Faculty & Staff

Co-Head of School, Math

Mark Norwood

I’ve been working in independent schools for more than 30 years, 15 of them at Crossroads. I live in St. Louis City in the Forest Park Southeast neighborhood, now often called The Grove. I studied philosophy and theology at Saint Louis University and went on to get a Master’s degree in Education at Washington University. I am married to Beth Obertino, and our two children are Crossroads graduates. Hannah (class of 2009) is getting her PhD in social work at the University of Chicago and is interested in immigration, youth, and education. Josh (class of 2011) is a weekend woodworker and a weekday mechanical engineer at Ford Motor Company in Detroit. I love tea and will happily make a cup for you if you stop by my room or office.

Co-Head of School, English

Sarah Pierson Wolff

I’ve been at Crossroads for almost 30 years and have served in a number of administrative and teaching positions allowing me to serve the students and their families in a range of ways, all relationship-based. I earned my BA in English and Education from Colgate University and my MA in English Education from New York University (valedictorian in 1990). My first love is the classroom and anything to do with kids, books, writing, and ideas (though time spent on the coast of Maine is a close second). I chose to settle with my family right around the corner from Crossroads, making this community more than just my workplace.

At Crossroads, I know my students well, and when they know I see them and believe in them, I can push, support, challenge, and engage them most meaningfully. I also love that humor and humility are center stage for all of us at Crossroads.

Director of Enrollment

Ashley Long-Plump

After graduating from Crossroads in 2009, I went on to study Special Education at Missouri Valley College and began a career working in early childhood education as a teacher and administrator. In 2022, I made my transition back to Crossroads, a place I’m now happy to call home. Working at Crossroads gives me the opportunity to be part of the supportive environment that helped shape me as an adult. Remembering the impact that having this community of adults in my life as a student inspires me to be that to students now. I left Crossroads truly believing I could accomplish anything: giving that feeling to current students is the best way to pay it forward.

Athletic Director

Bob Beatrice

I have been at Crossroads for more than 20 years and am the parent of three Crossroads alums. My teams have won five conference championships and have been the runner-up in a number of District Championship games. The teams that I put on the court and field have a reputation for being aggressive and fast-paced, and play with a great deal of passion and energy. I played college baseball at The Catholic University of America. I also served as the Assistant General Manager of the New York Yankees Class A affiliate in Virginia and coached college baseball at East Stroudsburg University. I spent nine years at the prestigious Sidwell Friends School in Washington DC, where I served as a football, basketball, and baseball coach. I am currently the Commissioner of the South Central Athletic Association.

College Counselor

Brian Parsons

I joined Crossroads in 2018 after bouncing around the Midwest. After spending a year in the public affairs department at Monsanto, I relocated to Cincinnati where I earned my Master’s degree in Secondary Education. I taught high school English and coached golf and tennis for almost six years. Following another move to Grand Rapids, MI, I spent the next seven years working as an advisor for the TRiO program, a Federal outreach program to provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, and teaching first-year writing seminars at Aquinas College. Now back in St. Louis, my family and I have settled in Webster Groves. I am married to my college sweetheart, Jillian, and have two wonderful kids, Megan and Colin. When not teaching, I’m reading non-fiction and try to play as much golf and tennis as my family’s schedule allows. I dream of one day playing in Scotland and Ireland.

Co-Lead of Educational Innovation

Bryan Pannill

I joined Crossroads to teach English and serve as the 5th Day co-chair after teaching at a new charter school in Dutchtown called Kairos Academies. Before that, I taught English at Salisbury School in Connecticut and at Sherborne School in the UK. I am passionate about the transformative power of reading and writing, social-emotional learning, and design thinking. I am an active writer and artist, and also spend my free time playing board games, meditating, and doing anything outside, especially camping, biking, and canoeing.

Math, Learning Specialist

Cat Turner ’12

I’m thrilled to be returning to Crossroads—this time as a math teacher! I graduated from Crossroads in 2012 and went on to earn my undergraduate degree from Hendrix College, where I studied Psychology and Gender Studies. I later received my master’s degree in Secondary Mathematics Education from Johns Hopkins University.

My teaching journey began in Dallas at an Early College High School before I decided it was time to come home to St. Louis. I hold certifications in 9–12 Mathematics and Special Education, and I’m passionate about making math meaningful and accessible for all students.

In my free time, I love doing math just for fun, hanging out with my dog, Bodie Craig (and I’m always happy to share pictures), and attending concerts and music festivals whenever I can. I’m also a big soccer fan—especially of Liverpool FC and St. Louis CITY—and rarely miss a match.

School Counselor

Celeste Chappuis

I have been joyfully and gratefully working with students and their families for more than 30 years as a teacher, coach, and counselor. While attending a small liberal arts college in West Virginia called Davis & Elkins, it became clear that working with children and adolescents would be her life’s work. It was later at Washington University’s Brown School of Social Work that I learned the skills to support their needs.  I am a cook, baker, and avid pickleball player. I love to play and watch all sports, and I am a certified yoga instructor. I live with my partner and our rescue cavalier spaniel named Gracie.

Fine Art

Christa Denney

I have 25 years of experience as an art educator. I earned my BFA in photography and Printmaking from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and my MFA in Photography and Ceramics at Rochester Institute of Technology. I have served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Missouri, St. Louis, and Maryville University. I have also taught at Craft Alliance and at COCA, working with a wide range of students from kindergarteners to adults. I have received a number of awards and grants for her artistic endeavors and my work has been included in various exhibitions regionally and nationally.

Science

Cliff Sodergren

I first discovered a love for physics as a high school student at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy. I enjoy hands-on activities, whether assisting others with car maintenance or attempting home repairs. I also enjoy working with teenagers and have spent most of my career working with students in various capacities, including at Crossroads, since 2009. When I have spare time, I enjoy exploring the outdoors, watching good movies, reading, and participating in most sporting activities.

Middle School

Corinne Groark

I teach Language Arts, Visual Arts and 5th Day as part of the Middle School Team. I am a journalist, turned clinical social worker, turned Director of Admission (here at Crossroads, years ago!), turned teacher. I have taught elementary, secondary and post graduate courses, and working with adolescents every day is an absolute delight! I am interested in almost everything, and I love gardening, kayaking Missouri’s rivers, collage and artmaking, and my bees. My partner David and I chose Crossroads for our three (now adult) children. We knew the Crossroads environment (diverse community, dedication to inclusivity, academic excellence, and kindness, kindness, kindness!) was exactly where we wanted them to learn and grow. I’m so very thrilled to be back in the halls!

Spanish, Science

Diana Bantu

This is my first year at Crossroads, and I am excited to join this amazing team of educators. I have always had a love and passion for teaching ever since I was a young girl. I come from a large Puerto Rican family, born and raised in New Jersey, (which means I love diners, NY pizza slices, and sarcasm!).

I studied undergrad at Wheaton College, earning my BA in Spanish and Secondary Education. I went on to study Theology, Urban Ministry, and Pastoral Leadership in the Hispanic Context, receiving my Master of Divinity and Doctorate of Ministry respectively from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. I have had over 20 years of teaching experience in public schools, charter schools, private schools, and private tutoring. My husband and I enjoy doing ministry together in the community, and we have two teenage children, whom I also homeschooled for 10 years.

When I am not at work, I am with my family, hiking, exploring, watching movies, and cooking Puerto Rican food! Although I have a great passion for teaching Spanish, my passion as an educator goes far beyond language-learning. In my short time at Crossroads, I have become invested in the emotional growth and academic success of my students, and I am so grateful to be a part of this community.

Middle School, World Languages, Student Life

Diana Corey

I have a passion for travel, languages, and music. I have studied, worked, and traveled throughout China. I love taking Crossroads students to China to experience Chinese language and culture up close. My favorite part of every trip is seeing students realize how much they’ve learned and what they can do with it.

My musical background is in cello performance. I have enjoyed playing in symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles, and on worship teams, and have been a fiddle player and singer-songwriter for several bands with eclectic genres. I live in North St. Louis with my husband, Michael, and three children. I get excited about world travel, theme parties, hors d’oeuvres, karaoke, party games, and cello covers of popular music.

Math, Co-Lead of Educational Innovation

Ethan Lightfoot

I teach math at Crossroads and am also the Co-Lead of Educational Innovation. I’ve taught in the public sector and have written content for high stakes standardized tests. I earned my Master’s degree in Mathematics from Southern Illinois University–Carbondale along with two Bachelor’s degrees from Southeast Missouri State University in Secondary Education and Applied Mathematics. I am a hobbyist and spend my free time developing games, losing at chess, and tinkering with new dinner recipes. The majority of my time is spent with my beautiful daughter, Valerie, my wife, Mariah, and two dogs Ramsey and Teddy.

Office Manager, Registrar

Gigi Burks

I began my tenure at Crossroads in June 2025, while the halls were empty and phones were silent, which allowed me time to familiarize myself with the facility, staff, and students’ names. I am excited for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year! I bring over 20 years of Office Management and Bookkeeping experience. I accepted this position of Office Manager / Registrar because I love being around young people, and the Crossroads staff was so welcoming, even during the interview process. I am a grandmother to many. I used to be a foster parent which was some of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I still have contact with a couple, and get to bond with their growing families. I am excited to be a part of this big Crossroads family!

Facilities Manager

Greg Noble

Here at Crossroads I am the facilities manager! I’m a father of three kids and enjoy hanging out with them and my wife. My main hobbies are being with the family and watching sports with my two sons. I enjoy camping, just chilling by a fire, and hanging out by the water!

Director of Advancement

Jessica Goodhart

I’m proud to serve as Director of Advancement at Crossroads, where I get to combine my love for community with more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, communications, and organizational leadership. A graduate of the University of Minnesota–Duluth, I’ve built my career partnering with boards, donors, and community members to grow meaningful philanthropic support. At Crossroads, I oversee development and engagement efforts—from the Annual Fund and major gifts to corporate and foundation partnerships and communications.

As a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), I care deeply about ethical, donor-centered philanthropy and creating lasting partnerships that strengthen communities. I’m also honored to serve on the board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals – St. Louis, where I support professional growth and equity in the field.

When I’m not at Crossroads, you can usually find me in the garden, watching birds, or out on a walk with my beagle, Laney.

Science

Howard Granok

I have been teaching biology at Crossroads for more than 20 years. Before that, I taught at Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School in Joplin, Missouri. I earned a BS in biology from Emory University in 1988, and a PhD in molecular genetics from Washington University in 1996. In addition to chairing the science department, I also coach our state- and nationally-ranked chess team. I love to share my passion for the sciences with my students, many of whom have gone on to careers in STEM fields (the greatest reward for a career science teacher). I also love to fly fish, and tie my own flies. I am married to Jodi Granok, a professional organizer and Saint Louis native.

World Languages

Jad McDaniel

I followed in my wonderful mother’s footsteps by becoming a teacher and have more than 21 years of experience teaching Spanish. I have a passion for traveling the world, learning about different cultures, and speaking Spanish and French. I majored in Spanish at Washington University in St. Louis, studied for a year at the University of Salamanca in Spain, and later took Masters courses in Madrid. I enjoy volunteering and visiting family and friends in other countries. I am very interested in learning traditional dishes from around the world to cook with my students and for friends. I often teach a life skills class to assist high school students learn the art of independent living by infusing together real-life activities, such as cooking, organic gardening, budgeting, and meditation. I enjoy supporting the city of St. Louis, helping to organize fun events at our school, eating at new restaurants, listening to music, walking, film, art, animals, collecting unusual objects, campfires, and admiring Stephen Colbert.

Director of Business and Operations

Joy Fowler

Social Studies

Karsen Jurenka

I am joining Crossroads as a first year teacher. I’m a native St. Louisan, excited to be returning home! I have studied education at the secondary level for the past four years, and have earned my Bachelor’s of Science in Secondary Education and History/ Social Studies. When I’m not in school, I am cooking and experimenting with new recipes, playing volleyball, and working through my movie watchlist. I am grateful to be working at Crossroads with a great community of teachers, staff, and families that attend.

Middle School

KP Parentin

Theatre

Lizi Watt

LIZI WATT is a performer, director and theatre educator. Since earning her MFA in Theatre: Contemporary Performance from Naropa University, she has taught acting at New York University’s Experimental Theater Wing, Naropa University, Rhodes College, Acrobatics of the Heart at Earthdance, the National Alliance of Acting Teachers: Teacher Development Program, Marlborough School (LA) and COCA, and has regional directing credits across the country. Some performance credits include Gloria: A Life with New Jewish Theatre, Digging Up Dessa with Metro Theatre and Fiction at St. Louis Actors Studio, Alarm at Blue Roof Studios (LA), Daedalus’ Daughter at REDCAT (LA), Hamlet with Prison Performing Arts (featured on This American Life), Weetzie Bat at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, 2.5 years touring with Metro Theatre Company (US and Taiwan), The Lysistrata Project (part of the Global Peace Initiative) and Big Love and Midsummer Night’s Dream with Boulder/Denver-based theatre, Band of Toughs. She is the author of House of Daughters, It’s a Girl and mama, a solo performance piece. She has also contributed to many devised works, including Saltwater, with the International Theatre Collective, The Blind Watchmaker, at the Bug Theatre (Denver), and (Re)Production, at Fools FURY (SF). She is the mother of Oliver, Inez and Sabine and is ever-grateful for her roots as a St. Louisan, and as a member of the Wyandot Nation. Lizi is thrilled to be working with the incredible youth who come through Crossroads.

Social Studies

Mike Pomatto

I’m in my ninth year at Crossroads and my 30th year as an educator. I have taught many subjects, but primarily World History, Economics, and subjects related to political and economic ideas and philosophy. I also teach two courses in our Makerspace. I earned a Bachelor’s in History and Economics from Knox College where I also lettered in football and baseball. I earned a Master’s from the University of Missouri–St. Louis in History. Part of my graduate work was completed at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland, where I studied the Polish language and history. I am currently a PhD student in Historical Studies researching Race, Ethnicity, and Ideology at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. My wife, DeAnn, is also an educator and we have two children, Nicole and Ella (class of 2018). When not at school, I am reading, in my home shop building something, or enjoying a middle-aged hipster life in the Cherokee neighborhood of the city.

English

Nate Reyes

After student teaching at Crossroads last spring as part of Saint Louis University’s education program, I’m joining as a first-year English teacher this fall! I’m originally from Omaha, Nebraska (Go Skers!), and have lived in St. Louis for five years. I graduated with a BA in Secondary Education and English with a concentration in Research Intensive English. When I’m not focused on school, I enjoy playing pickleball, shopping at thrift stores, playing board and video games, and spending time in the kitchen. I look forward to building connections and community with the students, families, and staff of Crossroads!

Business Manager

Sara Chrisler

I have been at Crossroads for more than 34 years and have seen many transformations of the school, including working for every Head of School since the founder, Arthur H. Lieber. I received my BS in Business Administration from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. I love to spend her free time with my nieces and nephews (my “babies”), go to movies, and listen to books. I spend every summer vacation in Rhode Island, the most beautiful place on earth.

Director of Curriculum, Science

Sarah Tolch

I began teaching while in graduate school and quickly realized that I loved sharing science with my students. So I decided to go into the classroom rather than the research lab. I moved to St Louis in 2002 to teach 7th-12th grade at Thomas Jefferson School. After six years at Thomas Jefferson, I moved to MICDS. While at MICDS, I taught Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in the Upper School and was the Director of the Summer Academy. I realized that I missed the energy of a middle school classroom, so I was excited when the position opened at Crossroads and I could join such an active and energetic community. I am married and have a daughter and three dogs. As a St. Louis transplant, I love the zoo and the many restaurants the region has to offer. Cooking is one of my favorite hobbies. In fact, my macaroni and cheese has won awards at competitions!

Technology Coordinator

Tom Walsh

I have more than 35 years of classroom experience, much of it at Crossroads. I currently serve as Technology Coordinator and Network Administrator for the school as well as teaching AP Computer Science Principles and Computer Programming. I began my career at Crossroads teaching in the History Department, and taught many courses including AP US History, Modern World History, United States History, and US Government and Politics. My wife Tammy and I have three grown children – an intensive-care nurse, a gunnery sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps, a preschool teacher, and two grandchildren.

Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications

Zoe V. Love

Hi, my name is Zoe, and I love my role at Crossroads as Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications! My work centers authentic storytelling: uplifting the accomplishments of our students, families, and alumni, while capturing the joy and meaning of everyday Crossroads life. My goal is for every student to look back on their time here and feel their story was celebrated, documented, and shared with care.

At Crossroads, I teach the 5th Day Media Studio course  and run our GSA (Genders and Sexualities Alliance). In all of my creative work, I center consent and care, helping students feel comfortable and confident in their own skin while also encouraging them to step beyond their comfort zones. Communications, for me, is about more than events and announcements: it’s about building community and reflecting the heart of Crossroads.

Outside of work, you’ll find me curled up with my cats and a book of poetry, dancing in the rain, or exploring St. Louis for flora, fauna, and favorite spots like the Art Museum, the Botanical Gardens, and Saucy Porka. If your special interests include social media, film, or photography, I’d love to collaborate!