Meet Seltzer's Teachers and Staff
CLASSROOM TEACHERS
SELTZER PREK TEACHERS:
Claire Kirkendoll
Hello! I am Clare Kirkendoll, Pre-K teacher at Seltzer Elementary. I began my career in education here at Seltzer Elementary in 2016 as a paraeducator and started teaching shortly after that. I graduated from WSU in 2019 with a Unified Degree in Elementary Education. I also have a degree in Psychology from Southwestern University. I am married to my husband, Zachary. Together we have a big kid, Aidan who is 15 and a little kid, Grayson who is 4. I truly enjoy learning and growing as a teacher alongside my Pre-K students.
Angela Rasbandith-Lee
My name is Angela Rasbandith-Lee. The students call me Mrs. Angela!
This is my 9th year at Seltzer and my 4th year as a Pre-K teacher. My husband and I have two children - an 8 year old and a 6 year old. They still think we are cool so we spend a lot of time together! I love to travel with my little family and go on adventures and see new places. I love Pre-K so much and am looking forward to all of the learning and fun we are going to have this year!
See you in PreK! & remember, it’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.
SELZTER KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS:
Josie Brown
Hi! My name is Josie Brown. I was born and raised here in Wichita, KS. I attended college at Wichita State University where I received my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I have been teaching for six years and have been here at Seltzer for six years. I absolutely love kindergarten and I’m so grateful that I get to teach with such a talented and wonderful group of people!
Lauren Harbert
I have been a part of Wichita Public Schools since 2014. I was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas. I graduated from Pittsburg State University with a degree in Elementary Education in May of 2011 and completed my master’s degree through Baker University in 2022. I have been a Kindergarten teacher here at Seltzer since 2021. Kindergarten is such a special grade to teach, and I am so thankful to get to be your child’s first introduction to school. I am excited for a great year with our class!
Stephanie Kuye
I graduated from Pittsburg State University with my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Development. I received my Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Kansas State University in 2012 and a Master’s Degree from Newman University in ESOL Curriculum and Instruction in 2016. I have also taught preschool for 7 years before teaching Kindergarten. I have been a Kindergarten teacher for Wichita Public Schools for over 12 years. I joined the Seltzer Family in August of 2019 and love teaching kindergarten!
SELTZER 1ST GRADE TEACHERS:
Kathia Chavira
Hello, my name is Kathia Chavira and I am a first grade teacher here at Seltzer Elementary! I grew up in Wichita, KS and I graduated from Kansas State University with a major in Elementary Education. This is my second year teaching, and I am so excited to meet all of my students and be able to continue my teaching career here at Seltzer!
Jana Hess
I have been teaching for twenty-three years. I have taught Kindergarten, first grade, second grade and reading intervention. First grade has always been my favorite and is also the grade I have taught the longest, with this year being my 18th year teaching first! I grew up in the small town of Humboldt, Kansas. I moved to Wichita to go to college at WSU where I earned my bachelor’s in elementary education. I have since completed a masters in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in ESOL and Reading from Newman University. I am looking forward to an exciting year!
Jenny Schepis
Hello! My name is Jenny Schepis, I am a first grade teacher at Seltzer Elementary.
My husband Andy and I have three beautiful girls; Anna, Josie, and Ellie. Outside of school I enjoy running, gardening, and spending time with my family.
I attended Newman University and completed my Early Childhood Unified degree in 2016. In 2023 I continued my education and received my ESOL endorsement. I have taught Pre-K and First grade here at Seltzer and love educating Seltzer students!
SELTZER 2ND GRADE TEACHERS:
Stevie Jenkins
My name is Stevie Jenkins and I teach 2nd grade. I am a Grand Canyon University graduate and have been teaching for six years.
Originally, I am from North Carolina but have loved Kansas being my home over the past 12 years.. GO CHIEFS! My family enjoys traveling, sports, music, and anything outdoors. We stay busy and I love sharing and recreating real life experiences with my students. I am blessed to share each day with families and students to help create the best classroom experience for all.
Tracey Jordan
It’s hard to believe that I started teaching in Wichita in 1991, but it’s TRUE! I have loved every minute and can’t wait to welcome another class of Jordanators! I’ve taught many years of 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade, but my heart is in 2nd grade.
I’m married to my wonderful husband, Dan, and we have 6 children and 5 grandchildren. All of our kids are out of the house now, but I still remember the challenges that come with having school-aged kiddos. I can’t wait to meet my students and their families as we get ready for another great year at Seltzer Elementary.
Mekenzie Rose
I graduated from Wichita State University with a degree in Elementary Education in May of 2023, and have been teaching second grade for 3 years. I am excited to return back to Seltzer as a Spartan for a second year! I absolutely love working with the second grade students and am looking forward to a great year!
SELTZER 3RD GRADE TEACHERS:
Alyssa Curtis
My name is Alyssa Curtis and this will be my 10th year in Wichita Public Schools! I graduated with my bachelor’s from Newman University and have an endorsement in English Speakers of Other Languages. I have taught grades 3-5 in schools in USD 259. This is my 3rd year here at Selzer Elementary and my favorite part of teaching is helping each student learn and grow to be their very best!
Cheyenne Goodman
Hi! My name is Cheyenne Goodman. I graduated from Wichita State University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 2023. I’m originally from Missouri until I moved to Wichita, Kansas in 2013. I’m excited that this will be my second-year teaching. I am so thankful to be part of the Seltzer family.
Brenda Robles
Hi! My name is Brenda Robles and I love spending time with my family and friends. I have two dogs named Leche and Cafe. I graduated from Emporia State University with my Bachelors in Elementary Education. I'm supper excited to teach third grade here at Seltzer!
SELTZER 4TH GRADE TEACHERS:
Amanda Drouhard
Hello, I am Amada Drouhard, 4th grade teacher at Seltzer Elementary. I graduated from Wichita State University with my bachelors in Elementary Education. I started my career at Adams elementary and taught 1st grade for two years. This is my second year at Seltzer as a 4th grade teacher. I am so excited to meet my new students and families and can not wait for another great year at Seltzer!
Samantha Mattingly
This is my 20th year of teaching and my 4th year at Seltzer! I am excited to teach your students and help them to be the best version of themselves EVERY day and help pave their road to success! I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University and my received my Master’s degree from Emporia State! I have a lifelong love for learning and hope to instill that in each of my students.
I am married to my husband Brian and we have 3 wonderful kids; Ericka, Tara, and Bryson. I love the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas Jayhawks, traveling, and going to the lake!
Melinda Ross
- I graduated from Central Christian College in McPherson, Friends University, and attended Wichita State University.
- I taught at Colvin 7 years; Adams 7 years; Jackson 7 years; Clark 6 years; this is my 29th year in Wichita School District.
- I have taught all grades, this year will be my second-year teaching 4th grade at Seltzer Elementary, I am looking forward to a “Magical Learning Experience” this year.
- Family Engagement is a passion of mine and making genuine connections with all my students.
- I grew up near Mobile, Alabama close to the Gulf of Mexico Coastal beaches. My vacation time is spent eating seafood, visiting museums, and traveling to see my family!
- My WHY? I am a teacher at heart; I want to provide a safe/trusting classroom for my students to learn and to grow. My goal is to empower, motivate, and support families so that we can maximize students’ success. I strive to learn from my colleagues every day, so I can be the best teacher I can be through building relationships throughout my school.
SELTZER 5TH GRADE TEACHERS:
Jeannie Betsworth
Hi! I am Jeannie Betsworth, this is my 18th year teaching. I have taught 4/5th grade and ESOL.
I have 3 wonderful children and 6 wonderful great grandbabies! They range in age from ages 12 to 3. I also have many hobbies, stained glass, making jewelry and working on diamond dotz. In my spare time I love to read.
I can’t wait to meet your child!!
Kellie Newlin
I am Kellie Newlin and am so excited to be joining the Seltzer 5th Grade team this year! I am married and have lived my entire life in Wichita. I graduated in 2005 with my degree in elementary education and early childhood. I went on to teach Pre-K and Kindergarten for 7 years in Valley Center before staying home to raise my 3 kids who have all gone to Seltzer. I have spent the last 3 years subbing in all classrooms across the Seltzer building and look forward to joining this wonderful family! In my free time I enjoy helping lead Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, watching my kids play sports, camp, and read.
Amanda Rawls
I graduated from Wichita State University with a degree in Elementary Education in May 2011 and completed a Master’s Degree in Education with a concentration in Technology from Baker University in December 2017. I received an English Speakers of Other Languages endorsement in October 2022. I am originally from Kansas, but I’ve lived in Central Florida for the past several years. My husband Christian and I have one child named Colin. I’m excited to be back near family and teaching fifth grade this year!
SELZTER MIXED ABILITIES TEACHERS:
Jessica Dingman
Hi! I am Jessica Dingman, I graduated from Wichita State University with a Bachelors in Elementary Education and a Masters in Low-Incidence Special Education. I have worked in the district since 2015 and have been teaching since 2019. I take pride in building positive relationships with all my students and their families.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two baby boys. I also love going to Wichita State basketball games and being outside. I look forward to this school year and making a positive impact!
Madilyn McDonald
Mollie Souter
Hello, I'm Mollie Souter!!
This is my eighth year at Seltzer. I will be primarily with the older kids in our mixed abilities program.
I come with a passion for inclusive education and a commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment. I come with extensive experience working with students of diverse abilities, tailoring my teaching strategies to meet the individual needs of each learner. As well as finishing my ABA certification. I believe in the potential of every child to succeed and strive to create an inclusive classroom where differences are celebrated. I look forward to this school year with your children!!
SELTZER INTER-RELATED TEACHERS:
Anna Allison
Hello! I’m so excited to start my 5th year here at Seltzer! I am an Interrelated Teacher and will work with 2nd and 3rd grade this year. I graduated from Wichita State University in 2011 with my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. In 2018, I graduated from Southwestern University with my master’s degree in Special Education. This is my 15th year teaching (all for Wichita Public Schools), I taught 2nd grade for 3 years and have taught K-5 Special Education.
My husband Charlie and I have a 3 ½ year old (Nash) and another boy on the way. We love golfing, sports, reading, parks and pools.
I love what I do and cannot wait to see the growth of our students this year!
Chesney Lund
Hello! I am Chesney Lund, the kindergarten and first-grade interrelated teacher. I graduated from Fort Hays State University with a degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. This is my third year at Seltzer and I am so excited to build positive relationships with my students and families.
I look forward to watching my students grow throughout the year!
Karen Vlamis
Welcome to Seltzer! I have been a part of Seltzer staff since 2003, mostly in 4th and 5th grades; but I have taught Kindergarten through 5th Grades. I have also taught online courses at Southwestern University.
I’m looking forward to helping your student have a successful learning experience like my own children who also attended Seltzer. I’m also looking forward to working with you to identify and to meet your student’s individual needs. When I am not at Seltzer, spend a lot of time with my grandchildren and visiting family in Texas.
This is a great year to have a great year!
SELTZER SPECIALS TEACHERS:
ART
Emily Kirby
I graduated from Friends University with a degree in art education. I taught elementary art in Rose Hill for three years before coming to Seltzer in 2017. I am an artist as well as a teacher, and I exhibit my work in Wichita. My passions are acrylic painting and printmaking, but I love all forms of visual art! I am a strong believer that every child is an artist and I am inspired by their fearless creativity everyday. I can't wait to see the art, fun, and laughter that this school year brings.
“It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.” Pablo Picasso
LIBRARY
Paula Meirowsky
Hello,
I am Mrs. Meirowsky, or Mrs. M as the students call me. I received my bachelor's degree from Southwest Texas State University, master's degree and library endorsement from Wichita State University. I have been with Wichita Public Schools since 2000. Seltzer has been my home form almost 10 of those years. I enjoy reading to students and helping them find the books they'll love to read.
MUSIC
Heath Brandyberry
I am currently one of the music teachers here at Seltzer Elementary. I joined the staff in January of 2022 and immediately felt welcomed. I received both my bachelor's degree in music and in education from Fort Hays State University in 2018 and finished my master's degree in sports management from Wichita State University in 2021. Previously, I was the K-12 Vocal Music teacher in Lincoln, KS along with a high school football and baseball coach. I am married to my wife Shannon who is a nurse, and we have a young son named Henry along with two dogs. I have enjoyed my time here at Seltzer Elementary and look forward to making many wonderful memories through music.
Tyler Gauldin
I graduated in 2011 from Eastman School of Music with a Masters in Music Performance. Since then, I moved to Kansas to pursue my musical career. In 2015, I found my passion for teaching and attended Fort Hays State University for my certification in Music Education. I have had the privilege of teaching at Friends University, Cowley College, and in the USD 259 school district. I am excited to have joined the Seltzer Elementary family this year where I will have the opportunity to share my musical gifts.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Tracey Masterson
As a PE teacher, I enjoy kayaking, biking and an occasional hike.
I believe as a PE teacher that everyone needs to find the activity that fits them and keeps them moving for life! And that is why I like to expose students to a wide variety of game and activities. Active for Life!
Gary Scherer
I will be teaching P.E. 3 days a week here at Seltzer. This is my 33rd year teaching in Wichita Public Schools. I graduated from Wichita State in ’92 and started teaching at Marshall Middle one year before teaching at Washinton for 20 years. Then taught at McCollom 11 years. This will be my final year teaching before retiring.
ADMINISTRATION
Principal
Carol Dunne
Hi! I am Carol Dunne, Principal at Seltzer Elementary School. Welcome to Seltzer Elementary, where we strive to make sure your child feels at home, when away from home!
I am from a small town in Kansas and grew up on a farm. I have two amazing children, Madelyn and Nicholas, and a wonderful husband, Brian.
I got my teaching degree from Newman University and a Leadership Degree from Baker University.
My experience in education includes being a Middle School Special Education Teacher, Elementary School Librarian, and a Teacher at 4th -6th Grades. I also spent several years as an Instructional Coach before becoming an Administrator. I love what I do and love that I have the opportunity to work for Wichita Public Schools!
Each day I strive to be a positive influence for the amazing students and staff at Seltzer Elementary. Seltzer is a great school, providing a rigorous, safe and nurturing environment! I look forward to work each day and look forward to working with you and your family!
Assistant Principal
Kathleen Patterson
This is going to be an amazing year! Entering my 3rd year at Seltzer I feel right at home. I’m a huge baseball fan and have visited almost all of the major league stadiums. Six of the 30 stadiums are left for me to explore. I enjoy my time at home with my 3 cocker spaniels Ruby, Jack and Kieran. When I’m not working I like to read, exercise, walk my dogs, cook and do jigsaw puzzles.
I love being a Seltzer Spartan and I know all of you will too.
Instructional Coach
Tracie Mauk
Hello! I'm Tracie Mauk, the instructional coach at Seltzer Elementary School. My role is to serve teachers and make sure they have all the supports they need so they can give your child the best education possible.
I was born and raised in Wichita. I have two beautiful children, Liam and Audrian. I am married to my amazing husband, William. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with family, and coffee!
I received my bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Wichita State University. I have a master’s degree in Leadership and Administration from Baker University. I also have my ESOL endorsement.
This is my 18th year in the Wichita Public School District. I have taught 3rd grade and k-5 ESOL. Helping students unlock their potential is one of my favorite things about education.
I look forward to supporting Seltzer Elementary staff, students, and families and seeing all the growth that is made!