Welcome New Faculty & Staff

Illiana “Michelle” Aguilar Spanish Specialist

Michelle earned her Actuarial Sciences degree from the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM). Originally from Mexico, she moved to the United States with her family eight years ago. Previously, Michelle was a Spanish and Preschool Teacher at King of Kings Lutheran Church where she loved applying multiple teaching strategies to maximize her students’ learning experience. In addition to teaching preschool, Michelle has taught Spanish to both adults and children at the International Language Center where she flourished in personalizing instruction for all of her students. Michelle enjoys spending time with her husband and three kids and is excited to bring her passion and love for teaching the Spanish language to The College School.

Erin Buehler

Fourth Grade Teacher

Erin’s previous roles include Fifth Grade Teacher in the Fort Zumwalt School District and Special Education and Sixth Grade Teacher in Omaha Public Schools. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Creighton University as well as a Master’s degree in Special EducationBehavior Intervention Specialist from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Erin’s priorities in the classroom focus on hands-on experiences, collaboration, inclusion, and explicit social-emotional learning. She enjoys reading, trying out new recipes, live music, local coffee shops, and spending time with her husband and dog.

Abby Burch

Learning Specialist differentiated instruction and individual learning plans; and ensured effective integration of strategies related to occupational therapy, speech and language, and social-emotional development. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cross-Categorical Special Education (K-12) and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Missouri, Columbia, as well as certifications in Mild/ Moderate Cross Categorical Special Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Elementary Education and Students with Disabilities. Her training includes the areas of project-based learning, collaborative problem-solving, social-thinking curriculum, and trauma-informed care. In her free time, Abby loves exploring new trails and parks with her dog, Poppy, traveling, spending time with family and friends, sewing, reading, seeing shows at The Muny and The Fox, and DIY projects.

Lauren Hanahan

Early Childhood Teacher, 4/5

Classroom

Lauren’s previous experience includes serving as a Kindergarten and First Grade teacher, a lead Science teacher, K-1 Interventionist, and an Arts Integration Instructional Coach in Virginia. She developed and led professional development for faculty and served as a lead mentor for new teachers. She also sat on her school’s Creative Leadership Team to develop grade-level and school-wide Arts Integration curriculum, where she established the first Artist in Residence program. Outside of the classroom, Lauren is passionate about houseplants and creating macrame art.

Donté Jackson FLIK Staff

Prior to The College School, Abby served in teaching roles at Great Circle Academy in St. Louis and the Gillen Brewer School in New York. In these roles, Abby fostered student growth by developing

Donté joined The College School as part of the FLIK Dining Services team in 2022. He has been in the food services industry since 2010. He loves spending time with his family and watching movies.

Victin “Vick” Jones

FLIK Staff

Victin joined The College School as part of the FLIK Dining Services team in 2022.

He has been in the food service industry since 1999. He loves sci-fi, traveling, and spending time with his two children.

Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility

Brandon holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary English Education from Saint Louis University and is a certified educator in English-Secondary Education. Brandon brings 12 years of teaching experience and is a certified Facili-Trainer through the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ). He previously taught Language Arts and Black Studies in the Ladue School District and co-chaired Ladue High School’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Committee, where he developed a 3-year DEIA training plan for district-wide professional development. Brandon enjoys live music, playing tennis, and traveling with his husband, Braden.

Karen O’Brien

Early Childhood Support

Karen is an experienced educator who has a passion for the Reggio Emilia Approach and the outdoors. She has a Bachelor of Science in Consumer and Family Studies from Framingham State University. Karen has spent the past few years nannying and directing summer camps.

Scott Phelps

Fifth Grade Teacher

Scott has a Bachelor of Science in Mass Media from Missouri State University and a Master’s in Educational Media from East Tennessee State University. He holds certifications in Language Arts

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