Faculty & Staff Directory

Mrs. Crew joined CIS full-time in 2020. She has a bachelor’s degree in developmental psychology from Stanford University, and a juris doctorate from SMU Law School. As an extracurricular, she coaches the CIS swim teams. Before becoming a teacher, Mrs. Crew worked in real estate law, but made the switch into the classroom because she wanted to pursue her passion of teaching and coaching children. She loves working with the students of CIS because she has the opportunity to connect with them on multiple levels in and out of the classroom, and can work closely to help them find their “AHA” moment.

Mrs. Edwards has been with CIS since 2017. She loves numbers and spreadsheets, finding the answer to an equation, using data to draw helpful conclusions, and creating processes to decrease confusion and improve efficiency.

Mr. Elmore joined CIS in 2024, coming in with over sixteen years experience in education. He has a bachelor of science degree in education from the University of Missouri. As an extracurricular, he helps with the Magic the Gathering club at CIS. Mr. Elmore is excited to work with the amazing students everyday here at CIS, and appreciates the culture of the school with the great faculty and students.

Ms. Mills has been with CIS since 2023. She has a background in public safety, spending fifteen years as a dispatcher and police officer. Her favorite part of CIS is getting to interact with students and faculty from all divisions, and she is always ready to jump in to solve any problem.

Nurse Lindsey has been keeping the CIS students healthy since 2012. She has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Central Methodist University, where she was also recruited to play basketball. She wanted to go into nursing in high school, and thinks CIS is the perfect fit for her pediatric nursing passion. She enjoys watching the students grow and getting to know their families.

Coach Armontrout joined the physical education department of CIS in 2022. She has a bachelor of education degree in physical education from the University of Central Missouri, and a master of science in education degree in health and physical education from the University of Missouri. Coach Armontrout has been in the education field for over thirty years, and is excited to be at CIS to be able to have the freedom to create her own curriculum encouraging students to move.

Mr. Ben-Ayed has been with CIS since 2014. He has a master’s degree in Community Development and a PhD in International Development from the University of Missouri. He has coached Math Counts and Math Club. His favorite memories include the many years of leading those clubs, seeing students reach state level competition and being involved in a Be the Change Volunteers trip to Peru! He believes CIS is special because it empowers students to make their own decisions by providing them with opportunities to participate in hands-on projects/assignments, and embraces the idea that ALL students can learn.

Mrs. Bouchard Hayes joined CIS in 2024, but has over twenty years of experience in the education field in Canada and the USA. She has a bachelor degree of arts from Quebec University, a college diploma in science of language from Conservatoire Lassalle, and a child development associate certificate from MACC. Her favorite part of teaching at CIS is the incredible sense of community and the supportive atmosphere among teachers, staff, and students. She also appreciates that CIS prioritizes fostering a global perspective, which aligns with her passion for introducing students to different languages and cultures, becoming more open-minded and curious about the world.

Mrs. Buckley first joined CIS in 2013, teaching kindergarten for 9 years, before coming back to the new Early Childhood Center in 2024. She has a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Baker University, and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Missouri. She is entering year nineteen in the education field, and loves the welcoming spirit of CIS, where she is surrounded by sweet smiles every day.

Ms. Castro joined the Spanish department in 2024. She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in economics from American Intercontinental University. As an extracurricular, Ms. Castro coaches the CIS cheer teams, both middle and upper school. Her favorite part of CIS is the family environment – faculty and staff are all in to make it the best school for the students. She loves teaching because “there is no better gift than to teach and also to learn from your students.”

Ms. Hoke completed her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from the University of Missouri in 2021. She has hosted many lower school clubs such as the LEGO club. She says that she loves teaching at CIS because of the great staff members, amazing students, and supportive families. She also states that the community that exists here is unlike any other. Her favorite annual occasion is the pumpkin week in kindergarten, where the students investigate and discover all about pumpkins.

Dr. Dittmer came to CIS in 2020. He has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, a master’s degree and a PhD in philosophy, all from the University of Missouri. He wanted to be a teacher when he was a kid, and taught college for over 15 years, first at Mizzou and Westminster College during grad school and then as an assistant professor at Missouri University of Science & Technology. He currently teaches middle school science, high school math, and some electives in the humanities. He is also the head coach for the Science Olympiad team.

Mrs. Dittmer joined the Humanities department of CIS in 2019. She holds a bachelor of fine arts degree in theater from Stephens College, and a master’s degree from the University of Missouri. She enjoys teaching at CIS because she is able to develop long-lasting relationships with colleagues and students. The smaller class sizes make it easier to move through content or pause content in order to follow a student’s interest in a topic. She also loves the freedom she has to create different learning opportunities for students. One extracurricular activity she enjoys is directing the fall musical and the spring play. Additionally, she helps run the Literary Magazine with Mrs. Floyd and Ms. Stott, and occasionally helps (behind the scenes) with the Science Olympiad.

Mr. Dodig joined the Latin team at CIS in 2021. He has a bachelor’s degree in classical languages from the College of Arts and Science at the University of Missouri. He coaches the middle school quiz bowl team, and is the dungeon master for the upper school dungeons and dragons club. He enjoys clearing the way for students to pursue their goals in their own idiom and handing them the tools to build what they will.

Mrs. Dudenhoeffer has been teaching first grade at CIS since 2018. She holds a bachelor’s degree in general studies from Columbia College, and a master’s in curriculum and instruction from the University of Missouri. She values the unique opportunity CIS provides for fostering close relationships with students and their families. Maintaining these connections is crucial to a healthy learning experience, especially during tutoring sessions with young readers. The enjoyable learning experience and consistent progress are feats of her approach. Mrs. Dudenhoeffer takes pride in witnessing the progression of previous first graders into accomplished readers and leaders. A particular joy is seeing her former students assume the role of Big Buddies for her current class, engaging in collaborative projects that stimulate growth and development.

Mrs. Emmons joined the fourth grade team at CIS in 2022. She has a bachelor of science degree in Special Education. She has endorsements in middle school math, elementary education and early childhood education. She attended the University of Oklahoma and Northeastern State University in Oklahoma. At CIS, she has coached Academic Team and First Lego League Robotics for elementary students. She enjoys the smaller class sizes that allow her to really get to know each family on a personal level. Her favorite memory at CIS is the annual Living Museum that fourth graders participate in during their study of the American Revolution. Mrs. Emmons appreciates that CIS teachers help their students become problem solvers–dealing with big emotions as well as navigating friendships.

Mrs. Floyd joined CIS in 2021. She has a bachelor’s degree in English literature and two minors in mathematics and art. She also has a master’s in education with a focus in English education. She attended Covenant College, Oxford University, and the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She coaches the CIS volleyball team, and leads the literary journal and yearbook clubs. Mrs. Floyd enjoys teaching at CIS because of the caring community. She says the teachers go out of their way to help students academically and also with social-emotional aspects of their lives. “It’s easy to succeed in a place where everyone around you is rooting for you.”

Mrs. Hancock has been teaching some of our youngest CIS students since 2010. She has a bachelor of arts degree in child studies and a bachelor of science in early childhood education from Stephen’s College. She loves CIS because she feels supported and she gets to work with the best families!

Mrs. Hassien joined CIS in 2024, but has fifteen years of experience in the education field. She has a bachelor of arts degree from Westminster College, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Missouri, and an education specialist degree in administration from William Woods University. Her favorite part of CIS so far is being in the company of so many creative and passionate teachers, as well as watching the “lightbulb moment” as her students make progress on skills.

Christine Jarquio earned a bachelor’s degree in Choral Music Education, and master’s degrees in voice performance and choral conducting. She joined CIS in 2020 and says that she loves working with all ages and grades because it allows her to see their musical growth. As well as being the choir teacher for grades 5-12, she also directs the 4th-5th Honor Choir and Camerata Advanced Treble Chorus. Her favorite memory at CIS was the first concert where all of the choir classes performed, which was the spring 2023 concert. She says that the reason CIS is special is because everyone wears multiple hats in order to create the diverse environment and community.

Mrs. Knight has been with CIS since 2016. She has a bachelor of fine arts degree and a master of fine arts degree in studio art. She has a deep and abiding passion for public service, and a love for all children. She believes deeply in the power of service, of giving back to her community, and to being instrumental in the world through teaching art. More specifically, an understanding of the arts as a whole should include the production (making art), art criticism (judgments), art history (culture), and aesthetics (value), which formulate a strong basis in the arts. When we incorporate these elements, deeper knowledge is created. Mrs. Knight is very passionate about art education, but above all brings a commitment to helping people find personal fulfillment via the fostering of a positive self-image that comes through learning.

Mr. Luther first joined CIS in 2005. He has a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in geosciences. He attended Missouri State University and Mississippi State University. He coaches the CIS volleyball team. He enjoys teaching at CIS because of the ability to collaborate with other teachers. He says, “CIS is special because of the community. All levels of students are learning and growing together at one campus. Everyone has the opportunity to be involved and have a voice.”

Coach Martin is the athletic director of CIS, and coaches the school’s basketball teams. He joined the staff of CIS in 2022 to help grow the athletic footprint of the school. He has a bachelor of science degree in secondary education from Northwest Missouri State University, with a social science major and a coaching education minor.

Ms. Webb joined the new Early Childhood Center of CIS in 2024. She has a bachelor of arts degree in communication from the University of Missouri, and plans to pursue a masters of education degree soon. Her favorite part of CIS is that it feels like one big family. The people here genuinely want to see others succeed, and encourage them to be the best they can possibly be. Ms. Webb loves teaching because of the pure joy and excitement when a student is figuring out their capabilities.

Ms. Medenis earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Illinois State University and Elmhurst College. She has taught third grade at CIS for more than ten years. She offers some clubs throughout the year such as the Game Club and Green Thumbs Club for lower school students. She loves teaching at CIS because all of her coworkers are supportive and friendly and the students are hardworking and kind. She says her favorite memory at CIS was winning the House Cup a few years in a row with her team on House Day. She states that CIS is special because there are students of all ages working together to create a positive and happy school environment.

Señora Mendoza joined CIS in 2017. She has a bachelor of arts degree in English education, and a master’s degree in Spanish from the University of Missouri. Señora Mendoza is a sponsor of the Spectrum Club at CIS, which is a safe space for LGBTQ+ and allied students. Señora Mendoza appreciates the tight-knit community of CIS, and the relationships between students and faculty.

Mrs. Pruis joined the new Early Childhood Center at CIS in 2024. She has a bachelor of arts degree in Cultural Studies and Western Civilization from Concordia University, and a master of arts in education degree from Western Governors University. She has twenty years of experience teaching students from age 2 to first grade, and spent eight years at a similar ISAAC school in Indiana. Her favorite part of CIS is the community, and being able to watch her students’ wheels turn as they find their aha! moment while learning something new.

Mrs. Qureshi has been teaching fifth grade at CIS since 2019. She has a bachelor of arts degree in Elementary Education, and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, both from the University of Missouri. She helps coach Girls on the Run, and helps host Family Book Club. Her favorite part of teaching at CIS is the Fifth Grade Celebration, where students recognize the growth, hard work, and fun they had during their lower school years.

Coach Radkowiec has been teaching and coaching at CIS since 2022. He coaches the CIS cross country and track teams. He has a bachelor of education in physical education, and a master’s degree in athletic administration. He likes CIS because of the positive attitude of the students and the dedication of the teachers and administrators.

Mrs. Rohr joined CIS in 2009. She has a bachelor’s degree in child development and education, and a master’s degree in teaching. Mrs. Rohr loves the beginning of the school year, when her class starts building their community by learning about each other and what makes each student unique. She thinks CIS is special because of the opportunities to build such close relationships with her students.

Ms. Stott joined CIS in 2023. She has a bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. As an extracurricular, she helps with the yearbook club. Her favorite CIS memory was attending her first all-school assembly. She feels CIS is special because of the family-like culture.

Mrs. Tassi is a lower school art teacher who received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Washington University, St. Louis and earned Missouri state certification for K-12 Art from University of Missouri. Her favorite memories at CIS include when she cooperates with other teachers or visiting artists to complete projects with students. She says that she has confidence in students’ abilities to learn from their own experiences and their daily interactions with teachers and fellow students and considers it a privilege to guide and facilitate that learning each day at CIS.

Madame Thaalbi joined the CIS French department in 2022. She has a multidisciplinary background, starting her career in marketing. She has a master’s degree in education from the University of Toulouse, a bachelor’s degree in quality management from the University of Toulouse, and an associate’s degree in marketing from EPHEC (Brussels, Belgium). She has a passion for languages: fluent in English, she can also speak Dutch, Spanish, Italian and German. She came to CIS because she always wanted to teach abroad and experience living in the USA. Her favorite memory at CIS is at the upper school retreat where she got to experience her very first bonfire and s’mores!

Mrs. Thurmon joined CIS in 2024, but has nine years of experience in the education field. She has a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Missouri, and a masters of music education with emphasis in Kodaly music education from the University of Central Missouri. As an extracurricular, she teaches the honor choir for current third and fourth grade students. Mrs. Thurmon loves teaching because she gets to watch her students grow as musicians over the course of several years, from helping the four and five year olds develop their singing voice to ten year olds collaborating to create music for performance.

Mr. White joined CIS in 2023. He has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Central Methodist University. As an extracurricular, Mr. White coaches the upper school golf teams. His favorite part of CIS is the excitement and drive that his students have towards learning. He loves the chance CIS gives him to share his knowledge with others.

Ms. Woodruff joined CIS in 2024 as a teacher, after being a student here from 2002-2006. She holds a bachelor’s degree in classical languages from the University of Missouri, and a master’s degree in classics from UC Santa Barbara. She loves CIS because she says it changed her life, from the care and involvement of the teachers, to being surrounded by incredibly smart, driven peers, CIS ignited her love of learning and caused her to raise the standards she sets for herself.