Meet Our Leadership

Mr. Dan Dilber
Head of School
Head of School
Mr. Dilber brings experience in education, leadership, and law to his role as Head of School. He has served as a teacher, curriculum developer, and leader in both public and Catholic school settings and returned to the classroom after several years practicing as a real estate and construction attorney. His work in both fields has shaped a thoughtful and disciplined approach to school leadership. Mr. Dilber is committed to fostering academic excellence, moral formation, and a love of truth grounded in the Catholic faith.
Education
B.S. in Secondary Education, University of Missouri–St. Louis
J.D., Saint Louis University School of Law
Ed.S. in School Administration, Lindenwood University

Mr. Thomas Capps
Assistant Head of School
Latin (1-8), History (5-6)
Assistant Head of School
Latin (Grades 1 - 8), History (Grades 5, 6)
Mr. Capps is a graduate of Harvard College where he received a BA in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations. He uses his passion for classical education to help his students grow in faith, pursuing the virtue of excellence in education which, in turn, brings us closer to Christ. Mr. Capps’ favorite saint is St. Cuthbert, the patron saint of Northumbria (origin of the Capps family), a British monk who united Celtic and Benedictine monastic traditions, and an exceptionally kind individual. He has previously led St. Austin summer camps including “Calligraphy,” “Create your own Language,” and “Tolkien” (author of his favorite book The Silmarillion).
Education
B.A. in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, Harvard College
Meet Our Talented Faculty

Mrs. Brigida Leonard
Teacher Assistant PreK
Pre-K Teacher Assistant
Mrs. Leonard earned her B.S. in Education from Maryville University. She brings a deep faith to The St. Austin School and loves to see a child light up with happiness when their understanding of what is being taught “clicks.” Her favorite saint is St. Michael the Archangel who helped her feel brave while battling cancer. She loves the quote by St. Mother Teresa, “I’m a little pencil in the hand of a writing God, who is sending a love letter to the world.” Outside of school you can find Mrs. Leonard baking and enjoying the outdoors with her family.
Education
B.S. in Early Childhood/Elementary Education, Maryville University

Mrs. Michelle Grojean
Teacher Assistant PreK

Mrs. Micaela Plumb
Teacher Assistant PreK & Form II
Both Mrs. Plumb and two of her sons are new to the school this year, and she is excited to learn and grow with the team of teachers here at St. Austin. When not helping out in the classroom, she enjoys spending time outside in nature in the classroom of silence, baking and cooking for her family, going to farmers’ markets, having great conversation over a good cup of coffee with a dear friend, and any outdoor adventure with her boys. “The Little Way” of St. Therese inspires Mrs. Plumb to allow God to transform each and every moment of her own life into love. Mrs. Plumb has a particular admiration for Carmelite spirituality and enjoys reading and learning the wisdom of the Carmelite saints.

Mrs. Elizabeth Climaco
Kindergarten
Form I (Kindergarten)
Mrs. Climaco earned her B.S. in Early Childhood and Special Education from Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio. She has a passion for teaching reading and is fascinated by the amazing capabilities God has given the human mind. She loves the beauty and richness of the liturgical year and seeks to bring this into daily life in her classroom. Mrs. Climaco’s greatest joy in the classroom is getting to know each of her students individually and helping them grow. She is inspired by classical education’s emphasis on forming students in every aspect of their lives. Outside of the classroom, you can find her singing and listening to music, praying in Adoration, and spending time with her family. Her favorite school supply is her desk stash of chocolate.
Education
B.S. in Early Childhood Education and Special Education, Franciscan University of Steubenville

Mrs. Lynn Hellmuth
Teacher Assistant Kindergarten
Lower School Teacher's Assistant
Mrs. Hellmuth studied Early Childhood & Family Development. After spending nearly 30 years as an at-home Mother, she feels fortunate to be a part of the St. Austin school mission. She is happy to be surrounded by the joy of children while having the opportunity to help them grow in faith and knowledge. She loves all the Saints because each one pushes her to greatness however, she has a special devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes. (If you ask her why she'll be happy to tell you!) Outside of school, you will find Mrs. Hellmuth spending time with family & friends, entertaining, taking walks, gardening, and working on art or some home project.

Mrs. Tracy Mohon
Form I
Form II (Grade 1)
Mrs. Mohon brings warmth and joy into her classroom of first grade students. Her favorite saint is St. Therese of Lisieux because of her sweetness and simplicity of faith. Her favorite part of The St. Austin School is how the staff values each student as a gift from God. When she is not teaching, Mrs. Mohon loves to read Charles Dickens, draw, bake, and play board games.
Education
BA in English and minor in Classical Education, Hillsdale College

Mrs. Rebecca McBride
Teacher Assistant Form I
Mrs. McBride started as a St. Austin parent who loves “the kindness, rooted in our Faith, expressed by the students and faculty.” She says, “I especially love seeing the care the older students take with their younger siblings at school and the little ones in general.” Mrs. McBride earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Dallas. She has many interests including being outside, camping, hiking, gardening, floral design, homemaking, and loves her family road trip adventures! One of her favorite quotes, from St. Josemaría Escrivá, is “Don’t wait until you are old to start becoming a saint. That would be a great mistake! Begin right now, in earnest, cheerfully and joyfully, by fulfilling the duties of your work and of your everyday life.”

MS. Emily Schaper
Form II
Ms. Schaper attended Truman State University where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in Music. She plays the bassoon and has a passion for classical orchestral music. When asked what a perfect day looks like to her, Ms. Schaper says, “The perfect day would start off with Mass and adoration followed by a hiking trip in the mountains with family or good friends.” Her favorite quote from St. Therese is “Our Lord does not come down from Heaven every day to lie in a golden ciborium. He comes to find another heaven which is indefinitely dearer to Him - the heaven of our souls.” Ms. Schaper loves “how important maintaining a strong Catholic identity is to the staff and families of the school.”

Mrs. Grace Lux
Form III
Mrs. Lux holds a degree in Education from Southeast Missouri State University with dual certification in Elementary and Special Education. She has taught in both general and special education classrooms across K–5 and has served for several years as a parish youth minister. Her background includes catechetical instruction, differentiated learning support, and retreat planning, all grounded in a commitment to forming the whole child in a faith-filled environment. Ms. Lux brings both classroom experience and a heart for Catholic education to her work with younger students.
Education
B.A. in Education, Southeast Missouri State University
Dual Certification: Elementary Education and Special Education (K–12)

Mrs. Amanda Lowe
Teacher Asst. Form III
Mrs. Lowe brings joy and enthusiasm to her role as a teacher’s assistant. She loves The St. Austin School community and has multiple children currently enrolled in the school. When asked about the Catholic and classical dimensions of St. Austin, Mrs. Lowe said, “Classical education teaches our children how to learn. Our faith and rich tradition teach our children how to live. It is at the intersection of these two that our school so beautifully guides these little ones.” Her favorite saint is St. Rita, and her favorite liturgical season is Lent. A perfect day consists of a clean house, dinner made, and a day outside with her family.
Education
BA Early Childhood Education, Kennesaw State University

Ms. Juliana Pettis
Form IV
Form IV (Grade 4)
Ms. Pettis holds a B.A. in English with a minor in History from the University of Missouri–St. Louis and an M.A. in History from Liberty University. She brings a strong background in research, writing, and youth ministry, along with experience in publishing, editorial work, and Catholic media. Ms. Pettis has served as a youth minister both locally and abroad and is passionate about forming students intellectually and spiritually through faithful Catholic education. Her work reflects a commitment to clarity, discipline, and a love for truth.
Education
A.A., Southwestern Illinois College
B.A. in English, Minor in History, University of Missouri–St. Louis
M.A. in History, Liberty University

Mrs. Michele Chronister
Homeroom Form V, Theology &
Logic/Philosophy (5-8),
Literature (5-8)
Form V Homeroom, Theology, Logic/Philosophy, and Literature (5-8)
Mrs. Chronister has a passion for Catholic and classical education. She said, “The classical style of instruction invites our students to enter into contemplation of what is true, good, and beautiful, and our faith helps them to seek Christ in everything, and to allow Him to be the lens through which they view everything else.” Mrs. Chronister’s favorite liturgical season is the Triduum and her favorite quote is “Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire” by St. Catherine of Siena. In her free time, Mrs. Chronister enjoys kayaking, painting, good coffee, and good conversation. She has a deep devotion to our Lord in the Eucharist and loves to visit Him in the tabernacle throughout the day.
Education
MA Theology, University of Notre Dame
BA Theology and BA Philosophy, University of Notre Dame

Mr. JD Dubois
Homeroom Form VI,
English (5-8),
History (7/8),
Math (5-6)
Mr. DuBois is a graduate of Benedictine College, where he earned a B.A. in Social Sciences and Secondary Education. He has experience teaching history and civics and has served in campus ministry and student leadership roles. His formation in philosophy and ministry at Kenrick Glennon College and his work with the Knights of Columbus reflect his commitment to service and Catholic education. Mr. DuBois is currently a Classical Teaching Fellow through Benedictine College, pursuing an M.A. in Classical Education while teaching.
Education
B.A. in Social Sciences and Secondary Education, Benedictine College
B.A. in Philosophy for Ministry, Saint Louis University (Kenrick Glennon College)

Mr. Jose Silva
Homeroom Form VII & VIII
Spanish, Science (7/8),
Algebra I and II
Homeroom Form VIII, Science (5-8), and Spanish
Mr. Silva’s teaching experience includes being an adjunct instructor at Missouri Baptist University for the last ten years as well as a private tutor for the past twelve years in various subjects, including Spanish. He also worked at the Special School District for five years. He admires St. Peter for his passionate faith in Jesus, and his favorite prayer is the prayer of Jabez in 1 Chronicles. His favorite school supply is post-its, and his favorite book is “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership” by John Maxwell. In addition to teaching Spanish at The St. Austin School, he enjoys teaching music theory at the university level.
Education
EdD (ABD), Missouri Baptist University
MA, Webster University
BM, Missouri Baptist University
AAS, Community College of the Air Force

Mrs. Jane Frank
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

Mrs. Jennifer lehman
Art
Art (Grades K - 8)
Mrs. Lehman brings over a decade of teaching experience in classical and private education settings, with a focus on K–8 art instruction. She has taught in schools across the country, including classical academies and university-model programs, and is certified in multiple states. Mrs. Lehman is passionate about cultivating creativity in young students through hands-on projects and a classical approach to art. Her classroom blends artistic skill-building with an appreciation for beauty, order, and joy.
Education
B.A., Taylor University

Dr. Patrick Bergin
Music
Music (Grades K - 8)
Dr. Bergin brings his love of music history to the classroom teaching students not only how to sing and read music but also its rich and engaging history. Dr. Bergin’s favorite time in the liturgical calendar is Passiontide “for the liturgical pruning and its beautiful solemn chants that draw us deeper into Lent at the approach of the mysteries of the Triduum.” Outside of the classroom, he can be found playing board games with his children or reading, likely a work by his favorite author J.R.R. Tolkien.
Education
M.A. and Ph.D in Musicology, Ohio State University
B.A. in Music Education, University of Missouri- St. Louis
Ward Method Certification

Mrs. Jeanmarie DeCoster
Library
Check back for Mrs. DeCoster's bio!

Mrs. Pat Luna
Teacher Mentor
Mrs. Pat Luna has a long history of teaching. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master’s in Educational Processes with certification from Maryville University. Her favorite saint is Mother Teresa who said, “It was never between you and them anyway.” Her favorite subject to teach is history because she always learns something new. She likes to focus on the spiritual life that faith-based education offers. Mrs. Luna has been married to her husband for 54 years and they have two children who have blessed them with nine grandchildren.
Education
B.S. in Education, Harris Teacher's College
M.A. in Educational Processes, Maryville University

Mrs. Marilyn Lonigro
Teacher Mentor

Mrs. Mary Agnew
Teacher Mentor

Mrs. Mary Ann Hunker
Teacher Mentor

Mrs. Jane McCabe
Teacher Mentor
Administrative Staff

Fr. Dominic Lenk, OSB
Chaplain

Mr. Mark Kraus
Executive Director
Executive Director
Mark Kraus is passionate about the St. Austin mission. He has extensive experience in both fundraising and program management, and he will use these skills to take The St. Austin School to the next level. He is retired from an impressive career with Emerson and most recently led the strategy development and fundraising for the Maryville University Hockey Center. He is the father of five boys, two of whom attended The St. Austin School. His favorite thing about St. Austin is the community of positive, generous, smart, and caring people who become friends for life. In his free time, he likes to fish, hunt, and organize youth hockey. Mark hopes to continue St. Austin’s legacy by helping The St. Austin School thrive for years to come.
Education
Bachelor of Industrial Engineering, University of Wisconsin

Mrs.Tracy Stemler
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Stemler displays her devotion to The St. Austin School in the many ways she ensures the school runs smoothly. Her favorite saint is St. Therese of Lisieux because she reminds us to do little things with great love. Mrs. Stemler enjoys “seeing Christ made present throughout the school day in each classroom, and being reminded that all we do, we do to glorify God.” Mrs. Stemler couldn’t live without colored pens to create her very organized lists. When she is not working, Mrs. Stemler enjoys watching her son’s sporting events and spending time with family. Her idea of the perfect day would be hiking on a hot summer day followed by sweet tea and board games.
Education
B.S. in Accounting, University of Missouri

Ms. Pat Nieberding
Secretary
Secretary
Ms. Nieberding is always ready with a smile to welcome those who enter the doors of The St. Austin School. Her favorite book is Abandonment to Divine Providence by Jean Pierre de Caussade. Ms. Nieberding’s hobbies include participating in prayer groups, spending time with family, and last but not least, her dog Max. Her perfect day would be spent at the Zoo with her grandchildren, a trip to Ted Drewes, and reading with grandchildren.
Education
B.A. in Psychology, University of Missouri-St. Louis

Mrs. Sarah Giammanco
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Giammanco loves the incredible connection between families and The St. Austin School, united as one community full of faith, love, and joy. This connection is what led her and her husband to first choose St. Austin for their children, then it inspired her to become involved as a parent volunteer. She is grateful to now support the mission as a staff member. Mrs. Giammanco’s favorite time in the liturgical calendar is Lent, as it is a time for daily reflection, prayerful actions, and service to draw closer to Christ. With fifteen years of experience as an elementary art teacher, Mrs. Giammanco enjoys all types of creative projects and has a passion for life-long learning. Outside of volunteering and working at St. Austin, you’ll find her playing with her children and dog, spending time in nature, and challenging herself to learn new skills.
Education