Faculty & Staff

Dr. Albert leads the Viz Lower School with love, compassion, and joy. This is her sixth year at Visitation Academy and her 26th year in Catholic education. She was a contributing author in the Connected Learning Stories of Change series with a chapter entitled "Developing Strong Female Leaders." Dr. Albert earned her master's and doctorate degrees in curriculum from St. Louis University. She loves coming to work at an all-girl school each day!

Bev Byrd joined Viz in 1999 as Upper School technology coordinator and, in 2016, began her current role as Director of Technology. Bev is charged with managing, implementing, and supporting technology at Viz. She is a member of the Association of Leaders in Independent Schools and the International Society for Technology in Education. She has presented at several conferences, including the Midwest Education Technology Community Conference, the Lutheran Educators Conference, and Edcamp. Bev graduated from Maryville University with a BS in management information systems.

David Colón began his tenure as Head of School at Visitation Academy in July 2018. After earning a bachelor's degree in history from American University, he obtained a master's in European history from Harvard University. David serves on the Board of Trustees for the Independent Schools of St. Louis and the Global Education Benchmark Group and was named to the Independent Schools Association of the Central States Accreditation Review Committee. Additionally, he participated in a fellowship for current independent and international school heads at Columbia University's Teachers College in winter 2023. It is safe to say that history and education are Mr. Colón's passions.

Diane Effer has supported the Viz Head of School and the Board of Trustees since January 2014. Diane enjoys doing whatever she can to make sure that these individuals can focus on their core responsibilities and aspires to embody St. Francis de Sales' motto, "Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset." Diane majored in economics at the University of Notre Dame and still loves cheering on the Irish and the TCU horned frogs.

Sunnie Hughes is passionate about nurturing young women in Catholic education—a calling she discovered as a student at Incarnate Word Academy, Class of 1997. With over 15 years of experience in education, she brings her love of student leadership, community building, and social justice to her role at Viz. As Assistant Principal, she oversees student life, community engagement, and student conduct. A St. Louis native and proud St. Peter Claver Church parishioner, Sunnie is pursuing her Doctorate in Catholic Educational Leadership at SLU and is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Outside of school, she's a devoted mom to an inquisitive fourth grader and a 13-year-old Yorkie/Maltese.

Angie Jung came to Viz in 2007 as an academic tutor, serving in this role for three years before moving into a teaching role in Grades 5 and 6. After four years as an educator, she transitioned to Middle School counselor, and after four years as the Middle School counselor, she transitioned again to her current role as principal. Needless to say, she loves working with middle school-aged children. Angie received a BS in elementary education from the University of Missouri-Columbia and an MEd in school counseling and psychological examiner certification from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Another thing Mrs. Jung says she loves - the all-girl environment she is fortunate to work in every day.

Jenny Lucas believes the gift of a good education is the greatest gift one can give. Jenny joined the Viz community in 2011 after careers in public accounting and corporate law. As Chief Advancement Officer, she leads the school's fundraising efforts and oversees marketing and communications, constituent relations, and enrollment management. Jenny is a Certified Fundraising Executive. She graduated from Washington University with a BS in business administration and from St. Louis University School of Law. Mrs. Lucas truly enjoys coming to work each day and being part of this vibrant school community!

Joe Morrow has been a dedicated social studies teacher for the past 27 years, Joe is now in his first year as Academic Dean. He holds a Master’s degree in Instructional Design from the University of Missouri St. Louis. Joe is excited about his new role and the opportunity to help develop the curriculum across all three school divisions while collaborating with faculty on professional development. He looks forward to making a positive impact on both students and teachers in this exciting chapter of his career.

A proud alumna of the Class of 1989 and mother to two Vivettes, Sharon Spellman has been enjoying her position as Director of Admissions for seven years. After graduating from Visitation in 1989, Sharon matriculated to St. Mary's College to earn a degree in elementary education. She then went to the University of Iowa, earning a master's degree. After a Midwest tour including Minneapolis, Iowa City, and Omaha, Sharon and her family returned to St. Louis in 2003. She says coming home to Viz was her calling after staying home with her four children for 17 years. Mrs. Spellman and her husband love to travel with their kids and have fun outside.