PreK and Kindergarten

Kristen Cascio. PreK teacher.
Bachelor of Science in early childhood education: Louisiana State University

Kristen Cascio joined the Episcopal Lower School team in 2012 and began teaching PreK-3 in 2014. Prior to that, she taught third grade for two years. Kristen earned her Bachelor of Science in early childhood education from Louisiana State University, concentrating in grades PreK-3 through third grade. Before coming to Episcopal, she taught second grade in an inclusive classroom at Bains Elementary in St. Francisville, Louisiana for four years. She is passionate about nurturing the whole child and supporting their growth in mind, body, and spirit.

EMILY RICHARD. PREK-3 TEACHER.
BACHELOR'S IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Emily Richard is no stranger to Episcopal having previously served as an extended care counselor. Now, with more than six years of experience in education she returns to Episcopal as a member of the Lower School team. Emily was most recently a classroom teacher at Lake Elementary in St. Amant where she taught first grade and PreK students. Emily earned a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Louisiana State University.

LAURA SMITH. PREK TEACHER.
BACHELOR'S IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Laura A Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Louisiana State University. She began her teaching career at Cedar Crest Elementary where she created and implemented a unit-based learning curriculum. Laura has been actively involved with the Episcopal community serving as a long-term substitute teacher, and mother of two Episcopal students, Grant and Amelia.

STEPHANIE EZELL. PREK-4 TEACHER.
Bachelor'S IN ELEMENTARY AND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: FURMAN University

Stephanie Ezell has twenty years of experience in education, including significant Montessori experience. She joined Episcopal’s Lower School team after serving as a kindergarten language arts and math teacher and first grade reading specialist at The Runnels School. Stephanie earned a Bachelor of Arts in elementary and early childhood education from Furman University and trained at the Montessori Institute of Atlanta. Stephanie is involved with numerous community service organizations, including the Junior League of Baton Rouge, Feeding Our Friends and Welcome House Ministry.

ANNA FREY. PREK-4 TEACHER.
Bachelor'S IN PSYCHOLOGY: LOUISIANA STATE University

Anna Frey is a 2001 Episcopal graduate and returns to her alma mater as a PreK-4 teacher. Recently, Anna taught kindergarten at Caneview K-8 in West Baton Rouge Parish. Prior to that, she was a Pre-Kindergarten Teacher’s Aide at St. James Episcopal Day School. Anna is certified in early childhood education and earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Louisiana State University. She is active in the community as a member of the Chi Omega Sorority Alumnae Association and the Junior League of Baton Rouge.

SARA HENDERSON. KINDERGARTEN TEACHER.
MASTER'S IN EDUCATION: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Sara Henderson joined the Episcopal team in 2015 as a kindergarten teacher in the Lower School. Before teaching at Episcopal, she taught kindergarten for 12 years in the local school district. Sara earned her Bachelor of Science in elementary education at Louisiana State University. She continued her education and was selected for the Holmes program, earning a master’s in education with an emphasis in early childhood development. Sara enjoys working with some of our littlest Knights and encouraging them to become problem solvers and critical thinkers.

MARIA MARRETTA-CAMPBELL. KINDERGARTEN TEACHER.
MASTER'S IN  EDUCATION: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Maria Marretta-Campbell brings more than 20 years of teaching experience to her role in Episcopal’s Lower School. She was previously a first grade teacher at the Baton Rouge Center for Visual and Performing Arts School. Maria earned a Bachelor of Science and a master’s degree in education from Louisiana State University. She is a national board certified teacher in early childhood education. Maria has served as a mentor for student teachers at Southeastern Louisiana University and is a Google Certified Educator Level I.

JULIE MENDES '01. director of early childhood programs.
MASTER'S IN  EDUCATION: TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

Julie Mendes, a 2001 graduate of Episcopal, returned to teach PreK-4 at her alma mater in 2012. She received both her undergraduate degree and MEd in elementary education at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. After teaching second grade in a Dual Language program in Texas public schools for three years, Julie moved abroad to teach first grade at a bilingual school in Gracias, Lempira Honduras. Julie enjoys teaching alongside some of her former teachers and seeing what life is like on the other side of the desk.

First Grade

Heather CUTRER. first grade teacher.
master’s in education: Louisiana State University

Heather Harpole has been a first grade teacher at Episcopal School of Baton Rouge since 1996.  Heather serves as the Grade Level Chairperson and runs the Lower School aquatics program. A lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, she earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and her master’s in education including certification in academically gifted from Louisiana State University. Heather is passionate about developing a love of reading and learning in children. She strives daily to challenge every child in their own way and she recognizes that every child has their own special gifts. Apart from teaching, Heather is passionate about fitness and staying healthy, traveling, and reading.

MARY-KATHRYN VEY. FIRST GRADE TEACHER.
BACHELOR'S IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND ELEMENTARY EDUCATION: UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI

Mary-Kathryn Vey joined the Episcopal faculty in 2015 as a first grade teacher.  Before joining Episcopal, she taught first grade for six years in Mississippi and received the Teacher of the Year Award in 2013.  Mary-Kathryn graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in child development. She continued her education and obtained a second degree in the area of elementary education. Mary-Kathryn is passionate about creating lifelong learners and enjoys instilling the love of reading in each of her students.

APRIL WILKINSON. first grade teacher.
MASTER’s in SCHOOL COUNSELING AND GUIDANCE

April Wilkinson joins Episcopal as a first grade teacher. She has more than two decades of elementary teaching experience in grades two through five. Most recently, she served as a second grade teacher at The Runnels School. April has a degree in elementary education from Centenary College of Louisiana and a master’s degree in school counseling and guidance from Louisiana Tech University. She has a strong background in Singapore Math and best practices in elementary literacy. April is the proud mom of two Episcopal students.

Second Grade

Renee Crousillac. Second grade teacher.
masTER'S IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Renee Crousillac has been an educator for more than 25 years. In 1996, she joined the Episcopal staff as a second grade teacher.  Renee earned her undergraduate degree in elementary education, kindergarten – 8th grade, from Louisiana State University and a master’s degree from LSU in curriculum and instruction, in addition to Gifted Certification and Supervisor of Student Teaching. In 2006, she became a National Board Certified Teacher and recently renewed her certification in 2015. Renee enjoys instilling the love of learning in each of her students every day!

Kelly Dorris. second grade teacher.
Bachelor'S in education: Louisiana State University

Kelly Dorris taught at Episcopal from 1994 to 1998 as a Lower School second grade teacher. During that time she was married and started her family. She returned to Episcopal in 2007 after some time at home with her daughters. Kelly is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in education. Kelly practices Responsive Classroom and Project Based Learning in her classroom community.  She believes in a child-centered learning environment where the teacher guides the students to their learning.

GEORGINA LEMOINE. second grade teacher.
master’s in ELEMENTARY education: Louisiana State University

After serving as an on-campus tutor, Georgina Lemoine joined the Episcopal staff as a second grade teacher. Over the course of her career, she has held numerous roles at Episcopal, including Spanish teacher and second grade teacher. Georgina has more than 20 years of experience in education and has taught in Calcasieu and East Baton Rouge parishes. She is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in elementary education with minor concentrations in Spanish and French.

Third Grade

Amy Weidig Arceneaux '87. Third grade teacher.
Bachelor of Arts: Guilford College in Greensboro

Amy Weidig Arceneaux has been teaching third grade at Episcopal for more than 25 years. She is a graduate of Episcopal High School and earned her Bachelor of Arts at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. She is a National Board Certified teacher and Grade Level Coordinator.

SHANNON PESSON. THIRD GRADE TEACHER.
MASTER'S IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION: UNIVERSITY OF NEW ORLEANS

Shannon Pesson joined Episcopal in 2014 as a third grade teacher and has been an educator for more than 23 years.  She earned her Bachelor of Science from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux and her master’s in curriculum and instruction from the University of New Orleans.  Before coming to Episcopal School of Baton Rouge, she taught second grade in New Orleans for 19 years. Shannon’s classroom environment is one that allows the students to have fun while learning and challenges the students in every aspect of the curriculum.

Laura smith. Third grade teacher.
bachelor's degree in elementary education: louisiana state University

After working part time in Episcopal’s Lower School, Laura Smith joins the team full time as a third grade teacher. In addition to classroom experience at Episcopal, Laura taught fourth grade public school students for four years. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Louisiana State University and is certified to teach kindergarten through fifth grade. ​

Fourth Grade

Liz Crawford. fourth grade teacher.
master’s degree: University of Alabama

Liz Crawford has been a fourth grade teacher at Episcopal School of Baton Rouge since 2012.  Before that, she taught for eight years in the Parochial School System in Baton Rouge.  In addition to her role in the classroom, Liz is the Upper School Cheerleading Coach. Liz earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Louisiana State University and a master’s degree from the University of Alabama. Because of her strong desire to impact children’s lives in a meaningful way, she continued her education, receiving her K – 8 teacher’s certification.  Liz strives to instill in her students a love of reading and the desire to become lifelong learners.

NANCY GRIFFIN. FOURTH grade teacher.
BACHELOR’s in HISTORY AND DANCE: University OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE

Nancy Griffin teaches fourth grade math and social studies. A native of California, Nancy earned bachelor’s degrees in both history and dance at the University of California, Irvine. She earned an elementary teaching credential after completing graduate studies at Occidental College in Los Angeles. Before teaching at Episcopal, Nancy also taught in New Jersey, Washington, D.C. and Minnesota. Nancy is a member of the Baton Rouge Symphony Chorus and the St. James Episcopal Church choir. She is an avid traveler, having visited 49 of the 50 states in the last few years, eight South American countries and China. Nancy has two children, Patrick and Julia, who are both graduates of Episcopal.

ROSALYN WON. FOURTH GRADE TEACHER.
MASTER'S IN EARLY CHILDHOOD AND ELEMENTARY EDUCATION: NEW YORK UNIVERSITY

Rosalyn Won began her teaching career in 2001.  Prior to coming to Episcopal in 2013, she taught at independent schools in New York City and Los Angeles.  She is currently a fourth grade science teacher and previously taught second grade. Rosalyn earned her bachelor’s degree in biology at Whitman College and her master’s degree in early childhood and elementary education at New York University.  She loves teaching science and finding ways to integrate technology and other subjects into the curriculum. ​

Fifth Grade

NICOLE ENGSTROM. fifth grade.
master’s in INTERNATIONAL TEACHING: FRAMINGHAM State University

Nicole Engstrom has more than 20 years of experience in education and has taught in multiple countries, including Luxembourg, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates and Brazil. Nicole’s diverse teaching experience includes organizing the Allen Academy Celebration of Cultures Day in Bryan, Texas, serving as a translator for a charity medical trip to the Dominican Republic, and initiating and implementing fundraising efforts to raise awareness for clean water while at River Oaks Elementary in Houston. Nicole was recognized with the Adaptive Expertise Teacher of the Year Award while at Allen Academy. She has taught gifted and talented students. In addition, she co-wrote and directed grade-level plays. Nicole earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Miami University (Ohio) and a master’s degree in international teaching from Framingham State University. She is fluent in Portuguese and conversational in Spanish. Nicole is married to Episcopal Middle School Head Mark Engstrom and their two children, Emma and Alex, are Episcopal students.

DANA KAHN. fifth grade.
BACHELOR'S IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION AND SPECIAL EDUCATION: LOUISIANA State University

Dana Kahn is a dual certified educator with a degree in elementary education and special education from Louisiana State University. Dana’s classroom experience includes local private and public schools. Most recently, she was a third and fourth grade teacher at Magnolia Woods Elementary where she piloted the PhD Science Great Minds Curriculum. Dana is Nearpod certified and a member of the National Science Teaching Association and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

CHRISTY TALBOT. FIFTH GRADE MATH TEACHER.
MASTER'S IN EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Christy Talbot began her teaching career as a first grade teacher in East Baton Rouge Parish. She joined the Lower School team at Episcopal in 1997 and taught third grade for 16 years. In 2013, she moved to the departmentalized fifth grade team to teach math. Christy holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in educational administration from Louisiana State University. She currently serves as the Lower School Math Coordinator and Grade Level Chair. She loves teaching math and encouraging her students to become problem solvers and critical thinkers.

Languages 

Albina Denisyuk. LOWER SCHOOL FRENCH.
Master'S IN SECONDARY EDUCATION: Towson University

Albina Denisyuk studied abroad in Aix-en-Provence, France, before completing her undergraduate degree in modern languages and linguistics (French and Russian) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She later earned a Master of Arts in teaching, secondary education from Towson University in Towson, Maryland. Albina served for eight years as a Language Assistant in French public schools in Académie Aix-Marseille, France.  She has teaching experience at the Lower, Middle and Upper school levels. Albina enjoys the project-based learning approach and regularly finds opportunities to incorporate technology into lessons, including videos and interactive games.

Quest Center

ELIZABETH LEWIS. QUEST CENTER COORDINATOR.
PHD IN EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (GIFTED AND CREATIVE EDUCATION): uNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA

Elizabeth Lewis brings a wealth of expertise to the role of Quest Center Coordinator with a career in education that began in 1993. Elizabeth earned a bachelor’s degree in French and elementary and middle school education from Mary Baldwin College in Virginia, and a M.Ed. and PhD in educational psychology (gifted and creative education) from the University of Georgia. Elizabeth has taught at the university level, published numerous articles and children’s books, and presented at a multitude of national professional meetings. She is a member of the National Science Teaching Association, the National Association for Gifted Children and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Most recently, Elizabeth was the Lower School Science Specialist at Metairie Park Country Day School where she won first place for Elementary Schools in the Louisiana Green Schools Challenge for her design and implementation of a butterfly garden, registered monarch way station and aquaponics garden. In 2012, Elizabeth was a member of the Episcopal faculty as the school’s Science Instigator and Inquirist.

Religion

JENNY HEROMAN KOENIG '01. LOWER SCHOOL RELIGION TEACHER.
BACHELOR'S IN MASS COMMUNICATION: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Jenny Heroman Koenig is a proud 2001 graduate of Episcopal School of Baton Rouge.  She returns to her alma mater as a Lower School Religion Teacher.  Jenny earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communication with a minor in sociology from Louisiana State University.  She has eleven years of experience as a television journalist in Baton Rouge and Gonzales. Jenny always had a desire to teach and eventually followed that calling by earning a teacher certification from the Teach Ascension Academy Certification Program.  Jenny began her teaching career as a second grade teacher at Donaldsonville Primary School. Jenny is also active in the community as a member of the Louisiana Association of Educators, the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters, Baton Rouge Women in Media and the Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association.  She has received numerous honors including the 2014 Individual of the Year Award from the Ascension Chamber of Commerce and the opportunity to be the Honorary Ascension Parish President on “Jenny Heroman Day”. When she’s not teaching, Jenny enjoys theatre and music and is the lead singer of the Something Blue Band.

LAURA PORTWOOD. lOWER SCHOOL RELIGION TEACHER.
BACHELOR'S IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION: SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY

Laura Portwood has served in many roles within the Episcopal community including parent, volunteer, substitute teacher and faculty member. For more than 20 years she has held leadership positions within Parents’ Guild and Squires, including President of each organization. She still currently assists Parents’ Guild as a member of the Directory Committee and lends a hand to Squires as the Faculty Liaison. As the Lower School religion teacher, Laura works with our youngest Knights in a truly meaningful manner. She also works with the Leveled Literacy Intervention program to support students who need additional assistance with reading. Laura earned a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Southeastern Louisiana University. She has been married to Bud since 1990 and they have two children, Sara ʼ10 and Dell ʼ17.

CATHERINE WORD. LOWER SCHOOL LIBRARIAN.
MASTER'S IN LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Catherine Word is the Lower School Librarian. She received her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from the University of Alabama and her Masters of Library and Information Science from Louisiana State University.  Before coming to Episcopal, she taught first grade and eighth grade English and was a Middle School Librarian. Catherine not only loves to help students fall in love with reading, but also creates an environment of creativity and exploration through participation in Maker Space. Her passion motivates her to stay current with library science skills to enhance student creativity and exploration through participation in programs such as Worlds of Making Makerspace Admiral Program. Catherine works side by side with technology staff and teachers in professional and student development through trainings and hands-on, in-class modeling.

Visual and Performing Arts

Tricia Delony. Lower SCHOOL Music.
music education and special education: Louisiana State University

Tricia Delony joined the Episcopal staff in 2014 as the Lower School Music Teacher after having taught grades kindergarten through eighth for 32 years in the East Baton Rouge Parish Public School System. She loves coming to work each day to see how she can open up the possibilities and world of singing, movement and instruments to Episcopal’s youngest Knights. Her lessons incorporate various schools of philosophy including Orff, Kodaly and Dalcroze. Tricia is a graduate of Louisiana State University with certifications in music education and special education.