About Our Staff

Our teachers have a diverse educational background including early education, social work, speech therapy and sciences. We hire teachers whose educational philosophies are in line with our school's philosophy; many of our teachers have had children who have been through our program. Newly hired teachers participate in mentorship and are provided with continuing education opportunities throughout the year in the form of in person and online presentations, participation in conferences when possible and monthly staff meetings. Additionally, we provide support through observation and feedback from our director team and bi-annual school wide in-services.

Kate Morris - Director, Classroom Observation and Support

I became the director of St. Mark’s Nursery School and Kindergarten in 2022 after six years of teaching here. My husband and I have two sons who attended St. Mark’s, a place that now feels like my home away from home. When my children left St. Mark’s to begin public school, I stayed, excited to join this community of knowledgeable and passionate educators. For many years my work here paired beautifully with my work as a licensed speech language pathologist providing early intervention for families through First Steps. As a teacher, I am happiest when connecting in the present moment with young children witnessing and reflecting their experiences, or when singing interactive songs like Wheels on the Bus where children can participate by using their bodies and changing the words. I am humbled by the opportunity to serve St. Mark’s families and teachers as the director, and am excited by more opportunities for connection, collaboration and growth.

The childhood memories I hold most dear are those of love and empowerment: the soft touch of my grandmother, the wind in my hair riding bikes down neighborhood hills, or the sense of autonomy and connection to something bigger that I felt when high up in a mulberry tree or on the roof of my house.

Today, when I am not absorbed in the world of early childhood, I enjoy yoga, tending my garden, baking, Sunday brunches and hikes with my family and walks with my husband and two dogs.

Julie Hammond - Assistant Director, Classroom Observation and Support

After teaching at St. Mark’s for 13 years, I am now the assistant director. My journey here started when my husband Bret and I chose St. Mark’s for our children Aiden and Addie. The guidance and reassurance we received from the various teachers, as well as the opportunity to take parenting classes, were invaluable during the early days of our parenting journey. The opportunity to see our children thrive in this child-led community, and to make lifelong connections, was exactly what we were looking for for Aiden and Addies first school experience. While the kids attended St. Mark’s, I enjoyed volunteering in the classroom and on the parent committee; I also substitute taught during that time. During my time teaching, I have worked in a few different classrooms with different age groups.  While in the classroom, I especially love witnessing the social emotional growth, and beautiful connections made between students, teachers and families within our classrooms and community. In this role, I am most excited by the opportunity to support teachers, and take on challenges. 

As a child of the 70’s, my fondest memories are attending the same elementary school where my mom taught  (Rogers elementary), riding bikes all over the east side of Bloomington with lifelong friends, and playing kick the can during the long summer nights. In my spare time I enjoy gathering with my book club, walking and lunching w/friends, and spending time with our family and elderly pugs.

Susie Walker - Office Manager

I am the office Manager at St. Mark’s.  My history at St. Mark’s starts far before my employment as all four of my children were students here!  My daughters Caroline and Catherine started at St. Mark’s in 2012- Caroline in the young toddler class and Catherine in the infant class.  St. Mark's was my respite, community, and safe place as I grew my family.  Nora and Joejoe soon came along and found their place here as well.  Joejoe had an abrupt end to his St. Mark’s time as his last year finished at the start of the pandemic.  I was sad to have that chapter of our life close and I missed my St. Mark’s family and was thrilled to start working here just a year later.  

In my former life before kids, I went to IU School of Nursing and met my future husband working in the hospital in Indianapolis.  I spent several years working in intensive care units before transitioning away from the bedside to risk management.  I stayed home while I had my four kids (in five years!)

My fondest childhood memories are playing outside with my dog, running errands with my dad, and having endless alternating sleepovers with my best friend.  

Now I enjoy spending time outside with my family, either at the pool, in the garden, or hiking.  I love traveling with my husband and can’t wait to explore more of the world with my family.

Amy (Ames) Land - Milkweed Teacher

I started working as a teacher at St. Mark’s in August 2021. I am a Bloomington local and I live with my wife Brooke who I met while attending Harmony High School. I have worked and volunteered in the Early Childhood Education field since 2013, and acquired my Child Developmental Associate (CDA) in 2019.

I love being a part of children’s lives and helping them discover the world. Supporting children as they develop their own means of navigating through life, emotionally and physically, is a really important and fulfilling position. Growing up on a farm outside of Bloomington I was constantly exploring the outdoors and experiencing the beauty and magic that is nature. In my everyday life I still enjoy exploring nature, creating art, learning about the world, and being extremely silly.

Erica - Milkweed Teacher

I’m so excited to start my first year at St. Mark’s! While this may be my first year with St.Mark’s, I’m not new to working with children. I went to school for early childhood development and education and have worked with little ones in one way or another since 2000. I’ve worn many hats along the way from teaching in special education, teaching daycare and preschool, and working as a certified car seat technician to name a few! I love watching and encouraging the natural curiosity of children and seeing their unique personalities develop. I truly love the philosophy of St. Mark’s and the focus of social and emotional learning.

I was raised in Bloomington going on adventures in the woods and playing in the creek where my family lived, and my parents still live! I am grateful to have the ability to raise my own family here surrounded by extended family and friends I’ve grown up with. We have a wide variety of animals and spend a lot of time as a family working with the dairy cows, taking the newest family puppy out for enrichment opportunities in the community, and creating our own family fun wherever we go. With 4 kids and an abundance of animals, we stay busy and always try to take in and appreciate the small moments of everyday life. When I have down time and quiet time, I love reading and deep diving into new research and learning.

Anna Miller - Violet Teacher

I started teaching at St. Mark’s in 2019 in the young 2s class and very quickly felt like I’d found my work-home. That school year was cut short by the pandemic, but the strength of our school community kept us connected! I’ve worked in many capacities with infants, children, and parents in the Bloomington community for over 20 years and finally feel like I’m where I want to stay. My degree is in Human Development and Family Studies, and I also work as a prenatal and postpartum doula and consultant. As a young child, my family lived in an intentional community in rural West Virginia, then came to Bloomington and lived right downtown from ages five to 12, just two doors down from the library! Such different experiences, both incredible in their own way. During those years on Kirkwood Avenue, I spent my time reading, doing gymnastics, riding my bike, roller skating, making a zillion friendship bracelets, and caring for all sorts of odd pets. Now I live on five acres with my husband, cats, chickens and ever-evolving garden.

Brooke Bradley - Violet Teacher

I am excited to start my second year teaching here at St. Mark’s Nursery School! I had the good fortune of attending St. Mark’s when I was a child, and I am overjoyed at the opportunity to return here as a teacher.

Amy (Ames) Land, of the Milkweed Class, and I have been partners for over ten years and wives as of 2021. We have both been invested in early childhood education ever since we were teenagers.

Prior to joining St. Mark’s Nursery School I enjoyed working and volunteering in early childhood education at Harmony School, Bloomington Center for Global Children, and The Nest at New Hope. Along the way I developed a passion for observing and participating in the exciting ways young children learn through play. It is so rewarding to be a support and guide through the joys and challenges young children experience on a daily basis.

Growing up in Indiana, my own childhood was spent exploring nearby woods and creeks, and finding nice quiet spots to read. Now in my free time, I enjoy playing music, gardening, crocheting, language learning, reading, and cuddling my dog.

Grace Donnelly - Violet Teacher

I have been working with children for around 9 years now. I started out babysitting some family friends, then completed a counselor training program at my childhood summer camp, and eventually became a full time counselor at that camp. This is where I discovered my passion for working with kids in a play based educational setting. More specifically I enjoyed helping and watching kids discover new things in a relaxed environment with endless possibilities. This got me thinking: how do children develop and grow, and how do their brains process our big world?

With this in mind, I began college and declared my degree in psychology with a focus in child psychology. Last year I graduated from Flagler College with a degree in psychology and a minor in theatre arts. During my time in school I had the opportunity to volunteer at a local preschool where I gained wonderful experience working with children ages 1-5. I even took a theatre class where we wrote and performed an interactive  play with a group of 4 year olds. The play, Sam and the Sea Turtle, was a big hit and it was so fun to create, play, and learn with them. After my sister had her first baby, my desire to work with preschool aged kiddos grew even more.  Seeing little Lucy grow up in front of me and learn about the world around her with such a unique perspective has been inspiring.

This will be my first year at St. Marks and I could not be more excited to have the opportunity to step in as a teacher in the Violet classroom. Outside of my passion for working with kiddos, I enjoy camping, sports, painting, singing and all things theatre. I have also been doing photography since I was 15 and continue to do freelance photography as a creative outlet to not only make myself smile but to capture the smiles of the lovely people of Bloomington. And, last but not least, I spend lots of time with my very large family and lots of time with my very fluffy cat, Simon, who I absolutely adore!

Anna Knust - Chicory Teacher

My time at St. Mark’s began in 2015, when my family and I moved back to Bloomington. My son started in the 3s class and my daughter started in the onesies. I loved my time as a parent helper in the classroom and learned so much from my children’s teachers. That experience inspired me to pursue teaching and I started teaching in the older 2s class in 2018. My background is in environmental science/hydrogeology, and I’ve worked as a research scientist, volleyball coach, environmental consultant, and fitness instructor, before finding early childhood education. I love sharing the wonders of the world with children through the lens of science. Children are the ultimate scientists, always observing, experimenting, trying new things, and learning from the results. By encouraging children to ask questions and observe their surroundings, they learn to appreciate the world and inform their own opinions. I spent a lot of time reading and playing outside as a child, exploring the woods with my sister. I still love reading (especially historical fiction) and exploring the woods (but not ticks). I love to exercise, drink soda, try new recipes, and spend time with my family.

Alexis Gutierrez - Chicory Teacher

This is my first year teaching at St. Mark's, and I am so glad to be here! I've lived in New York, New Jersey, and most recently, the middle of Pennsylvania, before finally moving back to Indiana where I grew up. I have a Bachelor's in English from Indiana University and a Master's in Library and Information Science from Drexel University. I'm a former children's librarian and started working in preschools after my three children started school. I love working with preschoolers because their creativity, curiosity, and spirit of wonder is so inspiring! It's just magical the way children grow during our school year-- they come in so hesitant at the beginning of the year, and blossom in confidence as the year goes on, while learning how to participate in our little classroom community and care for each other. As a teacher, I especially enjoy sharing books, seeing what we can create with play dough, doing music and movement activities... and basically, anything that gets everyone laughing! As a child, I loved playing games in the woods with my cousins, listening to the radio, playing with my cat, and hanging out in the backyard with books and snacks. Now, in my spare time, I enjoy reading, baking, spending time outside with family and friends, and anything involving music. I'm excited to be part of the team of caring educators at St. Mark's and look forward to working with your children!

Molly Barwick - Chicory Teacher

I feel fortunate to be part of the St. Mark’s community! My son attended preschool and kindergarten at St. Mark’s. After he aged out, we both missed the environment so much. He continues to return to read to classes, and I began substitute teaching  in various classrooms and eventually began teaching in 2021. I live with my husband Clark, my 10 year old son Finn, and Finn’s 2 parakeets, Cookie and Popcorn. 

I hold a BA and MA in Cultural Anthropology. Before St. Mark’s, I worked for several years at the Kelley School of Business Institute for Social Impact, facilitating opportunities for students to bridge their business skills with strategies toward poverty alleviation. This work taught me how the strength of empathy and curiosity, along with an appreciation for diversity of thought and experience can truly change the world for the better. 

Small children in our classrooms continue to remind me of this every day. I especially love the connections made when I see the world through their eyes. 

As a child, I loved reading and being read to, and I spent countless hours exploring the streams behind our home in Connecticut. When I’m not teaching at St. Mark’s I spend my time running, doing advocacy work on gun violence prevention, and traveling.

Amy Calloway - Clover Teacher

I started my St. Mark’s experience as a parent in 2013 when my daughter began preschool in the older 2’s class.  My son also began his school journey in that classroom two years later.  In 2016 I began to substitute, shortly worked in a teacher support role, then joined the young two’s class as a teacher!  Though I went to school for elementary education and worked as a 3rd and 5th grade teacher for a handful of years, I have found that I really, really love working with younger children!  Watching Littles grow and change throughout the year is amazing and such a rewarding experience. Reading about, learning about, and advocating for PLAYFUL LEARNING and outdoor play has become a passion of mine.  I was lucky enough to spend my childhood outside, engaging with nature, running the neighborhood, and exercising my creativity in all I did. An experience I wish for all children today!

During my ME TIME, I love to read and learn new things, work in my garden, be outside, sit by a campfire, and hike with my family.

Lisa Land - Clover Teacher

I began teaching at St. Mark’s in 2022, with a year of preschool teaching experience under my belt.

My husband, Chris, and I have two wonderful boys, Sam and Oliver. I stayed at home with them when they were younger and they are now in second and fourth grades. Teaching preschool has felt like a very natural transition, as it allows me to do what I love, while maintaining time to devote to our house and homestead. We live in rural Monroe County, where we have an assortment of animals running around and loads of edible and beautiful plants growing. Currently we have goats, pigs, chickens, and lots of cats. I'm very interested in preserving our homegrown food to enjoy all year long. Our lives are simple and we love spending time together as a family at home, or in the many beautiful places in this part of the world. I also love to get lost in a good book, either on my own or with the kids, and play games of all kinds.

I have a bachelor of fine art from Herron School or Art and Design, with focuses in ceramics and painting. This basically means I found a way in college to continue doing just what I did as a child! I grew up in the country running around barefoot and making all sorts of messes. My parents gave me freedom to explore the world. We have done the same with our children and as they've transitioned to being in school, it feels natural that I would continue caring for young children in the same way. I am beyond thrilled to have found my spot in a community that highly values play and puts trust in children to develop at their own pace. I look forward to spending time with your children during this magical time in their lives!

Adriana Fernandez - Clover Teacher

I am elated to begin my first year as a teacher and my second year as a parent at St. Mark’s Nursery School and Kindergarten. My family found St. Mark’s in early 2022 and it has quickly become the community and backbone of support we have longed for on our parenting journey. Over the past year, St. Mark’s Nursery School and Kindergarten have quickly become my children’s and family’s second home.

My passion for children and early childhood education are deeply rooted in my own childhood experience. My mother dedicated her almost 40-year career to teaching young children and supporting their families. Some of my earliest memories are of spending time in the early childhood center she helped found and directed. Play and exploration were at the center of everything I did as a child. My childhood was spent exploring the outdoors whether at home, at school, or on our family’s annual beach and mountain vacations; getting creative and messy with water and sensory play; and discovering my ability for self-expression through movement, arts, and imaginary play. One of my greatest joys of working with young children is getting to see them discover the world through the lens of their boundless imaginations.

Prior to St. Marks, I taught at Indiana University in the Arts Management and Administration Program, and worked as a freelance stage manager in the performing arts. While earning my BFA and MFA, I worked as a swim instructor, tutor, and nanny, as well as volunteered in local early childhood and elementary classrooms. Teaching has always been my passion but becoming a mother has reminded me how much I love helping guide and support young children as they grow and navigate the world.

In my free time, I enjoy dance parties with my daughters, Eva, Isabel, and Luna, cooking, baking, hiking, and spending time with my husband, Erik, our daughters, and our dog, Boomer. Some of our favorite Bloomington activities include the farmer’s market, Food Truck Fridays at Switchyard Park, and exploring downtown. A few of my personal passions include dancing, reading fantasy novels, sewing, movies, and music.

Mandy Sparzo - Thistle Teacher

While I first started teaching at St. Mark’s in 2023,  I’ve spent many years teaching preschool.  After completing my undergrad at IU Bloomington, I began  working in a local Bloomington preschool.  I moved to the Indy area where I continued teaching preschool in both general education and special education class rooms.

My husband and I are recent replants to Bloomington,  moving here due to  a job change for him.   We enjoy hosting Sunday dinners for our two IU students and their friends.  We also enjoy  making trips back to Indy to visit our  two children living and working there.

As a child, I spent much of my time reading and walking in my neighborhood to visit my friends.  Reading and walking continue to be my favorite ways to relax and refocus each day.

Sarah Harriss - Thistle Teacher

My connection with St. Mark’s began in 2014 when we moved to Bloomington and enrolled our younger daughter in the 3-4 yo class.  Shortly thereafter, I began subbing at St. Mark’s and eventually worked as a teacher in the kindergarten class and the Purple class (4-5 yo).  In my current teaching position in the Dandelion class, I am grateful to work in such a supportive community. 

My background includes master’s degrees in divinity and special education.  Before having children, I was a special education teacher in Chicago Public Schools as a K-8 resource and inclusion teacher. And, before growing up, I was a 4 year old who loved to sing in the car on the way to preschool where my mom was a teacher. 

When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy gardening, reading, baking, walking my dogs Lazarus & Harriet, and spending time with my family.

Connie Nelson Laird - Dandelion Teacher, Outreach Coordinator

I was immersed in this loving and supportive St. Mark's community as a parent, while my 2 daughters attended, and, after a couple years away, I had the privilege of rejoining this community as a teacher in 2013. I was drawn to St. Mark's by the child led, play based philosophy that embraced mess!  Through my time here I have expanded my depth of understanding and appreciation of the importance of the social and emotional focus we have here. This work we do is so foundational to a lifelong process of learning how to build our connections to others and be in community. 

I have my masters in social work and have always had a passion to work with and support children and families. I’ve found ways to do this from my first job in high school as a nanny, to serving and supporting families experiencing domestic violence, to providing educational and support groups for families at St. Marks and other local organizations.

As a child, I loved swimming at the outdoor pool with my sisters, playing in the snow in the winter and visiting my grandparents on the weekends at their homes who both lived outside of the city, on a farm and on a lake.  When my cousins were there too, we’d play hard together until dark!  

Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling, playing in my art studio, being outside, swimming laps or being in, on or near water, and feeling sunshine on my face!

Tori Kreller - Dandelion Teacher, Education Coordinator

I first joined St. Mark’s Nursery School in 2011 as a parent in the two year old classroom. Both of my children attended St. Mark’s for preschool (and one for Kindergarten), and I then transitioned to substitute teaching. My first year I was able to provide support in every classroom and enjoyed the varied experiences that came with teaching a wide range of ages. In fall of 2017, I officially joined the preschool teaching team, working with children 3 ½-5 years old. Some of my favorite moments in our classroom are reading aloud to children, supporting little ones who are processing powerful or challenging emotions, and connecting with parents. This year I am also maintaining our school library of resources for caregivers and teachers, and planning professional development activities for our fabulous staff. When I was a child, my mother patiently nurtured my love for books and playful exploration, and my goal is to always encourage that spark in others. When I’m not teaching at St. Mark’s, I spend time with my husband, our boys and pup, read (a ton), knit (just a little), and volunteer advocating for gun violence prevention and improvements to early childhood public policy.

Krista Holmstrom - Kindergarten and Dandelion Assistant

Angela Simoneaux - Kindergarten Teacher

As I begin my 13th year at St. Mark’s, the children’s smiling faces full of joy, wonder, eagerness, and excitement remind me daily of why I chose the field of education. I graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, certified to teach elementary education, and later added an early childhood endorsement to my credentials. I currently hold teaching licenses in Louisiana, Texas, Missouri, and Indiana, and I have been involved in the presentation of educational workshops on the local, state, and international levels. I have taken graduate courses in science education and have a background in dance and theatre. These areas combined create a well-rounded learning environment for my students. As an enrolled tribal member, I also feel the responsibility to provide quality, accurate Native American children’s literature relevant to the topics we are covering in class.

I am the mother of three, the last of which graduated from IU this past May. I grew up in the sunny south spending lots of time outdoors, instilled with a love and respect for nature. I appreciate St. Mark’s allowing and encouraging outdoor learning when possible and the opportunity to begin building environmental awareness from a young age. These aspects connect well with my passions for gardening and nature photography.

Leah Simoni - Kindergarten Teacher

This is my first year at St. Mark’s and I am excited to join the kindergarten classroom. My husband and I moved to Bloomington in 2013 for his post-doc position at I.U. Like many others, we quickly fell in love with Bloomington’s small town and community-orientated feeling. We decided to put down roots and now have two children, two cats, one dog, one turtle, and no plans on leaving!

I have my master’s in ecology and evolution and my master’s in science education. Since moving to Bloomington, I’ve primarily worked with pre-k through third graders. I love teaching young children because it provides me with the opportunity to experience life through the lense of a child. I love their honest, mindful, and inquisitive nature. Being in the presence of a child is a daily reminder on how we can all do a better job of appreciating the wonder of the world around us.

As a child, all my best memories are associated with the outdoors - swinging from weeping willow branches out over a lake, exploring the woods by my home, and racing up and down hills with my friends. Reflecting on this as an adult, I realized that I used (and still do) the outdoors, not only as a place of enjoyment and excitement, but also a place to collect myself and settle my nervous system. As an educator, I strive to incorporate the outdoors as a major component of every day for the children for fun, learning, and emotional co-regulation.

When I am not working, you can often find me outdoors! I love traveling and hiking with my family, working in my garden, and running.

Hillary Harpold - Traveling Musician

I joined the St. Mark’s community as a onesies teacher in 2018. Before teaching here I taught full-day preschool for several years. I was thrilled to find another play-based, child-centered program where I could teach part time while completing my master’s degree in early childhood special education. I love spending time observing children explore and being able to facilitate their interests and provide the materials they need as they do their important work, which is play!

My husband, Tyler, and I welcomed our daughter in 2020, and since then, I have been so grateful to have the opportunity to spend most of my days with her, while also spending time with children at St. Mark’s a couple days a week. Since 2022 I have been the traveling musician at St. Mark’s, bringing my guitar to share music in each of the classrooms every week. It has been such a joy to connect with so many children through music, watching as they dance, learn new words through song, and share their own ideas with me.

Music was a large part of my childhood here in Bloomington as well, as I played piano and violin, and made up many songs with my parents and younger sister, which we still love to do today. My sister and I also spent countless hours absorbed in pretend play with dolls and Legos. Outside of school I love spending time with my family, especially outdoors exploring a creek or lake. I love to hang out in our hammock, try new recipes, and learn new songs on the guitar.