Faculty & Staff

Joined City Academy: 2000
Education: B.S., Kaplan University
M.S., Kaplan University

Donna’s passion for education stems from her desire to see every student reach their fullest potential. She finds it both rewarding and humbling to serve in a role that extends beyond academics, one that shapes lives and builds lasting connections. Donna believes that strong relationships are at the heart of effective teaching and leadership. When students feel safe, seen, and valued, they are more apt to take risks, grow, and thrive.

A quote that continues to inspire her is by Dr. Rita Pierson: “Every child deserves a champion, an adult who will not give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists they become the best that they can possibly be.”

At City Academy, we’re grateful that our scholars are surrounded by champions.

Before transitioning into administration, Donna served as City Academy’s Junior Kindergarten teacher for 19 years and has also taught 1st and 5th grade. In 2020, she began serving as Director of Early Childhood, and in 2023, stepped into the role of Dean of Students and Families, partnering closely with teachers and families to strengthen classroom communities and deepen the home-school connection.

In the 2025–2026 school year, she is excited to serve in a dual role as the Junior Kindergarten Humanities teacher while also continuing her Leadership as Director of Early Childhood. Donna believes that having these dual positions will allow her to stay connected to our youngest learners and families while also overseeing our Early Childhood Programs, supporting our talented team of Early Childhood faculty and ensuring that we continue to build a strong foundation for our scholars.

In 2014, Ms. Hynes launched City Academy’s first Family Literacy Night, a tradition that continues to promote meaningful engagement between home and school.

Ms. Hynes is a proud member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the International Literacy Association, and the St. Louis Women Leaders Association. I also serve as a Board of Director for Cornerstone Center for Early Learning, Board Trustee at WTMBC and Board of Director for Springboard To Learning.

Outside of her role at City Academy, she loves spending time with her family, reading, traveling, coaching and shopping.

Joined City Academy: 2018
Education: B.A., University of Richmond
M.Ed., Johns Hopkins University

Liesl first joined the team at City Academy working Summer School while in college and fell in love with the school’s students, team, and mission. After teaching 3rd grade in Tulsa, Oklahoma for two years, she returned to St. Louis to teach 3rd grade in St. Louis Public Schools before eventually finding her way home to City Academy. Liesl taught 3rd and 4th grade math at City Academy for four years before transitioning to a role in administration. Her passion for pushing students to maximize their potential directly translates into working with teachers to enhance their teaching practices.

Joined City Academy: 2025
Education:B.A. University of Virginia

Prior to joining City Academy, Meridith spent the past 16 years at John Burroughs School. Meridith held various administrative positions during that time, including interim principal of grades 7 & 8, assistant principal of the middle school and most recently Director of Admission and Tuition Aid. Building relationships with our families and scholars remains a top priority for Meridith as Dean of Students. In her free time Meridith enjoys anything active, running, yoga, biking, spending time with her dog, family, and gardening.

Joined City Academy: 2014, 2024
Education: B.S. in Elementary Education, University of Missouri – St. Louis
M. Ed., University of Missouri – St. Louis
Ed. S. Candidate, University of Missouri – St. Louis

Formerly known as Ms. Duran, Trish first came to City Academy in 2014 as a Student Teacher and was the 2nd-4th grade Math Teacher the following year. She married her husband and moved to Texas, where she continued her love of teaching math.

Wanting to further grow as an educator, Trish started graduate school after moving back to St. Louis with her family. She has an M. Ed. in Educational Psychology and is currently completing her Ed. S. in School Psychology. She is eager to apply all she is learning to support the incredible teachers and students at City Academy.

In her free time, Trish and her husband, Michael, can usually be found running around with their two energetic kids, Emmy and Jack.

Joined City Academy: 2015
Education: B.A., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

An educator for over 40 years, Martha has taught middle school language arts and social studies in St. Louis independent schools. Currently, she works in the City Academy library. Martha has received faculty and alumnae prizes from MICDS, Villa Duchesne, Peabody Energy, and De La Salle Middle School.

When not reading, Martha and her husband, Chris, travel to visit their son in New Orleans, LA and their cabin on Washington Island, Wisconsin. They also continue to seek out National Parks. Favorite National Park? Bandelier in New Mexico.

Joined City Academy: 2022
Education: B.S., Early Childhood and Elementary Education, University of Missouri – St. Louis
M.Ed., Lindenwood University

Rochelle believes teachers who love teaching, teach students to love learning! For the past 30 years, she was a kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade teacher in a public school.

Rochelle knows every classroom has its unique community and feels her role as the teacher is to assist each student with developing and reaching their potential. She has a creative teaching style that incorporates hands-on activities and engaging lessons that activate student learning. She strives to create a learning community that nurtures the growth of young learners in a fun, exciting, and positive manner.

Joined City Academy: 2020
Education: B.A., Knoxville College

Chanell joined City Academy as a Classroom Monitor during COVID and stayed on as a Teaching Assistant as everyone returned to campus. She was also an Extended Day Teacher and 3rd Grade Summer School Teacher in 2020-2021. She will be supporting students and teachers in a variety of ways and environments based on students’ needs. She has a background in social work, a stellar fashion sense, and a deep love for City Academy and its students.

Joined City Academy: 2020
Education: B.A., Saint Louis University
M.A., Fontbonne University

Emily Burghoff loves working at City Academy. Prior to City Academy, she served as a Middle School Language Arts/Literature teacher at La Salle Middle School and taught as a Reading Specialist at Premier Charter School. She is a native of St. Louis City and received her bachelor’s degrees in Urban Affairs and Middle School Education with a concentration in Language Arts from Saint Louis University. She then went on to receive her Master’s in Education with a concentration in reading from Fontbonne University.

In her free time, Emily loves to go on walks with her kids. She also enjoys reading and home improvement projects.

Joined City Academy: 2023
Education: B.A. Education, Saint Louis University
M.A. Education, Fontbonne University

Prior to City Academy, Jennifer worked as a Kindergarten classroom teacher for five years and then moved to a Reading Specialist position for K-8 at EAGLE/ Momentum Academy in the Tower Grove South area. She has lived in St. Louis her whole life and is excited to continue serving the community that she loves. Jennifer is thrilled to help build early literacy skills and share her love of reading with students at City Academy.

Joined City Academy: 2022
Education: B.A. Clinical Psychology, University of Missouri – St. Louis

Ariel Danza is happy to be a part of the staff and learning community at City Academy as the 3rd & 4th Grade Science Teacher. She loves to inspire others and be inspired by the amazing world around us! She also believes everyone should be lifelong learners, including teachers! Teaching Science is one of her passions, but there are so many more. She also loves to do lampworking, which is a type of glassmaking, trying to Roller Skate, tending to her many plants, playing board games, completing puzzles, and spending time with family.

Joined City Academy: 2024
Education: B.S., Saint Louis University
M.Ed. and Ed.S Northwest Missouri State University

Linnet Early is a self-proclaimed history enthusiast. With nearly two decades of teaching experience across elementary and middle schools in and outside the St. Louis area, she has cultivated a profound passion for all things related to social studies.

Beyond the classroom, she enjoys immersing herself in thrillers and exploring historical sites with her family. Additionally, she actively collaborates with educational nonprofits and fellow educators to promote the advancement of diverse social studies education at both state and national levels.

Joined City Academy: 2002
Education: B.A., Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
M.S., Fontbonne University

Shalawn Fennoy started her career at City Academy as the first 4th grade Teacher. Wanting to grow in her profession, she has since had the opportunity to serve students across grade levels including 2nd, 4th, and 6th, and currently serves as the 5th Grade Humanities Teacher. Through such experiences, Shalawn has gained a greater understanding of the significant impact each grade has had on another as well as exploring the developmental differences among children.

In her role as the 5th Grade Teacher, Shalawn conveys that the most integral piece to teaching 5th grade is her chance to witness students believe a positive future self is possible and relevant. Students begin to embrace the value of individuality; with a better understanding of purpose, persistence, and potential. “Teaching is so much more than pouring content into a child, it is inspiring growth and change, and empowering students to be GREAT.”

An active advocate for education in St. Louis, Shalawn has participated in numerous community service organizations and in 2012 she was nominated for the Teacher of Distinction Award.

Outside of her duties as a teacher, Shalawn enjoys spending time with family, enjoying live jazz bands and immersing herself in a good suspense novel, filled with plot twists and thrillers.

Joined City Academy: 2024
Education: B.A., Linguistics, Brooklyn College
M.S., Speech-Language Pathology, Fontbonne University

Deshon brings big energy from New York City (Go Yankees!). He first joined the team as the 2nd Grade Humanities Teacher. After collaborating with faculty, families and students Deshon knew that he wanted to stay a little while longer.

Deshon’s favorite quote for the children is “Stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready.” He uses it to teach children the power of being prepared, confident, and always one step ahead.

Happily returning to City Academy post graduation, Deshon now serves in a dual position as a Speech-Language Pathologist and Learning Specialist, with hopes to create positive, engaging experiences for students while supporting their growth in and out of the classroom.

Joined City Academy:2025
Education: B.A., Duke University
M.S., Mathematics, Virginia Tech

Steve comes to City Academy with experience as a college math lecturer, a university administrator and a mathematical finance specialist. He served as assistant chair and instructor at the University of Missouri – Columbia Department of Mathematics from 2012-2022.

In that role, he taught courses in the Mathematics of Financial Derivatives and founded Math@CASE, a program to provide math assistance to students from underrepresented minority and first-generation college backgrounds.

Steve has also worked in the private sector (2000-2011, 2022-2024), specializing in the modeling and management of mortgage-backed securities, debt, swaps and options.

In his free time, he enjoys running, playing chess and traveling with his son Conrad.

Joined City Academy: 2012
Education: B.A., University of Missouri
M.Ed./Ed.D., University of Missouri – St. Louis

Noah began his career at City Academy in 2012 and has held multiple positions: K/1st Montessori Math, Director of Extended Day/Summer School, and went back to the classroom in 2019 as the 1st Grade STEAM Teacher. Noah received his doctorate (Ed.D.) in 2019 in Educational Practice – Creativity and Generative Design. He conducted research on the effects of play in early childhood.

Outside of the classroom Noah enjoys lazy days with his family, supporting local restaurants as often as possible, and playing pickleball. He has two children, a dog, cat, and plenty of fish inside and outside the house. Drop by Dr. H’s class whenever you get the urge to play, grow some plants, or just chill by the pond!

Joined City Academy: 2020
Education: B.S., Greenville University

KJ played football at Greenville University and participated in many different clubs. KJ worked at the Downtown STL YMCA as the Welcome Specialist and also as a para-professional.

KJ is a people person who is dynamic and fun to work with. He is an outgoing person who loves staying physically active! In his spare time, he is a basketball official, coaches football at his alma mater, O’Fallon Township High School, and basketball at John Burroughs. His hobbies include spending time with friends and family, working out, and traveling to the west coast. KJ is also a huge sports fanatic!

Joined City Academy: 2007
Education: B.A. Political Science – University of Missouri – St. Louis
M.Ed., University of Missouri – St. Louis

Marybeth Huff’s teaching career began in Japan where she taught English to elementary and middle school students. She taught 1st and 3rd grade at City Academy before transitioning into her current role as the Library & Media Director.

Joined City Academy: 2021
Education: B.A., University of Pennsylvania
M.A., St. Louis University
J.D., Loyola University of New Orleans

Russ has three children and loves working at City Academy. He grew up in New Orleans and moved to St. Louis with his family after Hurricane Katrina. Russ also works with Speech and Language clients at his private practice and loves playing music on the Mountain Dulcimer.

Joined City Academy: 2021
Education: B.A. in Early Childhood Education, Lindenwood University

Michele has 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. Prior to City Academy, she was a master teacher at a Head Start preschool. She has a passion and love for children and all the exploring, learning and fun they get to have. She loves to see and be a part of a young scholar’s development.

Michele grew up in St. Louis, and has a school-aged daughter and a fish named Scooter. In 2009, she started her own face painting business because she enjoys the arts and bringing joy to children.

Joined City Academy: 2024
Education:B.A. History, Pacific University
M.Ed. Elementary Education, University of Missouri-St. Louis
M.Ed. TESOL, Webster University

Jennifer always knew she wanted to work with kids. She moved to St. Louis in 2017 from Oregon to start her career teaching upper elementary in St. Louis Public Schools. She did that for five years and fell in love with teaching 3rd graders. She then taught preschool for a year at HopeMark Preschool, and while she loved working with the littles, she knew she was destined to return to upper elementary. Jennifer has a passion for making learning fun and engaging for her students.

In her free time, Jennifer loves exploring new restaurants with her husband, going on walks with her dog, and snuggling up with a good book with her cat.

Joined City Academy: 2020
Education: B.S. in Mathematics, Philander Smith College
M.B.A., Webster University

Before settling in her current role as 2nd Grade STEAM Teacher in 2022, Mya assisted in early childhood, extended day, and summer camp programs. She now spends her days sharing her love of math with City Academy students. She uses responsive classroom, real-world issues, and hands-on activities to stimulate and grow the young minds in her classroom. Her approach includes teaching students how to think instead of what to think, so that they become independent, efficient problem solvers. She embraces each student’s individuality and works to meet their specific needs so that they are able to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. Her favorite quote is: “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”

Joined City Academy: 2023
Education: Purdue University

Considered a “boomerang”, Ada has found her way back to her purpose and passion as an educator. She has over 23 years in the field of education. Ada has been teaching since she was a child with her dolls as the students. Following the dreams of others, she graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Computer Science and Hospitality Management. After years in the corporate world, she followed her dream and began teaching in the Independent Schools of St. Louis while raising her twin daughters. Ada boomeranged back into the corporate world as a Senior Consultant / Analyst for five years and now has returned back home to St. Louis and City Academy.

Joined City Academy: 2025
Education: B.A., University of Missouri-St. Louis
MPH, Kaplan University
M.Ed., University of Missouri-St. Louis

Adonica began her City Academy journey in 2012 as the Operations Manager of the Kids Vision For Life program. It was this experience that made her fall in love with City Academy. Five years later, she changed careers and became an elementary school teacher. Adonica is a fourth generation teacher. She has held roles as a second grade teacher and reading interventionist. During the 23-24 school year, Adonica became a PROUD City Academy parent, and in January 2025 she joined City Academy as the 2nd Grade Humanities teacher. Adonica has a passion for children and teaching reading and is excited to spend her days loving what she does!

Joined City Academy: 2007
Education: B.M., The Cleveland Institute of Music
M.M, The University of Maryland, College Park

Laura studied Suzuki violin pedagogy with Ronda Cole, Rolando Freitag, and Winifred Crock. She also completed Suzuki in the Schools Level I training in 2021 and is a current member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas. Laura also belongs to the American Federation of Musicians Local 2-197. Since moving to St. Louis in 2006, she has played regularly as a substitute musician with the St. Louis Symphony. Laura is one of the Artistic Directors of Chamber Project Saint Louis, an ensemble founded in 2007 with which she also performs chamber music regularly, one of her passions.

In her free time, Laura savors time with her husband and three sons, and enjoys cooking, baking, traveling, and reading.

Joined City Academy: 2023
Education: B.S. Elementary Education, Southeast Missouri State University

Since Endia was a little girl, she’s always aspired to become a teacher. With over 13 years of teaching experience, she has taught children across all grade levels, with each year becoming more rewarding.

She is also the proud mother of two. Her son is a recent City Academy graduate. Her daughter currently attends City Academy. Her pastimes include reading, traveling, coaching, shopping, and crafting. Most of all, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Joined City Academy: 2015
Education: B.S., Harris Stowe State University

Evelyn comes from a family of educators and knew at a young age she wanted to follow in their footsteps. In 2014 she was thrilled to be placed at City Academy for student teaching and immediately knew this was the school community she wanted to be part of long-term. After graduation, Evelyn officially began her career here as a substitute teacher and shortly thereafter signed on as the K-2nd STEAM teacher. Since then she has moved to Junior Kindergarten where she continues to teach STEAM to our youngest scholars.

Outside of school, Evelyn enjoys spending time with her husband and young daughter, reading, experimenting with photography, and traveling.

Joined City Academy: 2024
Education: BME with a Vocal Emphasis, Webster University

During her time at Webster University, Raechel studied voice, piano, and viola. Prior to joining City Academy, Raechel taught elementary music in SLPS and Rockwood. She has a passion for education and helping students become life long learners and music makers. She enjoys pairing the Kodály and Orff teaching methods with children’s literature to build meaningful lessons that encourage students to make connections with the world, their peers, and music.

In her free time Raechel is amused by her three cats and dog, Dottie. She also takes great pleasure in baking, gardening, reading, singing, having a good nap, and taking little adventures to new places.

Joined City Academy: 2019
Education: B.A. Early Childhood Education & B.A. Psychology., Webster University
M.A. Special Education, Webster University

Alison came to City Academy to launch the first 3- and 4-year-old classroom in the newly expanded Early Childhood Center. Prior to joining the City Academy team, Alison taught 3- and 4-year-olds at Ladue Early Childhood Center for four years, and ages three-five at Minier Early Childhood Center for five years. She also previously coached high school girls’ varsity lacrosse for eight years and received the Coach of the Year award in 2011.

Alison is a St. Louis local and a graduate of Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School, where she attended from junior kindergarten through 12th grade. In her free time, Alison enjoys hiking and spending time with her friends and family.

Joined City Academy: 2025

Joined City Academy: 2008
Education: B.S. Biological Sciences, SIU-Edwardsville

In addition to his teaching roles, Erik also serves as our STEAM Coordinator. Prior to City Academy, Eric worked for Rosary High School, the Boy Scouts of America, and the St. Louis Zoo. Erik is married to Karen Taylor, and all four of their children attended City Academy.

Joined City Academy: 2025
Education: B.S. Physical Education, K–12 Teaching Certification, Lindenwood University
M.A. Counseling, K–12 School Counselor Certification, Lindenwood University

Tajun is a St. Louis native who grew up not far from City Academy and is now a dedicated and compassionate school counselor. Before stepping into counseling, she spent years as a physical education teacher, where she built strong connections with students and developed a passion for supporting their growth beyond the classroom. She is committed to helping students thrive socially, emotionally, and academically, creating a positive and supportive environment where every student feels valued, understood, and empowered to succeed. Outside of school, Tajun enjoys spending time with her family and reading, which bring balance and inspiration to her work with students.

Joined City Academy: 2008, 2022
Education: A.B., College of the Holy Cross
A.B., College of the Holy Cross
M.Ed., Crosscultural Instruction, National University
M.Ed., Gifted Education, Lindenwood University
Ph.D. Candidate, Saint Louis University

Born and raised in Chicago, Kip is the product of Jesuit schooling. He attended Saint Ignatius College Prep, College of the Holy Cross, and he is currently a Ph.D. Candidate at Saint Louis University.

Moving to St. Louis in 2008, Kip began his first “tour of duty” at City Academy, teaching 5th and 6th grades. In 2015, Kip left to become the Director of Gifted and Talented for St. Louis Public Schools. Returning to CA in 2022, Kip resumes his role as 6th Grade Humanities Teacher where he shares his two great passions, reading great literature and economics, with his students.

Kip and his wife Rodnee are the proud parents of Zachary and Rylie, both City Academy alumni.

Joined City Academy: 2023
Education:B.F.A., Mixed Media and Studio Art, Minor in Strategic Communications, University of Kansas
M.P.S. Candidate, Business of Art and Design, Maryland Institute College of Art

Zac is a proud alumnus of City Academy, graduating in 2011. He continued his education at Saint Louis Priory School, graduating in 2017. During his time in undergrad, Zac participated in several academic and non-academic art shows, highlighting his dedication to the arts. After moving back to Saint Louis in 2023, Zac spent a year as the communications intern at City Academy. Now, he blends his passion for art and love for City Academy as the Art teacher, bringing his creative spirit and dedication to inspire young artists. Zac is particularly passionate about using art as a bridge to connect students to the greater world, fostering a holistic learning experience. He takes immense pride in being part of the City Academy community once again.

Outside the classroom, Zac loves spending time outdoors, listening to Afrobeats, and working on launching his Afrocentric clothing brand focused on closed-loop sustainability. Zac is also a recent newlywed, proud to share his life with his wife, Jasmine.

Joined City Academy: 2019

Michelle joined City Academy as an Extended Day Teacher, later becoming a Classroom Monitor. Now in the 3- and 4-year old classroom, she loves assisting with daily duties. She as also returned to her role as an Extended Day Teacher. Michelle has always had a heart for children, and she finds much joy in watching them grow. Michelle’s first job was babysitting, and then she moved on to the corporate world. After that she ran a non-profit group giving out school supplies, and later was a stay-at-home mom. During her daughter’s last year of high school, she was given an opportunity to work with children at City Academy, and Michelle jumped at the opportunity.

Joined City Academy: 2020
Education: B.S. in Elementary Education, Missouri State University

In addition to being a teacher, Celest is also a City Academy parent. She grew up in St. Louis, living in the North City area for 17 years. She has a true passion for teaching and learning. She strives to create a joyful classroom environment that promotes growth.