Channon Peoples, Ed.D
Executive Director
channonpeoples@umsl.edu
314.516.5196
Channon Peoples joined UMSL’s Office of Precollegiate Student Services in 2003 and was appointed Executive Director of the Bridge Program in 2018. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from Harris-Stowe State University, a Master’s in Public Policy Administration, and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL). She also earned her Doctorate in Educational Practice from UMSL.
Under Channon’s leadership, the Bridge Program has expanded its reach and impact, serving thousands of students annually while strengthening intentional pathways from middle school through college completion and into career readiness. With more than two decades of experience in college access, student recruitment, and precollegiate programming, she leads with a visionary focus on equity, innovation, and systems-level change. An active member of the Missouri Association for College Admission Counseling (MOACAC) and the National College Access Network (NCAN), Channon is deeply committed to youth empowerment and continues to engage with professional and community-based organizations dedicated to transforming postsecondary access and success for young people.
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
— Malcolm X
Hannah Grigaitis
Associate Director
hgrigaitis@umsl.edu
314.516.5188
Hannah Grigaitis joined the Precollegiate Student Services team as Associate Director in January of 2026. She has a bachelor’s degree in Social Anthropology from the University of Otago, where she developed her deep passion for understanding and supporting people. This led to a career in college access and success, where she has worked in both the high school and collegiate space in various roles with local St. Louis and national nonprofit organizations. Hannah believes post-secondary opportunities are for everyone and is here to support all Bridge students in finding the right path for them!
Taelor Duncan
Senior Program Coordinator
TaelorDuncan@umsl.edu
314.516.6888
Taelor Duncan serves as the Senior Program Coordinator for the Office of Precollegiate Student Services. She obtained her Bachelor’s of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Missouri- St. Louis in 2020. Taelor has over 10 years of experience in the Office of Precollegiate Student Services, including as a Bridge Program high school student, an undergraduate student employee, a scholarship awardee, and, most recently, a Senior Program Coordinator. Taelor is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and through this organization is dedicated to service to all mankind. Taelor was the Secretary of Associated Black Collegians, recognized as the 2022 Side Hustler of the Year, and she is the Founder and Owner of Slay with Tae Cosmetics, LLC. In addition to her professional role, Taelor serves as the Head Coach for the UMSL Siren Squad Cheer Fusion Team, where she is committed to mentorship, discipline, and leadership development through athletics. Taelor’s professional career has strongly aligned with student support and college access, postsecondary education, leadership development, and service.
Nick Rodriguez McClellan
Program Coordinator
nicholasrm@umsl.edu
314.516.5192
Nicholas (Nick) Rodriguez McClellan serves as a Program Coordinator for the Office of Precollegiate Student Services. Nick earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychological & Brain Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis. He was a recipient of the Questbridge Match Scholarship at WashU. He previously served as a private Academic Tutor and Mentor, offering college prep services, language-learning tutoring, and social and developmental skill-building to students in the greater San Juan, Puerto Rico, metropolitan area. Nick is passionate about college access and educational equity, and he plans to continue his studies in psychology and social-educational policy.
Kimberly Noland
Senior Office Support
precollegiate@umsl.edu
P: 314.516.5196
Kim Noland serves as Senior Office Assistant for the Office of Precollegiate Student Services. Before joining the team, Kim served as Finance Administrative Assistant for Francis Howell School District. After attending Truman State University, Kim found her passion in helping young people find their best path, address challenges, and celebrate success. She has worked in all facets of education, Early Childhood through High School, and is very excited to join the higher education system. In her spare moments, she loves spending time with her husband and three children, friends, or curling up with a good book.