Staff Bios
Mrs. Amy Allen-Schuett
Mrs. Allen-Schuett is originally from Des Moines, Iowa. She has her Bachelors Degree in Middle School Math and Business from Northwest Missouri State and her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from UMKC. She began her teaching career in the 1900s, 1999 to be exact. All 25 years have been between LMS and SVMS.
Mrs. Allen-Schuett states, "I enjoy working with middle school students because they have the best personalities and humor. My favorite part is when students use their creativity to program different apps."
She was a sprinter in college and turned into a distance runner as an adult. She has completed 13 marathons.
Mrs. Heather Autem
Mrs. Autem is from Liberty. She has been in education for 10 years and this is her 9th year at Liberty Middle School. She attended UMKC and has a masters degree in teaching with a Special education certificate. She states she got into education because, "I appreciated the relationship my teachers built with me as a student along the way and, especially, after my mom died. I like creating those safe relationships with my students. I just want them to know they've got a safety net in me if they ever need to use it!" She spends her spare time with her 16 month old son, doing DIY projects, and playing Zelda. She has beat every Zelda game from Nintendo!
Fall 2024
Mr. Kevin Baker
Mr. Baker teaches 7th grade social studies at Liberty Middle School. He is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania & St. Louis. This is his 19th year teaching and his 18th year at LMS. He has a degree in secondary education from Mizzou. He enjoys working with middle schoolers because they make him laugh every day.
Mr. Baker knows a startling amount of sports trivia and enjoys traveling, reading, and watching sports in his spare time.
Mrs. Heather Beaty- 6th Grade Science
Mrs. Beaty went to elementary school in Liberty and then High School in Kearney. She has a bachelor's is in elementary education from Park University and a master's is in curriculum and instruction from Lesley University. She started his career in public education 21 years ago and this is her second year at LMS. He states , "When I was in college I had the chance to work as a biology lab assistant. I loved working with the students to complete their labs and prepare for the tests. It was fulfilling to have them stop me on campus to tell me how much I helped them. That's when I decided to pursue teaching. Now that I am 20 years in I still love helping the kids and getting to know them. The kids are the best part of the job. They're so much fun!" Mrs. Beaty is trying to visit all 50 states, she only has 7 left.
Mrs. Brandy Borsutzky
Mrs. Borsutzky teaches 7th grade Liberty Middle School. She is from Liberty, Missouri. This is her 1st year teaching. She has a Masters in Special Education and attended Truman State University and UMSL.
She states, "I love the look on a students face when they feel understood. It's the most wonderful feeling to watch them take that confidence and then be successful in whatever they try."
Mrs. Borsutzky lived in Germany for 13 years and her family speaks German at home. She enjoys Hiking, RV camping, and baking cookies in her spare time.
Mr. Gabe Brandolino - Paraprofessional
Mr. Brandolino is from Liberty. He went to Willian Jewell College and has his degree in Psychology. He has been working in education for 5 years and this is his 4th year at LMS. Mr. Brandolino runs the LMS gaming club and states, "The kids are super inspiring. Cool little folks who there is much to learn from." His fun fact is he only has one kidney and he enjoys gaming and climbing in his spare time.
Dr. Megan Bright-Librarian
Dr. Bright grew up in Liberty. Her has degree from Murray State University in Education and Community Leadership. This is her 19th year in public education and her 3rd year at Liberty middle School. She states, "I love helping kids find the right books and I love helping teachers find the right tools to help them teach. The library is the perfect blend of working with kids and adults. I love that no two days are the same in the library!" Dr. Bright spent a semester abroad in college and got to travel around Europe while she was there. Her favorite hobbies are reading, travel, and baking.
Fall 2024
Ms. Sabreena Bub-Art
Ms. Bub is from St. Louis, Missouri. She has a Bachelor's of Fine Arts from Mizzou and a Masters in Education from UMSL.
She started her teaching career 3 years ago and this is her first year at LMS.
Ms. Bub states, "I grew up with my mom being a teacher, I have always known I wanted to teach, I realized I wanted to teach art because I love art and I love working with students and getting them to learn and think outside the box to create fun interesting pieces of art."
She spent the last 5 years working in Maine, teaching ceramics at a summer camp. In her spare time Ms. Bub enjoys art, softball, swimming, and watching movies.
Mr. Andrew Chamberlin-7th & 8th Grade Science
Mr. Chamberlin grew up in Lee's Summit, Missouri. He has a degree from Northwest Missouri State University. He began his teaching career at LMS two years ago. Mr. Chamberlin states, "When I was in middle school, I was going through a traumatic time in my life and did not handle it the best. I want to be able to connect with students and help them maneuver the difficulties of middle school in a more productive way than I did. Make people better people!" He enjoys running, baseball, football, and golf in his spare time. Mr. Chamberlin's fun fact is he has his ears pierced.
Mrs. Connie Christian- 8th Grade Math & Algebra 1
Mrs. Christian has lived in Liberty for 13 years. She went to high school in a tiny town in southwest Missouri. She has been in education for 13 years and at Liberty Middle School for 8 of those years. She has a degree in Middle School Education with an emphasis in Urban Education and a Master's in Educational Administration from UMKC. She states he got into education because, "I love building relationships with students. Middle schoolers are so funny. This is such an important time in their emotional and social development, and I love being part of it." Her fun fact is her and her daughter donated their tonsils to a training program for cadaver dogs. She spends her spare time reading, traveling, and spending time with her kids.
Mrs. Morgan Dawson 7th Grade Math & Administration Intern
Mrs. Dawson is from Liberty. She has been in education for 7 years and this is her 3rd year at Liberty Middle School. She has her Doctorate Degree from William Woods University. She states she got into education because, "Relationships, relationships, relationships - I love watching our students grow and evolve over some of their most crucial years. The growth that happens from 6th grade to 8th grade is immense and so fun to be a part of!" She enjoys spending her spare time with her newborn and husband, taking walks with her dog, and traveling. Dr. Dawson attended middle school at LMS.
Mrs. Cyndy Detlefson- Math 8 & Algebra 1
Mrs. Detlefson is originally from Atchison, Kansas. She has a Bachelor Degree in Education from Kansas State University, a Masters in Education and Master in Education Leadership from Baker University. She started her teaching career 27 years ago and this is her 12th year at LMS.
Mrs. Detlefson states, "I have always known I wanted to be a teacher. I love helping people learn and better themselves. I love teaching Pre-Algebra and Algebra because students start how numerical relationship come together. Eighth graders are my favorite age group to teach because they are at the age where they decide what type of person they are going to be for the next few years. I love helping students find their voice and learn how to stand up for themselves and others."
She enjoys snow skiing, ATV riding, traveling and spending time with her family. Mrs. Detlefson has been ski diving and has been a certified ski instructor for 10 years.
Mrs. Shelby Eads-PE/Health
Mrs. Eads is from Franklin, Tennessee. She has been in education for 6 years and at Liberty Middle School for all of those years. She has a degrees in Exercise science, physical education, and a Masters in curriculum development and health and wellness from Middle Tennessee State, Mo West, and Liberty University. She states she got into education because, "I wanted to be a positive role model to those who need one to be on their side." Mrs. Eads lives on a small farm and enjoys traveling and lake life in her spare time.
Mr. Ben Entsminger
Mr. Entsminger is from Bath County, Virginia. He has a degree in Curriculum and Development from Liberty University. He began his career in education 5 years ago and has been at LMS for 1 year.
Mr. Entsminger states, My High School Teacher Mr. Tufaro was so great I just wanted to be like him."
He is a big fan of Little Debbie Cakes and enjoys music.
Mr. Kyle Erickson
Mr. Erickson is the Industrial technology teacher at Liberty Middle School. He is originally from Harvard, Nebraska.
He started teaching 25 years ago because he also wanted to coach basketball and has been at Liberty Middle School his whole teaching career.
Mr. Erickson has an Industrial Technology degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
He states his "fun fact" is he is a Harvard graduate and enjoys hunting, fishing, and golfing in his spare time.
Mrs. Catherine Franssens-7th Grade ELA & Advanced ELA
Mrs. Franssens is from Independence, Missouri. She has a degree in architecture and design from Kansas State and a degree from Graceland in Special Education, Elementary Education, and Middle Level ELA. She stated her teaching career 7 years ago at LMS. She began as an Special Education teacher and has been teaching ELA for the last two years. Mrs. Franssens states, " I enjoy working with students because it brings me a unique joy unlike anything else I do in life! After working as a designer and project manager in the architecture field for 20 years, I decided to change careers and get into teaching. I actually knew when I was 16 years old that I wanted to be a teacher, but at the time, my heart and mind were more focused on a career that would bring me a bigger paycheck. It took 20 years but I eventually grew tired of the 60-70 hour work weeks and decided that making a difference in the lives of young people was more important than a big paycheck. Going back to college to complete my education degree was the best career choice ever! I have yet to have a morning where I dread going to teach or coach which tells me that I'm in the perfect career for me!" Some of her favorite hobbies are coaching volleyball and basketball, traveling to the mountains and beach, attending K-State football games, and hiking. Mrs. Franssens has lead the an annual 5 day educational trip for students and parents to Washington DC and New York City.
Mrs. Rebecca Groebe
Mrs. Groebe is the Gifted Science Teacher at Liberty Middle School. She considers all over the mid-west as home.
She has multiple degrees from the University of Kansas including a B.A. in Biology, B.F.A. in Dance Choreography, MS.Ed. in Science Curriculum and Instruction, a M.S. Evolutionary Biology, and a Specialist in Gifted Education.
She has been with Liberty Public Schools for 17 years and teaching at LMS for 9 years. She states she became a teacher because she was bored in school and wanted to make learning different and interesting. She loves what she does every day.
Mrs. Groebe enjoys dancing and birding as her hobbies and volunteers for Parrot rescue centers in her free time.
Ms. Jen Guthery-6th Grade ELA
Ms. Guthery is from Smithville, Missouri. She has degrees in History Education, Social Studies Curriculum, and Curriculum and Instruction from MWSU, University of Missouri, and Arkansas State University. She has been at LMS for 3 years.
Ms. Guthery states, "I enjoy sharing my passion for learning with students and that getting to be part of that moment when a new concept or skill finally clicks for them." She has twin daughters and enjoys hanging out with her family, watching scary movies, and traveling in her spare time.
Mr. Mike Harding-8th Grade American History
Mr. Harding is from Kansas City. He has a degree in History Secondary Education from William Jewell College. He started his education career 27 years ago right here at LMS. Mr. Harding states, "I like trying to make a genuine connection with students. I like laughing with them, teaching them about the history of this great country and throwing out a few life lessons they can learn from."
Mr. Harding enjoys fishing, exercising, hiking and most recently, enjoying spending time with his grandson, Holt, in his spare time.
Mrs. Polly Hare-Library Para
Mrs. Hare is from Independence, Missouri. She has a degree in Secondary English Education and a masters degree is in Library Science from the University of Central Missouri. She has been in education for 20 years and this is her 2nd year at LMS.
Mrs. Hare states, "Even as a little girl I wanted to be a teacher. I can't think of any other profession that I would want to do with my life. Students are fun to watch as they navigate these early years of their lives. I enjoy being a part of their lives to help them grow and reach their full potential. Some students need support, some need guidance, and some need a cheerleader. I love being all those things. Someone did that for me as I went through school and I want to be like my former teachers and make them proud."
She once spent 13 hours under the middle of the Atlantic ocean in a Navy submarine and has also been up in a hot air balloon. She loved both experiences. In her free time she enjoys traveling, reading and being with her family.
Ms. Jill Hemann- Theatre
Ms. Hemann is originally from Iowa but grew up in Michigan and lived 15 years in NYC. . She has been in education for 15 years and this is her 4th year at LMS. She has a degrees in Theatre, Speech, and Music Education with a Masters in Vocal Music. She attended Webster University. She states she got into education because, "I love to spark students' creativity and build their confidence while creating a place of belonging and acceptance." Ms. Hemann has performed in 4 National Musical Theatre Tours & for a year in Atlantic City with a Liberace Impersonator. In her spare time she enjoys doing anything creative.
Mrs. Mireille "Mimi" Jones
Ms. Jones grew up in Belgium. She has a Undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from ISPL Ste Croix, Belgium, and a graduate degree from Lesley University in Technology Integration. She began teaching 28 years ago and this is her 10th year at LMS. She enjoys teaching because every year is different and it is never boring. Things change constantly, kids change constantly, and they keep her on her toes. Ms. Jones was only supposed to be in the United States for one year. In her spare time she enjoys attending Sporting KC games, concerts, and spending time time with her cats.
Mrs. Kathy Laffoon
Mrs. Laffoon grew up in Japan,. She has a degree in Education and Psychology from William Jewell College and a Master's in Gifted Education from KU. She has been in education for over 30 years and has been at LMS for fifteen. She states, "Ever since I was in elementary school, I always wanted to be a teacher. I even used to play "school" with my friend and a little chalkboard. I have enjoyed teaching all of these years. I love learning new things with my students every day." Mrs. Laffoon has an adorable granddaughter and enjoys scrapbooking and reading in her spare time.
Mrs. Amy LaPlant-PEAK Math
Mrs. LaPlant is from Liberty, Missouri. She has a degree in Secondary Science & Masters in Administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She began her career in education 24 years ago and has been at LMS for 22 years. Mrs. LaPlant states, "I love middle school students. They are such a unique breed. They are willing to still have fun with activities. I also really enjoy learning from my students. They often have a completely different approach to solving problems. They keep me on my toes." When she graduated from Liberty High School her graduating class was only 280 students, and there was only one high school at the time. In her spare time she enjoys hiking and spending time with her family on their hunting land.
Mrs. Caitlin Lawson-7th Grade ELA/ Advanced ELA
Mrs. Lawson is originally from Ozark, Missouri. She has been in teaching for 2 years and this is her 3rd year at LMS. She spent her first year at LMS as a paraprofessional. She has a Bachelors of Arts in English (Cultural and American Literature) and Masters of Arts in Teaching English 5-12 from UMKC and Missouri State University. She states , "My high school English teacher inspired me to become a teacher because of the connections he made with each student and how he changed my outlook on reading/literature. I love being able to introduce students to new books that they fall in love with!" Mrs. Lawson has two cats named after Star Wars characters, Rex and Ahsoka! In her spare time she enjoys reading, exploring KC, hanging out with family, and indoor cycling.
Ms. Lyndsey Martin -8 Grade ELA
Ms.Martin is originally from Maryville, Missouri. She has been in education for 27 years and this is her 21st year at LMS. She has a B.S. in Middle School Language Arts and a Master in Reading from Northwest Missouri State University. She states , ""I got into teaching because of the impact my 8th grade ELA teacher had on me as a student. I discovered how much reading great books, and writing my own stories meant to me because of her. I love teaching specifically the 8th grade level, because students are hilarious, they understand my humor, and can throw sarcasm around like confetti. I also enjoy building relationships with my students, so they understand what they are capable of in ELA, but learn that it takes work to reach that potential. I find setting high expectations and accountability are key to building lifelong learners and overall good people, Truthfully, I find that 8th graders really do appreciate when a teacher cares enough to give them both. Seeing how proud kids are when they reach success through hard work is the best feeling for me, as their teacher." Ms. Martin enjoys spending time with her sons, traveling with family and friends, reading, and hanging out with her dog, Cash, in her spare time.
Ms. Christi Mills-Spanish
Ms. Mills is from Atlanta, Georgia. She has a degree in Spanish from MWSU. She started her career in public education 14 years ago and this is her 9th year at LMS. She states , " I got into teaching because I wanted to open doors for students through language. I used to work in a bank as a bilingual banker, and I met so many great clients whose first language is Spanish. I wanted to help students be able to communicate with people who may be different than they are. I still believe in this--every student can learn languages. I use my classroom to build a culture of inclusivity so that the students help each other learn and practice language skills." Ms. Mills has visited 16 countries outside the US and enjoys reading and cross stitch in her spare time.
Mrs. Cory Munson-8th Grade Science
Mrs. Munson is a 8th grade science teacher at Liberty Middle School. She grew up in Raymore, Missouri. She has a degree in Elementary Education and Middle School Science from University of Central Missouri. She began her teaching career 17 years ago right here at LMS.
She states, "I have always known I wanted to be a teacher. My mom always jokes that the reason why my younger brother was such a pain at school was because I would come from school and make him play school with me, teaching him everything I had learned, so by the time he went to school, he knew it all and was bored. I originally thought that I wanted to be a kindergarten teacher, but after substitute teaching in a kindergarten classroom, I quickly changed my mind and decided middle school was more my speed and middle school is where I've been ever since!" She also said, "I enjoy working with middle school students, because middle schoolers are awesome people. They are the most passionate people about their beliefs. They have a great sense of humor. They keep me on my toes, but make me laugh daily."
Mrs. Munson has a three-legged dog named Oliver. She enjoys watching her kids play sports, going to the lake, camping, hiking, and paddleboarding in her spare time.
Mr. Garrett Niemeier-6th Grade Math
Mr. Niemeier is from Excelsior Springs, Missouri. He attended Northwest Missouri State University where he earned a Bachelor's in Elementary Education, a Masters in Educational Leadership K-12, and a Specialist in Superintendency. He has been in education for 4 years and this is his second year at LMS.
Mr. Niemeier states, "I want to inspire, empower, and guide the new generation of students. I can connect with kids super easily and establish a lasting connection. I eventually in my time once I feel I have done my job in helping the new generation of students go and help the new generation of educators at the collegiate level. Every student has a story and getting to know it and learning something new every day is absolutely enriching to me.
I'll never forget the quote my professor told us, "If not you, then who, and if not now, then when?" I am the who and the time is now for these students :)" His claim to fame is he has Meghan Markles' signature. In his spare time he enjoys playing and coaching volleyball and hanging with friends.
Mrs. Sarah O'Roark-7th Grade Math
Mrs. O'Roark is from Bolivar, Missouri. She has been in education for 9 years and at Liberty Middle School for 3 of those years. She has a degree in Middle School Education with an emphasis in mathematics. Her undergrad is from Southwest Baptist University and her Master's Degree is from Northwest Missouri State.
She states, "I enjoy working with students because I love seeing their excitement when they learn new things and I enjoy supporting their goals/dreams inside and outside of the classroom. I had a teacher who once did that for me in middle school which inspired me to want to do the same for my future students." Mrs. O'Roark's hobbies include hanging out with her family, spending time outdoors, running, attending sporting events, and working out.
Mrs. Laura Perryn-Science 6th Grade
Mrs. Perryn is from St. Louis, Missouri. She has degrees in Elementary Education, a science minor, a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Literacy all from University of Central Missouri.
She has been in education for 18 years and this is her 1st year at LMS.
Mrs. Perryn states, "I love helping kids realize that hard work and perseverance will help them achieve their goals." She is a Girl Scout Troop leader and enjoys singing, playing with her kids and watching documentaries in her spare time.
Mrs. Becca Quarles-Social Worker
Mrs. Quarles grew up in Liberty. Her degree in social work is from Mizzou. This is her 6th year in public education and her 6th year at Liberty middle School. She states she became a social worker because, "I had a difficult time during middle school which is why I was so excited to be a social worker in a middle school! I also really believe in and support public education so being able to help kids and their families be more successful during a school year is very special for me." Mrs. Quarles went to Liberty Middle School when she was in 6th and 7th grade. Her favorite hobbies are reading, coloring, hanging out with friends, family, and her dogs.
Mr. Dan Rasmussen-Vocal Music
Mr. Rasmussen is from Jefferson, Iowa. He has a B.S. in Music Education & B.S. in Broadcasting from Northwest Missouri State University. He has been in education for 10 years and at LMS for all 10 of those years. Mr. Rasmussen states, "I didn't originally intend to go into education. My mother and older sister are both teachers and when I was at university, I planned to go into radio broadcasting and pursue a career as a music director or program director of a radio station. But I always loved music whether it was singing or playing instruments and wanted to take college classes learning more about music history and music theory. In my third year I decided to add a music education degree just as a "fall back." After working with elementary kids in my first teaching practicum class, I knew I was more interested in teaching music than doing police beat calls at the radio station. After that, I knew I wanted to teach music in some way, shape or form." Mr. Rasmussen grew up an avid 4-H kid and showed horses until his sophomore year in high school. He enjoys singing in a Barbershop Quartet in his spare time.
Mr. Robert Rawie- PE/ Health and Social Studies
Mr. Rawie is from Liberty. He has a degree in Physical Education from Northwest Missouri State University. He started his career in public education 2 years ago here at LMS. He states , " Having the opportunity to be a positive influence and role model for the students in LPS is more than enough motivation to be in this career! Helping students succeed and helping them achieve their goals is what it is all about, there is no greater feeling than seeing a student light up with joy when they accomplish something." Coach Rawie got married this last June. He enjoys coaching football, basketball, and track. He loves to cheer on the chiefs and watch new shows and movies with his wife and two dachshunds.
Mrs. Amanda Renfro-FACS
Mrs. Renfro is from Harvard, Nebraska. She has her degree in Family & Consumer Sciences from University of Nebraska Kearney. She began her teaching career 24 years ago and has been at LMS for 21 years. Mrs. Renfro states, "I was asked to coach the sophomore volleyball team at the local high school when I was in college. After one season I changed my major to education and never looked back. I enjoy making a difference and teaching kids life skills that they can use for the rest of their life." She likes to save money on DIY & small construction projects by doing them herself. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family & friends, traveling, going to the lake, snow skiing, and watching about any sports event live.
Mr. Chris Rouse- 8th Grade Social Studies
Mr. Rouse claims Richmond, Missouri as his hometown. He has a business degree from the University of Kansas and a Masters Degree for UCM. This is his 19th year teaching and his 16th year at LMS. He enjoys working with students because, "teaching and coaching kids is always fun and unpredictable." Mr. Rouse also coaches high school sports at Liberty and Liberty North. He enjoys outdoor activities with family, reading, coaching, and following the Royals and Chiefs.
Mr. Tyler Rusboldt-6th Grade Math/8th Grade Geometry
Mr. Rusboldt is from Northwest Indiana. He has a Health Science degree from the University of Missouri and a Masters in Middle Level Math from the University of Central Missouri. He has been in education for 5 years and at LMS for 3 years.
Mr. Rusboldt states, "Coming out of college, I joined a company called Abbott Nutrition and sold Similac to Pediatricians. After a year and a half of giving it my best I decided I needed to find something that provided myself and others with more value. My wife is a 4th grade teacher and I always heard the stories she would tell of working with students. In 2015, I went back to school (University of Central Missouri) and got my teaching certification and master degree in math curriculum. I quickly realized that working with students in the classroom or in sports was AWESOME! There is no better feeling than playing a part in someone learning a new skill or growing as a person, and that's what teachers get to do every day. Even though teaching wasn't my first profession, I'm so happy I decided to move into the field and give it a try. It is so rewarding, and I'm very grateful for the opportunities I get every day."
Mr. Rusboldt plays disc golf as a local professional and enjoys video games and watching football in his spare time.
Mrs. Trish Stripling -6th Grade Social Studies
Mrs. Stripling is from North Kansas City, Missouri. She has a degree in Education from Park University. She started her career in public education 19 years ago and this is her 3rd year at LMS. She states , "I loved school and want to pay that forward to my students." Mrs. Stripling worked for a year as a nanny in Italy when she was 22 years old. In her spare time she enjoys watching and reading about history, classic films, and eating out.
Mrs. Amanda True-6th Grade Social Studies
Mrs. True is from Blue Springs, Missouri. She has been in education for 23 years and at Liberty Middle School for 6 of those years. She has a degree in History and Education from Metro State University in Denver. She states, "I enjoy working with students because they make the days enjoyable. I like the conversations I have with the kids and getting to know them. I also enjoy helping them through these awkward middle school years. I got into teaching because I have always enjoyed kids. I remember wanting to be a teacher back in elementary school and I never changed my path. I still enjoy coming to work each day (most of the time) 23 years later." Mrs. True spends her time at her kids activities. She watches a lot of swim, dive, and wrestling meets. She also watches a lot of baseball. When not attending her kids activities she enjoys walking her dogs.
Mr. Garrick True
Mr. True is from Independence, Missouri. He has a degree in Middle School Education from UCM and a degree in Secondary Education from NWMS. He began his career in education 21 years ago as a teacher and has been at LMS as a learning coach for 2 years.
Mr. True states, "I love building relationships and watching them grow academically and personally."
In his spare time he enjoys listening to music.
Mrs. Nicole VanBockern - Paraprofessional
Mrs. VanBockern is from Flandreau, South Dakota. She attended South Dakota State University. She has been at LMS for 5 years. Mrs.VanBockern states,I love serving and helping others. I loved my school years. I have always loved being in nature (even the cold), so I actually enjoy my time during crosswalk duty because I stand in a pretty location filled with trees, birds, and the occasional deer. Even though it gets icy cold at times, I still find it enjoyable. Assisting students and getting kind words and smiles of gratitude is also wonderful! In her free time she enjoys reading, traveling, and cooking.
Mr. Steve VanEgdom- PE/Health & Social Studies
Mr. Van Egdom grew up in South Dakota. He has a degree in Social Studies and in PE. He attended University of South Dakota and Northwest Missouri State University. He started his career in public education 25 years ago here at Liberty Middle School. He states , "I have taught long enough now to know that the thing I have enjoyed the most is that the adults I interact with in our community were once these kids and the memories and relationships built here at LMS literally have lasted lifetimes!" Mr. Van Egdom enjoys the outdoors and his youngest son is currently a student at LMS.
Mr. David Williams-7th Grade Special Education
Mr. Williams grew up in Kansas City. He has a Business Degree from William Jewell, Elementary Education Certification from Missouri Valley College, Special Education Certification from University of Central Missouri, and a Masters Degree from Lindenwood University. He stated his career in public education 25 years ago and has been at Liberty Middle School for three years. He states she became a teacher because, "I enjoy being able to make learning fun and exciting for my students. I believe each one of them has the ability to be successful and have a strong belief in themself. It may take them a little bit longer or grasp something, but once they do, it is so exciting to watch their eyes light up knowing they have learned it!" Mr. Williams played in a classic rock band for almost 20 years and enjoys listening to music, writing, and reading in his spare time.
Mrs. Jami Williams
Mrs. Williams is a 7th grade Special Education teacher at Liberty Middle School. She is from Smithville, Missouri. She started teaching 28 years ago and this is her second year at Liberty Middle School. Mrs. Williams has a B.S. degree in Special Education and a MS in Special Education Administration from Central Missouri State University.
Her road to teaching began because, "Both my parents were teachers, who wanted me to do anything but teaching, after a couple of different majors I chose Elementary Education with an emphasis in Math and Science. I had to do 20 hours of observation in a special education classroom and I was hooked." She even spent one summer as a boat driver at a camp for people with disabilities.
Mrs. Williams enjoys camping, kayaking, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Mrs. Maggie Willis-Speech/Debate, and Broadcasting
Mrs. Willis is from Maryville, Missouri. She has a degree in English with a minor in Speech/Theatre from Northwest Missouri State University. She started her career in public education 27 years ago and this is her 21st year at LMS. She states , "My favorite part of teaching is watching students gain the confidence to do something challenging. I love when they follow the motto, "Inhale confidence. Exhale doubt," and realize they can conquer anything through hard work and determination." Mrs. Willis was a Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader. She enjoys coaching, dancing, walking outdoors, and reading a good book on the beach in her spare time.