Celebrating New Faces, New Roles, and a New Year

We're excited to celebrate the incredible educators and staff members joining the St. Mary's community this year, along with those taking on new roles across our campus. Whether they're new faces or familiar ones embarking on a new chapter, each team member brings unique gifts, fresh perspectives, and a shared commitment to helping every girl flourish. Join us in celebrating these outstanding members of the St. Mary's family as they help make the year ahead one to remember.

Early Childhood Center

Brennan Adrian

Early Childhood Learning & Wellness Specialist

We are thrilled to have Brennan Adrian return to St. Mary’s as our new Early Childhood Learning & Wellness Specialist. Over the years, Mrs. Adrian has served many roles at our school, including Early Childhood Head and Lower School and ECC Counselor.

She is a National Board Certified Counselor and a Licensed Associate Counselor. She holds a Bachelor's in Elementary Education and a Master's in Counseling from the University of Memphis. Mrs. Adrian and her family are so excited to be returning to Memphis and the St. Mary’s community, especially her daughters, Evaline ’33 and Corinne ’30, who cannot wait to be turkeys again!

“I love that St. Mary's ensures every girl is provided individual support, the resources to thrive, and the invaluable gift of being truly known,” said Mrs. Adrian. “In this role, I look forward to providing additional support to our youngest turkeys and helping them build strong foundations for learning.”

Allie Dudley

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Help us welcome Allie Dudley to the Pre-K team! Mrs. Dudley has been teaching kindergarten for almost 4 years now. She holds a Bachelor’s in Education from the University of Memphis, with specializations in K-6 education and K-12 special education. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Dudley enjoys spending time with her husband and three kids, Brown, Holmes, and Ivy ’40.

As an SMS mom and aunt, Mrs. Dudley says she is “honored to be part of a school that empowers girls, nurtures their unique strengths, and helps them grow into confident, compassionate, and capable young women.”

Macy Shermer

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Macy Shermer is delighted to be joining the Pre-K team this year! Mrs. Shermer graduated from the University of Tennessee with her Bachelor's in Communication, but says teaching was always on her mind. After getting the opportunity to join our Pre-K classrooms as a substitute co-teacher this year, she fell in love with teaching and plans to pursue a master’s degree in education as soon as possible.

“I am so excited to have the opportunity to work with some of our youngest learners and to be a source of encouragement and positivity as they embark on their SMS adventure!” said Mrs. Shermer. “As a former St. Mary's student, I aspire to instill in these girls the same love for creativity and discovery that I experienced.”

Anna Witte

Junior Kindergarten Teacher

Please help us welcome Anna Witte to the Early Childhood Center! Mrs. Witte received her Bachelor's in English Education from Pepperdine University and a Master's Degree in Instruction and Curriculum Leadership from the University of Memphis, with a concentration in Literacy Education. Mrs. Witte planted roots in Memphis 15 years ago and has taught at public and independent schools for many years, but her proudest achievement is being mom to Dex, Rivers ’37, and Poppy ’40.

“I have always had a great passion for reading and writing, and I am over the moon to teach our little Turkeys the foundations of literacy. Pinch me!”

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Lower School

Allie Groeschell

First Grade Teacher

Senior Kindergarten teacher Allie Groeschell is so excited to be moving into the Lower School! Mrs. Groeschell joined St. Mary’s in 2023 after teaching first and second grade in the Memphis Shelby County School System. She holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Early Childhood Development from the University of Tennessee, as well as LETRS and Dyslexia training certifications. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Groeschell spends her free time crafting, painting, and enjoying nature with her family and three pets.

“St. Mary's holds a special place in my heart after only three years,” said Mrs. Groeschell. “I have a strong passion for early childhood development, and I look forward to creating a nurturing classroom environment where the girls can thrive and explore their interests.”

Mandi Hill

Fifth Grade Literature

Mandi Hill is excited to soar into the fifth grade at St. Mary’s! With more than 30 years of experience teaching in public and independent schools, Ms. Hill is deeply passionate about fostering a love of reading and learning in all her students. Ms. Hill has a Bachelor’s in Education from the University of Memphis and a certificate in Instructional Coaching from the Ayers Institute at Lipscomb University.

“I am thrilled to join such a wonderful group of educators who put the needs of girls first!” says Ms. Hill about joining our community. “I know it will be an amazing journey, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Jessica Muller

First Grade Teacher

Jessica Muller is flying into the first grade at St. Mary’s! In addition to 12 years of teaching experience, Mrs. Muller has two degrees from the University of Memphis: a Bachelor's in Fine Art and a Master’s in Teaching with a concentration in Elementary Education. A native Memphian, Mrs. Muller loves spending time with her family, reading, and caring for their many chickens.

“I am thrilled to join the faculty and community at St. Mary’s,” said Mrs. Muller. “First grade is an extraordinary year of learning, during which students make significant leaps in reading, independence, and social growth. I feel privileged to guide these girls as they discover their potential.”

Kendall Visinsky

Fifth Grade Teacher

Kendall Visinsky is swimming back into the classroom this fall! Mrs. Visinsky is no stranger to St. Mary’s. She started the St. Mary's Lower School swim team 12 years ago and still coaches for the program to this day. Mrs. Visinsky has been teaching for nearly 10 years and has spent the last 4 years in our own Athletics Department. She holds business degrees from Washington and Lee University and Vanderbilt, as well as a Master's in Teaching in Elementary Education from Christian Brothers University. As mom to two St. Mary’s girls, Leighton ’26 and Carter ’29, Mrs. Visinsky loves to spend her time cheering on the Turkeys at sporting events across the country.

“St. Mary's has been very special to my family, especially the teachers and coaches, who have each had an important role in the growth and development of my daughters,” said Mrs. Visinsky. “I am so excited to hopefully play a similar role in the lives of the girls I get to work with.”

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South Campus

Emily Hale

Middle & Upper School Choral Teacher

Join us in welcoming Emily Hale to the Fine Arts Department as Middle School and Upper School Choir teacher! Ms. Hale earned her Bachelor’s in Choral Music Education from The University of Memphis and received the Orpheum High School Musical Theater Award for Outstanding Music Direction in 2025. As a vocalist and an educator, Ms. Hale continues to perform nationally and internationally in a wide variety of choral and solo settings. These diverse experiences inform her teaching, where she focuses on building vocal confidence, musicianship, and a strong sense of ensemble unity.

“I am so excited to join the St. Mary's team as the Choir Director!” says Ms. Hale. “I cannot wait to start rehearsals with fresh energy, honor the traditions of the school, and help our girls shine on stage this year!”

Nathan McHenry

Director of Fine Arts

Please help us celebrate Nathan McHenry as he begins his new position as Director of Fine Arts. Mr. McHenry has taught Upper and Middle School band for seven years. He came to St. Mary's from a career in theatre, having served as music director and a resident company member at Playhouse On the Square. He also holds a BFA in Musical Theater from Belmont University and continues to work in theatre and music at venues in and around Memphis. In his new role, he will be helping us grow the offerings, visibility, and excellence of our Fine Arts program by providing leadership for curriculum development across dance, visual arts, theater, and music.

“I am thrilled to be spearheading the next chapter of growth in the Fine Arts department at SMS,” said Mr. McHenry. “St. Mary's Fine Arts faculty members are doing some excellent work. I look forward to supporting their efforts and guiding the department toward advancement to enrich the students' artistic experience at SMS.”

Page McMullen

Physics Teacher

Page McMullen is so excited to be joining the Upper School team as our Physics teacher! Ms. McMullen has nearly 30 years of STEM teaching experience, most recently teaching AP classes in calculus, computer science, and cybersecurity. She earned her Bachelor’s from Rhodes College before earning her Master’s in Learning, Design, and Technology from Stanford University. While Ms. McMullen might be a long-time Memphian, don’t be surprised to see her cheering on the University of Maryland Terrapins, where her two children attend.

“As an educator, I want to be part of a community that holds students to high standards because we believe in them and nurtures them because we care about them,” Ms. McMullen says about joining St. Mary’s.

Halle Smith ’16

AP Psychology & AP World History Teacher

We are delighted to welcome long-term substitute teacher Halle Smith ’16 as our newest instructor for AP Psychology and AP World History. After graduating from St. Mary’s in 2016, Ms. Smith attended Vassar College, where she earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Correlate in Mathematics. Upon graduation, she returned to Memphis, where she worked in research labs for five years, completing her Master’s in Psychology from the University of Memphis in 2025.

“I really look forward to learning what content is most interesting and meaningful to the students,” Ms. Smith said. “Also, I look forward to being a part of the St. Mary's community and all the adventures that entails. Thanks for having me!”

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All-Campus

Katie Collier ’96

Human Resources Manager

We are so happy to welcome Katie Collier ’96 back to St. Mary’s as our new Human Resources Manager. Since graduating from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a degree in Psychology, Ms. Collier has gained experience in employee benefits, human resources, and independent schools. In her free time, she likes to travel and spend time with her family and daughters, Mary Caroline, Maddie ’27, and Jane ’29.

“I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to the community that has been part of my family's life for so many years,” says Ms. Collier on returning to her alma mater.

Kinslei Crouch

Communication Coordinator

Kinslei Crouch is excited to be joining the St. Mary’s Communication team this fall! Ms. Crouch is a recent graduate of Western Kentucky University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Advertising. She is also a global citizen in her own right, having studied abroad in London, England, and Florence, Italy. Ms. Crouch has won district competitions in graphic design and been a national finalist for the American Advertising Federation National Student Advertising Competition. She is moving to Memphis with her fiancé, who will be continuing his studies at the Southern College of Optometry. We’re thrilled to have the honor of introducing her to both the St. Mary’s community and Memphis! 

“I’m excited to contribute to a community where I understand the unique impact a close-knit environment has on students,” said Ms. Crouch.

Cam Ferguson

Assistant Athletic Director

Cam Ferguson is thrilled to help empower our athletes, at all ages, to be the best versions of themselves possible. Ms. Ferguson is a graduate of Rhodes College with a Bachelor’s in Biology and a minor in religious studies. At Rhodes, she was a collegiate-level softball player and developed a love for coaching. In her free time, Ms. Ferguson is always excited to try new coffee shops and sit outside with a good book.

“Female athletics is such a powerful tool in emboldening women. I cannot wait to help the girls with everything they can accomplish!” said Ms. Ferguson.

Katty Griffin

Chief Financial Officer

Please help us in welcoming Katty Griffin as our new Chief Financial Officer, a role she has assumed after working closely with retiring CFO Lynn Isaacs. Mrs. Griffin received her Bachelor’s in Accounting from the University of Tennessee and her Master of Accountancy from the University of Memphis. Mrs. Griffin and her family have been part of the St. Mary’s community for many years now, and she says it feels like home. Both of her daughters, Caroline ’22 and Clare ’24, were lifers at St. Mary’s before also attending the University of Tennessee (Go Vols!).

For the last five years, Mrs. Griffin has served as Assistant Controller within the St. Mary’s Business Office, and says she’s “excited to take this next career step at St. Mary's working alongside so many great colleagues.”

Kristen Ireland

Administrative Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer

Join us in welcoming Kristen Ireland to the St. Mary’s team! Mrs. Ireland attended Mississippi State, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Coaching with a minor in Science. She has taught in elementary, middle, and high school settings and coached high school volleyball. An avid Bulldogs fan, Mrs. Ireland and her husband, Jeremy, share two daughters, Lillie ’26 and Annie ’28.

“I'm excited to start my new role at St. Mary's, and look forward to contributing to the support system that has helped guide and shape my daughters during their time at St. Mary’s,” said Mrs. Ireland.

 

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Auxiliary

Amelia Kreher

Auxiliary Staff

After spending her college years in Boston, New York, and Paris, Amelia Kreher has come full circle, returning to the St. Mary's community as a member of our Auxiliary staff. A St. Mary's alumna, Ms. Kreher earned her bachelor's degree in Global Liberal Studies with a concentration in Economy and Society from New York University. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, writing, playing tennis, and hiking.

"As an alumna, so much of who I am was fostered by the inspiring and passionate faculty and staff at St. Mary's," said Ms. Kreher. "I am excited to have the opportunity to help a new generation grow into thoughtful and kind-hearted St. Mary's girls."

Kiara Norris '18

Auxiliary Staff

Kiara Norris ’18 is thrilled to be back at St. Mary’s as a member of our Auxiliary staff! Ms. Norris graduated from Fordham University with her Bachelor’s in Political Science in 2022, where she competed in D1 swimming. She holds her Practitioner Teacher License with an endorsement in Language Arts Grades 6-8. Over the last four years, Ms. Norris has served on both ends of education, working in the classroom and after-school care for two years before transitioning to her most recent role, where she provided holistic support to unemployed parents. St. Mary’s has also been lucky enough to have her as a Lower School swim coach for the last three seasons! Go Turkeys!

“What an honor it is to return to such a warm and supportive community that provides girls with an exceptional faith-based education, competitive athletics, and a commitment to community service!” said Ms. Norris. 

Abby Stinnett

Auxiliary Program Coordinator and Nest Teacher

Abby Stinnett is thrilled to join our Turkeys in the Nest and After3! After receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Harding University in 2021, Ms. Stinnett became Harding’s Director of Campus Life, where she ran campus programs and events for students for two years. Ms. Stinnett is passionate about working with children and is driven by a desire to support their growth and make a lasting positive impact. Ms. Stinnett has been an instrumental part of our Auxiliary community since February and is excited to use her experience to cultivate a fun and engaging after-school environment for St. Mary’s students. 

“Kids constantly inspire me to use my creative side,” Ms. Stinnett shared. “When I am with our After3 students, you are sure to see me getting down on their level and being fun, silly, and creative alongside them!”