Meet Our Team

Kauffman School teachers come from diverse backgrounds and bring a wealth of experience to our students. Deeply rooted in a desire to work alongside students and their families, our teachers have an unwavering belief in what is possible for each and every student.

Knowing that we serve a student body where a majority of students identify as students of color, we are committed as an organization to continually working on increasing the racial diversity of our instructional team. Last year, 50% of our new teacher hires identified as teachers of color - we are proud of this collective goal as a school knowing that nationally, about 15-17% of teachers identify as teachers of color. Increasing teacher diversity will continue to be a goal of our organization.

Learn more about our teachers’ professional backgrounds and beliefs below!

Emma Allen, 11th AP Seminar Teacher

Emma Allen believes that quality education is the most fundamental part of a just and equitable society. She is dedicated to pushing students to their full potential so that they have all the tools necessary to excel in college and become agents of change. Before teaching at the Kauffman School, Ms. Allen taught third grade at Guadalupe Centers Elementary School (formerly Academia de Ninos) and then moved on to teach Algebra I and Geometry to 9th and 10th graders at Alta Vista High School. She is an alumna of Teach For America - Kansas City. She received her Bachelor of Sciences in Psychology and Religion from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL. Ms. Allen joined the Kauffman School team because of the prevailing school culture of achievement. She is thrilled to work with diverse learners and celebrate students' achievements over this school year.

Bess Bailey, 12th Grade AP Research and Writing Teacher

Bess Bailey believes that all children in Kansas City deserve an opportunity for excellent education and if given that opportunity can succeed academically. She also believes the key to excellent education is excellent, dedicated, and caring teachers. Mrs. Bailey studied at Mississippi University for Women, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Sciences. She continued her education at University of Missouri-St. Louis, where she earned her Master of Education in Secondary Education. Prior to joining the staff at the Kauffman School, Mrs. Bailey taught third and fourth grade at Gladstone Elementary School in the Kansas City Public Schools district. Mrs. Bailey is excited to be a part of a staff that is greatly impacting the growing movement to provide quality education to all children in Kansas City.

Matt Beltrami, 9th Grade Pre-AP World History Teacher

Matt Beltrami believes that every child in America deserves the opportunity to pursue and achieve their dreams, and that can only happen when every child receives an excellent education. He is driven by his sense of patriotism and his belief that true citizenship requires active participation in making society more fair and just. By teaching, he hopes to uphold his own responsibility as a citizen and inspire and empower his students to consider their responsibilities as citizens. Prior to joining the Kauffman School team, Mr. Beltrami worked in the political sector for nearly ten years, and has lived in Illinois, Iowa, Washington DC, New Hampshire, and New York. Mr. Beltrami received his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Sociology from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He is an alumni with Teach For America - Kansas City.

Robyn Blakemore, 7th and 8th Grade Math Teacher
Robyn Blakemore believes every student deserves an excellent education. She is committed to holding her students to high expectations so they will be ready to excel in college and their future careers. Prior to teaching at the Kauffman School, Mrs. Blakemore taught seventh- and eighth-grade math in the Kansas City Public Schools district at Central Academy of Excellence (formally Central High School). Mrs. Blakemore is an alumna of Teach For America - Kansas City. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Child and Family Studies from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. She went on to receive her Master of Education in Secondary Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Mrs. Blakemore was drawn to the Kauffman School because of its unique and positive school culture. She is excited to celebrate students’ successes this coming school year.

Gerry Bolden, 6th Grade ELA Teacher
Gerry Bolden believes in facilitating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to gain new and valuable information, and in doing so, have fun with the content they're learning. He has a gregarious spirit, and enjoys getting to know the students on an academic and personal level in an effort to better their chances of success. Prior to teaching at Kauffman School, Mr. Bolden recently graduated from Kansas State University, where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in English. Mr. Bolden was drawn to Kauffman School because of its unique and positive school culture. He is beyond excited to mold the young minds of the future, and even learn a few things along the way.

Micah Daniels, 7th and 8th Grade Fitness Teacher and Department Chair

Micah Daniels believes that students are the future! He believes that no matter the obstacle every student is able to succeed and grow. He's looking forward to assisting students in increasing their knowledge while reaching their fullest potential in the classroom and in life. Mr. Daniels recently graduated from Evangel University receiving a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies while also playing football for the university. Mr. Daniels pursued Kauffman School because of its vision to close the educational gap and significantly impact the lives of its students. He feels blessed and honored to be on this team serving students!

Kasey Elder, High School Health/Fitness Teacher
Kasey Kay Elder believes every student should know the value and purpose they uniquely bring to the world. As a Health/Fitness teacher, Ms. Elder wants to teach students what it actually feels like to not only set goals, but to reach them. She is passionate about walking alongside students as they get out of their comfort zones with perseverance, courage and boldness. Ms. Elder spent the past six years in Memphis TN, where she worked at an after school program as a mentor and sports coach. Once the group of students she started with back in 2012 graduated high school, she moved back home to Kansas City to live near family and work at the Kauffman School. She graduated from Evangel University where she played softball and earned her bachelor’s degree in social work; she eventually also earned her bachelor’s degree in social work. Ms. Elder was drawn to the Kauffman School because of the team’s drive to build meaningful relationships with students when they are in school, as well as once they graduate. She desires to build lifelong relationships with her Kauffman School co-workers, students and families!

Debra Fox, Director of Special Education

Mrs. Fox believes that every child has the opportunity to change his or her narrative through perseverance and resilience. She is passionate about her students being successful, productive citizens in their community. Prior to teaching at the Kauffman School, Mrs. Fox worked in settings for children with significant emotional behavioral needs, and students with autism. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Art and Design from William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri. She has completed her Master of Education in Special Education at University of Missouri-Kansas City and also holds certification in Early Childhood Education.

Angie Gipson, 12th Grade AP Biology Teacher

Angie Gipson believes all students should have access to an exceptional education. She is committed to ensuring all students are ready to succeed in college and their future careers. Prior to teaching at the Kauffman School, Mrs. Gipson worked as a health care consultant at Cerner Corporation. Prior to Cerner, she taught high school biology and anatomy and physiology in the Houston Independent School District. Mrs. Gipson is an alumna of Teach for America - Houston and received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. Mrs. Gipson was drawn to the Kauffman School because of its positive culture and unwavering faith in students and their ability to achieve at high academic levels. She is excited to see her students' growth and success this school year.

Abby Green, 10th Grade Pre-AP Language and Composition Teacher and Department Chair

Abby Green believes that quality education is the key to success. She is committed to having high expectations for students through rigorous content and social behavior so that they will be given the tools they need to succeed in college and beyond. Prior to teaching at the Kauffman School, Ms. Green taught sixth- and seventh-grade social studies at Junction City Middle School in Junction City, Kansas. Ms. Green received her Bachelor of Education from Kansas State University in both History and Government and Language Arts. Ms. Green chose to come to the Kauffman School because she is a native of the Kansas City area and is committed to educational growth in the community. She is excited to work alongside such inspiring students and staff.

Robert Henderson III, 5th and 8th Grade Fitness Teacher

Robert Lee Henderson III believes every student deserves a champion and role model. He is committed to making sure all students are college ready. Prior to teaching at the Kauffman School, Mr. Henderson work as a firefighter engineer in multiple cities in Colorado. Mr. Henderson is an alumna of City Year-South Carolina. He received his Bachelor of Arts in History and American Studies with a minor in Asian Studies from Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, Illinois. Mr. Henderson is looking forward to working at Kauffman School because he believe they have created a living dynasty of family culture and putting students first.

Isha Isme, 7th Grade Textual Analysis Teacher

Isha Isme believes that every student deserves a safe learning environment to learn and excel, with a teacher who will challenge them to be their very best. Before joining the Kauffman School team, Ms. Isme was a substitute teacher in the Kansas City Public Schools district. She spent one year, on a long-term assignment, teaching French 1 at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy and the following year working in various other schools. Ms. Isme received a Bachelor of Arts in French with an emphasis in Education. She is currently part of the Kansas City Teacher Residency, where she completed a Master of Education in Urban Education. She was drawn to the Kauffman School because of the structure in the classrooms, student engagement, and the teacher culture at the school. This year, she is very excited to work with students, and watch them meet all their goals.

Teresa Johnson, Learning Support Specialist

Teresa Johnson believes that every child deserves an excellent education, and that absolutely no challenge should limit his or her opportunity to receive that. Prior to teaching at the Kauffman School, Mrs. Johnson taught for three years in the Kansas City Public Schools as a special education teacher at Faxon Elementary School. She worked as a Learning Support Specialist on the Kauffman School team for two years before transitioning as the Director of Special Education. She received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education at Elizabethtown College in Elizabethtown, PA and is an alumna of Teach For America - Kansas City. Mrs. Johnson loves her neighborhood and her city and longs to see lasting transformation across all of Kansas City.

Maria Kennedy, 11th Grade AP US History Teacher and Department Chair

Ms. Kennedy views teaching as an act of justice. Grounded in her belief that all students deserve an excellent education, regardless of identity or income, she is both excited and humbled to walk with Kauffman School students as they pursue the life they want for themselves. Prior to teaching at the Kauffman School, Ms. Kennedy taught second and third grades at Academia de Ninos. An alumna of Teach For America - Kansas City and Leading Educators, Ms. Kennedy earned a Bachelor's in History from Centre College and a Master's in Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She loves reading and drinking tea.

Emma Kuchmeister, 8th Grade Reading Reconsidered and Department Chair

Emma Kuchmeister believes in equal education for all people. She is committed to doing whatever it takes to create college graduates. She is dedicated to hold her students to high standards to ensure they are able to reach their goals. Prior to teaching at the Kauffman School, Ms. Kuchmeister taught emotional intelligence at the University of Kansas Marillac Campus. Ms. Kuchmeister earned her bachelor’s degree from Washburn University where she studied Sociology. Ms. Kuchmeister was drawn to the Kauffman School because of their vision and culture. She is so excited to have fun learning alongside her students this year!

Ariel Lehr, Learning Support Specialist

Ariel Lehr believes that all students deserve an excellent education and is committed to the work and dedication that it takes to provide this to all students. Prior to teaching at Kauffman School, Mrs. Lehr taught fifth grade math and science at Primitivo Garcia Elementary in the Kansas City Public Schools district. She received her Bachelor of Sciences in Elementary Education from Missouri State University and completed her Elementary Math Specialist Certification and Master of Arts in Elementary Mathematics at University of Central Missouri. Mrs. Lehr made the transition to the Kauffman School because she knew Kauffman School holds high expectations for all students and matched her passion for academic success in Kansas City.

Marcus Liddell, 11th Grade Pre-AP Calculus and Computer Science Teacher
Mr. Liddell received his Bachelor of Art in German from the University of Notre Dame, and his Master of Education in Secondary Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. After graduating, he taught English in Germany as a Fulbright Scholar, then returned to the United States to teach sixth through eighth-grade math at Genesis Promise Academy in Kansas City, MO. He is a Teach For America alumnus. Mr. Liddell was drawn to the Kauffman School because of its rigorous academic mission. He's looking forward to getting to know a new group of students this year.

Amber Merola, 6th Grade Guided Reading Teacher

Amber Merola stands behind the belief that all students can learn given the appropriate guidance, support, and love. Before starting her journey at the Kauffman School, Ms. Merola taught Read 180 and System 44 reading intervention programs to fourth- through eighth-grade students at a Kansas City, Missouri charter school. In addition, she also played a different role as a lead teacher and taught her own fifth-grade classroom before joining the Kauffman team. Ms. Merola received her Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Communication at the University of Pittsburgh, and a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from Seton Hill University. One of the main reasons Ms. Merola joined the Kauffman School is because the school represents her vision for the future of our youth.

Edward Morse, 7th Grade Fitness Teacher

Edward Morse – Coach Mo – believes that students deserve to have a school environment that sets them up to be able to focus on learning. A graduate of the University of Central Missouri, Coach Mo began his teaching career in Higginsville, MO. He made his way to Kansas City area and taught at both Ruskin High School and DeLaSalle Charter High School before joining the Kauffman School team. He felt like he could fit with Kauffman School team because of his belief that strong school structures allow students to feel predictability in their school day.

Trevor Obermueller, Learning Support Specialist

Trevor Obermueller is committed to educational equity. He previously taught in a fourth grade classroom and began his journey in education with the Teach For America - Kansas City program. During his time in Teach For America, he attended University of Missouri - St. Louis where he earned his Master of Education. Previous to teaching he attended the University of Nebraska - Lincoln where he studied Psychology and minored in sociology and women's studies. In this university, he was active in on-campus social movements, such as Black Lives Matter and Husker Dialogues. He was drawn to the Kauffman School because of their commitment to educational equity, college access, and sustaining a positive environment.

Megan Porche, 9th Grade Honors Algebra I and II Teacher
Megan Porche believes that every student is capable of reaching their goals and aspirations, in and out of the classroom. She is committed to creating a classroom where students can become confident in their math skills and be successful in their future math courses. Prior to teaching at the Kauffman School, Ms. Porche was a student at Baker University and was a part of the softball team. She received her Bachelor of Science in Middle Level Math Education. Ms. Porche was drawn to the Kauffman School because of the high expectations the schools sets for their students, the commitment it has to ensuring college access for all students, and the unique school culture and supports for both students and staff.

Elisabeth Randall, 6th Grade Science Teacher and Department Chair

Lis Randall is so excited to partner with parents and students this year at the Kauffman School. Ms. Randall is committed to helping her students get to and through college, and believes every child deserves an excellent education. Before teaching at the Kauffman School, Ms. Randall taught seventh- and eighth-grade science in the Kansas City Public Schools district at African Centered College Preparatory. Ms. Randall is an alumna of Teach For America - Kansas City. She earned an undergraduate degree in English Literature from Centre College in Danville, KY and she received her Master of Education in Secondary Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Ms. Randall was drawn to the Kauffman School because she believes that its high expectations can help its students achieve extraordinary success.

Emily Randall, 6th Grade Guided Reading Teacher

Emily Randall believes every child in Kansas City deserves the very best education. She has an unwavering faith in her students' abilities to grow as readers. Prior to teaching at the Kauffman School, Ms. Randall was a fundraiser and event coordinator for DeLaSalle Education Center and Newhouse Domestic Violence Shelter. Prior to her work in fundraising, Ms. Randall worked as a news reporter at the Atchison Globe and the Northeast News. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO. Ms. Randall chose to teach at the Kauffman School because she is energized by its mission to create college graduates.

Natasha Waschek, 9th Grade Honors English I Teacher

Natasha Waschek has a passion for ensuring students become the strongest readers and writers they can, as she believes that is the biggest key to their future success. Prior to working at the Kauffman School, Ms. Waschek taught seniors at Alta Vista High School for two years. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Gender and Women's Studies and Classics from the University of Arizona. Ms. Waschek then spent around 10 years working for Chipotle Mexican Grill at the corporate level before transitioning into teaching. She received her Master of Arts in Secondary Education (English) from the University of Missouri-St. Louis through the Teach For America program. She is relatively new to Kansas City, but loves getting to know the Midwest. Ms. Waschek is really excited and honored to be a part of the Kauffman School organization and cannot wait to see what this year brings us!

Kourtney Williams, 7th Grade Textual Analysis Teacher
Kourtney Williams believes that students learn through experience; therefore, she is committed to having her students play an active role in their education. Before teaching at Kauffman School, Ms. Williams taught for three years in the Kansas City Public Schools district. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Missouri- Kansas City (UMKC). Ms. Williams was drawn to the Kauffman School because of the support the school gives to teachers and kids to be the best they can be.

Jason Zimmerman, 10th Grade Honors Geometry Teacher

Jason Zimmerman is committed to the idea that Kansas City's children possess the ability to compete on an absolute scale with the best and brightest of our nation. Prior to joining the Kauffman School, Mr. Zimmerman served as an elementary teacher in the Kansas City Missouri Public Schools district, where he helped transition the district into its standards-based academic system. Mr. Zimmerman is an alumnus of Teach For America - Kansas City and received his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Communication, and Gender Studies from the University of Pittsburgh and Master of Education from Rockhurst University. Among his reasons for working on the Kauffman School is creating a proof point for Kansas City that showcases exceptional public education.