The Learning Center

Educators

Mrs. Lisa Hercules

Hi, my name is Lisa Hercules and I am one of the Learning Center teachers.  I currently work with students in grades 1-5.  I graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with a Bachelor of Science degree in special education.  I am certified in special education - mild to moderate learning disabilities K-12 and elementary education 1-6.

I have been teaching for the Archdiocese of St. Louis Department of Special Education for 24 years.  Throughout that time I have been at several schools including Holy Innocents, St. John the Baptist, and St. Joan of Arc.  I have been at SCCA since 2017.  

I love the friendly and family-like environment at SCCA.  Everyone is willing to lend a hand to help others.  

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my nephews, reading, and baking.


Catherine Forder

I have a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Fontbonne University.

Before coming to South City Catholic Academy, I taught at Ascension-Chesterfield, St. Gemma Center, and Annunziata.

I started teaching at SCCA in the 2022-23 school year.

I love the staff, we are like a family and support each other. I love being able to be an active member of the faith community and helping the students choir sing at mass.

I love musical theater, The St. Louis Blues, and my dog Red!

Kristi Svoboda

Hi! My name is Kristi Svoboda, and I am an aide for the Learning Center. I graduated from Fontbonne University with my Bachelor of Science in Special Education. A few years later, I went back to Fontbonne and earned my Master’s in Education with an emphasis in Diverse Learners. I am certified in special education K-12, elementary education, and special reading.

I have been with the Learning Center since the beginning of my teaching career. I was a Learning Center teacher for the primary grades at St. John the Baptist for four years and then St. Joan of Arc for two years. After my son was born, I stayed home with him until he started school. Then in 2021 I returned to the SCCA Learning Center as an aide. I help out as needed in both classrooms.

I enjoy working at SCCA because everyone is supportive and always willing to lend a hand! Everyone works together to do what is best for the kids. I love working with the students in the Learning Center and giving them extra support. 

Lisa Wright

  I have been a speech-language pathologist for 17 years, working with all age groups from preschool to adults in a variety of settings including schools, clinics, and medical facilities.  I graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2003 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Spanish. I obtained a Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Fontbonne University in 2006. 

I have been working at SCCA since February 2022, and I love working here because of the collaborative, supportive atmosphere.  I have 3 children at home, 2 dogs, and I love to travel.