Christ the King School Staff

Name:

Mrs. Susan Hooker

Position:

Education:

BS Degree, Elementary Education, Eastern Michigan University.
Masters of Arts Degree, Educational Leadership, St. Louis University.

Certifications:

Paul VI Religious Institute - Catchist, Coordinator of Religious Education.
State of Missouri Principal's Certificate.

Experience:

Grades 4, 5, 6 Teacher - OurLady of Sorrows School, Our Lady of Provicence School.
Learning Consultant - St. Joan of Arc School, Linda Vista Catholic School.
Coordinator of Religious Education - St. Justin the Martyr School.
Principal - St. Dominic Savio School.

Hobbies:

I enjoy time with my family, reading, writing, cooking, gardening, decorating, scrapbooking, and shopping!

Why I Enjoy CKS:

I value the community spirit of CKS - supportive parents, kind, caring students, dedicated faculty and staff. It is an honor to be a part of this school family.

Name:

Rev. Timothy Foley

Position:

Pastor, Christ the King Church

Name:

Marissa Mathes

Position:

Preschool Director mmathes@ctkstl.com

Education:

I am certified in Early Childhood Education. I am studying at Missouri Baptist University to receive a Masters of Science in Education.

Experience:

I have worked as a pre-school aide at St. Bridget of Kildare and at Rockwood Early Childhood Center.

Hobbies:

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy baking, cake decorating, and design.

Why I Enjoy CKS:

Christ the King has been very welcoming and I am enjoying getting to know all of the students and their families.

Name:

Mrs. Malinda Callanan

Position:

Preschool Teacher mcallanan@ctkstl.com

Education:

I have a BA in Elementary Education from Fontbonne University.

Certifications:

Elementary Education

Experience:

Before joining CKS I worked as a teacher assistant in a first grade classroom.

Hobbies:

I enjoy gardening and crafts.

Why I Enjoy CKS:

I enjoy working at CKS because the parents and faculty are more than willing to go out of their way to help. It is great to work with such wonderful parents that are willing to help in their children's education.

Name:

Amy Kavanaugh

Position:

Kindergarten Teacher akavanaugh@ctkstl.com

Education:

I have a B.S. in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education from Southeast Missouri State University.

Certifications:

Elementary Education (1-6) and Early Childhood (Birth-3).

Experience:

Before joining CKS I worked as a teacher's assistant at an elementary school for a year and a half.

Hobbies:

I enjoy being outdoors and spending time with my family and friends.

Why I Enjoy CKS:

I look forward to working at Christ the King and meeting all of the students and families. Everyone has been very welcoming and supportive and I am looking forward to a great year!

Name:

Kathleen Chilenski

Position:

Part-time Kindergarten Aide kchilenski@ctkstl.com

Education:

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Elementary Education from Marian College and a Master of Science degree in Elementary Education from Butler University.

Certifications:

Missouri Lifetime Grade 1 - 8, Indiana Lifetime Grades K - 6.

Experience:

I taught five years in the Indianapolis Public School System and 25 years in Catholic schools, most recently retiring from full time teaching at Our Lady of Providence School.

Hobbies:

I love reading, walking, traveling, scrap booking and spending time with family and friends.

Why I Enjoy CKS:

I already love the warmth, creativity, high standards and multi-cultural environment. The pastor, principal, and staff are exceptional and accepting, while the parents and students are fascinating and supportive.

Name:

Dawn Duncan

Position:

1st Grade Teacher dduncan@ctkstl.com

Education:

I graduated Magna Cum Laude at Harris Stowe State University with a B.S. in Elementary Education with a minor in Social Studies.

Experience:

This is my 10th year teaching in Catholic Schools. I have taught first, second, fifth and sixth grades. After 6 years at Resurrection of our Lord, the school closed and I was fortunate to follow my students to St. John the Baptist. And now God has now called me to CKS.

Hobbies:

I enjoy reading, swimming, hiking, biking and camping with my four children.

Why I Enjoy CKS:

I look forward to a place were my family and I can become a part of the diverse and accepting family of CKS.

Name:

Nancy Zundel

Position:

2nd Grade Teacher nzundel@ctkstl.com

Education:

Elementary Education Certification, Harris Stowe State College
B.S. in Business Administration, University of Missouri-St. Louis

Experience:

I have taught and enjoyed both first and third grade at St. Luke the Evangelist School.

Hobbies:

I enjoy gardening, cooking, reading, and spending time with my three sons.

Why I Enjoy CKS:

I look forward to the opportunity to work with you, as a member of your team, at Christ the King School.

Name:

Susan Lange

Position:

First & Second Grade Teacher Aide slange@ctkstl.com

Education:

Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Louis University. Major in Psychology, Minor in Elementary Education.

Certifications:

I have a lifetime teaching certificate.

Experience:

I have taught for 37 years in Catholic education in various schools. I have taught Kindergarten, first and second grades. My last teaching job was second grade at Linda Vista Catholic School, which closed in May.

Hobbies:

I love all sports, reading, gardening, traveling, walking, and most of all spending time with my family.

Why I Enjoy CKS:

I look forward to a great year helping the first graders reach their potential. Everyone at CKS has been very friendly and welcoming! It's a wonderful atmosphere to work in.

Name:

Mary Voskamp

Position:

3rd Grade Teacher mvoskamp@ctkstl.com

Education:

I have a BS in Elementary Education and a BA in Business with a major in Accounting. I moved from accounting into the field of education.
I have a Master of Arts in Teaching in Computer Studies from Webster University.

Certifications:

Lifetime Certification for Elementary (K-8) and Special Education (K-9) - State of Missouri.
Basic Elementary Religious Teaching Certification - Paul VI Institute
Developmental Approach in Science and Health Certification (DASH) – This certification provides a hands-on, lab approach to teaching science and health to younger children.

Experience:

I started teaching at Christ the King in 1999.
I have over 19 years of teaching experience.

Hobbies:

I enjoy gardening, family, baseball, football, and hockey and my two dogs, Goldie and Marni.

Why I Enjoy CKS:

I feel Christ the King is the best school I have had the pleasure to work for. The parents are wonderful, caring parents. The staff is very giving and possess many gifts that they demonstrate for special school activities such as Catholic Schools week. Christ the King is a truly blessed parish with caring administration from both Sister Rosella and Father John. Thank you CKS for the opportunity to work with you.

Name:

Candice A. Harris

Position:

4th Grade Teacher charris@ctkstl.com

Education:

I have a B.S. in Elementary Education and I am certified for grades 1 through 6.

Experience:

This is my first year teaching but I have worked in a variety of elementary schools in both Kansas City and St. Louis. I also recently completed my student teaching in a fourth grade classroom.

Hobbies:

I enjoy reading, working out, and spending time with friends and family.

Why I Enjoy CKS:

I enjoy CKS because of the strong community as well as the diversity. I am an alum and Christ The King has always been a place near and dear to my heart.

Name:

Denise Kerr

Position:

5th Grade Home Room Teacher dkerr@ctkstl.com
4th Grade Social Studies Teacher

Education:

I have a BS in Elementary Education from Illinois State University.

Certifications:

Catechist Religious Certiification through Paul VI Institute.
Developmental Approach to Science and Health (DASH) certification.

Experience:

I have over 27 years teaching experience in Catholic Education.

Hobbies:

I enjoy animals (particularly cats), horseback riding, and gardening. My greatest passion is reading.

Why I Enjoy CKS:

I like teaching at Christ the King school because the children bring me great joy. They inspire me to set new goals and reach greater heights with my teaching.

Name:

Mrs. Deborah Koch

Position:

6th Grade Homeroom Teacher dkoch@ctkstl.com
4th Grade Science and English Teacher
7th and 8th Grade Science Teacher

Education:

I have a BA & BS from the University of Missouri and a MA in Education from Lindenwood University.

Experience:

I have eleven years of experience in teaching in Catholic schools.

Hobbies:

I enjoy hiking, music and travel.

What I believe a school should be:

I believe school is place to explore, read, write, imagine, and create.

Name:

Peggy Shanks

Position:

7th Grade Homeroom Teacher pshanks@ctkstl.com
6th and 8th grade English Teacher

Education:

I have a B.S. in Education from Harris Stowe State University with an emphasis in Language Arts and Social Studies.

Experience:

I have been a substitute teacher for Christ the King Catholic School and for the University City School District since 2000.
I have taught and tutored low-income women for a local organization called Women in Charge.

Hobbies:

I enjoy playing golf, gardening, and completing crossword puzzles.

Why I Enjoy CKS:

Christ the King School (CKS) embraces diversity and realizes the potential of all children. As a parent of a child who attended CKS for nine years, I have seen firsthand the dedication and commitment put forth for the success of each child.

Name:

Neil Schulte

Position:

8th Grade Homeroom Teacher nschulte@ctkstl.com
6th Grade Religion and Literature Teacher
7th Grade English and Literature Teacher

Education:

I have a BA in Spanish from Benedictine Colllege.

Certifications:

Lifetime Teaching Certification - State of Missouri.
Coordinator of Religion Education (CRE) certification - Paul VI Institute.

Experience:

I have been teaching at Christ the King school since 1995.
I have 26 years of experience in teaching and coaching in Archdiocensan secondary and elementary schools.
I was the principal for 4 years at All Souls school.

Hobbies:

I enjoy sports, including jogging. I like to read. I especially enjoy reading Civil War history and historical fiction.

Why I Enjoy CKS:

I enjoy teaching at Christ the King school because I find the students extremely friendly and cooperative. Christ the King, with its cultural diversity, provides a unique learning environment. The parents are very supportive and the faculty and staff are great people with whom to work.

Name:

Amy D'Agrosa

Position:

Spanish Teacher for All Grades adagrosa@ctkstl.com

Education:

I have a BA in History and Spanish from St. Louis University
I have a MA in Spanish from St. Louis Unversity

Experience:

I began teaching at the Christ the King in 2003
I taught beginning and intermediate Spanish as a teacher's assistant during my masters degree program.
I lived in Spain and went to Spanish school in Madrid, Spain.
I was a foreign student advisor while attending St. Louis University.

Hobbies:

I enjoy reading, sewing, archeology, psychology, history, and cultural immersion.

Why I Enjoy CKS:

I like teaching at Christ the King school because my children attend school here. My schedule will revolve around theirs. I also have the opportunity to teach something I love.

Name:

Rosemary S. Hiss

Position:

Technology Teacher and Coordinator for All Grades rhiss@ctkstl.com

Education:

I have a BA in Social Studies and Education from Mary Manse College.
I have a MA in Computer Education from Fontbonne University.

Certifications:

Fundamentals Approach to Science Teaching (FAST) Science Certification.

Experience:

I began teaching at Christ the King school in 1992.
I have been teaching computers for all grades since 2000.
I have over 20 years experience in teaching in Ohio and Texas before Christ the King.

Hobbies:

I enjoy my family, reading, travel, gardening, and exercise.

Why I Enjoy CKS:

The uniqueness of Christ the King comes from the diversity of our students. Each student is able to develop and grow within a firm Christian foundation that helps nuture acceptance and consideration of one another.

Name:

Carol Kaminsky

Position:

Art Teacher for All Grades ckaminsky@ctkstl.com

Education:

I have a BFA in Painting from Washington University.
I have a BS in special education for the deaf and hard of hearing from Washington University plus additional Master's level courses.

Certifications:

Lifetime Certification in Elementary Education K-8 - State of Missouri.
Lifetime Certification in Education for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing 1-8 - State of Missouri.

Experience:

I have been teaching at Christ the King school since 2003.
I have over 16 years full-time teaching experience.
I have over 11 years experience as a full-time artist and painter.
I have completed consulting work for various St. Louis school districts.
I have been a professional storyteller for a number of years. I have taught storytelling at the college level.
I have shown my artwork in New York and I have performed for all the major cultural institutions in St. Louis.

Hobbies:

I enjoy singing and opera, walking, painting, nature (backpacking and floating), storytelling, and writing.

Why I Enjoy CKS:

I have two great memories already here at Christ the King. The first is when the children heard a story then saw the great artwork that was inspired by it. They were in awe! The second was when the children realized that they could learn to be an artist - that it involved skills they could master. The expressions on their faces were priceless.

Name:

Susan Pankratz.

Position:

Music Teacher for All Grades spankratz@ctkstl.com

Name:

Matthew Gibson

Position:

P.E. Teacher K - 8 mgibson@ctkstl.com

Education:

I graduated from Lindenwood University with a B.S. in Physical Education.

Experience:

Prior to CTK, I have taught in the Ferguson-Florissant and Hazelwood School Districts in North St. Louis County. I have also taught at Metropolitan School in Maplewood which serves students with autism and learning disabilities.

Hobbies:

I enjoy playing soccer, basketball, softball, and baseball whenever I'm not spending time with my wife and kids.

Why I Enjoy CKS:

I am very excited to be joining the CTK staff and teaching at Christ the King.

Name:

Kathy Webb

Position:

Learning Consultant kwebb@ctkstl.com

Education:

B.A. Elementary Education

Certifications:

State of Missouri Lifetime Teaching Certificate (K-8th) Special Education/Learning Disabilities

Continuing Education:

C.A.R.E. Team Training
Differentiated Instruction to Meet the Needs of Advanced Learners
Staff Development Resources: Autism and Asperger Syndrome
Response To Intervention: Intervening With Students In Reading
Crisis Response Training: Mental Health Response

Experience:

Learning Consultant, Annunciation Catholic School
Resource Teacher/Remedial Reading Teacher, Seven Holy Founders Catholic School
PSR Teacher Grades 2 and 6, Our Lady of Providence Catholic School
3rd Grade Teacher, Holy Innocents Grade School
4th Grade Teacher, St. Aloysius Gonzaga Grade School

Hobbies:

Spending time with family, summer outdoor activities - gardening, reading (enjoy books involving my line of work)

Name:

Kathleen Bauer

Position:

Administrative Assistant kbauer@ctkstl.com

Education:

I have a BA in Communications (focus in Public Relations) from the University of Dayton, (though I’m a St. Louis native through and through!)

Experience:

I have over 5 years’ experience as a nanny, worked on the marketing team of a local magazine, and worked as the strategic communications specialist for the World Agricultural Forum, a non-profit. I volunteered with Operation Crossroads Africa doing AIDS education in Africa for two months, and later studied abroad in Sydney, Australia at Macquarie University.

Hobbies:

Sewing, thrifting and supporting local music!

What I believe a school should be:

A safe, fun environment where kids and parents alike feel at home.