Contact Information

Phone: 913-667-6200 x2365

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Michelle Hite

Michelle Hite serves as Director of Elementary Curriculum & Instruction, Accreditation at USD 232.  Her primary areas of focus are Elementary C&I, Accreditation, MTSS, assessments, and student achievement.  She joined the district in 2006 as a teacher, and served as a Learning Coach and Principal.  She has a career of 33 years in public education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, master’s degree in Administrative Leadership, and district administrative licensure.  

 

Phone: 913-667-6200 ext. 2640

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Jeri Powers

Jeri Powers serves as the District Literacy Specialist for grades K-12. Her primary area of focus is to assist in guidance of professional development, long-term planning, dyslexia support, and MTSS reading intervention work. She joined the district in 1983 as a third grade teacher and then stayed home for several years with her three sons. Rejoining the district in 1996, she has served as an early childhood para-professional and building level reading specialist. Her career as an educator spans more than 25 years. 

Jeri earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a master’s degree in Teaching & Leadership, and certifications as a Reading Specialist K-12 and ESOL. Additionally she serves on the Kansas Legislative Task Force on Dyslexia and is a National LETRS trainer, which provides professional development on the Science of Reading. She enjoys working with teachers and administrators to deepen their knowledge of the Science of Reading so that student literacy growth is maximized.   

 

Phone: (913) 667-6200, ext. 2316

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Nichole Gurwell

District Instructional Specialist, Elementary
 
Mrs. Gurwell joined the curriculum team in July 2019 and was previously an elementary school teacher at Clear Creek Elementary. Prior to that she was a teacher and Instructional Coach in the Tonganoxie School District.  Nichole was honored as the Clear Creek Teacher of the Year, Jedel Math Award Semi-Finalist, KTOY District Finalist, KSDE Horizon Award Winner, and a KSDE Teacher of Promise. 
 
Nichole Gurwell earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Nebraska, a Master’s Degree in Special Education from the University of St Mary and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Pittsburg State University. Prior to becoming an educator, Nichole was a television reporter at stations around the midwest. Nichole lives in Shawnee and enjoys coaching Mill Valley High School Girl’s Tennis and spending time with her husband, Owen, and her children Morgan and Caden.

Phone: 913-667-6200 x3106

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Tami Casey

Tami Casey joined De Soto Schools in the spring of 2019 and serves as the Executive Administrative Assistant of the Curriculum and Instruction Department.   Tami is a Kansas City native and mom to 13 International Exchange Students.  A move in 2015 took she and husband Gary to the suburbs of Minneapolis, MN, where she enjoyed her job as the Registrar for Chaska Middle School East in Chaska, MN,  After a few Minnesota winters they left the bold north behind, returned to their roots and are happy to call KC home again.