Donna Black, B.S., M.A.T., 8th Grade Math

 Mrs. Black is new to GCAA this year and is teaching 8th grade math along with Karen Dille.  She has a BS with Distinction in Environmental Health from George Washington University, Washington, D.C., a Post Baccalaureate Certification in Computer Science from Kean University in Union, N.J., and her MA in Teaching from Missouri Baptist University.  dblackaqsorg  (dblackaqsorg)  

Melinda Bowden, B.S. Edu MTH/SCI, Seventh Grade Math Teacher

Mrs. Bowden is new to GCAA this year. In 2008, she graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville with a Bachelors of Science in Education concentrating in Middle School Math and Science. She is currently working on her Master’s Degree in Education and is certified in 5-9 and 9-12 grade math. Mrs. Bowden worked for the Hazelwood School District in the summer of 2011, the Parkway School District for two years, and for Eastern Gateway Community College in Steubenville, Ohio. She has had many other experiences working with children and adolescents including being a summer camp counselor, camp health officer, a tutor, horseback riding instructor, woodshop instructor, and a volunteer at a local teens center in Ohio. She is originally from Florissant, Missouri and has lived and traveled all over the world. Some of her favorite places were France, Austria, and Greece. Besides a love for travel, Mrs. Bowden also has a long time passion for the arts especially choir, visual art, and guitar. She is married to her husband David and they live in West County with their two dogs and a cat.

Deanna Breeden, Math Support, B.S.Ed., Math Support

Mrs. Breeden earned her BS in Education with an emphasis in Math at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Missouri.  She loves math and music and grew up playing the piano, singing in choirs, participating in show choir, musicals and playing the alto saxophone in high school and university bands. She has taught in both Texas and Missouri. Married for 27 years, Deanna has three children, one of whom is a happy student here at GCAA!  Family is very important to her and spending time with hers brings her joy.  She also loves to read.  dbreedenaqsorg  (dbreedenaqsorg)  

Allison Brewer, B.A., M.A.T, Support Staff

Ms. Brewer came to GCAA from Webster University, where she received her BA in Education with an emphasis in Special Education and a minor in English Literature, as well as her MAT in Special Education: Cross Categorical K-12. She joined the school for its inaugural year, and continues to enjoy every minute of it. Ms. Brewer previously worked at Confluence Academy-Old North. She has a three-year-old daughter who loves coming to school functions to see the students. Ms. Brewer is passionate about reading, and her favorite part of teaching is watching a student have an ‘ah-ha’ moment. She is excited about seeing the students grow academically, emotionally, and socially as the GCAA community blooms.  abreweraqsorg  (abreweraqsorg)  

Libby Burkhardt, B.S., 8th Grade Social Studies

Ms. Burkhardt is new to GCAA this year, and is enjoying watching her students learn about their world.  In addition to her love for social studies, she also has been a performer nearly her whole life as a singer and dancer.  eburkhardtaqsorg  (eburkhardtaqsorg)  

Paul Coffman, B.A., M.A.T, 8th Grade Communication Arts

Mr. Coffman received his BA in theater performance from Missouri State University and his MAT from Lindenwood University.  Prior to becoming a teacher, he acted in regional theaters through the Midwest in both musicals and plays.  As a teacher, he served as a middle school drama director and a high school English instructor in various area districts before joining the GCAA staff last year.  In addition to teaching, Mr.  Coffman works with the Special School District, assisting homebound students maintain their academic studies.  He and his wife have two children and reside in St. Louis County.  pcoffmanaqsorg  (tfrigillanaaqsorg)  

Eric Conners, B.F.A, M.Ed., Theater Arts

Mr. Conners is a certified speech and theater educator for grades 5-12 and a professional actor. He received his BFA. in Theater Arts from Webster University Conservatory of Theater Arts and a M.Ed. in Secondary Education from the University of Missouri-St.Louis.  Mr. Conners has performed with numerous theater companies including The Black Repertory Theater, Historyonics Theater, The Repertory Theater of St. Louis and the Imaginary Theater Company.  In addition to “live theater” Eric has worked extensively in commercials, industrial films and motion pictures. He is an active member of Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artist (AFTRA), both professional performer unions.  As a teacher, Mr. Conners has worked in a variety of outstanding districts, including Webster Groves, Clayton, Maplewood-Richmond Heights and Kipp Inspire Academy, in a variety of educational roles.  For the past 12 years, he has been on faculty at the Center of Creative Arts (COCA) as a theater instructor teaching a variety of courses, such as improvisation, audition skills, actors’ workshops, Shakespeare and acting for the camera.  Eric is enthused to be part of the Grand Center Arts Academy community, where, indeed, “arts and education come alive” and is proud to work collaboratively with colleagues, students and parents to build a premier arts school of excellence.  econnersaqsorg  (econnersaqsorg)  

Drew Cowell, B.M.E., Music

Mr. Cowell is an educator, musician, and performer, originally from southern Illinois.  As a 2006 graduate of the University of Missouri – St. Louis, Mr. Cowell earned his BME with an emphasis in Vocal Music.  He also holds certifications to teach choral and instrumental music in both Missouri and Illinois.  Mr. Cowell’s choral ensembles have performed at numerous competitions and festivals throughout the Midwest, including being ranked 5th in the state by the Illinois High School Association for the 2009-2010 school year. He is passionate about choral literature; whether it be Renaissance motets or modern vocal jazz, and believes a love for singing can be given to all learners.  A pianist and vocalist, Mr. Cowell has been featured in recitals and performances around the bi-state area. Since 2005, he has served as the Director of Music Ministry for Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Shiloh, Illinois. acowellaqsorg  (acowellaqsorg)  

Sharon Cross, B.A. Psych., School Secretary

Ms. Cross (originally from the mile-high city of Denver, Colorado) graduated from Washington University with her BA in Psychology.  Before coming on board at GCAA, she has been and continues to be an integral part of her church located in St. Louis city, having served in ministry as administrative secretary and other capacities for twenty-three years.  Her appreciation for the arts gave her the opportunity to employ her interest and creativity by directing the Dance Ministry which expanded to the Creative Expression Ministry for adults, youth and children.  Ms. Cross also enjoys anything related to interior decorating.  She is enjoying using her previous experiences to help to promote the growth and excellence of Grand Center Arts Academy. She resides in North County with her little dog named Judah.  scrossaqsorg  (scrossaqsorg)  

Jennifer Cudnik, Ballet

Ms. Cudnik joined our dance staff this year to work with our advanced ballet students.  She studied ballet at the world-renowned School of American Ballet, as well as Pacific Northwest Ballet and Kansas City Ballet. Upon graduation from SAB, she danced professionally for a decade with Pennsylvania Ballet, Stamford City Ballet, and Saint Louis Ballet. Jennifer has been a guest artist with the Saint Louis Symphony and Montana Ballet and has been featured in a variety of media outlets. She is on faculty at COCA and is the co-founder and director of Ballet Initiative.  http://www.balletinitiative.org/ In addition to teaching, she enjoys choreographing, coaching, and staging ballets. Outside of the studio, she loves being with her family, gardening, cooking, arranging flowers, and being outdoors.  Ms. Cudnik is a native of St. Louis and is thrilled to be a part of GCAA. jcudnikaqsorg  (jcudnikaqsorg)  

Karen Dille, B.S., 8th Grade Math

Ms. Dille graduated from Kansas State University with a BS in Education, majoring in Math. She has taught at the high school level in Manhattan, Kansas and at St. Joseph’s Academy and Ritenour High School in St. Louis. She has been a private math tutor for many years, working with students ranging from 5th grade through college level courses. She enjoys the challenge of helping students understand and become comfortable (maybe even excited!) with math. Mrs. Dille is shares 8th grade math duties with Ms. Black this year. She and her husband, Dave, have four grown children and live in University City.  kdilleaqsorg  (kdilleaqsorg)  

Robbie Engel, B.A., M.A., Counselor

Ms. Engel received degrees from Michigan State University in Special Education for Emotionally Disturbed and Learning Disabled K-12 and in Elementary Education. She earned her MA in School Counseling from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and a Psychological Examiner Certification from Lindenwood University. Ms. Engel had recently retired from 31 years in public education, first as a special educator, then as a 5th grade teacher, and for the last 17 years, a school counselor. Working as a counselor at GCAA, a place where the arts, academics, and social action converge into a wonderful new learning community, is a dream come true for her.  Ms. Engel has two daughters, ages 15 and 21, and her husband, Billy, is a professional musician and recording/sound engineer.  Her daughters are both involved in the visual and performing arts as well.   rengelaqsorg  (rengelaqsorg)  

Tam England, B.A., M.F.A., Reading Specialist

Ms. England is a certified Reading Specialist.  Her passion for teaching reading comes from her belief that reading is the basis for success in school and in life. She received her Reading Certification from Lindenwood University in St.Louis.  Ms. England is also certified in K-12 Art and received her MFA from the University of Kansas. She has taught art history at Southwestern Illinois College, and also has experience in middle school special education.  Most recently,  she taught in the St. Louis Public Schools, where she served as a Pilot school board member. Throughout her career, Ms. England has proved to be an innovative and creative teacher who believes that understanding her students’ individual needs is an integral component of their success. Ms. England lives in South St. Louis with her husband. She enjoys practicing yoga and learning healthy cooking.  tenglandaqsorg  (tenglandaqsorg)  

Denise Farnworth, B.S., 6th Grade Math

Mrs. Farnworth graduated from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville with her BS in Elementary Education. After graduating, she worked for two years with 6th grade learning-disabled students in O’Fallon, Illinois. She then taught middle school at a parochial school for five years in Maryville, Illinois. Most recently, Mrs. Farnworth taught 5th grade for three years at a charter school in St. Louis.  Her favorite level is 6th grade, and she is very excited to be teaching GCAA 6th graders. She resides in Illinois with her husband, Jason, five-year old son and infant twin boys. Family is very important to Mrs. Farnworth; they support her teaching and hear about her students’ accomplishments often.  dfarnworthaqsorg  (dfarnworthaqsorg)  

 

Ted Frigillana, M.Ed., 7th Grade Social Studies

Mr. Fridge, as he is fondly known by his students, earned his M.Ed. at Maryville University.  He was named “Most Outstanding Senior” of New Mexico State University.  Mr. Frigillana has been featured in US News and World Report, run for local government, and after meeting Dan Quayle, had him autograph a potato(e).  For class information, go to www.heymrfrig.com.   His email address is tfrigillanaaqsorg  (tfrigillanaaqsorg)  

Lynne Glickert, M.A.T., Ed.S., Principal

In July, 2009, Lynne Glickert was hired and charged by the Confluence Academy Board of Directors to open a charter arts school by August, 2010. With her background as a music teacher and school principal, her expertize in Arts Integration, and her connections to the art community, she was the ideal person to make that dream a reality. Ms. Glickert has worked as a music teacher in the Clayton School District and John Burroughs School, and as an administrator in the Parkway, Lindbergh and University City School Districts.   She is also an anti-racism facilitator with Educational Equity Consultants, and has worked in a variety of schools and organizations throughout the St. Louis area.  She and her husband, Michael, have three grown sons and live in University City.  lglickertaqsorg  (lglickertaqsorg)  

Bella Hafezi, M.Ed., Counselor

Ms. Hafezi was born and raised in Albania and moved to the United States (St. Louis) in 2000. She graduated from Saint Louis University with her B.A. in Psychology in 2005. In 2008, Ms. Hafezi completed a Masters of Education in Counseling at the University of Missouri-St. Louis and is a certified K-12 School Counselor. After graduating, she worked as a long-term substitute 9th grade counselor in the Lindbergh School District, and then as an adjunct Counseling faculty member for St. Louis Community College’s Forest Park Campus. For Ms. Hafezi, being able to assist our students in maintaining a healthy psychological and emotional lifestyle in order make the most of their educational experiences is truly a privilege.  bhafeziaqsorg  (bhafeziaqsorg)  

Laura Hoffman, B.S.E., M.S.E., M.Div.P.C., Middle School Team Leader

Ms. Hoffman came to GCAA with a wide range of experiences, from curriculum development during her days as a Newspaper in Education Coordinator, to her teaching days in El Paso, Texas, to her years spent doing individual and family counseling (including a stint as the Treatment Supervisor at an adolescent treatment center), to her experiences as a children’s and youth minister and her time as a hospice chaplain and bereavement coordinator.  Ms. Hoffman’s life has been spent educating, whether formally in a classroom or in a therapeutic setting.  She believes that students, no matter their ages, are always capable of learning – it is the job of the teacher to awaken the student to the joy of learning.  Ms. Hoffman has a deep love of the social sciences and particularly enjoys engaging her students in practical life application.

Ms. Hoffman and her husband, Warren, moved to St. Louis in 2005.  They have two furry, four-legged kids, Tupper and Molly.  Keeping in line with her love of history, she enjoys collecting antiques and the many stories they tell. lhoffmanaqsorg  (lhoffmanaqsorg)  

Emily Kohring, M. F. A., B.F.A., Theater Arts

Ms. Kohring joined the GCAA family through a residency our first year working with our teachers and Peer Leaders.  She has  been Metro Theater Company’s Education Director/Artistic Associate since 2002.  She has her MFA in Theater for Youth from Arizona State University and a BFA in Theater Arts from University of Idaho.   She joins the GCAA theater department this year as a full-time teacher.  ekohringaqsorg  (ekohringaqsorg)  

Jessy Linn, B.S., Special Education

Ms. Linn, in addition to her teaching career at GCAA, is a member of the Air Force Reserves.  She spent part of last spring in training, and has returned to teach this fall.  She also recently spent a month teaching English in China.  Reading is one of her passions, and she hopes to encourage more students to make reading a part of their everyday lives.  jlinnaqsorg  (jlinnaqsorg)  

Steven Manolopoulos, B.F.A., Visual Arts

Mr. Manolopoulos is a teaching artist, with an emphasis in drawing and painting.  He has exhibited his work in the Northeast U.S. as well as Oregon, California, Illinois, and Vietnam.  He holds a BFA in printmaking from Maine College of Art, and a BFA in art restoration from S.U.N.Y. F.I.T.  In 2005, he moved from his native New York to St. Louis, fulfilling his long-time dream of becoming a teacher.  After completing the Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Program at Washington University in 2007, Mr. Manolopoulos worked in University City prior to joining GCAA.  In addition to his Art certification,  he is also certified to teach biology (9-12) and earth science (9-12) and enjoys bringing his love of science into his art classes.  smanolopoulosaqsorg  (smanolopoulosaqsorg)  

Damen Martin, M.A., B.M.E., Music

Mr. Martin joins our music staff this year, teaching orchestra.  He holds a BA in Music Education, Vocal, Choral, and Instrumental Education from Ohio Northern University and his MA in Music, Choral Conducting and Voice from Southern Illinois University.  dmartinaqsorg  (dmartinaqsorg)  

Gayle Mason, R.N., B.S.N., Nurse

Ms. Mason came to Grand Center Arts Academy after working in Parish Nursing for several years. As the Parish Nurse in a St. Louis City church, she was able to apply her love for community nursing to the surrounding neighborhood, including working with school nurses in two public schools to enhance their health education programs.  By bringing the church, the neighborhood and the schools together, the parish established a community garden, which became an educational health tool for the children and provided fresh vegetables for the neighborhood and the local food pantry. She takes a holistic approach to nursing, seeing a healthy body, mind and spirit as essential for total personal health.  gmasonaqsorg  (gmasonaqsorg)  

Jessica Null, B.F.A, M.A., Dance

Mrs. Null began dancing at a very young age. She received her BFA in Dance Studies from Missouri State University in 2006, where she performed with the Inertia Dance Company for three years. During this time, her choreographic works were chosen for performance in the American Collegiate Dance Festival and Faculty Dance Concerts.  She moved to London, England, in the autumn of 2006, to be part of Springs Dance Company’s Apprenticeship scheme.  Here she performed, taught, and choreographed as a member of the élevate Dance Company. She received her MA in Choreography in 2008 from Laban Conservatory of Dance, hailed to be the preeminent dance school in all of Europe.  While earning her MA, she taught with the Royal Academy of Dance, Springs Dance Company, and was a tour manager for élevate Dance Company.  Her choreographic works were performed throughout London. She has both performed and taught all over the world including the United Kingdom, Italy, Cyprus, Greece, Ireland and Bogotá, Colombia. After nearly three years of working in London, Mrs. Null (formerly Ms. Standsfield) moved back to her hometown of St. Louis to be part of this innovative new school.  She married over the summer and came back to GCAA with a new name!  jstansfieldaqsorg  (jstansfieldaqsorg)  

Alex Rearick, B.S., Physical Education

Mr. Rearick  earned his BS in Physical Education and Health for K-12 from Southwest Baptist University in 2010.  He lived overseas when he was younger, graduating from Ukarumpa International High School in Papua New Guinea.  He began his GCAA career as a substitute teacher and saw the potential our students hold and is excited about being a full-time faculty member here.  Mr. Rearick believes every child has the potential to be successful, and he wants to help our students reach high by getting to know them as individuals.  He has many interests outside of the classroom, including coaching and playing soccer, camping, hiking, running, and working at a local YMCA.  arearickaqsorg  (arearickaqsorg)  

Casey Rivarola, M.Ed., B.A., 6th Grade Social Studies

Mrs. Rivarola earned her BA in Political Science with a concentration in Global Politics from the University of Minnesota.  She then received her M.Ed. in Social Studies Education from Rockhurst University across the state in Kansas City.  Before coming to GCAA, she worked for the city government of Mission Kansas.  She also did substitute teaching and worked as a Program Instructor for Close Up in Washington, D.C.  In her free time, Mrs. Rivarola can be found cheering for the Golden Gophers and the Jayhawks, tap dancing, trying new recipes or planning her next travel destination.  crivarolaaqsorg  (crivarolaaqsorg)  

Dan Rubright, B.M., M.M., Director of Arts and Community Partnerships

Mr. Rubright is a guitarist, composer, educator, bandleader and artistic/managing director.  For the last twenty years, he has been a member of the jazz faculty at Webster University in St. Louis, where he’s taught numerous classes as well as undergraduate and graduate jazz guitar students.  He is an in-demand guitarist and has performed with several of his own jazz, rock and “eclectic” ensembles.  He has performed frequently with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, the Fox and Muny Orchestras, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, among others.  In 2001 he co-founded and managed Crossings Concerts with Melissa Brooks, Assistant Principal Cello with the SLSO. Crossings was a non-profit music presenting and producing organization that created innovative concerts blending classical, jazz, folk, world and experimental music.  Crossings collaborated with some of the region’s top artists, including standout members of the SLSO, top jazz artists, and nationally known instrumentalists. He has written music scores for an assortment of films airing in diverse venues regionally and nationally. Mr. Rubright wrote the music score for the Emmy-Award winning  PBS documentary, “Oh Freedom After While” which was broadcast nationally and featured Julian Bond as narrator.  He is a published songwriter and his works can be found on iTunes. Dan’s son, Aidan, is the best production of all and the joy of his life.  drubrightaqsorg  (drubrightaqsorg)  

Phyllis Shelby, B.S., M.Ed., Ass’t. Dean, I.S.S.

After receiving her BS in Education with a minor in Mathematics from Harris Stowe Teacher’s College, Ms. Shelby pursued her M.A. in Teaching at Webster University, where she focused on Education Emphasis in Computer Resources.  She joined the GCAA staff after 10 years of experience teaching math and computer science to grades 6-12 in various St. Louis metro area schools.  She has also worked in adult education for many years, teaching literacy and computer skills at St. Louis Community Colleges.  pshelbyaqsorg  (pshelbyaqsorg)  

Eric Theby, B.S., 7th Grade Science

Mr. Theby is new to GCAA this year, but not new to education. His Bachelor of Science degree is in Elementary Education with a Concentration in Science.   He has been teaching since 2007 and is very excited to be part of the GCAA faculty.  ethebyaqsorg  (ethebyaqsorg)  

Carol York, B.S., M.A., 6th Grade Science

Ms. York received her BS from the University of Missouri-Columbia in Food and Nutrition.  After graduation, she worked for a number of years in an area hospital as a clinical dietitian and as assistant dietary manager.  During this time, she earned her MA in Management from Webster University. Soon after her marriage, she and her husband joined the US Peace Corps, which took them to Botswana, Southern Africa, where she worked as a dietitian for the Department of Health. Later, Mrs. York stayed home when her children were young, but kept busy teaching preschool, working with Parents as Teachers, coaching middle school girls’ soccer and leading Girl Scouts and Ventures.  She received her teaching certificate in science with an emphasis on middle school education. Mrs. York has many interests, not the least of which is her family. She also enjoys exploring nature, hiking, reading, and being involved in her community.  cyorkaqsorg  (cyorkaqsorg)  

Elissa Yost, B.J., B.A., 7th Grade Communication Arts

Elissa is new to GCAA this year.  She has a Bachelor of Journalism degree and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, both from University of Nebraska-Lincoln.   She has taught 6th and 7th grade communication arts, served as Grade Level Team Leader, and has an extensive background in the field of journalism.  eyostaqsorg  (eyostaqsorg)  

Liz Zeiser, B.S.Ed., 6th Grade Communication Arts

Ms. Zeiser earned a BS  in Education with an emphasis in Middle School Language Arts from the University of Missouri – St. Louis in 2009. While completing her undergraduate education, she taught in a variety of classrooms and in the St. Louis, Ritenour and Parkway districts and spent two years as a substitute teacher in the Fox School District.  She believes in her students’ potential, and strives to get to know each one as an individual with specific needs.  Currently, she dedicates her time to tutoring students in reading and writing.  Outside of the classroom, she enjoys playing the piano, reading, and traveling with her husband, and they are preparing to welcome their first child later this school year.  lzeiseraqsorg  (lzeiseraqsorg)