2025 District Administrative New Hires

Dr. Irma Moore is a passionate and accomplished educator whose journey began at Redan High School in Stone Mountain, GA, and continued when she graduated from Hazelwood East High School in St. Louis, MO. She launched her professional career in the banking industry, quickly advancing as a Division Staffer for SunTrust Bank of Atlanta, where she served in various regional roles and collaborated with the marketing department.

While in Atlanta, Dr. Moore was awarded a scholarship by iconic designer Emilio Pucci to study Fashion Design and Merchandising at American Intercontinental University in Buckhead, GA. This experience fueled her creativity and broadened her professional vision. Ultimately, her desire for a family-centered career led her to the field of education.

She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Harris-Stowe State University in 2007 while working at Confluence Academy Walnut Park, where she also completed her student teaching. Dr. Moore then taught for six years at Arrowpoint Elementary in the Hazelwood School District before earning a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Lindenwood University in 2009.

Her leadership journey continued in St. Louis Public Schools, where she served as an Instructional Coach at the Academy of Environmental Science and Mathematics and later as Assistant Principal at Dewey International Studies School. In 2017, she earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Maryville University.

Eager to apply her research and leadership experience, Dr. Moore returned to the North County area as Principal and Founding Administrator of Hazelwood School District’s first thematic school, East Middle School, where she served for nine years. She later led West Middle School for one year. Dr. Moore is a passionate advocate for equity in public education, committed to dismantling barriers and ensuring all students have access to high-quality learning and meaningful opportunities for success.

Beyond her professional roles, Dr. Moore is a devoted mentor to young mothers, women, and children. She is an active member of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., The Urban League, and the NAACP. She believes in the transformative power of individuals to uplift communities and live with purpose. A resident of North County for over a decade and a member of Metro Christian Worship Center for more than 30 years, Dr. Moore draws strength from her faith and heritage.

She is married to Mr. Davis Moore, a serial entrepreneur, and together they are the proud parents of six children: Jasmine, Marcus, Brea-Dora, Lydia, Laura, and Elizabeth. In her free time, Dr. Moore enjoys painting, drawing, sculpting, traveling, and classical ballet. She lives by the words of Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Dr. Alicia Leathers is a dedicated educator and leader with a deep-rooted passion for student success and teacher development. A proud graduate of Roosevelt High School, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in English with an emphasis in Africana Literature from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She later completed a Master of Arts in Teaching at the University of Missouri-St. Louis and earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration from Maryville University.

Dr. Leathers began her career in education as a college adviser at Jennings High School, where she worked to strengthen the college-going culture and support students through the admissions process. She then joined Teach For America and returned to her alma mater, Roosevelt High School, to teach English. Following her service, she was honored to train under her former teacher and mentor, Dr. Kacy Shahid, at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School, where she taught American Literature and African American Literature to upperclassmen.

With a heart for students and a commitment to equity, Dr. Leathers is excited to serve her community as an assistant principal at Northview Elementary, where her educational journey began. She is passionate about cultivating a positive school culture, fostering student achievement, and mentoring teachers.

Outside of school, Dr. Leathers enjoys spending time with her family and her beloved dogs, Harrison and Dash. She is an avid reader and audiobook enthusiast, swims for exercise, and loves traveling. A devoted fan of the Harry Potter series, she never tires of rewatching the films. Dr. Leathers is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and if there’s a school event with music, you’ll likely find her on the dance floor!

DeAndre Davis is a seasoned public safety leader with over two decades of experience in law enforcement, crisis management, and community engagement. He joins the Jennings School District, equipped with the expertise to develop and implement security strategies that ensure a safe and supportive environment for students, educators, and staff.

A retired St. Louis Metropolitan Police Detective with 20 years of service, DeAndre Davis has dedicated his career to fostering safer communities through proactive security assessments, trauma-informed training, and situational awareness initiatives. His leadership extends to educational institutions, having served as the former Director of Public Safety for St. Louis Public Schools, where he spearheaded comprehensive safety programs tailored to urban school environments.

DeAndre Davis holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from Webster University, equipping him with a strong foundation in criminal justice and community-focused security strategies. His commitment to public safety goes beyond enforcement—he is passionate about creating structured, actionable solutions that prioritize preparedness, resilience, and collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

Through his extensive experience, DeAndre Davis continues to advocate for proactive safety measures, student and staff efficacy ensuring that institutions remain informed, protected, and empowered in the face of evolving security challenges.

Veaon Harris began his career in education in 2015 as a classroom teacher. He was honored as the district’s Newcomer Teacher of the Year in 2020. In 2021, he transitioned into the technology department, where he currently supports district-wide IT operations and instructional technology. Mr. Harris holds a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Missouri–St. Louis and a bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity from Central Methodist University. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Information Technology Management. At the heart of Mr. Harris’s work is a commitment to educational equity. He believes in using technology as a tool to level the playing field and ensure that all students—regardless of background—have access to meaningful, high-quality learning opportunities. Outside of his professional responsibilities, he enjoys spending time with family, engaging in recreational activities, and exploring new foods from different cultures.

Dr. Destiny Reddick is a proud St. Louis native and North County product, deeply committed to equity, justice, and transformative education. She is an educator, equity champion, and social justice advocate with 20 years of experience spanning K–12 and higher education. She most recently served as an Assistant Principal in charter schools in St. Louis City, where she focused on fostering educational equity and supporting under-resourced schools.

Dr. Reddick began her career in a North County public school district, spending 10 years as a classroom teacher and instructional specialist. She then moved into higher education leadership, serving six years in faculty and administrative roles—including as Assistant Dean at Maryville University—where she ran the student teaching program, served as the university’s certification and accreditation officer, and launched a mentorship program for Black undergraduates majoring in education and related fields.

For the past five years, she has served in public school leadership. She began in a central office role in a North County district, where she authored a K–12 instructional framework to guide teaching and learning across schools. Wanting to reconnect more closely with students and educators, she transitioned back into school-based leadership as an assistant principal in St. Louis charter schools, where she could make a more direct impact on school culture and student success.

In addition, Dr. Reddick has worked as an educational consultant for over three years, partnering with schools and organizations on equity and assessment initiatives. Her work includes national speaking and training engagements, both independently and in collaboration with the Solution Tree publishing company.

She holds a doctorate in Teacher Leadership and master’s degrees in Early Childhood Education and Educational Leadership. Her recognitions include the President’s Award for Strategic Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion (2019), Power 100 Honoree (2019), Who’s Who Diversity in Color Honoree (2019), Teacher of the Year (2012), Outstanding Missouri Beginning Teacher (2007), the Leona Korol Award for Professional Promise (2006), induction into the National Honor Society of Leadership & Success, and membership in ForbesBLK.

Outside of work, she serves on the board of A Red Circle, a nonprofit promoting racial equity in North St. Louis County, and is the proud mother of Zuri (12) and Zane (8).

Mrs. Ann E. Shaw began her educational career in 2000 with Orleans Parish School System of New Orleans, LA as a second grade teacher at Thomas Alva Edison Elementary School. She served as a Class Size Reduction teacher, Grade Level Chair and member of the Superintendent’s Leadership Advisory Council. During her tenure, she was recognized as Teacher of the Year.

In August 2005, she relocated to St. Louis, MO due to the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Katrina. Shortly thereafter, Mrs. Shaw was employed with St. Louis Public Schools as an Instructional Coach. In 2007, she continued her educational journey with Jennings School District at Northview Elementary as a teacher. Under the leadership of Dr. Tiffany Anderson, she was spotlighted using CR Success Learning (formerly FAST Reading Program) and crafting personalized assessments using Scott Foresman Reading Street program. Mrs. Shaw aimed to engage scholars and effectively enhance their reading and writing skills. During her time as a classroom teacher Mrs. Shaw also recruited teachers from surrounding universities and colleges.

In 2014, Mrs. Shaw became the Instructional Coach of Hanrahan & Woodland Elementary School under the leadership of Curt Wrisberg. Shortly thereafter she was promoted to Administrative Intern. In 2019, Dr. Art McCoy recognized her service efforts and appointed her to serve as Head of Schools for Hanrahan & Woodland Elementary Schools alongside Dr. Curtese Howard-Holmes. From 2021-2025, Mrs. Shaw served as the principal of Woodland Elementary School where she collaborated with versatile staff and engaged intuitive scholars and stakeholders.

Dr. Alka Woodard has dedicated over 25 years to serving children and families in the St. Louis area schools. She has more than fifteen years of experience as a classroom teacher and over twelve years as a school administrator.

Most recently, Dr. Woodard served three years as the Assistant Principal at Northview Elementary School. Before that, she spent three years as a Gifted Specialist and Summer School Principal at Hixson Middle School in the Webster Groves School District. She started her teaching career in first grade at Emerson Elementary in St. Louis Public Schools and later spent nine years as Principal of Transformation Christian School. Dr. Woodard also taught grades four through eight in the Ferguson Florissant School District during her eleven year tenure.

Dr. Woodard earned her Bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis, majoring in Elementary Education and African and African American Studies. She holds a Master’s degree in Early and Middle Childhood Education from The Ohio State University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Maryville University.

Dr. Woodard has been married to her husband, Howard, for 23 years. They have a blended family with three children—Karis, Howard, and Hillary—and a granddaughter named Logan. They enjoy spending time together, traveling, and serving in ministry.

Dr. Catherine Kimani is a dedicated and visionary educator with over two decades of experience

in K–12 instruction, teacher development, and academic leadership. She holds a Doctorate in

Leadership in Teaching and Learning, along with Education Specialist degrees in Curriculum &

Instruction from Missouri Baptist University and Educational Administration from the

University of Missouri-Columbia.

Her commitment to fostering equitable, inclusive, and high-achieving learning environments is

evident in her previous role as an Academic Instructional Coach with St. Louis Public Schools.

Since 2013, she has supported teacher effectiveness, curriculum alignment, and student

achievement. Prior to this, she served as a mathematics teacher across multiple St. Louis Public

Schools since 2002.

Dr. Kimani is passionate about empowering educators through reflective practice and evidence-

based instructional strategies that support diverse learners and align with district goals. She

brings extensive experience in differentiated instruction, technology integration, data-driven

decision-making, and professional development. Her expertise includes standards-based

curriculum implementation, strategies for supporting English Language Learners, master

scheduling, and standardized assessment coordination.

Dr. Monica L. Barnes-Boateng is an educational leader with over 25 years of experience in instructional improvement and assessment systems. She currently serves as the Director of Assessment and Data in the Jennings School District. Dr. Barnes-Boateng is a strategic thinker who specializes in using data to drive equitable student outcomes and inform district-wide instructional decisions.

She holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with an emphasis on Transformative Learning in a Global Society from Webster University. Her research focused on exploring the educational experiences of African international graduate students in the United States. In addition to her doctorate, she has advanced degrees in Criminology and Procurement & Acquisitions Management, providing her with a unique systems-thinking perspective and strong analytical skills.

Throughout her career, Dr. Barnes-Boateng has led the development and implementation of comprehensive assessment systems, logic models, and professional learning communities aligned with district goals and accreditation standards. As a co-implementer of the Personalized Competency-Based Learning (PCBL) initiative, she has authored successful grants and facilitated cross-district collaboration through stakeholder cafes, student voice initiatives, and professional development programs. Her efforts have supported school improvement initiatives, accreditation readiness, and the integration of virtual learning environments. Dr. Tiffany Anderson, former superintendent of Jennings, stated that her role was instrumental in strategically planning the action steps that helped led to the full accreditation of the Jennings School District.

Dr. Barnes-Boateng began her educational career in the St. Louis Public Schools as an evaluator, where she led data-informed instructional reforms, conducted program evaluations, and trained over 500 educators in the effective use of transformative technology and assessment tools to enhance classroom practices. She has served as a certified eMINTS trainer, AVID Coordinator, Data Team Trainer, and a seasoned presenter at national conferences. Throughout her career, she has pursued professional development by joining several organizations, including AERA, ISTE, STARC, and SLACCA.

With a passion for transformative learning, equity, and innovation, Dr. Barnes-Boateng adopts a results-driven, student-centered approach to leadership, utilizing data to enhance instruction and assessment.

Kay E. Gage is a 30-year educator in the Jennings School District where she has served as a classroom teacher and professional school counselor. She has been in the business of working with and empowering students for over half her life. She began her career with the Missouri Division of Youth Services, but transitioned to her teaching career in the St. Louis Public Schools. Kay has used her passion to enhance learning and provide enrichment opportunities for students in Jennings through collaboration and partnership with community stakeholders. She served as Honorary Chairman for the Jennings Back to School Jamboree for three years; and as the District Liaison for the Kids Voting Missouri program. She worked to implement a uniform dress policy at Fairview Elementary School, which eventually led to districtwide implementation. Kay has served as a Professional Development Committee representative where she pushed for inclusion of counseling and social work staff development opportunities. She has been a member of the Missouri School Counselor Association (MSCA), the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), Missouri National Education Association (MNEA), and President of the Jennings National Educators Association (JNEA). She has also been listed in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers®.

Kay is a committed servant leader in her community. She was a charter member of Block Unit #1663A and served as Secretary. She served as a member of the West End Neighbors organization and engaged in volunteer activities with senior facilities in her ward. In August 2012, she was a candidate for the office of Committeewoman in the 26th Ward of St. Louis City. Kay is a 38-year active Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She has served on a number of committees in various offices, and as chairman of various committees on the local, regional, and international level. She served as the 52nd President of the Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc®., the area’s largest and third oldest graduate chapter in the organization. Kay promotes political advocacy and initiatives that prepare today's youth for a global and complex society through her sorority and as a member of the Archway (MO) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.

In April 2023, Kay was elected to the Board of the School District of University City, where she is a proud K-12 alumnus.

Join Us in Welcoming Our New 2025 Administrators