Name: Ms. Lisa

Where you are from: Saint Joseph, MO all my life

Schooling & Education: Webster Elementary, Robidoux Middle School, Lafayette High School, Missouri Western State University and Penn Valley Community College

Belief Statement about children & education (I believe...): I believe that each and every child first and foremost is a gift from God. In the classroom each child is an individual and they each learn in different ways and at different rates. I believe that each child should be empowered to be a productive, responsible, self-directed individual who respects all those around them. Each child has something of value to contribute to our classroom, and they should all be given the chance to experience success. I would like each child to strive for excellence, remembering that excellence is different for every learner. In order to achieve excellence however, we need to remember that education is the shared responsibility of the family, the school and the community. Our children are our school's most valuable asset and the future of our society, we need to nurture them in that way.

These are a few of my favorite things: Smiley Faces, Running 5K Races, exercising everyday, bike riding, spending time with my family and my kids at CFS.

Favorite Books: Love You Forever by Robert Munsch and any of the Karen Kingsbury Christian Novels, as well as any kind of true life sports autobiographies.

Fun Facts: I am currently training to hopefully run a 1/2 marathon before the end of the year.

Name: Ms. Jane

Where you are from: St. Joseph

Schooling & Education: Graduated from Lafayette High School with honors; took some college courses & computer classes.

Belief Statement about children & education (I believe...): Children learn by example and what they see others doing around them. You are an example for children all day, every day.

These are a few of my favorite things: Doing things with family; traveling.

Hobbies: Genealogy; picture-taking; Shamrock Sisters

Favorite Books: Mary Higgins Clark novels

Favorite Quote: I like to surprise family at Christmas time with unusual gifts!

Name: Mrs. Blackmore

Where you are from: Originally St. Joseph, but lived in Indianapolis, IN for 3 years.

Schooling & Education: BS Elementary Education from MWSU; 12 hours towards Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Indiana University. This is my 8th year of teaching.

Belief Statement about children & education (I believe...): "While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about." - Famous quote by Angela Schwindt.

These are a few of my favorite things: Watching Indianapolis Colts football and going on walks with my husband.

Hobbies: Traveling with my husband, scrapbooking, exercise.

Favorite Books: Oh, The Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss

Fun Fact: In one month, I visited Hawaii and Europe.

Name: Mrs. Kennedy

Where you are from: I was born in Kokomo, IN and moved to St. Joseph, MO in 1970.

Schooling & Education: I received my BS degree in Elementary Education and Learning Disabilities Certification from MWSU in 1979. I received my Masters in Elementary Education from NWMSU in 1982. I continue attending various colleges and universities and have 48 additional hours over my Masters Degree, plus another certification in Middle School Math.

Belief Statement about children & education (I believe...): I believe that all children are unique and can learn and achieve their academic potential when given the right opportunities. I believe that children come first and the entire community must share in the responsibility to give each child a rigorous and challenging education so to allow each to become a productive member of society.

These are a few of my favorite things: Spending time with my husband, children, grandchildren, and extended family is my favorite thing to do.

Hobbies: I enjoy working in my yard, camping, swimming, biking, and most all physical activities.

Favorite Books: I have lots of favorite books and am more of a fan of children's literature than adult literature. My all-time favorite book is the Bible.

Fun Fact(s): I do a triathlon every summer. This year I participated in Cameron, MO. I can touch my nose with my tongue.

Name: Scottie Mabry-Howles

Where you are from: Greenville, MS, originally

Schooling & Education: B.S.E. and M.S.E. at Delta State University

Belief Statement about children & education (I believe...): I believe all people can learn and all people should; both in and out of school.

These are a few of my favorite things: birds, butterflies, rock music, cross-stitch and smocking.

Hobbies: birding, genealogy

Favorite Books: Little Women, The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963, and mysteries

Favorite Quote: My son is working on his doctorate in saxophone!

Name: Mr. Mick

Where you are from: St. Joseph

Schooling & Education: Graduated from Lafayette High School; received Technical Training.

Belief Statement about children & education (I believe...): I believe an education is absolutely needed in today's world. A child's ability to read sets the foundation for their life success.

These are a few of my favorite things: Family gatherings, ice cream, traveling.

Hobbies: Garage sales, photography, flower gardening.

Favorite Books: Clifford, the Big Red Dog

Fun Fact(s): I like to dress up!

Name: Ms. Betty

Where you are from: Maryville, MO

Schooling & Education: Graduated from High School, have 2 years of college, took medical terminology and computer 101.

Belief Statement about children & education (I believe...): I believe that learning starts in the home and schools help further a child's education.

These are a few of my favorite things: Spending time with my family, helping children and my grandchildren express themselves, and helping others.

Hobbies: Cooking, sports, arts & crafts

Favorite Books: Biographies & mysteries

Fun Fact(s): I like canning. I also like to teach children new dances and games.

Name: Ms. Sarah

Where you are from: Tampa, FL

Schooling & Education: 12 years at Academy of the Holy Names (Catholic all-girls); BA psychology at University of South Florida

Belief Statement about children & education (I believe...): I believe all students have unique talents and learning skills. It is our job to find the "key" which best fits their personal talents!!

These are a few of my favorite things: My family, the Symphony, Downtown Library, sports (horseback riding, jogging, swimming), and my aging Dachshund, Daisy.

Hobbies: cooking, restoring our OLD house, watching old movies, gardening (badly!)

Favorite Books: The Secret Garden, Dr. Zhivago, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Black Beauty, The Lovely Bones, biographies & history.

Fun Fact(s): I bought an historic house on the internet and didn't tell my husband until we came out here to "take a look"!!! We LOVE Saint Joseph.

Name: Taylor Morgan

Where you are from: Saint Joseph, MO

Schooling & Education: Central HS; MWSU - currently studying Elementary Ed with Early Childhood

Belief Statement about children & education (I believe...): I believe every child has the ability to learn and accomplish just as much as another child.

These are a few of my favorite things: crafts; decorating; of course, helping others

Hobbies: reading, crafts, decorating

Favorite Books: kids books, Tuesdays with Morrie, memoirs

Fun Fact: I attended CFS for K and 1st Grade - 16 & 17 years ago!

Name: Mr. Don

Where you are from: St. Joseph, MO

Schooling & Education: BS Education and BA Philosophy/English

Belief Statement about children & education (I believe...): I believe encouraging respect for others and one's self is a pathway to creativity. Experiencing the creative process can aid children for the rest of their lives.

These are a few of my favorite things: Pottery, Painting, Poetry

Hobbies: Shooting pool at the senior center, playing piano, playing harmonica and guitar.

Favorite Books: The Bible, Love and Living by Thomas Merton, Stranger in a Strange Land by R Heinlien, The Little Prince

Fun Fact: I can make anything into an art tool. For instance, instant coffee is good for paint. All you need is imagination!

Name: Mrs. Breckenridge

Where you are from: Cameron, MO

Schooling & Education: Studying Vocal Music Education at MWSU

Belief Statement about children & education (I believe...): I believe every child has the ability to learn and be successful; they must simply be inspired. I believe education is the great equalizer and should be cherished as a gift.

These are a few of my favorite things: Cooking, laughing, singing, reading, sipping hot tea.

Hobbies: Cooking, locking my keys in my car, singing, performing in musicals, playing guitar, writing music.

Favorite Books: The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, The World in 6 Songs by Daniel J Levitin.

Fun Facts: I am left-handed. I have sang in Carnegie Hall.