Lower School

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mrs. Blake joined CIS in 2021. She has a bachelor of arts degree in psychology and a master of education degree in counseling. She loves helping others understand that mental health matters, and that academic, social, and future success stem from having an understanding of how our internal thoughts and feelings affect our attitudes and behaviors.

Mrs. Mudrick has been with CIS since 2008. She has a bachelor of arts degree in English, and a master’s degree in Library Science. As an extracurricular, Mrs. Mudrick hosts the middle school book club, and welcomes readers of all levels and interests.

Ms. Pruis joined CIS in 2017, and taught first grade for five years before transitioning to her current position. Ms. Pruis has a master’s degree in educational psychology – gifted and talented education. She is passionate about appropriate math education for all. A favorite math educator said, “Not everyone needs to be a professional mathematician, but math shouldn’t get in the way of anyone’s future path.” Ms. Pruis truly believes that every child, male or female, can achieve in math, and the possibilities for their future are limitless.