Middle School

SHYAMALA ALAPATI. EIGHTH grade SCIENCE teacher.
Bachelor'S IN MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY: UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY

Shyamala Alapati is passionate about science and technology, having graduated with a degree in molecular cell biology from the University of California, Berkeley. She joined Episcopal in 2017 as an eighth grade science teacher after serving many years as a substitute teacher, a Parent Guild volunteer and an Episcopal parent.  Shyamala began her career in dermatology research at the University of California, San Francisco and pharmacology research at Rush Medical College. After having her three children, science education became a priority. Now, she is dedicated to preparing her students for high school and instilling the framework for a deeper comprehension and passion for science.

CHRIS BECKMAN, SR. PHYSICAL EDUCATION teacher. HEAD BOYS BASKETBALL COACH.
bachelor's IN ENGLISH: MILLSAPS COLLEGE

Chris Beckman, Sr. became the Episcopal Head Basketball Coach in 1997 after beginning his coaching career in 1992 as Assistant Coach at Pope John Paul II and UMS-Wright. Coach Beckman graduated from Millsaps College with a Bachelor of Arts in English.  At Millsaps, he played basketball for four years, serving as Team Captain his senior year. After his time at Millsaps, Coach Beckman earned a master's from the United States Sports Academy. While at Episcopal, Coach Beckman has built a strong foundation for the Knights boys’ basketball program. He is the school’s winningest basketball coach with more than 500 wins. Coach Beckman is married to Kelli, and within their blended family they have five children, including Brittany, Brent, Blaine, Christopher,and Noah.

NANCY CALLAWAY. SIXTH GRADE MATH TEACHER.
MASTER'S IN EDUCATION: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Nancy Callaway has been a member of the Episcopal community since 2002 as the sixth grade math teacher.  She is also the grade level coordinator for sixth grade and a middle school volleyball coach.  She earned her master’s in education as well as a Gifted Education Certification from Louisiana State University.  She also has her National Board of Professional Standards Certification in Mathematics for the middle grades. Before coming to Episcopal, she taught elementary grades 3-5 in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System.  Apart from teaching, Nancy is the Vice President of Greyhound Pets of America Louisiana and Mississippi, an organization that helps find forever homes for retired racing greyhounds.

MARIAN CAILLIER-CASTILLE. MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH.
MASTER'S IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Marian Caillier-Castille brings a diverse skill set to her role as an Episcopal Middle School math teacher. She previously worked as a fifth and fourth grade teacher at St. James Episcopal Day School and also served as the school’s Math and Technology Specialist.  Marian was the only classroom teacher at St. James to be selected to participate in an exclusive training at Apple Headquarters. She is an Apple Learning Specialist and an Apple Teacher. Marian began her teaching career in 2010 at Glasgow Middle School after working for many years in human resources at Louisiana State University.  During her time at LSU, she served as the Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Human Resource Management for seven years. Marian earned a Bachelor of Arts in speech communications with a minor in English and an MBA from Louisiana State University. In 2003, Marian was one of 35 individuals internationally selected to attend the Oxford roundtable discussion on Human Rights and Employment Discrimination at the University of Oxford in Oxford, England. Marian is actively involved in the community, having served on several St. James committees and numerous community boards, including the YWCA of Greater Baton Rouge and the Capital Area United Way.

GISELLE CLOUATRE. MIDDLE SCHOOL SPANISH teacher.
Bachelor'S IN education: University OF PUERTO RICO

Giselle L. Clouatre was born and raised in Puerto Rico and is a native Spanish speaker.  She is the Episcopal Middle School Spanish teacher. Giselle graduated cum laude from the University of Puerto Rico with a bachelor’s degree in education.  She taught in Cupey María Montessori School, Puerto Rico in kindergarten, third and fourth grade math. After moving to Louisiana, she trained for six months at Oak Montessori School in Hammond, which serves as the Montessori Worlds Education Institute for Louisiana.  She has taught nearly every grade from kindergarten to 12th grade.

VIRGINIA DAY '08 . SIXth grade WORLD HISTORY teacher.
BACHELOR’s IN HISTORY: LOUISIANA STATE University

Virginia Day, a 2008 graduate of Episcopal High School, returned to her alma mater in 2014 as a sixth grade world history teacher. She received her undergraduate degree in history with a minor in French from Louisiana State University in May of 2012. Before joining Episcopal, Virginia began her teaching career in West Baton Rouge Parish.

PAIGE PARSONS GAGLIANO. DIRECTOR OF PERFORMING ARTS.
MASTER'S IN EDUCATION: LOUISIANA STATE University

Paige Parsons Gagliano began her career at Episcopal teaching and directing from 1993- 2001 and later returned “home” to Episcopal in the fall of 2013. At Episcopal Paige directs all the theatrical productions, teaches theatre as well as theatre and religion and serves as Director of Performing Arts. Paige is a 2006 Forty Under Forty Honoree by the Baton Rouge Business Report. She holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education from Louisiana State University. During her work at LSU, she was featured in several productions on LSU's mainstage as well as productions at Baton Rouge Little Theatre.  Paige has 29 years experience in teaching and directing professional, community and educational theatre. She has directed over 50 theatrical productions to critical and commercial acclaim for organizations including LSU, Louisiana Public Broadcasting, Baton Rouge Little Theatre, Baker Little Theatre and Playmakers of Baton Rouge. She has also directed in the LSU Union Theatre, The Heymann Center in Lafayette, The Strand Theatre in Shreveport and The Rosa Hart Theatre in Lake Charles. She is the past Executive Director at Theatre Baton Rouge, Development Director for The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge and Executive Director of Community Fund for the Arts. She was recruited to become the first Development Director for Manship Theatre. Paige is actively involved in the community, having served as the Provisional Chair for the Junior League of Baton Rouge, a member of the LSU English Department's The Shakespeare Project, a board member for Playmakers of Baton Rouge and a featured speaker for the Capital Area United Way.  She is married to Technical Director and Lighting Designer Louis Gagliano and they have three children.

DAVID GAMBINO. BAND DIRECTOR.
master’s IN MUSIC: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

David Gambino has been a professional musician since 2006.  After earning a bachelor’s degree in music education from Southeastern Louisiana University, David served as Assistant Band Director, Fine Arts Survey Teacher and Director of Jazz Studies at Mandeville High School.  Recently, he earned a master’s degree in music with an emphasis in jazz performance from the University of South Florida. David performed on saxophone for Chuck Owen and the Jazz Surge world premiere of the album “Whispers on the Wind”.  He has been a featured soloist in professional jazz and pop ensembles and has arranged and written for four commercial album projects.

MARTHA GUARISCO. ENGLISH TEACHER.
MASTER'S IN EDUCATION: Louisiana State University

Martha Guarisco is a National Board Certified English Language Arts teacher and freelance writer.  Prior to joining the faculty at Episcopal, she taught in Ascension Parish, where she was Teacher of the Year.  She earned both her Bachelor of Arts in English literature and her M.Ed. in English education from Louisiana State University.  One of her particular areas of recent study is literature’s effect on adolescents’ empathy development. ​

MADELINE BLANCHARD-GUGICH. PHYSICAL EDUCATION. HEAD VOLLEYBALL COACH.
MASTER'S IN HUMAN SCIENCES AND EDUCATION. Louisiana State University

Madeline Blanchard-Gugich is a 2010 graduate of Louisiana State University and holds a Bachelor of Science in human sciences and education with a minor in kinesiology. She is certified to teach kindergarten through 12th grade in health and physical education. As a student at LSU, Madeline was a member of Kappa Delta (KD) Sorority and the Kinesiology Club. Madeline is a 2004 graduate of Bishop Sullivan High School (aka St. Michael the Archangel) where she lettered four years in both volleyball and tennis. After graduation, she was hired as an LHSAA Assistant Volleyball Coach for St. Michael High School for five years. In addition to playing high school volleyball, Madeline also played and coached club volleyball. As a graduate of St. Thomas More Elementary School (STM), Madeline coached the CSAL 7th-grade volleyball team for four years and coached the Our Lady of Mercy volleyball team for one year. Madeline has been a volleyball referee for LHSAA high school and a lifeguard with Catholic Life Center (Aquatic Club). She holds the position of Vice-President of the Louisiana Volleyball Coaches Association for LHSAA (2015-2017). She is also a member of LAPHERD, the US Tennis Association and the LHSAA coaching association. Madeline is IMPACC certified and a Certified Archery Instructor.

STACY HILL. SCIENCE TEACHER.
Master'S IN EDUCATION: LOUISIANA STATE University

Stacy Hill has been teaching science since 2001. Prior to joining Episcopal’s Middle School faculty, she taught high school science, worked in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction for East Baton Rouge parish public schools and taught gifted Middle School science.  Stacy earned a Bachelor of Science from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi and a M. Ed from Louisiana State University.

BILL JONES. PHYSICAL EDUCATION. OFFENSIVE/DEFENSIVE LINE COACH.

Bill Jones joined Episcopal as the Offensive and Defensive Line Coach in 2017. Before coming to Episcopal, he spent 13 years at Dutchtown High School where he served as Assistant Football Coach (offensive line), Head Strength Coach and Head Girls Track Coach. Prior to his stint at Dutchtown, he spent 20 years at Donaldsonville High School, the last three as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach. He also served as Head Boys Track Coach and Head Strength Coach. Bill holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Southern Mississippi. He and his wife Trish reside in Prairieville and have two children, Shelby and Josh.

BETH LEMOINE. MIDDLE SCHOOL FRENCH teacher.
MASTER'S IN FRENCH INSTRUCTION. Louisiana State University

Beth Lemoine has a master's degree in teaching French from Louisiana State University. She joined Episcopal’s faculty in 1994, and has taught every level of French from second grade to seniors. She has studied in France and led numerous student trips to France and Quebec, including Episcopal’s first ever French exchange. She believes that the study of foreign languages empowers individuals by building confidence, creating empathy and instilling a better-informed worldview. Madame Lemoine sponsors the Middle School French Club and co-sponsors the Middle School Cheerleaders. She enjoys running, and coaches Episcopal's Girls on the Run team.

REBECCA ST. ROMAIN MILLIGAN. ENGLISH teacher.
master’s in SECONDARY education: Louisiana State University

Rebecca St. Romain Milligan teaches eighth grade English at Episcopal. A graduate of Louisiana State University with a degree in English literature and an M.Ed in secondary education, Becky has more than twenty years of teaching experience.  She began her career teaching high school and subsequently taught ninth grade and twelfth grade at Episcopal for ten years. During that time, she also served as chair of the English Department. As a teacher of eighth graders, she focuses on nurturing a love of writing and reading in addition to honing literacy skills that will prepare adolescents for the challenges of high school.  When she is not reading her students’ writing, she is cooking, reading, and spending time with her husband and four children.

JAMES MORONEY. MATH teacher.
BACHELOR’s in ENGLISH: Louisiana State University

James Moroney is a versatile teacher having taught English and math in addition to coaching volleyball and soccer.  Most recently, he taught sixth grade math, Algebra I Honors and Geometry Honors at Our Lady of Mercy in Baton Rouge.  James was named the Our Lady of Mercy Teacher of the Year for the 2015/2016 school year and received the Christian Life Award in 2017.  He has served as a MATHCOUNTS team coach, the Junior Beta Club head sponsor and the Youth Legislature co-sponsor. James earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Louisiana State University in English with a concentration in secondary education.   He is the author of Challenging Common Core Math Lessons: Grade 6.

Joe REYNOLDS. MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL DRAMA teacher.
MFA IN ACTING: YALE SCHOOL OF DRAMA

Joe Reynolds joined Episcopal in 2017 as the Middle and Upper School drama teacher.  Previously, he taught theatre at Texas A&M University at Commerce and Blinn College in Brenham.  As an actor, his most prominent film and television credits include Bernie directed by Richard Linklater, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Dirt, Medium, My Generation, The Deep End, State of Grace and Frasier.  He holds an MFA in acting from the Yale School of Drama and is a graduate of The University of Texas in Austin.

TOMMY RHEA. LIFE SCIENCE TEACHER.
MASTER'S IN SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION OF SCHOOLS: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Tommy Rhea was born in New Orleans and raised in the small town of Lake Providence in north Louisiana.  He attended Louisiana Tech for two years, then transferred to Louisiana State University where he continued his formal education for the next 12 years. Tommy earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and special education in 1974 and a master’s degree in supervision and administration of schools in 1978. Tommy began teaching and coaching in 1975, spending 20 years teaching science, math, social studies, and physical education and coaching football, basketball, soccer, and softball in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System.  Tommy came to Episcopal in 1994 and teaches seventh grade Life Science and Nature by Design. He also coaches football, basketball, and volleyball. All of Tommy’s forty-four years of teaching and coaching experience have been at the Middle School level.

KATY RILEY. ENGLISH TEACHER.
MASTER'S IN EDUCATION: LOYOLA UNIVERSITY

Katy Riley was born in Texas and raised in Baton Rouge; she attended middle school at Episcopal and is a graduate of Baton Rouge Magnet High School.  Katy earned her Bachelor of Arts in English at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville in 1998 with honors. In 2004 Katy completed her Master of Science in Education at Loyola University, New Orleans and began teaching high school in California.  After six years in California, Katy came home and joined Episcopal to teach seventh grade English. Katy loves gardening, and she is excited to be one of the founding sponsors of the Gardening Club, a hands-on club focused on growing vegetables, herbs, and beautiful flowers on the Episcopal campus.

RUSSELL ROPER. MIDDLE SCHOOL ART TEACHER.
MASTER'S: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Russell Roper is a Baton Rouge native and has been teaching at Episcopal since 1999.   His love of art began at an early age, and created the desire to share his passion with others through a career in education.  He earned his bachelor’s degree from Louisiana Tech University, and his master’s degree from Louisiana State University. Russell began his teaching career in 1979, working at the high school level in the East Baton Rouge Parish School system for twenty years before coming to Episcopal.  He currently teaches middle school art classes, pottery and sculpture at the high school level, and serves as the Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair. Russell is a past-president of the Louisiana Art Education Association and he shows his own artwork with the Baton Rouge Art League.

CAROLINE RUIZ. MIDDLE SCHOOL SPANISH TEACHER.
BACHELOR'S: FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

Caroline Ruiz is a first generation American, whose parents are both from Cuba.  She joined the Episcopal staff in 2009 teaching Spanish at multiple grade levels from kindergarten to seventh grade.  In 2014, she became the Middle School Spanish teacher for all sixth and seventh grade Spanish students. Having been born in Miami, Florida, Caroline earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida International University in Miami in 2002. In 2005, she graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with an Alternative Certification to Teach. She taught at Copper Mill Elementary School in Zachary before joining Episcopal.  Caroline enjoys teaching Spanish and sharing more about her own culture, traditions and customs with her students. She has been married to her husband, Pierre, since 1997 and they have three daughters: Isabella, Ariana, and Anabella. ​

KRISTINA ST. GEORGE. EIGHTH GRADE WORLD GEOGRAPHY TEACHER.
MASTER'S IN EDUCATION: NORTHWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY

Kristina St. George teaches eighth grade World Geography.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Louisiana State University and a master’s degree in education from Northwestern State University.  She began her teaching career in East Baton Rouge Parish schools in 2007. After living abroad in Saudi Arabia for three years, she joined the Episcopal faculty in 2017. She loves to travel and has visited over 30 countries throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia.  Mrs. St. George is excited to share her international experiences and hopes to encourage global perspectives in her students.

TAYLOR MIMS WALKER '09. PHYSICAL EDUCATION. HEAD GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH.
MASTER'S IN ATHLETIC ADMINISTRATION: CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY

Taylor Mims Walker, a 2009 Episcopal graduate, is a member of the physical education department and coaching staff. She currently serves as the head girls basketball coach and assistant softball coach. While a student at Episcopal, Taylor was on the honor roll, a recipient of the Webster Cup, and awarded the Annslee Laura Phillips Female Athlete of the Year. She played collegiate basketball at both College of Charleston and Southeastern Louisiana University. She earned her undergraduate degree in kinesiology-exercise science from Southeastern Louisiana University and her master's degree in athletic administration from Concordia University at Irvine. Taylor is passionate about helping students reach their full potential, as they discover their God given gifts.

JULIE WEAVER '83. HISTORY TEACHER.
JURIS DOCTORATE: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

Julie Weaver teaches seventh grade American history. A native of Baton Rouge, she earned a bachelor of arts in history from Louisiana State University and a juris doctor from Louisiana State University Law Center. She joined the Episcopal community in 2011 after teaching Language Arts and American history at St. James Episcopal Day School. Julie is a graduate of Episcopal, parent to two Episcopal graduates, and has one son in 11th grade at Episcopal.