Barat Academy’s Leadership Team
Debby Watson,
President
Debby Watson is a born and raised Missourian! Born and raised in University City, Debby graduated from Central Missouri State University with a B.S. in Education. She furthered her education by attaining a M.A. in Educational Leadership from SLU as well as getting certified as a Principal.
After 34 years in various roles at Villa Duchesne/Oak Hill School, Debby founded Barat Academy in 2007. In addition to being President, Debby also coaches the Barat Academy girls field hockey team. Debby loves her dog Sophie and running/walking at Queeny Park. Debby believes that above all else every student must learn how to be people of courage, confidence, and character!
Kathy Puettmann,
Head of School
Kathy Puettmann brings more than 20 years of academic experience to her role as Head of School at Barat Academy and Barat Prep. Her background experience includes building programs for students with learning differences and extensive experience with assessment, individualizing instruction and innovative instructional techniques for all learners. Prior to coming to Barat Academy, Kathy was the founding Associate Head of School at Miriam Academy. Throughout her career, Kathy has created and implemented special education programs and project-based enrichment programs at several private schools.
Kathy holds her Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Supervision from Southeast Missouri State University and Bachelor of Science in Special Education with an emphasis in Learning Disabilities from University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Angie Astuto,
Director of Curriculum
Angie Astuto has been with Barat Academy since 2008. She currently serves as Director of Curriculum, where she works with teachers in their course design and professional development.
Having earned her M.A.T. in Education Technology, she especially enjoys working with teachers and students in leveraging technology for higher-level thinking in the classroom. From time to time, she also consults with schools around the country as they launch their own technology initiatives. As a certified 6-12 English teacher, she still enjoys any opportunity she gets to discuss literature and work with students on writing.
Karen Albers,
Director of Student Activities
Karen Albers is entering her tenth year as the Director of Student Activities, Basketball coach and Physical Education teacher at Barat Academy. Her passion and priority is fostering the faith, leadership and character development of students. “Having the opportunity to work with such creative, caring and hardworking students is so rewarding. I value getting to know each of them in a variety of settings and guiding them to recognize their gifts and talents.”
Mike Brennan
Health and Wellness Coordinator
Mike Brennan has been with Barat Academy since it opened in 2007, first as principal and now as the Director of the International Programs and Health and Wellness Coordinator. He will work with all the international students and their families to assure a seamless and timely transition to Barat Academy both physically and academically. As the Health and Wellness Coordinator, he will also follow the progress of all the students keeping them on track with their goals and helping them to maintain healthy lifestyles, especially during these challenging times.
Mike’s career has included time in the classroom as a Social Sciences teacher, a guidance counselor and administrator in a variety of independent and public high schools in St. Louis. He has a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling, a Ph.D. candidate in Counseling Psychology and certified as a Licensed Professional Counselor by the State of Missouri. He looks forward to working with all of Barat Academy’s families for the best Sacred Heart high school experience possible.