Faculty and Staff

Shellie Dumas (Principal)

I would like to share some information about my educational background and professional experiences.  I attended Graceland University and received a Bachelors of Elementary Education with a Special Reading Endorsement and a Masters of Education in Collaborative Teaching and Learning. In addition, I attended the University of Central Missouri to receive an Education Specialist Degree in Administration. Before accepting the role of Principal of Sugar Creek, I served as a kindergarten, first grade, and second grade classroom teacher. After much thought, I left the classroom and accepted the challenge of working as a Reading Specialist at Spring Branch Elementary.  My time focused on the development and improvement for all students as well as collaborating and problem solving with teachers. It was in this role that I had the most opportunity to reflect on my own classroom experiences and the challenges I had faced as a classroom teacher striving to facilitate growth with each student. This experience continues to shape my vision that all students, parents, teachers, and school staff, feel connected and have the opportunity to experience success. I look forward to the opportunity to continue to lead and create an educational environment that is warm and caring! In addition, I am excited about creating lasting memories together!  My door is always open!  

 
Stephanie Spiers (Principal Secretary)
 
Kim Eib (Clerk)
 
Kim Smart (Paraprofessional)
I have worked for the Independence School District since 1993, first as a Title 1 Kindergarten Intervention Program teacher at Santa Fe Trail Elementary, then as a Special Education Para, including the last four years at Sugar Creek. I enjoy sharing my love of reading with children. My other interests are needlework, gardening, sewing, calligraphy, cooking, and playing the piano and the harp. I have a daughter, a husband, and a cat named Nigel. I also have an online vintage clothing store, and love the history of fashion and textiles.
 
Briana Linder (Speech Pathologist)
 
Mary Clements (School Nurse)

 
Kierstin Hill (Counselor)
 
Toiya Mickles-Harris (Behavior Interventionist)
 
Cassandra McBee (Special Education)
 
Jessica Berry (Process Coordinator)
 
Nikki Merritt (Family and School Liaison)
 
Rebecca Cornish (Librarian)
 
Jessica Alwine (Family and School Liaison - Intern)
 
Shelly Vance (Art Teacher)
 
Don Ross (Physical Education Teacher)
 
Deborah Baker - Anastos (Library Specialist)
 
Jenna Socha (Music Teacher)
 
Trejuanna Lunn (Pre- Kindergarten)
 
Tressa Canaday (Kindergarten)
 
Stephanie Fleming (Kindergarten)
 
Michelle Verhoff (Kindergarten)
 
Shelly Funk (First Grade)
 
Sarah Willig (First Grade)

 
Kaytlin Yeisley (First Grade)
 
Tera Wurtz (Teacher Assistant)
 
Custodial Staff

Jerry Grant - Head Custodian

Edi Mathews - 50/50 (Custodian/Cafeteria)

Michael Barnes - Evening Custodian

 
Cafeteria Staff

Tara Myers - Cafeteria Manager

Reba Cooley - Cafeterian Staff

 
Rodney Joiner (Kids Safari)