Welcome

Shepard Boulevard's Principal--

Hello Shepard Boulevard Families,

My name is Christopher Schmitz, and I am incredibly excited to be joining the Shepard Boulevard Elementary community as your new principal. This marks my 15th year as a principal, and I remain just as passionate about education and student success as I was when I first began.

I earned my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from the University of Central Missouri and later completed my Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership at Saint Louis University.

On a personal note, I’m a proud parent of two wonderful kids—Caden, who will be starting his freshman year of high school, and Cora, who will be entering 4th grade.

I look forward to building strong relationships with students, staff, and families. If you ever have any questions, concerns, or just want to say hello, please feel free to reach out to me anytime.

Warm regards, 

Christopher Schmitz 
Principal

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Shepard Boulevard's Assistant Principals--

 

 

 

 

My name is Dr. Blackburn, and I have the privilege of serving as the Assistant Principal at Shepard. This is my fourth year at Shepard and can’t wait to have another great school year!

I am originally from Colombia, South America and have been married to my husband, James, for 29 years. Together we have three wonderful children.

I have been in education for over 25 years and have loved every minute of it! I am excited to be part of the Shepard community, and I look forward to continuing to strengthen relationships with students, families, and staff to ensure a positive and supportive school environment.

Warm regards,

M. Fernanda Blackburn, Ph.D
Assistant Principal

 

 

Dear Shepard Families,

I am delighted to introduce myself as an incoming Assistant Principal at Shepard Elementary!  I am thrilled to be joining this amazing community.

As a Columbia native, I bring 15 years of experience in education. I have taught first, second, and third grades, and have served as Assistant Principal at West Boulevard Elementary, Beulah Ralph Elementary, and most recently, Parkade Elementary during the 2024–2025 school year. My educational journey began at the University of Missouri, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. I later completed both my Master of Education and Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction at William Woods University.

This year, I’m especially excited to join Shepard’s new leadership team alongside Dr. Blackburn, Assistant Principal, and Mr. Schmitz, Principal. Together, we form a fresh team of three—ready to gallop full speed ahead! I look forward to bringing my experience and passion for education to Shepard Elementary and partnering with you to support your child’s growth and success. I strongly believe that students should always remain at the heart of every decision we make. I’m eager to build strong relationships with students, families, and staff as we work together to rise to the top—one hoofbeat at a time.

#LetsGoStallions
Warm regards,

Marekka Nickens, Ed.S
Assistant Principal