Middle school English teacher, Ms. Burnett, advises a student during in the middle school common space.
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.
Ms. Panzino leads a interactive reading lesson in a Kindergarten classroom.
Preschool teacher, Ms. Fisher, reads a classroom favorite - No, David!
Art teacher, Ms. Lynn, advises a middle school student during a stop motion animation elective class.
Music teacher, Ms. O'Connell, connects rhythm, pattern, and reading in an early childhood class.
Señor Ward leads a Spanish class in St. Paul's middle school.
Ms. Mincher leads a STEAM lesson all about fingerprints in St. Paul's PreKindergarten.
Early Learner teacher, Ms. Hickey, hugs a student during a lesson.
Faculty Fast Facts
- There are 50 St. Paul's teachers across Early Learners - 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. 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."
Libby Huggins - 5th 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.
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
Emma Marston - Early Learner Teacher
Emma Marston has been a teacher at St. Paul's since 2016, and she's also a St. Paul's alumna, Class of 2007. Emma has a BFA in Theatre from Stephens College, and she earned her Masters in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from University of Kansas. Emma enjoys performing, music, and the arts, and she regularly leads Daily Chapel with her ukulele in in Early Childhood. Her favorite quote says a lot about her: "When you get, give. When you learn, teach." - Maya Angelou
2025 - 2026 Board of Trustees
Nora Lockton, President
Kristin Havens, VP/Secretary
Andrea Wilson, Treasurer
Andrew Myler, Head of School
The Rev. Steven King, Rector
Katie Seymour, Parents' Guild
Alison Armistead
Chris Barnett
Jo Bradley
Elle Clymer
Dave Collier
Nancy Franklin
Andy Funk
Brian Humphrey
Mike Kress
Angie Laurie
Jack Lockton
Ancy Maruthanal
Theresa Sheffield
Jayson Strickland
Buzz Willard
"We know there are trusted, caring adults who are helping our children develop into eager learners and leaders." - St. Paul's parent
Administrative Staff
Our faculty are supported by a team of administrators and staff who are equally committed to making St. Paul's the best school for age 2 through 8th grade in the country.
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.