Skip To Main Content
Nine New Board Members for 2024
Katie Stalter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

 

Group photo of Miriam 2026 high school graduates on stage.

Watching Henry walk across the stage to accept his Miriam High School diploma, one would never guess that just 18 months ago, he was facing a constant uphill battle at school - a fight he felt destined to lose. Today, Henry isn’t just a graduate - he is a future archaeologist following his path to St. Louis Community College with a newfound sense of self-assurance.

Read More about ‘Proof that we are strong’ - Celebrating the Class of 2026
Award winners on stage during the Minds in Bloom Gala

Thanks to our incredibly generous community, the Third Annual Minds in Bloom Auction & Dinner broke both attendance and fundraising records for the event! The event, held on Saturday, April 18, at Clayton Plaza Hotel, raised more than $300,000 in total, with $181,324 specifically going to our Fund the Future Scholarship Fund to help make Miriam more affordable for families who need us. 

Read More about Miriam’s third annual Minds in Bloom event brings in more than $300,000
Collection of two photos of students at Miriam's next steps fair

For many high school seniors, the final weeks before graduation are a blur of yearbooks and ceremony rehearsals. But for the 12 seniors at Miriam High School, the homestretch looks a bit more like a professional debut. April 13 marks the launch of their short-term internships, a new piece of scaffolding in the school’s mission to bridge the gap between specialized education and "real world" success.

Read More about From classroom to career: Miriam seniors enter the field
Miriam student participating in an election

There is much excitement in the air about our BBQ and Variety Show at the High School on Friday, and the Art Festival and Talent Show at the Lower Middle School next Friday, April 17th. Many of our students come to us afraid to make eye contact or say hello, and then by this time of year, they are on stage singing their favorite Taylor Swift song or playing the piano, and there are tears of joy running down the faces of the crowd who know how much each of these children has overcome. 

Read More about A Message from the Head of School, Meg Bamford - April 2026
Two children hugging after receiving their award, while staff and students look happily at the,m.

Paper stars with those four school values - along with the students’ names - wallpaper the windows around the school office. Whether it’s helping a peer or taking a deep breath during a difficult moment, school staff hand out stars when they see a student leaning into one of these four values - providing immediate, visual proof that their positive choices are noticed.

Read More about Caught Being Kind: Celebrating Our Students’ Success One Star at a Time