Our Team
Our teachers know their content, but more importantly, they are incredibly passionate about preparing students for life - not just for high school.
Our faculty and staff are deeply committed to our mission. They daily reinforce the St. Paul's focus on community, social and emotional wellness, and the chapel program.
Our teachers are age-level specialists. Our early childhood program teachers draw inspiration from Reggio Emilia, Maria Montessori, and Project Based Learning techniques. Our lower and middle school teachers bring hands-on engagements, and authentic, real-world problem solving into St. Paul's classroom experiences. Students are consistently given space to grow as learners and collaborators while exploring individual interests throughout core curriculum instruction.
Faculty Fast Facts
- There are 50 St. Paul's teachers across Toddler - 8th grade levels.
- All St. Paul's teachers are fully certified. Many schools utilize assistants or para-professionals, but all of our classroom teachers are experienced and fully trained.
- St. Paul's classroom ratio is one teacher per eight students.
- 77% of St. Paul's teachers have Masters degrees.
- St. Paul's teachers collectively participate in more than 500 hours of professional development annually.
Spotlight on Our Teachers
Kaevan Tavakolinia - 3rd - 8th Grade Music & Middle School Life Skills Teacher
Mr. K has been a friendly face around St. Paul’s since 2015, and he teaches 3rd-8th grade music and the middle school Life Skills class. When asked why he chooses to teach at St. Paul’s, he shared, “This community has always been such a welcoming place, and the values taught here are important to me. I have learned more about community, faith, and teaching from St. Paul’s than any other institution. I am so blessed to be able to contribute!” In his spare time, Mr. K likes to write music, draw amateur comics, cook, and study history and world religions.
Kelly Van Maren - 3rd - 5th Makerspace and 6th Grade Science Teacher
Ms. Van Maren taught 4th grade at St. Paul’s for 10 years, and made the leap to being our 3rd -6th Grade Makerspace/Science teacher in 2020. When asked why she chose to teach at St. Paul’s, she shared, “I was so impressed with the students. They were welcoming, independent, and polite. I instantly fell in love with the school and have been here ever since!” When she’s not teaching, Ms. Varen likes traveling anywhere warm, spending time with her family (especially her two children), reading, yoga, and finding ways to be creative.
Melissa Harper - 3rd Grade Teacher
Ms. Harper has been at St. Paul's since 2011. Happy 10 year anniversary! When she's not teaching, she enjoys cooking, digging into crime tv shows, and going on walks at the park with her kids. When asked what she appreciates about St. Paul's, Ms. Harper said, "I love that we start each day with chapel. It helps students and teachers remember our purpose in life, to be good servants to others and treat everyone with love and kindness always."
Jessica Nguyen - Preschool Teacher
Ms. Nguyen has been teaching for more than 30 years, but we’ve been blessed to have her at St. Paul’s since 2014. When asked why she chooses to teach at St. Paul’s, she shared, “St. Paul's excels in academics while staying rooted in strong values, character development, and actively caring for our community.” It’s no surprise that her favorite tradition at school is the chapel program since she’s always there to share a smile and a song with some our youngest students. Her favorite quote: “Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14
Libby Huggins - 4th Grade Teacher
Ms. Huggins has been teaching at St. Paul’s since 2016, and she particularly loves teaching science (specifically how the brain functions). When asked why she chooses to work at St. Paul’s, she shared, “St. Paul’s is a family, a learning environment, and a spiritual community where everyone feels supported and supports others.” When she’s not working with students, Ms. Huggins enjoys spending time in nature away from wifi with her husband and their dog, Daphne.
Kellee Pearson - Director of Auxiliary Programs
Kellee joined the St. Paul’s team in August 2020, and she manages the Extended Day and Summer in the City programs. After working in the education field for more than 12 years, inspiring students has become her passion. Kellee shared, “The mark I hope to leave on students is that the possibilities are endless and to work hard and never give up!” When she’s not at school, Kellee enjoys listening to audiobooks, spending time with family, traveling, crafting, tennis, hot yoga, watching football, video editing, and shopping.
2021- 2022 Board of Trustees
John Aisenbrey
Chris Barnett
Andy Funk
Gordon Gee
Kristin Havens
Melissa Hendricks
Whitney Hosty
Brian Humphrey
Mike Kress
Nora Lockton
Ancy Maruthanal
Jim McCarthy
Ray Moncrieffe
Janda Nielsen
Barbara Pahud
Joe Platt
Karen Seitter
Theresa Sheffield
Katie Trenkle
Andrea Wilson
"We know there are trusted, caring adults who are helping our children develop into eager learners and leaders." - St. Paul's parent
Professional development is a high priority across the St. Paul's community. Teachers are expected and encouraged to continually seek out training in teaching best practices. Whether it's incorporating Conscious Discipline techniques to foster student mindfulness or introducing drumming circles to build communication skills, St. Paul's teachers are always striving to create the very best student experience.
Administrative Staff
Our faculty are supported by a team of administrators and staff who are equally committed to making St. Paul's the best Toddler - 8th Grade school in the country.