Welcome New Faculty

Franny O’Gwynn ’19 – First Grade Teacher – Franny is a proud St. Paul’s alumna (Class of 2019) and earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Auburn University in 2023. She has spent the past two years teaching Kindergarten at Cornerstone Schools of Alabama in Birmingham. Franny enjoys the beach and spending time with her friends and family. We’re thrilled to welcome her back to St. Paul’s as part of our 1st Grade team!

 

Rainer Gatewood – PreK Teacher – Rainer, originally from Mobile, returns for her fourth year at St. Paul’s and her 20th year in education. She holds a degree from Auburn University and previously worked as a speech and language therapist in the Mobile County Public School System. Rainer and her husband, Dan, have two children—Shep (6th) and Sally (3rd). She loves spending time with family and friends at the bay.

 

Sydney O’Malley – PreK Teacher – Sydney comes to us with a background in Human Development and Family Studies from Auburn University and is a certified Child-Life Specialist. She has taught PreK in Birmingham and most recently worked with 3K students at the Early Education Center. Sydney and her husband, Michael, are parents to Matthew (3) and Francie (17 months). We're excited to have her expertise and warm spirit on our PreK team.

 

Ciara Slaton – PreK Assistant (with Shelley Kennedy) – Ciara is an Auburn University graduate with a strong background in early childhood education, including her recent work as a 3K Assistant at the Early Education Center and her experience with Lindamood-Bell. She and her husband, Marc, have two children: Laurel (3rd) and Austin (PreK). Ciara is also looking forward to serving as a YDL cheer coach for her daughter’s squad this season.

 

Kathryn Thompson ’00 – PreK Assistant (with Emily Anne Foster) – Kathryn is a St. Paul’s alumna (Class of 2000) and graduate of the University of Mississippi. She brings a wealth of experience, having served as both a 3K Assistant and Director of Admissions at the Early Education Center. She and her husband have three children: Merrill (7th), Tucker (5th), and Sadie (2nd). Kathryn loves organizing, hiking, watching football, and spending time at the beach with friends and family.

 

Nakita Gable – PreK Assistant (with Sara Eudy) – Nakita holds degrees from Auburn University and Troy University (M.S. in Strategic Communication). She and her husband, Yancey, have five children: Camryn, a recent graduate of the class of 2025, Ryland (11), Dylan (10), Jaxyn (8), and Wynter (7). Nakita enjoys traveling, sports, and quality time with her family. Her passion and experience will be a great asset to our PreK team.

 

Tiffany Bru – PreK Assistant (with Sydney O’Malley) – Tiffany and her husband, Greg, have two children: Paterson (8th) and Audrey (5th). Tiffany is deeply rooted in the St. Paul’s community and has served in various volunteer roles, including Parent Council Chair, Book Fair Chair, Homecoming Carnival Chair, Teacher Appreciation Chair, and YDL cheer coach. We're grateful for her continued dedication and excited to welcome her into the classroom.

 

Joseph Arbour ’04 – PreK Assistant (with Rainer Gatewood) – Joseph, a St. Paul’s alumnus (Class of 2004), earned his degree from the University of South Alabama. He and his wife, Rebecca, have two daughters: Ella (1st grade) and Anne Howard (2). Joseph enjoys painting, the outdoors, and time with family--especially on the water. We’re delighted to have him return to St. Paul’s in this new role.

 

Meghan Glenn – 4th Grade AIP – Meghan earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Auburn University, followed by a master's in Collaborative K–6 Education from the University of South Alabama. With 14 years of experience in special education within the Mobile County Public School System, she brings a deep understanding and skillset in working with students across a wide spectrum of learning needs—from attention deficits to severe and profound disabilities. Meghan is married to Corry Glenn (class of ’99) and they have two children: Charlie (6th grade) and Harper (Pre-K). Her expertise and dedication make her a fantastic addition to the AIP program.

 

Amy Browning – 4th Grade Math/Science – Amy holds a master’s degree in elementary education and most recently taught 3rd grade at Old Shell Road Magnet School in the Mobile County Public School System. She’s no stranger to St. Paul’s, having served in several interim roles over the years — including one in 4th grade — and she’s always brought warmth and energy to the classroom. Amy and her husband, Scott (class of ’91) have three children: Matt and Macy, St. Paul’s grads from the class of 2023, and their youngest son, Harris, who is a senior this year. When not in the classroom, Amy enjoys spending time with family and friends. She is a huge Bama fan and loves spending Saturdays in the fall cheering on the Tide. We are excited to welcome her back as a part of the 4th grade team.

Alissa Roman – 4th Grade Reading/History – Alissa Roman and her husband, Reilly, are new to Mobile and looking forward to becoming part of the local community. Originally from Macon, Georgia, Alissa brings valuable experience from her time teaching in Bibb County. She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of West Georgia and has taught both 2nd and 5th grade. Alissa is passionate about inspiring a love of learning in her students, and we’re excited to welcome her fresh perspective and enthusiasm to our 4th grade team.

 

Kat Brand – 6th grade I-STEM – attended the University of Mississippi and graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi earning a BA in Psychology with a Minor in English.  Her area of focus was experimental psychology. She was the Director of Children’s Ministry at Dauphin Way UMC for six years. Her primary role was to develop, implement, and maintain ongoing spiritual education of children ages birth-5th grade. She developed curriculum to meet the needs of different age groups to create ways for children to understand abstract concepts by relating them to tactile and real-world experiences. She has worked as a substitute teacher at St. Paul’s for the past three years, predominantly in Middle School.  Kat loves working with children! Her and her husband, Walter, have four children, all of which attend St. Paul’s, Anna Harper (12th grade), Emily (9th grade), Thomas (6th grade), and Paul (6th grade).

 

When she is not in the classroom, you will find her cheering (loudly) from a set of bleachers. Depending on the season – football, volleyball, basketball, softball, or baseball – she will be there cheering and/or coaching. Kat loves to support her young artist, Anna Harper, at art shows, exhibits, and theatre performances. If there happens to be a break between all these activities, you will find her on the boat or at the beach.

 

Jenna Tigner – Math 6 – was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama.  She has over 11 years of experience in education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation and Disability Studies from Auburn University and a master's degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Alabama. 

 

Over the years, she has taught in both public and private schools, with experience teaching 3rd grade, 5th grade, and Technology and STEM instruction. Jenna is also STEM-certified through Project Lead the Way.  She is passionate about helping students grow in confidence and curiosity.  She enjoys creating a learning environment that is both engaging and supportive. 

 

Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time at the beach, lake, hunting camp, and watching Auburn football with her family. She and her husband Michael have two children, Hudson and Ann Stewart. Hudson will be in the 4th grade and Ann Stewart will be in K4 this fall.  Jenna and her family are so excited to be joining the St. Paul’s family!  

 

Claire Bamberg – English 6 – studied Secondary ELA Education at The University of West Alabama.  Claire grew up in Marion, Alabama, and moved to Mobile three years ago. Since then, she has been teaching middle school reading at Corpus Christi Catholic School.  During her internship at a first-year charter school (Breakthrough Charter School) she had the opportunity to start the cheer program for middle and high school, which still exists today.  She is passionate about creating a classroom environment that is welcoming, supportive, and full of energy, and she is excited to bring that same spirit to St. Paul’s. Go Saints!

 

Mary Badalamenti – Latin 7 – holds a double major in Secondary Education and Language Arts from the University of South Alabama. With over twenty years of teaching experience in both Europe and the U.S., she brings a global perspective and deep love for literature into her classroom. From 2005 to 2021, Mary lived in Italy, where she met and married her husband, Michele, and were blessed with their two children—Oscar (10) and Valentina (7). Now settled back in her beloved South, she continues to blend international experience with local roots. Outside the classroom, Mary finds joy—and frequent frustration—in her garden, where she spends much of her time outwitting invasive vines and coaxing reluctant plants to thrive. Her teaching is infused with warmth, humor, and a richly international perspective that encourages students to grow in every sense of the word.

 

Tyler McGowin – Science 8 – grew up in Chapman, Alabama. She is a graduate from the University of Alabama (2012) and holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, specializing in General Science.  She has ten years of education experience, including positions at Georgiana School, Andalusia High School, Denton Magnet School of Technology, and Dunbar Magnet School of Performing Arts.  

 

She and her husband, Peter, have three children: Manning (6 years old), Jim (4 years old), and George (2 months old). One of her favorite activities is spending time outdoors with her family and exploring the beauty of the Mobile Delta. 

 

Matthew Williamson – Civics 8 – is a graduate of Murphy High School and earned his undergraduate degrees in History and Mass Communication from Auburn University. He later completed a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education at Athens State University and went on to obtain a master's in History from the University of South Alabama.

 

Before teaching 12th grade social studies at St. Paul’s, Mr. Williamson worked as an archivist at the Doy Leale McCall Rare Book and Manuscript Library at the University of South Alabama. During that time, he also served as an adjunct instructor in the University’s history department. Following his tenure at USA, he taught AP U.S. History and Mobile History at Saraland High School.

 

Matthew is married to Amanda Williamson, and they have two children: Elise, who will be entering second grade, and Parker, who will be starting kindergarten. An accomplished multi-instrumentalist, Matt also enjoys cooking homemade barbecue in his free time.

 

Ashley Johnson – Algebra I – Ashley Johnson will be returning to the St. Paul’s family for the 2025-2026 school year to teach Algebra l. She is excited to be back in the classroom working with students and their families. Mrs. Johnson previously taught Math 8 and Algebra l at St. Paul’s, as well as coached the Varsity Girls Soccer team leading them to a 2021 State Title before taking time to be home with her young children. She holds a BS in Mathematics from University of Mobile with a teaching certification. Prior to teaching at St. Paul’s she taught Pre-Cal and Geometry in Austin, Texas.

 

Danner Nguyen – United States Government, Microeconomics (AP, standard, AIP) – This will be Danner's 25^th year in education. He started his career in the Parochial School System where he served as a teacher, coach, and assistant principal. The past seven years Danner has been the Civics and Economics Teacher for the 8th grade here at St. Paul's. He also added the role of 8th grade Department Chair for the past five years. Danner is married to Christina, and they have 3 children. Stone who is at Auburn, Makenna (Senior), and Fallon who is six years old. He is excited to take on the role and challenge of everything that comes with being in a classroom teaching Seniors!

 

Chrissy Thompson – Chemistry (AP, standard) – Chrissy is a native of Fairhope Alabama.  She graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Zoology and a minor in Chemistry and got her master's from Lesley University in Science in Education.  She has been in the education field for 20 years.  Chrissy has one daughter who is getting her master's degree in athletic training from University of West Florida and has been married to Scott Thompson for 24 years.  She is the Director of Lower Alabama Volleyball and spends most of her free time coaching her team.  She loves spending her other free time with her two Australian Shepards on her farm.  

 

Melanie Fromdahl – World History I (standard, AIP), PreAP World History and Geography – Melanie Fromdahl is excited to start her 5^th year at St. Paul’s teaching 9^th grade World History and Geography. She has been teaching 6^th grade American History and iSTEM. She has 20+ years of teaching experience at both the high school and middle school levels. Mrs. Fromdahl and her husband David have seven amazing children, two wonderful sons-in-law, and the cutest grandson around! She cannot wait for the new school year to begin!