Staff Bios

Dr. Sams Principal: I earned a bachelor of arts degree from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, a a masters of arts degree in Educational Policymaking and Administration from Washington University, an Educational Specialist degree from Lindenwood University. and the Doctorate of Education, with an emphasis in Educational Leadership from Maryville University. I also completed additional coursework at Oxford University in Oxford, England and the University of Missouri at St. Louis.

I retired from Normandy Schools Collaborative in 2016. In July 2018, I returned to work as the interim principal of Barbara C. Jordan Elementary in the School District of University City. This year, I am beginning my third year as the principal of the Lieberman Learning Center.

I am a lifetime member of the Charles Sumner High School Alumni Association, an active member of the Spelman College Alumnae Association, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. and Phi Delta Kappa Sorority, Inc. I am the proud mother of two HBCU graduates, Ada (Spelman College, Atlanta, Georgia) and Ivy (Bennett College for Women, Greensboro, North Carolina) and the grandmother of Kade Sams Johnson and Knox Bella Johnson. In my spare time I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family.

Room Number: 107

Office Number: 314-290-4330

Email address: pasams@ucityschools.org

Dan Holden: This is my twenty-third year teaching in UCity and twenty-first at the LLC, though it wasn't called that when I started working here. I am originally from Kansas City, so I am a fan of the Royals, Chiefs, and BBQ. I also travel a lot with my family, though not this year since we have been quarantined. Last summer we went to Hawaii and then flew into Seattle and drove back to St. Louis stopping at Olympic, Mt. Ranier, Grand Tetons, and Yellowstone National Parks.

I am married to an English teacher for SLPS and have one son who is a senior at Metro. I do accept doughnuts as bribes. Boogeyz Donuts on Olive will do.

I guess I could mention my qualifications. I have a BS Ed and MEd in Information Science & Learning Technologies from the University of Missouri - Columbia. I also have a certificate for online teaching from Mizzou and one for the Internationl Blues Scholar Program at Delta State University

Room Number: 110

Office Number: 314-290-4117

Email: cholden@ucityschools.org

Website: https://sites.google.com/ucityschools.org/holdensclass/home

Darlene Donegan, Ed.D: Welcome to LLC, I teach all the Social Studies classes. I have been teaching for 22 years. I taught at University City High School from 2001-2010 and the rest of my time has been at the LLC. I was born and raised in St Louis City. I served in the United States Army Reserves for 9 years (I went into the military a month after graduating high school). I have a lot of education. I have a bachelor's degree from Harris Stowe State University, 2 Master's degrees from Lindenwood and Central Methodist Universities, and a doctorate degree from Maryville University. I have been a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc since 2001. I like to travel internationally. I have gone to India 5 times and Peru twice. I have taught yoga for over a decade and love to learn new things. Right now I am learning to play chess.

I can be reached via email: ddonegan@ucityschools.org

Room Number: 112

Call/text message: 708-793-7079

Office Number: 314-290-4131

T-Herbert Jeffrey: I am the Missouri Options program coordinator

The Missouri Option Program was created as a dropout prevention program by the Missouri Department of Education Many high school students hold the belief that if they can't graduate with their class, then there is no point in staying in high school. The School District of University City decided to capitalize on this belief, using it as incentive to keep students in school. The Missouri Option program creates an opportunity to graduate on time for students who have the ability to meet regular graduation requirements, but because of credit deficiency, cannot reasonably expect to graduate with their cohort group. I am committed to helping students graduate.

Email: tjeffrey@ucityschools.org

Room Number: 115

Office Number: 314-290-4065

Art Johnson: Greetings LLC! This is my first year at LLC as the new science teacher.

Email: arjohnson@ucityschools.org

Room Number: 108

Office Number: 314-290-4066

Michael Ladage: Welcome to the 2021-2022 school year at Lieberman Learning Center. My name is Michael Ladage representing the Math Department of Alternative Education for the District of University City.

First of all, I have to say I love being here at Ucity. I started 14 years ago and it seems like I blinked and time just flew by. I was excited when I received my letter asking me to join their team. Right away I knew this was where I was staying. I've been to lots of other places and schools but nothing compares to U-City. I love math and everyone knows it. I not only help students but in the past teachers have come to me with course work for degrees they were working in. Go Ucity!!

Office Number: 314-290-4235

Room Number: 111

Email address: mladage@ucityschools.org

Nikole Shurn is the Wyman Wrap Around Services Building Director for secondary schools. She has over 20 years of combined experience in the areas of nonprofit, education, corporate, and entrepreneurship. She received her bachelor’s degree from Kentucky State University in Business Administration and has a masters in Secondary Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and a Master of Arts in Media Communications from Webster University, and currently pursuing her Ed.S. in Education Leadership. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the proud mother of two beautiful children – Olivia and Owen. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling and shopping! She’s ecstatic about being a member of the LLC team and can’t wait to continue fulfilling her passion of helping young people succeed!

Room Number: 116

Email: Nikole.Shurn@wymancenter.org

Call/text message: 314-290-4130

Christine Woodward: I am the School Social Worker for LLC and UCHS. I am a trained mental health professional that supports students and their families through difficult times. My goal is to help improve the outcome of all my student's lives. I provide individual and group therapy to students, provide crisis interventions, assist students and families with resources, advocate for students, conduct mediations, collaborate with parents/guardians and school staff, and support students to be successful.

I earned a BA in Human Services from Fontbonne University. I earned an MSW from Saint Louis University. I am a proud mom of two puppies and a cat. I love to travel, read, and try new things.

Room Number: 218C

Email: Cwoodward@ucityschools.org

Phone: 314-290-4114

Mrs. Wheat: I serve as the Special School District resource teacher for LLC. I was born and raised in St Louis, and graduated from Webster High School. I attended UMSL for my undergrad degree and Washington University for my master's degree. I have 2 grown children- my son is 31 and he got married last September, and my daughter is 22 and lives with her SO and my 2 beautiful grandchildren: Elliott, 4, and Millie, 8 months. I have 2 chihuahua doggies, and have been married to my husband for 25 years.

Room Number: 113

Office Number: 314-290-4235

Email: mwheat@ucityschools.org

Ms. Ross: Hello. I'm the Lieberman Learning Center Counselor! This is my 22nd year in the district. I was born and raised in University City. I'm a 1984 Alumni "Indian." All 5 of my older siblings graduated from University City High school. I have two daughters that attended the University City School district as well. At the start of my post high school experience, I attended the Barnes-Jewish school of nursing, where I lived for 2 years. My coursework was completed through the University of Missouri at St. Louis. Immediately following, I attended the University of Missouri at St. Louis full-time, where I received a Bachelor in psychology, Masters+45 in community counseling, as well as my Professional Counseling License (LPC). I have been documented as a "Lifetime Learner" through the University.

In my free time, I enjoy cooking, movies, traveling, dining out, working out and spending quality time with my family.

Room Number: 218E

Call: 314-290-4074

Email: cross@ucityschools.org

Karen Campbell: Hi Everyone! I serve as a Special School District resource assistant for the LLC. I was born and raised in St Louis, MO, and I've worked in education since 1987. I taught for 25 years outside of the public school system. I was looking for a change when I came to University City 8 years ago and I thought it might be a temporary move. However, I fell in love with U City students! There is something special about each one! Also, they take care of each other in a way I had never seen in school; it feels like family. I love love love working at Lieberman. We have an excellent team that I'm very proud to be a part of and each staff member is perfect for their role. Our students are all unique individuals who have gifts and talents, some which are unknown to them or just hidden, but come out through the expertise of our teachers and the comfort of our smaller environment. I am here for all LLC students to help them with their work, prepare for a test......in any way I can.

Room Number: 113

Office Number: 314-290-4236

Email: kcampbell@ucityschools.org

Leslie Keaveny: Hello! My name is Leslie Keaveny. I am the Transition Specialist for the School District of University City. Basically, it's my job to help the adults and students in our community determine a career path and how to achieve their goals. It's a pretty great job! I will be checking in with seniors (and some juniors) throughout the school year to share job training opportunities and pathways to in-demand careers in Technology, Healthcare, and the Building Trades available after graduation. I will also assist the teachers with the WorkKeys Assessment - a test that seniors at UCHS and LLC complete - which is used to show work readiness.

I am a graduate of St. Louis University and Webster University (Master of Arts in Teaching). I have had the joy of teaching a wide range of learners: kindergartners through graduate students! I was born and raised in Indiana, but after attending SLU, I became a St. Louis girl! My husband and I have two children, a 10 year old son and 8 year old daughter. We love to spend time outdoors: camping, hiking, and skiing.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions about the many opportunities available in our area after graduation!

Email: lekeaveny@ucityschools.org

Call/Text: 314-391-9232