Miriam School and Learning Center is pleased to announce the appointment of nine members to the board of directors, as well as a new board chair, Kristen Bowser. These additions will support the nonprofit’s work to empower unique learners, bringing the total number of board members to 26.
“I am so very grateful to have these individuals joining the Miriam Board of Directors. Their diverse backgrounds and industries will certainly provide invaluable insights and strong leadership to the organization.”Meg Bamford, Head of School and Learning Center
Adrienne Eaglin is a dedicated advocate and leader at the Special School District of St. Louis County, where she spearheaded the creation and expansion of the Family Engagement Department. Her expertise in developing and implementing research-based family engagement strategies has enhanced access to resources and equitable opportunities for stakeholders across SSD, while actively contributing to initiatives promoting dignity, equity and community support.
Josh Hutkins is a seasoned attorney and shareholder at Sandberg Phoenix specializing in estate planning and wealth protection. With over 9 years at the firm, Josh leads the Wealth Planning Team and offers tailored legal solutions in estate administration, business succession planning, and specialized services for clients in dental and veterinary sciences.
Rachel Jesen is a dedicated financial services professional specializing in holistic financial planning and personalized client solutions. With a background in insurance and securities, she excels in delivering strategies aligned with clients' goals and risk tolerance. Rachel also contributes actively to community organizations such as Miriam Young Professionals and the Humane Society of Missouri.
MyIsha Jordan is a dynamic leader with a wealth of experience in business intelligence and analytics at World Wide Technology. Passionate about fostering inclusive environments, she champions diversity efforts and mentors high school students in STEM initiatives. With a master's degree in Management and Leadership from Webster University and a strong background in technology management, MyIsha is dedicated to empowering individuals and driving organizational success.
Raymond Steitz, an experienced executive and consultant, works for Chapman Associates after more than three decades of expertise from his career at a Fortune 150 company and one of the world’s leaders in food and beverage manufacturing and marketing. He has a background in logistics and an academic foundation from the University of Missouri and Duke University.
Karen Teitelbaum is a retired educator who is rejoining the board after one year off. Her son is a former Miriam student who has gone on to be a successful medical researcher. Karen worked as an elementary school teacher and principal. She has been involved with the Miriam Board of Directors since 2016 and has served on the Executive, Variable Tuition, Development and Strategic Planning committees.
Mary Unnerstall is executive manager, Office of the Chairman, at World Wide Technology (WWT). Mary is responsible for planning and executing strategies to meet Founder and Chairman David L. Steward’s objectives. Her role includes establishing and supporting community and business focused strategic relationships and supporting WWT’s Board of Directors. Mary also serves as an advisor for the Steward Family Foundation and The Steward Trust family office.
Sarah Vehige is a seasoned professional at Edward Jones. Sarah's leadership also extends to diversity advocacy and change management, where she has facilitated conversations and spearheaded initiatives promoting disability inclusion within the organization. As a financial advisor, she develops tailored, comprehensive financial plans for families and small businesses.
Marla Wild brings over three decades of service in social work, beginning her career in clinical settings providing psychotherapy and psychiatric care. Transitioning to education, she served as a parent educator in Missouri's Riverview Gardens and University City School Districts. Marla's commitment extends beyond her professional roles, as demonstrated by her leadership on various boards and committees, including the Howard Park Center Board and National Charity League Executive Committee.
To see a full list of the Miriam 2024-25 Board of Directors, visit miriamstl.org/aboutmiriam/leadership.
On Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, my daughter Lucy and I had the privilege of visiting the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. We were among hundreds of people from around the world who had gathered to pay our respects and reflect on the sacrifices made for freedom and peace. Standing in that sacred space on a day dedicated to Dr. King’s legacy, during the week of the presidential inauguration, provided a powerful day of reflection.
Your child needs a tutor. Maybe they are struggling to learn to read as a first-grader, or perhaps they need a little help to make it through geometry in high school. Where do you start?
Wishing you a very happy beginning to 2025! Miriam School, although covered in glistening snow, is bustling with our students’ return to school and the promise of all of the good things that happen here throughout our winter months.
Rob Miller was inspired to open his pottery studio to people of all abilities when his grandson, Connor, was born with cerebral palsy eight years ago.
A steady stream of power tools could be heard from the woodworking class, held in the science lab. The rhythm of the Electric Slide and other slide dance songs echoed from the gym, filling the air with energy and movement.
Miriam Learning Center is continually working to address needs in the community regarding students with learning differences. It’s no secret that we, as a society, are in the midst of a teacher shortage – and special education teachers are in even shorter supply. Enter Miriam’s Gen Ed to Special Ed teacher training program!
Wishing you a very blessed and joyful holiday season. Many wonderful events have happened in our organization over the last month as we continue to foster a sense of community and belonging. I had the pleasure of hosting two Community Coffees at both campuses to introduce our strategic plan.
Students at Miriam School and Learning Center learn differently, as classes provide individualized curriculum that often includes integrated speech and occupational therapy. At the high school, which is home to 40 students, teachers and staff place a major emphasis on preparing students for life after high school.
Four high school musicians have joined an after-school club led by Travis Lewis from Jazz St. Louis. They’ve formed a rhythm section – drums, bass, guitar and keyboard – with a jazz focus but also encompassing other music that is of interest to the students.
As the 2024 election approaches, I have been fascinated observing how differently our students are processing and engaging with the election compared to those at the traditional college preparatory school where I previously worked. Our faculty and staff have noted relatively little conversation among students about the election despite the prevalence of viewpoints on TikTok and other social media sites about the election and candidates.
Miriam Learning Center, an integral part of Miriam School and Learning Center, is excited to announce the expansion of its specialized services into St. Charles County. This expansion will provide critical tutoring and testing services for students with diverse learning needs.
At Miriam, magic isn’t just a word; it’s a way of life. Choosing our mascot, Miriam Magic, was a decision that was heartfelt and symbolic.
Many Miriam Lower/Middle School students will dribble their way to new skills this month – skills they can use both on and off the basketball court.
Miriam School and Learning Center is proud to announce that the Rotary Club of St. Louis has generously awarded a $20,000 scholarship to support students in need of financial assistance. This year’s recipient, Remi W., a ninth grader from St. Ann, is a talented young student with a dream of becoming an artist and a passion for learning.
The group is a great way for St. Louis professionals ages 21-39 to network with one another, help local children with learning differences, and receive support and advice from others who have been in the professional world for a longer time.