StM News

St. Martin’s welcomed several new faculty and staff members for the 2024-25 school year who will enhance the school’s program with their expertise, professionalism, and commitment to St. Martin’s mission.

Roby Arensman ’91 is the Director of Enrollment Management. He brings two decades of management experience in diverse yet related fields of hospitality, sales, and business management. Arensman is no stranger to StM, having been connected to the school for more than 45 years. He is a member of the 13-Year Club and a graduate of the Class of 1991, as well as the parent of two alumni.

Ashley Barba is teaching in the George Cottage’s expanded two-year-old classroom. She has taught in early childhood education for 16 years. After touring the campus for her three children who will attend St. Martin’s this school year, she was inspired to apply for a teaching position. 

Melinda Baston is joining the George Cottage faculty, teaching our infant class. With more than a decade in early childhood education, Baston is experienced in providing nurturing environments conducive to learning for our youngest students.

Jennifer Charbonnet is joining the St. Martin’s community as the Director of Libraries. Charbonnet earned her Bachelor’s degree from Mary Baldwin College in Virginia and Master's in Library and Information Science from LSU. She has worked in libraries for over 25 years, and has been in education for 12 years. 

Victoria Demonica is joining the George Cottage as a one-year-old teacher. She holds an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. She was previously a director of curriculum and instruction for a preschool. 

Andrew Durta joins the Upper School after over 23 years teaching upper level mathematics in higher education institutions like Loyola University, Tulane University, and Nunez Community College. Durta holds a bachelor's and master’s degree from Indiana University in mathematics. He will teach Geometry, Advanced Math I, Advanced Math II, and AP Calculus. 

Allison Lewis ’82 is joining the George Cottage team in the three-year-old classroom. An alumna of Class of 1982, Lewis previously taught at St. Martin’s in the art department and in Lower School. Additionally, her mother, Donna Lewis, was a Lower School teacher and served as admission director. Lewis holds a bachelor's degree from Tulane University and coursework towards a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of New Orleans.   

After a nine-year gap, Janis McCormick returns to St. Martin’s to teach Middle School math. McCormick previously taught at St. Martin’s for 33 years and is grateful to be back in her teaching home. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University and an M.Ed. from the University of Virginia. She is also the proud mom of three children who attended St. Martin’s. 

Joining the Pre-K team is Bridget Middleton. Middleton will be the assistant in Pre-K A with Kelly Mouton. She is also the aftercare coordinator for St. Martin’s this year. Middleton graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a Bachelor of Arts and minor in Modern Arts. Middleton has been in education for 19 years. 

Melissa Mitchum joined St. Martin’s this summer following the retirement of longtime employee Erin Dazzo. Mitchum manages student billing accounts as part of the business office team. She holds a bachelor’s degree and a master's degree in business accounting, both from the University of New Orleans.

Terri Pfefferle has been working in Early Childhood education for nearly two decades and is Early Childhood Ancillary certified. Terri is a parent of an alum. Her son, Bret, graduated as a member of the Class of 2018. She will be teaching George Cottage two-year-olds this school year. 

Previously St. Martin’s aftercare coordinator, Paige Pinter joins the George Cottage faculty this year as a teacher in the Ladybug Class. Mrs. Pinter has a Master in Arts in Developmental, Educational and Social Psychology and a Bachelor in Arts in Human Development from Boston College. Her son, George, is in kindergarten at St. Martin’s. 

Patrick Randolph joins St. Martin’s as the Middle and Upper School Learning Specialist. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Rehabilitation Services and a Master of Health Science in Rehabilitation Counseling, both from Louisiana State University. He previously served as the director of Tulane University’s Goldman Center for Student Accessibility and as a guidance counselor and assistant coach for boys’ soccer at John Ehret High School. 

Stephen Rice joins the Upper School English Department teaching American Literature. A native of New Orleans, Stephen graduated from Jesuit High School and went on to Louisiana State University, where he studied political science and English. Stephen spent last year teaching at Jesuit High School as part of the Jesuit Alumni Service Corps.

Emily Ryan joins the Upper School World Languages department, teaching French. Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies and Dance from Connecticut College and a Master of Arts in French from Middlebury College. Emily has spent the last five years teaching abroad in the Czech Republic.