Tom Majors returns to the Board with deep commitment, having previously served in 2012 and as a parent of an SMES alumni (his daughter Mackenzie attended for six years). As an attorney, he combines private practice in Oklahoma City with an illustrious career as a federal prosecutor: over 31 years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. At the U.S. Department of Justice, Tom designed and delivered legal training programs, including ABA Rule of Law training for prosecutors in Russia and Ukraine. His leadership in legal education and institutional management brings strategic oversight and mentorship to St. Mary’s.

Amy Costner-Lark serves as Board Vice President and brings her dual passions—education and service—to the role. She is the parent an of an SMES alumni (Lara who attended for 7 years) and the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs in the College of Nursing at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Professionally, she practices as a Family Nurse Practitioner in geriatrics. Amy is also the founder and president of Costner Medical Missions, a 501(c)(3) non-profit serving communities in Ecuador, Peru, and the Galapagos Islands. Her experience in healthcare administration, international outreach, and compassionate service strengthens St. Mary’s commitment to global citizenship and caring leadership.

Carolyn Newman, an active member of the Episcopal community, supports the Board in her role as Secretary. She brings a wealth of educational leadership, having worked as a classroom teacher, guidance counselor, certified educational diagnostician, public school superintendent, and Assistant State Superintendent in New Mexico. Holding a Master of Education with postgraduate specialization in assessment and evaluation, Carolyn spent much of her career advocating for students with learning differences. After retiring, she became a Barton Reading and Spelling System trainer for individuals with dyslexia. Carolyn and her husband relocated to Edmond in 2020, where they are devoted members of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.

Joining the Board in 2024, Susan Hassed brings a personal connection through her granddaughter, who has attended St. Mary’s since 2020. She retired in 2018 after directing the Genetic Counseling Program in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, where she led clinical service, education, and research efforts. In retirement, Susan has explored her passion for visual arts—her photography and sculpture have been featured in juried and solo exhibitions. Alongside her husband, Mohamad Shaaf, she co-founded the Drs. Shaaf & Hassed Housing Assistance Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization founded on the conviction that everyone deserves a home.

Jesse Gentling, a parent of a St. Mary's graduate and a current SMES student, brings long-standing dedication and technical expertise. After serving on the Buildings & Grounds Committee since 2023, he officially joined the Board, leveraging decades of experience in sustainable construction and facility operations. Professionally, Jesse is Director of Sales Operations at Engineered Systems & Energy Solutions, Inc. His background ensures that SMES’ physical campus is not only well maintained, but also designed for environmental responsibility.

Mary Hendrick, a committed Episcopalian, has served on the Board since 2018 and previously held leadership roles as Vice President and Secretary. She currently chairs the School–Church Committee, helping to bridge St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and the school community. Her institutional memory, steady leadership, and spiritual grounding contribute significantly to the Board’s mission.

Emily Hendrickson is a parent, engineer, and advocate. Since joining the Board in 2023, she has applied her expertise as a Senior Systems Engineer at KBR to the school’s operations. Her background in mechanical engineering (M.S. from the Colorado School of Mines) and her leadership of KBR’s internal advocacy group, ASPIRE, reflect her commitment to cross-disciplinary problem-solving and mentoring future leaders—especially women in STEM. Emily’s voice on the Board ensures strong representation for both family and technical perspectives.

Denise Kisthardt, who joined the Board in 2023, is deeply rooted in the St. Mary’s community. An Episcopalian member, Denise, and her family moved to Oklahoma in 2005. Before that, she spent over a decade as a prosecutor and land-use attorney in Phoenix. Later, she followed her passion for teaching, spending ten years as a middle school English teacher. Her legal background, educational experience, and commitment to community highlight her balanced perspective and dedication to justice and learning.

As an alumni parent board member, Michele Koopman brings a blend of clinical experience, volunteerism, and creativity. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Central Oklahoma and trained at the Metro Technology Center in Radiologic Technology. For nearly a decade, Michele worked in Vascular Interventional Radiology at OU Medical Center. She also serves her community through the Historic Preservation Trust of Edmond (as Treasurer) and the City of Edmond Visual Arts Commission. In her spare time, she creates visual art and collaborates with the Edmond Vibes art community—strengthening St. Mary’s through her civic engagement and creative spirit.

Dr. Linda Mason, an Episcopalian board member since 2022, brings decades of educational leadership. She holds an Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction and retired from a career in higher education and public teaching. Most recently, she served as Grant Coordinator for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. She also worked as a professor, providing professional development for K–12 and college educators. Linda’s expertise supports the school’s long-term academic strategy and professional enrichment.

Ryan McGann is deeply invested in St. Mary’s: an alumnus, a parent of three SMES alumni, and a long-time Board member (since 2017). He has served previously as Vice President and President, and currently chairs both the Building & Grounds and Site Planning Committees. Professionally, Ryan leads his own company, Citadel Restoration Services. His leadership ensures continuity, strategic facility planning, and a vested interest in the school’s legacy.

Pat Newman serves as Senior Warden at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and is an ex-officio member of the Board. Originally from New Mexico, he holds a Bachelor of Arts from New Mexico Highlands University and studied business at Anderson School of Business. Pat spent 40 years leading federal workforce training and employment programs, designing programs, shaping policy, and managing contracts. Previously, he served as a police officer (rising to Sergeant and Lieutenant) before transitioning to workforce development. His life of service and institutional expertise contributes profoundly to the school–church partnership and governance.

The Right Reverend Poulson C. Reed, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, is an ex-officio member of the Board. As spiritual leader of the Diocese, Bishop Reed provides pastoral guidance and ensures that St. Mary’s Episcopal School remains aligned with the Episcopal Church’s mission, values, and traditions.

Dr. Ashley Weedn has served on the Board since 2019. She represents several key communities—as an Episcopalian, a parent whose children are SMES alumni, a pediatrician, researcher, and Associate Professor at OU Health / OUHSC. Her medical experience, academic background, and engagement with families make her an essential bridge between the school’s educational mission and the health, well-being, and development of its students.