Faculty and Staff

Principal's Office

Dorothy Curry, Co-Founder & Past Board President

Gordon Parks Elementary is an organization of servant leaders and servant employees. Our purpose is ever present and ever inspiring to foster academic progress.  It is mysterious and compelling. The children constantly refresh our perspective and teach us.

For me there can be nothing more satisfying than working on behalf of children. Personally, we have many grandchildren. Their future is in this community, link to the future of all children.

I hope there is something in my experience in varying aspects of non-profits, in my share in co-founding Gordon Parks, in the arts, or only in living quite a few years, that will be of use to this miraculous place each year. I love it.

Sandy Elkins Regan, Office Manager

Although her official title is "Office Manager," Sandy isn't restricted by a job description. Each morning, she's the first one at school, arriving at approximately 6:30 a.m. She turns on the lights and checks the phone messages. For Sandy, there is no typical day. She may apply "magic" lotion on hurts or listen to an excited child read a 'difficult' book. There are more than 200 students at Gordon Parks and Sandy tries to learn everyone's name.

Sandy grew up in the Kansas City area. Sandy worked as a librarian and eventually as the secretary at James School. Sue Jarvis, one of the founders of Gordon Parks, was a teacher at James School during this time. She invited Sandy to become office manager of the new Charter School when it opened its doors in 1999.

During the week, Sandy's life revolves around Gordon Parks. On weekends, she and Michael ride tandem, exploring the countryside on their Kawasaki motorcycle. Sandy's enthusiasm for the school has rubbed off on Michael. He established the aquarium, and has been adjusting the water and the chemicals and regulating fish population since August 2000.

When weather is not conducive to biking, Sandy, the mother of a "beautiful grown daughter", enjoys the company of her cat, Cooper, and curling up with a book - the mystery genre is her favorite. "I always carry a book with me wherever I go," said Sandy, the former librarian turned school gatekeeper. "I call it my bibliotherapy."

Ellen Ervin, Technology

Ellen Ervin grew up in the Kansas City area and has been working in education for over 25 years.  She received a Bachelors and a Masters degree in Education at Central Missouri State University and first began teaching as a Social Studies teacher in the Belton School District, where she also sponsored the Pep Club and the Cheerleaders.

After leaving the Belton School District, she was the owner of Newspaper Carrier Solutions, a company that delivered the Kansas City Start to nearly 10,000 customers. Those experiences led to an interest in computers and technology. Over the years, she has expanded her interest in Educational Technology and has logged well over 3000 classroom hours, enhancing her skills tremendously.

She has work with major K-12 school districts and universities. She was the Director of Technology for the Fort Osage School District and the Technology Coordinator of the Bloch School of Business at the University of Missouri, Kansas City and later provided technology support for Northwest Missouri State University.  She was first introduced to Gordon Parks as a consultant five years ago and is excited to now be on board as Technology Coordinator.
 

 

 

 

 

Johnetta Greer, Bookkeeping Assistant

Ms. Greer's association with Gordon Parks began as a parent -- Ms. Greer's daughter was a graduate of the first 5th grade class!  After her daughter's graduation, Ms. Greer continued to be involved at the school as a volunteer.  After having volunteered for a while, a door opened for her to become a part-time staff member helping with the Integrated Listening program and as the cafeteria manager.  Now, in her 5th year at Gordon Parks, Ms. Greer is excited to be part of the administrative team and now works as our bookkeeping assistant.

 

 

 

Dean Johnson, Executive Director

Dean Johnson is a native of Kansas City, MO and a 1993 graduate of Loyola University Chicago. After college he joined the Jesuit International Volunteers and taught high school in the Pacific island nation of Micronesia. He returned to Chicago in 1996 and began teaching urban core youth. He was an 8th grade teacher and principal at San Miguel, an alternative Catholic middle school serving at-risk children on Chicago's Southside. He created an after school enrichment program and led the school through a five-year strategic planning process and a revision of its curriculum.

In 2000 Dean earned an M.A. in Multicultural Education from Columbia College Chicago. In 2003 Dean began graduate studies in International Political Economy and Development at Fordham University in the Bronx. He received his M.A. from Fordham in 2005 and completed a six-month internship with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in Zimbabwe where he managed emergency relief efforts in several communities where the Zimbabwean government was burning and bulldozing homes of the urban-poor.

Later in 2005 Dean moved to Indonesia and began a three-year term with CRS in Aceh, the region devastated by the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. He managed CRS' post-tsunami projects in its Meulaboh Field Office, including the reconstruction of homes and water and sanitation systems and the restoration of economic activities and health services.

Dean returned home to Kansas City in 2009 and became Executive Director of the Gordon Parks Elementary School in July of that year. He lives in Kansas City with his wife, Tricia, and their daughter Daniella.

Tysie McDowell-Ray, Principal

Tysie McDowell-Ray was born and raised in Davenport, Iowa. Living with her maternal grandparents, whom had nine children, McDowell-Ray enjoyed being a part of such a large, loving family. She worked hard throughout school, wanting to become the first college graduate on her paternal side of the family. As a sophomore at the University of Iowa School of Pharmacy, she read the book Savage Inequalities by Jonathon Kozol, which outlined the dismal state of the public education system. "I read the book cover to cover in a day. The next day I switched my major to elementary education. I just knew I had to work in urban education," she stated. The book resonated so deeply with her because she experienced the powerful impact of being the product of teenage parents, having an absent father, and seeing drug addiction ruin a family. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education with a minor in African World Studies.

McDowell-Ray taught grade school in Des Moines, Iowa at Edmunds Academy of Fine Arts and King Academy of Math and Science. Wanting to experience life outside of Iowa, McDowell-Ray moved to Kansas City in 1999 and worked at James Elementary with two wonderful principals, Mrs. Delores Maxwell and Dr. Diana Swezy. Balanced Literacy was new to the KCMO school district and Mrs. Maxwell appointed McDowell-Ray to the Balanced Literacy Leadership Team, due to her previous experience in that area. When Mrs. Maxwell retired and Dr. Swezy accepted the principal position at the new Gordon Parks Charter School, McDowell-Ray jumped on board and applied for a teaching position. "I saw this as a wonderful opportunity to grow a positive learning environment for urban children. When I came on board, Gordon Parks had grades Kindergarten through Second , was initiating Balanced Literacy, and developing a special curriculum that allowed children to explore the visual and performing arts," she stated.

McDowell-Ray kept the same group of students for four years, moving with them from second through fifth grade. She commented, "I deeply knew my students, their families, and their struggles. To this day, I still keep in contact with many of them." 

After teaching at Gordon Parks for seven years, McDowell-Ray decided to work part-time as an educational consultant. "My husband Albert and I had decided to become foster parents. Our household demanded more of my time, but I wanted to stay involved in education. Working as an educational consultant allowed me to help teachers and students as well as spend quality time with our foster children," she said. McDowell-Ray and her husband adopted a daughter and two sons, and also are raising McDowell-Ray's teenage sister. "I love being a mother. I love watching my children develop their own unique personalities. Everyday is new and I am grateful to have these children in my life."

Now that her children are all in school, this is the perfect time for McDowell-Ray to get back to work full-time. "Coming back to Gordon Parks is like coming back home," she stated. "I absolutely love the staff, students, and parents. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as principal and work with the team to lead the school to educational excellence. I look forward to increasing parent involvement, improving instruction, and growing our arts program. I couldn't imagine being anyplace else. Gordon Parks is truly the place to be."

Mary Pittala, Business Manager

Mary Pittala joined Gordon Parks as full-time Business Manager in August 2009. Prior to that, she contracted her services as Business Manager for Gordon Parks beginning in September 2006. She received her BSBA degree in Accounting from Rockhurst University in Kansas City. She holds a CPA license from the state of Missouri. After working as an intern in the Tax department for a local CPA firm, she worked as a Staff Accountant in the Audit department of Arthur Young, a public accounting firm. She left there to work in private accounting at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City in the Finance and Internal Audit departments, initially working as a Staff Accountant, then promoted to Internal Auditor, and subsequently to Senior Accountant.

After she adopted her son through Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph, she went to work part-time as a Senior Accountant for The Epoch Group, a third party administrator. Upon adoption of her second son five years later, she went to work for herself as a contract accountant. “Being self-employed, although challenging at times, allowed me the flexibility to be there for my children while they were young yet still manage to develop my skills as a CPA.”

Mary is a Kansas City native and lives in Kansas City North with her husband Anthony and two sons John and Matthew. Her favorite pastime is spending time with her family. She believes in the mission of Gordon Parks and is happy to be a part of such a great staff!
 

 

 

 

 

Keely Schneider-Truog, Development Director

Keely joined Gordon Parks Elementary School as its new Development Director in June 2008.  Keely received her B.A., magna cum laude from Davidson College (Davidson, N.C.) and her J.D., cum laude from the University of Georgia School of Law.  She is a native of Atlanta, Georgia where she practiced law in the areas of corporate healthcare and non-profit organization.

She left the practice of law after her daughter was born to help run a family-owned commercial real estate business where she gained extensive experience as a project manager in strategic commercial real estate planning and construction.

After her family's move to Kansas City, her husband's hometown, and the birth of her son, Keely continued to work part-time in construction and real estate project management and real estate sales and marketing.

"I was ready to return to full time work, but was not interested in returning to a law practice.  I was ready for a change from the corporate world . . . I was ready for something that I could really be excited about doing.  Because of my volunteer work with the Junior League of Kansas City in the area of children's literacy, I knew I wanted a position in the non-profit world; one where I could use my diverse skill set."

"Even in my first short visit to Gordon Parks, something about it resonated with me.  With its emphasis on the visual and performing arts, I just knew this place was a fit for me."

Keely sings in several choral groups around Kansas City and is an avid tennis player.  She is also the proud parent of a 10 year-old daughter and a 6 year-old son.

Kindergarten Family

Gladys Groves, Kindergarten Teacher

One cannot walk by Gladys Groves' community without a smile sweeping across their face.  The energetic Kindergarteners are singing, dancing, and using new language they have just recently discovered!

Gladys Groves grew up in Edwardsville, Kansas.  When Mrs. Groves was in school, her favorite activity was reading.  When asked about her college experience she replied, "Yes, I am a Rock, Chalk, Jayhawker!"  As a child, her favorite thing to do was play school.  That set the stage for her goal of becoming a teacher.  Mrs. Groves believes that all children can learn.  She speaks of herself as a "facilitator."  "The real learning happens when the student becomes empowered to be an active learner."  Reading is her favorite subject to teach because she loves to see the student's faces light up when they discover they can actually read!

Her dream is to keep in touch with some of the students and in the future hear them tell me that I did make a difference in their life.

Mary Harper, Paraprofessional

Mary Harper grew up in Moorestown, New Jersey. She attended Centenary College for Women in Hackettstown, New Jersey. She later attended Rockhurst University where she graduated with honors!

Mrs. Harper has always wanted to work with children. "I've always thought I'd end up working with children in some capacity because they not only inspire you, but keep you so grounded", she stated.

Mrs. Harper joined Gordon Parks in a supportive role to the kindergarten and the special education program.

Mrs. Harper enjoys working at Gordon Parks because of the support. She said, "When I do face a challenge, there is always someone to help if I need it. I love being able to work with kids and chart their progress. Also, I'm lucky to work with an awesome staff that work and support one another as a team."

One of her goals is to obtain her teaching certification soon. When she retires, she'd love to go back east and live in Vermont and have a beach house.

Pennie Senn, Kindergarten Teacher

Pennie Senn attended the University of New Orleans where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education.  She continued her education there with a Masters Degree plus 30 hours in Early Childhood.  

Mrs. Senn and her husband, Will, lived in New Orleans where she taught for 32 years before hurricane Katrina.  They relocated to Kansas City because she had family here.  During her job search, the Gordon Parks website reeled her in when she read the mission and philosophy and saw the beautiful faces of the children.  "I knew I had found a new home," says Mrs. Senn.  

When asked about what it means to be a teacher Mrs. Senn explains, "As a kindergarten teacher there is nothing more rewarding than watching a child's eyes light up when they write their name for the first time, read their first work or fall in love with their first book."

Words to live by . . . "Live now.  When you are eating, eat.  When you are loving, love.  When you are talking with someone, talk.  When you are looking at a flower, look.  Catch the beauty of the moment!"           ~Leo Buscalglia

Andrew Smith, Paraprofessional

Mr. Smith began his career at Gordon Parks in August 2003 as a paraprofessional in our Kindergarten classes and continues to serve our community in that capacity.  Mr. Smith also is a member of our Aftercare staff, working with all students enrolled in our after-school program.

 

 

 

First and Second Grade Family

Karen Brunk, First Grade Teacher

Karen Brunk graduated from Park University in with a Bachelor's in 1986 and again with a Master's in Education in 2005. She has over 22 years of experience in education. She is a lifelong learner herself and is currently working on her English Language Certification. Karen has worked for the Park Hill School District as a Teacher and Parent Educator. She was a teacher and then the Math Coordinator for the Kansas City Missouri School District. She is excited to join the Gordon Parks team this year as a first grade teacher!

Karen currently serves on the Dorothy Watson Harper Literacy Center Board at Park University and was a founding member. She is also an executive member of the local chapter of the KC Missouri Council Teachers of Mathematics. Karen participates in many state leadership conferences and recently participated in revising the State Mathematic Learning Goals that will soon pass the State Board. She has been teaching teachers how to teach math since 2003.

When she is not busy with school work or volunteering, she keeps tabs on her husband of 26 years and her three grown children. Her oldest son just completed his Masters in Geospatial Sciences in August 2009. Her second son graduated from New York University last May and is a professional dancer in Cleveland, Ohio. Her youngest is attending Missouri State and will graduate in two years with her degree in Linguistics Anthropology. In fact, her daughter already speaks French, Arabic, and American Sign Language. All three children have lived abroad, and all three have their own special talents.

Karen also mentors three children that her own children call the "replacement family." These children are like hers. They are a part of our family. One is in Kindergarten, one is in fourth grade, and one is in seventh grade. They keep her busy on the weekends they come to visit. Chances are you will see her grown children or her "adopted" children at school sometime, as they all love to come for a visit!

One of Karen's biggest strengths is the relationships she builds with the children, with their families, and with her teaching colleagues. Those relationships contribute to her strong ability to manage a classroom with firm and high expectations but also with a clear sense of warmth and caring. Positive communications with parents are always a high priority with Karen. Please stop by and say hello when you get a chance. You'll want to see all the neat things that are happening in Room 208!

Frances Christian, First Grade

Frances Christian graduated from Central Missouri State University with a Bachelors in Elementary Education. She brings to Gordon Parks more than 20 years of experience. She finds "teaching children to be a truly rewarding profession. I feel truly blessed for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our students at Gordon Parks."

Mrs. Christian's classroom is tidy and home-like. "I want the children to feel welcome when they enter my classroom."

Words to live by...

"Children are our most valuable natural resource." ~Herbert Hoover

"The mediocre teacher tells.
The good teacher explains.
The superior teacher demonstrates.
The great teacher inspires."
~William Arthur Ward

Bethany Lefholz Raimo, Second Grade Teacher

Bethany Lefholz grew up in Lexington, Missouri with her sister and parents. She attended Central Missouri State where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. She then went on to earn her Master's Degree in Literacy Education for K-12.

"I have always wanted to be a teacher," she stated. "As a child, I used to play school and get into fights with my friends because I had to be the teacher." She loves the staff and the students at Gordon Parks. Her biggest challenge is having enough time to incorporate all of her creative teaching ideas into her lessons.

Miss Lefholz's most memorable teaching experience happened a few years ago when a student consistently told her how much he hated her. The student had an accident and was hospitalized and he begged his mother to call Miss Lefholz so she could visit him. He asked her to come visit him everyday!

When asked about her goals, Miss Lefholz stated, "I just want to be successful in whatever I pursue."

Third and Fourth Grade Family

Kirsten Burnfin, Third Grade Teacher

Kirsten Burnfin has lived in Kansas City all her life, except for a brief stint at the “Happiest Place on Earth” (a.k.a. Disney World). She is the oldest of seven, so she’s been “teaching” most of her life! She originally taught at Gordon Parks for five years, and has now returned to the place she loves and the third graders she’s missed! Some of her favorite things about working at Gordon Parks are the supportive staff, kids who are eager to learn, and being in such a positive environment. She feels as though she is truly helping others. In her spare time, Kirsten loves to read, write, and perform in community theater -- as soon as she finishes that pesky Masters Program she’s enrolled in, she’ll get right back to those hobbies! She loves teaching and working with the amazing staff and students at Gordon Parks Elementary.

 

 

 

 

Diana Costello, Fourth Grade Teacher

Diana recently moved to Kansas City from New Orleans. The Wisconsin native studied at the University of Minnesota and the Kansas City Art Institute, before being accepted by Teach for America, a national teaching program comprised of recent college graduates who commit two years to teach in under-resourced public schools.

"I'd been teaching first grade in a school on New Orleans' west bank when Hurricane Katrina hit," Diana recalls. "Although my school received only minor damage, I stayed because of my commitment to my school and its students."

It wasn't until Imani, now 17 months old, was born that Diana and her husband Joe realized their daughter needed to grow up in a safer environment -- thus the move to Kansas City. "I find teaching challenging and rewarding," said Diana, who is pleased to be back in an elementary school environment.

Lisa Gann, Fourth Grade

Lisa’s classroom career spans more than two decades. She has been a teacher at Gordon Parks since 2007. "I've never taught in a school where the staff receives so much support. As a teacher at Gordon Parks, I have a built-in safety net." Lisa, a native of Sedalia, earned her B.S. at Northwest Missouri State in Marysville. She later earned a masters degree in Visual Arts from the University of Kansas. Lisa taught for 5 years in the KCK school district, eight years at Barstow, a private school, and for 17 years at Swinney School, one of the Kansas City District's first magnet schools. In 1999 she pursued her elementary classroom certification, and moved from the art room to the regular classroom. She combines the rudiments of teaching with her love of art.

Her time away from the classroom is spent doting on her two nieces, reading, gardening, listening to music, and enjoying life in Kansas City. She also finds an outlet in cooking and creating fiber art.

Stephanie Hawkins, Third Grade Teacher

Stephanie Hawkins was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. She attended CMSU and UMKC and earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She is currently working on her Master's degree at Webster University.

Ms. Hawkins was enlisted in the United States Navy for four years. After a while, she had a choice of re-enlisting or going on to pursue another career. It came to her that she wanted to work with children.

"I truly enjoy teaching. Every time one of my students says 'oh, I get it!', that makes my day and makes me feel like I've accomplished something," says Ms. Hawkins. Her favorite subject to teach is math. She said, "I love to make math fun as well as challenging. When I was this age, math was hard for me. It was boring! So, I try to make it as exciting and interesting as possible."

Ms. Hawkins is happy she made the decision to teach at Gordon Parks School. She likes the camaraderie amongst the teachers and staff. She loves the small class sizes and the "one big happy family" atmosphere where everyone knows everyone!

Fifth Grade Family

Tamara Allen-Williams, Fifth Grade Boys' Teacher

Tamara Allen-Williams has taught school for 28 years and came to Gordon Parks from St. Monica's Parochial School, which closed last spring due to declining enrollment.

"I knew when I moved to another school, I wanted it to be supportive," said Tamara. "Gordon Parks was so inviting. When I took the job, I knew I'd be O.K."

Tamara is not intimidated by a class full of 5th grade boys. She is the mother of two sons; her mother's seven grandchildren are all boys. Tamara loves her chosen career. At Gordon Parks, she plans to stress science and math studies, her favorite subjects, to the 18 young men in her classroom.

Selena Van Horn, 5th Grade Girls' Teacher

Mrs. Van Horn was born in Erie, Pennsylvania to a large extended family of 55 first cousins. She moved to Kansas City with her family when she was 16 years old. Mrs. Van Horn attended UMKC and La Universidad Antonio de Nebrija in Madrid, Spain. She graduated with her degree in Spanish Education K-12 and Elementary Education. She has taught Spanish to children from 5-19 years old (but her favorite age group to teach is elementary!)  She enjoys photography, traveling, reading and hanging out with her husband and pets (2 dogs and a cat). She also loves the arts and is very excited be part of the Gordon Parks family.

Special Services

Carolyn Faenger, Special Education Teacher

Carolyn Faenger grew up in Kansas City, MO. Mrs. Faenger attended the University of Missouri in Columbia. She earned a double certification in special education and elementary education. She has taken graduate coursework at the University of Missouri in Kansas City, Avila College, and Ottawa University. Mrs. Faenger and her husband, Steve, have one daughter. She is also an educator.

After college, Mrs. Faenger worked for twenty-five years in the Kansas City Missouri School District. Mrs. Faenger loves to work with children because of their enthusiasm. Her favorite subject to teach is reading because it is such an important life-long skill. "It is very exciting to see children develop a sight vocabulary and decoding skills," she stated.

Mrs. Faenger shared a story that has stayed with her. Nearly eight years ago, "I was teaching kindergarten. I had a precocious child who was quite computer savvy, but did not know how to tie his shoes. In frustration one day he said, "I wish I could just go to www.tiemyshoe .com and learn how to tie my shoes!" It is those kinds of stories that keep Mrs. Faenger smiling and making a difference.

Barbara Kluepfel-Anderson, Art

Walk into the art room at Gordon Parks Elementary and you will see, hear, and smell the magic of Barb Kluepfel's artistic creativity!  Children are painting sculptures, weaving purses, building play scenery, designing shoes, and listening to a variety of music.  Their minds, hands, and ears are all engaged in the project.  Now this is ART at its best!

Barb Kluepfel was born in Altfeld, Germany.  Although she moved to Kansas City when she was five years old, she held on to her roots and speaks fluent German.  

Ms. Kleupfel attended the Kansas City Art Institute where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts.  She attended Brighton Polytechnic School in England, The School of Art Institute in Chicago, and UMKC.  She is currently attending Baker University where she is studying for her master's degree.

Her projects often take place in and out of the classroom.  Ms. Kleupfel said she has always been drawn to the arts.  She enjoys making things out of a variety of material and found objects.

Marissa Manring, Librarian and Literacy Teacher

My name is Marissa Manring. I am the Librarian/Literacy Teacher at Gordon Parks Elementary. While growing up in the small town of Albany, Missouri, there wasn't alot to do. To fight my boredom, I often found myself at the local Albany Carnegie Public Library surrounded by books and sitting on my favorite blue octopus bean bag chair. This is what began my love of reading and learning.

After completing my Bachelor of Science degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism at the University of Missouri in Columbia and a short stint at a nature center in Minnesota, I moved to Kansas City to work at a public library. I knew that I belonged in a library setting and decided to return to school part time to work on a Master of Library Science degree at MU. After receiving my masters in May of 2010, I plan to obtain my teaching certificate. I am excited make the transition into a school library and help students discover the many things a library has to offer. 

In my spare time I enjoy baking desserts, eating desserts, riding my bike to burn off the calories from said desserts and making people laugh.

Aleaka Morgan, Speech/Language Pathologist

Aleaka Morgan knew she wanted to work with kids. But it wasn't until her younger brother received assistance from a speech therapist that she considered a career in speech pathology. "I love the one-on-one attention I can give individual students," said Aleaka, who earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Kansas where she was a fourth generation Jayhawker.

After graduation, the speech pathologist moved to the metro area with her husband Carlton. She began her career working on a contract basis with clients from Lee's Summit to Operation Breakthrough in the inner city. "I was doing lots of driving," she said. "I wanted a position where I could work in one place and become better acquainted with the students. Thanks to Sister Berta at Operation Breakthrough, I found Gordon Parks."

Gina Robinson, Counselor/Therapist

Gina Robinson was born and raised in Hays, Kansas. In school Mrs. Robinson was involved in cheerleading and softball. Mrs. Robinson earned her bachelor's degree in psychology at Kansas State University. She then went on to pursue a master's degree in clinical psychology from Fort Hays State University.

Throughout college, her goal was to work with children. "Since I remember in childhood, I have always loved children and felt inspired to help them grow into beautiful people," stated Mrs. Robinson.

Mrs. Robinson shares, "My most memorable experience is anytime I witness change or progress with a child I have worked with. Even baby steps make this career so worth it!"

She loves the staff's commitment to the students. When asked about her goals, she stated, "This is it! I have had a goal for years to make a transition into a school setting. And here I am!"

Jennifer Rostohar, Music Teacher

Jennifer Rostohar's music career began in her native Alabama when she began piano lessons in second grade. "My teacher made her students feel welcome. That's what I want my students to feel. I want music to be as special for them as it is for me."

Mrs. Rostohar graduated from Auburn University in 1991, where she received a B.S. in Music Education.  During her studies at Auburn, she was the accompanist for the University Singers and a member of Concert Choir.  “One of my favorite experiences was traveling to Europe shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall with University Singers.  During our performances, it became obvious that music has the power to transcend language barriers and create common connections.”  While at Auburn, Mrs. Rostohar also  accompanied for several university and local musical productions which included:  South Pacific, Music Man, Pearly, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Big River. After graduation, Jennifer taught in the Auburn City School System for 6 years before moving to the Midwest with her husband.  A Church musician for many years, Mrs. Rostohar still enjoys accompanying for students while they play guitar, recorder, or percussion instruments during music class.  “With music, comes a certain freedom of expression.  I want my students to be able to sing, play a variety of instruments, and learn about music of all cultures.”

In 2006, Mrs. Rostohar completed graduate studies at UMKC’s Conservatory of Music where she was a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, the national music honor society.  She has grown Gordon Parks' program immensely with music therapy, introduced a guitar program and Honors Choir with fourth and fifth graders, and has worked with colleagues to coordinate the Charter School Music Festival.  “I love the creative and family-like atmosphere at Gordon Parks.  You never have to look far to find inspiration, encouragement and support.”

Words to live by . . .

" Music can change the world
because it can change people."
~ Bono, U2~

Cheryl Steffenella, Special Education Teacher

Cheryl Steffenella was born in Chicago, IL. Her family moved to Kansas City when she was in the sixth grade. As a youth she had a passion for horses. While living at home she bought a horse and kept it in the garage until the smell was too bad and the neighbors complained!

Mrs. Steffenella attended Central Missouri State University where she earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She then attended Washburn University in Topeka, KS where she received her Reading Specialist degree.

Mrs. Steffenella has wanted to be a teacher since she was a young child. She loves the children of Gordon Parks and works with them on their vision skills in hopes of improving their reading ability.

At home, Mrs. Steffenella has two horses, two cats, and one dog. She has a wonderful husband, four adult children, and two adorable grandchildren. Mrs. Steffenella keeps busy with her hobbies which include rug hooking, cross stitching, and reading. 

Mrs. Steffenella's future goals include establishing an extremely successful visual skills program at Gordon Parks.

Read about the visual skills program on our Helping Children Learn page.

Allyson Thurston, ILS Consultant

Allyson Thurston grew up in St. Louis, MO. As a child she loved reading writing, playing house and school and singing. After high school, she attended William Jewell College and completed her student teaching internship here at Gordon Parks. During that time she enjoyed taking the students to Deanna Rose Farmstead.

Mrs. Thurston did so well during her student teaching that the faculty wanted her to come on board full time. When asked what inspired her to become a teacher, she replied, "I've always wanted to be a teacher. I want to make a difference in others' lives. My mom is a wonderful teacher and I've always wanted to be just like her!"

After several years teaching at Gordon Parks, Mrs. Thurston started a family and left full time teaching.  However, she has remained at Gordon Parks part-time as its ILS Consultant.  Her favorite children's books are The Runaway Bunny and The Kissing Hand.

 

Laura Troutner, Counselor
Born and raised in San Clemente CA, but am now firmly transplanted in the midwest. Recieved degree in Psychology at University of Missouri and completed masters in Social Work at KU in 1999. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been working in this field for 12 years. Married for 10 years with 3 loud, wild and wonderful children. My passion is traveling in different countries to experience how other cultures live and love life. Of course I am always trying to get back to the beach where I am most relaxed.  I have always strived to work in the school system since I first began my career so I am thrilled to have reached that goal. I have worked with people of all different ages and backgrounds and specialized in drug and alcohol addiction treatment and child and family therapy.  
 
I have spent the last 12 years working in psychiatric hospitals and residential treatment facilities and was excited to have an opportunity to work at Gordon Parks where I can have a more supportive and encouraging role with with students. I enjoy having a relationship with students and thier families and feel great knowing that our school provides a safe and nurturing enviornment for them to learn. I love that our school will go that needed extra mile to ensure a child can be successful and supported. It it meaningful to me to help students make good choices and that they cn learn and grow from  and take lesson with them throughout life.
 
Words to live by.
"If you don't like something change it, If you can't change it,change your attitude."
Maya Angelou

 

Douglass Walker, Behavioral Specialist

Douglass Walker grew up in Kansas City, MO. He attended Penn Valley College and Central Missouri State University.

Delores Maxwell, a member of his church, was principal of James Elementary School. She inspired Mr. Walker to work with children and persuaded him to take a position at her school. He worked for 5 1/2 years at James School and then came to Gordon Parks in 2001. Mr. Walker staffs the Gordon Parks Care Room as the Behavior Intervention Specialist.

Mr. Walker's Care Room is a place where students go when they need to calm down and collect themselves. Having the Care Room gives teachers and students the support they need to continue learning when disruptions occur.

Mr. Walker stated, "I enjoy helping the students solve their problems. The key is to speak calmly to them. I give them the space they need and tell them my expectations. It is important that I work on building relationships with all the students." Mr. Walker has built many positive relationships. Students enjoy his funny sense of humor and often earn good visits to his room.

Now he is able to share these wonderful traits with his sons, Myles and Elias. In his spare time, Mr. Walker writes poetry and songs, plays chess, basketball and video games and sings. His future goals include becoming a full time singer/songwriter/actor and building his dream home for his wife and children."

Building Management

John Shadoan, Building Manager

What's a former Montana logger, restaurant owner and Air Force fighter pilot doing under the sink in the school cafeteria?  John Shadoan, building manager, helps maintain the 90-year-old building.

John came to the school last April after a restless three years as a "house husband."  He'd moved to Kansas City from Bozeman, Montana, after his wife was hired as vice president of Special Olympics in Missouri.

"I read 'Who Moved My Cheese' three times (a pop psychology book about thinking 'outside the box') before my wife pushed me into finding a job.  But what should I do?  I asked myself.  At the age of 12, I was driving a logging truck for my grandfather's timber business.  I'd owned real estate and managed restaurants in downtown Bozeman.  I'd never applied for a job.

"When I walked into Gordon Parks, I liked the feel of the building.  I enjoy being around children, even though I have none of my own.  The students call me 'Mr. John' but they're a little confused on how I fit in.   Since I've been fixing toilets, sinks and scrubbing the cafeteria, the weeks fly by."

Michael Turner, Assistant Building Manager

Michael Turner was no stranger to Gordon Parks when he joined the maintenance staff.  

"Four of my children went to school here," he said proudly.  "I know what this school offers - small class sizes and lots of encouragement."

Michael was volunteering at a church after being laid off as a substance abuse counselor for homeless men, when he heard Mr. Clifton (the school's primary custodian) was retiring.   "This job is a good fit for me," Michael said. "I can help keep the school stay clean and at the same time, serve as a role model for the boys, many who come from single family homes."