About

New Faculty in 2025-26

Casady School takes pride in its robust and talented faculty and staff. We fill positions with unique and experienced individuals who will continue Casady's mission to develop excellence, confidence, and integrity in our students.

List of 19 items.

  • Jeremy Carey, Upper Division History

    Casady School welcomes Jeremy Carey to the Upper Division faculty as a history teacher. With more than a decade of experience teaching high school and college-level social studies, Mr. Carey most recently served as a history teacher at Mount St. Mary Catholic High School in Oklahoma City. He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in history with a focus on museum studies from the University of Central Oklahoma. Mr. Carey views history as a living story that connects the past to the present and creates a classroom culture rooted in curiosity, respect, and critical thinking.
  • Alicia Carter, Lower Division Teacher

    Lower Division is excited for Alicia Carter to join their third grade team. Ms. Carter brings more than a decade of teaching expertise to Casady, having previously taught middle school math at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Austin, Texas, as well as internationally in Romania, Singapore, and Sweden. She graduated from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, with a BS of Interdisciplinary Studies, 4th-8th Grade Math/Science. Ms. Carter believes that all students can learn and meet their full potential if their school, staff, and peers create a safe, caring, and growth-mindset oriented classroom.
  • Sara Chown, Lower Division Teacher

    Casady School is pleased to welcome Sara Chown to the Lower Division as the newest fourth grade teacher. Ms. Chown holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Oklahoma State University and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in reading education at the University of Oklahoma. She brings valuable classroom experience from her time as a first grade teacher at Northern Hills Elementary School. Ms. Chown is passionate about fostering a love of learning and building strong foundations for student success.
  • Bristin Grove, Assistant Director of Strength and Performance | PE Teacher

    Bristin Grove joined Casady this summer for Power Camps as the School’s new Assistant Director of Strength and Performance. She will also serve as a PE coach. Coach Grove is a certified strength and conditioning specialist with a B.S. in Kinesiology from the University of Central Oklahoma and is currently pursuing her M.Ed. in Intercollegiate Athletics Administration at the University of Oklahoma. She previously contributed to Casady’s strength and conditioning program and brings strong experience and dedication to supporting student-athlete development. In addition to her work at Casady, Coach Grove serves as a Senior Airman in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, demonstrating exceptional discipline and leadership.
  • Djimon Jones, Upper Division Librarian

    Djimon Jones joins Casady as our new Upper Division librarian. Ms. Jones graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Master’s in Library Science and holds a Bachelor’s in English Education from Cameron University. Before coming to Casady, she worked in a variety of roles within the Metropolitan Library System, including leading large-scale initiatives such as the Summer Reading Program Planning Committee, and managing critical systems involving acquisitions, program logistics, vendor relations, and outreach materials. Ms. Jones’ background in English education, combined with her passion for inclusive, learner-centered librarianship, drives her to make library spaces welcoming, resource-rich environments where all individuals feel empowered to explore, inquire, and grow.
  • Lawren Kerr, Lower Division Teacher

    Lawren Kerr joins Casady’s Lower Division as a first grade teacher. Ms. Kerr holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Oklahoma and brings experience from her three years at Midwest City Elementary. She is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive classroom where every student feels valued and supported. With a focus on growth mindset, curiosity, and the integration of technology, Ms. Kerr personalizes learning to meet individual needs and builds strong connections with students and families.
  • Cate Kurtz, Lower Division Substitute Administrative Assistant + Third and Fourth Grade Teaching Assistant

    Cate Kurtz will be assisting Lower Division as the substitute administrative assistant. Ms. Kurtz recently earned her Master of Arts in Public History from Oklahoma State University, and holds a BA in History, also from OSU. She has previously served as the summer programs assistant during Casady’s Summer by the Lake program, as well as a graduate teaching assistant at OSU and an archival and collections intern at Gaylord-Pickens Museum. Ms. Kurtz will also serve as a third and fourth grade teaching assistant.
  • Isaiah Levingston ’17, PE Teacher

    Isaiah Levingston ’17 is returning to Casady School full-time as a PE Coach. Coach Levingston brings a well-rounded background in both education and athletics, having been a Division I student-athlete at OU and a dedicated part-time coach at Casady since 2022, assisting with Cyclone Boys’ Volleyball and Track and Field. He also brings valuable experience supporting student well-being through his previous roles at Compassionate Hands Counseling Services and as a behavioral health technician at SSM Health St. Anthony. Coach Levingston holds a bachelor’s degree in Creative Media Production and Psychology from the OU, and he is passionate about promoting physical wellness, teamwork, and personal growth both on and off the field.
  • Anastassia Marr, Middle Division French

    Casady School welcomes Anastassia Marr as a new French teacher in the Middle Division. Marr brings a unique blend of expertise in both music and language education. Fluent in French, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance with a French minor from Southeastern Louisiana University, as well as a Master’s in Opera Performance from Oklahoma City University. Most recently, she served as a teaching assistant at the University of Southern Mississippi, where she helped teach diction in French, German, and Italian. Her teaching approach centers on meeting students where they are and helping them build confidence through connection, creativity, and care.
  • Namia Nixon, Lower Division Teacher

    Namia Nixon joins Casady’s Lower Division as a second grade teacher. Ms. Nixon is a seasoned early childhood educator with 11 years of teaching experience, including eight years in second grade at John Ross Elementary School in Edmond. She was named the 2023-24 Teacher of the Year for her dedication to creating a supportive, engaging classroom where every student feels valued. In addition to her work with students, Ms. Nixon has mentored new teachers and has contributed to school-wide initiatives that promote student growth and collaboration.
  • Megan Owens, Upper Division Biology

    Casady School is excited to welcome Megan Owens to the Upper Division as a biology teacher. Ms. Owens brings a strong STEM background and a passion for student growth to her classroom. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Wichita State University and a MBA from Grand Canyon University. She previously taught eighth grade science and coached volleyball at Rancho Solano Preparatory School in Scottsdale, Arizona. A former Division I volleyball player at Grand Canyon University and coach, Ms. Owens creates an engaging, hands-on learning environment that connects science to real life. She is dedicated to building meaningful relationships and inspiring curiosity in every student.
  • Amelia Padalino, Assistant Choir Director

    Casady’s Performing Arts Department welcomes Amelia Padalino as their new assistant choir director. Mrs. Padalino has been involved with multiple choirs around central Missouri, has served as an Adjunct Music History Professor at Moberly Area Community College, and Traditional Music Director at First United Methodist Church in Jefferson City. She also had a voice studio with her husband. Mrs. Padalino graduated from the University of Missouri with Master’s of Music in both Voice Performance and Choral Conducting, and earned a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from Middle Tennessee State University. As a musician, Mrs. Padalino aims to share her experiences with students and help them carve paths in the field of vocal performance, as well as broaden their ears and appreciation for music in as many forms as possible.
  • Wesley Rhea, Middle Division History

    Wesley Rhea joins the eighth grade teaching team as a history teacher. Mr. Rhea brings valuable experience from his time as a social studies teacher at Northwest Classen High School, along with coaching football and baseball experience. Mr. Rhea uses a student-centered, inquiry-driven approach to create engaging, hands-on lessons that promote critical thinking, civic awareness, and real-world connections. A University of Oklahoma graduate with a degree in Social Studies Education, Mr. Rhea is passionate about helping students grow academically and personally through collaboration, creativity, and curiosity.
  • Taylor Mills Sanders ’08, Varsity Field Hockey Head Coach

    Taylor Mills Sanders ’08 returns to Casady as the Cyclone Athletics Varsity Head Field Hockey Coach. A former NCAA Division III field hockey captain at Rhodes College with championship and tournament experience, Coach Sanders previously spent seven years coaching at Casady as the assistant varsity field hockey coach. She brings strong leadership, mentorship, and teamwork skills from both athletics and her professional career in finance as an Internal Audit Specialist for Expand Energy Corporation. Coach Sanders is dedicated to building a competitive and supportive team culture.
  • Addison Shields, Marketing Coordinator

    Addison Shields was welcomed to campus earlier this summer as Casady’s new marketing coordinator. A recent graduate of Oklahoma State University with a degree in Strategic Communications, Ms. Shields brings a fresh, creative perspective to the Communications Team. Known for her energy and outgoing personality, she is excited to share Casady’s story and help strengthen connections within the School community.
  • Aaron Todd, Middle Division Chaplain

    Aaron Todd joins Casady School as the new Middle Division chaplain. As an ordained pastor and experienced educator, Rev. Todd holds a Master of Divinity from Texas Christian University and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Northwest Missouri State University. He previously taught at Northwest Classen High School in Oklahoma City as a Social Studies teacher. Rev. Todd is passionate about creating spaces where students can explore faith and grow in community.
  • Marie-Eve Viens, Upper Division French

    Casady School welcomes Marie-Eve Viens to Upper Division as a French teacher. Mme. Viens is a certified French teacher in both Oklahoma and Texas with experience teaching middle and high school students, most recently at Mustang High School. Originally from Quebec, Canada, Mme. Viens brings a global perspective to her classroom and is committed to meeting students’ diverse learning needs through visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and written methods. She fosters a positive and supportive environment where students are encouraged to grow both academically and personally.
  • Amy Whitson, Lower Division Teacher

    Amy Whitson has a wealth of experience to bring to our first grade teaching team in our Lower Division. With a degree in Education from Wichita State University and Master’s Degree in Teaching from Texas A&M University, Ms. Whitson is dedicated to creating nurturing, student-focused classrooms. She is passionate about meeting each student’s unique needs through personalized instruction and building strong, supportive relationships.
  • Jackson Cole Woodruff, Director of Strength and Performance | PE Teacher

    Cole Woodruff joined our Athletics staff this summer to direct Cyclone Power Camp and is serving as our new Director of Strength and Performance. He will also be a PE coach. Coach Woodruff brings extensive collegiate-level experience from Abilene Christian University, where he led strength programs for multiple sports and served as interim director of football strength and conditioning. A U.S. Army veteran and certified strength coach (CSCS, USAW-L1), he is dedicated to student-athlete development, injury prevention, and helping students build confidence both on and off the field.
FAMILIAR FACES | NEW PLACES
  • Matt Burkholder ’02 will serve as Director of Donor Relations and Annual Giving in the Development Office.
  • Brannan Crossno ’12 will teach Upper Division English full time and serve as the faculty sponsor and liaison for the Twister and Logos student publications.
  • Michaela Freeland has joined the IT Team as the Education Technology (Ed Tech) liaison.
  • Jennifer Farha Homsey ’00 has joined the Admission Team as Associate Director of Admission and Community Engagement.
  • Katie Blaik James ’90 will serve as Director of Alumni Giving and Engagement in the Development Office.
  • Laura Kendall has assumed the librarian responsibilities in Crabtree Library.
  • Connor Pearson has been appointed to the Communications Manager position.
  • Aric Sappington will continue to lead the Middle Division Makerspace and will also teach fifth and sixth grade Computer Science.
  • Danielle Sappington will teach seventh grade Computer Science.
Casady School is an independent, co-educational, college preparatory, Episcopal day school serving students in pre-k-12. Educating Mind, Body, and Spirit.
Casady School is a PreK-12, independent, college preparatory Episcopal day school committed to deeper-level learning. Casady School welcomes a student body that reflects the diversity of the world around us and therefore does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, nationality, or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics, and other school-administered programs generally accorded or made available to students at the School.