New City School - Faculty and Staff Bios

Faculty and Staff Bios

Laura Barr Advancement Manager lbarr@newcityschool.org	This is Laura's second year as New City's Advancement Manager. She earned her BS in Public Policy from the Pennsylvania State University. She enjoys spending time with her family as well as gardening. Her favorite food is anything of a cake-like substance that contains chocolate, and her favorite children's book is Goodnight Moon. Her favorite vacation spot is anywhere that has a beach or her family home in Colorado.
Sandy Bigg Learning Specialist sbigg@newcityschool.org	Sandy has been teaching and tutoring for the past 24 years. She has spent eight years in the classroom, including five at New City School from 1986-1990. She earned a Bachelor's in English Literature from Washington University in St. Louis and her Master's of Arts in Teaching from the National College of Education in Evanston, IL. When she's not teaching, she enjoys playing duplicate bridge, hiking in the mountains, writing, and doing the New York Times crossword puzzle. Her favorite food is the potato (in any form!). Her favorite book is Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh and she loves to vacation in Manitou Springs, Colorado.
Lisa Blue 2nd Grade Teacher lblue@newcityschool.org	Lisa is a 19 year teaching veteran, with 10 of those years at New City School. She currently teaches second grade. She earned her BA from Stillman College, and feels that the single most important aspect of MI has been how it has continually stretched her learning and that of her students. She loves technology, music, playing piano, meeting new people, and traveling. Her favorite food is seafood or Mexican. Her favorite book is The Crayon that Talked. She dreams of vacationing to the Caribbean, Europe and New Zealand.
Sally Boggeman 1st Grade Teacher sboggeman@newcityschool.org	"Using MI makes me think outside the box when planning. Students are actively learning as they use their strengths and strengthen their weaker areas. And I can differentiate instruction to the benefit of all," says Sally. She is a veteran teacher of 42 years, 29 of them at New City as a first grade teacher. Her BA is from Hiram College and her MA is from Maryville University. Sally enjoys cooking, hiking, rug hooking and gardening. Sally was one of the editors of our faculty's previous two books, Celebrating Multiple Intelligences and Succeeding with Multiple Intelligences, and helped edit our last book, Celebrating Every Learner: Activities and Strategies to Create a Multiple Intelligences Classroom (Jossey-Bass, 2010).
Scott Boyles Director of IT sboyles@newcityschool.org	Scott has been with New City as Director of Informational Technology for 11 years. He received his BA in History from Bucknell University. Scott is not only passionate about technology, but also music, movies, photography, video editing and cooking. He's never met a computer that he couldn't master. Scott's favorite book, no surprise, is 2001: A Space Odyssey and he loves the movie "Top Gun." When it's vacation time, Scott would like to travel to Japan someday.
Susie Burge 5th Grade Teacher sburge@newcityschool.org	Susie has been a teacher for 24 years, 23 of them at New City; she began as a science teacher and now teaches fifth grade. She has a BA in Biology from the University of Missouri - St. Louis. She says, "The single most important aspect of MI for me as a teacher is to realize that we have a tendency to teach to our strengths. Students with different MI strengths would struggle in my classroom unless I include opportunities for them to process information and demonstrate understanding using intelligences that are NOT my personal strengths." Susie loves spending time with her family, especially her grandkids (they keep her young)! Her favorite food, hands down, no contest is a chocolate concrete from Ted Drewes.
Shannah Burton Art Specialist sburton@newcityschool.org	Shannah believes that "MI invites pathways of learning and discovery for every child." Shannah is completing her sixth year of teaching art - the spatial intelligence at New City. She holds a BS in Art Education from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. Shannah loves art, nature, books, simple pleasures, and wabi-sabi, but not wasabi. To learn more, check out www.newcityarts.blogspot.com.
Carla Carroll Learning Specialist Coordinator ccarroll@newcityschool.org	Carla has a BA in Elementary Education from Webster University, and will be finishing her Masters in Reading at the University in May. She has taught for 25 years, 20 of them at New City in both first and second grade. She currently works with students from preprimary through 6th grade. For her, "MI gives students opportunities to use intelligences and discover things about themselves that they would otherwise not discover in a more traditional classroom. Plus, it makes learning fun!" As far as hobbies go, Carla enjoys running, biking, photography, art and music. Two of her favorite children's books include Weslandia by Paul Fleischman and Hey World, Here I Am! by Jean Little.
Linda Churchwell-Varga 6th Grade Teacher lchurchwell-varga@newcityschool.org	Linda has taught for 23 years, and has been a fifth or sixth grade teacher at New City for 19 of those years. She earned her BA in History from Spellman College and her MAT from Wayne State University. Linda most loves spending time with her family. She also enjoys knitting, baking, reading, and biking and is trying to learn to enjoy running. Her favorite book is always changing, but her favorite food is consistently popcorn. She'd love to vacation on a beach from which she could walk into the woods.
Kristi Cloninger Kindergarten Teacher kcloninger@newcityschool.org	Kristi has been a preprimary teacher for 11 years, nine of those at New City. This year she transitioned to teaching kindergarten. She has a BS in Early Childhood Education from the University of Missouri - St. Louis. "I have found that my focus on MI, and more specifically, the awareness and appreciation of the differences in students in my classroom has helped me know and understand my students better. It has also helped my students know and understand themselves better." When she's not enjoying the "endless entertainment that comes with teaching young children," she enjoys photography, playing tennis with friends and family, and traveling.
Joe Corbett Librarian jcorbett@newcityschool.org	Joe has been at New City for 22 years. He has a BA from Webster University in History and Political Science, an MAT from Webster University, and a Masters in Library Science from the University of Missouri - Columbia. Joe's passions are family and friends. His hobbies include, but aren't limited to walking, biking, yoga, reading, movies, outdoors, keeping up on current events, learning new things, and eating good food. If he could vacation anywhere, Joe would head to the Netherlands and visit places he frequented when he was in school there.
Mary Cullman 3/4s Teacher mcullmann@newcityschool.org	Mary has been teaching for 29 years, 10 of them at New City with our three and four year old students. She has a BA in Psychology and Elementary Education from Saint Louis University. Mary is passionate about MIZZOU and History (WWI and WWII). She collects anything Irish and Fleur de lis. Mary would love to someday vacation in Greece
Mary Daly Assistant Head - Student and Family Support mdaly@newcityschool.org	Mary has been in education for 26 years, and has spent 25 of them at New City School where she taught kindergarten, and is now the Assistant Head for Student and Family Support. She has a BA in Early Childhood Education from Fontbonne University. "MI puts a value on all aspects of a child's development. They don't have to excel in only one or two traditional ways." Mary is a grandmother many times, and is an avid reader.
Melissa Doll 3rd Grade Teacher mdoll@newcityschool.org	Melissa has been teaching for 21 years, seven at New City in the third grade. She earned her BS in Elementary Education and her MA in Educational Counseling from the University of Missouri - St. Louis. She believes the most important aspect of MI is that "it proves everyone has talents, abilities, and weaknesses; they are just in different areas. It is what makes the world go round!" Melissa loves dancing and going to Cardinal games and she's passionate about watching her son play sports. Her favorite children's book is Because of Winn Dixie and her favorite adult book is Iron Gate.
The Driffin New City School Mascot	New City School Mascot, The Driffin, has been at New City for six years, being selected in a School-wide election over the Griffin. You can see his retired predecessors around the building. Driffin believes in MI but is disappointed that the flying intelligence isn't recognized. He'll greet you at the front door when you visit.
Carla MashDuncan 4th Grade Teacher cmash-duncan@newcityschool.org	"The Personal Intelligences, Intra and Inter, are the most important aspects of MI. Reflection is needed for growth and working together promotes problem-solving." An educator for 34 years with 26 of them at New City in the fourth grade, Carla has her BS in Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University, and an MA in Educational Processes from Maryville University. Carla enjoys creative endeavors such as designing jewelry and felting into silk. Her favorite food is Greek.
Megan Dunlap 4/5s Teacher mschneider@newcityschool.org	Megan has been at New City for four years as a preprimary teacher. She received her BA in Early Childhood Education from St. Louis University. Megan loves spending time with her friends and family. She loves sewing, swimming, reaading and cooking. Megan's favorite book is the classic Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. She would love to one day vacation on the beaches of Fiji.
Eric Eskelsen Science Specialist eeskelsen@newcityschool.org	Eric says, "MI makes learning more meaningful and fun." He is a 17 year teaching veteran, 14 of those as our science teacher. Eric has a BA from the University of Northern Iowa and an MAT in Science Education from Webster University. Eric enjoys nature, sports, golfing, and spending time with his family. His favorite food is fresh walleye and his favorite book is A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson. He would love to take his summer vacation in Lake Tahoe.
Laurie Falk School Counselor lfalk@newcityschool.org	Laurie has 33 years of experience in counseling, eight at New City. She has her BA from Loyola University in Chicago, and her MSW from Washington University in St. Louis. For Laurie the most important aspect of MI is "the acknowledgement that both interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligences play a significant role in the education of the whole child." Laurie enjoys sewing, quilting, knitting, reading, traveling, and of course, her family.
Sarah Foss Sub-Coordinator sfoss@newcityschool.org	Sarah has been our Sub-Coordinator for three years. She received her Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education at Fontbonne University. She has also taught at the preprimary level and has taught a dance unit for our performing arts program. Her hobbies include planning for her wedding, going to the park with her dogs, Bruno and Cash, and finding lost treasures while vintage shopping. She dreams of swimming in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland.
Lucie Garnett 5th Grade Teacher lgarnett@newcityschool.org	Lucie has been teaching for 16 years, 13 of those at New City. She currently teaches the fifth grade. She received her BA from Bowdoin College in Art History and German. She received her MA in Elementary Education from Lesley College. She loves dance, photography, travel and good dark chocolate. Her favorite book is Kissing in Manhattan by David Schickler. (The Time Traveller's Wife is a close second). She'd like to go back to New Zealand for her next vacation.
Liz Gaydos Technology Coordinator lgaydos@newcityschool.org	Liz is in her fifth year of teaching, all five of them at New City School. She received her BA in Elementary Education from Fontbonne and will finish her Master's in Educational Technology in the fall of 2012. She says, "Growing up in a transitional, digital age has made me want to pursue a specialty of technology in education. I love being able to make learning more exciting and meaningful to students by using technology as a tool." Liz enjoys using technology outside of school as well, spending school breaks documenting family history by filming interviews with family members. Her interests outside of school include floriculture, as her family owns a local greenhouse and nursery where she spent much of her childhood, art and design, and photography. Liz also takes joy in giving back by fostering rescue dogs.
Monette Gooch-Smith Kindergarten Teacher mgooch-smith@newcityschool.org	"The most important aspect of MI is that it facilitates diversity, diversity of thought and style." Monette has been teaching for 32 years, 30 of them at New City where she taught preprimary and now teaches kindergarten. She has her AAS from St. Louis Community College, her BA from Fontbonne University, and her Masters in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Southern Illinois, Edwardsville. Monette enjoys walking, reading, collecting old coins and scouring art museums. She loves spending time with her family and friends and going to theater and dance performances. Monette would love to take a photographic safari in Africa, visit the museums of Paris or walk on the Great Wall of China.
Joyce Gray 4/5s Teacher jgray@newcityschool.org	Joyce has been teaching preprimary for 23 years, 22 at New City, and has her BA in Early Childhood Education from the University of Missouri - St. Louis. The most important aspect of MI to Joyce is "that it allows for teachers to differentiate in order to meet individual student needs." In her spare time, Joyce loves baking.
Eileen Griffiths Young 4's Teacher egriffiths@newcityschool.org	Eileen has taught kindergarten, 4/5s and 4s at New City for 27 years. She earned her BA from Wilmington College and her MAT from Webster University. "Using MI allows us to address both strengths and weaknesses for individual children. In this way, we focus on the whole child." In her spare time, Eileen enjoys walking, gardening, playing Words With Friends on Facebook, photography and her six incredible grandchildren. She would love to travel anywhere in the world to learn about other cultures or anywhere in the USA to visit with family. She is also the proud parent of New City's Performing Arts teacher.
Ben Griffiths Performing Arts Teacher bgriffiths@newcityschool.org	"MI addresses diversity within a group of learners; it is the answer for all those who wonder why they just didn't 'get it' when they were in school. WIth MI there's a way in for every kid; every student can be successful." Ben has been at New City for all 12 years of his teaching career, and has a BA in Elementary Education from Maryville University. He began as a fourth grade teacher and is now our Performing Arts teacher (focusing upon music, movement, drama). Ben loves to paddle and play in rivers, playing and writing music, reading and writing poetry, and playing various sports.
Jean Grover 6th Grade Teacher jgrover@newcityschool.org	Jean joins New City this year as a sixth grade teacher. She comes to us with 13 years of teaching experience with nine of those being at New City. Before returning to New City, Jean and her family lived in Germany for five years for her husband's work. They took advantage of this opportunity for travel and growth. She earned her BA in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa and her MA in Educational Processes from Maryville University. She enjoys running, hiking in the mountains, canoeing/kayaking, baking cookies and reading. Her favorite vacation spot was exploring the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia, and her dream adventure would be visiting Machu Picchu in Peru.
Melanie Harmon Admissions Director mharmon@newcityschool.org	This is Melanie's second year as New City's Admissions Director. She recevied her BS in Spanish from the University of Kansas. "I believe that private school education with MI as a tool at the elementary level sets a foundation that is unparalleled," says Melanie. She loves spending time with her family and traveling. She would love to travel more frequently with a white sand beach and crystal blue water at the top of my list.
Bennita Higgins Assistant Director of Finance bhiggins@newcityschool.org	Bennita joins New City this year as our Assistant Director of Finance. She earned her MBA from Fontbonne University and her BS in Accounting from Harris-Stowe State University. She loves Italian food, and her favorite movie is "Just Go with It." She enjoys spending time with family, traveling, bowling, reading fiction/non-fiction books, and writing poetry and short stories. She dreams of traveling to Hawaii and Europe.
Thomas R. Hoerr, Ph.D. Head of School trhoerr@newcityschool.org	Thomas R. Hoerr, PhD, has been the Head of School at New City since 1981. Prior to coming to New City, Tom was the principal of Pershing Elementary School in the School District of University City. He also taught in two school districts, and worked as an intern in the St. Louis Public School's Division of Evaluation and Research. Tom founded and directed the Washington University Non-Profit Management Program and co-facilitated the ASCD Scholars Program. Following the words of playwright Edward Albee, who said, “I write to find out what I am thinking,” Tom has written more than 90 articles and three books: Becoming A Multiple Intelligences School (ASCD Press, 2000), The Art of School Leadership (ASCD Press, 2005), and School Leadership for the Future (NAIS Press, 2009). He writes a monthly column, “The Principal Connection,” for Educational Leadership, one of the country’s premier educational publications. Currently, Tom is facilitating the ISACS (Independent Schools Association of the Central States) New Heads Network. This program provides content, skills, and perspectives on school leadership and governance for new heads of ISACS Schools. He also facilitates the ASCD Multiple Intelligences Professional Interest Community, and publishes Intelligence Connections, an MI newsletter that is distributed ten times each year. Intelligence Connections features articles from educators around the world who share how MI can be used to help students learn. Send Tom an email (trhoerr@newcityschool.org) if you’d like to receive the MI newsletter or if you have questions about MI, leadership, faculty collegiality, or New City School.
Chanaya Jacobs 3rd Grade Teacher cjacobs@newcityschool.org	Chanaya is a 20 year teaching veteran with 13 years of experience in the sixth grade at New City. She currently teaches 3rd grade. "For me as a teacher the single most important aspect of MI is giving children the chance to learn in different ways and find their own strengths and weaknesses." She holds a BA in Elementary Education and an MA in Educational Administration from the University of Missouri - St. Louis. Chanaya enjoys being outdoors, biking, walking, playing sports, gardening, and hanging out with family.
A.J. Johnson Program Coordinator for Ext. Day/Camps ajohnson@newcityschool.org	A.J. works in the Family Support Office as the Program Coordinator. Her primary duties are to oversee the daily program operations along with addressing any barriers which may arise. She enjoys learning new things, playing with children, interacting with various cultures and watching anything with the word football. She has a BA in Communication along with over ten years working in social service. She enjoys winding down by walking, singing, spending time with family and skyping with her son who is currently stationed in South Korea.
Jennifer Kaslow Learning Specialist jkaslow@newcityschool.org	Jen has been in education for 12 years, six of those at New City. She has her undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado and her MAT from Webster University. For Jen, the most important aspect of MI is that "it recognizes differences in learning styles and allows learners to capitalize on their natural strengths." Jen's favorite vacation spot is Kauai and she is an avid runner.
Heidi Kehle 4/5s Teacher hkehle@newcityschool.org	"By using MI in the classroom, all children feel valued as learners and as teachers." Heidi has been teaching for 23 years, 17 at New City. She has taught in many grades at New City and is presently a preprimary teacher. She holds a BA in German Language and Literature from Lakeland College. Heidi loves music, hiking, her family, and really good chocolate-chip cookies. She is the magic behind our Saturday Story Time sessions, enchanting everyone with her music, story-telling, and games.
Christine Knoten Preprimary Assistant cknoten@newcityschool.org	Christine has been teaching for 32 years. She has been at New City for the last four years. She received her undergraduate degree from Webster University in Physical Education, followed by a certification from the American Montessori Society. In her spare time, Christine enjoys biking, swimming, knitting, cooking, walking, reading and gardening. Her favorite book is The Sweet Life in Paris and she will vacation anywhere in Europe!
Martha Kveton 3/4s Teacher mkveton@newcityschool.org	Martha is starting her fifth year of teaching, her fourth at New City. She received her undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education from Fontbonne University. She loves spending time outdoors: hiking, rafting, canoeing, kayaking or just relaxing. Martha loves fresh, local dishes most of all, and you could always convince her to go to an Asian feast. When she vacations, she loves to go to a cabin or lodge in the mountains in Montana, Washington, Oregon or Colorado.
Joyce Lanos Receptionist jlanos@newcityschool.org	Joyce has been at New City for 18 years as our receptionist. She is the first face of New City School! In her spare time, Joyce loves reading, especially the Bible, walking in the park, doing jigsaw puzzles, playing board games, and beating her family at Scrabble. She's passionate about her family, working in and spending time at her church, and encouraging and being supportive to people. And last, but certainly not least, she enjoys watching over and protecting the children at New City.
Sarah Lawrenz Director of Advancement slawrenz@newcityschool.org	Sarah joins us this year as New City's Director of Advancement. She received her BA in Communications and MA in Nonprofit Administration from Lindenwood University. She enjoys hanging out with her children, roller derby and volleyball. Her favorite book is Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See and her favorite movie is "Say Anything." She considers Las Vegas her favorite spot in the world!
Hallie Lindemann 4th Grade Teacher hlindemann@newcityschool.org	Hallie has been in education for 15 years and has finished her fifth year at New City School teaching fourth grade. Her BS is from Cornell College in Iowa. She is currently working on her Master's in Reading from the University of St. Louis - Missouri. Outside of teaching, Hallie enjoys pottery, cooking, gardening and her family. She'll eat just about anything Asian and loves the book, The Giver by Louis Lowry. Her dream is to one day travel to Australia.
Susan Matthews Kindergarten Teacher smatthews@newcityschool.org	Susan has spent her whole 25 year teaching career as a kindergarten teacher at New City School. She has a BA in History from Indiana University, and an MA in Education from Maryville University. "MI has helped me look at my children in different ways, and to be able to meet their needs as learners. It has definitely helped me grow as a teacher!" Susan enjoys reading and gardening, and she loves spending time with her family.
Mary McDevitt 4th Grade Teacher mmcdevitt@newcityschool.org	Mary joins New City this year as a fourth grade teacher. She earned her BS in Education from the University of Missouri - St. Louis and is currently working on her M.Ed. in Elementary Education with a reading certification. She enjoys running, biking, camping, sprint triathlons and spending time with family and friends. Her favorite book is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, and her favorite place to vacation is Colorado.
Lauren McKenna Bodily-Kinesthetic Specialist Athletic Coordinator lmckenna@newcityschool.org	"MI is a tool that allows me to present a lesson in many different ways and then build extensions of that lesson that can branch off in many different MI directions," Lauren says. She has her BA in Physical Education from the University of Missouri - St. Louis, and has been teaching PE/B.K. for 32 years, 24 of those at New City. Lauren's hobbies include sports, sports and more sports, theater, scrapbooking, and taking care of her family and her grandchildren Ryan and Lily. She loves shrimp and a good steak.
Jessica Brod-Millner MI Coordinator jbrodmillner@newcityschool.org	Jessica has been teaching for 15 years, 12 of them at New City. She has her BA in History from the University of Colorado, and an MA in Elementary Education from Webster University. She began at New City as a fifth grade teacher, and has been serving as our MI Library Coordinator since we opened our MI library in 2006. Her passion is her family! She loves to travel, ski, ride bikes, take pictures, and spend time outdoors.
Dena Morton Parent Support Assistant dmorton@newcityschool.org	Dena earned her degree in Non-Profit Management from Lindenwood University, which led her to New City School. She has been here since 2008 working with the Business Office as the Parent Support Assistant. Her day is spent assisting the Business Manager, customer service, account management, accounts receivable, billing, and office assistance which includes helping the New City family - teachers, parents and students. She enjoys fundraising and planning events for Relay for Life. Her goal is to raise more money each year to fight back against cancer in hopes of finding a cure. Her passions include her family (especially her 7-year-old daughter, Lindley), friends, coaching baseball and coaching and playing soccer.
Shernina Nichols Spanish Teacher snichols@newcityschool.org	Nina has been teaching Spanish for ten years, seven at New City, and has her BA in Spanish and Marketing from Washington University in St. Louis. "The most important aspect of MI for me is being able to reach students where their strengths are, while challenging them to explore and develop in other areas."
Pat Nuernberger, Ph.D. Assistant Head - Academics pnuernberger@newcityschool.org	Pat has been a teacher and administrator for 39 years, 15 at New City School where she is the Assistant Head for Academics. Pat has a BS in Education from the University of Missouri, an M.Ed. in Reading and Learning Disabilities from the University of Missouri - St. Louis, and a Ph.D. from Saint Louis University. "MI's greatest strength is its ability to allow ALL students to feel smart and have their strengths equally valued." In her spare time, Pat enjoys reading, scrapbooking, sewing and quilting. She is also interested in accounting, digital storytelling, and golf. Her passions include educational curriculum, history, and genealogy.
DeAnn Pomatto 4/5s Teacher dpomatto@newcityschool.org	DeAnn has spent eight of her 21 years of teaching in the first grade at New City. This year she joins us as a preprimary teacher. She earned a BA from Knox College and believes that the most important aspect of MI is that "children learn to appreciate and admire one another's strengths. Every child is recognized as unique." DeAnn enjoys Bikram Yoga (the hot one, as in 105 degrees hot!). She loves Indian food, specifically from Gokul's, a vegetarian restaurant in North St. Louis. She loves to read anything by Barbara Kingsolver and is looking forward to traveling back to Poland.
Joy Poole Kindergarten Teacher jpoole@newcityschool.org	Joy has been teaching for 36 years, and has taught in kindergarten for 11 of them at New City. She has a BA in Social Sciences from Spring Arbor University and an MA in Early Childhood Education from Western Michigan University. She believes "identifying my own strengths as well as those of the children" is a crucial component of MI. Joy loves spending time with family and friends, traveling, cooking, gardening, vacations and walks on Lake Michigan. She loves to vacation anywhere with a warm beach!
Sheryl Reardon 2nd Grade Teacher sreardon@newcityschool.org	Sheryl believes the most important aspect of MI is the incorporation of music into daily life and learning. Sheryl has 16 years of teaching experience, 14 at New City in the second grade. Her BA is from Saint Louis University, and her MA is from Fontbonne University. Sheryl is also our Diversity Coordinator and works with teachers and parents to support diversity efforts at New City School. She chairs the faculty's Diversity Committee and supports the parents' evening Diversity Committee. Sheryl likes Blues hockey, Duke basketball, music and dance, watching documentaries, weight training, and singing off-key.
Claire Reinbold 1st Grade Teacher creinbold@newcityschool.org	Claire has been teaching for 12 years, all at New City School. She has taught in grades two, six and now is in the first grade. She has a BA in Elementary Education from Saint Louis University. "MI allows me to see a side of my students that I could miss - often this missing piece is what connects you to a student, shows you an area where they shine, or just allows you to get to know something you wouldn't necessarily learn in a more traditional environment. It also pushes my own teaching so I can grow and learn with the kids." Claire's hobbies include running, biking, farming, felting, eating, reading, camping, hiking, and much, much more. She spent the 2009-2010 school year on sabbatical, and traveled around the world to learn about farming and how we can bring green into our curriculum.
Debbie Rodemacher Administrative Assistant drodemacher@newcityschool.org	Debbie has worked in the business office in a school setting for the past 11 years and is now the administrative assistant for New City School starting the summer of 2012. She attended classes in Business Communication at Forest Park Community College. One of her favorite places is Charleston, SC where her and her husband lived for seven years enjoying the beach and the history of the Civil War. She enjoys needle point, word games, spending time with her family, friends and coworkers, her two dogs, Bernie and Eddie, and the lake.
Tommi Rogers Preprimary Music and Movement trogers@newcityschool.org	"Teaching with MI allows me to see a child's strengths, and when I see that I can only hope to expand on those strengths," Tommi says. She has been teaching for 25 years, half of them at New City as our preprimary Movement Teacher. She has her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from St. Louis Community College. She is certified through the Early Childhood Music and Movement Association and is a Physical Activity Consultant for Head Start Body Start, The National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play. She is trained in the Orff Schulwerk method of teaching Music and Movement to young children and was also selected as a training facilitator for the "I Am Moving, I Am Learning" (IMIL) framework which was listed on the Presidential task force as a program to get young children moving. Her favorite food is anything with a green chile in it. She is a native of New Mexico and misses the taste of fresh green chile. Her family orders green chile from Hatch, New Mexico (the green chile capital of the world!) every year and her family spends an entire day seeding, roasting, peeling and cooking these green gems of the southwest!
Shawn Runge Director of Finance and Operations srunge@newcityschool.org	Shawn is beginning his seventh year at New City as the Director of Finance and Operations. He received his Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Central College in Pella, Iowa, and his Master's in Educational Administration from the University of Missouri - St. Louis. He loves sports, hiking, and any activity in the water that involves his four children. Shawn's favorite food is pizza from either Pi or Fortel's. His favorite books include anything that his kids will listen to and he'll vacation any place that has mountains or water that he hasn't been to before.
Megan Sanders 2nd Grade Teacher msanders@newcityschool.org	Megan has her BA in Elementary Education from the University of Missouri - St. Louis, and has nine years in the teaching field, seven as a second grade teacher at New City. Megan loves running, hiking, gardening, and dog training. Her favorite food is pizza and her favorite book is Pilgrim at Tinker Creek. She dreams of vacationing to Denmark or New Zealand.
Anne Simmons 1st Grade Teacher asimmons@newcityschool.org	Anne spent four years as a fourth grade teacher and is currently a first grade teacher at New City. She has a BA in Educational Studies as well as Art History and Archeology, both from Washington University in Saint Louis. She also has a M.Ed. from Lesley University. "I feel that multiple intelligence theory, when used as a tool, helps students access information in meaningful ways. By celebrating students' strengths and challenging their assumptions about themselves and their abilities, MI makes learning accessible and pushes students beyond their notions of what is possible." Anne enjoys spending time with her friends and family, laughing, knitting, quilting, and working toward having the discipline to establish a regular running routine.
Julie Stevens 3rd Grade Teacher jstevens@newcityschool.org	Julie is a veteran teacher with 46 years of experience, 24 years at New City in the third grade. She has a BA in English Literature from New Rochelle College and an MA in Educational Administration from Illinois State University. Julie's hobbies include gardening (especially raising roses), reading books on history and historical people, and raising her toy poodle Shadow. Julie is interested in saving the wolves from slaughter in the western continental U.S. and in Alaska. She's passionate about learning more and more about Native Americans and how she can teach our children to take their example and become good Keepers of the Earth (our 3rd grade theme) as they grow up and become adults. Her favorite book is Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry and she loves to visit the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Tobie Taylor-Hudson Director of Extended Day and Camps ttaylor-hudson@newcityschool.org	Tobie has been with New City for 18 years as the Director of Extended Day and Camps. She received her BA in Education from Saint Louis University. Her hobbies include playing the piano and shopping for shoes. Her favorite food is homemade macaroni and cheese, and she loves the book Too Blessed to Be Stressed. She's passionate about the mental and emotional health and wellness of today's teenagers and can't resist a cute puppy! When it's time for vacation she'd like to go to Key West.
Chris Wallach 1st Grade Teacher cwallach@newcityschool.org	Chris has been a teacher for 35 years, 16 at New City School where she has taught fifth and first grades. She has a BS in Secondary Education and French from Southeast Missouri State University and an MA in Curriculum and Instruction from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. Her hobbies include reading, gardening, knitting, and traveling. She loves to eat seafood and her favorite books include Pilgrim at Tinker Creek and The Secret Life of Bees. She loves vacationing on the beach and goes every year. Chris was one of the editors of our faculty's previous two books, Celebrating Multiple Intelligences and Succeeding with Multiple Intelligences, and helped edit our last book, Celebrating Every Learner: Activities and Strategies to Create a Multiple Intelligences Classroom (Jossey-Bass, 2010).
Denise Willis 5th Grade Teacher dwillis@newcityschool.org	Denise has been teaching for 28 years, 17 in the fourth and fifth grades at New City. She has a BS in Education from Shenandoah University, and an MA in Educational Processes from Maryville University. She believes "the most important aspect of MI for me as a teacher is that it provides every child with the opportunity to excel in one or more areas, while providing a way to approach areas that may be more difficult."