Stacia Milius

Executive Team

Rierson Clark, Principal

Rie Clark comes to Gordon Parks with 11 years of school leadership experience, most recently as the Principal for Carver Dual Language School. Ms. Clark holds a B.A. in Elementary Education and an M.A. in Urban Leadership/School Administration. She is a strong supporter of deepening family and community engagement in schools and developing a strong teaching staff through professional development and support, which makes her a perfect fit for the Principal position at Gordon Parks Elementary!

“I look forward to meeting all the families and students at Gordon Parks! Education is most effective when schools can partner with families and community members to meet the needs of students together. I am excited to join the Gordon Parks family and connect with the strong community already engaged in the lives of the students here!”

In her free time, Ms. Clark enjoys reading, writing, gardening and spending time with her three children.

Administrative Team

Charlotte Bixler, Business Office Assistant

Charlotte Bixler is excited to join the Gordon Parks Elementary as the Business Office Assistant! Mrs. Bixler has worked with charter schools providing business and accounting services.

Mrs. Bixler and her husband, Mike, of 32 years love to fish and spend all the time they can at their lake home. With their two kids grown and living on their own they hope to retire and live at their lake home during the warm months and then spend wintertime in a warmer location with their three cats.

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."

Patricia Justice, Diversity Coordinator

Patricia was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela. She moved, with her family, at the age of 12 to Palm Bay, FL, in 1977 and that was the beginning of her American adventure!

Patricia attended Florida State University, later transferring to Liberty University in Virginia where she earned her BS in Psychology and earned several hours towards her Master’s Degree. While living in Virginia Mrs. Justice decided to take a year off and pursue a unique opportunity: to go live and teach Spanish and English at a Foreign Language High School in Seoul, Korea. Mrs. Justice met her husband, Todd, in Seoul and they lived in Korea for six years. Upon their return to the United States, Mrs. Justice and her husband purchased an Inn which they ran successfully for over 12 years. She then found herself back in the world of education and working with families in another urban setting, this time in Kansas City, MO. Mrs. Justice joins the Gordon Parks Elementary staff as Diversity Coordinator.

Patricia and Todd have a passion for travel! She has been to 46 countries and 44 states. They share their home with their two 3 year-old puppies, Cleo and Sydney. Mrs. Justice is thrilled to be at Gordon Parks and to have the opportunity to reach out to families from different ethnic backgrounds and help build a multicultural and diverse school.

Theresa Larson, Volunteer and Development Coordinator

Theresa is excited to be part of the Gordon Parks team!!! She has a background in development and constituent relations, and was formerly the Development Director at the School of Computing & Engineering at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. She has worked at a number of Kansas City companies including Sprint, American Century and DST Systems. Theresa feels fortunate to be back in an educational setting and enjoys working with our wonderful group of volunteers and loves the student interaction. She holds a BS in Journalism from the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas, and just finished her coursework for an MA in Art History from UMKC. She is a member of the Junior League of Kansas City and and is on the boards of the Friends Of the Miller Nichols Library at UMKC, and the Westwood Park Homes Association. She has a long history supporting arts groups and most recently has worked with the Patrons Society of the Kansas City Ballet, as well as the Friends of Art Board at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City. Her hobbies are horseback riding, reading, travel and dance. She is a dedicated Francophile and loves all things French! She is owned by her 3 Himalayan cats, Hugo, Misha and Clarissa.

Wadandra McBride, Family Outreach Coordinator

Wadandra McBride considers it a unique privilege to have the opportunity to serve Gordon Parks’ families. She cherishes the opportunity to partner in meeting the needs of the parents and students.

Mrs. McBride is no stranger to the school, having had two children graduate from Gordon Parks. Daughter Aliyah graduated in 2006 and is a Kauffman Scholar. Daughter Ashley graduated in 2007 and is in the Young Achiever Program. Mrs. McBride thanks Gordon Parks for having laid the foundation for success during the girl’s elementary school years. In 2000, she started out as a parent volunteer, then joined the Board of Directors in 2002 and became Board Secretary in 2006. In February 2010, Wadandra served as recruitment coordinator for the school before taking the full-time position in August 2010 as Family Outreach Coordinator.

Wadandra has been married 20 years to a supportive husband, Waymon. She is a devoted, loving wife and mother, making certain all the family needs are met. Mrs. McBride had been a homemaker for 15 years.

“I am happy to join hands with parents in creating a year filled with happy learning and growing experiences for their children” says Wadandra.

Tina Monks, Technology Coach

Tina Monks graduated from the University of Central Missouri in 1998 with a dual major Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. She started her teaching career in Center School District, as a third grade teacher in a technology-rich classroom for 11 years. Mrs. Monks received her Master of Arts in Teaching from Webster University and then a Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning from the University of Central Missouri.

While teaching in Center School District, Mrs. Monks served as the building Technology Mentor and found her passion of integrating technology into the classroom in fun, engaging and meaningful ways. This brought her to Gordon Parks and the position of Technology Coach, where she will focus on helping teachers effectively utilize technology and integrate it into curriculum. Mrs. Monks is excited to help the teachers find new ways to use the technology and then also watch the students children learn new technology skills.

Mrs. Monks and her husband, Trent, have three kids that keep them very busy. They all active in tae kwon do and are involved in Scouts. As a family, they love being out on their boat in the summertime and traveling to new places

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, Mrs. Pittala 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 starting a family, Mrs. Pittala worked part-time as a Senior Accountant for The Epoch Group, a third party administrator and then transitioned to working 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. 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!

Kindergarten Community

Jill Grigsby, Kindergarten Teacher

Jill Grigsby is excited to join the Gordon Parks community as a Kindergarten teacher. Miss Grigsby has been teaching Kindergarten for several years at other charter schools around the Kansas City area. Prior to those experiences she taught in the Kansas City Missouri School District for nine years. Miss Grigsby began her career in the Blue Springs School District teaching First grade. She is very excited to work with the students at Gordon Parks and promote life-long learning.

In her spare time Ms. Grigsby enjoys taking ELL classes at Webster University while she earns her second Master's degree in English as a Second Language. She also enjoys kickboxing, boxing, and traveling. She currently lives in Leawood, Kansas and received her teaching degree from UCM. She does currently hold a Master's of Teaching degree from Webster University. Miss Grigsby is inspired by young learners because she believes they inspire her to be a better person and open her mind to new ideas.

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!

Mrs. Groves grew up in Edwardsville, Kansas, and developed a love for reading very early in life. When asked about her college experience Mrs. Groves replies, "Yes, I am a Rock, Chalk, Jayhawker!" As a child, her favorite thing to do was play school, an activity that set the stage for her goal of becoming a teacher. Mrs. Groves believes that all children can learn and 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!

Mrs. Groves' 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 is a native of Moorestown, New Jersey. She attended Centenary College for Women in Hackettstown, New Jersey and 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".

Mrs. Harper joined Gordon Parks Elementary in a supportive role to the kindergarten program. She enjoys working at Gordon Parks because of the support system. "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 Mrs. Harper's goals is to obtain her teaching certification. When she retires, she'd love to live in Vermont and have a beach house.

Alaina Mayfield, Kindergarten Teacher

Alaina Mayfield is returning to Missouri from Boston, Massachusetts, where she has been living and teaching for the last five years. While in Boston, Alaina attended Lesley University where she received her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, with an emphasis in teaching through the arts. Teaching through the arts involves integrating not only visual arts and drama into the classroom but also music, poetry, storytelling, puppetry and movement. Ms. Mayfield looks forward to bringing her love for the arts to Kindergarten at Gordon Parks Elementary.

In her free time, Ms. Mayfield enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends. She also loves to travel and spend time outdoors. Some of the places she has visited include Sicily, England, France, Puerto Rico and South Africa!

Debra Moore, Paraprofessional

Ms. Deb Moore started her career with children as a Juvenile Probation Office after graduating from Kansas State University with a degree in Early Childhood and Community Services. Ms. Moore has also worked at the Department of Social and Rehabilitative Services in Wyandotte County, as a teacher in the pilot program for Parents as Teachers in Kansas City, MO, and finally as a teacher at Operation Breakthrough. Ms. Moore’s desire to work with kindergarteners brought her to Gordon Parks Elementary.

Ms. Moore has two grown children. Her daughter is an attorney for Legal Aid in Springfield, MO and her son is working on furthering his career as a standup comic. In her spare time, Ms. Moore spends time with family, friends, books and the occasional workout.

Andrea Pinkerton, PACE Co-Teacher

Andrea Pinkerton is excited to jointhe Gordon Parks Team. Before joining the school Mrs. Pinkerton spent four years as a Paraprofessional in the Lee’s Summit School District and worked with all different age groups with a variety of special needs. Prior to being a para, she taught for five years in first and second grade in the Hickman Mills School District. As the PACE teacher, Mrs. Pinkerton is looking forward to preparing and encouraging our children for the bright futures ahead of them.

When not at Gordon Parks, Andrea keeps very busy with her two children. Sydney, who is involved in cross country and soccer, and Brett. who also plays soccer. She also spends her free time playing taxi. Mrs. Pinkerton is married to an avid cyclist and enjoys reading, running, biking, scrapbooking, and taking pictures of her family. She also has a Boston Terrier named Scout who doesn’t leave her side when she at home!

First and Second Grade Community

Ashley Baumgarn, 2nd Grade Teacher

Ashley Baumgarn is very excited to begin her journey at Gordon Parks Elementary School! She holds a B.S. in Political Science from Baker University and a Master in Elementary Education from Rockhurst University. Ms. Baumgarn will be teaching 2nd grade at Gordon Parks and chose the school because of its sense of community and support.

Ms. Baumgarn became interested in teaching after various jobs working with children from an After School Program mentor to a youth leader for a local youth group. She enjoys reading and playing with her two Yorkies at home!

Melissa Gabbert, 1st Grade Teacher

Melissa Gabbert joins the Gordon Parks team first grade teacher. She brings over 15 years of experience ranging from pre-kindergarten thru eighth grade within the Kansas City area. She is a lifelong resident of Kansas City, Missouri, and graduated from UMKC with two Bachelor degrees in Liberal Arts and Elementary Education along with a Master’s degree in Administration for elementary education.

Mrs. Gabbert has always had a passion for working with and teaching children and is very excited to return to the classroom in that capacity. She believes that children are capable and deserving of learning to their highest potential and nothing should hinder them from that goal.

Mrs. Gabbert has been married for 17 years to John and they enjoy two wonderful children. Alexandra, 11, will be in 6^th grade and participates in volleyball, basketball and track. Jaxon, 8, will be in 3^rd grade and participates in football and baseball. Melissa enjoys coaching volleyball for 5-8^th grades, gardening, going to the movies, spending time with family and friends and running her children all over the city.

Haley Hurst, 2nd Grade Teacher

Haley Hurst is from Lubbock, TX and graduated from Texas Tech University with a major in Exercise and Sport Sciences and minor in Communication Studies. She joined Teach for America in 2011, which led her to relocate in Kansas City. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Education at UMSL. Ms. Hurst came to Gordon Parks Elementary because she believes that this school is willing to go above and beyond for student achievement. She is adamant that all students, regardless of background, deserve an equal education.

Outside the classroom, Ms. Hurst enjoys the Texas Rangers, Dr. Pepper, spending time outside, and being with family and friends. She has lived in Louisiana and Texas Ms. Hurst is willing to eat Mexican food or Seafood anytime of the day!

Shannon Reasby, 1st Grade Teacher

Shannon Reasby graduated from Simpson College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has over 12 years of teaching experience, ranging from grades pre-kindergarten to 6^th grade and is currently working to complete her Master’s Degree in Literacy Education and Instructional Coaching at Central Missouri University.

Teaching is a passion for Mrs. Reasby. She enjoys creating exciting hands-on activities and getting her students to develop a love of reading. If you can read, you can do anything!

Mrs. Reasby lives in Olathe, Kansas, has been married for 15 years and has two children. Isaiah, 13, loves the outdoors and Eryka, 10, enjoys competitive cheerleading.

Third and Fourth Grade Community

Elise Bush, 4th Grade Teacher

Ms. Elise Bush is very happy to be back in Kansas City working in the schools that she grew up attending. As a graduate of Kansas City’s Lincoln College Preparatory Academy, Ms. Bush went on to graduate with honors from Truman State University earning her Bachelors in Psychology and a Masters in Elementary Education. While pursuing her Master’s degree Elise completed her student teaching internship in a fourth grade classroom on a US Military base in Germany. Going to Germany was a great learning experience, but Ms. Bush knew that ultimately she wanted to be back in her hometown teaching students in the Kansas City community. She worked last year as a 3rd and 4th grade reading teacher at another charter school in Kansas City and is happy to be working with fourth graders again at Gordon Parks.

In her free time Ms. Bush enjoys trying new restaurants in KC, spending time with family and friends, and traveling. With Europe, Africa, and of course North America already under her belt Elise has a goal of visiting all 7 continents. Australia is next on her list!

Nathan Eubanks, 3rd Grade Teacher

Nathan Eubanks grew up in rural northeast Kansas near Holton. He attended Greenville College in Greenville, Illinois, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. After graduating, Mr. Eubanks taught second grade in Raytown, MO, for one year and then second and third for three years in St. Louis, Missouri, where he began taking courses at Webster University to earn a Master's degree in Reading.

In 2010 Mr. Eubanks and his wife moved to Asunción, Paraguay to learn Spanish and gain international teaching experience. In Asunción he taught first grade at an American school and was a part-time reading coach for two years. On summer and holiday breaks they backpacked through much of South America and visited Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru and Chile.

Mr. Eubanks enjoys many hobbies including cooking, playing baseball, playing the banjo and the drum,s going to concerts, travelling and reading.

Dianne Smith, 4th Grade Teacher

Dianne Smith is delighted to be back in Kansas City after teaching bilingual fourth grade for two years in Austin, Texas. She has degrees in Journalism and Spanish from the University of Kansas and turned to teaching to find a challenge. She found that teaching is indeed a challenge - but a fun one! Ms. Smith will be a 4^th grade teacher at Gordon Parks.

In her free time, Ms. Smith enjoys reading, cooking and walking her Jack Russell Terrier, Pete.

Fifth Grade Community

Carshena Martin, 5th Grade Teacher

Carshena Martin graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Park University. She has four years of experience in education, including teaching 1st grade at Benjamin Banneker Charter Academy of Technology and tutoring students at St. Stephens Academy.

Mrs. Martin was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas, and has always had a passion for children. She decided to teach fifth grade at Gordon Parks because she wants to make a difference in education. “I believe that all students are capable of achieving their dreams and becoming successful adults in society. I will never stop believing in students, and I feel that Gordon Parks Elementary and I share the same vision.”

This is Mrs. Martin’s first year teaching at Gordon Parks Elementary. Outside of teaching, she enjoys spending time with her husband of six years, Robert, and her energetic children, Alex and Sarah.

Special Needs Team

Connie Bowman, Special Education Teacher

Connie Bowman is a lifelong Kansas City resident who grew up in the Waldo area. Mrs. Bowman knew she wanted to be a teacher since her first day of Kindergarten when she thought school was the greatest place she had ever been! Mrs. Bowman attended CMSU (now UCM) in Warrensburg, MO, and majored in Early Childhood and EMR special education. After college, she taught fifth grade at Our Lady of Guadalupe School and earned certification in Regular Ed (1-8) from Avila University and then a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Baker University. After teaching for five years Mrs. Bowman transitioned to Principal at Our Lady of Guadalupe School and served in that capacity for 15 years.

Mrs. Bowman currently lives in Overland Park with her husband, Walter, and their two cats, Teddy and Madaline. They enjoy going to movies, concerts, and play. Mrs. Bowman is currently learning Italian so she can one day go to Italy and apply this new skill!

Karen Brunk, Supplemental Math 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 25 years of experience in education. She is a lifelong learner and is currently completing her English Language Certification. Mrs. Brunk continues her work for the Park Hill School District as a Teacher and Parent Educator. Her background includes being a classroom teacher, Math Coordinator for the Kansas City Missouri School District, Math Consultant for the state of Missouri, and an adjunct Math Professor for the University of Missouri – Kansas City. She is excited to be returning to Gordon Parks Elemetnary as the Math Resource Specialist.

When she is not busy with school work or volunteering, Mrs. Brunk keeps tabs on her husband of 30 years and her three grown children. She also mentors three children that her own children call the "replacement family." These children are very much a part of her family. The youngest is now in third grade and the oldest is in high school. They keep Mrs. Brunk 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!

Jessica Dunn, Special Education Teacher

Jessica Dunn is excited to join the Gordon Parks team as a Special Education teacher. Ms. Dunn has a passion for teaching and is looking forward to working with the Gordon Parks students and families.

Ms. Dunn is an avid Jayhawk fan as she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education along with a Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Kansas. From 2002-2008 Ms. Dunn took a break from schooling and taught first grade in the Kansas City metro area. She returned to Lawrence in 2008 to work on a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies with a minor in Special Education, which she plans to complete in the Fall 2012.

Whennot working or studying, Ms. Dunn enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Some of her hobbies include KU basketball, cooking, traveling, trying new restaurants, spending time on the Plaza and reading magazines.

Stephanie Hawkins, Supplemental Reading 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!

Aleaka Morgan, Speech/Language Pathologist

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

After graduation, Mrs. Morgan 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."

Cheryl Steffenella, Vision Skills Specialist

Cheryl Steffenella was born in Chicago, Illinois and her family moved to Kansas City when she was in the sixth grade. As a youth Mrs. Steffenella 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 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.

Mrs. Steffenella attended Central Missouri State University where she earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, received a Reading Specialist degree from Washburn University and also earned a Special Education certification in learning disabilities from the University of Kansas.

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

Kelly Talkington, Special Education Teacher

Kelly Talkington is a new resident of Kansas City and now a part of the Special Needs Team at Gordon Parks Elementary. Ms. Talkington recently moved from the Chicago area this past June and is looking forward to working with the students and families of Gordon Parks Elementary.

Ms. Talkington graduated from Saint Ambrose University in May 2008 with a B.A. in Elementary Education and a minor in Special Education. After Saint Ambrose, she began working as a lead teacher at a therapeutic placement for students on the autism spectrum in the Chicago area. Ms. Talkington spent four years as a lead teacher before moving to Kansas City to join the Gordon Parks team.

Ms. Talkington enjoys “seeing” her family and friends on Skype. She also spends her free time exploring Kansas City, cooking and reading.

Beth Walker, Counselor

Beth Walker has fond memories of elementary school, growing up in St. Charles, Missouri. This love of school, her teachers and her experiences prompted her to want to be a teacher early on. After graduation, Mrs. Walker went to Central Missouri State University where she took her first social work class and fell in love with the profession. After earning a social work degree, she worked at an elementary school in Clinton, Missouri, for seven years as a school social worker. This position validated her passios and prompted Mrs. Walker to seek further education. She graduated from the University of Kansas with a Masters Degree in Social Work and during graduate school she completed a practicum experience at Operation Breakthrough. She loved the unique agency so much that she joined the clinical team as a child therapist and stayed for 11 years!

Mrs. Walker is excited to join the Gordon Parks team as the full-time counselor! Although new to the team, Mrs. Walker has been familiar with Gordon Parks Elementary since the school's founding as she has worked with the children, collaborated with staff and watched Gordon Parks grow and develop. She is looking forward to bringing her creativity, playfulness and smile to Gordon Parks each day!

Mrs. Walker lives in Kansas City with her husband and her son. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Missouri and a Registered Play Therapist.

Exploratory Team

Georgia Holderby, Science Teacher

Georgia Holderby grew up in Kansas City, MO, and graduated from Raytown High School in 2003. Before joining the Gordon Parks community, Ms. Holderby worked as a paraprofessional and long-term substitute teacher in the Independence School District. Ms. Holderby believes hard work pays off and perseverance can be very rewarding. Ms. Holderby graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of Missouri – Columbia in 2007 and recently completed a Master of Arts in Teaching for Middle School Science at UCM. After spending a year in Dental School in 2008, working on a Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS), she knew her love for teaching children science in the classroom was something she should pursue. As an undergraduate at MU, Ms. Holderby tutored through the MU Learning Center as a Peer Science Mentor. Ms. Holderby believes science is a fascinating subject in which all students can excel. “I love seeing students become interested in science, gaining knowledge of the world around them and teaching them things they have never learned before.”

Ms. Holderby is an avid traveler, logging destinations such as Piedras Negras, Mexico, Bangkok, Thailand and Hanoi, Vietnam, where she taught English in a classroom to children and adults. In her free time, Ms. Holderby enjoys playing the flute, singing and spending time with friends.

Barbara Kluepfel, Art Teacher

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.

Tim Peterson, Music Teacher

Tim Peterson grew up in Kansas City, KS, and has always planned on teaching in his childhood community. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Music Education from the University of Kansas. Having been involved in music throughout his entire life, Mr. Peterson believes it is essential for every kid to have a chance to express themselves through music. He is looking forward to helping each child reach their potential through the music.

Mr. Peterson is a newlywed who enjoys learning new things every day. He looks forward to seeing community members and families at school programs throughout year.

Allen Roth, Physical Education Teacher

Allen "AJ" Roth grew up in Moberly, Missouri, working on his family farm and running cross country and track during high school as well as playing basketball. Coach Roth says that working on the farm helped him become a patient person because "nothing on the farm comes easy and nothing goes according to plan."

After high school, AJ attended the University of Central Missouri where he earned his B.S. in Physical Education/Health K-12 and later his Masters of Sport Business and Administration. During his undergraduate years at Central Missouri, he was a decathlete on the track and field team. Once out of eligibly, Coach Roth joined the coaching staff and worked with other decathletes. When he was not on the track, Coach Roth often served as a substitute teacher for the Warrensburg School district. He also did his student teaching in the Warrensburg school district at the middle and elementary school. AJ recalls "I knew from the first time I taught a lesson in one of my college classes that teaching was what I wanted to do. I love being active and teaching students games they have never played before. I also love watching my students leave after class huffing and puffing and saying, 'That was fun! Can we do that again?'"

Anna Talbot, Librarian

Anna Talbot graduated from Culver-Stockton College in 2004 with a Bachelor’s degree in English. She has nine years of experience working in different types of libraries, including public, academic and now school libraries. Ms. Talbot will graduate in December 2012 from the University of Central Missouri with her Master’s degree in Library Science and Information Services.

Ms. Talbot is excited to be the new Librarian at Gordon Parks Elementary School! Libraries have always been her passion and go-to resource for finding great information on any subject. Ms. Talbot believes reading can take you on a journey anywhere in the world without having to purchase a ticket! Ms. Talbot lives in Pleasant Hill, Mo, where she enjoys reading, cooking, shopping and playing with her cats.

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."