Board of Education

Mrs. Carmen A. Stayton, Director

(Current Term: 2023-2026)
castayton@ssdmo.org

Mrs. Carmen Stayton is the Board Director for Subdistrict 1, representing the constituents of Hazelwood, Jennings, and Maplewood-Richmond Heights school districts.

Although not many teachers can say they’ve felt an inner tug to become a board of education member, Carmen Stayton can honestly claim she has.

Her journey to the Special School District Board of Education started in 2009, after she completed her training with Teach for America. Hired by a school district in Kansas City, Missouri, she brought a lot of grassroots enthusiasm with her as she embarked on a career she’d been planning since third grade.

Her district was experiencing a lot of churn at the time - teacher contracts were being negotiated and a new superintendent had been hired. To better understand how the district was managing its challenges, Stayton began attending board meetings. The experience was a revelation and captured her interest in a way she hadn’t anticipated. 

“I became interested in the outcome of all things decided by the board,” she says. “I learned that board work is vital to the health and wealth of a school district, and I decided I wanted to be on a school board someday. After I came home to St. Louis, I said if I ever leave the classroom, I still want to have an impact on staff and families and hope to find an opportunity to do that as a board member.”

Fast forward to 2023, when Stayton’s resume now includes many years of experience as an educator and nonprofit leader. In St. Louis County, she has been a teacher in Special School District, Jennings School District, and at the Jamaa Learning Center. At South City Preparatory Academy in St. Louis, she was dean of students. Her previous board experience includes serving on the St. Louis American Newspapers in Education Advisory Board, as a facilitator on the Jennings Trauma Action Plan Team, and on the Teach for America Alumni Advisory Board. Since 2022, she has been a program manager at Washington University’s Institute for School Partnership and studies equitable math instruction in the St. Louis region. 

In June, Stayton was approved by the Governing Council to represent SSD’s Subdistrict 1. The council is the governmental body that selects each of SSD’s seven subdistrict representatives. Now she is positioned to represent constituents of the Hazelwood, Jennings, and Maplewood-Richmond Heights school districts, and provide guidance on issues that affect special education and career and technical education for staff and students in the entire county.

“Because I’ve taught in SSD, I understand the nuances and complexities of the District,” she says. “I also just have a passion for kids, so I feel like I can be a voice for them.”

What’s your life like away from work and SSD?
Until a couple of months ago, our household included me, my husband, and my 17-year-old daughter. Now we’ve added my mother-in-law and my foster brother, who is 10 years old. We live in the Hazelwood School District, where I grew up. I’m a Hazelwood Central 2003 graduate.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life?
Which chapter of my life are we talking about? I’d say my relationship with God. I feel like he sends people into my life during seasons when I need them, people who are influential and impactful for me. I listen to his voice for knowledge and wisdom. But my husband is a great support system for me, too.

What are you most proud of accomplishing?
I would say my family and career. I feel like I’ve done some really great things before 40. I still have more to do. I’m also extremely proud of my family and what they’ve been able to accomplish.

My daughter is a varsity cheerleader at Hazelwood West High School. She balances her school career with a part-time job. She just completed a transformational journey across the country with Cultural Leadership, a local organization that helps kids understand social justice issues through travel and other educational experiences. She met Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson in Washington, D.C.! She wrote a phenomenal speech about her experience at a time when she also was struggling with grief over the passing of her grandfather and cousin. She’s learned to persevere and grow. 

What keeps you awake at night?
I feel like I just want our communities to feel safe. I’m always worried whether my husband, who is a Black man, is going to be okay. There are many challenges for Black men in St. Louis and in the country. 

If you could meet and chat with anyone in the world (dead or alive), who would it be?
Warren Buffet! I stand on that choice. It will never change. He can give me all the knowledge I can hold, then I can be a wealth of resources for other people. He’s not just wealthy - he’s also kind and open to sharing information.

What are you reading that you’d recommend to others?
I’m currently reading “Choosing to See; A Framework for Equity in the Math Classroom.” It’s a good read, folks! The things the authors talk about are not limited to math classrooms. The material discussed helps folks understand how they can provide equitable spaces for discourse.

What’s your favorite dish?
Chicken wings! I eat them everywhere I go. It’s so bad. If they’re really hot, I like to dip them in Ranch dressing.

What do you do for fun and relaxation?
Cook, sleep, and hang with my husband. We’re foodies - we go out and eat for fun. We like trying new restaurants, especially minority-owned restaurants. We keep a running list of places we want to try.

Where would you go if money were no object?
Bali! I’ve seen pictures of the place, and now it’s one of my travel goals. 

If you could be a fictional superhero, which one would it be and why?
I’d be Okoye of the “Black Panther” stories in the Marvel Universe. Okoye is both a warrior and a wife. Those are titles she holds with pride. I appreciate her loyalty, plus she’s a beast in conflict! I’m also a big fan of Storm. 

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wish I could sing.

Describe a hidden talent you have that surprises others when they find out you can do it.
I believe my talent is coaching people. My friends are always telling me, “You’re such a coach!” That happens even when I’m just chatting with someone. 

Dr. Dan Cuneo, Board Vice-President

(Current Term: 2023-2026)
dcuneo@ssdmo.org

Dan Cuneo began his tenure as the Subdistrict 2 representative when he was elected to the Board in 2000. Cuneo serves the Affton, Bayless, Hancock Place, and Mehlville school districts and was elected Board President in 2021.

When Dr. Dan Cuneo decided to retire in 2001, he was 51 years old. He’d worked for the courts and other state entities for many years, mostly in Illinois but also in Missouri, as a clinical psychologist. His work has included evaluating people for mental fitness to stand trial, as well as cases that involved child deaths and custody of children. At times, he said, he’d been grateful for the hour-long drive home from the maximum security hospital in Chester, Illinois, to his home in the St. Louis area. It was time he’d used to put the stressors of his workday in his rear-view mirror.

To celebrate his retirement, he planned a vacation in Myrtle Beach, Virginia, where he rented a house that would accommodate 16 of his family members. The Cuneos’ flight schedule had given them a layover in Atlanta, where he’d heard his name paged on the airport intercom as he was awaiting his plane. There was a phone call for him from a judge, one who knew the quality of Cuneo’s work, who wasn’t going to let him ride off into the sunset yet.

He laughs as he relates their conversation. “He said he had two people at the detention center he wanted me to see. I told him I was retired and going on vacation. I don’t know whether he didn’t believe me or hoped it wasn’t true, but he hung up, knowing I’d be happy to return to my work as soon as the trip was over. My wife said it was the first time she’d seen me smile in three days. I guess I didn’t really want to retire.” And he didn’t.

Cuneo’s steadfast nature can be seen in his work for SSD, as well. He has represented the Affton, Bayless, Hancock Place, and Mehlville school districts of Subdistrict 2 since 2000. For the past year, he has led the Board as its president and senior member.

Describe your professional life.
I perform mental fitness and sanity evaluations for the judicial districts of Southern Illinois, but sometimes also the federal government agencies. My office is in Belleville. I worked for the Illinois Department of Mental Health for 24 years, mostly at Chester Mental Health Center, where I was the clinic director. I also consult with a variety of state agencies. I’m chair of the Illinois Child Death Review Team, which reviews all child deaths to determine the cause. We make a report to the Department of Child and Family Services based on the details of each case[3] [4] . I would say we review three to four cases a month in this region, but statewide it probably goes as high as 25-30 per month.

On any given day, I spend as much time in jails or the courts as I do in my office. This may be surprising to most people, but the people who need mental health care the most are in jails and prisons, not hospitals. At one time, we had large state hospitals in Illinois that served many thousands of people who needed mental health care. The commitment laws have changed, and people are supposed to be treated in community hospitals or treatment facilities, but those programs often go unfunded, and many people eventually end up in jails.

I also occasionally teach mental health and law as an adjunct professor at SIU-E School of Medicine, Northwestern University, and the University of Illinois–Chicago.

What life experiences made you want to serve on the SSD Board?
I became interested in the welfare of kids years ago.

I used to do many of the custody evaluations in the Southern Illinois area. In 1987-88, I helped create the Children First program for divorced parents. If you get a divorce in Illinois, you have to go through this program if you have kids.

I think SSD’s programming is excellent. In St. Louis County, one in six kids receives special services from SSD. I’ve worked in other places where I’ve asked for IEPs or programming, and SSD is in a completely different class. I can’t find anywhere that offers the departments and number of services provided by SSD.

Describe your home life and who’s in your household.
I’ve been married for 47 years to my wife, Chris, who’s a great mom and teaches young students at an elementary school in South County. We have two kids– my son and daughter are both attorneys. We have two grandchildren. Everyone lives in the area and we see or talk to them every day.

I grew up near The Hill in St. Louis. I went to Catholic seminary schools, Prep South and Cardinal Glennon, then on to college at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, SIU-E, and finally, the University of South Dakota for my Ph.D.

What are you most proud of accomplishing?
My two kids and a happy family!

We’ve done some great work in SSD over the past 20 years. The District has come a long way and we’re still getting better. I’m proud of that.

I could give a list of awards I’ve received, but I’m really proud of helping put together the Children First Program in Illinois. It’s done wonders in helping kids in the middle of a divorce.  The state’s Child Death Review Team undoubtedly has saved some kids’ lives.

Who has been the greatest influence on your life?
The greatest gift I’ve ever had was my family. I come from an Italian family; if you meet one of us, you have to meet everyone.

My father may have been the kindest person I’ve ever met, and my mother was the strongest-willed person I’ve ever met. She basically raised four boys because my dad traveled a lot.

My brothers and I are all completely different in what we chose to do in life. Bob is a president  of an international consulting company in Clayton. Mike lives in California– he was the guitar player for 3 Dog Night back in the day. But his real claim to fame is in writing jingles– he wrote the theme music for “The Sopranos” on HBO, as well as the one for “Judge Judy.” Tom went to Florissant Valley Community College and got an associate’s degree in computers when computers were still pretty new– he went on to work at 3M and eventually owned his own company on the East Coast.

What keeps you awake at night?
It depends. I try to separate my home life from what I have to do in my professional life.

Describe your favorite meal or dish.
I like cookies. There are no bad cookies. I also like ice cream and Italian food at Napoli’s. I’m pretty easygoing. We like going to CJ Muggs for the grandkids.

What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
Play golf, not well. I also make sure I go to the gym three times a week because I have to. I like to read, but it seems I’m always reading police files. I always tell myself I will pick up a book at the airport and read something good on the top 10 nonfiction list.

If you could meet and chat with anyone in the world (dead or alive), who would it be?
Bishop Desmond Tutu. He’s fascinating. I heard him speak once, and I was just enthralled. How did he survive? How did he continue to be in South Africa and not give up? At one time, he was the most feared man in South Africa. He talked about the time in his country’s history when, if you were Black, you could not be educated. This one individual changed the course of history in South Africa through nonviolent means by just doing what he thought was right.

Ms. Katie Pottroff, Board President

(Current Term: 2022-2025)
kpottroff@ssdmo.org

Katie Pottroff was elected to the SSD Board of Education in 2019 and serves her home district, Parkway, as Director of Subdistrict 3. Pottroff became vice president in 2022 and was inspired to serve by her son, Tommy, who attends Neuwoehner High School. Pottroff and her husband have two children and relocated to St. Louis from Illinois on the recommendation of a family member as they sought support for Tommy. Pottroff's work outside the home is focused on volunteerism in schools, their community, and as a Girl Scout Troop leader.

"I wanted to be in a position that allowed me to support him (Tommy) and other students with special needs."

While searching YouTube for a movie her children would enjoy, Katie Pottroff was delighted to find a 1986 animated film featuring her favorite childhood superhero— She-Ra: Princess of Power. This character can deflect energy beams and lift heavy robots, but she’s also a healer who can empathize with others. Perhaps in another universe, she would be an amazing school board director.

In the real world, Pottroff has demonstrated inner strengths that others might consider extraordinary. Several years ago, she and her family lived in Illinois and were seeking special services for their young son, Tommy. The school district where they lived was not prepared to educate a child like him, whose diagnoses included autism and bipolar disorder.

Her mother-in-law, a school secretary in Parkway, offered the couple some sage advice: Move to St. Louis County where Tommy could get the supports he needed from Special School District. The Pottroffs soon purchased a home in the Parkway School District and enrolled their son at Litzsinger School when he was starting second grade. The experience there was positive and gave Katie a window into the lives of families with children with special needs. Today, Tommy attends Neuwoehner High School and is doing well.

In 2019, Pottroff took her advocacy for special needs students to a higher level and sought a directorship on the SSD Board of Education. She was selected by the Governing Board to represent Subdistrict 3 (Parkway School District), where she and her family live. Last year, she became the Board’s vice president. She says the position has provided a valuable point-of-view on education issues that affect all students and staff in SSD.

While the instinct to lead is in her character, her inspiration to pursue Board membership came from someone else.

“That would be 100% Tommy,” she says. “In our former school district, finding helpful schooling for him was nearly impossible— people almost need a lawyer on retainer to be their advocate. I wanted to be on the SSD Board to get that point-of-view. I wanted to be in a position that allowed me to support him and other students with special needs.

“But Litzsinger was wonderful, like a big family. Moving to high school this year has been a process of slowly getting to know the staff and them getting to know him. We’re all just finding our groove.”

Who’s in the Pottroff family?
I’m a stay-at-home mom. In addition to serving on the SSD Board, I’m a Girl Scout troop and neighborhood leader and school volunteer. My husband and I have Tommy, who is a freshman at Neuwoehner, and our daughter, Maggie, who is in sixth grade at Parkway West Middle. And we have a dog, Mary, who is a German shepherd mix. My husband, Chris, works in IT at Mastercard.

What do you think is your greatest accomplishment (so far) in life?
My family— I know it sounds corny! But the past 14 years have not been easy. We’ve come through on the other side, though we’ve had our scary moments. But here we are— we’re all still standing and we still love each other.

Who has been a big influence in your life?
Maya Angelou. When I read “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” in seventh grade, it changed my life. She said something I’ll always remember: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” That’s an amazing philosophy to live by! It’s all about love and treating everyone with respect and kindness. And that includes treating yourself the same way. Just keep doing the best you can.

What keeps you awake at night?
I think about what adulthood for Tommy looks like. I worry about that for my daughter, too, but not as much as I do for Tommy. What employment opportunities will he have, where will he live— all that stuff.

What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
Watch movies! I was a theater major in college. I take my kids to movie theaters. Tommy’s first movie might have been “Frozen.” We love the family-friendly movies at our local theater with dimmed lights— it doesn’t matter if your kid is making noise because every kid is making noise. We like to go to the 10 a.m. showing on Saturday. Of course, not all movies are for kids, but we’ve recently enjoyed “Ghostbusters” and “Spiderman.”

Name one of your favorite books and tell us why it’s a favorite.
One of my favorites is “Prodigal Summer,” by Barbara Kingsolver. She’s so good!

What kind of music do you like to hear or play?
Classic rock. I also like music from the 1960s-70s.

Describe your favorite meal or side dish.
Mashed potatoes! I prefer just butter and salt on mine… let the potato shine!

If you could go anywhere and do anything, what would it be?
I’d go to New York! I’d love to spend a week seeing shows. I tried to be an actor in college and was told I was very loud, but I couldn’t act. So I started working on sets. I was a carpenter and props master—I helped create anything on stage that isn’t the walls or the floor. I earned a BFA in technical theater at Illinois Wesleyan University. I also met my husband working in summer stock productions at the Timber Lake Playhouse (near Mount Carroll, Ill.). 

Why is She-Ra your favorite superhero?
She’s awesome! I never got into the Marvel or DC world like my son did. She had her own flying horse, Swifty, plus she was friends with all the woodland creatures. She could change her persona from Princess Adora into She-Ra. Plus, none of the bad guys ever died— they just went home crying.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I’d have more patience. I’m not a good waiter.

Mr. Scott Moeller, Director

(Current Term: 2022-2025)
smoeller@ssdmo.org

Scott Moeller was elected to the SSD Board of Education in March 2021 as the Board Director for Subdistrict 4, representing the Ferguson-Florissant, Pattonville, and Riverview Gardens school districts.

With roots in an Iowa farming community, a stint in the Peace Corps, and more than two decades in the teaching profession, Scott Moeller brings a unique perspective to the SSD Board of Education as a Director.

At Parkway North High School, Moeller teaches U.S. history, a subject that continues to intrigue him on both a national and local level. He’s also coached cross country and baseball, and sponsored student organizations that include student council and social justice groups. Helping students find their voice as leaders and problem-solvers is “the real thrill” of teaching high school, he says.

At home, he and his wife, Jodi, are busy raising three children—their oldest son is in college at the Missouri University of Science and Technology, where he hopes to become an engineer who designs roller coasters (a professional goal that really excites Moeller). Jodi teaches English at Pattonville High School.

“I’ve lived a rich life on not much money,” he says, reflecting on the places he’s visited and experiences he’s had. “Now the cherry on top is having a wonderful family – and I dig them tremendously.”

Moeller was selected by the SSD Governing Council to fill a BOE vacancy in May 2021. He represents the Pattonville (where he lives), Ferguson-Florissant and Riverview Gardens school districts. For him, the position has been an opportunity to voice the collective concerns, hopes, and observations of teachers and staff when decisions are considered by the Board. 

Many people in the SSD community may not know that Moeller also has a creative side. He designed a board game in 2012—"Pitch It,” which challenges young entrepreneurs to develop product ideas for customers in target markets (e.g., fishing boat operators, cheerleaders, country music fans). Although the concept was well received in high school business classes, he decided to discontinue the product when big toy companies launched similar games. The game is still in circulation on eBay.

What led you to teaching?
I have humble roots—I grew up on a farm in Iowa, majored in agronomy in college, then volunteered with the Peace Corps in Senegal, West Africa for three years. I was fascinated the whole time— I loved the cross-cultural experience! That turned me on to studying history, a subject I hated in high school. So I got my social studies teaching certification in Iowa and later earned my master’s degree in U.S. history.

Do you think students have changed over the past 20 years?
I would say how students are wired has changed. Because technology is so engaging, their attention span has grown much shorter— it forces all us teachers to adapt as best we can to compete with that level of stimulation. But professional teachers do their best to adapt. We integrate as much technology as we can— we bring it all in! Tech also has changed the game in regards to reading and writing. The stamina students have for reading is diminishing, so we have to blend things like reading challenges and writing argumentation with tech resources. All of us teachers are aware of this – we just ask students to give us a fair chance.

Describe the school climate this year… are students supporting each other? How have they managed the transition from home to school after schooling from home for months?
I think students “get” each other in a remarkable way. They don’t trust adults very much nowadays, and there’s some antagonism and pettiness that sometimes emerges among them on social media. But when push comes to shove, the kids rally together remarkably well. And they’re inclusive of students with disabilities of any type. Maybe this reflects the bubble that I’m in in Parkway, but I sense it across their generation— an openness and inclusiveness that gives me hope. 

I think there’s some hangover from COVID-19— we’re all still processing it even now. Of course, there are gaps in skill levels. They want to go back to that happy place of chat rooms and phones, and ignore the challenging stuff. Some students are making the transition from home to school in a decent way, but others still struggle and need services and help from teachers.

Why was it important to you to serve on the SSD Board of Education?
Getting an opportunity to affect growth and change, and to have some influence in decision-making, has been exciting. I’ve brought some perspective to the Board as a history teacher—I’ve studied a fair amount of St. Louis’ neighborhood history, such as the policies that have shaped some of the inequities in the region. I also had a summer school teaching position at Riverview before coming to Parkway. It all motivates me to do my homework and bring my best voice to the Board table for collaboration.

I’ve also co-taught with special education teachers over the years, so I’ve loved discovering remarkable and amazing qualities in students that don’t show up on IEPs. These students have tremendous strengths if we’ll just work to understand the whole child. Connecting that experience with what I describe as the regional reach of SSD is very gratifying. It’s also very exciting to be able to support our staff and help them do their jobs better.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life?
Probably my dad. We’ve had some political differences, but I try to remember the concepts of moderation, civility, and decency; to embrace all viewpoints; to not be a divisive figure. Dad was our school board president when I was growing up. The example he set, even in a small town—it made me want to contribute something to my own community.

What keeps you awake at night?
Racial inequities in our country and other forms of discrimination. The ways in which we still devalue others. Social inequalities. Wanting things to be fair. Making opportunities available for everybody— these are things my wife and I discuss a lot.

If you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be?
Abraham Lincoln! I’ve heard there’s a lot of historical accuracy in Spielberg’s movie about him. I’m drawn to that sort of perspective, one with humanity. He’s brilliant.

What’s your favorite dish?
I’m a big fan of barbeque and burgers. I love food from Sugarfire Smoke House or Hi-Pointe Drive-In burgers.

What do you do for fun and relaxation?
I still try to run, but my knees hurt! And my Achilles tendons! I’m 52. I just want to be able to play basketball. I also like to read about current events, history, and social commentary.

Where would you go if money were no object?
My wife and I want to go to Italy and wander around. We could check out the il postino (the post office)!

Dr. Joseph Sartorius, Director

(Current Term: 2024-2027)
jsartorius@ssdmo.org 

Dr. Joseph Sartorius was elected to the SSD Board of Education in March 2024 and represents Subdistrict 5, which includes Brentwood, Kirkwood, Lindbergh, Valley Park, and Webster Groves school districts. He is a Lindbergh Schools resident and a professor of education graduate studies at Southwest Baptist University. Before joining academia, Sartorius served as a director of special education services and area coordinator for Special School District (SSD) and as an elementary school principal with Lindbergh Schools. He holds a doctorate in school administration and a specialist degree in administration from St. Louis University. He also holds a master's degree in administration from Southeast Missouri State University and a bachelor's degree in elementary and special education from Southwest Missouri State University.

With nine thriving children, a long career as an educator, and a deep commitment to his volunteer pursuits, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his position as a director for the Special School District’s Board of Education.

He started his tenure on the Board in March 2024 as the representative for Subdistrict 5, which encompasses the Brentwood, Kirkwood, Lindbergh, Valley Park, and Webster Groves school districts. His interest in serving on the Board is rooted in his experiences as a parent, educator, and community volunteer. He fully understands the impact a high-quality education can have on a student and is committed to ensuring students served by SSD have access to the resources and opportunities they need. He feels that “meeting the needs of our students is the primary concern” and that the Board must use resources wisely to provide services and quality programs and instruction. But he also wants to support the people at the top of the organization, who make decisions affecting the entire school district. 

“One of the main reasons I wanted to run for the SSD Board of Education is so I could support the superintendent,” he says. “But I think the District already has a great plan and is moving in the right direction - there are a lot of moving parts to a school district. The people in SSD have really good heads on their shoulders and want what’s best for the kids and staff, from the custodians to the teachers to the directors. They have to keep a lot of balls in the air, and it’s not easy.”

He is a Lindbergh Schools resident and a professor of education graduate studies at Southwest Baptist University. Before joining academia, Sartorius served as a director of special education services and area coordinator for Special School District (SSD) and as an elementary school principal with Lindbergh Schools. He holds a doctorate in school administration and a specialist degree in administration from St. Louis University. He also has a master's degree in administration from Southeast Missouri State University and a bachelor's degree in elementary and special education from Southwest Missouri State University.

Describe your professional life.

My professional life has been dedicated to education and community service. I have worked as a teacher, administrator, director of special services, and currently a professor of graduate education in school administration. My career has allowed me to develop strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of educational policies and student needs.

When I was working on my Eagle Scout project as a teenager, I worked with a troop of Scouts who had disabilities as we were putting together our first Camporee. After that experience, I decided to go into education. I worked at summer camps for the organization now known as St. Louis Arc. I later got a degree in elementary education and special education at Southwest Missouri State. 

I’ve taught students with behavior disorders in fourth and fifth grades. I later went into administration as an assistant principal. I was a principal for 15 years in Lindbergh Schools, where there were several self-contained classrooms in my school. I then became the director of special services there, and later worked as an area coordinator with Parkway folks at SSD’s Central Office. After I retired, I was asked by Southwest Baptist University to run their graduate school programs (now mostly online) in St. Louis and teach administration courses, like advanced school finance and communication, for principals and superintendents. I’ve been doing that for about 18 years.

What’s your personal life like away from work?

Away from work, I enjoy spending time with my family and engaging in various hobbies such as fishing, gardening, and model trains. I believe in maintaining a healthy work-life balance and finding joy in activities that allow me to relax and recharge.

My kids are all doing well. Maddie and Hannah are both oncology nurses at Children’s Hospital. Andrew, who is our oldest child, is chief legal counsel in Jefferson City for the Missouri Local Government Employees Retirement System (LAGERS). Emily is a principal at Edgar Elementary School in Webster Groves School District. And Dan is a pharmaceutical technician. After I retired, we adopted four younger children who are all in Lindbergh Schools– one is a high school senior this year, another is a sophomore, and the other two are in middle school. My wife has been a labor and delivery room nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital for 30 years and is quite fond of kids! We also have six grandchildren and two more on the way.

I’ve served on so many boards, including the Delta Gamma Board for Visually Impaired Children. It’s a sorority that supports visually impaired children. I was the first male board member ever. Two of my kids, Andrew and Maddie, are visually impaired – they have ocular albinism and are legally blind. Maddie, who is 28 years old, recently passed her drivers license test by using bioptic lenses. Andrew’s wife has the same condition - neither of them drives, but they can both walk to work.

I now volunteer as the chair of the conservation committee for the Greater St. Louis Area Boy Scout Council. I’ve been working on writing grants and doing some long-range work with them on a sustainable tree-harvesting program. For the past couple of years, I worked on a book with Tim O’Donnell on the history of Camp Beaumont (near Eureka). It’s now for sale, and all the profits go to the Scouts!

Who has been the greatest influence in your life?

The greatest influence in my life has been my father who was an elementary school principal. His guidance, support, and wisdom have shaped my values and inspired me to pursue a path of service and leadership. He started in Lindbergh, then went to Parkway at Clayton Woods Elementary School until it was closed. My mom was a second-grade teacher at Rockwood’s Eureka Elementary School. I was one of five boys in my family, and three of us went into education.

What are you most proud of accomplishing?

I am most proud of my family. My wife and I have five children who all have a college education, are employed, and each have been successful in their careers. We adopted our four younger children after they lived with us for a while as foster kids.

What keeps you awake at night?

I often find myself thinking about the well-being of our four youngest children, educational equity, and ensuring resources for schools. These concerns motivate me to work harder and find solutions that will benefit our students and community.

If you could meet and chat with anyone in the world, who would it be?

I would love to meet Jimmy Carter, a president and influential community leader. He was successful in being a role model for what he did after his presidency. His experiences and insights have provided valuable lessons and inspiration for my work and personal growth. He didn’t have to go to work for Habitat for Humanity, but he did. I think we should all think about how we can make a difference in the lives of others and help them be successful.

Name a book or movie that you’d recommend to others and tell us why.

I would recommend “Pappyland: A Story of Family, Fine Bourbon, and the Things That Last,” by Wright Thompson. It’s a story about the decline of the distilling business and how hard it was for him to sell his family’s company. He later joined the folks at Buffalo Trace using barrels from his previous company to produce a new bourbon. He doesn’t distill anymore or own a company, but he’s provided a foundation for another generation to do something they can be proud of. The book is about making a difference for others, passing on family legacies, and knowing what’s important in life. I’m not a big drinker, but I like this story. It has deeply influenced my perspective, and I believe others can benefit from it as well.

What’s your favorite food or dish?

My favorite food is French toast. It’s not just delicious, but it also brings back fond memories of my parents getting up early in the morning and providing a wonderful experience for myself and my four brothers.

During the Depression, my grandparents used to make French toast. My dad is a triplet – there are six kids in his family. They would make an old German recipe, where you use day-old bread to make it hold the egg batter better. Then they’d put butter and cinnamon sugar over the top. My parents later made gobs of it for us on Sunday mornings or special days.

I’ve kept that tradition going. We have a house on the beach in Alabama, where we stay with our family for a few weeks every year. The kids always ask, “Which days are French toast days?” My 85-year-old mother-in-law also comes and can’t wait for the French toast!

What do you do for fun and relaxation?

For fun and relaxation, I enjoy reading, hiking, fishing, and spending time with family. These activities help me unwind and keep me grounded.

As a hiker, I’ve hiked the Camino de Santiago in Spain, more than once. The first time I was asked to go with some college students who were taking a mission trip – we hiked through the Pyrenees Mountains. The following year, we hiked another part of the trail. My younger brother and I later hiked the southern route, starting in Lisbon, Portugal, along the coast to Santiago. I don’t know if I’ll ever do it again.

Where would you go if money were no object?

If money were no object, I would travel to England and Ireland. My wife has always said that is where she would like to go. She’s always wanted to go to England and see the Queen's palace. Experiencing new cultures and landscapes would be incredibly enriching and enlightening.

If you could be a fictional superhero, which one would it be and why?

I would choose to be Superman because of his powers to help others and his impact on the world. He was the superhero I grew up admiring. His story resonates with me and aligns with my own aspirations to make a positive difference.

What would you like people to know about you?

I would like people to know that I am deeply committed to education, community service, and equity. I am passionate about helping others reach their goals and will work tirelessly to achieve them for the benefit of our community. I’m really just a regular person looking at ways I can help others.

Ms. Joanne Soudah, Director

(Current Term: 2024-2027)
jsoudah@ssdmo.org

Joanne Soudah was elected to the SSD Board of Education in March 2024 and represents Subdistrict 6, which includes Ladue, Normandy, Ritenour, and University City school districts. Soudah resides in the School District of University City, where she also served as a kindergarten teacher for 29 years before retiring. Soudah holds a master’s in education from Maryville University and a bachelor’s in early childhood education from UMSL. She has taken additional coursework in science education from Washington University and has a lifetime certification in early childhood education, pre-K to 3.

“The Board plays a critical role in helping establish the direction of the District as it transitions to new leadership,” said Soudah. She feels this is a key issue for the Board moving forward, along with rising to the challenge of teacher recruitment and retention and monitoring the fund balance to support and empower students of all learning abilities to excel to their greatest potential.

Dr. Yuval Asner, Director

(Current Term: 2023-2026)
yasner@ssdmo.org

Yuval Asner was elected to the SSD Board of Education in 2020 and serves Subdistrict 7, comprised of the Clayton and Rockwood school districts.

Dr. Yuval Asner recently finished reading all seven “Harry Potter” books to his two children, a journey that began two years ago. People familiar with the series will understand this is no small feat—the seven books in the series collectively contain 1,084,170 words. And he isn’t quitting.

“Sometimes your voice gets tired,” he says, “but my dad read to me when I was a kid. Now we’re moving on to ‘Pippy Longstocking.’”

Asner is a pediatric psychiatrist who has been seeing his young patients at Mercy Clinic on Ballas in St. Louis. Both he and his wife, Elaine, grew up in the St. Louis area, although he and his parents lived in Israel until he was 10 years old. The couple returned to St. Louis after he completed medical school at Indiana University—Purdue University Indianapolis and his residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. He has been a member of the SSD Board of Education since 2019, representing residents of the Ladue and Rockwood school districts in Subdistrict 7.

Away from work, Asner and his wife enjoy spending time with their kids— a son, 9, and a daughter, 6— who attend school in Rockwood. He occasionally carves out some time to play Dungeons and Dragons with his son and his son’s friends, but the entire family enjoys exploring trails and creeks together. Both children are Cub Scouts and attend the same meetings, though they’re in separate dens— it simplifies the family activity schedule and allows both kids to participate in things they like to do.

An intellectually bright student, Asner was in all the advanced classes at Parkway North High School, but never questioned how special services were provided to students. After completing his medical degree at the University of Indiana and residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, he returned to St. Louis and began employment with Mercy Hospital as a pediatric psychiatrist. That’s when he was introduced to the services provided by SSD.

“I had a patient whose parents told me they were looking for a place their son could get an evaluation for special education services,” he says. “At the time, I thought they’d encounter the usual barriers that I’d seen in other parts of the country. But six weeks later, they told me they’d met with people from Special School District and their son had an IEP. That was a shocking experience for me! And it was the first time I realized what SSD was doing for kids throughout St. Louis County. By the time my own son needed an evaluation, I already knew there was a process in place that would help us get what he needed.”

Asner says 2020 was a disastrous year for many of his patients. He had hoped to keep schools open, but later accepted that it wouldn’t be possible to do safely. He doesn’t think the pandemic has increased his patient load, but it has made the lives of the children and adolescents already in his care more difficult.

Describe your professional life.
I see patients from all over St. Louis County and the surrounding area. Although my specialty deals with the treatment of children and adolescents, I often follow patients with developmental disabilities into adulthood. I work with kids with a variety of issues, including ADHD, learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Many of them have IEPs at their schools. This population of people is perhaps the most underserved in the country.

What life experiences made you want to serve on the SSD Board?
The calling to public service comes from my parents and my upbringing in the Creve Coeur community. My parents taught me public service is something we should all strive to do.

I always knew I wanted a career in medicine, but I didn’t know I’d like psychiatry until after I went to college in Indiana. After graduation, I spent a year doing volunteer work with AmeriCorps in New York City. That year of public service was a formative experience for me. When I was in medical school, I began doing psychiatry rotations and working with forgotten people who are often misunderstood. And that’s when I realized I especially liked working with kids.

When my wife and I moved back to St. Louis, I didn’t know about SSD. My previous experience in getting services for patients who needed special services had been challenging and confrontational — I essentially had to fight for them because there was a lack of funding for special services. But now I know how transformative those services can be. I’ve often seen more improvement in patients who get the special services they need than when they’re on medications.

I don’t think there’s anything like SSD in the entire country. To truly understand kids in our community, we must understand their needs. Most of my patients are kids who receive SSD services. So when I found out there was a vacancy on the Board, I applied.

Who has been the greatest influence on your life, and what did this person teach you or mean to you?
My parents have had a strong influence on me when it comes to public service. There was always this expectation that we all should do more for our community— life is not about living selfishly. But I’ve met a lot of inspirational people throughout the years. When I was living in New York, I think I was inspired by the leaders of our AmeriCorps service program, whereas in medical school, it was the doctors who taught me.

What are you most proud of accomplishing?
My kids — I love them! I think that’s how most parents feel. We have a great relationship. Spending time with them is both humbling and rewarding. I know it sounds corny, but I’m really happy when I have a positive impact on any kid’s life. It’s pretty remarkable!

What keeps you awake at night?
I try to get to bed on time. It varies but 10 PM is what I call “pumpkin time.” Sometimes I think about my patients, but after years of being in my profession, I’ve gotten used to some of that worry. When the pandemic started, I did lose some sleep. I worried about whether keeping kids in school was the right or wrong decision to make. They’re going to write books about the year 2020 and all the decisions that were made, but at least we’ll know we were trying to do the best we could.

Describe your favorite meal or dish.
I make a pretty good paella using the recipe from America’s Test Kitchen. It takes a long time— my wife and kids don’t like it, but it’s great. I also like to eat lots of salads and sushi. My picky son now likes sushi and my daughter will eat it, though it isn’t her favorite. This has been a major meal triumph at our house over the last few months.

What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
I practice Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but I’m not very good at it. I used to enjoy scuba diving— when my kids are older, we’ll all go scuba diving. I like spending time outside and visiting creeks. I also enjoy vegetable gardening— we plant dill, and when the butterflies lay eggs in the leaves, we capture them in a jar and watch them hatch into caterpillars.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Maybe the Galapagos Islands.

Name one of your favorite books and tell us why it’s a favorite.
“The Hobbit”– it’s the first almost adult-level novel I remember reading. I first read it when I was nine years old, but I find myself rereading it all the time.

What kind of music do you like to hear?
Whatever my wife and kids tell me to listen to. I’m not picky.

If you could be a fictional superhero, which one would it be and why?
Spiderman— he’s pretty cool.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would probably change the amount of free time I have.

What do you want people to know about you?
I think that some people don’t realize that members of the SSD Board are stakeholders in the District. Some of us have kids with IEPs and, naturally, are very invested in SSD’s success. But none of us are compensated in any way. I stay up late a bunch of nights to do Board work. We’re just citizens who share the same concerns as others in the District.