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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Reverend Nancy Cox serves as Interim Chaplain, sharing in the spiritual life of St. Mary’s Episcopal School and supporting the students, faculty, and staff on their journey of faith. She has more than four decades of experience helping children explore their faith and live it out in kindness and respect for one another in her work as Chaplain. 

In worshipping with children, she seeks to create a welcoming space that encourages them to wonder about God, ask good questions, and become comfortable in approaching God in prayer. As the Interim Rector of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Edmond, Mother Nancy holds an ex officio position on the Board of Trustees for St. Mary’s Episcopal School. In this role, she brings her teaching experience at an Episcopal school as a middle school life science and high school chemistry teacher, leadership on nonprofit community boards promoting excellence in children’s education, and 30 years of experience as an ordained Episcopal priest.