Faculty & Staff

DeAnn D'Alesandro-Bareiss
Ms. Bareiss graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a B.A. in Sociology. She teaches 7th Grade Social Studies at LFLA. Outside of the classroom Ms. Bareiss enjoys reading and sports. One of her jobs prior to coming to LFLA was working in the Peace Corp. Ms. Bareiss enjoys spending time with the students at LFLA. They never fail to make her laugh!
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Laura Beckman
Ms. Beckman has a Bachelor degree with an Art Education Certification from Webster University. She also has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture. She teaches high school Art at LFLA. Her interests and hobbies include sound and video production, photography, traveling to state and national forests, camping, hiking, rock climbing, and saving and preserving nature. Ms. Beckman enjoys teaching because her classes are a great way for students to explore their identity and learn how to communicate their viewpoints of the world in which they live. The exchange of knowledge between the students and teachers at LFLA is what makes the school so special to Ms. Beckman. She is as committed to learning as she is teaching.
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Stephanie Blue
Ms. Blue graduated from the University of Missouri - Columbia. She teaches Freshman English at LFLA. Prior to joining LFLA, Ms. Blue worked in an AmeriCorps program called City Year, a program for 17-24 year olds to work collectively to complete one year of transformative community service. She also held teaching positions in St. Louis and Fort Lauderdale. Ms. Blue is proud to have taught all of the wonderful personalities that have come through the doors of LFLA. As LFLA celebrates its tenth year of serving children, it continues to positively change the lives of both the students and teachers. And positive change is Ms. Blue's passion in life.
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Denise Bogard
Ms. Bogard received her Master in Fine Arts -Creative Writing from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. At LFLA, she teaches Creative Writing, Power Hour, Newspaper, and Exploring Writing. A true writer at heart, Ms. Bogard has one completed novel awaiting publication and a second novel in the works. She is an avid reader and power walker -usually logging 25 to 30 miles per week! Ms. Bogard enjoys the positive energy at LFLA and the opportunity to help change lives for the better. Teaching is her third career, following journalism and public relations. Ms. Bogard has worked in many capacities as a teacher, including as an adjunct university professor and a founder of St. Louis Writers Workshop. But, hands down, Lift For Life Academy is her favorite job ever. Ms. Bogard has been here since the first year, starting ten years ago in what was supposed to be a four-day creative writing residency!
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Michael Boulanger
Mr. Boulanger received Bachelor degrees in both History and Secondary Education at the University of Missouri and Cornell College. He is currently pursuing a graduate degree at University of Missouri-St. Louis. He teaches  8th Grade American History at LFLA. Outside of the classroom, you might find Mr. Boulanger playing soccer or hiking. He also places strong importance on spending time with his family. Mr. Boulanger enjoys the small class size at LFLA, the staff involvement in curriculum planning, and especially the "Strong Minds, Strong Bodies" t-shirts.
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Felicia Boykin
Ms. Boykin has an Associate Degree in Communications and is currently working towards a degree in Special Education at Fontbonne University. She works with students as a Teacher’s Assistant. Ms. Boykin has worked with almost every teacher at LFLA and each class has been a new and enriching experience for her. Outside the classroom, Ms. Boykin's interests and hobbies include roller skating, bike riding, traveling, relaxing, walking through parks, and going to libraries and museums. Her favorite aspect of LFLA is that the students have so many opportunities to travel and experience something new every day. Ms. Boykin wants her students to get the most out of life and she feels that LFLA helps make that wish a reality.
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John Breen
Mr. Breen earned his B.A. and M.A. from Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Illinois. He currently serves as the Assistant Principal at LFLA. Mr. Breen's interests include golf, fishing, traveling, and the outdoors. He enjoys his work at LFLA, especially being able to build positive relationships with everyone at the school. A native of St. Louis, Mr. Breen was the Elementary and Middle School Principal in the Ritenour School District for 30 years before coming to LFLA.   
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Alicia Broshuis
Ms. Broshuis received her Bachelor of Science in Spanish Education from Southeast Missouri State University. She teaches Middle School and High School Spanish at LFLA. Outside of school, Ms. Broshuis enjoys playing volleyball, reading, and practicing her own Spanish skills. She appreciates the extremely supportive administration at LFLA. Ms. Broshuis is especially proud to be a part of a school that obviously cares so much about the students' success.
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Janene Brown
Ms. Brown received her Bachelor degree in Biology at Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana. She teaches 7th Grade Science. She also works as an Emergency Medical Technician on weekends. When not teaching or saving lives, you might find her running, playing tennis, or listening to music. What Ms. Brown appreciates the most about LFLA is the school's philosophy about providing exposure to field experiences that students may not otherwise have.
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Bobbi Jo Cloeter
Ms. Cloeter received her B.S. in Education from the University of Wisconsin - River Falls. She teaches 8th Grade Science and 8th Grade Health at LFLA. A native of Wisconsin, Ms. Cloeter grew up on a dairy farm and used to show animals at the local county fair. Her more recent hobbies and interests include camping, hiking, canoeing, reading, and playing with her children. Ms. Cloeter takes pride in knowing that the students at LFLA are growing in their academics and character. She especially enjoys building meaningful relationships with her students.
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Tiffany Crawford
Ms. Crawford has a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications and a Master in Special Education from Fontbonne University. She teaches Power Hour at LFLA. Outside of school, you may find her spending time with family, traveling, skating or swimming. Ms. Crawford enjoys the freedom she has at LFLA, along with the support of its great leadership.  
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Ryan Enata
Mr. Enata received his Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Kinesiology from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, in addition to receiving an endorsement in Drivers Education. He teaches High School P.E. and Drivers Education. Mr. Enata is a golfer and confesses to being a sports junkie. He especially loves going to Cardinals games. Mr. Enata likes the small class sizes at LFLA that allow him to develop more personal relationships with his students. He also gives a big thumbs up to Chef Kenny and the amazing food at LFLA.
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Kati Geoppo
Ms. Geoppo has her Bachelor of Fine Art degree from Fontbonne University. She teaches Art and Ceramics at LFLA. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Geoppo enjoys sports, art and hanging out with her family and friends. No stranger to good food, her family owns Italian restaurants which she has worked at all her life. Ms. Geoppo's favorite aspect of LFLA is the family atmosphere it fosters and all of the great students she gets to work with.
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Amy Goddard
Ms. Goddard graduated from the University of Missouri- St. Louis with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She also earned a Masters in Education from UMSL in 2003. Ms. Goddard teaches 7th grade Mathematics. Besides teaching she enjoys being a mother, scuba diving, sewing, and reading. Ms. Goddard loves to try new things. She believes that teaching is one of the most rewarding careers a person can chose. Ms. Goddard enjoys teaching at LFLA because of the outstanding faculty, students, and parents. She especially feels that it is exciting to work in an environment where the parents, students, and faculty have chosen LFLA over another school. Although Ms. Goddard has been an educator for ten years, this is her first year at LFLA.
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William Heisse
Mr. Heisse received his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Missouri- St. Louis. He teaches 8th Grade Power Hour, 9th Grade Algebra, and 10th Grade Geometry. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Heisse admits to being a little bit of a sports nut, and enjoys working with computers. He appreciates the opportunity he has at LFLA to work with a great group of people and students. Mr. Heisse feels that the school provides a family atmosphere that enhances student learning and achievement. In addition to teaching at LFLA, Mr. Heisse is also the Varsity Hockey Coach at St. Charles West High School.
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Robyn Helferstay
Ms. Helferstay attended Southwest Missouri State University and the University of Missouri -St. Louis, receiving her B.S. in Elementary Education. She also has a M.A. in Education from Lindenwood University. She teaches 8th Grade Communication Arts at LFLA.  Ms. Helferstay truly enjoys working closely with students to help them fulfill their natural potential and sharing her passion for learning with them. Outside of school, she loves traveling and spending time in the great outdoors, whether it is camping, whitewater rafting or just exploring.
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Terrance Hobson    
Mr. Hobson grew up in East St. Louis, Illinois.  He is a 2004 graduate of Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Missouri, where he earned a Bachelor Degree in Psychology.  This is Mr. Hobson's first full year teaching at Lift for Life Academy and his second year as the Head Boy’s Basketball Coach. He is a husband and proud father of a 4-year-old son and a 6-month-old daughter. He enjoys coaching, being a dad, and traveling.
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Yude Huang
Mr. Huang received his Bachelor degree in English at Da-Yeh University in Taiwan in 2004. After his 15 month mandatory military service, he came to America for further education. Mr. Huang received his Master degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Saint Louis University in 2009. He teaches Chinese Conversation for 6th through 10th grade. His hobbies include playing basketball, table tennis, and softball as well as playing guitar and listening to country music. Mr. Huang likes to try various teaching strategies to see which methods most improve his students’ engagement in learning one of the most difficult languages—Chinese. By introducing the Chinese language and culture to American students he hopes to broaden their views of globalization. Mr. Huang loves teaching Chinese at LFLA because of the great students, faculty members and atmosphere of the school in general. He hopes to stay at LFLA as long as possible because he believes the longer anyone stays at LFLA, whether it be students or teachers, the better the person they become.
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Karen Hurd
Ms. Hurd has a Bachelor degree as well as twenty additional hours towards her M. S. degree.  She has been in the educational field for sixteen years. Ms. Hurd is an Educational Specialist teaching 8th and 9th graders at LFLA. Her hobbies include singing, acting, and directing musicals. Her favorite aspect of working at LFLA is bringing out the talent in her students by teaching her talents to them. Ms. Hurd believes that every child can learn, though they may not learn the same thing the same way or even on the same day as someone else. Every student is unique and will learn in his or her own unique way.     
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Margene Jerrolds
Ms. Jerrolds received a Bachelor degree from Southeast Missouri State University in Secondary Education and a Masters degree in Reading from Southern Illinois University. At Lift for Life Academy, she makes learning fun and exciting by supporting the curriculum through field trips and adventures. Her belief is that the more our children see and experience, the greater knowledge they gain and the more their reading comprehension improves. Prior to LFLA, Ms. Jerrolds worked as a professional Girl Scout for twenty years and took teenage girls around the world. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys tennis, swimming, and reading. When she gets the chance, Ms. Jerrolds can be found in London with her daughter or swimming with dolphins in California. She loves LFLA because every day, someone has an opportunity to grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally in a safe and supportive environment. Ms. Jerrolds feels that LFLA is what a charter school should be. The main emphasis is academics but the school supports the total child.
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Eric Johnson
A native of St. Louis, Mr. Johnson is a graduate of Missouri Valley College and National Louis University.

This is Mr. Johnson's first year at LFLA, where he teaches 6th grade Math and is an Assistant Coach for the Hawks Football team. Mr. Johnson has been a classroom teacher for 17 years now, most recently with the Normandy School District. He was named Teacher of the Year for Walbridge Elementary in the '05-'06 school year and was a recipient of the Salute to Excellence in Education award in 2008. Mr. Johnson is also the author of a book entitled  ‘Mastering the Basics: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division.’ His favorite aspect of working with students is seeing the light bulb go off when they understand a new concept. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Johnson enjoys sports, dancing and listening to music.
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Jeanne Godar-Kriss
Ms. Kriss received her Master in Social Work from St. Louis University and a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology from Maryville University. She is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Ms. Kriss teaches a variety of topics at LFLA such as stress and coping skills, mental and emotional health, substance abuse education, conflict resolution, sexuality, crisis intervention, and communication skills. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys gardening, spending time in the outdoors, going to concerts, riding motorcycles, and traveling. She appreciates working with and getting to know the wonderful teachers and students at LFLA. This is Ms. Kriss' 10th anniversary at LFLA. She was here when the school first opened its doors.
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M. Maureen Lally
Ms. Lally graduated from Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. She is certified in P.E. K-12 and just earned her Health endorsement. This is Ms. Lally's first year of teaching middle school and high school Physical Education, as well as middle school Health. In her spare time she enjoys mountain biking, studying martial arts, camping, and traveling. Ms. Lally's favorite thing about teaching at LFLA is watching the students develop into wonderfully unique young adults through the superb education they receive.
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David LeMay
Mr. LeMay received his B.A. in History and International Studies from St. Louis University. He received his M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Missouri-St. Louis, as well as his M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Mr. LeMay currently serves as an Assistant Principal at LFLA. His interests include traveling, reading, cooking, and playing softball. His favorite movies include The Godfather and Casablanca.
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Mary Jo Liberstein
Ms. Liberstein has an impressive educational background. She received a Bachelor degree from St. Louis University with majors in Speech and Language Pathology and Elementary Education. She also received a Masters degree from St. Louis University in Special Education with an emphasis on learning and language disorders. Continuing her education at SLU, she received her Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy. Her Post-Doctoral coursework and certifications include Educational Administration. Ms. Liberstein is the Coordinator for Professional Learning and Curriculum Development at LFLA. Her hobbies include kayaking, hiking, skiing, and cooking. One of the aspects of LFLA that Ms. Liberstein truly appreciates is the teachers' and administrators' passion for making a positive difference in the lives of the students. She also enjoys having students around her work space instead of having an office that is removed from the students she serves. Prior to joining LFLA in 2008, Ms. Liberstein was with the School District of Clayton for 31 years where she established an early childhood special education program, directed a parenting and early childhood center that received national recognition, and eventually served in the role of Assistant Superintendent for the District.
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Carol Lindner
Ms. Lindner received a Bachelor degree from Murray State University and a Masters degree from SIU-Edwardsville. She is the librarian at LFLA. Her hobbies include reading, collecting unicorns, and watching her son play soccer. The best part of working at LFLA for Ms. Lindner is getting to know all the students and introducing them to books and authors. A native of Kentucky, she lived in Nebraska for 14 years before moving to Missouri in 2006.
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Rodney Malone
Mr. Malone has a B.S. in Secondary Social Studies Education from Greenville College and a M.A. in Philosophy from the University of Missouri – Saint Louis. He teaches World History at LFLA. Mr. Malone appreciates the atmosphere of cooperation at LFLA, not only between staff members, but also between students and staff.  He is also proud of the student exposure to the variety of the world through both academic and extracurricular activities. Outside of school, Mr. Malone enjoys family life, studying and reading, worshipping at St. John’s Episcopal Church, and biking the city. Although St. Louis is his home now, he also feels right at home in McPherson, Kansas; Greenville, Illinois; and Asuncion, Paraguay.
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Kenan Morrison
A native of Los Angeles, Mr. Morrison followed in his father’s footsteps by enrolling at Missouri University of Science &Technology, formerly known as the University of Missouri-Rolla. While a student he was an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and also played varsity football all four years. Kenan graduated from Missouri S&T with a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering. After graduation Kenan combined his passion for educating others and his love for children and decided to become a teacher with the St. Louis Public Schools. After a year at Blow Middle School, Mr. Morrison has spent the last four years at LFLA. He teaches Math and Computers. Mr. Morrison enjoys seeing young minds expand and often accompanies the students on educational trips outside of the classroom. When not at work he strives to serve the community he lives in. Mr. Morrison was a very active volunteer in Barack Obama’s campaign in St. Louis. On October 18, 2008 he was given the honor of representing not only LFLA but every teacher in St. Louis public schools by giving his testimony and introducing then-presidential candidate Obama to 200,000 people gathered under the arch. Mr. Morrison also volunteers with several organizations in the St. Louis area and serves as a Deacon at Prince of Peace M.B. Church. In his spare time he enjoys reading, working out, and playing chess.   
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Tracy Nomensen
Ms. Nomensen received her Bachelor degree from Seattle Pacific University and a Masters in Education from Seattle University. She teaches 6th Grade Communication Arts. Ms. Nomensen is new to the St. Louis area and is loving her new home. In her spare time she enjoys taking classes, listening to music and reading. She is also currently working on a young adult fantasy novel. She is excited to be working with her students at LFLA!
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Alison Owens
Ms. Owens received her Bachelor degree in Math from Vanderbilt University and then received a Masters degree in Math from SIU - Carbondale. She teaches 8th Grade Math, 7th Grade Power Hour and two High School Honors Geometry classes. Outside of the classroom Ms. Owens enjoys spending time with her family, reading, vacationing, swimming, and playing cards and board games. Her favorite aspect of being a part of LFLA is the  devotion to making this school something different, a place where  it is  cool to be smart, and where it is expected that you will go to college. Ms. Owens considers the students and staff at LFLA to be her second family. She has co-authored books on math and has recently been published in the September issue of Middle School Mathematics Teacher.
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Chandra Palmer
Ms. Palmer grew up in Phenix City, Alabama. She is a 2006 graduate of Fontbonne University in St. Louis, where she earned a Masters Degree in Curriculum & Instruction and a 2002 graduate of Lane College in Tennessee, where she earned a Bachelor Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. This is her seventh year teaching 6th grade Social Studies at Lift for Life Academy.  In addition to teaching, she is also the Yearbook Sponsor, Girls Basketball Coach, Ambassador Advisor and Middle School Girls Track Coach. In her free time, Ms. Palmer loves traveling, cooking, surfing the Internet and spending time with her son and friends.
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Laura Planck
Ms. Planck attended Western Kentucky University where she earned a degree in Design, Merchandising, and Textiles. She also studied fashion design at Accademia Italiana in Florence, Italy. While working under the late Jean Claude Mastroianni at his storefront in Manhattan, she had an opportunity to work with a 10,000 piece collection of vintage couture that was once owned by fashion icons like Jackie O and Marilyn Monroe. After many years of designing and constructing garments for herself, Ms. Planck recently decided to open her own clothing business. Obviously, she is well qualified to teach Fashion Design at LFLA. Ms. Planck encourages students to follow their dreams, in fashion and everything else.
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Sara Poppitz
Ms. Poppitz graduated from Valparaiso University with a Bachelor Degree in Education. During college she was involved in intramural sports including softball, volleyball, basketball, racquetball, and floor hockey.  She is currently in her 3rd year at Lift for Life Academy, the beginning of what she hopes is a long career in teaching.  Ms. Poppitz is particularly excited about this school year, because in addition to teaching, she will also be an Assistant Coach for the Cross Country and Track teams. A native of New Jersey, Ms. Poppitz moved to St. Louis after graduating from college. Since living here, she has married, moved into a house, and redefined the word “humidity.” Ms. Poppitz and her husband share their home with two Bichon dogs, Daisy and Duke.  
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Anastasia Preston
Ms. Preston graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction. This is her 2nd year at Lift For Life Academy, where she teaches 7th grade Communication Arts. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Preston loves to spend time with her daughter Ava. She also enjoys writing poetry and short stories, building miniatures, scrapbooking, and taking walks in the park. Ms. Preston does not believe in low self-esteem. She does believe in success, and this is what she tries to instill in her students every day.
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David Ray
Mr. Ray received his Master in Applied Mathematics from Washington University. He is a Math Teacher Assistant at LFLA. Mr. Ray's hobbies include cooking and reading, and he is a firm believer in volunteer service. He enjoys having the opportunity to educate and influence the promising young minds at LFLA. Before teaching at LFLA, Mr. Ray worked as a project manager.
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Katherine Rueckert
Ms. Rueckert received her Bachelor of Arts in French Language and Literature with a Minor in Spanish at Truman State University. She also received a Master of Arts in Education with an emphasis in French Education from Truman State University. Ms. Rueckert also earned French language certificates while studying in France at L'Université Catholique de l'Ouest in Angers, and L'Université de Strasbourg in Strasbourg. She teaches Spanish and French at LFLA. Ms. Rueckert's interests outside of school include traveling, exercising, watching foreign films and learning to rock climb. Her favorite part of working at LFLA is getting to know her wonderful students and their unforgettable personalities. One day Ms. Rueckert would love to perform in a Broadway musical, but she isn't going to quit her day job!
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Jennifer Samples
Ms. Samples received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at Murray State University. She currently teaches 6th Grade Science. Ms. Samples enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and children - soon to be a bigger brood as she is expecting a baby in Spring 2010! One of the things that she appreciates about LFLA is the respect she receives from her students and the support of the faculty and staff.
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David Scott
Mr. Scott's role at LFLA is to teach or direct the following activities: Beginner Band, Drum-line, Stage Band, Piano, Electronic Music/Recording and General Music. He obviously loves his teaching specialty since his interests outside the classroom also include music performance and appreciation, though he never turns down the opportunity to play dinosaurs with his two children. What Mr. Scott loves most about Lift For Life Academy is that it is truly a force of positivity in the lives of everyone involved. It takes him back to growing up at Glenwood Elementary where his hero, Mrs. Mary Snow, created a learning environment that was founded in love and built with enthusiasm. Mr. Scott's years of performing and studying music have increased his knowledge, but he feels that people like his childhood teachers and the faculty at Lift For Life have helped him become a better teacher.
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Rory Seals
A native of St. Louis, Mr. Seals earned a football scholarship to the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff where he earned a B.A. in History. Returning to St. Louis in 1998, he acquired teacher certification in Special Education from Lindenwood University in 2004 and is also certified in Physical Education. Mr. Seals is the Athletic Director for LFLA, as well as the Head Coach for Football. His wife, Kacy, is a principal for the SLPS. Together they have three daughters, Kennedy, Kori, and Kyndal. Mr. Seals enjoys spending time with his family and all things football!  
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Adrian Simms
Mr. Simms graduated Cum Laude from Lindenwood University in 2008 with a Bachelor in Mathematics. He teaches Algebra in addition to classes in Media and Graphic Design. In his spare time, Mr. Simms' hobbies include audio and video production, and graphic art. One of his favorite aspects of LFLA is the welcoming and peaceful environment it provides. Mr. Simms also coaches the high school Track and Field team.
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Carmella Simpson
Ms. Simpson attended the University of Missouri-St. Louis and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the International Academy of Design in Chicago. She teaches Fashion Design at Lift for Life Academy. Ms. Simpson came to LFLA because she is passionate about fashion and enjoys sharing her knowledge with the students. In her teaching, Ms. Simpson emphasizes the underlying concepts of fashion design and tries to steer young people away from the mentality of only wearing certain labels.
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Chris Vance
Mr. Vance graduated from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, receiving a Bachelor degree in Psychology as well as a Bachelor degree in Education. In addition to his academic achievements, he received a four year scholarship to play Basketball at SIU-E as well. Mr. Vance teaches Physical Education at LFLA for the 6th through 10th grades. He also has extensive coaching experience with Volleyball, Basketball, Softball, and Track & Field.
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Maggie Vand Vrede
Ms. VandeVrede graduated from Concordia University in Wisconsin with a B.A. in Elementary Education. She teaches 7th grade at LFLA, working with reading, and as a resource teacher. Her favorite part of teaching at LFLA is the warm, family atmosphere. Ms. VandVrede likes seeing the students getting excited about learning. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, cooking, and cheering for her favorite teams - the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers. Ms. VandVrede and her husband love traveling and the outdoors. They have a goal of hiking in all 50 states before they turn 50.  
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Elizabeth Wagner
Ms. Wagner attended both Southwest Missouri State University and Harris-Stowe State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She teaches a variety of topics at LFLA, including Beginning Sewing, Nutrition and Cooking, Interiors and Furnishings, and is an Assistant for Fashion Design. Her hobbies include reading, writing, gardening, sewing, and sports. Ms. Wagner is proud of the positive environment at LFLA and of all the efforts made to provide experiences for the students that will last them a lifetime. She is married with two daughters and three grandsons.
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James Wax
Mr. Wax attended the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and graduated with a B.S. in Secondary Education English with a minor in Theatre Performance. He teaches English and Public Speaking at LFLA. Outside of the classroom Mr. Wax enjoys acting and writing for local theatre companies, directing high school musicals, and teaching summer theatre programs at Webster University. In 2007 one of his plays was named “Best New Play of 2007” by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and also was nominated for a Kevin Klein Award for “Best New Play.” Aside from English and theatre, Mr. Wax also enjoys hiking, camping, kayaking, fishing, Monday Night Football and winning golds on Mario Kart. He was born into a Navy family in New Jersey and has since lived in Maine, Alaska, Japan, California, Washington, Florida, Minnesota and Wisconsin.  
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Etoya White
Mr. White received his B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Missouri - St. Louis. He received a Masters degree in School Counseling, also from the University of Missouri - St. Louis. Mr. White is the Director of Guidance as well as the Assistant Football Coach at LFLA. Outside of school, he enjoys sports, cooking, mentoring, acquiring knowledge, and imparting wisdom. He feels that LFLA has succeeded in creating a true family environment. Mr. White's purpose in life is to empower children to choose.
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Reagan Williams
Ms. Williams received a Bachelor degree from the University of Arkansas- Pine Bluff, and a Masters of Education from the University of Arkansas- Little Rock. She teaches Biology, Health, and Horticulture at LFLA. Her hobbies include reading, gardening, and aquatics. She also enjoys hanging out with her dog Chico. Some of the reasons that Ms. Williams likes LFLA so much are great co-workers, awesome students and excellent technological resources.  
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Ray Wisdom
Mr. Wisdom received a B.A. in Biology from Saint Louis University. He is currently working on his Masters of Secondary Education. He teaches Physics and Construction at LFLA, and is the Head Cross Country Coach. Mr. Wisdom is also an Assistant Coach for the Track team. His hobbies include (not surprisingly!) running, gardening and listening to baseball on the radio. Mr. Wisdom appreciates his ability to speak directly with the administration at LFLA regarding curriculum and scheduling, and the general support he receives from the school.
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Karen Woods