Specialists

Kadie Clifford

Phone: 913-780-7630

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Behavior Coach

Megan Cline

Phone: 913-780-7630

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Quest

I started working at Ridgeview in January 2023.

Katie Cox

Phone: 913-780-7630

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

SPED Instructional Coach

Katy Dorrell

Phone: 913-780-7755

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Mental Health Professional

Megan Ernst

Phone: 913-780-7630

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Art

I began working at Ridgeview in 2007. My roles here have included English Language Learner aide, ELL teacher, and now I am the art teacher. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Theater with an emphasis in Dance from Kansas State University. I received my teaching certificate from Ottawa University in elementary education (K-6) and hold a Master's of Education in Language and Literacy with an ELL emphasis from Park University. I received my ELL endorsement (K-6) from MidAmerica Nazarene University, and I've received my art endorsement (pre-K-12).

I love being around and working with kids — especially being able to share my love and passion for the arts with them. I am constantly learning from them and can't imagine doing anything besides teaching. The students bring a smile to my face every single day.

Christy Farr

Phone: 913-780-7360

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Instructional Coach

Marcela Flynn

Phone: 913-780-7630

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Social Worker

I joined the Ridgeview team in August 2022. I have an Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts with a focus on Sociology from Johnson County Community College; a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services from Ottawa University and a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri.

I chose the education field because I am passionate about promoting and maintaining children's overall emotional health and well-being. I believe in advocating and empowering students to grow into their abilities and strengths. 

Dana Green

Phone: 913-780-7630

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Title I Reading

I have two bachelor's degrees from the University of Northern Iowa (Business Administration and Education), a master's degree from The University of Kansas and an additional endorsement from Kansas State University.

After working in the business arena for a number of years and in a number of different positions, I realized it was not what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I decided to follow my heart and pursue my passion: working with children. I absolutely love what I do, and I am grateful every day to be around so many incredible children.

Dr. Michael Kester Haynes

Phone: 913-780-7630

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Physical Education

I started working at Ridgeview in the fall of 2017. I graduated from Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor's in Physical Education. My Master's degree is in Health, Physical Education and Recreation from Emporia State University. I completed my Education Specialist degree in Education Innovation and Leadership from Fort Hays State University. In 2025, I earned my Doctorate in Educational Leadership from William Woods University.

Seeing the impact of teaching kids sports and helping them develop skills drives me to come to school every day. Proud to be a Panther!

Liz Knowles

Phone: 913-780-7630

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

English Language Learner

I joined the Ridgeview community in 2021, and am thankful I get to do what I love every day — teach and support students who are learning English. I have a deep love and passion for helping multilingual learners grow in both language and confidence. I hold degrees in elementary education, special education and English language learning.

I am passionate about making learning accessible and meaningful for all students, and enjoy finding creative ways to meet their individual needs through strong relationships and engaging instruction.

Julie Koker

Phone: 913-760-7630

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

School Nurse

I started in 2009 here at Ridgeview. I attended MidAmerica Nazarene University, where I studied nursing. I graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing.

I went into nursing to make a difference in people's lives mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Amy Martin

Phone: 913-780-7630

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Title Reading Specialist

I started working at Ridgeview in the fall of 2022. I attended Iowa State University and earned two degrees in Elementary and Special Education. I also attended the University of Kansas for my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on reading.

I love working alongside students to help spark their curiosity, empower them as learners, and encourage them as leaders.

Kelsey Meadows

Phone: (913)780-7630

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Resource

August 2019 is when I started my career here at Ridgeview.  I received my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Wichita State University. I hold a Masters of Science Degree in High Incidence Special Education from the University of Kansas.

My adopted siblings inspired me to become a special education teacher. I love my job!

Dawn Mercer

Phone: 913-780-7630

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

School Librarian

My first year here at Ridgeview was in 2007. I have a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Kansas. I have my Masters of Science in Educational Technology from Pittsburg State University. I received my ESOL Endorsement from MidAmerica Nazarene University.

I went into education because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of children.

Andrea Newman

Phone: 913-780-7630

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Speech-Language Pathologist

I started working here in the 2015-16 school year. I attended Truman State University for my undergraduate degree for Communication Disorders. I attended Missouri State University for my graduate degree in Speech/Language Pathology. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Disorders and a Master of Science degree in Speech/Language Pathology.

I chose to pursue a career in special education because I enjoy helping children reach their full potential. I get a chance to know students on a more individualized level and find ways to help them with their specific needs.

Patricia Oberzan

Phone: 913-780-7630

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

English Language Learning

I started teaching at Ridgeview in 2006. I earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from University of Missouri-Kansas City. I received my ESL Endorsement from the University of Kansas. I attended Avila University to receive my Masters of Education-ESOL Degree.

I love learning new things and have always enjoyed working with children.  

Dana Palu

Phone: 913-780-7630

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

General Music

I started working here in 2008. I received my Bachelors of Music Education and my Masters in Education Degrees from Baker University.

I went into education because I believe that music has the power to change someone’s life and I wanted to be a part of that change! I teach kids because I get the opportunity to inspire their musical genius at a young age and, hopefully, be a part of developing a love for music that will last them a lifetime!

Abby Patel

Phone: 913-780-7006

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

PBIS Coach

Lynsie Peterson

Phone: 913-780-7630

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Resource

I graduated from MidAmerica Nazarene University in 2018, with my Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater and Communications, and again in 2024 with my Master of Science in Elementary Education Unified. 

I became a special education teacher because I believe in advocacy for all disabled people and I desire to create a school environment that was better than the one I had growing up. 

Chelsea Praeuner

Phone: 913-780-7630

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Title I Math

I started working at Ridgeview in 2006. I attended Southwest Baptist University where I played soccer and graduated with a Criminal Justice degree and a Psychology degree. Later, I attended University of Missouri-Kansas City, where I got both my teaching certificate and Master’s in Education. I also attended MidAmerica Nazarene University to receive my ESOL endorsement. 

I became a teacher because I want to help students build confidence and develop the skills they need to be successful. When families and schools work together to support and empower students, those children will have a bright future! I hope to be a fun and positive part of the journey my students are taking through this world!

Vanessa Riley

Phone: 913-780-7630

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Counselor

I began working at Ridgeview during the 2015-16 school year. I earned both my undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Iowa, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in School Counseling. I also completed a Play Therapy Certificate through MidAmerica Nazarene University.

I chose a career in school counseling to support students in achieving both academic success and social-emotional well-being.

Heather Rogers

Phone: 913-780-7630

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Occupational Therapist

I started working at Ridgeview in the fall of 2018. I hold a Bachelor of Science from Missouri State University and Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Washington University School of Medicine. 

I love working with children, and it brings me so much joy when I feel that I have had a positive impact on their lives.

Nicole Schade

Phone: 913-780-7630

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Resource

I earned my Bachelor's in Elementary Education from Ottawa University and later went on to receive my Master's in Special Education from Arkansas State University. My journey into teaching began prior to that, as a paraeducator. I spent five years in that role — and somewhere between sticky notes, sensory bins and high-fives, I realized I'd found my calling. Helping students grow, overcome challenges, and shine in their own unique ways is truly the best job in the world. Every day brings new reasons to smile, learn and celebrate the little victories. When I'm not in the classroom, you can probably find me enjoying time on my farmstead, hanging out with my three dogs and a whole flock of chickens. Life is full of learning — and I'm so lucky I get to share that joy with my students every day!

Sarah Shipley

Phone: 913-780-7630

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Orchestra

I joined the Ridgeview staff in 2011. I received my Bachelors in Music Education from Baker University. I also received my Masters of Music from Kansas State University.

I went into education, because I want to share my love of music with my students.