Chris Cross - Excelerator Director

Chris Cross graduated from Arkansas State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Science in College Student Personnel Services. With a diverse background in transcript evaluation, veteran student services, career readiness, multicultural student programming, and student success, Chris brings a wealth of experience to his role as the Director of the Excelerator at St. Charles Community College. Chris is dedicated to fostering student success and is committed to connecting students with the full range of campus resources to help them achieve their academic and personal goals.

Leslie Beldner - Administrative Assistant 

Leslie earned a B.F.A. in Visual Effects from the Savannah College of Art and Design. She served as a Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy for over nine years before transitioning back into civilian life to pursue her M.F.A. in Writing. In 2024, she joined the Excelerator. She has three cats, who are her fur babies, and she loves reading and manga. Her favorite series is One Piece.

Andy Seymour, PH. D - Biology

Andy Seymour is an experienced instructor in biological sciences across various educational levels. With degrees from Carnegie Mellon University, Loyola University Chicago, and the University of Illinois Chicago, he has taught, tutored, and published articles in peer-reviewed journals. Andy emphasizes teaching critical thinking skills and believes all students can understand scientific concepts. He enjoys DJing, producing electronic music, and skateboarding in his free time.

Chris Herschbach - Chemistry

Christopher Herschbach is the physical sciences tutor in the tutoring center. He specializes in chemistry, having earned both his bachelor's and master’s degrees in the subject. Christopher excels at showing students how to problem-solve and work with word problems. His focus is on teaching students the skills needed to be successful in a chemistry class and guiding them to become independent learners. With a positive attitude, he is dedicated to helping his students improve and develop a love for the subject.

Kathy Porter - English

Kathy Porter, an experienced educator, has 12 years of writing tutor experience, aiming to enhance students' writing skills and self-confidence. With a Bachelor of Science in Education and specialized certification in Middle School Language Arts and Social Studies, Kathy is dedicated to empowering students to excel in writing with pride and confidence.

Katie Gearin - English

Katie Gearin is a writing tutor, Adjunct English Professor, and freelance editor with degrees from SCC, Maryville University, and St. Louis University. She assists students in refining their writing voice, focusing on thesis development, organization, quote integration, and flow. In her leisure, she appreciates Broadway musicals, old films, literature, shopping, and spending time with her pets Daisy and Belle.

Alyce Duffin - English

Alyce Duffin, a retired teacher with 27 years of experience, holds a master’s in education. She tutored students in writing and communication, emphasizing practice and editing for successful writing. Alyce is passionate about writing and tutoring, believing in every student's potential to write effectively with dedication and guidance.

Andrew Sippie - English

Andrew Sippie loves tutoring and teaching because he loves to learn how learning happens best. That’s why he’s been teaching for over ten years and tutoring for over 15 years at the college level. He also loves hiking, creative writing, and sushi.

Ryan Melton - Math

Ryan earned a BS in Secondary Math Education from Southeast Missouri State University. After teaching high school math for three years, he joined the Tutoring Center in 2023. Ryan is dedicated to helping students with their math education. Apart from tutoring, he finds joy in games, shows, and spending time with pets, friends, and family.

Jacquelyn White - Math

Jacquelyn White has taught math for 34+ years, with a BS in Applied Mathematics from the University of Florida, and an MA in Mathematics Education from the University of South Florida. She has teaching experience from middle school to post-secondary education levels in multiple states and has been a Certified Personal Trainer for women over 40 since 2020. She joined the Tutoring Center in June 2008. Jacquelyn enjoys playing pickleball, working out, cycling, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Rebecca Claussen - Math 

After obtaining a BS in Mathematics from Pacific University in Oregon, Rebecca furthered her education by earning an MS in Applied Mathematics from Missouri S&T. She has been a part of the Tutoring Center since 2013. Besides assisting SCC students with their math courses, Rebecca finds joy in playing pickleball, ping pong, reading, and cherishing moments with her husband and four children.