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HAVEN ACADEMY OF SALINA
SCHOOL STAFF
Mrs. Karla Hoover
Kindergarten & First Grade Teacher
Hello! I am Karla Hoover. I received my BS in Elementary Education from Kansas State University and, more recently, have received training to work with struggling readers and students with Dyslexia. I have always enjoyed working with small groups of children or one-on-one and helping them make the connections needed to learn new information. I love seeing the "ah-ha" moment!
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My husband, Mark, and I have been married 31 years and home educated our three boys all the way through their school years. They are now all adults; one is married and has given me my only granddaughter. The other two are living the bachelor life as roommates. In my free time, I enjoy baking, gardening, being outdoors, and watching movies.
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I look forward to getting to know you and your children!
Mrs. Heidi Donley
Second & Third Grade Teacher
My name is Heidi Donley and I am extremely excited and honored to be teaching 2nd-3rd grade at Haven Academy. My twenty-year educational career has included work as a paraprofessional, Parents as Teachers educator, and elementary teacher. God has blessed my life in many ways, one of which was earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from Wichita State University. I believe it is not only important to educate a child’s mind, but their heart as well. I love seeing students each day, and I make it my number one priority to have students feel safe, welcomed and included.
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On days when I am not in the classroom, you will find me outdoors, helping on our family farm and enjoying the beauty of nature. In addition, you may discover me spending time with my family, which includes my husband, two sons, daughter and daughter-in-law. I am very grateful as my family is close-knit and enjoys each other’s company.
As a woman of faith, I am proud to serve Haven Academy and I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you.
Mrs. Lora Stanley
School Administrator
My name is Lora Stanley and I am the Part-Time Administrator for Haven. I have a B.S.E. in Elementary Education from Emporia State University and a M.S.E. in Educational Administration from Fort Hays State University. I have taught both 1st and 2nd grades at Bennington and Abilene.
My husband, Darren, and I have 4 children who are all married and (almost) 8 grandkids! At the end of the 2023-2024 school year, I had resigned from teaching but God had other plans for me as I was prompted to apply for this position. I am excited to use the gifts and talents that God has given me toserve the children and families of Haven Academy!
Mrs. Tisha Berens
Afternoon Classroom Aide
Ms. Krista "Koko" Ball
Afternoon Classroom Aide
Mrs. Katie Stoddard
Physical Education Director
I am so excited to be a part of Haven Academy as the PE teacher! Playing and coaching sports has been such a blessing in my life. I played basketball at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff and recieved a degree in Parks and Recreation and Outdoor Education. I met my lovely husband, Tyler, in Flagstaff and we have four children: Julius, Harlan, Quinn and Monroe. I am a native of Salina and after moving back to Kansas, I recieved my masters degree in Social Work from KU. I hope to share my passion for sports, games, outdoors and movement with the students of Haven Academy!
Mrs. Lindsay Mueting
Music Appreciation Teacher
Hello! My name is Lindsey Mueting and I am honored to teach the music class here at Haven. With a minor in music from Kansas State University and 13 years in youth development extension education, I love the opportunity to teach and impact youth. I currently am a Kindermusik Instructor at Joyful Noise Studios and have the opportunity to teach other STEM related classes and camps through the studio and playhouse.
My biggest passions are music and theatre. But I love my time in my home bakery and teaching baking classes! I am currently the Christian Education Chair at my church and enjoy traveling and spending time with my husband and family of 5 kids, two horses and two dogs!
Mrs. Melissa Brodbeck
STEAM Teacher
I was born and raised in Hays, Kansas. I graduated from Kansas State University with an undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering then went on to get my MBA from Eastern Michigan University while working in Michigan. I spent 40 years working in manufacturing as an engineer and in management roles. Most of my career was spent working for Toyota. After returning home to Kansas, I worked for Great Plains Manufacturing in Salina and recently retired. I have 2 adult children whom I enjoy visiting in Michigan and they call Kansas their second home.
I have a strong interest in art, including ceramics and glass fusing. I believe that art is based on both creativity and science and math. I have had the opportunity to spend time with elementary students teaching them about engineering, math, science, and all that these encompass. It is such a joy to see them interact with each other and understand subjects and concepts that are new to them.
I look forward to introducing the children to fun and interesting art projects that will incorporate math, science, creativity and teamwork.
Dr. Bradley Irvin
"Dr. Science"
While most people in Salina probably know me as Dr. Irvin, the Haven Academy students know me better as "Dr. Science". I stop by to teach science classes when Haven is in need of some mad science (or regular science too). I'm a family medicine doctor who graduated from the University of Kansas, and current seminary student with hopes of planting more churches! Why would this crazy guy take on all that you ask? Well if you hadn't gathered from the picture above, I am a bit "mad". More than that, I am fiercely committed to the importance of solid Christian education and the importance of raising generations of children who not only exist in the world but will be equipped to go out and change it for the better!
Mrs. Nicole Ball
Administration Department
My name is Nicole Ball, and I am blessed to be part of the Haven Academy team. Having had the opportunity to work for a wonderful nonprofit organization for 10+ years, God has graciously equipped me to be able to serve Haven through administrative opportunities.
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My husband, our three children, and I are blessed to be part of a ministry family. The flexible academic schedule that Haven offers gives our family more quality time together, while still providing the classroom structure that we love!
Mrs. Emily Irvin
Communications Department
My name is Emily Irvin, and I'm a Christian wife, mom of four, and nurse. I love the opportunity Haven Academy gives my family to spend more time together while still having quality Christian teachers and a classroom experience. In elementary school, I had the privilege of attending a hybrid school, and I'm so grateful my children can have the same type of education!
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I am passionate about finding ways for Haven Academy to meet the needs of families seeking flexible alternative education. I arrange specialized learning opportunities for the students of Haven Academy by involving local organizations that promote fun, hands-on education that will stick with our students long-term!
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