Administration
Mrs. Toni Ponder
Name and Education: Toni Ponder was named President in June 2025 to begin the 2025-2026 academic school year. Mrs. Ponder has a rich blend of experience that will serve to enhance the quality of spiritual formation and academic rigor for Holy Cross Academy students. Mrs. Ponder is a native St. Louisan and attended Rosati-Kain High School and Saint Louis University for her bachelor’s degree in political science and women’s studies and a law degree in 1999, with an emphasis in labor and employment law. Ms. Ponder is an active, practicing attorney. In 2011, Ms. Ponder began her non-profit career with the Archdiocese of St. Louis and has worked in schools in a variety of capacities with expansive responsibilities. At Rosati-Kain High School, Ms. Ponder completed successfully the school’s $3.5 million dollar capital campaign, increased their annual fund dollars, and had oversight over enrollment management and communications. Ms. Ponder also served at the Today and Tomorrow Educational Foundation and served in multiple capacities for 4 grade schools, including St. Cecilia Academy and St. Louis Catholic Academy, and Cardinal Ritter College Prep. (CRCP). Mrs. Ponder led the 2017 CRCP Gala and the Archbishop’s Gala with success. Since 2018, Ms. Ponder has served in the role as Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel for global women religious congregations including, the Society of the Sacred Heart United-States Canada Province (RSCJs) and the Sisters of the Good Shepherd Province of Mid-North America (RGS). Mrs. Ponder regularly consults with women religious congregations and has been a national speaker on administrative structures for women religious institutes.
Vocation/Parish Involvement: Mrs. Ponder is an alumna of Focus-- Leadership St. Louis, Class 40. She is a board member of Peter and Paul Community Services. She and her husband, Mark, live in Brentwood and are parishioners at Immacolata. Her young adult children attended Incarnate Word Academy, Chaminade College Prep., and Visitation Academy.
Quote on Holy Cross Academy: “I am excited to again be serving in Catholic education. HCA is a vibrant community with talented and dedicated faculty and staff and committed and faith-filled families. I am looking forward to witnessing HCA grow in its one identity and in its offering of a rigorous and quality education.”
Mr. Michael Faust
Name and Education: Michael Faust is the Principal of the Middle School Campus of Holy Cross Academy. As the Principal of the Middle School he is responsible for nurturing the spiritual development of the faculty and staff as well as reinforcing and living out the CORE Values and the mission of Holy Cross Academy. Michael attended St. Catherine Laboure and Chaminade College Prep (Class of 2014). He earned his degree from Butler University in 2018.
Vocation/Parish Involvement: Michael has served as a social studies teacher and instructional coach at St. John Vianney High School for the past seven years. He lives in Webster Groves with his wife and daughter, and they are active parishioners at Mary Queen of Peace.
Quote on Holy Cross Academy: "I'm honored to be selected as the next Middle School Principal of Holy Cross Academy! I look forward to getting to know and serve the HCA community as a collaborative, growth-minded, and faithful leader. The warm welcome from the administration and interviewing team I've encountered so far has been amazing. I can't wait to get to work and for my family to get to know such a wonderful community!"
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Mrs. Angie Courtois
As I embark on a new chapter at Holy Cross Academy school, I bring with me a rich blend of skills and experiences aimed at nurturing a vibrant learning community. Rooted in my educational journey, which includes degrees in interdisciplinary studies, curriculum and instruction, learning and technology, and educational leadership, I am equipped with a diverse skill set encompassing educational leadership, differentiated instruction, data-driven assessment, project-based learning, growth mindset implementation, professional development, collaboration, and curriculum design.
My commitment to fostering a love for reading stems from my struggles as a childhood reader, driving me to empower students to become confident and proficient readers. I am deeply invested in integrating spirituality into our educational environment, finding joy in moments of reverence and spiritual connection, particularly on Mass days.
Guided by the wisdom of saints such as St. Joseph of Cupertino and St. Mother Teresa, I approach each day with perseverance and dedication, seeking to inspire students and colleagues alike. I am thrilled to join the Holy Cross Academy community and look forward to contributing to our shared journey of growth and learning.
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Ms. Melissa Hunter
Name and Education: Ms. Hunter is the Principal at the Intermediate Campus of Holy Cross Academy. She works with the Intermediate students and staff to bring the mission of HCA to life. Prior to her work at HCA, she served other school and parish communities as the Director of Faith formation, Coordinator of Religious Education, high school Theology teacher, and second grade teacher. Ms. Hunter has a B.A. in Elementary Education and Theology and an M.A. in School Leadership from Benedictine College. She is currently a Fellow in the ACE Principal Academy of the University of Notre Dame.
Vocation/Parish Involvement: Ms. Hunter is a member of Assumption Parish in South County where she teaches first grade PSR and loves volunteering at the Fish Fry.
Quote on Holy Cross Academy: “HCA makes community a priority. With our Catholic mission and identity at the foundation, we are able to foster a sense of family and unity. Every child is seen as a unique member of that community and is able to grow academically and spiritually in an environment that meets his/her needs.”
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Mrs. Angie Langhauser
Name and Education: Angie Langhauser is the Director of Early Childhood. She has been the Director since 2012 and started the preschool program at St. Michael’s in 2007. She is excited to continue the development of the new early childhood building and further implementation of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. Mrs. Langhauser received her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from St. Louis University. She continued her education at Webster University receiving her Masters in Art of Teaching. She recently received a certificate in Autism Studies from Fontbonne University. Finally Mrs. Langhauser completed training in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program to receive her religious certification.
Vocation/Parish Involvement: Mrs. Langhauser is married and has 3 children and a new puppy. She is a member of St. Michael the Archangel parish in Shrewsbury.
Quote on Holy Cross Academy: “Holy Cross Academy works with families to start a child’s faith formation, along with social emotional and pre academic skills. Our staff follow the motto, “Learn to love, love to play, play to learn.”
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