Welcome to New St. Paul's Faculty & Staff 2026-2027

As we prepare for another exciting school year, we're thrilled to welcome several talented educators and staff members to the St. Paul's community. Each brings unique experiences, expertise, and passions that will enrich our classrooms and support our mission of developing confident learners, ethical leaders, and compassionate, engaged citizens. Get to know these new (and some familiar) community members below!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rachel Berg
First Grade Teacher 

Rachel Berg joins St. Paul's with 18 years of elementary teaching experience, having taught students in kindergarten through fourth grade. A graduate of Missouri State University with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a minor in developmental reading, Rachel most recently taught third grade in Independence, where she was recognized as her school's 2024–25 Teacher of the Year.

Rachel is also the proud parent of three incredible children, including a son who will be starting kindergarten at St. Paul's this fall. Outside the classroom, she enjoys getting lost in a good book, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, gardening, and adventuring with her family. She especially loves creating moments of wonder for her students and finding the experiences that make their eyes sparkle with joy.

 

Wes Cotter 
1st - 8th Grade Instructional Support Teacher

Wes Cotter brings a unique background to education, holding a bachelor's degree in business administration and more than a decade of experience as an Air Traffic Control Specialist. As he transitions into the classroom, Wes's strong communication skills and natural ability to connect with students make him a wonderful addition to our instructional support team.

Wes is also a parent of two St. Paul's students and enjoys traveling with his family whenever he has the chance. A devoted Beatles fan, his dog Pepper is named after Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band!

 

 

Abby Crady
Executive Assistant to the Head of School

Abby is excited to be returning to St. Paul's as the (I'm not sure if the formal title?) Abby holds a master's in education and has taught at St. Paul's for 16 years in the Kindergarten and PreK classrooms. Abby is looking forward to a new challenge and seeing the school from a different perspective. 

Please join us in giving these outstanding educators and staff members a warm St. Paul's welcome. We can't wait to see the positive impact they'll have on our students and community in the year ahead!

 

 

Mel Creveling
K–2nd Grade Reading Specialist

After seven years as a second grade teacher at St. Paul's, Mel Creveling is stepping into a new role as our K–2 Reading Specialist. She holds a Master's in Education from MidAmerica Nazarene University and brings more than 20 years of classroom experience to her new position.

Mel has completed two years of LETRS certification in the Science of Reading and received Orton-Gillingham training through Horizon Academy, equipping her with specialized tools to support young readers. She and her husband are also proud St. Paul's parents to three boys: Charlie, a recent graduate, and John and Walt, who will be in fifth and first grades this year.

 

 

Hailey Kilbourn
Pre-kindergarten Teacher

Hailey Kilbourn is already a familiar face around campus, having worked in our summer camp and aftercare programs, served as a St. Paul's substitute teacher, and coached several middle school athletic teams. She graduated from Avila University with a bachelor's degree in Educational Studies and spent the past year working as a pre-kindergarten paraprofessional in the North Kansas City School District.

Hailey says she's excited to join St. Paul's full time because of its strong sense of community and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students, families, and colleagues. When she's not at school, she enjoys reading, playing disc golf, and spending time with her Blue Heeler, Bluey—named after the beloved animated character.

 

 

Gunnar Person
Athletic Director & 3rd–8th Grade PE Teacher

Gunnar earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from the University of Central Missouri and brings six years of experience teaching elementary physical education in the Harrisonville School District. In 2022, he was named a finalist for the district’s Educator of the Year award. He also has extensive experience coaching and developing student-athletes and is passionate about creating a positive, competitive environment where students can build confidence, develop healthy habits, and grow both on and off the court/field. Gunnar is excited to join the St. Paul’s community and looks forward to supporting students and families throughout the school year.

 

 

Jessie Quance
6th Grade Humanities Teacher

After serving in the role on an interim basis during the 2025–26 school year, Jessie Quance officially joins our faculty as Sixth Grade Humanities Teacher. She holds a master's degree in education from the University of Texas at Austin and brings more than a decade of experience working with students in educational settings while living in Singapore. Jessie later served as a substitute teacher while earning her teaching certification.

Jessie quickly became a valued member of our middle school team this past year, through her excellent instruction and strong relationships with students and faculty. We're delighted to have her continue in this role for the coming school year.

 

 

Sandra Ramirez Cunningham
2nd Grade Teacher

Sandra Ramirez Cunningham joins our faculty with 22 years of experience in elementary education. She began her career as a second grade classroom teacher before becoming a reading specialist and instructional coach. Sandra holds master's degrees in Curriculum and Instruction from UMKC and Language and Literacy from Park University, and she recently completed her Math Specialist degree. She most recently served at Center Elementary and is excited for this new chapter at St. Paul's.

Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading, writing poetry, and spending time with her family. She looks forward to building meaningful connections with her students and the St. Paul's community.

 

 

Kimber Vaughan
5th–8th Grade Learning Specialist

Kimber Vaughan returns to St. Paul's in a new role as our 5th–8th Grade Learning Specialist. With a master's degree in Education and Innovation from Webster University and more than 10 years of teaching experience, Kimber most recently served as a 4^th grade teacher here at St. Paul's. Kimber will also be a St. Paul’s parent as her two boys will start as Early Learners in the fall.

Outside of school, Kimber enjoys taking workout classes, watching documentaries, reading whenever she can, and fueling up with a McLain's latte or a Diet Coke.