All South Tech Faculty & Staff

Jacob Lohse

Principal

Jacob Lohse
Principal
314.989.7490
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Mr. Jacob Lohse has been an Administrator for South Tech High School since 2014. Jacob is responsible for instructional leadership and student success at South Tech. His experience began as an Industrial Technology Instructor in Saint Louis County prior to joining SSD as a Facilitator and Administrator at Tech.

“As a technical educator, it is my goal to partner with my colleagues at South Tech and our Partner Districts to help students discover their passions in life in order to create a pathway to a successful future.”
Karista Koehler

Assistant Principal

Karista Koehler
Assistant Principal
314.989.7402
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Ms. Karista Koehler has been Assistant Principal at South Tech High School since 2015. Prior to joining South Tech, she taught Biology at North Tech High School for 12 years. She holds degrees in Biology, Vocal Music and Education.
Russell Andrews

Counselor

Russell Andrews
Counselor
314.989.7412
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Mr. Russell Andrews has been in education for over 26 years and began instructing at South Tech in 2004.

"As a member of the South Tech Staff I enjoy coming to work and seeing academic, career and developmental growth from my students." - Mr. Russ Andrews
Bob Arcipowski

Precision Machining

Bob Arcipowski
Precision Machining
314.989.7430
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Mr. Bob Arcipowski is no stranger to Precision Machining, having spent over 20 years in the Manufacturing Industry, he gained experience in Tool and Die along with CNC Programming. Prior to joining South Tech High School in 2006, Mr. Arcipowski taught at Ranken Technical College for 16 years.
John Arndt

Automotive Technology

John Arndt
Automotive Technology
314.989.7436
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Mr. John Arndt has been in Transportation industry for 20 years, and began teaching at South Tech High School in 2007. Prior to joining the South Tech team, Mr. Arndt spent 21 years in the IL Air National Guard and 16 years as a Ford service Technician. Mr. Arndt currently has an Associates Degree of Automotive Technology and is working towards a Bachelors Degree of Workforce Education Development.
David Bass

Culinary Arts

David Bass
Culinary Arts
314.989.7460
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Mr. David Bass has been in the Culinary Arts industry for over 18 years and has worked in a variety of positions including Executive Chef at a local restaurant. Mr. Bass began his teaching career at South Tech High School in 2008 and has a Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry Arts Degree. He also received his certification of Chef de Cuisine from the American Culinary Federation.
Elaine Baumann

Health Sciences
Nick Beck

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
Heidi Binggeli

Technology Facilitator

Heidi Binggeli
Technology Facilitator
314.989.7740
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Ms. Heidi Binggeli serves as Instructional Technology Facilitator for both North and South Tech. She assists our instructors with integrating varied applications of technology into their instructional practice. Prior to this position, she taught in North Tech’s Social Studies Department for four years. Ms. Binggeli holds a B.A. in Sociology, an M.A. in Sociology, certifications in Secondary Social Studies and Special Education, and is a Google for Education Certified Trainer. Ms. Binggeli is also proud to coach the North Tech QuizBowl Team.
Joan Cather

Student Support
Janine Cavanaugh

Health Sciences

Janine Cavanaugh
Health Sciences
314.989.7433
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Ms. Janine Cavanaugh has been in the Medical Sciences industry for 28 years, and began teaching at South Tech High School in 2010. Prior to joining the Tech team, Ms. Cavanaugh received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from SIUE and worked for a Long-Term, Home Health Care company.
Chantal Chandler

Admissions Representative

Chantal Chandler
Admissions Representative
314.989.7450
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Ms. Chantal Chandler currently serves as an Admissions Representative at South Tech. She began working for the schools in 2006 and has a Bachelor’s in Journalism and a Master’s in Communications.

“Helping students discover and explore careers that interest and inspire them is rewarding work and I am proud of the work we do at North and South Tech.”
Jeff Chandler

Counselor

Jeff Chandler
Counselor
314.989.7609
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Mr. Chandler began his career with children and families in 1991 at Marygrove Children’s Center in Hazelwood, Mo. While earning his Master’s Degree and working for the State of Missouri, Mr. Chandler decided to pursue certification and employment in School Counseling. For six years he worked for the St. Louis Public Schools, followed by one year at Riverview Gardens High School and the last thirteen years at North Technical High School.
Vince Cifarelli

Social Worker

Vince Cifarelli
Social Worker
314.989.7438
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Mr. Cifarelli, graduated from Maryville College, Maryville, TN with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a minor in Business. He earned his graduate degree at St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO with a Master's in Social Work. He has worked for the State of Missouri with the Division of Youth Services for 20 years where he was in charge of Policy development and Training employees for the various Juvenile adolescent treatment facilities in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and Jefferson County areas. Currently he is the Social Worker at South Tech High School and the Bridges program for the Special School District.
Sandy Cowan

Mathematics

Sandy Cowan
Mathematics
314-989-7719
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Ms. Sandy Cowan joins South Tech after teaching at North Tech High School since 2000. She has a BA in Mathematics and a MAE in Secondary Math Education. Ms. Cowan is also an Adjunct Professor for Missouri Baptist University, St. Louis University, and STLCC.
Fran Davis

Graphic Design

Fran Davis
Graphic Design
314.989.7442
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Ms. Davis has been in the Graphic Design industry for over 40 of Years, and began instructing at South Tech in 2000. As a member of the South Tech team, she is responsible for Yearbook and Graphics for the building. Ms. Davis is a member of the South Tech Staff she enjoys coming to work and seeing her students get excited about design.
Emily Degenhardt

Instructional Facilitator

Emily Degenhardt
Instructional Facilitator
314.989.7484
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Mrs. Degenhardt has been a teacher for over 13 years, and began her position at South Tech as an Instructional and Assessment Facilitator in 2016. Prior to joining the South Tech team, Mrs. Degenhardt worked as a special education teacher for Special School District. Mrs. Degenhardt attended Murray State University and graduated with Bachelor of Science in Special Education and received her Master’s in Reading from Fontbonne University.
Amy Eichorn

Student Support
Sue Gibbons

Law Enforcement

Sue Gibbons
Law Enforcement
314.989.7482
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Ms. Gibbons retired from the Bridgeton Missouri Police Department with 27 years of experience as a police officer, detective, certified instructor and field training officer. In late August of 2016, she joined the South Tech Team as the Law Enforcement Instructor. Ms. Gibbons brings over 20 years of training and teaching experience to our school along with a high level of enthusiasm, numerous professional certifications and a dedicated commitment to helping students achieve their career goals.
Chuck Hardy

Paraprofessional

Chuck Hardy
Paraprofessional
314.989.8448 EXT. 2257
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Chuck Hardy joined the South Tech High School team in 2018. He started his career as a Naval Officer in 1981, and joined SSD in 2001 after serving in the military and working in the corporate world. Chuck has a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Naval Academy. In his spare time, Chuck enjoys sailing and collecting records and vintage stereo equipment.
Angela Harrell

Pre-Professional Health Sciences Academy

Angela Harrell
Pre-Professional Health Sciences Academy
314.989.7449
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Ms. Angela Harrell has been in the Medical industry for many years, and began teaching at South Tech High School in 2012. Prior to joining the Tech team, Ms. Harrell worked as a patient care technician in Oncology and went on to work in a Level 1 trauma center as an Emergency Room Nurse. Ms. Harrell has a BA in Secondary Education, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is a Registered Nurse.
Paul Heumann

Construction Methods & Materials

Paul Heumann
Construction Methods & Materials
314.989.7550
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Mr. Paul Heumann has been in the Construction industry for 17 years, and began teaching at South Tech High School in 1999. Prior to joining the Tech team, Mr. Heumann was a Brick and Stone Mason and is the South Tech High authorized OSHA outreach trainer. Paul also has extensive knowledge of many aspects of construction.
Barclay Hirth

Electrical Trades

Barclay Hirth
Electrical Trades
314.989.7554
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Mr. Barclay Hirth began teaching at South Tech High School in 2011 and is also a 2001 South Tech Electrical Trades graduate. Mr. Hirth obtained his Electrical Mechanics degree from Vatterott College and in 2009 received his Independent Electrical Contractors Apprenticeship certification.
Donna Hobbs

Veterinary Sciences

Donna Hobbs
Veterinary Sciences
314.989.7551
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Ms. Donna Hobbs started out in the industry over 20 years ago, as a teenager working in a veterinary hospital and has been working with animals every since. Ms. Hobbs started teaching at West Tech in 1994 and relocated to South Tech in 2002. She has several certifications including Humane Education Specialist and Veterinary Forensic recently from the University of Florida. As a member of the South Tech team, Donna is responsible for being lead advisor of FFA, NEA, and ACTE member. Over the years she has partnered with many local animal rescue groups and animal controls so that students have access to the animals to learn.
David Hope

Firefighting & Emergency Medical Technician

David Hope
Firefighting & Emergency Medical Technician
314.989.7454
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Mr. David Hope joined South Tech High School in 2009 and serves as the Chief of South Tech's Fire and EMS academy. Chief Hope has been in the Fire and EMS service since 1999 and is a Missouri state certified firefighter and Paramedic, he also holds over 30 other state and federal certifications. Chief Hope is a state certified fire, EMS, AHA, FEMA and POST instructor. Chief Hope worked for 7 years as a firefighter in Jefferson County and has worked as a paramedic for multiple hospitals and EMS agencies in the St. Louis area including the US Air Force at Scott Air Force Base. Chief Hope currently serves as the national Chairman for the National Education Associations Career and Technical Education caucus, where he represents CTE students and teachers from around the country in education issues.
Louvenia Jones

Health Sciences

Louvenia Jones
Health Sciences
314.989.7405
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Mrs. Louvenia Jones has been in the Medical Sciences industry for 23 years, and began teaching at South Tech High School in 2010. Prior to joining the Tech team, Ms. Jones worked for BJC Hospital Systems and was also a Community Health and Public Health-State Employee. Ms. Jones has a Bachelors degree in Nursing and Associates Degree In Nursing.
Jessica Kettler

Attendance Secretary

Jessica Kettler
Attendance Secretary
314.989.7419
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Ms. Jessica Kettler oversees all attendance data and collection, as well as, building operations. Prior to joining South Tech in 2017, Jessica was in property management at Washington University. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management with a minor in Business Management from Southeast Missouri State University.
Suzanne Kirby

Pharmacy Sciences

Suzanne Kirby
Pharmacy Sciences
314.989.7459
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Ms. Suzanne Kirby started at South Tech in the fall of 2017. She has over 20 years of experience as a pharmacy technician, with most of those years spent in hospital and outpatient infusion pharmacies. She has her Bachelors of Science in Biology which she earned at Missouri State, and earned her national certification as a pharmacy technician in 2001. Prior to joining South Tech she made chemotherapy at Pratt Cancer Center on the Mercy campus.
Kathy Kummer

Principal's Secretary

Kathy Kummer
Principal's Secretary
314.989.7403
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Ms. Kathy Kummer has been at South Technical High School since 1992. She has moved from several different departments within the school but has been the Principal’s Secretary for the last ten years. Currently she is handling all financial and budget areas pertaining to the school.
Robyn Langhorst

Cosmetology

Robyn Langhorst
Cosmetology
314.989.7581
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Mrs. Robyn Langhorst has been in Human Services industry for 30 years and began teaching at South Tech High School in 2006. Prior to joining the Tech team, Mrs. Langhorst worked at a full-service salon and is certified in Cosmetology, Manicuring and Esthetician.
Eugenia Lechkova

Human Anatomy & Physiology

Eugenia Lechkova
Human Anatomy & Physiology
314.989.7551
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Mrs. Lechkova has been a Science Instructor for 28 years, and began teaching at South Technical High School in 2001. Prior to joining the Tech team she taught Science for 13 years in her home country, Bulgaria. Mrs. Lechkova has a Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Biology and Chemistry from University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria and earned a MO Teaching Certificate from UMSL.
Ashli Lograsso

Cosmetology

Ashli Lograsso
Cosmetology
314.989.7581
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Mrs. Lograsso began her career in the beauty industry in 2005 and still works as a self-employed hairstylist and makeup artist in the St. Louis area. In 2011, Mrs. Lograsso felt a passion to contribute to the growth of today's young hairstylists and decided to join the education branch of the industry. Mrs. Lograsso taught for six years at Paul Mitchell the School St. Louis before joining the South Tech team in 2017.
Melissa Maness

Culinary Arts
Sarah McManus

Admissions Representative
Dustin Meyer

Floor Layers Middle Apprenticeship

Dustin Meyer
Floor Layers Middle Apprenticeship
314.989.7479
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Mr. Dustin Meyer has been in the Construction Industry for 8 years and began teaching at South Tech High School in 2015. Mr. Meyer began teaching after graduating the Floor Layers Apprenticeship program at Bayless High School in connection with South Tech.
Stephen Michael

Paraprofessional

Stephen Michael
Paraprofessional
314.989.8448 EXT. 2261
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Mr. Michael’s experience includes positions as a Laborer, Painting Contractor, Roofing Contractor and Heavy Equipment Operator. He also has 30+ years experience in business, including roles as an Operations Manager, Trainer, Systems Analyst and Project Manager. Mr. Michael holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Webster University, St. Louis. Growing up in Kansas City, Mr. Michael is a lifelong Kansas City Chiefs fan and, in spite of living in Chicago for a number of years, has remained a loyal St. Louis Cardinals fan. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf and other outdoor activities.
Katie Miller

Admissions Representative
Jessica Milward

Early Childhood Teacher's Aide

Jessica Milward
Early Childhood Teacher's Aide
314.989.7568
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Ms. Jessica Milward originally worked in the field of Animal Welfare, but became interested in studying early childhood education when her oldest son was a preschooler at South Tech’s Early Childhood Center. Prior to joining the South Tech team; Ms. Milward worked with infants and toddlers in an employer-sponsored childcare center. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Ashford University in Early Childhood Education with a specialization in Infant/Toddler Care.
Albie Mitchell

Design & Entrepreneurship

Albie Mitchell
Design & Entrepreneurship
314.989.7578
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Mr. Albie Mitchell is the Facilitator and Instructor of South Tech's MAKES program. Mr. Mitchell joined South Tech in 2016 and holds a BA in Studio Arts and a Master of Architecture from Washington University. He has been in a designer in St. Louis for over ten years. Mr. Mitchell has founded two design firms, and specializes in design thinking, prototyping, custom fabrication, and architectural interiors. Mr. Mitchell has been teaching for five years and has taught classes at the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts at Washington University.
Melissa Muldoon

Nurse

Melissa Muldoon
Nurse
314.989.7437
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Melissa Muldoon joined the South Tech High School team in 2019. She began her career as a pediatric nurse in 1993 and worked for several children’s hospitals before becoming a school nurse in 2013. Ms. Muldoon has a BSN from Rockhurst/Research College of Nursing. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys spending time outdoors with family, enjoying the company of neighbors and reading.
Michele Myers

CISCO Networking Academy

Michele Myers
CISCO Networking Academy
314.989.7515
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Mrs. Michele Myers has been in the Information Technology/Graphic Communications industry for many years and began teaching at South Tech High School in 2013. Prior to joining the Tech team, Mrs. Myers attended the University of Missouri-Columbia and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Mrs. Myers also earned her CISCO Certified Entry Networking Technician certificate in 2013.
Ken Neuman

Auto Collision Repair

Ken Neuman
Auto Collision Repair
314.98.7435
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After graduating from South Tech High School in 1982, Mr. Ken Neuman went right to work at a body shop and has worked for 28 years as a professional repairman in the Auto Body industry. Mr. Neuman began working for South Tech in 2010.
Phil Patterson

Language Arts

Phil Patterson
Language Arts
314.989.7736
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Mr. Phil Patterson graduated with his undergraduate degree in Secondary English Education from Indiana University & Masters Degree in Secondary Administration from UMSL. Before working for SSD, Mr. Patterson worked at Riverview Gardens High School for 12 years. He has coached both boys and girls tennis and currently coaches girls tennis at North Tech.
Paul Petrus

Construction Trades

Paul Petrus
Construction Trades
314.989.7434
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Mr. Petrus has been in the construction industry for over 30 years. He started out working for small remodeling companies during high school and college. Eventually he joined the Carpenters union and advanced to the level of journeyman. In 2008 he took an early retirement and began teaching at South Tech. As a member of South Tech he enjoys coming to work and sharing his experiences with his students.
Randy Prewitt

Automotive Technology

Randy Prewitt
Automotive Technology
314.989.7497
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Mr. Randy Prewitt has been in the Automotive Industry for over 20 years and began working for South Tech High School in 2003. Prior to joining South Tech, Mr. Prewitt worked as a Repair Technician at Dave Sinclair Lincoln. Randy has an Associate’s degree in Auto Technology, a Bachelor of Science in Applied Management, and is also ASE and EETC Certified.
Freda Reasor-West

Mathematics
Ed Rieman

Automotive Technology

Ed Rieman
Automotive Technology
314.989.7528
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Mr. Ed Rieman has worked in the automotive repair industry for over 25 years and began teaching at South Tech High School in 2004. Mr. Rieman started in a full service gas station/ repair shop in high school and moved on to a dealership. Through the dealership he obtained ASE A1-A8 and L1 and Ford Senior Master Certification. I received my degree from Ranken Technical College in Automotive Technology.
Katie Roberts

Early Childhood Education

Katie Roberts
Early Childhood Education
314.989.7423
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Mrs. Katie Roberts started working at South Tech in 2007 as an Teachers Assistant in the Sunshine Room. She moved into the role of Instructor in August 2016. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a minor in Child and Family Development from Missouri State University and is working on her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at Fontbonne University.
Matt Rola

Electronics & Robotics
Mary Schmitz

Early Childhood Teacher's Aide

Mary Schmitz
Early Childhood Teacher's Aide
314.989.7511
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Ms. Mary Schmitz began working at South Tech High School in the Early Childhood Education Department in 2009. Ms. Schmitz studied Business at the University of Missouri and prior to joining the South Tech Team; she worked at a long-term care facility as the Social Services Director.
Loretta Schnurbush

Library Media Specialist
Carla Shaughnessy

Counselor
Jim Sheppard

Welding

Jim Sheppard
Welding
314.989.7662
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Mr. Jim Sheppard has worked in the Advanced Manufacturing field for many years. Before joining the South Tech team, Mr. Sheppard began his teaching career at North Tech. He also owned and operated Machine Company, which specialized in building custom machinery. Employees were skilled in Machining, Welding and Fabrication.
Ted Stanfield

Light Duty Manufacturing

Ted Stanfield
Light Duty Manufacturing
314.989.7643
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Although Ted has been working at SSD for nearly 30 years, he says he ended up here by "accident." Ted lost the use of his legs due to a degenerative back condition back in 1985, which ended his career as a machinist. After extensive rehabilitation and some valuable advice that he would be good working with kids, Ted started back to work as a substitute teacher. Soon after, Ted was hired as a full-time paraprofessional and began teaching about 8 years ago. He earned his bachelor’s degree in 2004 and is currently working on his master’s degree.
Lois Tisdale

Early Childhood Teacher's Aide

Lois Tisdale
Early Childhood Teacher's Aide
314.989.7511
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Ms. Lois Tisdale started as an Assistant Teacher in the Early Childhood Center at South Tech High School in August of 2016. She earned her Associates Degree in Early Care and Education at St. Louis Community College and received her Bachelor’s Degree from Central Methodist University in 2012. Ms. Lois has worked in the childcare field for over 30 years.
David Tremain

Resource
Patti Venturella

Web & Computer Programming

Patti Venturella
Web & Computer Programming
314-989-7444
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Mrs. Patti Venturella has been in the Software and Web Development area for more than 25 years. Mrs. Venturella studied Computer Engineering at Missouri S&T. Before joining the South Tech team, Mrs. Venturella taught at North Tech and worked in software development for various St. Louis companies, including Boeing, Monsanto, and Ameren. Additionally, Mrs. Venturella was an IT instructor at Washington University, UMSL, and Saint Louis University.
Kristin Vergano

Dental Sciences

Kristin Vergano
Dental Sciences
314.989.7458
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Ms. Kristin Vergano has been in the Dental industry for 10 years, and has began teaching at South Tech High School in 2015. Prior to joining the South Tech team, Ms. Vergano worked as a Dental Hygienist, Histotech and became the first tutor for the Dental Hygiene program at Forest Park.
Jill Warren

Information Technology

Jill Warren
Information Technology
314.989.7465
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Ms. Warren joined the North and South Tech High School teams in 2019. She started her career as a corporate trainer in 1990. She has also been a Technical Writer and Systems Engineer before moving to St. Louis. Since being in St. Louis, she has been an entrepreneur and taught Adult Education for 14 years, both online and in the classroom. Ms. Warren holds her Bachelors in Computer Science Education from Miami of Ohio. In her spare time, she enjoys playing games and going to Six Flags.
Anita Weibert

Transportation Secretary/IMS/IDS

Anita Weibert
Transportation Secretary/IMS/IDS
314.989.7411
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Ms. Weibert has been with South Tech High since 1997. Her primary responsibility is maintaining the AdminISM database which tracks student skills progression in their respective programs as reported by their teachers. Ms. Weibert maintains the ID database, taking student and staff pictures for their yearly IDs. She also assists with transportation/routing requests from parents and students.
Matt Westhoff

Carpentry

Matt Westhoff
Carpentry
314.989.7487
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Matt Westhoff joined the South Tech High School team in 2018. He started his career in Carpentry in 2003. Matt graduated from Ranken Technical College in 2002 and joined the St. Louis Carpenters Union in 2005. In his spare time, Matt enjoys spending time with his family and being outdoors.
Mimi Wren

Early Childhood Teacher's Aide

Mimi Wren
Early Childhood Teacher's Aide
314.989.7423
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Mrs. Mimi Wren first started at South Tech as a high school student, graduating from the Early Childhood program in 1999. She began working in the department as Teachers Assistant in 2005. Mrs. Wren received her Associates Degree in Early Care and Education from St. Louis Community College at Meramec, and is now working on her Bachelor’s Degree through Grand Canyon University.
Erica Zengerling

Veterinary Sciences

All South Tech Faculty & Staff

Jacob Lohse

Karista Koehler

Russell Andrews

﻿Bob Arcipowski

John Arndt

David Bass

Elaine Baumann

Nick Beck

Heidi Binggeli

Joan Cather

Janine Cavanaugh

Chantal Chandler

Jeff Chandler

Vince Cifarelli

Sandy Cowan

Fran Davis

Emily Degenhardt

Amy Eichorn

Sue Gibbons

Chuck Hardy

Angela Harrell

Paul Heumann

Barclay Hirth

Donna Hobbs

David Hope

Louvenia Jones

Jessica Kettler

Suzanne Kirby

Kathy Kummer

Robyn Langhorst

Eugenia Lechkova

Ashli Lograsso

Melissa Maness

Sarah McManus

Dustin Meyer

Stephen Michael

Katie Miller

Jessica Milward

Albie Mitchell

Melissa Muldoon

Michele Myers

Ken Neuman

Phil Patterson

Paul Petrus

Randy Prewitt

Freda Reasor-West

Ed Rieman

Katie Roberts

Matt Rola

Mary Schmitz

Loretta Schnurbush

Carla Shaughnessy

Jim Sheppard

Ted Stanfield

Lois Tisdale

David Tremain

Patti Venturella

Kristin Vergano

Jill Warren

Anita Weibert

Matt Westhoff

Mimi Wren

Erica Zengerling

Bob Arcipowski