We are happy to welcome these new and returning faces to our staff!
Molly Antoine, South Campus Librarian
Molly Antoine joins St. Mary’s as the new South Campus Librarian. A native Memphian, Molly received her bachelor’s in human services from the University of Memphis and her master’s in library and information science from the University of Southern Mississippi. Over the past decade, Molly has served as a librarian in a school, university, and public settings. Outside of school, Molly enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time with her two cats, Tank and Olive.
“I’m looking forward to creating innovative programs for South Campus, and I hope to inspire students to love the research and writing process as much as I do,” Molly said.
Kristen Brooks, South Campus Nurse
Kristen joins Caroline Wiliams this year as a nurse for our Middle and High School students. She’s worked in the Emergency Department at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital since 2015. She earned bachelor's degrees in psychology from The University of Mississippi and nursing from Union University. A native Memphian, Kristen loves spending time with her family, beach trips, and antique shopping. She has two daughters – a JK student and a future Turkey.
“I’m excited to help the girls in any way I can,” Kristen said.
Ann Pretzer, Assistant Director of College Counseling
As the new Assistant Director of College Counseling, Ann will join Beverly Brooks in helping students and families navigate the college process. Ann has a bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College and a master’s in education from the University of Tennessee. Ann previously worked as Assistant Director of College Admissions at Oberlin College and is excited to help students navigate the college application process. Ann enjoys playing and teaching violin, traveling with her family, reading, and playing tennis in her free time.
“I went to middle school at St. Mary’s and know it’s a wonderful school full of caring and talented people,” Ann said.
RaShauna Wright, Professional Learning Librarian
RaShauna joins the library team as a Professional Learning Librarian. Originally from North Carolina, RaShauna earned her bachelor’s degree in English and African American studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master’s degree in library science from North Carolina Central University. She has experience working in multiple library and educational settings, including K-12 schools, public and academic libraries.
When she’s not busy making magic in the library, RaShauna enjoys spending time with her husband, John, staying connected with her family and friends, and exploring the world around her through good books, good films, good food, and travel.
“I’m excited to become a part of St. Mary’s so that I can support the scholars as they grow academically, explore their interests within the realm of the library and through research, and support and collaborate with the dedicated faculty and staff members,” RaShauna said.
Nikki Davis, Director of Belonging
We welcome Nikki Davis as St. Mary’s Director of Belonging. Davis is an experienced educator, counselor, and coach who strives to create a space where people feel seen, heard, and valued. Davis has master’s degrees in sociology and teaching from the University of Memphis and a bachelor’s degree in general studies and psychology from the University of Kansas, where she played basketball.
Before joining St. Mary’s, Davis worked at St. George’s Independent School as Director of Counseling, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator; and Girls’ Varsity Basketball Coach. She previously served as a Middle School math teacher and team lead.
“I believe my personal and professional experiences have prepared me to do amazing work at St. Mary’s. I feel honored to be a part of a school committed to creating and maintaining an environment where all community members feel valued and respected,” shared Davis.
Davis will lead programs and outreach that sustain a diverse, equitable, and inclusive school community. She will collaborate with the Belonging Task Force of the school’s Board of Trustees and chair the faculty and staff Belonging committee.
Alicia Kellum, Technology Support Systems Manager
Alicia is the Technology Support Systems Manager. While a native of Greenville, MS, she’s lived in Memphis for 13 years. Alicia has a bachelor’s degree in history from Jackson State University and is currently enrolled at Tech 901, completing multiple technology certifications.
“I’m excited to work at St. Mary’s because I enjoy learning and mastering something new with technology as well as being able to help the entire school,” Alicia said. “I think being a girl on the tech team here will be very cool for the students to see.”
Donna Van Hoozer, Administrative Assistant to the Associate Head of School
The parent of a Turkey alumna, Donna is excited to be part of the St. Mary’s family as an employee. Donna, a native Memphian, worked as a substitute teacher at St. Mary's and Presbyterian Day School for more than 15 years. Before staying home with her children, Donna worked in medical sales. Donna and her husband Jon are the parents of Julia ’23 (a student at Sewanne) and Jon, Jr. (a student at the University of Tennessee). Donna loves the Grizzlies, the New Orleans Saints, and cooking.
“I love a dress-up day, and I can’t wait to share my Turkey spirit with our students,” Donna said.
Larry Britt, Facilities Team
A familiar face to the North Campus, Larry Britt joined St. Mary’s Facilities team officially this summer. Larry previously worked as a day porter through a staffing agency in the Early Childhood Center. He’s known for his cheerful attitude and kind words. He enjoys spending time in nature and with his family. He is OSHA certified in construction safety and health.
“I am dedicated to bringing a high level of hospitality,” Larry said. “I like being at a place where people can grow.”
Switching Roles
Christina Block, Early Childhood Head (Previously Lower School Learning Specialist)
Experienced educator and former Director of Learning Support, Christina Block, is the new Head of the Early Childhood Program. Block has nearly 20 years of experience working as a speech-language pathologist with early childhood-age children, serving the last eight years as the Director of Learning Support. Block worked closely with parents, teachers, and administrators to develop plans to support students and help them reach their intended educational goals.
Block is committed to high standards, challenging curriculum, and innovative learning. She is well-versed in how girls learn and recently co-led the project to redesign St. Mary’s Pre-K literacy curriculum. Block is the mother of Josie ’24 and Amelia ’26.
“As the new head of the Early Childhood Center, it is my job to carry on the tradition of excellence while also looking to current best practices and future growth to start our St. Mary’s students off with the strongest possible foundation,” shared Block. “I look forward to partnering with our caring and talented faculty as we support our children’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being.”
Catherine Denman, Director of Libraries (Moving from North Campus Librarian)
After three years as North Campus Librarian, Catherine is the new Director of Libraries. Catherine has 11 years of experience as a school librarian. She received a bachelor’s in classical studies from Millsaps College and a master’s degree in library and information science with school library endorsement from the University of Southern Mississippi. Catherine is a recently ordained deacon at Second Baptist Church and chairs the Family Ministry Team. Catherine and her husband, Larry, are proud parents of Adelaide ‘33, Millie the Goldendoodle, and Henry Mittens, the cat. In her spare time, Catherine enjoys reading, singing, baking, making crafts, and crafting parodies of children’s songs into library songs.
“I am thrilled to lead our libraries, the place where I learned to love reading and research, and continue the history of St. Mary’s robust library program,” said Catherine.
Jordan Park, Director of Technology (Moving from Technology Support Systems Manager)
An educator at heart, Park has six years of teaching experience at international schools in Indonesia, Afghanistan, and Bolivia. He received a bachelor’s in elementary education from the University of Memphis. He has also earned a CompTIA Network+/Security+ certification and is an Apple Certified Technician. Jordan previously served as a Help Desk Specialist since 2019.
“We have spent the last few years modernizing our technology and practices at the school. Now, I’m excited to lead and develop our school into a pioneer and model for other independent schools in our use and training of technology as a tool,“ said Park.
Sara Dollar, Lower School Learning Support (3-5), (Moving from 1st Grade)
After working with our first-grade students, Sara will become the new Learning Specialist for grades 3-5. The native Memphian joined SMS after teaching at the Bodine School for four years. She has a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders (Speech Pathology) from the University of Tennessee. Sara has additional training, including a master of arts in teaching with a reading specialist license from Christian Brothers University. She is Orton-Gillingham Classroom certified and has three years of training from the Simultaneous Multisensory Institute of Language Arts.
Sara and her husband Jeremy welcomed their first child this spring, James Paul "JP." They have two dogs, Hudson and Darby, that they also love! Sara shared, “I am excited to work with various aged students in small groups and one-on-one settings. As the Learning Specialist, I get to incorporate more of my remediation background, which I am thrilled about.”
- All-School
