Miriam School and Learning Center is pleased to announce the appointment of five members to the board of directors. These additions will support the nonprofit’s work to empower unique learners, bringing the total number of board members to 22. The board also appointed Darcy Scharff as president-elect, in line to take over the presidency from Kristen Bowser on July 1, 2026. 

“I am very excited to have these individuals joining the Miriam Board of Directors,” says Meg Bamford, Head of School and Learning Center. “Their diverse backgrounds and industries will certainly provide invaluable insights and strong leadership to the organization.”

Erin Chien worked in both the medical and banking fields, including five years as a mortgage loan processor with Enterprise Bank & Trust. Since 2006, Chien has focused on raising her three sons and supporting causes close to her heart. In 2020, her family discovered Miriam School and Learning Center when her son Andrew needed a more supportive educational environment. Witnessing the transformational impact Miriam had on his life, Chien became a passionate advocate for the school. Today, she remains deeply committed to helping other families experience the same life-changing support Miriam provides.

Brian Dull is a seasoned technology executive with over two decades of experience leading innovative initiatives in the healthcare sector. As a senior leader at Centene Corporation, he has played a key role in driving digital transformation and improving operational efficiencies. Dull’s connection to Miriam is personal—he is the proud father of Jack, a current seventh-grader at Miriam School. He brings both professional expertise and heartfelt dedication to his role on the Miriam Board of Directors.

Nicole Scott is a highly accomplished IT professional with over 20 years of experience driving leadership, innovation, and operational excellence. Based in St. Louis, she has consistently steered organizations toward market leadership by integrating strategic project management with a robust expertise in client relationships and team leadership. When Scott needed a school to help her daughter navigate her ADHD journey, she found Miriam. She is so impressed by Miriam’s mission and the services that she has chosen to stay connected and support Miriam through board service.

Tom Strickland has over 24 years of experience in the commercial design-build/general contracting industry and currently serves as vice president/operating partner for ARCO National Holdings in St. Louis. Throughout his career, he has managed projects nationwide, collaborating with teams of engineers, designers, and construction professionals to deliver projects of varying sizes and complexities to our clients. Strickland’s son, Jack, will be a senior at Miriam High School in the fall, and they have witnessed the significant impact of the dedicated team members on his development since he started in the eighth grade. He holds a deep commitment to supporting the Miriam community in continuing their valuable services for many years to come.

Sunali Wadehra, MD, is a freelance medical writer, director and consultant with a specialization in continuing medical education and nearly 15 years of combined experience in biomedical research, scientific publications and medical writing. Wadehra and her family have been part of the Miriam School and Learning Center community since 2023. Her children attend Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School, while supplementing their education and development using resources and support from Miriam Learning Center. Today, she joins the board of directors with heartfelt passion and drive to help Miriam push forth their mission throughout the greater St. Louis area. She was previously a member of the Miriam Young Professionals Executive Board and looks forward to stepping up her commitment to this community.

To see a full list of the Miriam 2025-26 Board of Directors, visit miriamstl.org/aboutmiriam/leadership.

Two individuals leaving the Miriam Board of Directors this year have agreed to co-chair the new Emeritus Board. Barbara Silver and Judy Zafft will lead the group that honors former board members whose leadership has helped shape Miriam’s growth. This honorary, invitation-only group will offer strategic guidance, mentorship and community advocacy to ensure the next generation of Miriam students find success.