SSD Special School District - Wyland Team

 

 

 

John (JT) Whybrow
SSD Coordinator
Hello, my name is J.T. Whybrew, and I am the Special Education Coordinator for Wyland Elementary. This is my 8th year in education and I have taught students from Kindergarten to 8th grade. I have a master's degree in special education administration, a bachelor's degree in Elementary and Special Education, and a bachelor's degree in Language Studies. I was born and raised in Indiana and before moving to Missouri, I lived in Fishers, Indiana. I have been married for 2 years. In my free time I love to read, travel, and spend time with my dog.

Dr. Madison Fritsche
SSD Psychologist
fritschem@ritenourschools.org

Hello! My name is Dr. Madison Fritsche. This will be my fourth year at Wyland as a School Psychologist! I have a doctorate from the University of Missouri-Columbia in School Psychology. I have a passion for working with families and increasing parent involvement and satisfaction within the education system. I am currently working towards becoming a fully licensed psychologist.

I have been married for almost 4 years and have two young daughters. In my free time, I enjoy reading, trying out new dining experiences, yard-sailing, and spending time with friends and family.
 

Alice Douglas
Paraprofessional (3-5)
douglasa@ritenourschools.org
This will be my 5th school year working at Wyland as a SSD Paraprofessional.  I have been an educator over 35 years.  I have a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education with a Lifetime Teacher's Certification for Missouri and Illinois.  I enjoy every moment that I am working with all children.

Outside of work I enjoy reading, watching my favorite TV programs, and spending time with my husband and daughter.

Amelia Hill Paraprofessional (K-2) hilla@ritenourschools.org
Greetings everyone! I have been a Teacher's Assistant in the Ritenour School District for seven years. 

In August 2017, I started as a Paraprofessional for Special School District at Marvin Elementary School. In September 2021, I transferred to Wyland to work in a self-contained classroom. Previously, I worked for seven years as a Substitute Teacher in the Ferguson/Florissant, Parkway, Normandy, Riverview Garden, and St. Louis Public Schools. I have an associate's degree in Human Services. I also have a lifetime teaching certificate from the state of Missouri. In November 2013, I retired early from Wal-Mart where I served as a manager for 25 years. As a volunteer, I served at various non-profit organizations throughout St. Louis such as;  St. Louis City Juvenile Detention Center and Better Family Life. I also served three years on the Youth Advisory Commission for the city of Florissant. While teaching, I was previously employed part-time, for 5 years, at Marygrove. Marygrove is a homeless shelter for at-risk youth. Witnessing the growth and development of our students is very rewarding!

My hobbies include; cooking, singing, shopping, dining, and spending quality time with my friends and family.

Antionette Myers Paraprofessional (K-2) myersa@ritenourschools.org

Hello, my name is Antionette Myers, better known as Ms. Ann and I have been a part of the Ritenour community since 2017.  I have 27 years of experience in the education field from Early Childhood Education to High School.  I have specialized in Special Education since 2017 and love the lane that I am in.  I possess an AA in Early Childhood Education, BA in Media Communications with a specialization in Public Relations, MA in Communications Management and I am a certified phlebotomist, head dance coach at Ritenour High School, and Youth and Family Mentor in the City of St. Louis.

Kristen Merz 
Paraprofessional Educator (3-5)
merzk@ritenourschools.org

Hello, my name is Kristin Merz, but everyone calls me Krissy.  I’ve been a para for over 20 years with Special School District working in Ritenour.  Last year, I joined the Wyland family.  It was an amazing year.  I learned some new things and met new people.  I have an associate's degree in early childhood education.   When I am not working, I like to watch TV, go to the movies, hang out with friends, go out to eat, or just stay home and relax.  I am looking forward to more great years with my Wyland family.

Francis Davis
SSD Social Worker
davisf@ritenourschools.org

Hello! My name is Frances Davis and this will be my third year as an SSD Social Worker. I’m excited to be back at Wyland! I have a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and a Master’s degree in Social Work, both from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Prior to being a social worker, I was a paraprofessional and a Special Education teacher.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors with friends and family, whether that be camping, kayaking, hiking, or simply relaxing in the backyard. I also enjoy yoga, reading, crafting, cooking, trying different restaurants, traveling, and spending time with my all-black cat, Stevie (named after Stevie Nicks).

Joules Honey

Hi!  My name is Je T’aime (Joules) Honey and I'm happy to be joining the Wyland team! I work as an educator by day and a board-certified music therapist by night. My bachelor's and master's degrees come from Howard University and the University of Miami, respectively. My fiancé and I have two small dogs at home, T’Challa the Yorkie and Prince the Maltipoo, who seem to be enjoying the move from sunny Florida. I also love plants, anime, mermaids, and coffee! If I'm not busy reading, ask me about my favorite movies and series! 

JoAnn GuarinoSSD Nurse
guarinoj@ritenourschools.org

 

Dahlia Lee
mailto:leed@ritenourschools.org

Hello! I’m Dahlia Lee and I’m excited to be part of the Wyland Dolphin family!  I have lived in Wisconsin, Kansas, Florida and Missouri.  I have a Bachelor’s Degree from Columbia College.  I’ve been in Education for 17 years; first as a Secretary, then a TA, ABA Paraprofessional, RBT, Teacher, and now a Paraprofessional again.

I love watching students grow academically and develop social skills.  Away from school, I enjoy reading, walking, and volunteering with my church, Special Olympics, and SPENSA. I like soccer and football and since my hometown is Kansas City, I am a Chiefs fan. I love spending time with my family and I also like musicals, learning foreign languages, and traveling. 
 

Mark McMullen
SSD 3-5 
mailto:McMullenM@ritenourschools.org

This will be my first full year at Wyland.  I have been teaching for 24 years, in the public, charter, public-private and public separate settings.  I attended Savannah State University, UMSL and Le Cordon Bleu.  I really enjoy teaching and look forward to impacting the lives of the students here at Wyland.  
 

Jennifer O'Brien
mailto:obrienj@ritenourschools.org
Hello! I'm Jennifer O'Brien,the new Social Skills teacher with Special School District.  I am excited to be a new member of the Wyland Family and to be returning to SSD.  I come to you from the Fox School District, where I taught art for five years. Prior to that, I taught SNAP with SSD and was an elementary reading instructor for Lindbergh Schools. I am looking forward to a great school year. Go Dolphins!
 

Adrienne Schlake
mailto:schlakea@ritenourschools.org
My name is Adrienne Schlake and I am excited to join the Wyland team this year as a special education resource teacher. I am certified to teach special education and general education, and I also hold a School Psychological Examiner certification. I have been teaching for 12 years, and before that was a substitute teacher and teacher's assistant/paraprofessional from 2007- 2012. I attended UMSL for my Bachelor's degree and Lindenwood for my Master's degree, as well as the additional Psychological Examiner program. I love getting to know my students and watching them grow in their skills and personalities.

When I am not at school I enjoy being with my family, reading, and traveling. I love coffee, fall, pizza, Halloween, and plants. My kids attend Ritenour, and I am very invested in our schools as a parent and staff member.