Staff Directory
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Pat Rea
I am a firm believer in the power of education to change a person's life. Since graduating from UCM with a degree in Social Studies Education, I have taught for over 25 years at schools in rural western Missouri, Hangzhou and Wuhan in China, and joined the Excel Center when we opened in 2018. Health issues forced me to cut back to part-time, but now that I am better, I am thrilled to be returning to full-time teaching at the Excel Center. I look forward to helping you achieve your goals.
Nathan Reedy
Nathan earned his M.S.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction (University of Kansas), B.A. English, A.A. Business. He is married with two children. He started teaching in 2014, not as a high school teacher, but as a tutor to college adults. "I think learning is a joyous thing, and I love to pass that onto everyone I meet. Being able to see my students learn and apply their skills at the Excel Center makes my job even better."
Natalie Soucy
Natalie is a Life Coach at The Excel Center-Florissant. Her degrees include a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Maryville University and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Lindenwood University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has over 10 years working in the social services field. “I want to empower students to reach their life’s potential while helping them break through barriers.”
Nancy Sliger
Nancy has been with The Excel Center since 2018 as a classroom teacher.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in chemistry from Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. She is a retired Missouri public school teacher who also served as a curriculum director and map testing coordinator for 10 years prior to retirement. Nancy loves helping the students at the Poplar Bluff Excel School grow academically and achieve their personal goals.
Mykel Chambers
“I am worthy enough to follow my dreams and manifest my desires.”
Mykel is from St. Louis, MO born and raised in Pine Lawn and a graduate of Normandy High School C/O 2015. A HBCU grad from the Illustrious Lincoln University of Missouri with his Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and pursuing his Master’s in Adult Higher Education and Administration. He also takes part as the assistant coach of the Harris Stowe State University Cheerleaders. Prior to the Excel Center, he has taught children, served in administrative university roles, and even daycare assistance and coaching dance/cheer to figure what he wanted to do. Everyday, Mykel is for sure this is what he dreamed of doing and shows his gratitude and smiles. Mykel is more than pleased to be a part of the MERS family as a SkillUP Case Manager.
This is what I mean when I say I wanna be a resource working here!
Mike Reynolds
Ed. Spec. Lindenwood, MA Admin. UM 30 years/public Educ.
Melissa LaBerta
Melissa is a Life Coach at The Excel Center-St. Louis. Her passion is empowering adult learners through education, as they change the trajectory of their lives. She earned her BS in Human Services with a focus on Addiction Studies and Treatment, her MS in Human and Social Services and most recently a Post- Masters Certification in Higher Education and Adult Learning. Her professional experience includes; life coaching, academic advising, career development, mentorship, advocacy, and substance abuse prevention and treatment. Melissa favorite quote is "Every student is one caring individual away from becoming a success story!"
Melissa Blank
Melissa Blank earned her BS in Education, specializing in secondary Social Studies, Speech and Drama from Missouri State University. She received her MS in Education with a focus in American Studies from Lindenwood University. For the past nineteen years, Melissa has worked in museum education and historic site interpretation for Missouri State Parks and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. She has also worked on theatrical productions, including Spamalot and 1776. “I am excited to be joining the Excel Center and share my love of learning with the students!”
Meg Haw
Meg earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Communications from The University of Missouri-Columbia. She quickly realized that her passion was education and returned to school to gain her teaching certification. She has dual certification in English and Speech and Theater. While spending many years teaching in Missouri, she also ventured off to Mexico City to teach for 1 year before destiny brought her to the Excel Center.
Matt Gravelin
B.S. Ed Missouri State University; M.Ed. in Educational Technology
"The Excel Center is a great place for a second chance at education."