselves they can be. We all take risks; we all grow; we all work as a team to create an ideal learning community. This makes for a pretty happy, fulfilling, and inspiring group!

636-458-6688 x104 Name: Doyle, Sarah Title: Business Manager Education: B.S. Accounting from Truman State University; Certified Public Accountant Comments: I love this community and knowing we're making a difference in kids' lives.

636-458-6688 x118 Name: Griffith, Brittany Title: Lower & Upper School Music Education: B.A. Music & French from Illinois State University; M.A.Teaching from Lindenwood University. K-12 Instrumental Music Teaching Certification. Comments: The arts are such an important part of our society. Teaching students to foster a lifelong love of music and learning fills my heart with such joy. I enjoy helping students discover their unique creativity through play and project-based learning. I can't wait to see what the students at The Fulton School will create in the music room.

636-458-6688 x119 Name: Griffith, Tony Title: Lower & Upper School PE Education: B.S. Secondary Education from University of Central Missouri, M.S. Curriculum and Instruction from Southwest Baptist University Comments: "Make the people around you better." What a great motto for life. Whether it's your family and friends, co-workers, teammates, or even random strangers, there is always an opportunity for influence and impact. As a teacher and coach, I have the incredible privilege of pursuing this mission on a daily basis with my students. I'm so excited to work with the students at The Fulton School and bring my passion for fun, fitness, and physical activity.

636.458.6688 x106 Name: Hahn, Laura Title: Director of Marketing Education: B.A. English with Journalism minor from Missouri State University Comments: As the marketer of The Fulton School, I spend a good deal of time observing, watching this unique and amazing education unfold firsthand. It could be a preschooler experiencing an A-HA moment in the Montessori classroom, or a teacher closing his eyes and whispering "Yes!" as a student grasps a physics concept, or maybe a shy fourth grader who ends her first Science Fair presentation in front of her class with a grin from ear to ear, or it could be that teenager who performs a random act of kindness undetected in the back hallway. Being present for these types of everyday happenings at The Fulton School gives me the best seat in the house for telling the TFS story. Best. Job. Ever.

636-458-6688 x135 Website Name: Hassan, Shadia Title: Preschool / Kindergarten, Upper School Art, Arabic Education: B.A. Fine Arts from Lebanese University, American Montessori Society (AMS) Teaching Certificate 3-6 Year Olds Comments: I love to see the light go on in the children’s eyes when they learn something new and their energy energizes me. Also, I love and enjoy the newness of each day with the preschoolers. I get a great deal of satisfaction and joy. I love to hear the kids’ questions, explanations and ideas. I love seeing the new discoveries every day.

636-458-6688 x128 Website Name: Hurwitz, Seth Title: Upper School English Subtitle: Director of College Counseling Education: B.A. Literature and Language from Bennington College, M.A. English and American Literature from Washington University, Ph.D. English and American Literature from Washington University Comments: My favorite moments as a teacher come when I realize the conversation has taken off--and that, if I were to leave the room, it would continue; when the students' desire to share their ideas and to learn from one another has overridden their collective notion that teachers only teach and students only learn: when they feel enthusiastic about exploring a poem, pressuring an idea, considering their own writing--when they're joyfully learning, in other words, for the sake of learning. That's when I learn the most and when I know I'm doing my job. And that's when I have the most fun with it, too.

636-458-6688 x138 Name: Kruger, Kristen Title: 1-2-3 Education: B.A. Paralegal Studies from Maryville University; M.A. Education from Maryville University. AMS (American Montessori Society) Certificate for 3-6 year olds, 0-3 training from MECA, and 6-9 training from Houston Montessori Center. Comments: Children are attempting to establish their independence and determine where they fit into the world. Helping to foster their independence and find their place in the world is my source of joy and purpose. It’s not my classroom, it’s our classroom. It’s our place to grow and learn and to try new things.

636-458-6688 x125 Website Name: Lannert, Tracy Title: 4-5-6 Language Arts & Social Studies Education: B.S. Elementary Education from Missouri State University, M.A. Education from University of Missouri-St. Louis, Certifications: Elementary Education 1-9, Library/Media Specialist K-12, French Education K-9 Comments: I love teaching because every day I learn something new about myself, the world and my students. I love working in a place that celebrates everything that is special about children. I am honored to be teaching some of the most wonderful children on the planet.

636-458-6688 x103 Name: Loyd, Diane Title: Assistant Head of School Subtitle: Athletic Director Education: B.S. Medical Technology from St. Louis University, B.S. Physician Assistant from St. Louis University Comments: The overall attitude towards students at The Fulton School is one of compassion, support and love. Students are valued for who they are and what they bring to the classroom. While the academics are challenging, the students are supported emotionally and physically as they learn to love learning on all levels. The school is a happy place, filled with curious, engaged students; caring and creative teachers and an administrative staff that supports both. I am proud to be part of this wonderful institution.

636-458-6688 x124 Name: Melendez, Martha Title: Lower & Upper School Spanish Education: B.A. and M.A. French from St. Louis University Comments: I am excited to be a part of The Fulton School and its community. For the past 10 years, I have been teaching international languages to children/adults ages 12 and up. This year will be a new year for me as I am beginning to teach pre-K through 5th grade as well. It's a new path, and I am delighted at the opportunity. I look forward to getting to know each and everyone of you.

636-458-6688 Name: Mertz, Valerie Title: Instructor, Lower School Farm Program Subtitle: School Farm Manager & Resident Beekeeper Education: B.A. Biology from Middlebury College (Vermont); M.A. Educational Processes from Maryville University Comments: Agriculture and gardening are keystones in my life. For 42 years, I have enjoyed assisting my husband’s soybean and corn operation at Mertz Farms in Elsberry, MO. I have also enjoyed years of vegetable and flower gardening, canning, freezing, and preserving homegrown produce. There isn’t anything more relaxing than getting lost in weeding, pruning, and planting a garden. I am a member of the Master Gardeners of St. Charles County and of iris and daffodil societies. I look forward to sharing my passion for agriculture and gardening with the students of The Fulton School.

636-458-6688 x130 Name: Mitchell, Skyler Title: Upper School Science & Math Education: B.A. from the University of Missouri - St Louis Comments: I am excited to be a part of The Fulton School community. Over the first 10 years of my professional career I was given many opportunities to gain hands-on experience working as a scientist specializing in plant genetics, transformation, and gene editing. It has always been a passion of mine to be able to spark inspiration and to share my experience with the future generations of young scientists, and I believe that The Fulton School is the perfect place for me to do just that.

636-458-6688 x139 Name: Platz, Rick Title: Facilities Manager

636-458-6688 x137 Name: Steurer, Deborah Title: Learning Center Reading Specialist Education: B.A. Elementary Education from Notre Dame College, M.A. Special Education from St. Louis University, Ph.D. Educational Administration from St. Louis University Comments: Sharing time with a child learning is an amazing joy. For me, the opportunity to support children as they learn, as they discover their talents, feel good about themselves, and grow is a gift. Each child, each new day is another blessing.

636-458-6688 x129 Name: Taylor, JT Title: Upper School Math Education: B.A. Mathematics from Wabash College Comments: I love the tight-knit community that is TFS. It is a wonderful place to share my love of math and numbers with students. I aspire to engage students with a challenging curriculum while providing the support and encouragement they need to be successful.

636.458.6688 x127 Name: Toujàs, Gabriela Title: Upper School Spanish Education: B.A Education and Fine Arts from National College of Fine Arts P. Pueyrredon (Buenos Aires, Argentina) Comments: I love teaching Spanish because I am able to incorporate and show my own roots, not only through language but also through culture. I grow as an individual when I listen to them ask their questions in Spanish - knowing they want to learn and speak the language. Being a part of this experience is incredible for me!

636-458-6688 x133 Name: Urbano, Lensyl Title: Upper School Science & Math Subtitle: Makerspace Director Education: B.S. from York College (CUNY), PhD Geology and Geophysics from University of Minnesota, Montessori Secondary(I) credential, Houston Montessori Center Comments: I've always been impressed by the creativity and ingenuity students display when given the opportunity; they learn so much more when they are engaged with the work. I find that my primary role as a teacher is to try to spark students' interests and imaginations, to create an exciting environment where we can all learn.