Welcome New MICDS Faculty & Staff

Lower School

Allison Antolik – Fourth Grade Homeroom Teacher

Allison joins the Lower School family as a Fourth-Grade Homeroom Teacher. She holds a bachelor’s degree in ethnic and multicultural studies and a master’s in elementary education. She was most recently the Instructional Coach at Parkway Central Middle School and has previously taught Pre-Kindergarten through third grade and sixth and seventh grade English and language arts. Allison has a labradoodle named Winnie, and in her free time, she likes to visit her children, who live in three different states: Illinois, Mississippi, and Ohio. She is an avid reader with a goal of reading 100 books a year. Allison said she is most looking forward to becoming a part of the welcoming and supportive Beasley community and introducing younger students to the exceptional learning offered at MICDS. Welcome to MICDS, Allison!

Liz Crowder – Lower School Literacy Coordinator

Liz joins Beasley as the Lower School Literacy Coordinator. Prior to MICDS, she served as a literacy coach at Premier Charter School in St. Louis. Liz holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s in reading, plus certifications in elementary education 1-6, secondary education 9-12 in social science, reading recovery, and as a K-12 reading specialist. In her spare time, Liz loves spending time with her husband and three boys, going to STL City SC soccer games, running, and reading. She looks forward to being a part of a positive and successful school community that supports students in their educational and social/emotional growth. Welcome, Liz!

Centron Felder – Lower School Learning Specialist

Centron joined MICDS last spring as the Lower School Learning Specialist. Before coming to MICDS, he was a school psychologist for the St. Louis Language Immersion School. He holds two master’s degrees in exercise physiology and applied educational psychology, in addition to a certification as an education specialist in school psychology. When not working, he enjoys playing tennis, biking, hiking, shopping, and respectful philosophical debate. He is excited to get to know our youngest learners and their families and is equally excited to be on the journey with “some of the most talented, caring, and professional educators in their respective areas of expertise.” A fun fact about Centron is that he was born in Louisiana and is a huge LSU fan in all sports. A favorite phrase of his is, “Laissez les bons temps rouler and GEAUX TIGERS!” Welcome to MICDS, Centron!

Casey Mitchell – Lower School Teaching Associate

Casey joins our community as a Lower School Teaching Associate in first grade. Before coming to MICDS, Casey worked as a paraprofessional at Willow Brook Elementary School in the Pattonville School District. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, a Master of Arts in education, and an Associate of Arts in Christian ministry. Casey is also a certified yoga teacher, and in her free time, besides doing yoga, she enjoys reading and curling up with her four pets to watch movies. She also loves to ride bikes and hike with her husband and son. Casey is most looking forward to getting to know her colleagues and the MICDS community. Welcome to MICDS, Casey!

Bridget Seery – Lower School Teaching Associate

Bridget Seery joins the Beasley team as a Lower School Teaching Associate. Bridget holds a bachelor’s degree in integrative studies, and prior to MICDS, she served as a third-grade teacher at St. Benedict’s Episcopal School in Smyrna, Georgia. Outside of work, Bridget loves to exercise, cook, bake, and try new restaurants. She is excited to learn from a strong community within the MICDS faculty and to experience all the MICDS traditions for the first time! Welcome, Bridget!

Jennifer Woodman – Lower School Teaching Associate

Jenny joins the Beasley team as a Lower School Teaching Associate. Jenny has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in educational administration. Before coming to MICDS, Jenny was an elementary teacher in the Hazelwood School District, a parent educator for Parents As Teachers, and owned her own business where she was a doula and childbirth educator. Jenny loves traveling, hiking, and camping and a fun fact about Jenny is that she home-educated her own children while traveling the country. Welcome, Jenny!

Middle School

Kimberly Ady – Middle & Upper School French Teacher

Kimberly joins MICDS as a Middle and Upper School World Languages Teacher and will teach French in both divisions and serve as an eighth-grade advisor. Before MICDS, Kimberly taught at the Pingry School in New Jersey and other schools nationwide. She holds a Bachelor and Master of Arts in French and a Master of Arts in African studies and anthropology. A fun fact about Kimberly is that she loves to sing, and she even got to sing with Bobby McFerron at Powell Hall! Welcome, Kimberly!

Bernard Berry – Middle School Band Director

Bernard joins the Middle School community as a Band Director. Prior to MICDS, Bernard served as the band director at Westview Middle School in the Riverview Gardens School District and as a band director in Florida and Minnesota. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in music education and a Master of Arts with studies in pedagogy, curriculum design and instruction, and educational administration. Bernard’s fun fact is that when he was in college, he met and rehearsed with Prince. Welcome to MICDS, Bernard!

Marcela Casco-Lee – Middle School Spanish Teacher

Marcela joins the Middle School family as a Middle School World Languages Teacher, focusing on Spanish. She’s also serving as a seventh-grade advisor. Prior to MICDS, she was the Upper School Spanish Teacher at Forsyth School. Marcela holds a Bachelor of Arts and most recently earned a Master of Arts in education. She likes listening to music, playing with her two sons, hanging out with her family, and trying to perfect sourdough bread in her free time. She is looking forward to having a community of teachers to work and collaborate with. Her fun fact is that she loves singing and dreamed of being on Broadway. Welcome to the MICDS stage, Marcela!

Kevin Frankenberger – Middle School Math Teacher

Kevin joins the Middle School as a Math Teacher and eighth-grade advisor after a long career in the Hazelwood School District. He holds a Bachelor of Science in elementary education-middle school math and a Master of Arts in educational administration. In his spare time, Kevin and his wife and three boys enjoy being active with skiing, biking, and traveling. He is most looking forward to the new learning opportunities and relationships with the students, families, and faculty. Welcome, Kevin!

Beth Garcia – Middle School English Teacher

Beth joins the fifth-grade team as a Middle School English and Language Arts Teacher. Prior to MICDS, Beth served in several teaching, advising, and coaching roles at the Columbus School for Girls in Ohio. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a Master of Arts in teaching in secondary English language arts. She likes to read, travel, hike, bake, try new restaurants, and walk her dog with her new husband in her free time. Beth’s fun fact is that she has an identical twin who is also a teacher. She is most looking forward to getting to know her MICDS fifth graders and helping them see themselves as readers and writers. Welcome, Beth!

Kayla Helton – Middle School History Teacher

Kayla joins the fifth-grade team as a Middle School History Teacher. Prior to MICDS, she served in teaching roles at Cross Keys Middle School in the Ferguson-Florissant school district. Kayla’s fun fact is that she has traveled around the country and played semi-professional flat track roller derby for nine years, including winning a bronze medal with her team, Arch Rival Roller Derby, in 2015, before retiring from the sport in 2020. Welcome to the halls of MICDS, Kayla!

Freddie Jones – Middle School PE Teacher

Freddie joins the MICDS Physical Education department as a full-time Middle School PE Teacher. He has served as a basketball coach for MICDS since 2019 and joined the MICDS teaching team late last fall. In his free time, Freddie enjoys playing the popular sport of pickleball. Welcome to the PE Department, Freddie!

Bethany Kavanaugh – Middle School Librarian

Bethany joined our community as the Middle School Librarian. Before MICDS, she served as the librarian and technology coordinator at Compton-Drew ILC. Bethany holds a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature and two master’s degrees in education and library and information science. In her spare time, Bethany collects special edition books, antique books (some even from the 1870s), and miniature books; she also does her own custom bookbinding. Welcome to the stacks at MICDS, Bethany!

D’Antay Mayes – Middle School History Teacher

D’Antay joins the Middle School as a History Teacher and will support our DEI work with Dean of Faculty Grace Lee. Prior to MICDS, D’Antay taught history at Thomas Jefferson School and KIPP St. Louis. D’Antay holds a bachelor’s degree in education and is near completing a master’s degree. In his spare time, D’Antay likes traveling, watching shows, playing tennis, and everyone’s favorite: taking naps. A fun fact about D’Antay is that he met Phan Thi Kim Phuc, “the Napalm girl,” depicted in the Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph taken during the Vietnam War entitled The Terror of War. He feels at home at MICDS and looks forward to serving students alongside our faculty and staff. Welcome to MICDS, D’Antay!

Debra Mein – Middle School Drama Teacher

Debra joins the Middle School as a fifth and sixth-grade Drama Teacher and as a faculty advisor for the MS Drama Club. Prior to MICDS, Debra served as a theater teacher at Crossroads College Preparatory School. Debra holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in theater and has also directed several youth theater productions. In her free time, Debra enjoys time with her spouse, two kids, two hairless cats, and one (very) hairy cat. Her fun fact is that she grew up on a farm and spent her summers singing show tunes while raking hay on an old John Deere 50 tractor. She looks forward to the collaborative working environment at MICDS that is built on trust, autonomy, and respect for faculty and students. Welcome, Debra!

Dr. Nick Miller – Middle School English Teacher

Nick joins the Middle School community as an English Teacher and an eighth-grade advisor. Prior to MICDS, Nick served as a Middle School English Teacher at Sayre School in Kentucky. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature in addition to a master’s degree and doctorate in English and American literature. He served as a graduate fellow in American culture studies. In his spare time, he engages quite a bit with comics and other pop culture media, which includes listening to music (K-Pop is on his current rotation) and watching “way too much television.” When he ventures outside, he enjoys running in local parks or wandering through museums. He and his family are thrilled to be back in St. Louis, and as a former instructor at MICDS, he was impressed by the caliber of MICDS students in the classroom and is excited to help today’s students develop as readers, writers, and thinkers. A fun fact about Nick is that he once danced with Cuba Gooding Jr. at an almost-empty nightclub in Chicago. Welcome to the Middle School team, Nick!

Alonna Robertson – Middle School PE Teacher

Alonna returns to the Physical Education Department at MICDS as a Middle School PE Teacher, sixth-grade advisor, and basketball coach. A fun fact about Alonna is that her family recently discovered, through tracing their ancestry, that they are related to Coretta Scott King; they have even spoken with her family/estate about the connection. Welcome to the Middle School at MICDS, Alonna!

Eric Taylor – Middle School Class of 2029 Dean

Eric joins the Middle School as the Class of 2029 Dean and as a music instructor. Prior to MICDS, Eric served as the seventh and eighth-grade dean at the Breck School in Minnesota. Eric holds a bachelor’s degree in music and two master’s degrees in independent school leadership and music education. He taught music in Ghana and Nigeria before returning to the United States. Eric loves to be outdoors, bikes to MICDS most days, and appreciates the relatively less harsh climate that St. Louis offers compared to Minnesota. He is excited to be working with the fantastic faculty at MICDS and looks forward to attending MICDS sporting events, including Homecoming. Welcome to MICDS, Eric!

Upper School

David Armstrong – Upper School Latin Teacher

David joins the Upper School community as a World Languages Teacher in Latin. Before coming to MICDS, he taught classics at St. Louis Priory High School and was an English teacher at Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School. David holds two master’s degrees in religious studies and classics. When not working, he enjoys reading, writing, lifting, walking, and learning languages. Over the last four years, one of his main hobbies has been an ongoing campaign of Dungeons & Dragons with some of his oldest and closest friends. He is enjoying the warm and friendly atmosphere at MICDS and is busy getting to know his Latin students. Salve, David!

Melanie Duffy – Upper School History Teacher & Class of 2027 Dean

Melanie joins the Upper School team as the Class of 2027 Dean, Upper School History Teacher, and JV Basketball coach. Before MICDS, Melanie was Dean of Students at The Principia and served as a teacher, Athletic Director, and Dean of Students at Berkeley Hall School in California. Melanie is excited to be part of the MICDS community and looks forward to developing meaningful relationships with colleagues and students while learning and growing together. Welcome to MICDS, Melanie!

Louise Hindle – Upper School English Teacher

Louise joins the Upper School community as an Upper School English Teacher and advisor. Before MICDS, Louise worked in southern California educational non-profits and museums, with her most recent role as Associate Director of Education Programs at the Huntington Library. She also had a full-time teaching career in English and drama in Cambridgeshire, U.K. Louise holds a Bachelor of Arts in English literature and language and a Master of Arts in educational leadership and innovation. In her spare time, Louise enjoys reading, going to the theater, listening to podcasts featuring contemporary writers and artists, and wandering around art galleries. She loves hiking with family and friends in Northern England and is learning how to speak Welsh for an additional challenge in her life! Louise is happy to be back in the classroom and is excited to be in a learning community committed to growth and innovation. Welcome, Louise!

Jesse McGlaughlin – Upper School Math & Science Teacher

Jesse joins MICDS as an Upper School Math and Science teacher and Upper School advisor. He comes to MICDS from Ladue High School, where he served as Science Department Chair, Physics Teacher, and Aerospace Science Teacher. Jesse holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and two master’s degrees in secondary school administration and secondary science-physics. In his free time, he loves exploring nature with his two sons, playing sports, and reading and is an avid recreational softball player. Jesse loves teaching because he enjoys building meaningful and impactful relationships with students. Welcome to MICDS, Jesse!

Dr. Kevin Slivka – Upper School Arts Teacher

Kevin joins the Arts Department as an Upper School Arts Teacher focused on drawing and painting. Before MICDS, Kevin was a faculty member at the Hawthorn Leadership School for Girls and an Associate Professor and Program Director for Art Education at the State University of New York, New Paltz. Kevin holds a bachelor’s degree in art education, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, a doctorate in art education, and an education specialist degree in educational leadership. In his spare time, he enjoys swimming, walking his dog Moxie, cooking, and building LEGOs with his kids. A fun fact about Kevin is that he considers himself a naturalist and has worked with Indigenous artists for more than a decade. Welcome, Kevin!

Staff

Dr. Sheila Powell-Walker – Director of Student Support

Sheila joins MICDS as Director of Student Support, coming to us from the School District of Clayton, where she served as a district social worker. She also serves as an adjunct professor at Lindenwood University and Missouri Baptist University. Sheila has over twenty years of experience in education, having served as a professional school counselor, district social worker, and district administrator. She is also a therapist and experienced not-for-profit leader. Sheila holds a Bachelor of Social Work, a Master of Arts in professional and school counseling, and a doctorate in education with an emphasis on teacher leadership. Sheila is the mother of five children and shares her home with a cantankerous cat, Zoe. She enjoys watching Criminal Minds and Flashpoint and loves the Marvel Universe. Welcome to MICDS, Dr. Walker!

Gayle Adams – Administrative Assistant to the Business Office

Gayle joined the MICDS community last fall as the Administrative Assistant to the Business Office and Technology Department. Before MICDS, Gayle held administrative assistant roles throughout her career, most recently at Right At Home. Gayle and her husband are the proud parents of two children, and they enjoy all things outdoors, including camping, fishing, boating, and traveling. Gayle also serves as the league representative for a summer swim team. Welcome to MICDS, Gayle!

Katharine Albritton – Associate Director of Development – Donor Relations

Katharine joins MICDS Alumni & Development Office as the Associate Director of Development, Donor Relations. Prior to MICDS, she served as the Manager of Events and Stewardship at the St. Louis Symphony. Katharine holds a bachelor’s degree in foreign service and a master’s in art business. She loves to read, sew, paint, practice yoga, and hike with her dog in her free time. Katharine is also a St. Louis Historical Sewing Society member–they research historical clothing and hold unique historical costume events in the St. Louis area. Welcome to MICDS, Katharine!

Juan Artigas – Technology Support Specialist

Juan joins the MICDS Technology Department as a Technology Support Specialist. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems, computer and information sciences, and support services. Prior to MICDS, Juan worked in Washington University’s Ophthalmology Department, providing technical support with hardware, software, and eye equipment for the department. Juan has an entrepreneurial mindset when it comes to computers and programming; he even holds a patent on a camera he built for eye clinics. A fun fact about Juan is that his high school robotics team competed against MICDS! Welcome to the team, Juan!

Clare Behrmann – Administrative Assistant to the Alumni and Development Office

Clare joined MICDS last fall as an Administrative Assistant to the Alumni and Development Office. Prior to MICDS, Clare worked in several roles at Aquinas Institute of Theology. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a minor in sports management. Outside work, Clare loves watching various St. Louis sports teams compete or seeing a musical at the Fox. She also enjoys playing video games, biking, and traveling. Clare appreciates the warm and welcoming atmosphere at MICDS and is grateful for her wonderful coworkers. Welcome to MICDS, Clare!

Mike Bridges – Groundskeeper

Mike joins the Facilities team at MICDS as a Groundskeeper. Prior to MICDS, Mike worked at John Burroughs School for 13 years in the plant operations department as a groundskeeper and also did custodial and maintenance work. When he’s not working, he enjoys fishing and traveling to the Lake of the Ozarks. Welcome to the Home of the Rams, Mike!

Coby Capshaw – Security Officer

Coby joined the MICDS Security team last fall as a Campus Safety Officer. Prior to MICDS, Coby worked armed security for Law Enforcement Total Solutions for the Dierbergs franchise. He also holds a certificate in journalism and has experience running his own marketing business. In his free time, Coby enjoys time with his family and friends, going to the gym, practicing martial arts, and finding ways to make his life better each day. He appreciates the opportunity to protect his community and the people within. Welcome to MICDS, Coby!

Christina Cook – Development Database Manager

Christina joined the MICDS Alumni & Development Office as the Development Database Manager in January. Prior to MICDS, she served in roles at the St. Louis Symphony, United Way, and Missouri Historical Society. Christina holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s in social work. Outside of work, Christina loves to go on strolls and take pictures, read, cook, and create crafty things. She also loves to create floral arrangements for friends when celebrating birthdays or special milestones. A fun fact about Christina is that she lived in Hawaii for 12 years where she developed her love of flowers and worked at one of our peer schools, Punahou School. She is happy to be in a community where there is support and passion for learning from all levels and seeing the magic in the eyes of students and alumni who come back to visit. Welcome to MICDS, Christina!

Olivia Favela – Technology Support Specialist

Olivia joins the Technology Department as a Technology Support Specialist. She comes to us from Apple, where she worked in retail, resolving technical issues on Mac and iOS devices, configuring mobile device management profiles, and mentoring technicians. Oliva holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s in social work. Prior to her transition to the tech field, Olivia worked in Oklahoma as a case manager for homeless youth and as a Child Welfare Specialist for the Department of Human Services. In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with her dog and has a soldering hobby! Welcome, Olivia!

Jennifer Kelly – Assistant Director of Extended Day

Jennifer joins the Lower School community at MICDS as the Assistant Director of Extended Day. Prior to MICDS, she served as an intern in the education department at Forest Park Forever. She holds a bachelor’s degree in educational studies focused on youth and adult development. In her spare time, she likes being active outdoors and enjoying the beauty of the natural world by walking, hiking, snowboarding, skiing, and waterskiing. She is excited about the upcoming MICDS Homecoming season and making new friends. Welcome to MICDS, Jennifer!

Wayne Kelley – Director of Technology Service & Support

Wayne joined the Technology Department at MICDS last December in a newly created role as the Director of Technology Service and Support. In addition to leading the tech support environment, he partners with the Arts department on large-space AV equipment and with the Tech Team on new equipment distribution, training, and integration. Prior to joining MICDS, Wayne was the Director of Technology at the Lausanne Collegiate School in Memphis, Tennessee, and during an earlier time there, he also served as a Lower School PE teacher and as the Girls Varsity Basketball coach, leading them to a Tennessee state championship. Wayne has two adult daughters and two grandsons and is also a talented musician. He even played at the Upper School Blue Whale Cafe last winter. We’re glad you’re here at MICDS, Wayne!

Elegan Kramer – Director of Instructional Technology and Digital Literacy

Elegan joins MICDS in a newly created Director of Instructional Technology and Digital Literacy role. Elegan comes to MICDS from the Parkway School District, where she most recently served as their Distance Learning Coordinator and collaborated with district leaders to create professional development resources for teachers. She also taught Physics at Parkway North High School for 13 years. A fun fact about Elegan is that she and her husband held a safari wedding in South Africa! Welcome, Elegan!

Khristian Ortega – Technology Support Specialist

Khristian joined the MICDS Technology department as a Technology Support Specialist. Khristian brings experience as a software consultant/implementation specialist, where he provided second and third-level tech support, and also as an IT asset sales technician. When he is not working, he enjoys salsa dancing and soccer. Welcome to MICDS, Khristian!

Shawn Rose – Groundskeeper

Shawn joins the Facilities team as a Groundskeeper. Prior to MICDS, Shawn was the Grounds Foreman and Interim Director of Facilities at Harris-Stowe State University. In his free time, he enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, camping, and fishing. Welcome to the MICDS team, Shawn!

Brandon Teti – Technology Support Specialist

Brandon joins the MICDS Technology department as a Technology Support Specialist. Brandon most recently worked as an IT Manager for the Altea Land Surveying Company and a Technology Support Specialist for the University City School District. Brandon enjoys building PCs, gaming, and spelunking when he isn’t working. Welcome to the team, Brandon!