Faculty, Staff, and Board
Administration
Mrs. Katy McKinney
Katy McKinney
Mrs. McKinney is passionate about all things “education” and has found herself in some form of teaching over the last 20 years. Having taught elementary and middle education in San Diego, CA, Albuquerque, NM and St. Louis, MO, she is an experienced leader, educator and businesswoman with degrees in Elementary Education and in Business Administration. She has also founded and directed a pre-school, developed curriculum for elementary schools, and home schooled her own children. Before they were parents, she and her husband were the owners/brokers in a successful real estate investment and management start-up.
Mrs. McKinney lives in Foristell, Missouri, with her husband, Justin, and three children, who all attend Lafayette Academy. In their free time, she and her family enjoy learning more about their American and world history and then traveling to see it for themselves. They’ve visited places like Trenton, NJ, Gettysburg, PA, and Rome, Italy to name a few. When home, Mrs. McKinney, her husband and their three children love to spend time together shooting trap, fishing in their lake, reading books, watching quality movies, playing cards, and playing with their Rhodesian Ridgeback, Locke (named after John Locke).
Mrs. Jessica Goertz
Mrs. Jessica Goertz
Mrs. Jessica Goertz has worked with Lafayette Academy since the school’s founding and continues to serve as the Admissions Director. A Missouri native, Jessica Goertz received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting from Columbia College. As the Admissions Director, she plays a crucial role in the recruitment of new students and supporting new families through the admissions process.
Mrs. Goertz is married with three children, and she divides her weekends between excursions to the lake, and shuttling children to the hockey rink, volleyball court, and softball fields! The Goertz family are very much the active type; they enjoy camping, kayaking, and vertical caving together, and raise chickens and rabbits on their property in Defiance.
Mrs. Goertz loves her job with Lafayette Academy. Though she is often deep-entrenched in the administrative workings, her focus is on the mission of the school. The best part of the job, she says, is watching the students grow in their education! Mrs. Goertz loves getting the chance to host admissions visits and introduce more families to what Lafayette Academy is all about.
Ms. Elizabeth Offord
Ms. Elizabeth Offord
Ms. Elizabeth Offord will serve this year as the Dean of Literacy and Instruction, supporting teachers with their curriculum, classroom management, and classical pedagogy.
Ms. Offord is a literacy specialist, with certification to train teachers in LETRS (Literacy Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling), the Science of Reading, and Literacy Essentials: the Journey from Spelling to Reading. She is certified with TEFL and TESOL to teach ESL (English as a Second Language) and has provided literacy intervention for students aged 4 to 70. Ms. Offord will bring this expertise to continue coaching Lafayette Classical Academy teachers and ensuring students are successful in mastering reading and writing.
In addition to these administrative duties, Ms. Offord will be teaching philosophy and rhetoric, as well as co-teaching British literature and middle school composition.
Dr. Khalid Khan
Dr. Khalid Khan
Dr. Khalid Khan will serve this year as the Dean of Academic Operations, strengthening day-to-day academic operations and providing student support in service of the school’s mission. In this role, he helps identify academic needs, coordinate support, and ensure clear follow-through. He also serves as a bridge between parents, teachers, tutors, and students so that academic support is purposeful, timely, and effective.
Dr. Khan will also teach Math 6 and Calculus this year. Dr. Khan brings more than two decades of experience in information technology, working with Fortune 500 companies to design systems, improve efficiency, and develop standardized processes.
His passion for education later drew him into the classroom, where he taught math and science before joining Lafayette Classical Academy in 2025.
Mrs. Jenny Hinkston
Mrs. Jenny Hinkston
Miss Erin Paige
Ms. Erin Paige
Erin has always been drawn to environments that value intentional education, strong community culture, and thoughtful engagement. She is excited to support Lafayette Academy’s mission to develop mindful learners that are grounded in strong character. In her role, she works to highlight the life of the school and ensure that students, families, faculty, and supporters all feel welcomed and connected through clear communication and exciting events.
Outside of work, Erin hosts weekly dinner parties for friends and enjoys horseback riding, birdwatching, and exploring new creative pursuits such as writing and ceramics.
She is grateful to be part of a community committed to excellence, tradition, and purpose and says her favorite part of Lafayette Academy is watching the students grow in confidence and joy.
Miss Jenna Stalter
Miss Jenna Stalter
Miss Chanise Fowler
Miss Chanise Fowler
Miss Fowler holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Hospitality Management and a minor in Economics from California State University, Fullerton. Her educational background has provided a strong foundation in customer service, relationship management, business operations, and creating exceptional client experiences.
Throughout her career, Chanise has successfully led administrative and operational functions across the automotive, fitness, and real estate industries. She is recognized for her strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering outstanding service. Chanise has managed complex client accounts, coordinated cross-functional teams, streamlined business processes, and supported company growth through effective communication, leadership, and problem-solving.
During her time with Soul Level Athletics, Chanise especially enjoyed working with young athletes and their families; helping foster a positive and encouraging environment that promoted confidence, discipline, and personal development. Her passion for building meaningful relationships, combined with her ability to maintain efficient day-to-day operations, makes her a valuable asset to the Lafayette Academy Community.
Faculty
Miss Moneisha Cooper
Miss Moneisha Cooper
Miss Cooper teaches kindergarten at Lafayette Classical Academy, where she brings a thoughtful and purposeful approach to early childhood instruction.
With a strong commitment to helping young students develop foundational academic and practical skills, she works to create a classroom environment marked by structure, encouragement, and meaningful engagement.
Miss Cooper is dedicated to supporting each student’s growth as they build confidence, curiosity, and readiness for continued learning.
Miss Amelia Glidden
Miss Amelia Glidden
Miss Glidden joined Lafayette Classical Academy during the 2025–2026 school year, training under the mentorship of Grace Leonard. Throughout the year, she observed and assisted in the 1st and 2nd grade classroom, supporting students in literacy, history, and science while gaining valuable experience in the rhythms and expectations of a classical classroom.
As she steps into her role teaching first grade, Miss Glidden brings a growing understanding of classical education, a thoughtful approach to instruction, and a sincere desire to cultivate both academic growth and character formation in her students.
Miss Grace Leonard
Miss Grace Leonard
B.A., History and French, minor in Classical Education, Hillsdale College
Miss Leonard, a 2020 Hillsdale College graduate with a double major in History and French and a minor in Classical Education, continues to make her mark at Lafayette Classical Academy.
Now serving as a mentor teacher for our kindergarten through third grade faculty, she brings exceptional expertise both to classroom instruction and to the coaching and development of other teachers.
With a strong foundation in phonics, her teaching reflects a thoughtful commitment to classical education, strong academic formation, and the careful cultivation of young students.
Ms. Elizabeth Offord
Ms. Elizabeth Offord
Ms. Elizabeth Offord will serve this year as the third and fourth grade teacher at Lafayette Classical Academy, where she will guide students through joyful study.
Ms. Offord is a literacy specialist and has provided literacy instruction and intervention for learners ranging from preschool through adulthood. Her deep understanding of reading development equips her to build strong, confident readers while cultivating thoughtful writers and articulate communicators.
In addition to her time in the classroom, Ms. Offord serves as Lafayette Classical Academy's Dean of Literacy and Instruction
Mrs. Robin Munro
Ms. Robin Munro
Ms. Munro enters her seventh-year teaching at Lafayette Classical Academy and brings more than 40 years of experience in education.
Through her steady presence, warmth, and high standards, she has cultivated a wonderful connection with her students and provides an excellent foundation as they prepare to move into middle school.
A joyful and trusted presence in the classroom, her students benefit from her high expectations, thoughtful instruction, and deep care for both their academic growth and personal formation.
Mr. Stephen Tanquist
Mr. Stephen Tanquist
Upper School Humanities
It is our pleasure to have Mr. Stephen Tanquist teaching seventh and eighth grade once again. This year, his teaching will also include a high school literature class.
With several years of experience in classical education, Mr. Tanquist has become an invaluable asset to Lafayette Classical Academy. He brings a deep and abiding love for literature and story, with a particular interest in the way narrative orders and elevates the soul.
Through his teaching, students are invited not only to read carefully and think deeply, but also to consider how great stories shape the imagination, cultivate character, and point them toward what is true, good, and beautiful
Miss Mary Stirton
Miss Mary Stirton
Latin Teacher
Miss Mary Stirton enters her sixth year at Lafayette Classical Academy and will serve as this year’s Latin and German teacher.
A graduate of Hillsdale College, she earned her B.A. in Latin, graduating cum laude in 2021. Ms. Stirton discovered her love of Latin in eighth grade and has pursued a deep interest in languages ever since, studying Greek and German in addition to Latin.
Outside the classroom, she enjoys music, travel, the outdoors, reading, and embroidering.
Miss Ashley DeMay
Miss Ashley DeMay
Miss Ashley DeMay enters her second year at Lafayette Classical Academy and will teach Mathematics and Logic while continuing to provide mathematics intervention. She will also continue as our Club Coordinator as she helps introduce our students to a variety of extracurricular activities.
A graduate of Hillsdale College, she earned a degree in Philosophy with a minor in Classical Education. Miss DeMay developed a passion for teaching through her experiences as a ballet instructor and classroom aide, combining her love of mathematics with a desire to help students succeed.
Mr. Tanner J. Caldwell
Mr. Tanner J. Caldwell
Music Teacher and Teacher Support
Mr. Tanner Caldwell enters his second year at Lafayette Classical Academy as our K–8 music teacher and will also offer individualized mathematical support. He is a joyful presence in both the classroom and our school community.
With a degree in Jazz Performance from SIUE and professional performing experience, Mr. Caldwell brings skill and enthusiasm to his teaching, helping students build musical knowledge, disciplined practice habits, and an appreciation for the beauty and joy of music.
Mr. Kevin Miller
Mr. Kevin Miller
Science Teacher
Mr. Kevin Miller enters his seventh year at Lafayette Classical Academy, where he continues to teach science to grades K-12.
Through his classes, he inspires students to observe carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and cultivate a sense of wonder and curiosity about the natural world.
With a B.S. in Wildlife Biology from Missouri State University, Mr. Miller brings rich experience from the field, including work as a marine biologist, fly-fishing guide, and aquatic entomologist.
Mrs. Amy Coffelt
Mrs. Amy Coffelt
Art Teacher and Teacher Support
Mrs. Amy Coffelt will continue to teach art to grades K-12, 3rd grade math, and will act as a support teacher to our elementary students.
Mrs. Coffelt has also established our annual Art Showcase, a beloved highlight of the school year that showcases the remarkable creativity and skill of our students.
With a background in education and art history, she brings both experience and enthusiasm to her work with students as she continues to develop our art program at Lafayette Classical Academy.
Mr. John Schweizer
Mr. John Schweizer
Math Chairman and Fitness Coordinator
Mr. John Schweizer will continue serving as the Math Chairman, providing math instructional support for teachers in grades K-12. Mr. Schweizer will continue teaching upper school math classes and physical education classes for grades K-12, as well as directing the morning fitness program.
At Lafayette Classical Academy, he uses this experience to help students grow in functional strength, perseverance, and self-discipline
Mrs. Rebecca Read
Mrs. Rebecca Read
Teacher Support
Mrs. Rebecca Read enters her second year at Lafayette Classical Academy as a support teacher strengthening foundational skills in literacy and mathematics for our students.
With a deep appreciation for classical education and the liberal arts, she brings patience and thoughtful care to her work. Her background in art history, philosophy, language study, and international experience helps her cultivate a beautiful sense of wonder in the students she serves.
Board Members
Mrs. Katy McKinney
Katy McKinney
Mrs. McKinney is passionate about all things “education” and has found herself in some form of teaching over the last 20 years. Having taught elementary and middle education in San Diego, CA, Albuquerque, NM and St. Louis, MO, she is an experienced leader, educator and businesswoman with degrees in Elementary Education and in Business Administration. She has also founded and directed a pre-school, developed curriculum for elementary schools, and home schooled her own children. Before they were parents, she and her husband were the owners/brokers in a successful real estate investment and management start-up.
Mrs. McKinney lives in Foristell, Missouri, with her husband, Justin, and three children, who all attend Lafayette Academy. In their free time, she and her family enjoy learning more about their American and world history and then traveling to see it for themselves. They’ve visited places like Trenton, NJ, Gettysburg, PA, and Rome, Italy to name a few. When home, Mrs. McKinney, her husband and their three children love to spend time together shooting trap, fishing in their lake, reading books, watching quality movies, playing cards, and playing with their Rhodesian Ridgeback, Locke (named after John Locke).
Anne Gassel
Anne Gassel
Board Member
Justin McKinney
Justin McKinney
Justin McKinney is an experienced business leader, entrepreneur, and innovator, holding an Executive MBA from Olin Business School. As co-founder and CEO of Ivani, he leads the development of cutting-edge human presence detection technologies. He is also the co-inventor of more than 60 granted patents, with additional innovations currently pending.
Earlier in his career, he contributed to the team at Titleist that launched the Pro V1 golf ball and later led collaborative innovation efforts at King Innovation. Beyond his professional work, he serves as Head Coach of the Lafayette Patriots Shooting Team and is a dedicated supporter of Lafayette Academy. Above all, he values time spent with his family.
Mike Harner
Mike Harner
Mike Harner has served as Chief Staff Officer and Assistant to the President at Hillsdale College since 2006, overseeing strategic planning, staff development, and the operations of the President’s Office. Prior to this role, he was Director of Alumni Relations (2004–2006), achieving significant growth in alumni participation and fundraising. Before his tenure at Hillsdale, Harner had a distinguished 20-year career in the U.S. Navy as an aviator, reaching the rank of Commander, and later managed the Sunset Hills Country Club.
A 1982 Hillsdale graduate with a bachelor’s degree in English literature and a history minor, Harner was actively involved in campus life as a member of the golf and football teams, a Collegian writer, and a leader in reestablishing the Sigma Chi fraternity. He later earned a master’s degree in political science from Auburn University at Montgomery in 1996. Harner has also contributed to local and national initiatives, including serving on the Tax Increment Finance Authority of Hillsdale and founding the American Classical Education Foundation.
In addition to his professional roles, Harner has advised Hillsdale’s men’s golf club since 2011 and teaches golf classes. He has been instrumental in fostering community and educational development through leadership in various boards and committees. Harner and his wife Carin, also a Hillsdale graduate, have three sons.
Mr. John M. Qualy
Mr. John M. Qualy
Retired Managing Partner,
Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co.
Over his 41-year career with Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co., Qualy reached the highest levels of corporate success, and he has generously shared his leadership capacity with St. Louis community organizations and Mizzou. He began with Northwestern in 1971, as a financial representative operating out of an apartment in Columbia, Missouri. He opened an office in Columbia and expanded to eight financial representatives before being appointed managing partner to develop a financial planning network in St. Louis. Over the next 20 years, he quadrupled the number of financial representatives, and the St. Louis office earned the company’s prestigious Growth Award every year from 1990 to 2010. During this time, the performance of the St. Louis network he managed increased from $2.6 million in premiums on 2,000 policies sold to $30 million in premiums on 15,000 policies sold. Qualy’s group became the national office leader for the entire Northwestern Mutual network. Within his organization, Qualy developed the company’s largest College Internship Program, and served several terms on the board of the Leadership of the Northwestern Mutual Managing Partners Association, including a term as president. He is proud to serve Lafayette Academy: A Classical School as he believes education is the key to saving our country.
Advisory Board
Brad Bivens
Brad Bivens
Brad Bivens retired in 2010 from a career in financial analysis and planning at the Acushnet Company located in Massachusetts. The Acushnet Company is the world leader in the manufacturing and marketing of Titleist golf balls / clubs and FootJoy shoes / apparel. During his career as Vice President of Financial Planning, he developed business plans for the United States and international subsidiaries. Brad is originally from Illinois where he attended Southern Illinois University and earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a master’s degree in finance.
He and his wife have an adult daughter and live on Cape Cod. Brad is active in his community where he is on the board of two community development initiatives. Brad continues his financial activities by providing financial assistance to non-profit organizations.
China Gorman
China Gorman
China Gorman is a successful global business executive in the competitive Human Capital Management (HCM) sector. She is a sought-after advisor and speaker bringing the CEO perspective to the challenges of building cultures of humanity for top performance and innovation. Well known for her tenure as CEO of the Great Place to Work® Institute, COO and interim CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and President of Lee Hecht Harrison, China works with HCM organizations all over the world to enhance their brands and their go-to-market strategies. She sits on the corporate boards of Universum, and Motivis Learning, and chairs the Universum North America Advisory board. Additionally, she serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Jobs for America’s Graduates as well as the Advisory Board of the Workforce Institute at Kronos. China is the author of the popular blog Data Point Tuesday, and is published and frequently quoted in media properties like Fortune, TLNT, Huffington Post, Inc., Fast Company, U.S. News & World Report, HR Magazine and many others.
china@chinagorman.com
www.chinagorman.com
@ChinaGorman
Stanley P. Korn
Stanley P. Korn, CPA, CLU
aka Stosh
From 1974 to 1995, Stosh wore many hats in the financial world—becoming a CPA in 1976, working as a Financial Controller, and even lending his expertise as a forensic accountant and financial expert witness. He also gained valuable experience as a sales representative for financial accounting and time billing systems.
In 1995, he transitioned into financial advising with Northwestern Mutual, where he has spent nearly three decades guiding clients through investments and risk-based insurance solutions. Earning his CLU in 1998 and achieving the title of Senior Financial Advisor in 2019, Stosh continues to help individuals and families build secure financial futures.
Today, he dedicates his expertise to Lafayette Academy: A Classical School in which he has a great passion in supporting. Knowing education is the key to saving our country, he sees Lafayette as the anecdote to the current feckless educational landscape.
Whether it's financial planning, lending his financial wisdom, or simply sharing a good story, Stosh brings wisdom, warmth, and a bit of Texas spirit to everything he does.
Robert D. Allen