Posted

Ashley Peterson
Substitute Staffing Specialist

Ashley Peterson

 

As a former teacher, Ashley Peterson knows what it takes to work in education. Her educator background gives her unique insight into the needs of districts and substitutes alike.

“Having been in the classroom for a number of years, I am able to act proactively to address the needs of our districts,” Ashley said.

Before entering the world of education, Ashley grew up in St. Charles, MO. She attend the University of Kansas where she was on the swim team. After earning her Bachelors of Science in Education, Ashley began her career in the Lawrence Public School District, teaching mid-level mathematics at Liberty Memorial Central Middle School and West Middle School.

“I really enjoyed my time as a teacher,” she said. “My favorite class to teach was Geometry.”

When looking for a career change, Ashley found that her skills and experience made her a perfect fit for MHED.

When she isn’t recruiting and training substitutes, Ashley enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, running and biking and spending time with her husband Eric and dog Hendrix at their home in Overland Park.

 

Joni Kelsey
Substitute Staffing Specialist

Joni Kelsey

 

College basketball player. Private eye. Middle school secretary. Joni Kelsey is a woman of many talents.

Joni grew up in Visalia, CA, and attended the College of Sequoias and California Lutheran University where she played basketball for the Lady Giants and the Running Regals, respectively.

“Growing up in California was a lot of fun,” Joni said. “We were very close to both the beach and the Sequoia National Forest where I spent a lot of time.”

After earning her Bachelor of Arts, Joni’s first job out of college was as a Private Investigator in San Diego, CA.

“Being a PI was very interesting,” Joni said. “AS a first job out of college, I started my journey learning how to work as a team, do research on a professional level and develop my administrative skills. This was all before the age of computers.”

After putting her gumshoe days behind her, Joni moved to Kansas and eventually began working as a secretary at Monticello Trails Middle School in the De Soto School District.

“Working as a secretary in a middle school, you learn to wear a lot of hats,” she said. “I loved working with the students, staff and parents. I loved being the problem solver and the listening ear. I definitely was able to use my multitasking skills as there are so many things that go on in schools all at the same time.”

Joni knows what is needed from the school’s perspective in the substitute teaching realm.  She saw it first hand in her secretary role and is very passionate about making sure that substitute teachers are informed, trained and excited about their role in the schools and that communication is top priority with each of the schools MHED works with.

In her free time, Joni enjoys gardening, doing home rehab, and volunteering for charities like Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House, Christmas in October, and ServeKC. Joni is a big fan of the Royals, Chiefs and KU basketball and lives in Overland Park, KS.

 

Angela Hunt
Program Director

Angela Hunt

 

As Program Director for MHED, Angela Hunt manages day to day operations and develops new strategies for recruiting and retaining our talented substitute teachers, as well as develops new partnerships with school districts in Kansas and Missouri.

“I love working at MHED,” Angela said. “I get the chance to interact with our subs on a daily basis as well as work with the secretaries, principals and district administrators at each of our schools.”

After earning her bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from Northwest Missouri State University, Angela attended Grantham University for a Master’s degree in Performance Improvement. Angela’s time at Grantham didn’t end after she completed her Master’s degree. She continued at the university in the admission’s and training department, eventually becoming the Director of Education outreach for 8 years.

“Serving in different roles at Grantham University has given me the knowledge I need to be able to grow the MHED business by developing relationships with new school districts in the Kansas City metro area to help them with their substitute teacher placements,” she said.

Angela lives in Kansas City, MO, with her husband of 16 years, a Battalion Chief for the Kansas City, MO Fire Department, and her two children. She is an avid gym-goer and enjoys vacationing with her family, gardening, cooking, and watching her son play football and lacrosse.