Cultivating student curiosity, creativity, and confidence drives our work. Through an interdisciplinary approach, we prepare our students to be independent thinkers, clear communicators, and effective problem-solvers. Together, we’ve created a special community that celebrates individual strengths, ensuring all students are seen and supported, known and needed.
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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.
MA Washington University:Education
BA St. Louis University:Philosophy and Theology
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.
MA New York University:English Education
BA Colgate University:English
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.
BA Catholic University:Philosophy
Director of Business and Operations
Michelle Chlebowski
I support the school as the Director of Business and Operations. My career started in public accounting, but my passion was always to serve a not-for-profit. I hold a CPA license, as well as a Masters in International Accounting from City University in London. Seeing the world and experiencing different cultures is a true passion, but St. Louis will always be my home! I live just a few blocks from Crossroads with my husband, two children, and two dogs. Exploring the neighborhood, walking in Forest Park, and finding the best places to eat help keep my family busy!
BS Maryville University-Saint Louis:Accounting and Marketing
MS City University-London:International Accounting
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.
MSW Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis:Clinical Social Work
BA David & Elkins College:History & Political Science
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.
BS University of Missouri-St. Louis:Business Administration
World Languages
Diana Corey
I teach Mandarin, and have a passion for people, language, and music. I am a former member of the KU Symphony Orchestra and chamber ensemble, have studied, worked, and traveled throughout China, and have taught full immersion Chinese at the Middlebury-Monterey Language Academy summer program. 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, board games, and cello covers of popular music.
MA University of Kansas:Teaching and Curriculum
BA University of Kansas:Chinese Language and East Asian Language and Culture, Cello Performance (minor)
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.
MFA Rochester Institute of Technology:Photography and Ceramics
BFA The University of the Arts, Philadelphia:Photography and Printmaking
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.
PhD Washington University:Molecular Genetics
BS Emory University:Biology, Religion (minor)
Math, 5th Day Department Co-Chair
Ethan Lightfoot
I teach math at Crossroads and am also the 5th Day co-chair. 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.
MA Southern Illinois University:Mathematics
BS Southeast Missouri State University:Secondary Education and Applied Mathematics
Admissions Co-Lead, Registrar
Ashley Long
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 had 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.could accomplish anything: giving that feeling to current students is the best way to pay it forward.
Missouri Valley College:Special Education
World Languages
Kristen McCullough
I graduated from the University of Missouri–St. Louis with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish. I taught Spanish at Crossroads from 2008 to 2017 and then returned during the 2018-2019 school year. I enjoy international travel. In addition to teaching, she also serves as a volunteer minister as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
BA University of Missouri-St. Louis:Spanish
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.
BA Washington University:Spanish
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!
English, 5th Day Department Co-Chair
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.
BA Princeton University:English Major, Creative Writing Minor
English
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.
MEd University of Cincinnati:Secondary Education
BA DePauw University:English Composition
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.
MA University of Missouri-St. Louis:History
BA Knox College:History and Economics
Director of Student Life, Middle School, Humanities, Certified Yoga Instructor
Gretchen Roberts
I rejoined Crossroads after a year away in Colorado. This year is my 25th year working with middle school students. As the Director of Student Life and Middle School Teacher, I am grateful and proud to be a part of educating our youngest students. I hold a Master’s degree in Instructional Strategies, as well as an administrative certificate. My undergraduate work includes a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and another in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Middle School. Outside of school, I love to cook, read, and be in close proximity to water.
MA Rockford College:Instructional Strategies
BS University of New Hampshire:Political Science
BS Southern Illinois University-Carbondale:Elementary Education with emphasis in Middle School
Administrative Certification:Eastern Illinois University
Director of Development
Dana Salony
Dana’s passion for philanthropy and education has put her in fundraising for over 20 years. She holds a BS in Business Management from Drury University. Originally from Springfield, MO she has proudly called St. Louis home for over 15 years. In her spare time Dana enjoys spending time with her husband Mike and their daughter Charlotte. Their favorite family hobbies are attending as many Cardinals and Blues games as possible, watching all the ones they cannot attend on television, cooking, music, and traveling whenever they can.
BS Drury University:Business Management
College Consultant
Barbara Sams
I provide college counseling to Crossroads juniors and seniors and their families as a partner at McNeal Sams College Consulting. I have an extensive career in university admission and high school college counseling prior to partnering with Cornelia McNeal to form McNeal Sams College Consulting. I have expertise in advising on admission to universities worldwide, advising future college athletes, advising international students seeking a US education, the US military academy process, and advising students with learning differences. Throughout my career, I have earned local, regional, and national praise for my professionalism and commitment, and in 2019 the Princeton Review recognized me as one of the “20 School Counselors Who Make a Difference.”
BA Westminster College:Economics
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 repairs on our well-aged house in south St. Louis, where I live with my beautiful wife, Jen, my adorable daughter, Lizie, and our two dogs. 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, and helping with my church’s youth group. I attribute growing up as a Cubs fan for giving him the ability to hope against all odds, and he says he is still in blissful shock that the Cubs actually won the 2016 World Series.
BS Southeast Missouri State University:Engineering Physics, and Mathematics (minor)
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!
MS St. Louis University:Chemistry
AB Smith College:Chemistry
Teaching Certifications:Chemistry 9-12, General Science 5-9
Technology Coordinator, Computer Science
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.
MS Fontbonne University:Instructional Design and Technology
BS Southeast Missouri State University:Secondary Education
Communications Coordinator
Zoe Conner
Hi, my name is Zoe, and I am so excited to tell the unique stories of Crossroads as Marketing and Communications Coordinator! I love curling up with my cats and a good book of poetry, dancing in the rain, and exploring the outdoors to look for cool flora and fauna. My favorite spots in STL include the Art Museum, the Botanical Gardens, and Seoul Taco. If your special interests include social media, film, and photography, please reach out to collaborate with me!
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill:English and Comparative Literature
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.
Naropa University:MFA in Theatre: Contemporary Performance
Admissions Co-Lead
Gillian Getzewich Kuplent
Gillian’s professional background is in development and event planning. She holds a BA in History from Providence College in Providence, RI – Go Friars! Gillian started her career at McKinsey & Co. in New York before making the move to higher education development as Director of Donor Relations at Rutgers University. Originally from New Jersey, she relocated to St. Louis in 2005 and lives in University City with her daughter, Katie, and son, Lukas. Gillian is passionate about animal welfare and serves as Board President for Animal House Cat Rescue and Adoption located on The Hill. Gillian is also a co-owner of Urban Chestnut Brewing Company, proudly located in the city of St. Louis.
BA Providence College:History
Math
Jasmin Ceric
With a B.S. in Mathematics, an M.Ed. in Secondary Education and an additional 18+ graduate hours in mathematics, Jasmin is passionate about educating young minds to learn and love math! Jasmin is excited to join the strong Math Department at Crossroads, teaching basics and special topics in mathematics.
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.