About Our Staff
Each of our classes is staffed by a team of two teachers. Teachers are trained in CPR and pediatric first aid, and they receive training in the use of Dr. Becky Bailey’s Conscious Discipline. St. Mark’s teachers have diverse educational backgrounds including early education, social work, speech therapy and sciences. We benefit from each other’s strengths and areas of expertise. Our teachers are compensated for attending workshops and conferences each year, and regularly discuss current research, trends, practices and issues related to early childhood education. Through thoughtful discussion and ongoing self-assessment, teachers remain curious and their continued growth allows us to provide the best care for children. Teachers have consistent hands on support from the director and assistant director, both experienced teachers, who provide assistance within the classroom and beyond. Continuing education needs are supported by our Education Coordinator. We are very proud to also have on staff 3 musicians who visit our classrooms weekly, and a school librarian!
Kate Morris - Director
I became the director of St. Mark’s Nursery School and Kindergarten in 2022 after six years of teaching here. My husband and I have two sons who attended St. Mark’s, a place that now feels like my home away from home. When my children left St. Mark’s to begin public school, I stayed, excited to join this community of knowledgeable and passionate educators. For many years my work here paired beautifully with my work as a licensed speech language pathologist providing early intervention for families through First Steps. I am happiest when connecting in the present moment with young children, witnessing and reflecting their experiences, or when singing interactive songs like Wheels on the Bus where children can participate by using their bodies and changing the words. I am humbled by the opportunity to serve St. Mark’s families and teachers as the director, and am excited by more opportunities for connection, collaboration and growth.
The childhood memories I hold most dear are those of love and empowerment: the soft touch of my grandmother, the wind in my hair riding bikes down neighborhood hills, or the sense of autonomy and connection to something bigger that I felt when high up in a mulberry tree or on the roof of my house.
Today, when I am not absorbed in the world of early childhood, I enjoy yoga, tending my garden, baking, Sunday brunches and hikes with my family, and walks with my husband and two dogs.
Julie Hammond - Assistant Director
After teaching at St. Mark’s for 13 years, I am now the assistant director. My journey here started when my husband Bret and I chose St. Mark’s for our children Aiden and Addie. The guidance and reassurance we received from the various teachers, as well as the opportunity to take parenting classes, were invaluable during the early days of our parenting journey. The opportunity to see our children thrive in this child-led community, and to make lifelong connections, was exactly what we were looking for for Aiden and Addies first school experience. While the kids attended St. Mark’s, I enjoyed volunteering in the classroom and on the parent committee; I also substitute taught during that time. During my time teaching, I have worked in a few different classrooms with different age groups. While in the classroom, I especially love witnessing the social emotional growth, and beautiful connections made between students, teachers and families within our classrooms and community. In this role, I am most excited by the opportunity to support teachers, and take on challenges.
As a child of the 70’s, my fondest memories are attending the same elementary school where my mom taught (Rogers elementary), riding bikes all over the east side of Bloomington with lifelong friends, and playing kick the can during the long summer nights. In my spare time I enjoy gathering with my book club, walking and lunching w/friends, and spending time with our family and elderly pugs.
Susie Walker - Office Manager
I am the office Manager at St. Mark’s. My history at St. Mark’s starts far before my employment as all four of my children were students here! My daughters Caroline and Catherine started at St. Mark’s in 2012- Caroline in the young toddler class and Catherine in the infant class. St. Mark's was my respite, community, and safe place as I grew my family. Nora and Joejoe soon came along and found their place here as well. Joejoe had an abrupt end to his St. Mark’s time as his last year finished at the start of the pandemic. I was sad to have that chapter of our life close and I missed my St. Mark’s family and was thrilled to start working here just a year later.
In my former life before kids, I went to IU School of Nursing and met my future husband working in the hospital in Indianapolis. I spent several years working in intensive care units before transitioning away from the bedside to risk management. I stayed home while I had my four kids (in five years!)
My fondest childhood memories are playing outside with my dog, running errands with my dad, and having endless alternating sleepovers with my best friend.
Now I enjoy spending time outside with my family, either at the pool, in the garden, or hiking. I love traveling with my husband and can’t wait to explore more of the world with my family.
Erica - Violet Teacher
I was so excited to join St. Mark’s as a teacher in 2023. While this was my first year with St.Mark’s, I’m not new to working with children. I went to school for early childhood development and education and have worked with little ones in one way or another since 2000. I’ve worn many hats along the way from teaching in special education, teaching daycare and preschool, and working as a certified car seat technician to name a few! I love watching and encouraging the natural curiosity of children and seeing their unique personalities develop. I truly love the philosophy of St. Mark’s and the focus of social and emotional learning.
I was raised in Bloomington going on adventures in the woods and playing in the creek where my family lived, and my parents still live! I am grateful to have the ability to raise my own family here surrounded by extended family and friends I’ve grown up with. We have a wide variety of animals and spend a lot of time as a family working with the dairy cows, taking the newest family puppy out for enrichment opportunities in the community, and creating our own family fun wherever we go. With 4 kids and an abundance of animals, we stay busy and always try to take in and appreciate the small moments of everyday life. When I have down time and quiet time, I love reading and deep diving into new research and learning.
Janelle Ogunsemore - Violet Teacher
I joined the St. Mark’s community in 2021, just as the world was finding its way after the pandemic. With the support of my husband, Omotola “Sam,” I was seeking a nurturing place for my young children and myself as I transitioned into life as a stay-at-home/work-from-home mom post pandemic. My son Reed nearly 3 at the time began in the Clover class, followed by his younger brother Zion barely 1 in Milkweed. In 2022, when my daughter Paige (27) had my grandson Jru, we knew without a doubt he would join them. The next school year, 6 months later, he did, making St. Mark’s a truly special place for our whole family.
Last year, I began as a substitute teacher, and I’m thrilled to step into a new role this year as a Violet class teacher. Being a mom—both in my early 20s and now in my 40s—has been the most valuable preparation for this work. For over 25 years, I’ve owned and operated a salon, which I brought into my home after having my sons. My parenting journey led me to St. Mark’s, where I found not just a school, but a community—and the tools and language to parent with intention.
I believe every child deserves to be supported, seen, and celebrated. I lead and serve with love, bringing my authentic self into every space. I value the diverse backgrounds and experiences of all families and feel honored to help children thrive in safe, nurturing environments.
As a child, I spent hours creating art, listening to music, and learning at my grandmother’s side in the kitchen. She was ever present, ever patient. These early experiences taught me the power of presence, patience, and open-ended exploration—values I now bring into my work with children.
Outside of St. Mark’s, I serve actively in my church, Bethel AME, where I have and still do hold many roles over the past 20 years, including music minister. I have been honored to participate in many events around Bloomington and beyond. Most notably a Gospel Christmas Concert here at St Marks, a fundraiser benefiting the scholarship fund. I love connecting with people and sharing and leaving light and love everywhere I go.
Haley Lewis - Violet & Chicory Teacher
I’m so excited to be starting my first year at St. Mark’s, working with both the Violet and Chicory classrooms. I’ve been in early childhood education since 2021, and from the moment I stepped into this field, I knew I’d found my calling. Over the years, I’ve taken on roles as an assistant teacher, lead teacher, and curriculum coordinator, and I’m truly honored to add teaching at St. Mark’s to that list.
Some of my fondest childhood memories are from growing up on a farm, where I spent endless hours caring for animals, building forts, getting muddy, and letting my imagination run wild. That freedom to explore and create has deeply influenced my teaching philosophy. I believe children thrive when given the space to take risks, make messes, and discover the world around them at their own pace.
Outside of teaching, I’m passionate about social work and am currently pursuing my master’s in the field. I also love spending time in nature, practicing yoga and pilates, and creating things like jewelry, stained glass art, and crochet pieces.
I’m so grateful to be a part of the St. Mark’s community, where children are encouraged to learn through play, build meaningful relationships, and develop a deep sense of self. I can’t wait to get to know your children and support them as they grow during this incredible stage of life!"
Joanie Blackwell - Chicory Teacher
St. Mark’s was my family’s first community when we arrived in Bloomington in 2017—and still remains one of our strongest! Our daughter Penelope started in the Green (now Dandelion) class, our son Philip in the Onesies (now Milkweed/Chicory)…and our youngest, Natalie, currently attends this magical place we have all come to consider home. My husband Nick and I are grateful for the foundation of love and support St. Mark’s has meant for every member of our family as we have grown as parents, children, and people.
A native Pittsburgher, I have lived in New York City; Athens, Greece; Philadelphia, and Raleigh before settling in Bloomington. My B.A. is in English and Spanish (double major) from Davidson College (NC), and I recently completed a graduate certificate in Philanthropic Studies from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IU Indianapolis. I’ve worked in book publishing, non-profit, and freelance editing/writing while maintaining a connection to young children through teaching and coaching swimming, ESL tutoring, and of course raising my own kids.
After six years of volunteering and participating in parenting classes at St. Mark’s, this is my first year of formal teaching. I am honored to develop the craft alongside the skilled, compassionate teachers from whom I have learned so much about play-based, child-led education. I love children’s enormous capacity to embrace the joy and wonder around them, and their powerful curiosity that helps me see things anew. Getting to know each of them through their moments of exuberance and frustration alike is a privilege. I also hope to provide families with the feelings I’ve always had when walking out of the building after drop-off: peace, trust, and confidence that my children will have a wonderful morning surrounded by adults who love them like they are their own.
My childhood memories are of hours spent swimming in pools, lakes, and the ocean; playing pretend and making up stories, dances, and songs with my two sisters; and piling into my mom’s lap with a stack of books for her to read aloud to us. Swimming, connecting with family, and reading are still some of the things that center me most. I also enjoy cooking, learning languages, and the adventure (in new places) and nostalgia (in old) of traveling.
Adriana Fernandez - Chicory Teacher
My first year teaching at St. Mark’s in 2023 was my second year as a parent here. My family found St. Mark’s in early 2022 and it has quickly become the community and backbone of support we have longed for on our parenting journey. Over the past year, St. Mark’s Nursery School and Kindergarten has quickly become my children’s and family’s second home.
My passion for children and early childhood education are deeply rooted in my own childhood experience. My mother dedicated her almost 40-year career to teaching young children and supporting their families. Some of my earliest memories are of spending time in the early childhood center she helped found and directed. Play and exploration were at the center of everything I did as a child. My childhood was spent exploring the outdoors whether at home, at school, or on our family’s annual beach and mountain vacations; getting creative and messy with water and sensory play; and discovering my ability for self-expression through movement, arts, and imaginary play. One of my greatest joys of working with young children is getting to see them discover the world through the lens of their boundless imaginations.
Prior to St. Marks, I taught at Indiana University in the Arts Management and Administration Program, and worked as a freelance stage manager in the performing arts. While earning my BFA and MFA, I worked as a swim instructor, tutor, and nanny, as well as volunteered in local early childhood and elementary classrooms. Teaching has always been my passion but becoming a mother has reminded me how much I love helping guide and support young children as they grow and navigate the world.
In my free time, I enjoy dance parties with my daughters, Eva, Isabel, and Luna, cooking, baking, hiking, and spending time with my husband, Erik, our daughters, and our dog, Boomer. Some of our favorite Bloomington activities include the farmer’s market, Food Truck Fridays at Switchyard Park, and exploring downtown. A few of my personal passions include dancing, reading fantasy novels, sewing, movies, and music.
Molly Barwick - Clover Teacher
I feel fortunate to be part of the St. Mark’s community! My son attended preschool and kindergarten at St. Mark’s. After he aged out, we both missed the environment so much. He continues to return to read to classes, and I began substitute teaching in various classrooms and eventually began teaching in 2021. I live with my husband Clark, my 10 year old son Finn, and Finn’s 2 parakeets, Cookie and Popcorn.
I hold a BA and MA in Cultural Anthropology. Before St. Mark’s, I worked for several years at the Kelley School of Business Institute for Social Impact, facilitating opportunities for students to bridge their business skills with strategies toward poverty alleviation. This work taught me how the strength of empathy and curiosity, along with an appreciation for diversity of thought and experience can truly change the world for the better.
Small children in our classrooms continue to remind me of this every day. I especially love the connections made when I see the world through their eyes.
As a child, I loved reading and being read to, and I spent countless hours exploring the streams behind our home in Connecticut. When I’m not teaching at St. Mark’s I spend my time running, doing advocacy work on gun violence prevention, and traveling.
Holly Alana Gilmore - Clover Teacher
Our family came to know St. Mark’s as we chose the KinderGarden classroom for our youngest child, Hart. He flourished in the care of his dedicated educators—we all felt so warmly accepted and encouraged by this community. My time as a stay-at-home mom has come to an end as Hart will now join his big brother, Thad, in public school. I am delighted to begin my next chapter teaching in the Clover room alongside an amazing teaching team!
With my husband, Marc, we have made our country home in Eastern Greene County. I have embraced this rural lifestyle by declaring myself an amateur naturalist—I love spending time outdoors identifying the flora and fauna that share our property. In the spring and summer, I tend to my flower beds and veggie garden. In all seasons, I dabble in creative pursuits like painting and am always available to visit an antique store in the hopes of finding a treasure to add to my various collections. Otherwise, we all stay busy between EGES basketball travel team, BUGS gymnastics, and Cutters soccer.
I look forward to partnering with families to provide gentle and joyful caregiving in the child led tradition that St. Mark’s is known for.
Anna Knust - Clover Teacher
My time at St. Mark’s began in 2015, when my family and I moved back to Bloomington. My son started in the 3s class and my daughter started in the onesies. I loved my time as a parent helper in the classroom and learned so much from my children’s teachers. That experience inspired me to pursue teaching and I started teaching in the older 2s class in 2018. My background is in environmental science/hydrogeology, and I’ve worked as a research scientist, volleyball coach, environmental consultant, and fitness instructor, before finding early childhood education. I love sharing the wonders of the world with children through the lens of science. Children are the ultimate scientists, always observing, experimenting, trying new things, and learning from the results. By encouraging children to ask questions and observe their surroundings, they learn to appreciate the world and inform their own opinions. I spent a lot of time reading and playing outside as a child, exploring the woods with my sister. I still love reading (especially historical fiction) and exploring the woods (but not ticks). I love to exercise, drink soda, try new recipes, and spend time with my family.
Alissa Chapman - Thistle Teacher
I began my journey in early childhood education in 2013, when I was just 19 years old. What started as a job quickly became my passion, and over the years I’ve grown deeply committed to creating nurturing, high-quality learning environments for young children.
In 2017, I earned my Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential to further develop my skills and knowledge. One of my favorite parts of this work is creating a classroom where children feel safe, valued, and empowered to grow—especially in the areas of social and emotional development. I truly believe that giving children the freedom to express themselves and build relationships lays the foundation for lifelong learning.
This is my first year teaching at St. Marks, and I already feel so welcomed by the amazing staff and families. I’m also thrilled to have my two sons joining the school community—one in the kindergarten classroom and the other in the twos. We’re all looking forward to a wonderful year filled with growth, learning, and connection.
Outside of the classroom, my husband, two sons and I soak up as much quality time as we can. We spend most of our free time outside riding bikes, and visiting the ducks in the pond near our home. When I find myself with some alone time I enjoy beginner friendly crochet projects.
Jessica McIntosh - Thistle Teacher
I’ve been working with children pretty much all my life. I’ve worked as a nanny, daycare teacher, substitute teacher and have watched children in my house. I’m very excited to start this new chapter of my life as a St. Mark’s teacher. I have two BAs in Art History and Graphic Design. Being creative in all things is my passion. I love being outdoors in all weather. My happy place/zen moments are when I can be near water.
I came to know St Mark’s when I was a nanny; the kids I cared for all came through here. Then when I became a parent there was no other place I wanted my kids to attend. Both my son and daughter went to school here. My kids are both in the Spanish Immersion program at Summit now. My husband works at the School of Education at IU. We love all things Bloomington.
Amy Calloway - Dandelion Teacher
I started my St. Mark’s experience as a parent in 2013 when my daughter began preschool in the older 2’s class. My son also began his school journey in that classroom two years later. In 2016 I began to substitute, shortly worked in a teacher support role, then joined the young two’s class as a teacher! Though I went to school for elementary education and worked as a 3rd and 5th grade teacher for a handful of years, I have found that I really, really love working with younger children! Watching Littles grow and change throughout the year is amazing and such a rewarding experience. Reading about, learning about, and advocating for PLAYFUL LEARNING and outdoor play has become a passion of mine. I was lucky enough to spend my childhood outside, engaging with nature, running the neighborhood, and exercising my creativity in all I did. An experience I wish for all children today!
During my ME TIME, I love to read and learn new things, work in my garden, be outside, sit by a campfire, and hike with my family.
Jennifer Herring - Dandelion Teacher
This will be my first year at St. Marks and I am so excited to join this community! I am thrilled to be working with children and helping create an environment where they feel safe to be themselves, to learn, to grow and to play!
I have always been passionate about working with children! As a child, my mom had an in-home daycare which I loved as this meant I was never without a friend to play with. I went on to earn my Bachelors in Social Work and placed my focus on working with children and their families in a school setting. I also completed an internship at a domestic violence shelter working with women and children. I was then blessed to be a stay at home mom for 11 years which has given me priceless memories and the opportunity to learn and grow as a parent, friend and human being! Children teach us so much and I am so thankful for the color they give to this world everyday!
I have four children and an amazing husband. have three daughters and one son. We enjoy swimming, bike rides, outside games such as playing tennis on our driveway, and Friday pizza/movie nights! I also love to read and find crafty projects for the kids and I to do! Something important about my childhood that I hope they also find joy in, is catching lightning bugs, evening bike rides and the smell of hot dogs and nacho cheese at ball fields!
Sarah Harriss - Foxtail Teacher
My connection with St. Mark’s began in 2014 when we moved to Bloomington and enrolled our younger daughter in the 3-4 yo class. Shortly thereafter, I began subbing at St. Mark’s and eventually worked as a teacher in the kindergarten class and the Purple class (4-5 yo). As a current nursery school teacher, I am grateful to work in such a supportive community.
My background includes master’s degrees in divinity and special education. Before having children, I was a special education teacher in Chicago Public Schools as a K-8 resource and inclusion teacher. And, before growing up, I was a 4 year old who loved to sing in the car on the way to preschool where my mom was a teacher.
When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy gardening, reading, baking, walking my dogs Lazarus & Harriet, and spending time with my family.
Jill Steiner - Foxtail Teacher
I started out as a substitute teacher and as an assistant teacher in the Dandelion classroom in 2023 because I felt drawn to working with kids again after being a stay-at-home mom for many years.
Professionally, I worked as a pediatric RN for several years until my husband, Tim, and I moved to Bloomington in 2007. At that time, we had two little boys and no family support close by, so I found myself filling the role of stay-at-home mom. I used to joke that I was a “stay-out-of-the-home” mom as I would take my boys on outdoor adventures as much as I could, and then I began volunteering in their classrooms as they moved thru elementary grades. I also picked up volunteer work at Meals on Wheels and with the Boys and Girls Club Auxiliary. In 2013, I worked as the City Director of Lemonade Day for the Boys and Girls Club, teaching area youth the skills of entrepreneurship.
For me, many of my core memories of playing as a child involve being outdoors in the fields, woods and lakes of northern Indiana. There is something about the outdoor world that encourages curiosity, and for this reason, I particularly love the play yards at St. Mark’s so much!
In addition to raising my sons Jack (a college sophomore at Georgetown University) and Will (a BHSN Senior), we have also hosted three international high school students since 2016!
In my free time I like to exercise, read, and spend time with my friends and family as well as our two Golden Retrievers. I continue to volunteer for Meals on Wheels and participate in the PTO at Bloomington High School North.
Krista Holmstrom - Kindergarten Teacher
I first got to know St. Marks in 2014 when my son began his preschool years as a student in the Two’s classroom. Little did I know that fateful year would usher in an enduring love for learning and play in my son, and that the same would happen for my daughter who entered the Two’s classroom a year later. St. Mark’s helped my children find joy and learning through play, and it also nudged me down an entirely new career path--teaching!
Since those early days I have worn a variety of hats at St. Marks: parent, parent volunteer, substitute, support teacher, and full-time classroom teacher. I often feel that I learn more from the children in the classroom than they learn from me, but what I especially enjoy is the chance to spend time with and become friendly with the children who pass through St. Mark’s. It is a joy to play and learn alongside them. My philosophy is that each child is a wonderfully unique soul with something special to bring to the world, and that helping them shine and grow is a unique privilege.
When I was an only child growing up in Northern California I could often be found in the upper branches of a tree, having climbed up there with a book tucked into my back pocket. Heavily influenced by Harriet the Spy and Laura Ingalls Wilder, I zipped around on my bike and roller skates, made mud pies, and chased my cat Germaine.
My former career was spent in PR and book publicity, and I currently enjoy both freelance writing and teaching. I live in Bloomington with my two elementary-school age children, my husband, and our two cats. My family loves exploring the beautiful trails and creeks that surround us and attending lots of gymnastics classes, soccer and baseball games.
Tori Kreller - Kingergarten Teacher, Education Coordinator
I first joined St. Mark’s Nursery School in 2011 as a parent in the two year old classroom. Both of my children attended St. Mark’s for preschool (and one for Kindergarten), and I then transitioned to substitute teaching. My first year I was able to provide support in every classroom and enjoyed the varied experiences that came with teaching a wide range of ages. In fall of 2017, I officially joined the preschool teaching team, working with children 3 ½-5 years old. Some of my favorite moments in our classroom are reading aloud to children, supporting little ones who are processing powerful or challenging emotions, and connecting with parents. As the Education Coordinator, I maintain the Ceci Maron-Puntarelli Family Resource Library, and collaborate with Kate to plan professional development activities for our fabulous staff and families. When I was a child, my mother patiently nurtured my love for books and playful exploration, and my goal is to always encourage that spark in others. When I’m not teaching at St. Mark’s, I spend time with my husband, our boys and pup, read (a ton), knit (just a little), and volunteer advocating for gun violence prevention and improvements to early childhood public policy.
Angela Simoneaux - Kindergarten Teacher
After over 14 years teaching at St. Mark’s, the children’s smiling faces full of joy, wonder, eagerness, and excitement remind me daily of why I chose the field of education. I graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, certified to teach elementary education, and later added an early childhood endorsement to my credentials. I currently hold teaching licenses in Louisiana, Texas, Missouri, and Indiana, and I have been involved in the presentation of educational workshops on the local, state, and international levels. I have taken graduate courses in science education and have a background in dance and theatre. These areas combined create a well-rounded learning environment for my students. As an enrolled tribal member, I also feel the responsibility to provide quality, accurate Native American children’s literature relevant to the topics we are covering in class.
I am the mother of three, the last of which graduated from IU this past May. I grew up in the sunny south spending lots of time outdoors, instilled with a love and respect for nature. I appreciate St. Mark’s allowing and encouraging outdoor learning when possible and the opportunity to begin building environmental awareness from a young age. These aspects connect well with my passions for gardening and nature photography.
Alexis Gutierrez - Traveling Musician, School Librarian
This is my third year at St. Mark's, and I’m so glad to be part of the community! I have a Bachelor's in English from Indiana University and a Master's in Library and Information Science from Drexel University. I'm a former children's librarian and started working in preschools after my three children started school. My favorite thing about being a Traveling Musician at St. Mark’s is walking into the classroom and immediately being bombarded with song requests! I enjoy sharing old songs, making up new songs in the moment, playing music kids can dance to, and finding ways to explore beats and rhythms together. Most of all, I enjoy making collaborative music a fun part of every day.
As a child, I loved playing games in the woods with my cousins, listening to the radio, playing with my cat, and hanging out in the backyard with books and snacks. Now, in my spare time, I enjoy reading, spending time outside with family and friends, playing music, and attending concerts. I love being part of the team of caring educators at St. Mark's and look forward to sharing music with your children again this year!
Kevin MacDowell, Kid Kazooey - Traveling Musician
I began teaching at St. Mark’s in September of 2022, and now I never want to leave! The sense of community and commitment to excellence (via PLAY!) is so impressive!
Originally from Fort Wayne, I’ve made Bloomington my home for the last 30 years. My wife, Lara Weaver, and I have raised three sons that bring us so much joy (and opportunities for reflection and growth!). Our oldest, Jade Prieboy, and our daughter in law Allie, just had a baby 8 months ago, our dear granddaughter Blair! Miles Prieboy is getting ready to marry in October, giving us our SECOND DAUGHTER IN LAW NAMED ALLIE! Sylvan MacDowell is the one we’ve raised together from his birth, 19 years ago. He’s not following suit with “Allie’s,” but does keep the family tradition of music making with his expressive and creative flow as he freestyle raps!
Professionally, I’m a certified youth worker with over 30 years of experience, a bachelor’s degree in youth ministry, and a master’s in Library Sciences: youth services. As a musician, other than childhood piano lessons, I am self taught, and have been making music non-stop for over 50 years! My passion for music and working with youth first combined a little more than 25 years ago when I began writing, recording, performing, and teaching music to, for, and with young children as Kid Kazooey, the singing & swinging librarian. My wife started the preschool music curriculum I offer at St. Mark’s and other pre-schools about 30 years ago. She handed the baton to me to keep those classes rolling about 15-20 years ago (Magic Rocks was HER creation!). After all these years, I still love teaching music, and probably the number one reason why is because I always learn so much from the children I work with - I really believe they are smarter than most adults!
When I was four years old, barely tall enough to look over the top of the keys of the family piano, I picked out by ear a tune my Daddy used to play for us, King of the Road. That amazing feeling of discovery, searching for the right notes, has never left me - Thank you!!
When not in the classroom or teaching in my studio, I love composing, arranging, rehearsing, performing, and recording original music for the bands I’m in - most notably Kid Kazooey & the Ballroom Roustabouts, and the Bazargan Book Club. I also love kayaking and being outdoors with my family, reading, meditating, and cooking!