Lindsey Looney

Head of School |LindseyLooney@STJAMESDAYSCHOOL.ORG

Lindsey Looney has been with St. James Day School in a variety of capacities since 2010. She started as a lower school teacher teaching both first and second grades. Before moving into her current role, she worked for four years as an Academic Language Therapist specializing in Dyslexia. Lindsey is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. Lindsey and her husband, Thomas, have two children, Emmett and Evelyn, who are in 4th grade and Pre-K respectively. Lindsey loves to spend time with her family, and when not at work, you can most likely find her outside or reading a good book.

Claire Gordon

Director of Faculty and Student Relations | Clairegordon@stjamesdayschool.org

Claire Gordon has been teaching at St. James since 2013 and a preschool and first grade teacher. A native of Texarkana, Claire has worked with children for most of her life, first as a babysitter, and then in a local daycare. She has always been fascinated by child development. A certified early childhood educator, Claire was educated at Texas A&M University, Texarkana. She has two children, both of which are current students at St. James. Claire is thankful that St. James is a place where she can openly teach children about God. She cherishes the community feeling of school, and the ability to use play and the outdoors in her teaching. Claire reads, spends time outdoors and enjoys photography. She is a member of First United Methodist Church in Texarkana, Arkansas.

Shannon Kirkland-Butts

Director of Innovation and Academic Technology | shannonkirkland@stjamesdayschool.org

Shannon Kirkland is Director of Innovation and Academic Technology.  Shannon worked at Texarkana ISD for 15 years where she served on the administrative team as Coordinator of Instructional Technology and Robotics, both at the Secondary and Elementary levels. She has been a Gifted and Talented teacher and Special Education teacher. She was Instructional Technology Specialist of the Year for Texas Computer Education Agency and a TISD Teacher of the Year. Shannon is a TCEA certified Instructional Technology & Lego Robotics Facilitator, a trainer for NASA NoS, a Mimio Master Trainer, a ScratchEd Educator, a CODE.org Educator, and a Google CS First mentor. She is a member of the Civil Air Patrol, the Associates of Graduates of the Air Force Academy, the International Society for Technology in Education, the Texas Computer Education Association, and the Computer Science Teachers Association. Shannon teaches Computer Science and Technology to students in Pre-K through 8th grades. Shannon's two sons, Jacob and Mason are graduates of St. James Day School.

Angela Fox

Business officer | angelafox@stjamesdayschool.org

Angela Fox serves as the Business Officer at St. James Day School. Prior to St. James, she taught for ten years in private and public schools in Texas. She began her career in bookkeeping and has now come full circle. Angela is married with two grown children, and loves to spend time with her family. Angela is thrilled to be a part of the St. James community that God centered and prioritizes the development of the whole child.

Charlene McMillin

Administrative Assistant | CharleneTaylor@stjamesdayschool.org

Charlene has been with the St. James family for many years now. Her oldest son, Charlie, started at St. James in kindergarten, and her two daughters, Amelia and Alexa, are in 8th grade and 3rd respectively. Originally from Valparaiso, Indiana, Charlene has now been in Texarkana for 16 years with her family. She and her husband, Paul, enjoy hiking with their dogs and kids, swimming, and being with their family.

Gale Malone

admin and teacher sub  | galemalone@stjamesdayschool.org

Gale Malone is starting her 38th year at St. James. She has made wonderful friendships here throughout the years, and finds coming to work every day a true joy. Gale has held many positions at St. James; she currently has administrative duties and serves as teacher sub. Gale is a Texarkana native, and is certified in early childhood development. Watching children grow and develop their skills as they travel their educational journey is her greatest pleasure. Outside of work, Gale reads, listens to music, and loves spending time with her family.

Diane Johnston

Primary | dianejohnston2@stjamesdayschool.org

Diane Johnston has taught preschool at St. James for 23 years. She is thankful that St James is a place where she can share the love of Jesus Christ with her students. A native of Texarkana, Diane has an educational background in history and the arts, and child development. Diane reads, spends time walking, and sings in her church choir.

Bailee Lowery

primary | Baileelowery@stjamesdayschool.org

Bailee Lowery is a Primary teacher at St. James Day School. Bailee has been part of the St. James family for over 16 years. Bailee is a graduate of St. James and has been the director of both our after-school program and Spartan Camp for many years. Bailee currently has her licensure in nursing from Texarkana College and is finishing her Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from SAU. Bailee and her husband, Hunter, are lifelong residents of Texarkana. When she is not spending time with her family, she can be found crafting.

Whitney Ribble

Pre-K | WHitneyribble@stjamesdayschool.org

Whitney is one of our fabulous Pre-K teachers! She is mom to three St. James Spartans — Palmer, Baker, and Hayes — and comes to us with a strong foundation in early childhood education. Outside of school, she loves spending time with her family and rooting for the Razorbacks. Whitney is a graduate of the University of Arkansas and has taught in both early childhood and special education classrooms. We’re so happy to have Whitney on board!

Tracy Jones

pre-k | tracyjones@stjamesdayschool.org

Tracy Jones has been teaching at St. James since 2010, and is currently teaching in Pre-K. Before coming to St. James, Tracy worked in the public education system for 11 years. A native of Queen City, Tracy was educated at Texarkana College and Texas A&M University, Texarkana. She has a stepdaughter who is a St. James graduate, and now her oldest grandson has joined her in preschool. Tracy appreciates the Christian atmosphere of St. James, where students are loved and nurtured in a family-like environment. She loves reading, cooking and spending time with family and friends at her river cabin. 

Taylor Chevallier

Kindergarten | taylorchevallier@stjamesdayschool.org

Taylor Chevallier is so excited to be joining the St. James family as the new Kindergarten teacher! She graduated from Texas A&M University - Texarkana with a Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. She is also certified in the Science of Reading and Gifted and Talented. Outside of the classroom, Taylor enjoys spending time with her husband, Carson (a SJDS alumnus) and their Great Dane, Harlow. She is passionate about helping young learners grow academically and socially, discover their independence, and build bonds that last a lifetime. She cannot wait to meet her students and families and begin an amazing year at St. James!

Claire Gordon

First grade |clairegordon@stjamesdayschool.org

Claire Gordon has been teaching at St. James since 2013 and a preschool and first grade teacher. A native of Texarkana, Claire has worked with children for most of her life, first as a babysitter, and then in a local daycare. She has always been fascinated by child development. A certified early childhood educator, Claire was educated at Texas A&M University, Texarkana. She has two children, both of which are current students at St. James. Claire is thankful that St. James is a place where she can openly teach children about God. She cherishes the community feeling of school, and the ability to use play and the outdoors in her teaching. Claire reads, spends time outdoors and enjoys photography. She is a member of First United Methodist Church in Texarkana, Arkansas.

Katelyn Gunter

Second grade | katelyngunter@stjamesdayschool.org

Katelyn has had several titles at St. James over the past 10 years. She has been a part of Administration, subbed in all areas on campus, and taught Pre-K for three years. This is now her second year teaching second grade. Katelyn is a graduate of Texas A&M University-Texarkana and has several years of experience in early childhood education. She is passionate about creating a positive, engaging learning environment where every child feels seen, supported, and encouraged to grow.  Katelyn and her husband, Tyler, have two children, Sander and Brooks, who both attend St. James. Outside of the classroom, you can find her trying new recipes in the kitchen, going on adventures with her family, or curled up with a good book. 

Summer Burkes

third grade | summerburkes@stjamesdayschool.org

Summer Burkes began teaching at St. James Day School in 2018. Summer came to St. James with over eight years of teaching experience. She has taught Kindergarten, First, and Fifth grades. Growing up, her mother owned a dance studio and she began co-teaching with her at an early age. From this experience, Summer always knew that teaching was going to be her passion.  Summer has a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education from Southern Arkansas University. Mrs. Burkes is a busy mom of three, two of whom are students at St. James. Summer loves the flexibility and various teaching methodologies at St. James, and appreciates that the focus is always on learning. When Summer does have free time, she enjoys individual sports, watching college football, traveling, painting, camping, attending church, and spending quality time with her family.

Carla Irvin

FOURTH GRADE | carlairvin@stjamesdayschool.org

With over fifteen years of teaching experience at the elementary level, Carla is on our St. James team as our fourth grade teacher. Carla is a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas with a B.S. in Elementary Education. She has always had a heart for teaching, and St. James is the perfect environment for her to cultivate that love in her students. Carla and her husband, Brian, have four children, two of whom are currently in the sixth grade class at St. James. In her free time, Carla enjoys sports, decorating, and spending time with her family, especially her grand babies.

Kandice Kimmel

MIDDLE SCHOOL LATIN & HISTORY | kandicekimmel@stjamesdayschool.org

Kandice has been with St. James Day School for 11 years. Her roles have included being part of the administrative team, a teaching assistant in both the kindergarten and 1st grade classes. Kandice is now in her fourth year of teaching at the middle school level. Prior to St. James, Kandice was a forensic interviewer at the Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center. She graduated from Texas A&M University-Texarkana with a BS in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. She is happily married to a local attorney, Wade Kimmel, and they have three beautiful children. Their two twins are recent 8th grade graduates of St. James, and their youngest is in 4th grade.

Lori Altenbaumer

MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH AND SCIENCE TEACHER | LORIALTENBAUMER@stjamesdayschool.org

Mrs. Altenbaumer taught various subjects in high school for five years before deciding to become a stay-home mother. When Lori had all five of her children attending St. James, she decided she wanted to get back into the field of education. We feel blessed that she chose St. James and she has been such asset to our middle school team. Lori is a graduate of SAU with a Bachelors in Biology and a Masters of Art in Teaching. She and her husband, Tracy, have five children; Alli and Reece, both SJDS graduates, Wynn, 7th grade, Truett, 5th grade, and Lucca, 3rd grade. In her free time, Lori enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, antique shopping, and taking care of animals.

Ali Burrow

Middle School ELA Grades 5-8

aliburrow@stjamesdayschool.org

Ali Burrow is excited to join the Middle School team as the new ELA teacher this coming year. A graduate of Pleasant Grove High School, Ali went on to attend the University of North Texas. She brings 17 years of experience teaching dance and directing various dance and drill teams, along with previous classroom experience teaching Texas History at Redwater Middle School. Ali is passionate about helping students grow in confidence and creativity and looks forward to an amazing year in ELA! Ali is currently in the process of adding on an additional ELA certification to her teaching certificate. Welcome to the team, Ali!

 Maria Perri

Spanish | mariaperri@stjamesdayschool.org

Maria grew up in Guerrero, Mexico, in the small town of Coyuca de Catalan, and then moved to California where she met her husband, Michael. They eventually moved to Texarkana where Michael accepted a teaching position at Texas A&M University-Texarkana. Moving to Texarkana gave Maria the opportunity to return to school and earn an Associates of Arts degree from Texarkana College and a Bachelor of Science Degree in education at Texas A&M University-Texarkana. Before coming to St. James Day School, Maria taught a bilingual kindergarten class. Maria spends her free time watching her two daughters play soccer and traveling to California and Mexico to visit friends and relatives. Maria says that she is excited to be at St. James Day School because teaching is her passion and St. James students love to learn.

Allison Morriss Wright

Music + Theatre/speech Allisonwright@stjamesdayschool.org

Allison Morriss Wright is a Texarkana native and has been in education for twelve years. This is her sixth year at St. James as the music and theatre teacher. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a minor in Education from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), a Masters of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Instructional Technology from Texas A&M University - Texarkana, and a Masters of Science in Theatre from Texas A&M - Commerce. She is well versed in and has taught various Fine Arts classes including theatre, art, and music. She is happy to be a part of the St. James family and to help students explore their creativity! In her free time, she loves to bake and spend time with her husband, Brady, and her new baby girl, Olivia.

Nicole Cutchall

Physical education | nicolechatelain@stjamesdayschool.org

Nicole Cutchall has taught Physical Education at St. James Day School for 22 years. Her son Jon is an eighth-grade graduate of St. James, c/o 2021. Nicole is a graduate of Southern Arkansas University with studies in kinesiology and health. She is a certified Heart First Aid and CPR instructor. Nicole loves spending time with her family and doing anything outdoors.

Martha LeBlanc

Art | marthaleblanc@stjamesdayschool.org

Mrs. LeBlanc is now in her fourth year of teaching Art at St. James Day School. Prior to her time at St. James, she spent many years teaching art to high school students in the public school system. Art is her passion, and getting to see the creativity unfold in her students’ artwork is something she treasures.

Denise Henley

Maintenance and Facilities Manager | denisehenley@stjamesdayschool.org

Mrs. Denise has been part of the St. Jame family since 1999 when her son began Primary here. She has worked in various capacities over the years helping maintain and sprucing up our campus. She and her husband, David, can be found improving our grounds to keep our school safe and beautiful for our students and families to enjoy. When able, Mrs. Denise enjoys working with students on various special projects around campus. Thanks to Mrs. Denise’s creative eye, she is a valuable asset to our teachers as they seek her help with creating and designing their classroom projects. In addition to her many jobs around campus, she also teaches a middle school Set Design class as an elective. She teaches the many skills necessary for these students to design and create a set that will be used during our Spring Musical.