Candace Hayes
hayesc@ritenourschools.org

Hello, I’m Candice!  I am new to Kratz and kindergarten.  For the past 14 years I have worked as a TA for Early Childhood Education.  I attended Grand Canyon University and obtained my undergrad in Educational Studies.  Currently I am working on my Master’s in Early Childhood Education.  I pride myself in contributing to a child’s first educational experience.

Some things I enjoy are walking, riding bikes with my grandson, church events, dancing, music, and family fun time.  I have three daughters, and a son-in-law.  My girls are all grown up so my husband and I enjoy spending time with our grandson.

I look forward to this year and working alongside everyone!  I know this year is filled with so much uncertainty, but I saw something that said “teachers can do virtually anything!” Can’t wait to meet you all!

Cassidy Ferguson
fergusonc@ritenourschools.org

Hello wonderful Kratz Kindergarten kids and families!  My name is 

Ms. Cassidy Ferguson!  I am one of the 6 Kindergarten teachers here at Kratz Elementary!  This is my 9th year at Kratz and my 6th year teaching Kindergarten.  I taught 3rd grade before moving to Kindergarten.  

This is actually my 15th (whoa!) year teaching!  I graduated from Lindenwood University in 2006 with a BA in Elementary Education.  I am from St. Louis, but wanted to move somewhere after I graduated from college so I accepted a teaching position in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2007.  I taught 3rd grade, 2nd grade, and kindergarten while in Vegas.  

In 2016 I welcomed the greatest blessing in my life, my daughter Collette, into the world.  We have a cat named Punkin.  Some things I like to do are Netflix and chill, check out new restaurants, workout, travel, and spend time with family and friends.

Meagan Bauer
bauerm@ritenourschools.org

My name is Meagan Bauer and I am one of the Kindergarten teachers at Kratz Elementary.  This will be my 4th year teaching Kindergarten.  I received my bachelor’s degree from University of Missouri St. Louis in early childhood education.  I am currently working on my master’s degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in reading.  

I am expecting my first child this year and I am very excited!  My Husband and I also have two dogs who we like to spend a lot of time with! 

I can’t wait to get to know all of the new families coming into Kratz!

Melanie West
westm@ritenourschools.org

My name is Melanie West and I love teaching Kindergarten!  I am so happy to join the Kratz family this year.  In 2017, I graduated from Webster University with my Masters in Early Childhood Education and I have spent the past 14 years in education.  Most recently, I taught Kindergarten in St. Louis Public Schools. Before that I was a home visitor for Parents as Teachers and a paraprofessional for Special School District.

My oldest daughter will be in the 4th grade this year and her little sister begins Kindergarten!  They keep my husband and me very busy and our house filled with fun and just the right amount of chaos.  My interests: binge-watching cooking shows on Netflix, (amateur) gardening, baking, reading, doing yoga, playing with my dog, Neville, and taking care of my 3 fire-bellied toads that are as excited as I am to get back to the classroom.

Michelle Wareing
wareingm@ritenourschools.org

My name is Michelle Wareing. I have been teaching kindergarten at Kratz for 18 years. I have a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and a masters degree in reading.  I love my job and teaching young children!  My husband and I have been married for 13 years and we have 4 children and a dog. My oldest is starting middle school and my youngest is entering kindergarten. It’s a crazy circus at my house, but we love it and wouldn’t have it any other way. In my spare time (if I get any) I enjoy binge watching netflix shows, reading, the beach, and camping. I love Kratz and I hope you will too.

Anna Schrader
schradera@ritenourschools.org

My name is Anna Schrader! I am new to the Kratz family and so excited to be here. I grew up in Saint Louis and attended Maryville University where I got my Bachelor’s degree in early childhood and elementary education in May 2019. I graduated this past May with my Master’s degree in early childhood education from Maryville University, as well. I spent the past year as a preschool teacher in the Hazelwood School District and can’t wait to move up to kindergarten!

Outside of school I enjoy coaching cheerleading at Platinum Athletics, walking with my dog Benji, and spending time with my family. Working with kids is one of my biggest passions. I love to see the positive impact I can have on students’ lives. I am excited to get the year started and meet the Kratz community!