Staff Directory
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| Staff | Honorific | First Name | Name | Title | Department | Address | Bio | Phone | Fax | Photo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hangen | Andrea | Hangen, Andrea | Principal | Wilder | I am excited to serve at the principal of Wilder elementary! Before coming to Wilder I was an assistant principal at Westport Elementary here in Springfield. I also taught third grade in three different districts. We are going to have a great year! | amhangen@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/Andrea Hangen_0001.jpg | ||||
| Solomon | Ellen | Solomon, Ellen | Administrative Assistant | Wilder | Hello, my name is Ellen Solomon and I am honored to be the Wilder Elementary school secretary. I have over 20 years of experience working in an office environment and supporting large teams. My husband Chipper and I have 2 daughters who both attend(ed) Wilder and we have adored going to school here from the beginning. | eksolomon@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/ellensolomon.png | ||||
| Browning | Jena | Browning, Jena | Kindergarten Teacher | Wilder | I enjoy reading and gardening in my spare time. I have three children. Savannah, my oldest, is attending MSU this year. My son Jonathan is going into the 11th grade at Glendale. Kaylee, my youngest, is starting third grade. I graduated with Bachelors degree in Elementary Education from Drury in 2014. This will be my 6th year teaching at Wilder Elementary. My favorite grade to teach, by far, is Kindergarten. | browning@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/Browning.jpg | ||||
| Sheets | Megan | Sheets, Megan | Kindergarten Teacher | Wilder | I've been teaching at Wilder for seven years and before that I taught at Jeffries Elementary for three years. I've taught Kindergarten and First Grade. I graduated from Drury University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, certificate in Early Childhood, and Master's of Special Reading. My husband, Guy, and I have been married for 18 years and have 3 kids. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, reading, and being outdoors. | mksheets@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/909/megan sheets.jpg | ||||
| Moss | Danielle | Moss, Danielle | First Grade Teacher | Wilder | This will be my 14th year at Wilder and my 10th year teaching 1st grade. I have taught 2nd, 3rd and 4th, but 1st is my favorite! I went to Mizzou where I earned a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Elementary education, as well as my Master's degree in Literacy with Special Reading certification. I celebrated my 16th anniversary with my husband Murray this summer and we have 2 kids - Aubrey (10) and Owen (8). You may see them around as they are both Wilder Wildcats as well! | Dnmoss@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/moss new.jpg | ||||
| Kaufman | Maria | Kaufman, Maria | Second Grade Teacher | Wilder | This is the start of my 22nd year of teaching and my 11th year at Wilder. My undergraduate degree is from MU, my first master’s is from SBU, and my second master’s is from MSU in teaching English to students of other languages. Although I’ve lived in SW Missouri my whole life, my husband, Justin, and I have a goal of exploring every US National Park. I love spending time with family and friends, reading, and baking/cooking. I’m so thankful to be a Wilder Wildcat! | mkaufman@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/kaufman25.jpeg | ||||
| Moody | Kim | Moody, Kim | Second Grade Teacher | Wilder | I teach 2nd grade here at Wilder. I was born and raised in the Ozarks. I obtained my Bachelors in Elementary Education from Drury University and my Master of Education in Literacy from Evangel University. This is my thirteenth-year teaching and my sixth year at Wilder. I love being outdoors, going to church, and it's not unusual to see me singing (and maybe even dancing) in the car. I'm passionate about education and love being a Wilder Wildcat! | kmmoody@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/kimmoody.jpg | ||||
| Sullivan | Lori | Sullivan, Lori | Third Grade Teacher | Wilder | This is my 12th year teaching and my third year at Wilder. I have taught 2nd and 3rd grade for my entire career and am really excited to be moving up to 4th grade this year! I received my Bachelors degree from Missouri State University in 2010 and my Masters in Teaching and Learning in 2021. I also have a Elementary Math Specialist certification from MSU. In my free time, I enjoy reading, outdoor activities, and spending time with my husband, Ryan, two sons, George(7) and Henry(4), and our dog. | lasullivan@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/lori sullivan.jpg | ||||
| Kovacs | Amanda | Kovacs, Amanda | Fourth Grade Teacher | Wilder | This is my 5th year of teaching and being at Wilder. I graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Master's degree in Multicultural Literacy. I am passionate about learning and serving my community. I absolutely love being a part of the Wilder family. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, running, and traveling somewhere new! | amkovacs@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/Amanda Kovacs.jpg | ||||
| Bean | Ellyn | Bean, Ellyn | Fifth Grade Teacher | Wilder | I teach 5th grade. This is my 6th year at Wilder. I graduated from Evangel University in 2014. I have been married to my husband, Dale, for 9 years. We have a 7 year old son, Hudson, a one year old daughter named Addelyn, and a dog named, Max. We spend most of our nights watching Dale coach softball and basketball for Strafford. I enjoy spending time with family, shopping, going to the lake and crafting. | egbean@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/Bean.jpg | ||||
| Ott | Tiffany | Ott, Tiffany | Fifth Grade Teacher | Wilder | My name is Tiffany Ott, and I’m proud to be starting my 13th year at Wilder! I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Literacy, both from Missouri State University. My husband, Randy, and I are lifelong Springfield residents, and together we’ve raised two amazing children who are the lights of our life. I’m passionate about helping students grow as learners and readers, and I’m so excited for another fantastic year at Wilder! | taott@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/tiffany ott.jpg | ||||
| Howser | Lisa | Howser, Lisa | Speech/Language | Wilder/Holland | I am the Speech-Language Pathologist at Wilder Elementary. I have been a Speech-Language Pathologist with SPS for 12 years and this is my 3rd year at Wilder. My husband, James, and I have two kids, Sarah (21) and David (18). I'm so excited to be here and be a part of the Wilder community! | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/Howser.jpg | |||||
| David | Aubrey | David, Aubrey | Cross/Categorical Teacher | I have been teaching for SPS for eleven years. This is my sixth year at Wilder as the full time Cross-Cat Special Education teacher. My husband and I have been married for 20 years and we are raising our five teenagers, who keep up very busy! As of this year, we have two boys at college and two boys and a girl still at home. When I am not teaching or driving my kids around, I enjoy reading, family game nights, watching movies, camping, and crafting. | adavid@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/aubrey david.jpg | |||||
| Hall | Robin | Hall, Robin | CSS Teacher | Wilder | This is my 2nd year of teaching in the CSS classroom. I am excited to be back with Wilder. I am currently going back to school to get my master in deaf and hard of hearing. I have two children that I enjoy spending time with while not at school. | rmhall@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/hall.jpeg | ||||
| Holzknecht | Libby | Holzknecht, Libby | CSS Paraprofessional | Wilder | elholzknecht@spsmail.org | ||||||
| Coleman | Shannon | Coleman, Shannon | CSS Paraprofessional | Wilder | sdcoleman@spsmail.org | ||||||
| Downey | Shavonne | Downey, Shavonne | Art Teacher | Specials | Wilder | I received my Bachelor's degree from Mizzou and my Master’s degree in Teaching from MSU. I love traveling, being outdoors. painting, writing, gardening, and dancing! I am passionate about art and aim to allow kids a place to be inspired and explore their own creativity. I’m so proud to be a part of this amazing community! | smdowney@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/downey.jpg | |||
| Campbell | Jennifer | Campbell, Jennifer | Librarian | Wilder | I have been teaching since 2001. I started at Wilder in 2009. I received my Bachelor degree in Elementary Education and Master degree in Reading. I enjoy reading, baking, and traveling. | jcampbell@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/Jennifer Campbell.jpg | ||||
| Moore | Meagan | Moore, Meagan | Instructional Technology | Wilder | My name is Meagan Moore. I’ve taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades before following my passion for technology! I earned my master’s in educational technology and instructional design in 2025. I love being a Wilder Wildcat and never miss a chance to go all out for spirit days. I am passionate about helping each student to be the best version of themselves, and making school and fun and safe space for everyone to grow and learn! | mrmoore@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/Meagan Moore.png | ||||
| Horton | Amanda | Horton, Amanda | Music Teacher | Wilder | I started teaching with SPS in 2013. I joined the Wilder community in 2017. I am thankful for the opportunity to share a love of music with my students at Wilder! I have a Bachelors of Music Education with a Vocal emphasis from Harding University in Searcy, AR and a Masters of Teaching and Learning from Missouri State. I enjoy spending time with my husband, Caleb, our two energetic bloodhounds, exploring the great outdoors, and playing board games! | arhorton@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/Horton.jpg | ||||
| Wood | Kristi | Wood, Kristi | Head Custodian | Wilder | I am the Head Custodian at Wilder. I have worked with SPS custodial a total of 22 years with 9 years at Wilder. I grew up in Mt. Vernon, MO and have lived in Springfield 30 years. I have been married to my husband, Darrell, for 29 years and we have 2 children, Kelsey and Dillon My favorite thing about Wilder are the students, they can brighten any day! | kkwood@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/Wood.jpg | ||||
| Neal | Paula | Neal, Paula | Process Coordinator | Wilder | With 25 years of experience in education, including 13 years in Special Education, I am excited to begin my first year at SPS as a Process Coordinator. My husband and I have been married for 34 years and have two sons, the youngest of whom is a senior this year. We are also the proud grandparents of five, which keeps us very busy! In my free time, I love to be outdoors, enjoying activities like fishing, hunting, hiking, and camping. | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/paula neal.png | |||||
| Salley | Aaron | Salley, Aaron | Learning Specialist | ||||||||
| Greer | Nancy | Greer, Nancy | Wonder Years Teacher | Wilder | This is my fourth year at Wilder and my 20th year of teaching. I have taught in MO, NC, and on military bases overseas. I have a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in literacy. I am also certified as a reading specialist. I enjoy reading, being outside, exercising, and traveling (19 countries so far!). I have been married to Ken for 32 years and have a daughter, Jenna. My favorite things about Wilder are the friendly, helpful, and caring staff! | njgreer@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/Nancy Greer.jpg | ||||
| Grant | Ashley | Grant, Ashley | Fourth Grade Teacher | Wilder | With 10 years of teaching experience, I've spent the past 4 years at Wilder Elementary, and it's been an incredible journey. I truly love creating a welcoming and engaging environment for my students where learning feels like an adventure. My classroom, with its ocean-themed decor, is designed to help kids relax and feel at home while they explore new concepts. I'm passionate about fostering a positive and supportive atmosphere, and I'm proud to be part of such a fantastic school community! | Agrant@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/Ashley Grant.jpg | ||||
| Cvitak | Jill | Cvitak, Jill | School Nurse | Wilder | I have been a nurse since 2007 mostly in the operating room. I have one daughter that I simply adore. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my daughter, running (poorly), walking, reading, and cheering on my Detroit Red Wings! | jmcvitak@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/Jill Cvitak.png | ||||
| Davis | Chris | Davis, Chris | Physical Education | Wilder | This is my 3rd year in SPS and 1st year at Wilder. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education at Missouri State University. I have lived in the area my entire life growing up in Lebanon, MO my entire life and moving to Springfield, MO for college. In my free time I enjoy playing golf and going on adventures with my labradoodle name Murphy and my girlfriend Hannah. I also enjoy coaching sports after school. I currently coach football, 8th grade girl’s basketball and 7th grade boy’s bas | christopherldavis@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/Chris Davis.jpg | ||||
| Ragan | Emily | Ragan, Emily | First Grade Teacher | Wilder | This is my fourth year at Wilder teaching first grade. I got my undergraduate degree from Olivet Nazarene University in Early Childhood Education. I am currently going to graduate with my Master's in Reading Specialty in December from Olivet. I was born in Nashville, TN, but have lived in Springfield for most of my life. Some things I like to do in my free time is spend time with my family, friends, watching anything Tennessee Vols sports, traveling, and anything related to music. | egragan@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/Emily Ragan.jpg | ||||
| Angel | Kelley | Angel, Kelley | CSS Paraprofessional | Wilder | I have been with SPS as a special education paraprofessional for 10 years. I am a mother of three. My husband and I are into vinyl records. I also love to read and be in nature! I can't wait to meet everyone! | klangel@spsmail.org | |||||
| Bennett | Julie | Bennett, Julie | Counselor | jbaxter-bennett@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/julie bennett.jpg | ||||||
| Bencsek | Anna | Bencsek, Anna | Lunch Aide | Wilder | |||||||
| Childers | Kristen | Childers, Kristen | Early Childhood Special Education Teacher | Wilder | Greetings, Dr. Childers here! I am at 26-year veteran teacher with my doctorate in Educational Leadership. I just moved to Springfield from Kansas City. Missouri Girl! I love to canoe, read, and spend time with my husband and son. | kachilders@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/kristenchildres.jpg | ||||
| Friend | Emily | Friend, Emily | Third Grade Teacher | Wilder | I am so excited to be teaching 3rd grade this year! Previously, I’ve taught 1st grade, 3rd grade, Math Intervention, and most recently have served as an Instructional Coach in the district. I have received both my Bachelors and Masters in Elementary Education. I am married to my husband Mitch, and we have four children-Addelin, Clayton, Briella and Benjamin. We love to travel, stay active, and enjoy doing things together! They keep us very busy! | eafriend@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/emilyfriend.jpg | ||||
| Julian | Briana | Julian, Briana | Wonder Years Para | Wilder | bjjulian@spsmail.org | ||||||
| Kaiser | Ashley | Kaiser, Ashley | Early Childhood Special Education Para | Wilder | |||||||
| Lawson | Whitney | Lawson, Whitney | CSS Paraprofessional | I’m a para in the special education classroom (CSS). This is my second school year at Wilder and I love it here! I’ve been married to my awesome husband for 20 years. We have 5 kiddos. Our oldest two are out of the house now and one of them just started college to go into education.Then 2 at Central and one at Wilson’s creek. And I’m an excited for the new school year!!! | wflawson@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/Whitney.png | |||||
| Long | Jill | Long, Jill | Parents as Teachers Educator | Wilder | sjlong@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/Jill Long.jpg | |||||
| May | Carmen | May, Carmen | Kitchen | ||||||||
| Nagy | Natalie | Nagy, Natalie | Occupational Therapist | This will be my fourth year with Springfield Public Schools and as Wilder’s OT, working both with early childhood and elementary students. I love being an OT and getting to work alongside so many awesome students, families and staff here at Wilder. My husband (Nate) and I love to spend time with our wild pup (Casey), cheer on our Mizzou Tigers and Kansas City Chiefs and spend time outdoors in the beautiful Ozarks! | ndnagy@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/Natalie pic.jpg | |||||
| Ocarz | Elena | Ocarz, Elena | Kitchen | Wilder | |||||||
| Snyder | Briahna | Snyder, Briahna | Focus Room | Wilder | bhsnyder@spsmail.org | ||||||
| Stephens | Mckayla | Stephens, Mckayla | Third Grade Teacher | Wilder | Hi! I’m Mrs. Stephens, and this is my second year teaching 3rd grade. I graduated from Grand Canyon University in 2023 and am excited to start my first year at Wilder! I’m a mom of two and have a sweet 1-year-old mini dachshund named Wilson. My family and I love hiking and hitting the gym in our free time. I’m looking forward to a fantastic year! | mmstephens@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/mckayla stephens.jpeg | ||||
| Tan | Kimberly | Tan, Kimberly | Special Education Teacher | Wilder | Kimberly Tan is a special educator with 14 years of classroom experience. She holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in Elementary Education (K-5) and Special Education (K-12) from Morehead State University in Kentucky. She received her Master’s degree in Literacy from Missouri State University. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Justin, and their two sons, Bowen and Beckham, as well as traveling, reading, and painting. | kgtan@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/Tan.jpg | ||||
| Wells | Kacey | Wells, Kacey | ISA | Wilder | Hello! My name is Kacey Wells and I am the ISA here at Wilder. I have been at multiple schools and Wilder is definitely my home! I have a loving and supportive husband, as well as a 17-year-old sister-in-law whom we are raising. I love to read, sing, and hanging out with my big family! I am so excited to be at Wilder again for another amazing year! | kaceywells@spsmail.org | |||||
| Garvin | Christa | Garvin, Christa | Kitchen | Wilder | |||||||
| Jones | Megan | Jones, Megan | Library Clerical | Wilder | I am the Library Clerical for Wilder. I started as a clerical for SPS in 2021, but have lived in Springfield (almost) my entire life, and actually went to SPS schools for all of K-12 (Weller, Pipkin, and Central). I am married to my wife Kaley, who is also in education. We have 3 cats - Abby, Loki, and Nova. When I'm not at school I like to read, play video games, and do DIY projects. | mrjones@spsmail.org | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/Megan Jones.png | ||||
| Griser | Kristin | Griser, Kristin | Burrell School-Based Support Specialist | Wilder | I am the School-Based Support Specialist with Burrell Health here at Wilder. I work within Wilder 2 days a week and am here to support student and staff. I am a graduate of Evangel University with a BS in Human Services. I am a Springfield native and a graduate of SPS. I have been married to my husband, Dan, for 19 years, and we have 2 children, Maggie is 18, and Thaddeus is 15. We enjoy lots of time together at the lake and with our extended family and friends. | kristin.griser@burrelcenter.com | https://www.sps.org/cms/lib/MO01909182/Centricity/Domain/48/kristin.jpg |
