Miriam has gained several new talented, enthusiastic teachers this year! Read the Q&As below to get to know each of them a bit. We’re so excited they are part of the Miriam family!
Megan Herbig
Room 1 Teacher
“Miriam has a reputation for giving students what they need. I love that. I love the idea of being able to give children (and their families) the support that they truly need to be successful.”
Where have you worked previously?
I spent seven years at North Kirkwood Middle School working as a paraprofessional, and then as a special education classroom teacher. I have worked in both the resource setting and a self-contained classroom.
What degree(s) have you obtained, and from where?
I have a master of arts in teaching special education from Lindenwood University
What are you most looking forward to in your new position?
I can’t wait to get to work with the youngest students in the school, and start their adventure at Miriam on a positive, happy note!
What do you enjoy doing when not working?
I love spending time at Innsbrook at my family cabin with my husband and two dogs. It’s my happy place. I also enjoy taking long walks and cooking new things!
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
Well, this summer has been a summer of change! I got married, put my house on the market, started the process of buying a new house, AND started my new position here at Miriam. What a fun summer!
Nick Stephans
Middle School Teacher
“I’m passionate about working with students who need extra attention, and Miriam goes above and beyond when it comes to facilitating the needs of their students.”
Where have you worked previously?
I worked at Giant Steps of St. Louis (2013-2020) and The Rebecca School in New York City (2011-2013). Both specialize in working with children with autism. Prior to that, I worked for SSD as a Teacher Assistant.
What degree(s) have you obtained, and from where?
I have a bachelor of arts degree from Curry College (double major in psychology and studio art), and a master of arts in teaching from Missouri Baptist University.
What are you most looking forward to in your new position?
I am really excited to get back into the classroom with a fresh group of students in this beautiful environment, with an energetic and positive staff who all seem so willing to help the “new guy.”
What do you enjoy doing when not working?
I really enjoy spending time with my lovely wife and our two sons (ages 5 and 7) at playgrounds, pools, soccer games, etc. Plus, we are renovating our kitchen right now, which is very exciting.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I love to play the piano and take hikes through the woods with my family.
Karen Cross
Room 5 Teacher
“Society, especially American society, has a way of categorizing everything and everybody. If a person does not fit into a particular mold, they are considered an outcast, etc. From what I could see from the outside looking in, Miriam embraces those diversities and assures children their differences are not a hindrance. I wanted to be part of an organization/team that exalted all children while aiding or shaping them into becoming their best self in a nonjudgmental environment.”
Where have you worked previously?
I began my teaching career in the Edwardsville School District as an instructional aide in what was then called a learning-disabled class. I then moved to the private sector, and taught and administered in an independent-private school for many years. Shortly after receiving a degree in in community education, I accepted a position as a Community Education Director for a non-profit organization. While pursuing my professional career, I was also a member of the Naval Reserve. Because of that commitment, I served a tour in Afghanistan. Upon my return from Afghanistan, I worked for the St. Louis Reserve Center as a Funeral Honors Personnel (gave military honors for deceased sailors). After retiring from the Navy, I began teaching in a private special education school.
What degree(s) have you obtained, and from where?
My degrees are as follows: Bachelor of science in speech pathology/education from Illinois State University; master of education in educational administration with an emphasis in community education, master of education in adult and higher education with emphasis in adult education, and +45 hours toward a PhD in education/leadership and policy, all from University of Missouri St. Louis.
What are you most looking forward to in your new position?
I look forward to ingraining within my students that they are indeed special, but not in the manner they have been accustomed to hearing. I want them to embrace the fact that they are unique and can accomplish many things in life. They simply may not go about accomplishing their goals in the traditional manner or time frame. And that is OK.
What do you enjoy doing when not working?
I like to sew and travel. I like sewing for myself, but I will do it for others on occasion. I am an international traveler, and I would eventually like to travel the world.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I still enjoy the thrill of a good rollercoaster.
Casie Lanzendorf
Middle School Teacher
“I was looking for a special education position that was not at a traditional public school. After talking with Mary Cognata in depth about what Miriam is and represents, I was 100 percent on board. Miriam’s values match my own, and the infinite amount of passion that is show toward students was apparent.”
Where have you worked previously?
I have worked at Lucy Franklin Elementary in Blue Springs, MO, and at Green Park Lutheran School.
What degree(s) have you obtained, and from where?
I hold a bachelor of science in special education from Fontbonne University. I am hoping to begin a master’s program next fall.
What are you most looking forward to in your new position?
I am looking forward to working with middle schoolers. I have always had positions with elementary school kids, so this will be a new and exciting chapter for me. I am also looking forward to a school environment that really, truly embraces the idea that students come first.
What do you enjoy doing when not working?
I love to read, craft, and spend time with my family, my nephew and my dog.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I recently adopted a 7-year-old Shih Tzu named Elsie. I am a typical dog mom! I love being with her!
Anthony Harris
High School Science Teacher
“I was looking for a school that would allow me to teach and build relationships with students who are looking to learn in new and interesting ways.”
Where have you worked previously?
I spent four years at Great Circle, one year at Rockwood Summit and one year at Long Elementary in the Lindbergh district.
What degree(s) have you obtained, and from where?
I have an associate of arts in teaching from Jefferson College and a bachelor of science in education from Missouri Baptist University.
What are you most looking forward to in your new position?
In the past, I often had to focus on correcting behaviors and not as much time on academics as I would have liked. I am looking forward to building relationships with students and being able to focus more on helping them learn new things!
What do you enjoy doing when not working?
I love spending time with my wife and son. I enjoy volunteering with middle school students at my church. I love video games, fishing and hunting.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I have saved three people from drowning in the ocean.
Kim Ogilvy
High School Teacher Assistant
“I was drawn to Miriam Academy because of its longstanding, exceptional reputation. I have two friends, Donna and Greg, who teach at Miriam and rave about the amazing community of professionals, students and families that make up the Miriam community. I am so excited to be a part of this team!”
Where have you worked previously?
I worked at the Academy of St. Louis for nine years. I was a teacher assistant for eight years, and last year I was a teacher.
What degree(s) have you obtained, and from where?
I have a bachelor of science in human development and family relations from University of Connecticut. I completed a certification program in elementary education with a minor in learning disabilities at Harris-Stowe State College.
What are you most looking forward to in your new position?
I can’t wait to meet and get to know all the students!
What do you enjoy doing when not working?
I enjoy hiking, backpacking, kayaking, primitive camping, binge watching Netflix and walking my dogs.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I grew up on the grounds of a residential facility for adults with developmental disabilities! My father was the superintendent of the Mansfield Training School in Connecticut, and our home was on site.
Tammy Bunger
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
“I heard wonderful things about the school and staff and thought it would be a great place to call home.”
Where have you worked previously?
I previously worked at Great Circle.
What degree(s) have you obtained, and from where?
I have an OTA degree from Meramec, as well as an applied science degree.
What are you most looking forward to in your new position?
I am looking forward to working with the kids!
What do you enjoy doing when not working?
When I’m not working, I love to paint (watercolor). It’s a great way to relax, be present and clear the mind of clutter.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I love thrift shopping.
