Gallatin R-5 new teachers are pictured, left to right, Amanda Harper, Ally Ockenfels, Chris Wever, Kirbie Crouse and Carrie Crouse. Not shown is Rhonda Malo.
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Kirbie Crouse, 23, Gallatin, will teach social studies, English and reading for sixth grade. Born and raised in Gallatin, Kirbie graduated from its high school. She received her degree in middle school social studies from Missouri Valley College and student taught at Carrollton Middle School.
Chris Wever, 31, Chillicothe, will teach social studies for grades seven and eight. Born and raised in Mooresville, he graduated from high school at Southwest R-1, Ludlow. Chris received his B.S. in education from Missouri State University, and his master’s in educational leadership from Park University. He previously taught for seven years at Southwest R-1, and for one year at Tri-County. He and his wife Keyona have two children, Olivia, 6, and Sydney, 4.
Ally Ockenfels, 21, Stewartsville, will teach art for grades 7-12. Born and raised in Trenton, she graduated from high school there. She received her associate in arts in teaching and a B.S. in education from North Central Missouri College and Missouri Western. Ally did her student teaching at Gallatin. She has been an Upward Bound supervisor, a tutor and has field experience.
Amanda Harper, 42, Gallatin, will teach English and Missouri history for third grade. Born and raised in Phoenix, AZ, Amanda graduated from South Mountain High School in Phoenix. She received an associate in arts in teaching and a B.A. in elementary education from North Central Missouri College and Western Governor’s University. She student taught at Gallatin. She has taught preschool/daycare and been an early childhood special education classroom aide. Her husband Dominic is an auto body technician. They have five children, Ariel, 22, Taylor, 19, Emma, 14, Ian, 5, and Dallin, 5.
Carrie Crouse, 52, Gallatin, will serve as counselor for grades 7-12. Born and raised in Gallatin, Carried graduated from its high school. She received her degree in agricultural education from Missouri State University; her master’s in counseling from the University of Central Missouri; and her master’s in administration from William Woods. She previously taught at North Daviess, Winston and Trenton. Her husband Gene raises cattle. They have two children, Kirbie, 23, and Tom, 17.
Rhonda Malo, 63, Lake Viking, returns to Gallatin R-5 to fill a critical shortage and will teach special education for grades 9-12. Rhonda was born and raised in Weston. She graduated from West Platte R-2. She received a B.S. degree in biology, with a minor in chemistry from Missouri Western State University. She has a teaching certificate for grades 5-9 science, and special education certification. Her husband, Chuck Malo, is foreman at Herzog Railroad Division. She has three grown children, Meredith McCann, Laura McCann and Timothy McCann.