New teachers and staff at the Rock Port Elementary School, from left to right, are: Kylie Beasing, Darla Lansdown, Derek Petty, Jessica Willis, Kayti Hayes, and Johnny Thomas. Kymm Bredensteiner is not pictured.
New teachers and staff at the Rock Port Junior High and High School, from left to right, are: Kevin Dodson, Derek Petty, Shauna Farmer, Josie Graham, Erica Barnes, and Nick Buras.
New teachers and staff members at the Rock Port R-II Schools in Rock Port, Missouri, include the following:
Erica Barnes
Erica Barnes of Rock Port, Missouri, is the new Rock Port R-II Junior High student support teacher. Her duties include providing support for sixth through eighth grade students as needed in math and ELA. She will also be the eighth grade class sponsor.
Erica earned her BSN-RN degree from Avila University and will be working towards certification in education. She was previously employed at Community Medical Center, Falls City, Nebraska, as an R.N., Rock Port Elementary as a paraprofessional, and Tarkio Technology Institute teaching CNA classes.
Her goals for the school year include getting to know the kids in the junior high classes and making a positive impact with these students.
When not working, Erica enjoys spending time with her husband Dustin, children Aislyn and Kolcyn, and dog Ozzy, as well as walking, baking, scrapbooking, and watching sports.
Kylie Beasing
Kylie Beasing of Rock Port, Missouri, is a new paraprofessional at Rock Port R-II. Kylie is a Rock Port High School graduate and is a current student at Northwest Missouri State University. She’s looking forward to making it a great school year!
Kymm Bredensteiner
Kymm Bredensteiner of Tarkio, Missouri, the 2024 Rock Port Elementary Educator of the Year, is coming back to Rock Port R-II to work as the STARS teacher. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood/elementary education in 1994, her master’s degree in elementary education in 2002, and her Education Specialist degree in elementary administration in 2008. She taught for 30 years, 28 of those in Rock Port teaching first and second grades.
When not working, Kymm enjoys spending time with her husband, Shane, and daughter, Keely, working on the farm, and enjoying her hobbies.
Nick Buras
Nick Buras of Rock Port, Missouri, is a new Rock Port R-II custodian and bus driver. He is responsible for cleaning the STEAM building and FACS/VO AG building and driving a morning and afternoon bus route, as well as driving a bus for sports/activities from time to time.
He earned his BSBA from University of Nebraska at Omaha and was previously employed with Walnut Media USA.
Nick’s goals for the school year are to learn the job duties, processes, and procedures very well.
Kevin Dodson
Kevin Dodson of Tarkio, Missouri, is the new Rock Port R-II math teacher to the sixth and seventh graders and some freshmen and sophomores. He will also be the sixth grade class sponsor.
He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northwest Missouri State University. Kevin was previously employed at Nodaway-Holt schools for three years and Tarkio schools for eight years.
His goal for the school year is to make a positive impact in the lives of his students in both the world of math and in their lives outside of math.
When not working, Kevin enjoys spending time with his family, including wife Meridee and children Kasen (6), Journey (5), and Blake (2), as well as reading, running, and working with his children in various avenues of life and play.
Shauna Farmer
Shauna Farmer of Rock Port, Missouri, is the new Rock Port R-II MOSIS Coordinator and RootED Counselor. She will be responsible for state reports and career education.
Shauna graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in elementary and middle school education and a minor in math in 1992; and a master’s in K-12 school guidance and counseling in 2000.
She was previously employed at the following school districts: from 1992-1993 at North Nodaway as the junior high math teacher; at West Nodaway from 1993-1997 as the sixth grade teacher; and from 1997-2025 at Rock Port R-II as the gifted program educator, elementary counselor, junior high math teacher, and high school counselor.
Her goal for the school year is to continue to help students and faculty as much as she possibly can.
When not working, she enjoys reading, gardening, baking and spending time with family, to include husband W.C. Farmer, children Chandler and Mackenzie Farmer, Kaleigh and Zach Swaringim, and Makenna Farmer, and grandson Huxlee, 16 months (grandbaby boy #2 expected in November).
Josie Graham
Josie Graham of Rock Port, Missouri, is the new Rock Port R-II Junior High and High School counselor. She is assisting students with social and emotional guidance and preparing them for life after high school. She will also be helping with the concession stand and peer counseling, and will be the MOSIS Coordinator. Josie attended the University of Nebraska – Omaha, earning a Bachelor of Science in education with an athletic training major. She also attended the University of Missouri – Columbia studying educational counseling and psychology.
Josie’s goals for the school year are to build relationships with the teachers and the students. When not working, Josie enjoys hiking, traveling, listening to music, good food, and spending time with her husband, Curt, and children, Judah (10), Sarai (7), and Fallon (2).
Kayti Hayes
Kayti Hayes of Rock Port, Missouri, is the new fourth grade teacher at Rock Port Elementary. She will also be the assistant girls’ and boys’ golf coach. Kayti earned a degree in elementary education from Peru State College. She was previously employed at Hamburg Community School as a seventh-12th grade math teacher. Mrs. Hayes’ goals for the school year are to create positive and impactful relationships with her students and to show them you can have fun with learning. When not teaching, Kayti enjoys spending time with her husband, Josh, children, Payten, Chance, Brylea, Ryne, and Everly, golfing, home remodeling, sewing, and embroidering.
Darla Lansdown
Darla Lansdown of Rock Port is the new elementary custodian at Rock Port R-II. Darla is a graduate of Rock Port High School. She was previously employed as a certified pharmacy tech at Walmart Pharmacy in Nebraska City, Nebraska. When not working, Darla enjoys spending time with her two daughters, Alyssa Lansdown of Maryville and Jamie Lansdown of Rock Port, and two grandsons, Maverick and Greyson, golfing, bowling, reading, and crocheting.
Derek Petty
Derek Petty of Savannah, Missouri, is the new Rock Port R-II physical education teacher. He will also be the junior high assistant boys’ basketball coach. Mr. Petty earned his B.S. degree from Northwest Missouri State university and his Master’s from Emporia State. He was previously employed at Jefferson School District as a retired teacher back in the classroom. His goal for the school year is to get kids excited to be active. When not working, Mr. Petty enjoys spending time with his wife, Rachel, son Mason, daughter Aniston, and golfing.
Johnny Thomas
Johnny Thomas of Rock Port, Missouri, is the new fifth grade teacher and fifth grade ELA and social studies teacher at Rock Port Elementary. She will also be the assistant junior high girls’ basketball coach. Johnny attended Northwest Missouri State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in middle school education and language arts. Johnny said, “Because this is my first year teaching, my goal for the school year is to focus on building a classroom where my students are excited to learn and grow, with a solid foundation to set them up for success.” When not working, Johnny enjoys spending time with her husband, Jared, as well as baking and reading.
Jessica Willis
Jessica Willis of Tarkio, Missouri, is a new paraprofessional at Rock Port R-II. She attended Iowa Western Community College and was previously employed at East Mills Elementary. Her goal for the school year is to make great memories throughout the year. When not working, Jessica enjoys spending time with her two daughters, one son, one granddaughter, and three grandsons (with another on the way), as well as reading, coloring, crafting, and attending garage sales and auctions.
New teachers, staff members, and administrators at the Tarkio, Missouri, and Fairfax, Missouri, schools include the following:
Amanda Boomgaarn
Amanda Boomgaarn of Tarkio, Missouri, is the new Tarkio High School special education teacher. She earned a bachelor’s degree at Grand Canyon University. She was previously a paraprofessional at Tarkio Elementary School.
Mrs. Boomgaarn’s goals for the school year are to get comfortable in her new role and make a difference in her students’ lives. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her spouse and two children (both attend Tarkio schools), reading, and shopping.
Lauren Clark
Lauren Clark of Tarkio, Missouri, is the new Tarkio Elementary kindergarten teacher.She graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri, with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in early childhood education in December of 2016. She taught preschool at Fairfax R-3 for the past eight years and loved every minute of it!
Miss Clark’s goal for the school year and every school year is to instill a love of learning for her little learners! When not teaching, Lauren loves to take naps, watch tv and movies, read, quilt/sew, take photos, travel, and spend time with her family and friends.
Eddie Cockerham
Eddie Cockerham of Maryville, Missouri, is the new Tarkio R-I boys’ junior high and high school P.E./health teacher and will also be the East Atchison assistant high school football coach and assistant high school baseball coach.
Eddie earned his Bachelor of Science degree in physical education with a health education minor from Northwest Missouri State University.
This is his first year teaching. He hopes to form a great connection with the kids!
When not working, he enjoys playing disc golf, watching tv/movies, playing sports, and spending time with his wife, Kylee, and dog, Georgie.
Gracie Hopkins
Gracie Hopkins of Fairfax, Missouri, is a new kindergarten teacher at Tarkio R-I and she will also be a junior high track coach. Gracie earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from NWMSU in December of 2023. She was previously employed at Fairfax R-3 as a kindergarten teacher.
Her goals for the school year are to engage students in a variety of learning activities while focusing on foundational skills in reading, math, handwriting, and developing skills in different subjects and to create a safe and engaging learning environment while building relationships with her students and their families. When not teaching, Gracie enjoys spending time with her husband, Max, their pets, other family members, and friends, as well as baking.
Stacy Hughes
Stacy Hughes of Rock Port, Missouri, is the new Tarkio Elementary first grade teacher. Stacy is a Tarkio High School graduate. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education/early childhood at NWMSU and her master’s degree at Peru State College. Mrs. Hughes was previously employed at Rock Port R-II as a kindergarten teacher for 31 years and a special education paraprofessional for three years. This will be her 35th year in education.
Her goals for the school year are to create a classroom environment that feels like a family and where all children will feel loved and learn! When not teaching, Stacy enjoys spending time with her husband Clint, sons Jase (25) and Kyler (20), and two dachshunds Cooper and Tucker, as well as other family members and friends. She also enjoys thrifting.
Troy Kull
Retired Major Troy Kull of Mound City, Missouri, is the new Tarkio High School history teacher. He will also be the assistant East Atchison football coach.
Ret. Maj. Kull received his education from Missouri Western State University and was employed for four years at Maysville.
His goal for the school year is to help students understand the importance of history in our society.
When not teaching, Ret. Maj. Kull enjoys spending time with his family, gaming, and being outdoors.
Crystal Moore
Crystal Moore of Maryville, Missouri, is the new Tarkio Elementary third grade teacher (she will also teach math and science). Crystal earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville. She spent 10 years teaching at South Holt R-I Elementary. Her goals for the year include getting to know the students, staff, and family at Tarkio R-I. She remarked, “I’m looking forward to having a great year!”
When not teaching, Crystal enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and goldendoodle Penny, as well as reading, playing games, and putting puzzles together.
Erin Patrick
Erin Patrick is the new Tarkio High School mathematics teacher. Mr. Patrick will be teaching seven high school math classes, will be the junior class co-sponsor, and will be coaching high school boys’ basketball and junior high girls’ volleyball for the East Atchison Wolves. This will be his 26th year of teaching (17 years in Kansas and eight years in Missouri) after teaching last year at Craig R-III.
Mr. Patrick’s goals are to help student-athletes become the best people they can be, to be a Godly example to others in the school and in the community, and have a servant’s heart for others. His wife, Sheryl (of 41 years), will be a para at Tarkio Elementary. They moved to Atchison County from St. Joseph, Missouri. They have five children and eight grandchildren. His hobbies include being outside, weightlifting, walking, reading, and spending time with the family.
Sheryl Patrick
Sheryl Patrick is a new paraprofessional at Tarkio Elementary School and recently relocated to Atchison County. She is also an assistant coach for the East Atchison Junior High girls’ volleyball team.
Sheryl attended Faith Baptist Bible College and Highland Community College. She was previously employed with Riverside Elementary School, Elwood, Kansas. Her goal for the school year is to help students meet their potential and assist teachers in the district.
Sheryl is married to Erin Patrick, another new staff member at Tarkio R-I, and they have five children and eight grandchildren. When not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, chasing grandkids, walking, and shopping.
Jennifer Showalter
Jennifer Showalter of Craig, Missouri, is the new Tarkio Elementary second grade teacher. She will have the students for math, social studies, handwriting and RGR classes.
Jennifer holds a BSE in elementary education from Emporia State University and an AS in pre-nursing from Highland Community College. She has worked at Craig R-I School District, South Holt R-I, Springfield Public Schools in Springfield, Missouri, and QSI in Kazakhstan.
Jennifer’s goal this year is to be present and open to learn new skills from her fellow employees, but also from the students and families in Tarkio. She remarked, “I am excited for what’s to come!”
When not teaching, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling and seeing new things.
Saige Brown
Saige Brown of Fairfax, Missouri, is the new kindergarten teacher at Fairfax R-3. She attended Northwest Missouri State University and this is her first year of teaching.
Her goals for the school year are to promote a love of learning, create a safe and fun classroom environment, and help her students build foundational academic abilities!
When not working, she enjoys spending time with her fiancé, Ian Hedlund, and golden retriever puppy Tucker, as well as other family members and friends, watching football, and shopping.
Anna Hulsey
Anna Hulsey of Maryville, Missouri, is the new second grade teacher at Fairfax Elementary. Mrs. Hulsey earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Southwest Baptist University and her Master’s in elementary education at Missouri State University. She previously taught at Maryville R-2 and West Plains R-7 Schools.
Mrs. Hulsey’s goals for the school year include learning all about second grade alongside her students, as this is her first year teaching second grade (she taught third grade for eight years and fourth grade for one year). When not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her spouse, Jacob, and daughters, Evelyn and Vivian, and crocheting, making digital creations, and reading.
Lexi White
Lexi White of Maryville, Missouri, is the new ELA teacher at Fairfax R-3. Lexi earned her bachelor’s degree in English education at Northwest Missouri State University, where she is currently obtaining her master’s degree in English.
Her goals for this school year are to connect with this wonderful community and bring a love of literature and writing along with her!
When not teaching, Lexi enjoys spending time with her two roommates, a silly orange cat named Hamlet and a grumpy black cat named Toothless, as well as reading, writing, crocheting, and painting!
Melinda Makings
Melinda Makings is the new preschool teacher at Fairfax R-3. Melinda, her husband, Branden, and daughter, Zayley, live in Rock Port, Missouri. Melinda graduated from Peru State College and taught for two years following graduation. She was previously employed at Clodfelter Insurance.
Melinda said she is very excited for the school year!
Barbara Terry
Barbara Terry of Maryville, Missouri, is the new K-12 principal at Fairfax R-3. Barbara received her bachelor’s degree from Missouri Southern State University in elementary education, her master’s in ed leadership from NWSU, and is currently working towards her Specialist degree in superintendency through NWMSU. She was previously employed at Albany High School .
Barbara has been married to her husband, Nick Terry, for 25 years, and they have five kids, Samantha (21), Lucas (19), Lily (17), Stella (11), and Isaiah (7), and fur babies, a mini Yorkshire terrier named Max and a French Bulldog named Annie. The youngest children will be attending Fairfax R-3 and be proud Bulldogs!
Mrs. Terry’s goals for the school year are to do what’s best for the students, support the staff, and showcase Bulldog excellence.
When not teaching, she enjoys writing, playing card games, spending quality time with her people (which always involves good food and a few laughs), and giving back to the school and community.
