Meet The Team | TheLeadershipSchool, Normandy School District

Board of Directors

Dr. Stephanie J. Madlinger

Dr. Stephanie J. Madlinger has progressed from Secretary to her current role as Board Chair, Since joining the board in 2024. A respected veteran educator with three decades of experience across the St. Louis region, she is an expert in technology integration, personalized learning, and educational equity. Her diverse background spans rural, urban, suburban, and international settings, having served as an elementary teacher, instructional coach, district administrator, and statewide nonprofit innovation director. As the founder of MAD Educator, LLC, Stephanie is an internationally recognized expert in Google Workspace and ISTE Certifications. She continues to shape the future of the profession as a faculty member at Webster University and a doctoral content expert and methodologist at Missouri Baptist University. Beyond her professional consulting and academic contributions, Dr. Madlinger is a proud parent of four adult children, including three educators. In her personal time, she and her husband enjoy traveling, hiking, golfing, and family activities.

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Dr. Rebecca Langrall

Dr. Rebecca Langrall joined the board in 2024, serving as Chair from 2024 - 2026, and now serves as Vice Chair. Dr. Langrall holds a Doctorate in Teacher Education and Curriculum Studies from the University of Massachusetts and a Graduate Certificate in School Administration and Supervision from Johns Hopkins University. With 40 years of experience in education both in the US and abroad, she has been an ELA teacher, curriculum coordinator, professional developer, and faculty member at six universities in five states. She specializes in developing teachers' pedagogical content knowledge and teaching for conceptual understanding. Dr. Langrall is passionate about creating challenging, nurturing learning opportunities in solidarity with students from historically marginalized groups. In her free time, she enjoys her family, hiking, languages, and politics.

Gary Stevenson

Gary Stevenson joined the board in 2024 and serves as Treasurer. He is an Audit Manager at Armanino with expertise in Auditing, Business Controls, and Information Security. Raised on the North Side of St. Louis City, he attended St. Louis Public Schools before participating in the Voluntary Interdistrict Choice Corporation program and graduating from Parkway West High School. He earned a B.S. in Accounting with a minor in Middle Eastern Studies and an M.S. in Accounting from Saint Louis University. Gary is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). In his free time, he enjoys working out, cooking for friends and family, and exploring St. Louis.

Terrence Curry

Terrence Curry joined the board in 2024. He is a St. Louis native and former Mizzou football player, has over 20 years of experience driving transformative change for youth in St. Louis City. Terrence Curry, a St. Louis native and former Mizzou football player. In 2007, he launched The Nash Youth Association (NYA), which serves thousands of students annually. Through a partnership with his alma mater, the University of Missouri (Mizzou), NYA has brought over 2,500 St. Louis youth to campus to experience college life and athletics. An IT expert and business consultant, Terrence also owns and operates a local restaurant with his wife, providing food and fellowship to the community. He is passionate about helping inner-city youth overcome barriers and reimagine their futures through athletic and educational opportunities.

Shinita M. Simpson, M.A.T., Ed.S

Shinita M. Simpson joined The Leadership School (TLS) board in 2026. She is an accomplished educational leader, teacher, consultant, and advocate with 26 years of experience in education combined in The Archdiocese of St. Louis, St. Louis Public Schools, and St. Louis County Special School District. Shinita has specialized in special education, teaching, instructional leadership, compliance, professional development, and organizational improvement. Shinita is a retired Director of Special Education with the Special School District of St. Louis County (SSD) and now serves schools and organizations through her educational consulting firm, SJ Training Innovations, LLC. As a Board Member of TLS, Shinita brings a deep commitment to student success, strong governance, accountability, equity, and transformational leadership. She is passionate about ensuring that every student has access to high-quality educational opportunities, supportive learning environments, and pathways that prepare them to lead and thrive. Grounded in faith, service, and purpose, Shinita believes that great schools are built through courageous leadership, collective responsibility, and an unwavering commitment to children and families.

Susie Lake

Susie Lake joined the board in 2026. Outside of TLS, Susie is a civil rights attorney at Kennedy Hunt, P.C., where she dedicates her practice to education equity, fair housing, employment issues, and protecting the fundamental rights of individuals and families. Throughout her legal career, she has focused on systemic civil rights litigation to reform unfair systems and advance equity, bringing experience from past roles at the ACLU of Washington, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, and the MacArthur Justice Center to her service on The Leadership School’s Board of Directors. Inspired by her grandmother, a career public school teacher, Susie developed a lifelong passion for education and taught high school English in New Orleans and her hometown of Atlanta before entering the legal field.

Whini Perry

Whitni Perry joined The Leadership School Board of Directors in 2026 and serves as a board member. She is the founder of Precision Learning Partners LLC and a nationally certified school psychologist with expertise in psychoeducational evaluation, special education, student support systems, and family advocacy. Whitni holds Education Specialist degrees in Educational Administration and School Psychology, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. As a St. Louis-area resident, business owner, and mother, she is committed to advancing educational equity and ensuring every child receives the support needed to thrive. She is honored to serve The Leadership School and help strengthen opportunities for students, families, and the broader community.