Mrs. Stahlman, Room 24

Educational Experiences: Bachelors in Elementary Education and Special Education from Mizzou, Masters in Administration from Lindenwood University. This will be my 8th year at Lusher as the K-3 SSD Resource Teacher!  

Favorite Quote: "Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships."-Michael Jordan  

I'm inspired by...   the smiling faces of my students each year, their enthusiasm for learning, and willingness to challenge themselves and set meaningful goals. 

Contact information:

phuddleston@hazelwoodschools.org

pchuddleston@ssdmo.org

Ms. Altmann, Room 108

Educational Experiences: This will be my 5th year in Hazelwood at Lusher, and my 12th year as a teacher. Before moving home to the St. Louis area, I taught for 7 years in Nashville, TN, teaching every grade from kindergarten to sixth. 

Favorite Quote: “One of the goals of education is not simply to fill students with facts and information but to help them learn how to learn.” -Zaretta L. Hammond

I'm inspired by... my students and their families, and all the amazing teachers I've been lucky to learn from! 

Contact information: 

saaltmann@ssdmo.org

saltmann@hazelwoodschools.org

(314) 252-8247 (Google Voice) 

Mrs. Drouant, Room 104

Educational Experiences:  This is my 10th year at Lusher. I received a bachelor's degree from UMSL in fine art and a master's degree in Communication Disorders and Special Education from Fontbonne University. I began my career doing early intervention and parent education classes for Missouri First Steps. I have worked as behavioral support and SPED consultant for St. Louis ARC and as an advocate for people with disabilities in the workforce for Touch Point. 

 Favorite Quote: " I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees." -Henry David Thoreau

I'm inspired by...  I am inspired by art, music, science, and nature. I love to be around others who are curious, kind, and encourage others to be brave explorers and trail blazers.  

Contact information:

eldrouant@ssdmo.org

 edrouant@hazelwoodschools.org

Ms. Fernandez, Room 107

Educational Experiences: 

• ​Bachelor's in human development and family sciences from Syracuse University
• Masters in special education from Lehman college CUNY
• Taught in NYC in a self-contained class for 2 years

Favorite Quote:  A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.  

I'm inspired by... Those around me who constantly make the world better with what they do.  

Contact information: dfernadnez@ssdmo.org 

Ms. Rix, Speech, Room 103

Educational Experiences: I have worked for the past 32 years as a speech-language pathologist.  My first 13 years were spent in Chicago working in a combination of early intervention, headstart and elementary schools.  I have been  in Hazelwood since 2003. Seventeen of those years have been at Lusher. 

Favorite Quote: "What you do makes a difference and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make. -Jane Goodall 

I'm inspired by... the possibilities that come with each new year.  Every year I get a chance to be better, to try something new, to improve upon the year before with the ultimate goal being growth for my students and myself. 

Contact information: 

ttrix@ssdmo.org

trix@hazelwoodschools.org

(314)953-4631

Mrs. Eska, Speech, Room 106

Educational Experiences:  I have worked as a speech-language pathologist in Hazelwood for the past 16 years.  Prior to working in schools, I provided outpatient speech-language therapy for children at a hospital.  I currently travel within Hazelwood and provide speech and language services to both elementary and middle school students.

Favorite Quote: "There needs to be a lot more emphasis on what a child can do instead of what they cannot do."  Temple Grandin

I'm inspired by... the curiosity in a child's eyes.  They are like a sponge, ready to soak up information.  I enjoy working (and learning) with my students.

Contact information:

emeska@ssdmo.org

Ms. Heagney, School Psychologist, Room 105

Educational Experiences:

• Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Sociology; Minors in Business and Human Development and Family Studies; Multicultural Studies Certificate from Mizzou
• Master's Degree in Education from UMSL
• Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology from UMSL

Favorite Quote: "Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it." -Marian Wright Edelman

I'm inspired by... The students and educators I work with. Each day they teach me something new and I'm happy to grow alongside them.

Contact information:

kaheagney@ssdmo.org

(314) 989-8000 ext. 4065

Ms. Huggins, OT, Room 105

Educational Experiences: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Spanish, Rockhurst University
• Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy, Rockhurst University
• Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, University of Kansas Medical Center

I began my career as a long-term sub OT traveling between Lusher, Jana, and Barrington Elementary Schools in 2018, finishing the year subbing in the Valley Park School District. This will be my fourth year as a full-time Occupational Therapist, traveling between Lusher and Jana Elementary Schools. I have also worked in the pediatric outpatient setting and currently teach occupational therapy doctoral students at KU Medical Center on a part-time/virtual basis.

Favorite Quote: “You can never live a perfect day until you do something for someone who will never be able to repay you.” John Wooden 

I'm inspired by... opportunities to learn and grow every day. My students and co-workers inspire me to work hard, be kind, and be my best self. There is nothing more exciting than seeing my students grow and meet their goals! 

Contact information:

mjeffries@hazelwoodschools.org

mehuggins@ssdmo.org

Mrs. Blaylock-Solar, SSD Social Worker

Educational Experiences: Saint Louis University: Bachelor of Science in Social Work, Minor in Theology. Washington University in St. Louis: Master of Social Work 

Favorite Quote: “What we must do is commit ourselves to some future that can include each other and to work toward that future with the particular strengths of our individual identities. And in order for us to do this, we must allow each other our differences at the same time as we recognize our sameness.” —Audre Lorde 

I'm inspired by... I'm inspired by our innate ability to change and work toward self-defined goals. 

Contact information:  

dblaylock@hazelwoodschools.org

dlblaylock@ssdmo.org 

SSD TAs:

Room 107:

Ms. Ashley

Educational Experiences: This is my 28th year working with children.  I joined Special School District at Lusher last year after transitioning from my position as a lead teacher and  Assistant Director at a local early childcare learning center where I served infants through adolescents.  I have also served as a site coordinator for the YMCA before and after school programs in the Hancock Place School District.  I work as a licensed home learning center provider during the summer months.  I am thrilled to support students' success in the Hazelwood community. 

Favorite Quote: "Live, Learn, Laugh, Love." 

I'm inspired by... having the opportunity to learn something new every day. 

Contact information: eashley@hazelwoodschools.org  enashley@ssdmo.org 

Ms. Carter

Educational Experiences:

Favorite Quote:

I'm inspired by...

Contact information:

Ms. Manning

Educational Experiences:

Favorite Quote:

I'm inspired by...

Contact information

Room 104:

Ms. Davis

Educational Experiences:

Favorite Quote:

I'm inspired by...

Contact information:

Ms. Sovar

Educational Experiences: I have been a paraeducator in Special Education since 2005, working with students in pre-K and elementary school. I spent two years working in the Fort Zumwalt School District and fifteen years in the Special School District (SSD). During my time with SSD, I have worked in partner schools in the Ferguson-Florissant and Hazelwood School Districts. In addition, I studied in Special Education. This is my second year at Lusher Elementary School, and I love working with students in my own community. 

Favorite Quote: Strive for progress, not perfection 

I'm inspired by... a love for children and the desire to instill in them a love of learning 

Contact information:  asovar@hazelwoodschools.org, alsovar@ssdmo.org 

Room 24:

Mrs. Dickson

Educational Experiences: This is my 20th year serving students as a paraprofessional in the Special School District and my 12th year working at Lusher within the Hazelwood Partner District.  I have also worked in Ritenour, Normandy, Ferguson-Florissant and Riverview Gardens partner districts.  I have extensive experience supporting students in special education, resource and general education classroom settings.  Thank you for entrusting me with your most precious children this year.  You can count on me to love and guide them as if they were my own while fostering their social, emotional and academic growth. 

Favorite Quote: "Be Sweet." 

I'm inspired by...  My family is my greatest inspiration. 

Contact information: ydickson@ssd.org 

Room 108:

Mrs. Waldrop

Educational Experiences:  I graduated from University of Missouri - St. Louis with a Bachelor's of Science in Secondary Education with an Emphasis in English and completed graduate hours in Educational Leadership at Lindenwood University.  I began my career in education teaching Language Arts - Grades 4-8 in the St. Louis Archdiocese in St. Louis City and Spanish Lake before moving to the Hazelwood School District.  During my 17-year tenure as a general education teacher in Hazelwood, I co-taught English 7 and English 8 with Special School District teachers in addition to serving in a variety of teacher leader positions.  I am proud of the work I did serving the teaching profession as a new teacher mentor, building and district professional development facilitator as well as district and building committee chairperson and member.  I also served as a volunteer workshop presenter within the St. Louis Archdiocese as well as other St. Louis County public school districts.  I transitioned to working as a paraprofessional at the elementary level for Special School District six years ago.  I spent four years learning my new role in the Rockwood School District before having the opportunity to rejoin the Hazelwood community to serve students in my new capacity.  I am beyond excited to be back supporting our amazing students as they work hard to achieve their goals and realize their limitless potential.

Favorite Quote:  "Be the change you wish to see in the world."  - Mahatma Gandhi

I'm inspired by...  Anyone whose purpose is to make a positive impact, no matter how big or small inspires me.

Contact information:

bhwaldrop@ssdmo.org

bwaldrop@hazelwoodschools.org