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Our Staff
SARAH WATSON
Director of Operations
Sarah is beyond passionate about working with children and has worked with children for as long as she can remember. She has a trusting spirit that seems to draw children and parents to her. Sarah truly values the gift of authenticity and doesn’t shy away from feelings, easy or hard. Her heart for children being successful has always been huge. After taking several years to focus on being a mother, Sarah has a Bachelors in Behavioral Health from Evangel University. Sarah’s heart is not just for the children, but also the parents and families. The Lord has given her the opportunity to walk alongside many families over the last several years , this journey has lit a spark in her to turn this passion into something more. She desires nothing more than seeing a child reach their potential, and walk with their parents as they navigate this journey.
AMANDA NICHOLS
Director of Education
Amanda absolutely lights up the classroom when working with children and has a way of making them feel like they can move mountains. She has a Bachelors of Science Degree in Elementary Education and has worked at Gloria Deo Academy in Springfield, Missouri; as a teacher for the past 8 years. Amanda’s desire to teach began at a very young age, when she would line up all of her stuffed animals and teach them using her school papers. Her love for kids has grown into a deep-rooted passion to instill the love of learning within all students. Her greatest desire is for her children and students to believe in their abilities, work hard to reach personal goals and then celebrate when those goals are realized. She truly delights in working one on one with students and parents to change the landscape of the student’s educational journey.
KATHRYN GOLD
Development Director
Bio Coming Soon...
JENNIFER STRICKLAND
Licensed Professional Counselor
Mrs. Jennifer Strickland serves as our on-site Mental Health Therapist. She is a compassionate and intuitive mental health professional experienced in a multi-disciplinary theoretic approach including Dialectal Behavioral Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) modalities. Jennifer achieves positive results utilizing Reality Based Therapy drawing on Cognitive Behavioral and multi-disciplinary interventions to assess, evaluate, plan, educate, inform, and intervene in assisting clients reach personalized goals. Jennifer has been serving families in the Springfield, MO area as a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2005 and enjoys helping children, parents, individuals, and families achieve a better tomorrow.
JANET FORTNEY
AIM Plan Coordinator
& Reading Specialist
Ms. Janet Fortney is our AIM plan coordinator and Remedial Reading Specialist. Ms. Janet earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and communications, along with a master's degree in Special Education from Drury University. Ms. Janet brings 16 years of experience working in education/special education in Springfield and Willard Public schools. She loves to teach reading/writing and to lead small group reading clubs. "My favorite part of teaching is the relationship building with students and parents; they are the heart of what we do!"
ASHLIE HENERY
Para & Speech Language Pathologist
ASHLEY FRISBEE
Study Hall Teacher
Ms. Ashley graduated with a bachelor's in education from Drury University in 2014. Since graduation she has taught in several public education districts including Niangua, Fordland, and Aurora. In 2019, she received her Master's in Instruction and Curriculum. Ms. Ashley is beyond passionate about teaching children and unlocking their hidden potential! She loves the opportunity to build deep relationships with her students and is always willing to go the extra mile!
KATIE GRANT
Kindergarten Teacher
Bio Coming Soon...
KYRA TWIBELL
1st / 2nd Grade Teacher
Bio Coming Soon...
AMY DASCHER
3rd/4th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Amy Dascher graduated with a Degree in Elementary Education from St. Mary's University. She has taught in many different avenues and is energized when working with kids in the classroom. She has homeschooled her sons and taught Composition classes for over 13 years, as well as, World History and Economics/ Government for over 10 years. Her absolutely favorite part of teaching is watching the kids go from disengaged and not understanding to demonstrating a spark of curiosity, understanding, and joy.
LYNSEY LETTERMAN
5th / 6th Grade Teacher
Bio Coming Soon...
JACOB GEORGE
Bible Teacher & K-Day Coordinator
Mr. Jacob George has a true servants heart and serves our precious students as both our Bible Teacher and K-Day Coordinator. Mr. Jacob holds a bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies with a minor in Writing from Southwest Baptist University and a Master's in Divinity with a concentration in Theology. He has a heart for teaching and for building up the next generation and has a huge heart for building deep relationships!
SARAH HANSEN
Exploratory Teacher
Ms. Sarah Hansen serves our team as our Exploratory Teacher and School Nurse. Sarah started in the medical field 22 years ago as a CNA and has spent 8 years as a registered nurse in critical care. She is a wonderful addition to our program who has quickly caught our passion and desire to build Kinetic Bridges! Sarah has a deep passion to see kids learn and loves teaching life skills in our Exploratory program and is an amazing asset to our team.
JAMIE BENSON
7th–12th Science Teacher
Bio Coming Soon...
DALLION REHM
7th–12th English Teacher
Bio Coming Soon...
DENNIS HIGHFILL
7th–12th History Teacher
Mr. Dennis Highfill is our Jr. High and High School teacher. Mr. Dennis holds a Bachelors and Masters Degree from Drury University in Social Studies Education . Mr. Dennis is passionate about teaching Geography, World History and American History. Mr. Dennis also enjoys sports and teaching Sunday School with his wife Karyn. He loves spending time with his wife, church family, friends and border collie, Gibby.
7th–12th Math Teacher