Saint Joseph School School Board

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School Board

Members of the parish's Board of Education share their personal and professional expertise and knowledge with the pastor to help form policies for the school. By sharing of their gifts, the board members make a significant contribution and impact on our school community. After policies are developed, the school administration is responsible for enacting the policies and accomplishing the goals.

The School Board meets the second Wednesday of every month. If you would like something to be addressed by the board or address the board in person, please send your request to schoolboard@stjosephimperial.org at least one week ahead of time.

Saint Joseph School is privileged to have the following members serving on the Board of Education for the 2024-2026 academic year:

Ex-Officio Member:
Rev. Anthony Yates, Pastor

Ex-Officio Member:
Dr. Dave Meschke, Ed.D, Principal

President: Vic Melenbrink

Vic and his wife, Andee, live in Arnold with their five children, three of whom currently attend Saint Joseph School. Both attended Catholic grade school and high school, and are strong advocates of a healthy Catholic educational system. Vic graduated from Mizzou with a law degree in 2005 and practiced law until 2017, when he was elected to the position of Circuit Judge. Vic, an Eagle Scout, is the Cubmaster for St. Joe's Cub Scout Pack 413 and has volunteered as a coach for baseball and t-ball. In his free time Vic enjoys playing tabletop games with Andee and the kids, as well as camping and backpacking.

Vice-President: Gloria Esparza

Gloria, along with her husband, Adrian, have been a part of the parish community since relocating to the area in 2013. Their daughter, a student at SJS since Kindergarten, keeps their family busy. Gloria is a procurement professional with a background in Graphics Technology and Marketing. Within her role, she is a certified Leader As Coach, actively promotes the Family Business Network and helps drive the People and Culture Community for her employer. Beyond her professional commitments, Gloria serves as a Girl Scout Leader for her daughter's troop, embodying her passion for community engagement. She is deeply committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity to support academic excellence within SJS.

Secretary: Lauren Colburn

Lauren and her husband, Jeff, have one daughter who currently attends St. Joseph School, and being part of her school community is very important to her. Lauren has a teaching degree from Maryville University and experience in the classroom, so her heart has always been in education and helping kids grow. She loves being involved in her daughter’s Catholic education and faith, volunteering her time on the advisory board, and supporting school events whenever she can. Outside of school, Lauren enjoys spending time with her family, reading, camping, going to the farm, and enjoying simple moments together. She is thrilled to serve as the Secretary of the school board and committed to our community’s growth.

Member: Katie Joseph

Katie and her husband, Dan, have two daughters at Saint Joseph School. As a proud graduate of Saint Joseph School and Catholic high school and college, she firmly believes in Catholic education and opportunities for academic excellence. Katie and her family joined the parish in 2019 after moving back to Imperial. She works in non-profit fundraising at a local homeless service provider. She also proudly serves as the SJS Girl Scout Troop Organizer and Troop Leader for both daughters' troops. In her free time, Katie enjoys cheering on her daughters at their many activities, volunteering at school, playing games, and spending time with family and friends.

Member: Galen Nowak

Galen and his wife, Autumn, have been members of the St. Joseph Parish for many years. Galen was born in Cheyenne, WY. He was raised in a military family, living in many states across the U.S., and eventually moved to the Washington/Union Missouri area. Galen grew up in a patriotic, God-fearing Catholic family and school community. He attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he earned a degree in Plant Science. Galen is a business owner in the green/agriculture industry. He enjoys the outdoors. He loves hunting and fishing with his son, summers down at the lake, vacationing with his wife and family, coaching for the St. Joseph Athletic Association, and serving the St. Joseph School and Parish Community.

Member: Crystal Pierce

Crystal and her husband, Erka, have three children attending St. Joseph School. Their twin daughters, Enkhriimaa and Eveelmaa, are in sixth grade, and their son, Ashidbayar, is in fourth grade. Crystal is a former Peace Corps Volunteer who served in Mongolia from 2010 to 2012 as a Community Youth Development Volunteer. Her educational background includes a Master’s of Special Education (UMSL- 2010) and a Master’s of Educational Leadership (SEMO- 2022) which laid the foundation for her ongoing work in education and service. She currently works as a Special Education Coordinator for the Special School District of St. Louis County, partnering with five schools in the Mehlville School District. A proud parishioner of St. Joseph, Crystal is actively involved in several parish ministries, including the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Girl Scouts, and Scouting America. She also volunteers as a part-time instructor at Konjo Dojo Judo Club in Imperial. In her spare time, Crystal enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her family.

Member: Tony Rich

Tony and his wife, Elise, have been part of St. Joseph’s their entire faith life. Elise attended St. Joseph School as a child, while Tony became Catholic in 2012. They have five children—one currently enrolled, two homeschooled, one in public school for speech services, and their youngest keeping her siblings in-line. Both have served in the Missouri Air National Guard for 18 years. Tony has worked in financial services since 2013 and holds degrees from Webster and Washington University, currently pursuing a Master’s in Personal Financial Planning at Mizzou. Grateful for St. Joseph’s impact on his family, he looks forward to giving back.

Member: Sharon Spruell

Sharon and her husband, Brent, have three children, one currently attending St. Joseph School and two graduates. They have been parishioners since 2004. Sharon is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who has over 20 years of experience in the behavioral healthcare field. She currently works as the Executive Director of the Mental Health and Substance Use Services of Catholic Charities of St. Louis and the ministries of Queen of Peace Center and Saint Louis Counseling. She is blessed to be part of our parish community and to serve on our School Board.

Member: Andy Stevens

Andy and his wife, Courtney, have been parishioners at St. Joseph Imperial Church since 2015 when they moved to Arnold. They have three children currently attending St Joe’s and one at home. Andy is a civil engineer for St. Louis County’s Department of Transportation in the bridge design group. You may see him lectoring at Sunday mass or working at Wiles fields where he helps with maintenance as part of the SJAA or helping coach his kid’s sports teams and also participating in many other school and parish events. He also enjoys camping and the outdoors with his family when sports are not going on. He is very excited to serve the parish and school in any way he is able and feels very blessed to have been elected to the school board.

Member: Jennifer Stirnemann

Jennifer and her husband, Mark, have been parishioners since 2019 and have 3 children that attend St. Joseph School. Having attended a Catholic grade school and Cor Jesu Academy, Jennifer is a strong supporter of Catholic education. After attending the University of Missouri for Biological Sciences, she was a Zookeeper at the Saint Louis Zoo for 15 years. In this role, she trained large animals and educated zoo visitors. Jennifer is currently home with her and Mark's 3 young children, which has allowed more time to volunteer in a variety of roles at St. Joseph and other organizations cheer the kids on in their activities, and get to know other St. Joe families. Jennifer is excited to serve the school and parish through the School Board and to see the continued growth of St. Joseph School.

Saint Joseph School