Welcome!
Welcome to the Immacolata Family! We are so excited to have you with us this year and can't wait for a year of fun, learning and laughs!
Classroom Teachers:
Ms. Julia Praeger - jpraeger@immacolata.org
Mrs. Blair Stokes - brallo@immacolata.org
About Myself:
Ms. Julia Praeger: I was born and raised in San Francisco, California (GO GIANTS!). I am the youngest of 2 and have an older brother Nathan. Unfortunately, the dog in the photo is my parents' doodle Winnie and lives with them in San Francisco, but I absolutely adore her. I moved to Saint Louis in 2016 for college and lived here for the last 7 years and I am still learning my way around the city. I live in the Central West End neighborhood and love going out to eat so if you have restaurant recommendations please let me know.
Mrs. Blair Stokes: I was born and raised right here in Saint Louis. I’m 31 years old have an older sister, Berkley, and a younger brother, Maffitt. My mom comes from quite a large family so I am constantly surrounded by family and cousins! My husband and I just recently got Married (June 2023) and we have been enjoying newlywed life immensely. We have one dog, Aggy, and can’t wait for our new furry friend (black lab) coming in August!
Education Experience:
Ms. Julia Praeger: I grew up in San Francisco and moved to St. Louis for college in 2016. I graduated from Washington University in Saint Louis in May of 2020. I received a Bachelors of the Arts with a double major in Psychological Brain Sciences and Anthropology. My emphasis in Psychology was in Childhood Development and I decided to pursue teaching as a career.
Mrs. Blair Stokes: I graduated from Fontbonne University in 2014. I received my bachelors degree in social work, with a minor in sociology. I spent much of my time during high school and college volunteering at The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery, which played an enormous part in my decision to pursue a career in teaching.
Teaching Experience:
Ms. Julia Praeger: This is my fourth-year teaching at Immacolata. In my years here I gained vital hands on experience, became familiarized with preschool curriculum and found a love of teaching kids. However, this is not my first experience in Catholic schools. I attended a K – 8th grade Catholic school growing up, went on to an all-girls Catholic high school, and continued to pursue a faith-based education in college by becoming an avid member of the Catholic Student Center at Washington University. I am extremely excited to have this opportunity to work at Immacolata, in the preschool department again this year! I believe that a successful faith-based education starts at the beginning, so I am happy to be a part of that journey with all of your kids and you!
Mrs. Blair Stokes: This will be my first year teaching at Immacolata, but my 7 th year as an educator. When I first graduated college I got a job working at community school in the extended day program. Shortly after, I received a job at Village Lutheran Preschool. I have spent the last 7 years there and have greatly enjoyed it. I have met so many wonderful families at village over the years and cannot wait to continue this journey at IMMAC with all of their wonderful kids!
A few of my favorite things....
Ms. Julia Praeger: I look forward to getting to know all of my students and their families this year. As you get to know me here are a few of my favorite things: musicals, hiking, backyard Summer BBQs, all San Francisco sports teams, pets, pizza, Forest Park, the Audubon Center, traveling, baking, binge watching Netflix and seeing my family!
Mrs. Blair Stokes: The most important thing in my life is family. My brother and sister are my best friends, along with all of my cousins. My husband, Cody, is a big hunter, so we are typically doing something in the great outdoors! Any free time of mine is typically spent reading books on my kindle. I have become quite the book worm over the last few years. I can’t wait to spend this upcoming school year getting to know all of the students and families. To watch my students learn and grow is truly such a blessing and extremely rewarding.