WIPRO Fellows

Wipro Conference 2019

Cohort 1 Fellows 2018-2020

Jamie Blackburn

Fourth grade science teacher at Rock Bridge Elelmentary School, Columbia Public Schools
BS in Elelmentary Education from Southwest Baptist University, Graduate degree in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Missouri
Recognized for enhancing the success of students by the Columbia Kiwanis Club
CMSTA’s teacher of the month
Enjoys running and spending time with her husband and three girls

Quincy Carver

Eighth grade science teacher at Eldon Middle School
BS in Middle School Education, University of Missouri Certification in middle school science, math, and elementary education
Enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and completing craft projects.

Caitlyn Cunningham

Middle school science teacher, Community R-VI Middle School, Laddonia
BS in Biology, University of Missouri and MS in Biological Science, Clemson University
Head cross country and track & field coach, certified Project Lead The Way Gateway instructor in Computer Science.
Enjoys playing softball and volleyball, running, traveling, playing with her two dogs.

Kerry Franz-Quinn

Elementary teacher, Grant Elementary, Columbia Public Schools
BS and MS in Education, University of Missouri
Taught in Taiwan
Has secured multiple education grants, including one to bring coding and robotics to first and second grade students.
Enjoys being outdoors, traveling, and spending time with her fiancé

Susan German

Eighth grade teacher, Hallsville, MO
BS-Ed in Science Education, B.A. in Chemistry, Masters in Science Education, and Educational Specialist in Educational Technology with emphasis on Learning Systems Design and Development
National Science Teachers Association Distinguished Teaching Award
Science Teachers of Missouri Distinguished Service Award.

Amylia Hayes

Third grade teacher at Eldon South Elementary School.
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Central Methodist University and Master's in Education, William Woods University.
Cross-Categorical Special Education K-12 certification.
Enjoys finding new ideas and experiences, whether it be a different recipe to experiment with at home, or a fun integrated project with her students.

Jennifer Hoecker

Second grade teacher with the Eldon R-I School District
BS in Early Childhood Education and Masters in Elementary Administration
2017 MSTA's Unsung Heroes Award President, Community Teachers Association
Enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and their four children.

Brea James

High school teacher at Boonville High School
BS in Secondary Education and Unified Science, from Central Methodist College and Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix
Member of the 1:1 Initiative Team at BHS, investigated and implemented a blended learning environment model for the high school
Enjoys reading, watching sports and spending time with her girls and family.

Taylor Mislevich

Sixth grade science, Eldon Upper Elementary
Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, Central Methodist University. Certification in Early Childhood, Elementary 1-6, Middle School Language Arts, High School English, and Mild to Moderate Cross Categorical Special Education.
Master’s Degree in Secondary and Elementary Administration, William Woods University
Enjoys outdoor activities, such as camping, boating, and ATV racing

Lynn Nail

First grade teacher at Hannah Cole Primary School in Boonville
MS in Education, Lindenwood University
Served on numerous committees, such as Bullying Advisory, Curriculum Development, and Vision Team Committee
Favorite thing about teaching first grade: watching a student have an “ah-ha” moment.
Enjoys reading and traveling.

Caitlin Nichols

Fourth grade teacher, Rock Bridge Elementary School, Columbia
Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Missouri
Supports place-based education and enjoys bringing science to her students through field trips and visiting experts
Mission in education: bring children hope and teach them to look for learning everywhere

Betsy O'Day

Middle school science teacher, Hallsville, Missouri
Member Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Writing Team
2010 Presidential Award For Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching NGSS@NSTA Curator, NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book Committee.
Newest passion is photographing nesting eagle pairs at Eagle Bluffs.

Jacqueline O'Donnell

High school chemistry teacher at Eldon High School
BS in ACS Chemistry and MS in K-12 Education with an emphasis in Science Education, Winona State University
Nominated for Elevating and Celebrating Effective Teachers and Teaching, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Science Department Chair at Eldon High School
Loves to read any and all books to her boys, and enjoys quilting and traveling

Amy Rapp

First grade teacher at Hannah Cole Primary in Boonville.
Master’s degree in Curriculum and Education
Served on committees, including the courtesy committee, TAT (Teachers Assisting Team), and field trip coordinator for first grade.
Enjoys spending time with family at all of their sporting events.

Lindsey Schwarzer

Ninth grade physics teacher, Simonsen 9th Grade Center , Jefferson City
BS in Middle School math and science, Missouri State University and Master of Arts in Teaching, Columbia College
Science department chair at Simonsen
Enjoys camping, biking, fishing and anything that involves the outdoors.

Jennifer Szydlowski

Eighth grade science teacher at Jefferson Middle School, Columbia Public Schools
MS in Elementary Education, emphasis in Science, from University of Missouri
Science department chair, member of the school's STEAM committee, sponsor of the "Float Your boat " team and co-sponsor of Science Olympiad
2015 Finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

Rebecca Turner

First grade teacher, Lee Expressive Arts Elementary School, Columbia Public Schools
Master of Education Learning, Teaching and Curriculum, University of Missouri
Teaching Fellow at the University of Missouri
Loves instilling a passion of curiosity and wonder in young minds

Marsha Tyson

Ninth grade teacher, Battle High School, Columbia
Master’s Degree in Science Education, University of Missouri
Named a Professional Development Classroom Teacher, CCTA Teacher of the Year, nominated for CPS Teacher of the Year, Science Teacher of Missouri, Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
Passion for being digitally relevant and making physics authentic for her students.

Melanie Utterback

High school biology and physics teacher, Community R-VI High School
Masters in Animal Science, University of Missouri, Columbia
2014 Missouri STEM Educator Innovator
Enjoys bringing modeling pedagogy into the classroom MU and Cardinals fan, enjoys watching her son play summer ball and junior Trojan basketball

Kristina Wilhelm

Ninth grade physics teacher, Simonsen 9th Grade Center, Jefferson City
Bachelors of Science in Education, William Woods University
Mentor Teacher to New Year Teachers
Brings 21st century technology tools into her classroom
Enjoys trips with family and cooking

Cohort 2 Fellows 2019-2021

Jennipher Adams

Fifth grade teacher at Bland Middle School
Member of the Professional Leadership Committee, Facilitator of the science and social studies Professional Leadership Team, President of Maries R-2 Community Teachers Association
She loves for her students to get messy and learn.
She is the mother of three children, all of whom are in college. She has one dog, one house, one car, and many friends.

Amy Bartlett

Fourth grade teacher at Hallsville Intermediate School (20 years teaching fourth grade)
BS in Elementary Education, Columbia College
eMINTS certified, grade-level lead teacher, initiated and led implementation of character education programs for school district, serves on various school committees such as the Leadership team
Enjoys exploring the outdoors, reading and traveling.

Stacey Bishop

Kindergarten teacher at Hannah Cole Primary
Finalist for KPLA's Apples for Teachers in 2013 and nominated again in 2017
Lives in Boonville with her husband Joey and their two boys- Bradley (7) and Codey (2). In her free time she enjoys fishing, camping, and riding four wheelers on their farm.

Becky Eckerle

First Grade and Kindergarten teacher in the Boonville School District.
She loves the excitement of students learning to read!
Her husband and 2 kids, Max and Mia, keep her very busy with extracurricular activities. Several years ago she took up running and has completed many half-marathons. She hopes to complete a full marathon sometime in the near future.

Teresa Edwards

Sixth-grade science teacher from Bland Middle School (2017-2018 Teacher of the Year)
Sponsor of Science Club and Student Council, member of the science and social studies Professional Leadership Team and Attendance and Insurance committees
She inspires her students by using a quote from Paul “Bear” Bryant about what it takes to be a WINNER.
She is the wife of Pastor Tim Edwards from First Baptist Church in Bland, loves auctions and is currently helping her husband open an antique store in Vichy.

Stephanie Harman

Chemistry and physics teacher at Rock Bridge High School, Columbia
Sponsor of the National Honor Society chapter and coach of the Science Olympiad team at Rock Bridge
She has three goals – to love, learn, and teach.
She strives toward those goals every day in her classroom with her students, as well as at home with her two daughters, Emerson and Elowen, and her wonderful wife, Katie.

Kristen Thurman Harris

High school physics teacher at Jefferson City High School
BA in Physics from Westminster and Masters in Education from the University of Missouri; adjunct professor at Westminster College
Enjoys being involved in her students' extracurricular activities and supporting them during other school events
Enjoys spending time with her husband, star gazing, hiking (basically anything outdoors), and traveling.

Maggie Hunter

Teaches at Two Mile Prairie Elementary
Mizzou alum and graduate of the Teaching Fellowship Program
Her greatest interest is integrating writing with science.
She enjoys spending her free time with husband Alex and trying to keep up with their three-year-old son Gabe. You can find her at the Jazzercise studio, or with friends, and, of course, enjoying her Mizzou Tigers.

Jessica Johnson

Teacher at Hallsville Intermediate in Hallsville
Masters in Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Specialist Degree in Technology in Schools
Certificated Google Educator Level 2
She enjoys reading, adventures outdoors, and crafting new projects.

Melissa Milius

Fourth grade teacher at Fulton Public Schools
Undergraduate degree from Westminster College and Masters from the University of Missouri
She and her husband, Eric, have been married for 15 years and have 3 children.
She is a lifelong learner and strives to make her classroom a place where students can engage, discover, and create.

Beth Newton

Eighth grade science teacher at Oakland Middle School
Leader of the CPS Yellowstone trip
Her philosophy is deeply connected with Place Based Education and the three dimensions of NGSS
Her family includes her husband Gary, and her two daughters Danielle and Samantha, who are also teachers at Oakland Middle School. She loves Yellowstone national park, swimming and biking.

Gable Nichols

Seventh grade science teacher at Gentry Middle School
Working on improving effectiveness in educating students in science through non traditional practices
Loves to bring his joy for the outdoors to his students
His wife, son, and two dogs join his outdoor adventures.

Rachael Nichols

First grade teacher at Hallsville Primary School.
She loves teaching 1st grade because students are so excited about learning, and that excitement is contagious, for both their peers and herself.
Creates fun and engaging lessons, while keeping expectations high.
Enjoys spending time with her husband, Justin, their 6 year old daughter, 3 year old twins, and 6 month old goldendoodle, Georgie.

Susan Saracini-Cram

Science teacher and department chair at Jefferson City High School
Teaches various levels of Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and an elective course in Medical Terminology
Working toward her Masters of Science in Biology at Washington University
Together with husband Eric and 6-year-old daughter Laine, she loves to go camping, kayaking and fishing throughout the Ozarks.

Liz Schwab

Teacher at Fulton High School Taught various science subjects such as Chemistry, Earth Science and Genetics for 10 years
Head Girls Tennis coach and Prom Co-Sponsor
Together with her husband, Tyler, they have 2 amazing little girls, Harper who is 5 and Brooklyn is 3. When not teaching or coaching, she enjoys being outdoors ,spending time with family, and planning events.

Lucy Shrout

Science teacher at Fulton Middle School Contributions: writing questions for state science tests, developing a model curriculum for the state and helping review state test questions for bias
Voted "Teacher of the Quarter" in 2004 and "Teacher of the Year" in 2012 (district)
In her free time she enjoys reading mystery books, watching football, and spending time with her family and friends.

Candance Smith

First grade teacher at Community R-VI
Elementary School Major in History/Elementary Education from Columbia College
She loves teaching and participating with her students in Mystery Science.
Together with her boyfriend, Josh, they have 6 dogs, Walter, Roy, Belle, Jeffrey, Brak, and Dook.

Kelsey Strubel

Second grade teacher at Hallsville Intermediate School
She loves teaching 2nd graders and enjoys the excitement they experience in the classroom each and every day.
She has a wonderful husband, and two little boys, Jackson and Cohen. In her spare time she enjoys reading, playing with her kids, and being with her friends and family.

Rachel Tinsley

High school biology teacher from Battle High School
Member of NABT, NSTA and STOM Her passions include wolf ecology, literacy and place based education.
Sponsor for Dumbledore’s Army as well as the Quidditch coach for the Battle Basilisks.
Mother of two and a Navy brat that can call many places home.

Seth Willenberg

Ninth grade science teacher at Columbia Public Schools
He loves teaching, building relationships with his students and seeing them make connections (those AHA moments!)
His wife Rachel is the school nurse at Fairview elementary and they have two daughters.
He loves to read, travel to new places, attempt to get at least one scuba dive in a year.
He is an avid Star Wars and Superman fan.

Cohort 4 Fellows 2022-2024

Nicole Campbell

6th and 7th grade math teacher, Smithton Middle School, CPS
Bachelor’s Degree in Education (MU) with emphasis in Middle School Math and Science & MS Degree in Curriculum and Instruction (MU)
Loves helping students feel more confident with their math skills
In her free time, enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids.

Susan Elliott

7th grade teacher at Smithton Middle School, Columbia Public Schools.
BS and MS Math Education, MU.
MA in Curriculum & Instruction, Pre K – 5 Certified.
Teaching middle school math for 19 years.
CPS Grand Teton Trip Chaperone.
Enjoys being outdoors, traveling and spending time with family.

Melissa Hough

High school math teacher, Hallsville High School
BSEd in Math Education and MEd in Elementary Education from MU
Currently completing an Educational Specialist degree in Math Education at MU.
Enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 children.
In her free time she enjoys reading, gardening, and boating with her family.

Melissa Hundley

Math teacher, Boonville High School,Boonville R-1
24th year teaching high school Mathematics.
Began her career at Hickman High School (1999 to 2007) then moved back to Boonville with her husband Jason.
Three children, ages 17, 14 and 10.
MSTA CTA President for Boonville R-1 Schools as well as the NHS Sponsor at Boonville High School.
Active member of St. Johns UCC in Billingsville.
Enjoys spending time swimming and reading.

Brea James

Physics, Chemistry and Physical Science, Boonville High School, Boonville R-I School District.
Undergraduate degrees in secondary education and unified science from Central Methodist University and MS degree in curriculum and instruction from University of Phoenix.
Member of cohort 1 of Wipro Phase I.
Member of her school’s leadership team.
Enjoys reading, watching sports and spending time with her two daughters and 12 nieces and nephews.

Karen King

Teaches AP Physics and Honors Physics 1 at Rock Bridge High School in Columbia, MO.
She is beginning her 19th year of teaching, with experience in both high school and university level classes.
Enjoys finding ways to make physics fun and accessible to everyone.
In her free time, she likes to read and spend time outdoors as much as possible – hiking, running, biking, swimming, and skiing (even in Missouri!).
Karen especially enjoys family adventures with her husband Gavin, their kids (ages 11 and 14) and their dog, Cinnamon.

Matt Wightman

7th grade science teacher, Smithton Middle School, Columbia Public Schools.
Master’s Degree in Sport Nutrition from Florida State University.
17 years of teaching (from 6th to 12th grades) in both private schools and public schools, from physical education to health to various sciences.
Loves spending time with family and friends, travelling, playing disc golf, BBQing, playing board games or rooting for the Nebraska Huskers.

Vera Reichlin

High School Teacher at Rock Bridge High School
BS in Mathematics from University of Wisconsin - Madison
Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Missouri - Columbia, SMART2 Program
Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Recipient
Enjoys mountain biking, knitting, crafting and gardening.

Erin Snelling

In her 18th year of teaching Biology, Anatomy, and AP Biology at Hallsville High School.
Enjoys everything science related, loves to travel the world, and running.
Mother to 2 daughters Mika and Scarlett, a stepson Tucker and the wife of an amazing man named Travis.
Considers herself addicted to constantly improving her teaching through meaningful professional development.

Becky Eckerle

Kindergarten teacher at Hannah Cole Primary in Boonville.
Starting 23rd year teaching.
Resides in Boonville with husband Jason and children Max and Mia. Max will be a freshman at Columbia College and Mia will be a Junior at Boonville High School.

Amy Rapp

First grade teacher at Hannah Cole Primary in Boonville.
Masters Degree in education from William Woods University.
Committees: PBIS, field trip coordinator, and curriculum developer.
Mentor teacher for SYOSP Mizzou students.
Loves sitting by a fire with friends, watching her kids’ sporting events, shopping, and hanging with her family.

Lynn Salzman

First grade teacher at Hannah Cole Primary in Boonville.
MS in Education from Lindenwood University.
Served on numerous committees, such as Bullying Advisory, Curriculum Development, and Vision Team.
Has served as Team Leader as well as a mentor for beginning teachers.
Loves shopping, reading, traveling, and motorcycle riding with her husband Jeff.

Jessica White

10th year as a teacher and has taught 2nd and 5th grade.
Currently a 5th grade small group math teacher at David Barton Elementary in Boonville, MO.
Masters in Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Specialist Degree in Technology in Schools.
Google Education Certified Trainer.
Enjoys reading, adventures outdoors, and crafting new projects.

Erika Godsey

2nd Grade Teacher, Two Mile Prairie Elementary, Columbia Public Schools
BS in Education, Indiana University
Early Childhood and Elementary Licensed
Student taught in Ireland-south of Dublin.
Arts & Humanities and Math & Science Concentrations
Enjoys being outdoors, traveling, and spending time with her fiancée and her dog!

Ashley Gonzales

Fourth grade teacher at Two Mile Prairie.
Received Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education at the University of Missouri.
Recipient of the Teacher of the Month award within Columbia Public Schools in October 2022.
Lives for weekends to spend time with husband, Freddy, and her three-year-old daughter, Elle.
Enjoys teaching Jazzercise, baking, and watching football every weekend in the fall.

Cohort 5 Fellows 2023-2025

Kelli Anthes

8th grade math and Algebra 1 teacher at Hallsville Middle School
Ed.S in Elementary Mathematics Education from University of Central Missouri and MS in Foundations of Education from Troy University.
14 years teaching math in grades 6-11.
Enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 daughters.
In her free time she enjoys reading, summer weather, and being involved in her children's activities.

Bryan Bolton

Teaches 8th grade science at Hallsville R-IV.
Starting 4th year teaching.
Winner of 2023 Maitland P. Simmons New Teacher Award from the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA).
Wrote and reviewed test questions for the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP).
Enjoys getting outside and exploring new places, as well as learning about new phenomena that he can bring back to his classroom.

Sherry Schaefer

7th grade teacher at Oakland Middle School in Columbia Public Schools
BS in Ed and M.Ed.-C&I, emphasis in Literacy
Starting 15th year of teaching
Worley Street Roundtable’s Teacher of Hope and Promise award winner 2018
CPS Teton Science Trip Chaperone 2022 and 2023
She likes to spend time reading, watching movies with her family, or riding her bike on the trails of Columbia.

Jamie Metcalf

7th grade Chemistry teacher at Oakland Middle School, Columbia Public Schools
BA in Chemistry, BS in Forensic Science and MA in Teaching from Columbia College
eMINTS Certification; Teacher Academy;
Teaching for 10 years

WIPRO Fellows

Cohort 1 Fellows 2018-2020

Jamie Blackburn

Quincy Carver

Caitlyn Cunningham

Kerry Franz-Quinn

Susan German

Amylia Hayes

Jennifer Hoecker

Brea James

Taylor Mislevich

Lynn Nail

Caitlin Nichols

Betsy O'Day

Jacqueline O'Donnell

Amy Rapp

Lindsey Schwarzer

Jennifer Szydlowski

Rebecca Turner

Marsha Tyson

Melanie Utterback

Kristina Wilhelm

Cohort 2 Fellows 2019-2021

Jennipher Adams

Amy Bartlett

Stacey Bishop

Becky Eckerle

Teresa Edwards

Stephanie Harman

Kristen Thurman Harris

Maggie Hunter

Jessica Johnson

Melissa Milius

Beth Newton

Gable Nichols

Rachael Nichols

Susan Saracini-Cram

Liz Schwab

Lucy Shrout

Candance Smith

Kelsey Strubel

Rachel Tinsley

Seth Willenberg

Cohort 4 Fellows 2022-2024

Nicole Campbell

Susan Elliott

Melissa Hough

Melissa Hundley

Brea James

Karen King

Matt Wightman

Vera Reichlin

Erin Snelling

Becky Eckerle

Amy Rapp

Lynn Salzman

Jessica White

Erika Godsey

Ashley Gonzales

Cohort 5 Fellows 2023-2025

Kelli Anthes

Bryan Bolton​

Sherry Schaefer​

Jamie Metcalf​

Bryan Bolton

Sherry Schaefer

Jamie Metcalf