Faculty and Staff

The Rev. Carter N. Paden III, Rector, St. Peter's Episcopal Church- Father Paden celebrates 18 years as rector of St. Peter's Church and School this year. Previously the rector at St. Francis' Church in Norris, TN and Deacon and Curate at St. Luke's Church in Cleveland, TN, Father Paden also held positions as Vice President and Director at Southern Centrifugal and as an instructor of English at the Baylor School. Father Paden received his B.A. in English from Vanderbilt University, his M.A. from the University of Wales, and his M. Div. from The School of Theology at the University of the South. He received his Fellow and Diploma from the College of Preachers in Washington, DC.  Father Paden serves on the Bishop and Council and on the Hamilton County Juvenile Court Commission.  Three of Father Paden's four children attended St. Peter's School. 

Kathy Lanza, Head- Kathy begins her 30th year at St. Peter's. While she's served as headmistress for 27 years, her first year and a half at St. Peter's were spent as a kindergarten teacher. Kathy has also taught Sunday School at St. Peter's Church for 12 years. Previously, Kathy taught 7th and 8th grade reading and language arts, 3rd grade science and developed and implemented an individualized reading program for remedial readers in Pelham, GA. Kathy received her Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Elementary Education from Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL and her Masters in Library Science with a Kingergarten-12th grade endorsement from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL. Kathy has also completed Southeast Center for Education in the Arts (SCEA) training. Kathy is a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church and is actively involved with the lay ministry.  An alumni parent herself, Kathy's children Telky and Michael both graduated from St. Peter's School in 1988 and 1990, respectively.  Kathy is a graduate of the 2009 Global Leadership Class of Chattanooga.

Susan Bell, Third Grade Teacher- Susan has taught at St. Peter's for seven years.  She is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Learning.  Susan's son Amon is a St. Peter's preschooler.

Bo Brown, 3 Year Pre-School Teacher- Bo Brown has taught at St. Peter's for 14 years and prior to that, taught mathematics for seven years in the Hamilton County School system, where she was also math department chair and grade coordinator. Additionally, Bo has also worked in a variety of positions in her church's preschool and children's department. Bo received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and her Master of Arts degree at Tennessee Technological University.  She has also completed Southeast Center for Education in the Arts (SCEA) Summer Institute in the area of comprehensive visual art education.  Additionally, Bo's son Nick is a graduate of St. Peter's.

Sandra Dahl, 4 Year Pre-School Teacher's Assistant- Sandi Dahl has worked at St. Peter's for 15 years.  Prior to St. Peter's, Sandra was a dental hygienist in a periodontal practice for 20 years and an instructor at Chattanooga State Technological Community College's dental hygiene department. Sandra received her dental hygiene degree from Chattanooga State Technological Community College and her Bachelor of Science Degree in Allied Health Management with a minor in Psychology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Additionally, Sandi's son Satchel is a graduate of St. Peter's.

Carol Daugherty, 4 Year Pre-School Teacher's Assistant- Carol has been at St. Peter's for 19 years. Carol was previously the traffic manager at American Electric and Ernest Holmes Company. Carol has completed 2 years of study toward a degree in Business from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.  Carol is an active volunteer for Emily's Power For a Cure, her granddaughter's namesake foundation and is an Advocate for Justice.  Additionally, Carol's grandson Jon Pat is a St. Peter's alum and her younger grandson Max currently attends St. Peter's School. 

Pam Gallagher, Fourth Grade Teacher- Pam has been a teacher at St. Peter's for 19 years. Pam held previous positions as a second grade teacher at Overbrook School in Nashville and a preschool teacher at Ithaka Montessori in Brentwood. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She has received numerous continuing education credits for attending several Southeast Center for Education in the Arts (SCEA) workshops at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and courses in computer literacy at Chattanooga State Technical Community College.

Rana Hill, Admissions and Public Relations Director- Rana joined the staff six years ago to serve as a liaison between the school and prospective parents.  Creating and implementing the admissions, public relations and marketing plans for the school is her main responsibility.  Rana is a graduate of the University of Georgia and past president of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Alliance.  Additionally, Rana's daughters Allison and Lauren attend St. Peter's School. Angie Hughes, First Grade Teacher- Ms. Hughes begins her third year at St. Peter's with a strong background in nutrition and education.  Previously, Ms. Hughes was a first grade teacher at Normal Park Elementary, a reading specialist at Calvin Donaldson (grades 1 and 2) and a WIC interventionist/nutritionist at the Dodson Avenue Health Center.  Ms. Hughes earned both a Bachelor of Science degree in Food/Nutrition and a Masters of Education (grades 1-8) from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.  She has two children; her daughter Maggie attends St. Peter's Kindergarten.

Betty Jackson, Kindergarten Teacher- 'Ms. Betty' has been a teacher at St. Peter's for 24 years, in the roles of a three year-old, four year-old, resource, aftercare teacher, and currently as a kindergarten teacher. She spent nine years at Aldersgate Learning School in Tulsa, OK as three year-old teacher and assistant director and also one year as a four year-old teacher at Central Learning Center in Edmond, OK. Betty received her Bachelor of Science in Education and her Masters in Special Education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She has also completed additional coursework at Chattanooga State Technical Community College, Central Oklahoma University and the University of Maryland. 

Sallie Jedrychowski, Kindergarten Teacher's Assistant- 'Ms. Jedro' has been a Kindergarten assistant at St. Peter's for 15 years. Prior to that, she worked as a substitute teacher at St. Peter's and St. Jude's for 10 years after an original seven years at St. Peter's as a preschool aide. 'Ms. Jedro' completed her license in cosmetology in the states of Tennessee and Illinois and her education at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Illinois.  Additionally, Ms. Jedro's granddaughter Hannah attends second grade at St. Peter's. 

Carol Lockrow, Fifth Grade Teacher and Curriculum Co-Coordinator- Ms. Lockrow joined St. Peter's again in 2003 after a stint as a sixth grade teacher and curriculum coordinator at Baylor School. Prior to that, she worked at St. Peter's for nine years as the sixth grade teacher. This year marks Carol's 27th year in teaching and her 17th at St. Peter's.  Previously, Carol held positions as a fifth grade teacher at Thrasher, preschool director at St. Jude Catholic School and kindergarten teacher at Susie Dunlap Elementary in Thomasville, GA. Carol received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Florida State University and her Early Childhood certification from Florida Atlantic University. Carol has also completed graduate hours in the elementary math program at Florida State University and completed her Discipline Based Art Education (DBAE) certification in Visual Arts and Music from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.  In her spare time, Carol explores her artistic side with Peace by Piece, her stained glass business, where proceeds fund peaceful efforts.  Two of Carol's three children, Jennett and Caroline, graduated from St. Peter's.  In her previous years as a St. Peter's parent and active member of SPPAT, Carol won the "Diane K. Wolford Service Award" in 1993.

Hannah Maounis, Fifth Grade Teacher- This year marks Hannah's sixth year at St. Peter's.  A graduate of UTC with a B.S. in middle school education (5th through 8th grades), Hannah brings a wealth of experience working with children.  She has been the assistant teacher in the young and older toddler programs at UTC Children's Center for six years and a dance teacher at Baylor School for seven years.  In the community, Hannah is involved with the alumnae association and chapter advisory board for Kappa Delta sorority at UTC.  Her son Lucas is a future St. Peter's preschooler!

Lisa Parsons, Librarian- This year marks Lisa's sixth at St. Peter's. Currently serving in a new role as librarian, her roles at St. Peter's have included positions as a fourth grade teacher and Preschool Extended Care director.  A graduate of Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, Lisa holds a B.A. in elementary education and dramatic arts and is currently completing her master's degree in Library and Information Sciences.  She completed her student teaching at Toliver Elementary in Danville, Kentucky and holds the unique position of being our first teacher alum!

Wendy Ransom, 4 Year Old Preschool Teacher- No stranger to St. Peter's, parent Wendy Ransom now "officially" joined St. Peter's as a Pre-K four year-old teacher in 2010.  Wendy's experience with children includes substitute teaching, an extensive career in youth ministry and most recently, volunteer work at T.C. Thompson Children's Hospital.  In her spare time, Wendy and her husband work diligently as founders of "Emily's Power For A Cure" neuroblastoma foundation in memory of their late daughter, Emily Ransom.  She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Tennessee Technological University.  Her eldest son, Jon Pat, is a St. Peter's alum.  Her younger son Max is a fifth grader at St. Peter's and youngest daughter Molly is a future preschooler!

Lucy Robinson, Secretary- Lucy has worked as the school secretary for 23 years. Prior to that, Lucy worked in the costume shop at the New York Shakespeare Festival. For the past 12 years, she has designed costumes for all of the upper school plays at the Baylor School. Lucy received her Bachelor of Arts in Drama and Literature from the University of Chattanooga. She has completed graduate work in theatre at the University of South Carolina and courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. Lucy is a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church and is actively involved in lay ministry.  Also an alum parent, Lucy's children Molly and Cameron graduated from St. Peter's.

Meredith Ruffner, Second Grade Teacher- Meredith joined St. Peter's in 2003. Meredith has 11 years of teaching experience in grades Kindergarten through eighth grade, including work at Scenic Land and Hamilton County Schools Gifted Education Program at Signal Mountain Middle School. Meredith received her Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Learning (Kindergarten through 12) and her Gifted Education Endorsement from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.  Meredith recently completed training in SCEA (Southeast Center for Education in the Arts) and the Neuronet curriculum.  In her spare time, Meredith shares her passion for children as a cuddler in the NICU of T.C. Thompson Children's Hospital and as a founding member and co-chair of the Children's Trust Fund.  Meredith's daughter Alex is a graduate of St. Peter's School. 

Randi Schlosser, 3rd Grade Teacher and Curriculum Co-Coordinator- Randi has worked at St. Peter's School for eight years.  She completed her Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology (PreK-4) at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and is a member of the Golden Key Honor Society and Kappa Delta Pi Education Honors Society. Additionally, she has completed training for SCEA (Southeast Center for Education in the Arts) in the areas of visual art, theatre and music.  In addition to her role as a homeroom teacher, Randi's passion for the outdoors is evident in her leadership of the St. Peter's SPROUTS and her recent designation as a "Master Gardener."  Randi's son Scout is a St. Peter's preschooler.

Blaes Schmissrauter, Physical Education, Wellness and Sports Administration- As a St. Peter's alum (class of 1997), her family has a long history at the school, with all four of her siblings also graduating from St. Peter's! In this position, Blaes brings a strong background in athletics, recently serving as a softball instructor and fulfilling her second love of English working as a combined journalism teacher/head softball coach at Notre Dame High School.  She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Birmingham-Southern College and is currently earning her Masters degree in English from Tennesseee Technological University.  In the community, Blaes enjoys coaching FURY fast pitch softball and volunteering to lead softball camps and clinics for inner-city youth and non-profit organizations.

Tracy Schuster, Kindergarten Teacher- Beginning her second year at St. Peter's this year, Tracy has worked as a first grade teacher in the Hamilton county school system in addition to her recent volunteer work at local schools and Sunday school while raising her two children.  Tracy received her degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.  Tracy's children Landon and Harrison attend St. Peter's School.

Sandy Stinnett, Second Grade Teacher- Sandy has worked at St. Peter's School for 18 years. Prior to St. Peter's, Sandy also worked as a teacher at that level at Rivermont Elementary. Sandy received her Bachelor of Arts in English as well as certification in Elementary Education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Sandy has also completed training in SCEA (Southeast Center for Education in the Arts).  Additionally, Sandy's daughters Amy and Kate both graduated from St. Peter's School.

Mark Tyson, Music and Computer Teacher- Mark has been with St. Peter's for 24 years. Prior to that, he worked as an elementary school teacher and minister. He has performed around the world with the Chattanooga Singers of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and directed the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera choruses. He received his Bachelor of Music Education from Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, OH and completed coursework toward a Masters Degree in Church Music from Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY and coursework towards a Masters in Music Education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Mark serves as the pastor for Open Door Baptist Church.

Beth Watkins, Preschool 3 Year Olds, Teacher's Assistant- Beth has been a preschool aide at St. Peter's for 12 years. Previously, Beth was a charge nurse at North Park Hospital. She has also worked in or taught preschool age and elementary classes at Red Bank United Methodist Church for eight years. Beth attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and graduated from the Baroness Erlanger Hospital School of Nursing with a degree in nursing. She is certified in Basic Life Support and is employed by Dr. Michael Goodman.

Lisa Wilson, Kindergarten Teacher's Assistant- Lisa has been a Kindergarten aide at St. Peter's for 10 years. Prior to working at St. Peter's, Lisa served as the fifth-grade director of her church's Sunday School and as a Children's Choir Teacher. Lisa is currently completing her degree in English at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.  Additionally, Lisa's children Chip and Elizabeth are both St. Peter's graduates.  In her previous years as a St. Peter's parent and active member of SPPAT, Lisa won the "Diane K. Wolford Service Award" in 2000.

Mary Wright, Extended Care Director- Mary has been working in St. Peter's Extended Care Program for 13 years.  Currently the Extended Care Director, Mary has worked in various childcare programs for the past twenty years.  She completed her Early Childhood Education Degree at Chattanooga State.  In her spare time, Mary enjoys volunteering with Hospice of Chattanooga, Senior Neighbors and Interfaith Ministries.