Knightly News

Please join us in welcoming the newest members of our  Episcopal community.

Lower School

Sara Dupuis - 3rd Grade

With a background in psychology, teaching and therapy, Sara Dupuis teaches third grade. Previously, Sara was a Curriculum and Training Specialist for a tutoring company, where she designed and implemented a skills-based, standards-aligned K-5 tutoring curriculum grounded in the Science of Reading. Sara spent five years as a first grade ELA teacher in the Zachary Community School District and three years as a second grade teacher in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System. She has taught reading and writing through Lucy Calkin’s Reading and Writers’ Workshop Curriculum, created a Boot Buddies Club to foster student friendships and led the Girls on the Run Club. In addition to her time in the classroom, Sara was previously a therapy assistant at the Emerge Center of Baton Rouge. Sara earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Louisiana State University.

Jordan LeBlanc - Kindergarten

After teaching in three different Louisiana school districts, Jordan LeBlanc brings a diverse perspective and adaptability to her role as an Episcopal kindergarten teacher. Previously, Jordan was an associate kindergarten and second grade teacher at the University Laboratory School, a kindergarten and first grade teacher at Central Primary in Gonzales, and a kindergarten and first grade teacher at Jefferson Terrace Elementary. Jordan has served as a mentor teacher, delivered professional development experiences for fellow teachers, and developed and implemented educational lesson plans to best meet student needs. Jordan earned a Bachelor of Science – Elementary Education from the University of Central Florida and is currently pursuing a Master of Education – Educational Leadership from Louisiana State University.  

Alli Lyso - Music

Alli Lyso is the Lower School Music Teacher where she works with students in grades PK3-5th. Originally from the Chicago area, Alli has over a decade of experience teaching musicians of all ages. Before joining Episcopal, Alli was the music teacher at St. Luke’s Episcopal School, where she implemented a robust music program and formed two different student choirs. Alli has also taught music in a variety of international schools, primarily in Asia, including schools in China, South Korea and Hong Kong. She served as the Visual & Performing Arts Department Head for the American International School of Guangzhou and was a Board Member and Choral Division Chair of the Korea International Music Educators’ Association. Alli currently serves as the Choral Director at Trinity Lutheran Church in Baton Rouge and as a voice instructor with the Episcopal School Arts Academy. Alli holds a Master of Arts in Music Education with a vocal emphasis from the University of St. Thomas and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education with a vocal emphasis from Luther College.

Mary Sutton Sotile - 1st grade

With a strength in inspiring and motivating students and cultivating a positive, collaborative classroom, Mary Sutton Sotile is an Episcopal first grade teacher. Previously, Mary taught kindergarten and was a lead PreK-3 teacher at the Dunham School. Mary also served as the PreK-3 and 4 teacher at the Louisiana Tech Early Childhood Center in Ruston, LA. Mary is an Apple Teacher, Google Certified Educator and a Seesaw Ambassador. She earned a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Literacy and Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Early Elementary Education with a concentration in early childhood education-PreK3rd from Louisiana Tech University.

Mary Kathryn Vey - 3rd grade

Mary-Kathryn Vey returns to Episcopal as a third grade teacher after previously serving as an Episcopal first grade teacher for nine years. During that time, she served as a Grade Level Coordinator and taught using the Reading and Writing Workshop, Think Mathematics/Singapore Math, project-based learning and the Responsive Classroom approach. Mary-Kathyrn also has teaching experience with Livingston and Tangipahoa Parish Schools and Desoto County Schools in Mississippi. Mary-Kathyrn is a Louisiana Teacher of the Year grant recipient and the 2014-2015 South Walker Elementary School Teacher of the Year. She is a member of the National Education Association and the Louisiana Association of Educators and previously served as the Parents’ Guild Middle School Assistant Coordinator. Mary-Kathyrn earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Life/Child Development and a Bachelor of Arts in Education, Elementary Education from the University of Mississippi.

Middle School

Miles Landry - Social Studies Teacher/Knights Defensive Coordinator and Assistant Baseball Coach

Miles Landry brings a wealth of classroom and coaching experience to his role as the Episcopal Middle School Social Studies Teacher. Miles taught a range of middle and upper school social studies courses at the University Laboratory School. In addition, he also coached in a variety of progressive roles. Miles coached defense for the football team, contributing to four state championships, 12 straight semifinal appearances and nine district championships. Miles also served in athletic leadership roles, ensuring compliance with LHSAA regulations, coordinating security and supervising maintenance. Previously, Miles was a D1 Trainer and is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer. Miles earned a master’s degree in teaching and a bachelor's degree in sports administration from Louisiana State University. In addition to teaching, Miles serves as the Knights defensive coordinator and the assistant baseball coach.

Upper School

Dr. Juan Carlos Acevedo - Upper School Spanish

With a passion for service and a wealth of experience, Dr. Juan Carlos Acevedo teaches Upper School Spanish. Dr. Acevedo previously taught at Louisiana State University, Illinois State University, Southern University, Heartland Community College and Illinois Wesleyan University. In addition, he taught English at the Centro Colombo Americano in Bogota. Dr. Acevedo earned a doctorate in English Studies (Linguistics & Technologies) and a master’s degree in Languages, Literatures and Culture (Spanish Linguistics) from Illinois State University. In addition, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Teaching Spanish, English and French from the Universidad de la Salle. Dr. Acevedo’s experience includes teaching novice through intermediate Spanish, Spanish for heritage speakers, introductory linguistics, language and culture and academic writing. He has designed courses, served on departmental committees and developed curricular resources. Dr. Acevedo is married to Episcopal Spanish teacher Rocio Cano.

Christine Broussard - Upper School Math

With more than a decade of experience in teaching and leadership, Christine Broussard teaches Upper School math. Previously, Christine taught a range of math courses through the East Baton Rouge Parish School System. In addition, she has served as a Math Department Head, Instructional Leadership Team member and a facilitator of a Professional Learning Community. Christine was honored as the 2016-2017 Woodlawn High School Teacher of the Year and served on the East Baton Rouge Teacher Advisory Council. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Christine is married to Episcopal Athletic Director Brent Broussard.

Tracie Hiles - Upper School Administrative Assistant

Tracie Hiles is the Upper School Office Administrative Assistant, playing a key role in the division office's operations and culture. Tracie is well known in the Episcopal community as a longtime Parents’ Guild leader and parent of 2024 alumnus Jayden and current Episcopal student Makyla.  Tracie has extensive experience in human resource management, having served as a Human Resources Manager and Recruiter for Fortune 500 companies, including Walgreens and Motorola. Over the course of her career, Tracie spearheaded national administrative and hiring initiatives across 6,000+ Walgreens locations and earned the Illinois Department of Human Services Award for Dedication to Disability Success while with Motorola, Inc. Tracie earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration Summa Cum Laude from Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois. She is married to Episcopal Head Girls Track & Field Coach and Assistant Football Coach Van Hiles ’93.

Dakota Newman, MSW, LCSW - Upper School Counselor

With a wealth of experience in individual counseling, crisis intervention and supportive guidance for high school students, Dakota Newman, MSW, LCSW, is the Episcopal Upper School Counselor. Previously, Dakota was the Senior Site Coordinator for Communities in Schools of the Gulf South, conducting individual and group therapy sessions, crisis intervention, creating social-emotional learning lesson plans and more. Dakota has also served as an adjunct social work professor at Northwestern State University Louisiana. She taught an APA writing course and assisted students in writing mechanics in individual and group settings. Dakota earned a master’s degree in social work from Louisiana State University and a bachelor's degree in social work from Northwestern State University Louisiana.

Cross Divisional

Dawson Albin - Grounds Crew/Assistant Baseball Coach

Dawson Albin is a member of the Episcopal grounds crew and the Knights athletic department. After studying sports administration at Belhaven University, Dawson will serve as the Knights Assistant Baseball Coach.

Virginia Berthelot - Middle and Upper School Art Teacher

Virginia Berthelot is the Middle and Upper School art teacher. A professional artist and educator, Virginia has taught kindergarten through twelfth grade art for nearly two decades. She was the art teacher at Denham Springs High School for many years, teaching AP Art History, AP Art & Design, Drawing and Painting. In addition to teaching at LSU Laboratory School and Walker High School, she also taught virtually with University View Academy. Most recently, she worked with kindergarten artists at Northwestern Elementary School. Virginia earned a bachelor’s degree in visual arts from Southeastern Louisiana University. She also earned a master’s degree in gifted, talented and creative education from Arkansas State University and a Master of Arts in Art at Northwestern State University. She is currently pursuing a painting certificate from Rhode Island School of Design. Virginia is a member of the Louisiana and National Art Education Association, the Baton Rouge Arts Council and a past board member of the Louisiana State Arts Council.

Alyssa Farmer - Advancement Services Coordinator

Bringing experience in financial reporting, operational administration, and database management, Alyssa Farmer serves as the Advancement Services Coordinator. Prior to her role at Episcopal, she held leadership and financial management positions across several industries including independent schools and nonprofit organizations, public accounting, and corporate finance. She is passionate about building efficient systems that allow educational institutions to flourish and fulfill their mission for students and families. Alyssa earned a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in accounting from Texas A&M University. She and her husband Dan are proud parents to two Lower School Knights.

Dr. Jen Godfrey - Registrar

Dr. Jen Godfrey is the Episcopal Registrar after serving in the Upper School office. Dr. Godfrey has an impressive background in higher education administration, including time as the LSU Assistant Dean of Admissions and Recruitment at the School of Veterinary Medicine. In addition, Jen is the Founder and Owner of Make a Statement LLC, which connects prospective law students and law school admissions officers. A lifelong learner, Jen holds a Bachelor of Arts and Doctor of Jurisprudence from West Virginia University and a PhD from Louisiana State University, where her research focused on mentorship and faculty relationships. Jen is a member of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and the Association for the Study of Higher Education. She previously served as a board member for the Big River Economic and Agricultural Alliance. Jen is also a proud Episcopal parent to Brace (2nd grade) and Ava (4th grade), and the spouse of Episcopal graduate, Trey Godfrey III, Class of ‘97.

Veton Haziri- Webster Refectory

Veton Haziri joins the Webster Refectory staff.

Hannah Knoff - Dance Teacher

In her role as the Episcopal Dance Teacher, Hannah Knoff is passionate about bringing dance education into schools and helping students discover both technical skills and personal expression through movement. Hannah earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Northwestern State University. She was a professional company member with Of Moving Colors and also served as the Associate Director for the 2023-2024 season. She has taught a range of dance genres to students ages 3 to 18 at local studios. Previously, Hannah taught physical education and coached track, cross country and cheer at Basis Materra.

Brent Lax- Head Girls Basketball Coach/Physical Education

Well-known on the Baton Rouge athletic scene, Brent Lax serves as Episcopal’s Head Girls Basketball Coach. Brent is a multi-sport coach, having previously coached basketball, softball and football in area private schools. Brent’s extensive career includes establishing The Brighton School’s first women’s basketball program as the school’s head coach and leading the Central Private High School girls basketball program to a 35-18 record. Brent has served as an assistant softball and pitching coach at Parkview Baptist High School, leading the team to the 2025 state semifinals and the 2026 state championship game. In addition, he has been an assistant softball coach for Episcopal and St. Michael the Archangel High School. Brent was a physical education teacher, head softball coach and elementary athletic director at the Runnels School for eight years. He also served as an athletic trainer for the Louisiana Tech University baseball team. Brent earned a Bachelor of Science from Louisiana Tech University.

Victoria Perret - Admission Assistant

Victoria Perret serves in a crucial role as the Episcopal Admission Assistant. She is often the first point of contact for school visitors in the Alumni House and works closely with potential families to ensure a smooth transition to the school. Previously, Victoria was a Branch Manager for Republic Finance in Morgan City, where she managed a team through the implementation of new policies and procedures. The office was recognized for high performance among Louisiana branches. Victoria also previously served as an Assistant Coach for the Episcopal Middle and Upper School softball team. She earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Louisiana State University.

Luke Richardson - Head Tennis Coach

Episcopal tennis is led by Head Coach Luke Richardson, who joined the school in 2025.  In this role, Coach Luke oversees both the boys and girls Upper School programs, as well as the Middle School program and all tennis summer camps. Growing up in Bossier City, Coach Luke trained and competed at a high level throughout the Southern USTA division as a junior tennis player. After graduating high school, he attended LSU, where he earned a degree in Sports Administration. Luke has been a certified RSPA teaching professional for over 10 years and currently serves as the Vice President of RSPA Louisiana. Throughout his career, he has held a wide range of roles in the tennis industry, from tournament official to club director, contributing to the success of multiple programs. While he works with players of all ages and genders, Coach Luke is especially known for his expertise in junior tennis development. Under his leadership, numerous players have won LHSAA state championships and USTA titles, and many have gone on to compete at the collegiate level. Luke owns and operates Baton Rouge Elite Tennis (BRET). The program includes many of the state’s top-ranked players and rising college prospects. He has also contributed to Team Louisiana training events and collaborates with coaches across the state to help elite players grow and represent Louisiana at a high level. Coach Luke is USTA SafePlay certified and Net Generation certified, and is widely recognized as one of the top 10U developmental coaches in the area. 

Angel Robinson - Webster Refectory

Angel Robinson joins the Webster Refectory team. Angel previously worked at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center.

Mother Ryes - Middle and Upper School Religion

With a strong combination of pastoral care and teaching experience, The Rev. Audra Ryes serves as the Middle/Upper School religion teacher. In addition, she is the Rector of St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in Zachary, serving as the congregation’s liturgical leader and an advisory member of the school's administrative team. Mother Ryes’ volunteer and ministry experience is far-reaching, including work with the Kairos Prison Ministry and Chaplaincy at Ochsner Medical Center. In addition, Mother Ryes taught middle and upper science for two decades. Mother Ryes earned a Master of Divinity from the University of the South, School of Theology. She also earned a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Xavier University of Louisiana and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Madeline Volland - Director of Annual Giving

Madeline Volland is the Episcopal Director of Annual Giving. Madeline brings a wealth of fundraising experience to the role, having previously worked as the Director of Development and Donor Experience Officer at Louisiana Tech University, Division of University Advancement and Donor Relations Manager at the Houston Ballet. Madeline was a key member of the Louisiana State University Foundation development team, where she worked with mid-level donors, served as a frontline fundraiser and moved into the role of the Director of Development, Major Gifts and Unit Lead for Manship School of Mass Communication. Madeline has experience spanning annual giving to major gifts and has managed multi-channel fundraising campaigns, stewardship processes and donor engagement programs. Madeline earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Louisiana Tech University. 

Bridget Zeringue - Middle and Upper School Choral Director

With more than a decade of experience in vocal music, dance and musical theater, Bridget Zeringue is the Middle and Upper School Choral Director. Bridget was recognized as a 2027 Louisiana State Teacher of the Year Finalist and previously served as the Music, Choir, Dance and Talented Arts Teacher at Iberville Mathematics, Science and Arts Academy East. She has worked with students from kindergarten through twelfth grade and regularly helps students participate in District, State and Regional Honor Choirs, concerts, festivals, musicals and community outreach events. Bridget is a multi-year Arts Academy East Middle School Teacher of the Year, the 2025-2026 Iberville Parish Middle School Teacher of the Year and a graduate of the LSU Leadership Development Institute. Bridget also teaches private and group lessons in voice, piano, acting and dance through her organization, Front & Center Productions, and is the lead jazz vocalist for the Fat City Swing Band. Bridget is a member of the Louisiana Music Educators Association, previously serving as the District IV Vocal Division Secretary and the Louisiana American Choral Directors Association. She has directed the East Baton Rouge Parish Honor Choir and serves as the Vice President of The Snoballs, a nonprofit arts advocacy and scholarship organization. Bridget earned a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Music Performance from Southeastern Louisiana University.

Taking on New Roles This Year

Stephen Anderson - Director of Security and Campus Services
Amy Arceneaux - Fifth grade
Marian Castille - Upper School Dean of Student Life
Erin Dufour - PreK-4
The Reverend Casey Duncan, D.Min. - Head Chaplain
Dr. Michelle Grantham Caston - Lower School Division Head
Melissa Easley - Thesis Co-Director
 

Jessica O’Neal - Physical Science
Tommy Rhea - Life Science
Angele Sakovich - Lower School Assistant Division Head
Katie Sutcliffe - Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
Morgan Talluto -  Director of Advancement Services
Amanda Tupper - Fifth grade teacher
Dr. Taylor Wharton - Middle School Dean of Student Life
Ben Young - Physical Education Teacher/Head Boys Basketball Coach

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2025-2026 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.