Meet Our Office Team

Name: Ms. Malissa Beecham

Role: Principal(starting in the 2021-2022 School Year)

Education: I attended Southeast Missouri State University where I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Elem. Education and my Master's Degree in Education Administration. I am currently attending Lindenwood University working towards my Ed.S in Leadership.

Share something no one knows about you: While I am sure that I tried many new things and faced fears as a child, I remember being between the ages of 25-28 when I faced some of my biggest fears and pushed myself to try some tremendous obstacles. At a summer camp for adults, I accomplished tubing in a lake-after seeing a snake(a big feat for a city girl) and completing about a mile-long ropes course (30 feet in the air). These actions worked to push me out of my comfort zone and I have not turned back since.

My Family and Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my mom and my sister, and my very first dog, Lincoln! I have also been blessed with a host of other relatives and friends that have all shaped who I am today! In the picture below are my mother, my grandmother, and my aunt! 3 of the very important women in my village! During the Pandemic I have enjoyed spending more time in Nature. My love for hiking in local parks has grown! It is amazing to see the many beautiful parks that

A quote I like: "We must believe in our souls that we are somebody, that we are significant, that we are worthful, and we must walk through the streets of life every day with a sense of dignity and this sense of somebody-ness." Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.(as summarized by the main character in Nickel Boys)

If I believe this about me, I believe this about everyone, so this quote reminds me to ensure my actions and words line up with my beliefs.

Name: Mrs.Renée Peeples

Role: Administrative Assistant

Education/Career Background: I attended Lindenwood University and earned my Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. I have spent the past 20 years at St. Louis Community College serving as an administrative assistant in the Campus Vice President for Student Affairs Office.

Share something no one knows about you: While in Middle School, I played the Violin.

My Family: I have two adult sons and a 9-month old granddaughter and they all bring an abundance of joy, laughter and love to my life. My youngest son lives in San Antonio, TX and I don’t get to see him as often as I would like but thank goodness for FaceTime!

What I am looking forward to: I am looking forward to this new and exciting opportunity to become part of the Givens Elementary Team and developing positive relationships with everyone!

A quote I like: "Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope."-Maya Angelou

Name: Mrs. Mindy Bielek BSN, RN

Role: School Nurse

Education/Career Background: I attended the University of Missouri-Columbia and earned my Bachelor's in Science in Nursing in 1979. This year marks my 19th year serving the students and families at Steger and Givens.

Share something no one knows about you: I wanted to be an Ikette growing up (these were the backup singers for Ike and Tina Turner). They were the coolest!

My Family: Married 35 years this December to husband Ed Bielik, Jr.; a retired Nipher Middle School PE teacher. Two children - Luke, 33 yr old ... WGHS grad, married + Beth Ann, 30 yr old, married. Worked for a prison ministry in Capetown, South Africa for 3 years and met British husband there

What I am looking forward to: Collaborating with families to help them obtain what they need to be empowered in their own family health journey

A quote I like: “Being chosen is the greatest gift you can give to another human being.”

― Trevor Noah, Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood