Chaketa Mack-Riddle
Chief Partner District Officer
314.989.8535
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Chaketa Mack-Riddle has a passion for working in school communities to remove barriers so all students can reach their highest potential in the classroom. She stresses the importance of being visible in the school community, while always seeking innovative methods of inspiring educators to expand their knowledge to maximize student learning experiences.

Before her current role in SSD, Mack-Riddle served in the Riverview Gardens School District for almost 25 years. During her time there, she filled roles as the assistant superintendent of student support services, principal, assistant principal, and special education teacher. Mack-Riddle took her first position with Special School District in 1997 as a paraprofessional. Before moving into the chief role, Mack-Riddle served as SSD's executive director of partner districts.

Mack-Riddle holds an educational specialist’s degree in educational leadership from Webster University, a master’s degree in educational administration from Lindenwood University, and a bachelor’s in elementary education and special education from Harris-Stowe State College. She is currently working on a doctoral degree in educational leadership from Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville, which will be completed this summer.

“Knowing that school leaders are being challenged to carry out functions that are less directive and more collaborative, I am appreciative of the opportunity to provide leadership, guidance, and support to each partner district throughout St. Louis County,” said Mack-Riddle. “The goal is not to do it, but to see it happen!”

Dr. Tami Yates
Executive Director of Partner Districts
314.989.8518
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Dr. Tami Yates began teaching special education in 1998. Since then, she has held titles such as special education administrator, executive director of special services, and director of special education. 

Dr. Yates previously served SSD from 2000-12 before taking a position as Fort Zumwalt School District’s executive director of special services. She returned to SSD in October 2020 as the assistant executive director of partner districts before moving into her current role. 

“I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve students, families, and staff for more than 20 years,” said Dr. Yates. “It is my goal to continue to build collaborative relationships and work with all stakeholders across St. Louis County to meet the needs of our students resulting in successful outcomes.”

To assist with her goals of bettering St. Louis County families, Dr. Yates serves as a board member on the Missouri Council of Administrators of Special Education (MO-CASE). She belongs to numerous boards and committees, including the national Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) and the Council of Exceptional Children (CEC). She is currently the president of the Local Administrators of Special Education (LASE) Chapter.

After receiving her bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of Missouri-Columbia, she received multiple master’s degrees in education and educational administration, as well as a specialist’s degree in educational administration. She has received a doctorate of education in the same field, as well as a doctorate of leadership in teaching and learning.

Katy Meers
Partner District Director - Affton School District
314.989.8230
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Katy Meers has served the Special School District and Affton School District as a partner district director since 2020.

“I am excited to continue to serve the Affton School District students, families, and staff,” said Meers. “I grew up in Affton and there is no place I’d rather be. When I came back to Affton in 2017, I never dreamt it would feel so much like coming home.”

Meers began her career with SSD in 2004 as a special education teacher, transitioning into a lead special education teacher role in 2017. During this time, she served on District committees, supported teachers throughout SSD as a member of the TEacher Advisory Planning Committee, and assisted students with social/emotional and educational needs. In her current position, Meers continues to advocate for all students as part of an IEP team, developed Affton’s first Parent Advisory Council (PAC), and supervises over 70 SSD staff members in Affton.

Meers holds a bachelor’s  degree in education, with an emphasis in special education, a masters degree in education, and a specialist in special education administration.

“Affton is a special place where we work together to individualize learning to meet the needs of all students, regardless of their ability level. I can’t wait to see what we continue to do together.”

Maureen Nelson
Partner District Director - Bayless School District
314.989.8412
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Maureen Nelson will continue to serve the students and families of the Bayless School District, as she moves from lead area coordinator to partner district director. Prior to serving as lead area coordinator, Nelson was an administrative intern from 2018-2020, where she also served as the curriculum chair in Bayless Teacher Leadership Academy and was a data team leader. Before moving into an administrator role, she was a resource teacher for the District.

“It has been an honor to have been working with Bayless and SSD as a teacher for many years, and I am honored to be given the privilege of serving the students and families of Bayless School District in this new role,” Nelson said.

In her time before joining SSD, Nelson served as a teacher, director, substitute teacher, and activities coordinator at several locations, including the Hazelwood, Lindbergh, Pattonville, and Clayton school districts. She earned a master’s degree in Secondary Administration and Supervision from Southeast Missouri State University, and is pursuing an education specialist degree there, as well.

“I look forward to working with staff to create new and meaningful opportunities for our students and families,” she said.

Dr. Travena Hostetler
Partner District Director - Brentwood School District
314.989.8479
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After serving this school year as the leader area coordinator for the Brentwood School District, Dr. Travena Hostetler will become partner district director there. Prior to her time in Brentwood, Hostetler was an area coordinator at Kirkwood Schools.

“I absolutely love being part of the Brentwood community,” she said. “My sincere hope is that during our journey together we will continue to grow our partnership and supports within the schools to meet the diverse needs of all learners.”

Before joining SSD, she served as an assistant principal in the Farmington School District, and a special education teacher in the Waynesville, Potosi, and Southwest school districts. Dr. Hostetler also served three years as the director of special services in the Iron County School District. She is a member of the Missouri Council of Administrators of Special Education (MO-CASE), where she has co-chaired the advocacy and communications committees. Dr. Hostetler earned her master’s degree in Educational Administration in 2004 from Lindenwood University, and followed that with her doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2010 from Maryville University.

“My goal is to work with families, students, and school teams to develop programming to support each child’s educational career throughout the community so that they will grow into independent lifelong learners,” she said.

Melissa Logan
Partner District Director - Clayton School District
314.989.8683
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After serving as an area coordinator for Special School District for six years in the School District of Clayton, Melissa Logan will stay in Clayton but serve as the next partner district director. Logan began her career in education as a special educator in a self-contained classroom at St. Louis Public Schools. After that, she moved to SSD as an educator at Pine Lawn Elementary and Flynn Park Elementary, in the Normandy and University City districts, respectively. In 2013 she moved into administration, serving two years as an administrative intern with SSD’s central region.

“I’m excited to continue my work in the School District of Clayton to ensure our learners are engaged and challenged in an inclusive environment to reach their full potential,” she said.

Logan has a Master of Education in Administration from William Wood University and an Educational Specialist degree in Superintendency.

Dr. Shanise Terrell
Partner District Director - Ferguson-Florissant School District
314.989.8333
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Dr. Shanise Terrell will serve as the next partner district director for the Ferguson-Florissant School District, after serving the last four years as an area coordinator for SSD in Parkway Schools. Prior to joining SSD, Dr. Terrell was a principal in the Hazelwood and Riverview Gardens School Districts. She was also an instructional coach and classroom teacher within those same districts before moving into an administrative role. 

“I am amazed at how my career path led me to special education,” Dr. Terrell said. “My passion drives my purpose, and you will discover that I am passionate about student success, equity for all, and I believe that all students are capable of individual achievement.”

She is a board member of Educators for Social Justice and an advisory board member for the Nine Network of Public Media. She received the NAACP Benjamin Hooks Award for Educational Leadership in 2017 and has won multiple PBIS awards and recognitions. Along with two master’s degrees, Dr. Terrell most recently earned her doctorate in 2018 from Maryville University.

“I am proud to lead a team of world-class educators as we strive to provide opportunities for our learners to excel,” she said.

Dr. Donna Ellis
Partner District Director - Hancock Place School District
314.989.8375
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Dr. Donna Ellis was selected as the partner district director for the Hancock Place School District, keeping her in the same district where she has served as lead area coordinator for the past 6 years.

“Hancock Place School District has become a second family for me and I am thrilled to continue to work for and with the students, families, and school personnel of Hancock Place,” said Dr. Ellis. “I look forward to the exciting changes of the future and creating more opportunities for all of our students.”

Prior to her term as lead area coordinator, she was an area coordinator for SSD from 2008-2015. Before coming to Special School District, Dr. Ellis served the students and families of St. Louis Public Schools, as both a classroom teacher and literacy coach. While at SSD, she has served as co-chair of the District-level PBIS (positive behavior intervention and supports)  committee. She earned her master’s degree in Educational Administration in 2008, and her doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2011, both from Maryville University. 

Dr. Jana Schaefer
Partner District Director - Hazelwood School District
314.989.8228
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Dr. Jana Schaefer was chosen as the partner district director of Hazelwood School District, where she currently works as a discipline hearing officer. Dr. Schaefer has a broad range of experience in the education field, including special education leadership. Along with her current position with Hazelwood, she serves as an academic/behavioral interventionist at The Arch Community School and is an adjunct instructor at SIU-Carbondale. Dr. Schaefer also has experience as a special education coordinator and director of special education services in other school districts.

“I am honored to have been chosen to lead the SSD team for the Hazelwood School District in the role of special education director,” said Dr. Schaefer. “I’ve waited a long time to have the opportunity to collaborate with some of our profession’s most talented administrators, teachers, and staff members, both with SSD and with the Hazelwood School District, and I can’t wait to get started in this new role!”

Her work has been published in multiple educational journals and newsletters and is a regular presenter at local, state and national conferences. She received her doctorate in 2017 from Maryville University.

Shinita Jones
Partner District Director - Jennings School District
314.989.8457
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Dr. Taneal Davis
Partner District Director - Kirkwood School District
314.989.8437
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After serving as the area coordinator in the Kirkwood School District for the last six years, Dr. Taneal Davis will continue to serve students and families as the new partner district director.

“Whether as a learner, teacher, or administrator, I have always had a passion for education,” Dr. Davis said. “I am excited for my new role as special education director in Kirkwood and I look forward to building relationships with families, students, and school teams.”

Dr. Davis began her career in education at St. Louis Public Schools, where she served as both a special education and general education teacher. She then moved to the Northwest School District, where she taught special education and served as a process coordinator, summer school principal, and assistant principal.

“I am committed to ensuring the students served by SSD, in every setting, are succeeding in the best learning environment and with the most meaningful, research-based curriculum,” she said.

Dr. Davis possesses both a master’s degree and doctorate in Education Administration from Lindenwood University.

Dr. Catina Lyles
Partner District Director - Ladue School District
314.989.8277
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Dr. Catina Lyles has served Special School District and Ladue School District since 2015. Prior to 2021, she acted as the director of special education for Ladue, Lindbergh, and Webster Groves School Districts.

“I look forward to continuing to serve the Ladue Schools community as I move into year seven in my role as Director of Special Education,” said Dr. Lyles. “Having my focus on Ladue Schools allows an opportunity to strengthen and deepen partnerships that support student success.”

Dr Lyles started her career as a special education teacher in Hancock Place Middle School, teaching grades 6-8. She spent three years as an area coordinator at Ferguson-Florissant School District, before becoming the lead area coordinator at Maplewood-Richmond Heights School District. During that time, she was an instructor at Central Methodist University. 

She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in special education, as well as an education specialist and doctorate degree in educational leadership.

“I’m ready to move into a year of leadership with grace, courage, and kindness,” said Dr. Lyles. “Those tenets are key to ensure we provide access and opportunity without barriers.”

Dr. Joyce Doyle
Partner District Director - Lindbergh Schools
314.989.8463
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Dr. Joyce Doyle will move from her role as assistant principal at SSD’s Southview High School to the special education director for Lindbergh Schools. During her time at Southview, she has worked with students, families, and staff in many areas, including the coordination of PPE equipment and serving as the lead administrator collaborating with Washington University’s school-based COVID-19 study. Prior to her role at Southview, Dr. Doyle served six years as an area coordinator in the Hazelwood School District.

“I’m privileged to serve Lindbergh Schools and am excited to take on the position as director of special education,” Dr. Doyle said. “My role as a leader is to empower staff and ensure they have solid strategies around literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional learning and that all students are receiving instruction designed for them.”

She began her career with SSD in 2010 as a teacher, case manager, and IEP chairperson in the Webster Groves School District. She was a data team leader, member of the curriculum council, and mentor to college students during this time. Dr. Doyle then moved on to serve a year as an administrative intern with the District, serving primarily in Parkway schools.

Prior to SSD, Dr. Doyle served in the private school sector. She earned her doctorate from Webster University; master’s degrees in educational leadership and elementary education from Southwest Baptist University and UMSL, respectively; and a bachelor’s degree from Webster University.

Ben Gleason
Lead SPED Coordinator - Maplewood-Richmond Heights
314.989.8569
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Ben Gleason has served Special School District and Maplewood-Richmond Heights School District since 2015.

“I have been honored to serve the MRH community these past several years and I look forward to continued collaboration with the families, staff, and administration of the district in service of our students,” said Gleason. “I’m excited to continue the important work of supporting students in their academic and social/emotional growth.”

Gleason has been with SSD since 2000, serving as a speech-language pathologist, a speech-language effective practice specialist, and area coordinator before entering into his current position. Before coming to SSD, he worked in similar roles at Adams County School District in Colorado, Boulder Community Hospital,  The Spectrum Project, and the University of Colorado. He has participated in training for LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reaching and Spelling) for Administrators and NUMBERS. In 2007, he received an award for continuing education from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. 

Gleason has received a bachelor’s in psychology from University of Kansas, a master’s in speech-language pathology from the University of Colorado-Boulder, and an educational specialist degree in leadership from Webster University.

“Together, we will strive to ensure that each and every MRH student develops his or her talents as leaders, scholars, stewards, and citizens,” said Gleason.

Kim Lawson
Partner District Director - Mehlville School District
314.989.8205
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Kim Lawson has been named the partner district director for Mehlville School District. Lawson previously acted as the partner district director at Kirkwood School District.

“I am thrilled to be serving the Mehlville School District as the Director of Special Education,” said Lawson. “MSD and SSD collaborate to continuously improve student programming and services.”

During her time as SSD, Lawson has held roles as a speech language pathologist and Rockwood and Mehlville School District. She acted as an area coordinator for Webster Groves School District, before moving into a partner district director role. She has managed the vocational skills program (VSP) internship program that resulted in post-secondary outcomes for students at St. Mary’s Health Center.  Lawson also acted as an adjunct professor at University of Missouri - St. Louis, teaching introductory and upper level courses in speech and language disorders of exceptional individuals.

Lawson holds a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville. She also has an education specialist in educational leadership and is working towards an education specialist in educational administration.

“I am looking forward to our continued partnership to support students to excel to their greatest potential,” said Lawson.

DeAndria Player
Partner District Director - Normandy Schools Collaborative
314.989.8422
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DeAndria Player has served as the Normandy Schools Collaborative partner district director since 2015. In her current position, she facilitates the development, implementation, review, and revision of special education curricula, progress monitoring, data analysis, instructional decision making, and direct instruction delivery.

“As a champion for education equality, I am passionate about early language development and literacy proficiency,” said Player. “I am excited to continue to serve the Normandy School Collaborative community!”

Player has been with SSD since 1999, serving in various roles over the years. Beginning her career as an applied behavior analyst (ABA) paraprofessional, Player taught in a special education setting for seven years.  Starting in 2007, she filled a role as an area coordinator, in which she planned, organized, and implemented operations and programs under a partner district director.

Player has a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology and audiology from Tennessee State University. She also holds a masters in special education from and an education specialist in school leadership and administration from Webster University.

Dr. Amy Blumenfeld
Partner District Director - Parkway School District
314.989.8435
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Dr. Amy Blumenfeld was selected as the next partner district director for Parkway Schools. Most recently, she was an area coordinator in the Rockwood School District for the last nine years. She brings tremendous experience having also served SSD students and staff as an effective practice specialist, teacher, paraprofessional, substitute teacher, and applied behavior analysis therapist.

“I’m so excited for this opportunity to join the talented and caring special education team working within Parkway Schools to support all of our students,” Dr. Blumenfeld said.

During her time with SSD, she has given numerous presentations on autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and universal supports. Outside of SSD, she is active in Autism Speaks, Make-A-Wish, and Educators for Social Justice. Dr. Blumenfeld earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Maryville University, after collecting two Master of Arts degrees from Lindenwood in Special Education Administration and Education Administration. She also possesses a Master of Arts degree from Fontbonne University in Special Education Cross Categorical Disabilities.

“Parkway has always been a place close to my heart as it’s not only where I began my career in education, but also where I was fortunate enough to personally experience K-12 education,” she said. “I’m truly looking forward to serving the community within Parkway!”

Dee Byrnes
Partner District Director - Pattonville School District
314.989.8585
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After serving as the area coordinator for the last eight years in the Ritenour School District, Angela Fouste will become the new partner district director for Ritenour. Prior to that, she was an administrative intern with SSD during the 2012-2013 school year.

“I am happy to continue serving the Pattonville community, collaborating with our families, developing our Pattonville Parent Advisory Committee, and ensuring all students will achieve their personal goals,” said Byrnes.

Her career with the district started in 2003 where she spent several years at the classroom level. She also served at SSD as a progress monitoring data coach and facilitator, where she provided instruction in classroom learning systems, data teams, and student achievement. Fouste has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences from SIU-Carbondale, as well as a master’s degree in Education Administration and Leadership from McKendree University. She has had work published on the topics of cognitive rehabilitation and brain injuries. 

Angela Fouste
Partner District Director - Ritenour School District
314.989.8429
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After serving as the area coordinator for the last eight years in the Ritenour School District, Angela Fouste will become the new partner district director for Ritenour. Prior to that, she was an administrative intern with SSD during the 2012-2013 school year.

“I am excited to continue my work serving the students and families of Ritenour,” Fouste said. “I’m really looking forward to this opportunity to build on the relationships I’ve made as an area coordinator, as well as form many new ones.”

Her career with the district started in 2003 where she spent several years at the classroom level. She also served at SSD as a progress monitoring data coach and facilitator, where she provided instruction in classroom learning systems, data teams, and student achievement. Fouste has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences from SIU-Carbondale, as well as a master’s degree in Education Administration and Leadership from McKendree University. She has had work published on the topics of cognitive rehabilitation and brain injuries. 

“There are so many great SSD students and staff in the Ritenour School District, and I’m so proud to serve them in this new role,” Fouste said.

Dr. Chad Lent
Partner District Director - Riverview Gardens School District
314.989.8182
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Dr. Chad Lent has served Special School District as a Director of Special Education since 2014.

“I look forward to continuing the work of serving the students, families, and school community of Riverview Gardens,” said Dr. Lent.

Prior to becoming a director, Dr. Lent also served as an area coordinator, effective practice specialist, and school psychologist. He also spent some time as an adjunct professor at University of Missouri - St. Louis, teaching graduate level courses within the Education Administration and Education Research and Evaluation Methods departments. 

Dr. Lent has a bachelor’s degree in psychology, master’s degrees in school psychology and educational administration, a specialist degree in school psychology, and a doctorate of education in educational administration.

Dr. Carmen Harris
Partner District Director - Rockwood School District
314.989.8268
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Dr. Carmen Harris has served Special School District and Rockwood School District since 2016.

“I have had the privilege of serving the Rockwood community for over 20 years,” said Dr. Harris. “I look forward to continuing to partner with our families for the success of all students.”

Dr. Harris  has been with SSD since 2000, serving as a speech-language pathologist and area coordinator before moving into her current role. She has implemented the support of special education instruction and therapy for nearly 3,000 students in 30 buildings. Harris frequently collaborates with partner district administration to develop a multi-tiered system of support for all Rockwood students. She is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Dr. Harris holds a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders from Missouri State University, a master’s in communication sciences and disorders from St. Louis University, an educational specialist and educational doctorate in educational administration, both from Lindenwood University.

Dr. Artondria Bentley
Partner District Director - University City
314.989.8461
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Dr. Artondria Bentley will serve as the next partner district director for the School District of University City. For the past six year, Dr. Bentley has served as an area coordinator in Parkway Schools. She began her career with SSD as a teacher for 12 years, before becoming an administrative intern with SSD in the Rockwood School District.

“I’m elated to come back to the school district that gave me a solid foundation,” said Dr. Bentley, who attended schools within the School District of University City throughout her K-12 education.

Dr. Bentley has served as an adjunct instructor at Harris-Stowe State University and is a graduate of the SSD Teacher Leadership Academy. Along with possessing three master’s degrees, she most recently earned her doctorate from Maryville University in 2018.

“It’s my life’s work to lead and serve the students, families and community,” she said. I look forward to partnering with school staff and families to ensure equitable access to education, particularly when students have various learning challenges. I couldn’t be more excited to serve the families in The School District of University City.”

Julie Schroeder
Partner District Director - Valley Park
314.989.8158
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Julie Schroeder will become the partner district director at Valley Park School District, after serving eight years there as a lead area coordinator. Prior to that, Schroeder was an area coordinator in Kirkwood Schools, as well as a resource and self-contained teacher with SSD.

“I am excited to continue my work in the Valley Park School District,” she said. “While my title is changing, I have been proudly serving this community for the past eight years. I love the collaborative approach that we are dedicated to so that each of our students is successful.”

Schroeder also served outside of SSD as a teacher at Epworth School in Lee’s Summit School District. She has been a professional development trainer in continuous improvement, classroom learning systems, data teaming, co-teaching, IEP process, and transition planning. Schroeder received her master’s degree in Education from the University of Kansas in 2001, and earned an education specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Webster University in 2009.    

Shantay Wakefield
Partner District Director - Webster Groves
314.989.8487
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Shantay Wakefield was named the new partner district director for the Webster Groves School District. Prior to her new role, Wakefield served SSD in multiple roles, including teacher, co-teacher, IEP chairperson, facilitator, and area coordinator. She will move to the director position from her current role as area coordinator at Ladue Schools.

“I am student-centered with a focus and emphasis on the whole child, so that our students are healthy, supported and engaged,” she said.

Wakefield is a graduate of the National Institute for School Leadership and has been a Baldridge Continuous Classroom Improvement facilitator. She earned her master’s degree in Special Education from Fontbonne University and a specialist degree in Education Administration from Webster University. She’s currently pursuing a doctorate degree from Saint Louis University.

“I’m very excited to work with the students, families, and staff in the Webster Groves School District,” Wakefield said. “I hope to inspire and support all students in reaching their highest academic and social-emotional potential.”

Stacy Sturdivant
Director of Early Childhood Education
314.989.8411
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Stacy Sturdivant has been serving the Special School District as the director of early childhood education since 2020. In her role, she aids in the development of countywide early childhood systems with a focus on SSD’s partner districts.

“With over 25 years with Special School District, I renew my commitment to the young scholars that we serve here in the early childhood special education department,” said Sturdivant. “I truly believe that early intervention has an impact on the foundation for learning. Working with our families to support our students is my primary goal.”

Sturdivant began her special education career in 1996 as an early childhood special education teacher, spending time at Ackerman School and Pattonville, Normandy, and Riverview Gardens school districts. From there, she spent time as an administrative intern and an early childhood special education area coordinator for Jennings, Normandy, Riverview Gardens, and Pine Lawn Head Start.

Sturdivant received a bachelor’s degree in special education from St. Louis University, a master’s of education in curriculum and development from National Louis University, and a education specialist degree in educational leadership from Webster University.

Casey Wisdom
Director of Transition Services
314.989.8399
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Casey Wisdom has been serving the Special School District as the director of transition services since 2009. In her role, she provides districtwide leadership in transition planning, programming and services.

“It has been my privilege to serve the students and families of St. Louis County for more than 20 years,” said Wisdom. “I found my true passion when I began working in the area of transition. Supporting students, families, staff, and the community in recognizing the ability of individuals with disabilities to reach their fullest potential and vision for a good life allows me to support the mission and vision of SSD every day.  It is truly an honor.”

Wisdom began her special education career in 1997 as a substitute for speech-language pathology. She moved into a full-time position in early 1998 within the Webster Groves School District. In 2003, Wisdom moved into an effective practice specialist position, where she provided technical support and consultation to SPLs and administrators across eight partner districts. She then transitioned into an area coordinator in 2005, supervising special education services in Hancock Place School District and work experience programs for students 18-21 years old, before moving into her current position in 2009.

Wisdom received her bachelors and masters degrees in speech-language pathology from Fontbonne University and an education specialist degree from Webster University. She is also a Charting the LifeCourse ambassador and received SSD’s Lasting Impressions Award in 2020.