St. Peter's Episcopal School
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Rita Dai Wang
Director
Rita has her B.S. in Psychology from Harvard University and Master's Degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. Rita has had 9 years of teaching experience in first, second, and third grade in Pennsylvania, California, and Virginia. She has her National Board Certification in Early Childhood Education. Prior to becoming Director, Rita taught the 2, 3, and 4 year old class at St. Peter's for 6 years. In her spare time, Rita likes to work out, run, play tennis, read and cook food for her always-hungry kids.
Rev. Derek Miller
Priest / Headmaster
Fr. Derek has a BS in Biblical Studies/Urban Missions from Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY, holds both a Master’s of Theology and a Master’s of Church Ministry from the Ecumenical Institute at St. Mary’s Seminary & University in Baltimore, MD, and received a post-graduate diploma in Anglican Studies from Virginia Theological Seminary. He has experience in church mission work and revitalization, faith community organizing and advocacy, and nonprofit leadership. Fr. Derek leads our weekly chapel times, enriching them with music and joy. In addition, he provides support and partnership to the preschool and staff. You are likely to see Fr. Derek chasing his son around the church or Main Street while enjoying all that Old Ellicott City has to offer. He currently lives in the community with his wife, Kara and their young son, Easton.
Meet Our Teachers
Jennifer Apahnis
4 Year Old Teacher
BA in Sociology and a Masters in Early Childhood Education. With nearly 20 years of experience with young children, Jen has worked as a paraeducator, taught first grade and preschool, substituted, directed summer camps, and worked with children exhibiting all levels of ability. She was the previous 4's teacher and director at St. Peter's and can hardly contain her enthusiasm to be back in the classroom leading the 4's again with Ms. Brenda! She loves to garden, get creative, exercise, and spend time with her family.
Christine Gemi
2 Year Old Teacher
After spending her first two years of college at Mount Saint Mary's University, Christine transferred and obtained her B.S. in Psychology from SUNY Geneseo and her Master's Degree in General and Special Education from LeMoyne College. Christine has nine years of teaching experience in Kindergarten through 5th grade in HCPSS and 1 year in BCPSS. She has her Administrator 1 Certification for Supervision in Instruction from McDaniel College. Christine has two children, Avery and Sydney. Sydney attended 4 years at St. Peter's Preschool. Both of her children now attend elementary school in HCPSS.
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Brenda Culp
4 Year Old Teacher's Aide
Brenda has been affiliated with St. Peter's since 1995, with 2 of her 3 children attending school here. She initially volunteered in the preschool and became an official Teacher's Aide in the 2's and 3's classes in 1997. She currently works with the 4 year olds and loves it because she is always learning something new from them!
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Annie Hau-Chen
3 Year Old Teacher / 2 Year Old Teacher's Aide
Annie has her B.A. in Business Management. Annie has worked as a volunteer and served on the Board of Directors at a co-op nursery school in Columbia, MD. She also serves on the PTA Board of Directors at Bushy Park Elementary School and is an active volunteer in the community. Annie speaks Mandarin Chinese and English. She and her family live in Woodbine, MD.
Wendy Williams-Abrams
3 Year Old Teacher
After receiving her B.S. in Elementary Education and her Maryland teacher’s certification from Towson University, Wendy taught kindergarten and special education in Los Angeles. Upon returning from California, Wendy taught second grade in Carroll
County. After her first son was born, she took time off from teaching to raise him and her
subsequent 3 boys. During those two decades, Wendy earned certifications in Group Fitness Instruction and Yoga. She owned a Stroller Strides franchise in Kansas City for 6 years and enjoyed working with new moms and their babies. Her passion for
communal engagement inspired her to earn her Prenatal/Postnatal yoga certification. Outside of education, Wendy enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her family.
Clare Audy
3 Year Old Teacher's Aide
Clare joined the St. Peter’s family as a parent in 2018. After her second child completed the 4’s program, she wasn’t ready to say goodbye. With a B.S. in Sport Management from Towson University, Clare’s background is in sales and high school athletics. However, her greatest joy is being a mom. Excited to join the 3s classroom, Clare aims
to recreate the nurturing environment her boys enjoyed at St. Peter’s. She resides with her family in Catonsville and can often be found outdoors, playing baseball with her sons – typically as the designated pitcher.
Melissa Kahl
3 Year Old Teacher's Aide
Melissa, a native Long Islander, has a BA in Sociology and a Masters in Teaching from Towson University. She comes to St. Peter’s with years of experience teaching in a non-public school setting, most recently teaching as a special educator in Baltimore County Public Schools. She lives in Catonsville with her husband and three kids, all of whom attended/currently attend St. Peter’s. She loves the beach,
reading, and running.
Meghan Beno
3 Year Old Teacher's Aide
Meghan has her B.A. in Communications from Mount St. Mary's University. Meghan has
been a part of the St. Peter’s family since 2013 when her son Kellen attended the preschool. Her daughter Riley attended shortly after and youngest Lily will be in the 4’s class this year. She serves on the PTA Board at Manor Woods Elementary School and is our resident school photographer. In her spare time she enjoys cheering from the
sidelines of her children’s sports and activities as well as coaching her daughter’s lacrosse team. She’s also known for the “Harry Potter House” in Turf Valley where she sets up an elaborate display each year for Halloween and Christmas to benefit the Howard County Food Bank and other local charities. She and her family live in Ellicott City, MD.
Mina Uhl
Volunteer
Ms. Mina is a treasured volunteer at St. Peter’s. She has been volunteering at the school since 2000. She is a retired pediatric nurse practitioner and a member of St. Peter's Church. Ms. Mina helps comfort children who are sad or hurt. She is an all around wonderful surrogate grandma as well as a helping hand to the teachers. We are blessed to have her!