Specialty Teachers
Erica Spangler - Art
Though she comes from a family of teachers, it was a college class that instilled in Erica a desire to share her love of art with children. Inspired by the passionate professor of the mandatory course at Concordia University, Erica found her calling.
For more than ten years, Erica has taught art at schools in Minneapolis, Long Island and St. Louis. She also has developed and implemented community art programs, from a high-level visual arts camp to a “Mommy and Me” class for preschoolers.
As she pursues a Master's in Art Education, Erica brings a broad range of visual art skills to Rossman’s art program, including digital photography, graphic design and exhibit preparation in addition to ceramics, printmaking, mixed media, drawing, and painting. She incorporates service learning and global citizenship into the art curriculum, emphasizing how artists make a difference in the community and world.
A lover of the outdoors, Erica also enjoys reading, baking and cooking, and going on adventures with her three children. She and her husband are involved in family ministry at their church as well.
Veronica Delgado - Spanish
BIO COMING SOON
Marie Unanue - Library
Pursuit of a career in publishing led Marie unexpectedly to her true calling as an educator. “I have always loved children’s literature, and I was convinced I would have a career in the world of publishing,” she says.
While endeavoring to bolster her literary credentials with a masters in education, she discovered that she loved being in a classroom with children who were always learning, questioning, making meaning and excited to discover more about the world around them. She never gave publishing another thought!
Marie brings more than 30 years of diverse education experience to Rossman including positions as a classroom teacher, librarian and administrative coordinator. “Working in a school library seems to be the perfect marriage of all things I love,” she says.
In addition to reading, Marie’s favorite hobbies include taking long walks with her dog, gardening, trying new recipes and spending time with family. She has a house full of pets that include a dog, a cat, a tortoise and four chickens — many of which have literary-inspired names.
Amira Fuller - Music
A proud Rossman School graduate herself, Amira brings a unique perspective, in addition to extensive training and experience, to the Rossman faculty. Once a sixth grade soloist in the Rossman School Holiday Program, she now directs the school’s musical presentations with extraordinary skill and heart. As a music educator, she also strives to give a new generation of Rossman students the opportunity to form relationships, believe in their abilities and discover how to push themselves to success.
“I believe that through music, you can build relationships, community, confidence and self-motivation in students of all ages,” says Amira, who holds a masters in teaching from Westminster Choir College.
An avid traveler for most of her life, Amira’s teaching philosophy is also deeply rooted in a commitment to experience world music. “I have traveled the world with my parents, and I have found that there is so much beauty to be found,” she says. “While I know that not every child has the opportunity to travel, I believe it is important to enable my students to experience different cultures through their music and connect it to their lives.”
In addition to international travel (she’s visited more than two dozen different countries), Amira enjoys competitive horseback riding and is fascinated by medieval history and archeology. She plays violin and guitar and has had the opportunity to be part of numerous choirs, which have performed in exceptional venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kimmel Center, Oxford University and Canterbury Cathedral.
Jenna Lucas - P.E.
A passionate teacher and gifted athlete, Jenna strives to impart her love for sports and physical activity onto her students and equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to enjoy a healthy lifestyle.
Jenna was recognized in 2014, along with co-teacher Larry Huusko, by the American Heart Association for her support of the AHA’s Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart fundraising events. Her efforts have helped raise thousands of dollars and increase awareness for heart research and health education.
Holding a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology from Indiana University at Bloomington, Jenna played defense on the Hoosiers’ women’s soccer team. Her many athletic accomplishments also earned her a place in her high school’s hall of fame.
A lover of the outdoors, Jenna enjoys hiking, reading and barbecuing with friends and family. She is a youth leader and a co-leader for women’s discipleship at her church as well as a member of the AAHPERD (American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance).
José Holliday - P.E.
A St. Louis native and father of four, José is passionate about guiding children’s development and enjoys seeing how his students discover and experience new things. His goal as an educator is not only to help children succeed academically, but to help them become respectful, confident and contributing members of society.
Holding a Bachelors degree from Mizzou, José also received his 3-6 year old Montessori Certification from the Missouri Montessori Teacher Education Program and his Elementary Education Certification from Missouri Baptist University. Prior to Rossman, he taught P.E. at The Fulton School at St. Albans and pre-k at Chesterfield Day School and City Academy. José received his Masters of Arts in Teaching from Missouri Baptist University in 2023.
A lover of sports and fitness, José’s favorite activities include lifting weights, running and indoor soccer. He also spends his free time volunteering in the children’s ministry at his church. Above all else, José loves spending time with his family.
Denise Boyd - Science Teacher, Grades SK-3
Social Studies Teacher, Grade 3
BIO COMING SOON
Scott Riggs - Science
Scott really didn't know what he wanted to do for a career after finishing his undergraduate degree. After college, he landed in retail management where training new employees and tutoring the high school employees in the break room stood out as the parts that brought him the most joy. Going back to school to get certified in teaching was one of the best decisions he's made in life.
His first 12 years of teaching have taught six and seventh grade science, mostly in the San Francisco Bay area. Today Scott views his role in education as a facilitator of learning. His job is to inspire learning, provide opportunities for learning, and eliminate obstacles to learning. "Ultimately, I want to create lifelong learners who use science and engineering practices to discover on their own. I love teaching because I love the interactions with our students. I love getting to know them as we experience the thrill of discovery together."
Scott has lived in Missouri, Arkansas and California with most of my life in the St. Louis region. I now reside in Des Peres with my wife and two sons. During my free time I enjoy being with my family and exploring the great outdoors.
Madalyn Patrone - Social Studies - Grades 4, 5, 6
Bio Coming Soon
Courtney Orlando - Teacher/Extended Day Supervisor
Courtney’s life has always revolved around a classroom. Her mother was a teacher for 30 years and that passion for teaching fed Courtney’s desire to be in a classroom. Starting from a young age, Courtney would enjoy helping her mother with whatever she could whether it was grading papers or setting up a bulletin board. As Courtney grew, she realized that this career path was something she had to pursue. After countless hours volunteering at her local elementary school in Sikeston, Missouri, she headed off to Missouri State University to pursue her passion for learning.
After graduating with a B.S. in Education, she moved to Saint Louis to work with students in North County. This is where her passion for education and love for learning truly blossomed. Courtney loved helping students find their own passions and overcome any challenge.
Seven years after starting her teaching career, her passion for education is just as strong. Courtney is excited to continue her love for learning at Rossman.