Special School District- Wyland Team

  • Kyle Johnson's PhotoKyle Johnson
    SSD Area Coordinator
    johnsonky@ritenourschools.org

    My name is Kyle Johnson and I am very excited to be the Special Education Coordinator at Wyland this year!  Previous to working for Special School District, I was a special education teacher for ten years in the Wentzville School District. Outside of school days, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Lindsey, and our two sons, Rowan and Rhett.  I also have two dogs, Joey and Petey, who are still very energetic in their old age.  I have recently taken up pickleball and I am enjoying it a lot!  
     
    I look forward to building relationships with the staff, students, and families at Wyland!
    Richie's PhotoEmilee Richie
    SSD Teacher (3-5)
    richiee@ritenourschools.org

    My name is Emilee Richie. I am one of the Self-Contained teachers at Wyland. I work in grades 3rd through 5th. I started teaching at Wyland in October 2020. I graduated from Fontbonne University in 2020, with my Bachelor of Science in Special Education and Elementary Education. I am currently on the graduate program at Lindenwood University. I am excited about continuing my journey with Wyland. I have a passion for teaching students in whichever way they are most successful. All students can be successful and I love instilling this in my students and helping them achieve their goals!

    I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy my many animals; I have four cats, a dog, fish, and a guinea pig! Here’s to a great school year!

    Madison FritscheDr. Madison Fritsche
    SSD Psychologist
    fritschem@ritenourschools.org

    Hello! My name is Dr. Madison Fritsche. This will be my third year at Wyland as a School Psychologist! I have a doctorate degree from the University of Missouri- Columbia in School Psychology. I have a passion for working with families and increasing parent involvement and satisfaction within the education system. I am currently working towards becoming a fully licensed psychologist.

    I have been married for almost 3 years and have a daughter who is almost 1 year old. In my free time, I enjoy reading, trying out new dining experiences, and spending time with friends and family.

    Douglas PhotoAlice Douglas
    Paraprofessional (3-5)
    douglasa@ritenourschools.org

    I have been teaching at Wyland for 2 years for SSD.
    This is my 35th year as an educator. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education with Lifetime Teacher's Certification for Missouri and Illinois. I retired in 2019 after working 26 years for the YWCA St. Louis Headstart Program as a teacher for 17 years and Teacher's Coach/Supervisor for 9 years.
     
    I love working with children.
     
    Jennifer Cox
    SSD Teacher (K-2)
    Hello, my name is Jennifer Cox and I am so excited to be teaching your child this year! This is my 3rd year at Wyland and 28th year of teaching. I have had the joy of teaching special education for 10 of the 28 years. As a Special Education Teacher, I strive to create a classroom that incorporates both functional and academic skills and discovery into the learning process, as well as helps students grow both socially and emotionally. 

    I graduated from Lindenwood University in 1996 where I received my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and I earned my certification for Special Education K-12. I am also certified in Middle school education as well.

    I have lived in Missouri my entire life and enjoy spending time with my husband, two sons, and friends. I love crafting, painting, and reading. I especially enjoy going to sporting events and music concerts.  

    There is so much progress your child makes in the time spent in my room, and I look forward to working with the Wyland students that are in my room this year.

    Amelia Hill's PhotoAmelia Hill
    Paraprofessional (K-2)

    Greetings everyone! I have been a Teacher's Assistant in the Ritenour School District for seven years. 

    In August 2017, I started as a Paraprofessional for Special School District at Marvin Elementary School. In September 2021, I transferred to Wyland to work in a self-contained classroom. Previously, I worked for seven years as a Substitute Teacher in the Ferguson/Florissant, Parkway, Normandy, Riverview Garden, and St. Louis Public Schools. I have an associate's degree in Human Services. I also have a lifetime teaching certificate from the state of Missouri. In November 2013, I retired early from Wal-Mart where I served as a manager for 25 years. As a volunteer, I served at various non-profit organizations throughout St. Louis such as;  St. Louis City Juvenile Detention Center and Better Family Life. I also served three years on the Youth Advisory Commission for the city of Florissant. While teaching, I was previously employed part-time, for 5 years, at Marygrove. Marygrove is a homeless shelter for at-risk youth. Witnessing the growth and development of our students is very rewarding!

    My hobbies include; cooking, singing, shopping, dining, and spending quality time with my friends and family.

    Myers Photo

    Antionette Myers
    Paraprofessional (K-2)

    Greetings everyone.  I started my educational career in 1997, working for Head Start.  I achieved my AA in 2005 in Early Childhood Education from Forest Park CC and began to move from TA to Director in 2016.  In 2009, I received my BA in Communications with an emphasis on PR and in 2013 I completed my MA in Communications Management; both degrees from Webster University.  In 2017, I started my teaching career in Ritenour School District as a Para.

    Outside of work, I am a mother to many.  I have two biological children; my son is in college and my daughter will be graduating RHS and heading to college in the fall. I am the director of Children's Ministry, a coach, mentor, caterer, event planner, and a content writer/producer, just to name a few of the many hats I wear.  In my spare time, I enjoy being a sports mom and dancing. I am now learning to treat and pamper myself, so I enjoy the spa once a month.

    French-WilsonKylie French-Wilson
    SSD Paraprofessional
    frenchk@ritenourschools.org

    My name is Kylie French-Wilson, and this is my first year at Wyland! I am so excited about starting to work with you guys. I am currently a student at Saint Louis Community College and have been a paraprofessional for one school year.
    I     enjoy watching Star Wars and Marvel movies, reading, photography, swimming, and so much more! 

    I can't wait to work with all of this year's students!!

    Merz's PhotoKristen Merz 
    Paraprofessional Educator (3-5)
    merzk@ritenourschools.org

    Hello, my name is Kristin Merz, but everyone calls me Krissy.  I’ve been a para for over 20 years with Special School District working in Ritenour.  Last year, I joined the Wyland family.  It was an amazing year.  I learned some new things and met new people.  I have an associate's degree in early childhood education.
     
    When I am not working, I like to watch TV, go to the movies, hang out with friends, go out to eat, or just stay home and relax.  I am looking forward to more great years with my Wyland family.

    Davis PhotoFrancis Davis
    SSD Social Worker
    davisf@ritenourschools.org

    Hello! My name is Frances Davis and this will be my second year as an SSD Social Worker. I’m excited to be back at Wyland! I have a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and a Master’s degree in Social Work, both from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Prior to the 2021-2022 school year, I was employed with Special School District for 7 years as a paraprofessional and Special Education teacher.

    Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outside with friends and family, whether that be camping, kayaking, hiking, or simply relaxing in the backyard. I also enjoy cooking, trying different restaurants, traveling, and spending time with my all-black cat, Stevie (named after Steve Nicks). 

    Joules Honey

    Hi!  My name is Je T’aime (Joules) Honey and I'm happy to be joining the Wyland team! I work as an educator by day and a board-certified music therapist by night. My bachelor's and master's degrees come from Howard University and the University of Miami, respectively. My fiancé and I have two small dogs at home, T’Challa the Yorkie and Prince the Maltipoo, who seem to be enjoying the move from sunny Florida. I also love plants, anime, mermaids, and coffee! If I'm not busy reading, ask me about my favorite movies and series! 

    Sonia Ault
    aults@ritenourschools.org

     Hello, my name is Sonia Ault and I am so excited to be part of the Wyland family. This will be my 4th year teaching in public school. I worked for 3 years in the Warrenton Public School district, as a Special Education teacher.  Before Warrenton, I worked as a Special Education teacher for the boy's dual-jurisdiction residential system in Missouri. I received my Master’s degree in Education from Jones University,  in Colorado. I received an Associates degree in Human Services and a Bachelors in Psychology from Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri.  I have three grown boys, aged 20, 25, and 28. I also have a hybrid pet snake named Jerry. When I am not teaching, I love to spend time with my family, fish, hunt, do jigsaw puzzles, and be outdoors. I cannot wait to work with all the terrific students and amazing teachers at Wyland this year!  

    GuarinoJoAnn Guarino
    SSD Nurse
    guarinoj@ritenourschools.org