Faculty & Staff Members
New to the Episcopal Community

Episcopal welcomes our new faculty and staff for the 2020-2021 school year.
​We hope you will take the time to read their bios below and welcome them to our community!

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Lower School

​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.

​Beth Gardner joins Episcopal as the Lower School Division Head. Most recently, Beth was the Assistant Lower Division Director at Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa, Florida. Berkeley is an independent Episcopal school and was ranked as the top private school in Tampa Bay and number six in the state of Florida by Niche.com. Prior to her time at Berkeley, Beth was the Lower School Director at Columbia Independent School in Columbia, Missouri. Beth brings extensive experience in education with a career spanning back to 1993 when she taught Pre-kindergarten, first, second,fourth, fifth and sixth grade. Beth trained at Columbia University’s Teachers College Reading and Writing Project and has led book studies in the Responsive Classroom method. She is Apple Certified and trained in both Google Apps for Education and Singapore Math. Beth is a National Board Certified Teacher. She earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education with a certification in PK-8 grade from the University of Missouri and a master’s degree in education, curriculum and instruction from William Woods University.

​Caroline Hader joins the Lower School team as a first grade teacher. Caroline has extensive experience as a teacher with nearly 20 years in both private and public school classrooms. She recently taught second grade social studies and science at the Baton Rouge Center for Visual and Performing Arts. Prior to that, she taught both second grade and sixth grade social studies, English, spelling, science and reading at the Runnels School. In addition to her classroom experience, Caroline has served as a sponsor for Cardboard Creations, Art Stem Club and Junior Beta Club. Caroline earned a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Louisiana State University at Shreveport.

​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.

​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.

Megan Lofland is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Since 2005 she has served in a variety of counseling roles with state and local agencies. Most recently, she was a school based counselor with Primary Care Providers for a Healthy Feliciana, Inc. In this role, she served as the team leader and provided individual and family counseling to children within the school system. Megan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Education with a minor in Sociology from Louisiana College and a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

​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. ​

Katherine Yankowsky joins Episcopal as the Lower School nurse. Katherine began her nursing career in 2012 as an ICU nurse with Willis Knighton Medical Center. After moving to Baton Rouge, Katherine spent four years as a surgical ICU and neurological ICU nurse with Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center. Katherine earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Louisiana Tech University and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Grambling State University School of Nursing. Katherine is Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support and Basic Life Support certified.

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Middle School

​Laurie Clarcq has extensive experience in language education having served as a Spanish teacher in public and private schools since 1984. In addition to her classroom experience, Laurie is a curriculum consultant and trainer. She has served as the keynote speaker at conferences such as the Southwest Conference on Language Teaching in Fort Worth, Texas and the Comprehensible Iowa Conference in Des Moines, Iowa. Laurie twice earned the New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers President’s Award for Contributions to the Profession. She earned bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and elementary and early secondary education and a master’s degree in education with a focus on literacy, curriculum and instruction from State University of New York College.

​Jennifer Snyder joins Episcopal as a Middle School Spanish teacher. She is fluent in Spanish and reading proficient in French, Biblical Hebrew and Koine Greek. Jennifer’s teaching interests range from religious studies and history to British literature and languages. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Wheaton College in Illinois and a Master of Divinity and Master of Arts of Practical Theology from Columbia Theological Seminary in Georgia. While at the seminary, she served as a Peer Educator and Hebrew Preceptor.

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Upper School

Marshall Farrell joins Episcopal after serving as Band Director of Trinity Episcopal School in Charlotte, North Carolina. In this role, he directed the Middle School band program and taught elementary music. Marshall also has experience directing school musicals and high school jazz bands. Marshall earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from The Ohio State University and a master’s degree in the same field from the University of Georgia. Marshall’s passion for music inspired him to be involved with numerous community endeavors, including playing alto saxophone in the Carolina Winds Orchestra, playing clarinet in the Nashville Community Concert Band, playing multiple instruments in the Signal Mountain Playhouse Orchestra and being a member of the OSU jazz ensemble, athletic band and gospel choir.
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Amy Guillory has taught science and math at both private and public schools in the local region. She recently taught at Runnels High School where she also served as the sponsor of the Future Scientists and Engineers Club. At St. Joseph’s Academy she worked as the Director of Innovation and Design/Science Resource. In this role, she developed an innovation and design program for high school students in which students utilize the design-thinking methodology to solve real-world problems. Amy is a Level II Louisiana Certified Educator. She earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering and a Master of Arts in teaching at Louisiana State University.

​Mark Landry taught a range of high school math courses at Runnels High School for 27 years. During his tenure, he was awarded the Louisiana Association of Teachers of Mathematics Outstanding High School Math Teacher Award. Mark is familiar with Episcopal, having participated in Episcopal’s AP Summer Institute for BC Calculus in 2013. In addition to his classroom experience, Mark served as the Runnels Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach, the Junior High Athletic Director, Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach and Golf Coach. Mark earned a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics from Louisiana State University.   ​

​Luke Lovelady joins Episcopal as an Upper School English teacher. Luke began his career in education in 2015 as a Middle School English teacher. In addition to his time in the classroom, he has extensive experience assisting and coaching multiple sports teams including baseball, basketball, cross country and fencing. Luke has also served as a school newspaper advisor and theater director. Luke earned a Master of Arts in English from the Sewanee School of Letters and a Bachelor of Arts from Sewanee: The University of the South.

​After nine years as a Latin teacher at The Runnels School, Ann Ostrom joins Episcopal. While at Runnels, Ann taught a range of Latin courses including Exploring Classical Languages for Middle School students and multiple AP offerings. Ann earned a master’s degree in Latin from Florida State University and a bachelor’s degree in history with a classical studies minor from the University of Alabama at Huntsville. Ann is a member of the American Classical League, the Classical Association of the Middle West and South and the Louisiana Classical Association. She served as the Runnels School Quiz Bowl Team coach, the co-chair of the Louisiana Junior Classical League and the historian/blog administrator for The Louisiana Classicist.

Carrie Poynot has served as a choir teacher and music director at schools and churches throughout her career. Most recently, she was a kindergarten through fifth grade teacher at Broadmoor Elementary School where she reinvigorated the music program. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music and vocal music education from Centenary College of Louisiana and a master’s degree in music and choral conducting from Louisiana State University. Carrie is actively involved in the community as a volunteer with Yelp BR!, St. John’s Shepherd’s Market and the Capital Heights Neighborhood Association. Carrie is a singer/songwriter in the Longleaf folk band.

​Danna Sabolik joins Episcopal as the Upper School Attendance Coordinator. Danna is familiar with Episcopal having previously served as a substitute teacher. Most recently, she taught second grade at Parkview Baptist School. Danna is currently working toward a Master of Science in education with a concentration in integrating technology into the classroom. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Southeastern Louisiana University. Before beginning her teaching career, Danna was a web developer and designer. 

Jennifer Vu attended Louisiana State University where she earned a degree in history with a concentration in secondary education. She joined Episcopal in 2017 and currently teaches Upper School social studies.

Benjamin Young joins the Upper School math team after ten years at Runnels School. While at Runnels, Benjamin taught a range of mathematics courses such as Pre-Algebra, Algebra II, Advanced Math and Statistics. Benjamin was also the Runnels Head Basketball Coach with a record of 126 victories over the last six seasons and numerous state quarterfinal appearances. Benjamin earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and secondary education from Bryan College where he was also a four-year member of the Bryan College baseball team. Benjamin is state certified in mathematics and a Certified Google Level One Teacher.

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Staff & Administration

Lynn Bradley joins Episcopal as the Athletic Administrator. Lynn is a skilled soccer player with nearly 15 years of experience as a soccer coach. She was a member of Ireland’s national soccer team for multiple years and earned numerous awards, including Best U-19 International Player in Ireland and Raheny United Ladies Club Player of the Year. Lynn and her teammates at Lindsey Wilson College ranked third in the nation and finished in the top four nationally. Lynn currently coaches with the Baton Rouge Soccer Club. Previously, she coached Middle School at the Academy of Sacred Heart and varsity at Louise S. McGehee School in New Orleans. ​

Elizabeth Kline joined the Advancement office in June 2020 and serves as the Annual Fund Coordinator. Most recently, Elizabeth served as the Leadership Giving Officer at the Foundation for Woman’s Hospital following three years as Marketing Coordinator in the Woman’s Communications Department. Her experience in fundraising began in New York City at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center where she gained a deep understanding of development and best practices. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Louisiana State University. She is a graduate of Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s Leadership Class of 2019 and a member of the Association for Fundraising Professionals. Elizabeth is an award winning creative professional whose children’s book, “The Very Best Birthday” was published in 2018. Elizabeth attended Charlotte Country Day School in her hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina from Kindergarten through 12th grade and is able to apply her own experience in an independent school to her role at Episcopal.

​James McCrary has been an educator and administrator in the Baton Rouge area since 2009. His wife, Sarah, is also an educator. They have lived in the Baton Rouge area most of their lives and both received undergraduate degrees from Louisiana State University and master’s degrees from Southeastern Louisiana University. Together, they have two children. Jackson is a sophomore at LSU studying chemical engineering and Elaine is a senior in high school and the incoming chair of the State Thespian Officers for Louisiana. Starting in 2012, James began presenting at state, regional, and national conferences on topics surrounding edtech, specifically in the effects of immersion technology. He is a co-founder of Singularity Media Group which specializes in spatial learning with augmented and virtual reality through shows such as "The VR Podcast" & “The Simulation: LIVE!”. In 2019, he was recognized as an Apple Distinguished Educator and Google Certified Educator for his work integrating immersion technology into the classroom and positively impacting students globally. In 2020, he began partnering with LSU College of Education in research on virtual reality with pre-service educators and is the incoming president of ISTE Virtual Environments Network. Recently, he was awarded the ISTE Pioneer of the Year award for 2020, recognizing his leadership in innovative learning in PreK-20 (Pre-kindergarten through higher Ed).