GREEN GATE CHILDREN'S SCHOOL - Key Persons
Ms. Danielle is a Wichita native and grew up on a small horse ranch. As a child she loved to ride horses and even participated in barrel racing. She pursued her nursing degree at Newman University. While at Newman, Danielle played on the women's soccer team. Ms. Danielle is married to her hard-working husband, Donald, and is the mother to five children. She is an active softball mama and spends lots of time at the ball fields. She has a way with animals and has two dogs named Cooper and Duke. In her free time, she enjoys using her creative talents by designing decorative wooden signs, tee-shirts, and other home decor items. She loves staying active and spending time outdoors.
DEB WANER (a.k.a Grandma Debbie)-Chef, Creative Designer
Grandma Debbie is our Green Gate meal planner, chef, and artist/creative designer. She lovingly plans and prepares all our homemade meals and snacks, cares for our chickens, designs and creates our holiday sets and displays, and spends lots of time reading to our preschoolers. She went to Friends University to earn a degree in Music. She was in the Singing Quakers and spent many years as a member of an acapello singing group called Spirit. She was even invited to Washington D.C. and sung at the White House! She has spent her life dedicated to all sorts of creative pursuits and continues to share her talents and expertise in art and music with our students.
Job Titles:
- Lead Preschool Teacher / Early Childhood Specialist
Ms. Jill grew up in Saskatchewan, Canada. After graduation she moved to the United States where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education (K-8) from Newman University. She has been in the teaching field for 15 years, primarily in preschool and kindergarten. She is married to her wonderful husband, Jeremy of 22 years. They have 3 children ages 16, 12, and 8. They also have a black lab named Remy. She loves to travel, spend time with family and friends, and go on Pinterest! They are active in ministry and Ms. Jill has had the privilege to go on many missions trips including Africa and Greece where she had the opportunity to serve others. Ms. Jill believes God made each child unique and her greatest joy is seeing children excited about learning!
Job Titles:
- Director & Grade School Classroom Facilitator
- Founder and Director of Green Gate Children 's School
Ms. Katie is the Founder and Director of Green Gate Children's School. She has been a teacher and program director for the last 23 years. She has a BA degree in Child Development and Human Services from Fort Hays State University and has earned a graduate level certification in Literacy Intervention. She is also a community trainer for K.C.C.T.O and conducts workshops on a broad range of early childhood topics. Katie has been married to her husband, Stan, for 23 years, has two teenage daughters, an adorable pup, a cat, and three birds. She has a love for reading, nature, and simple living. She is passionate about creating alternative educational environments which inspire kids to explore their interests and direct their own learning.
Job Titles:
- JONES - Grade School Classroom Facilitator
Ms. Lisa grew up in Garden Plain, KS and attended Wichita State University as an education major. She is married to her husband, Cody, and they have two boys named Greyson and Benny. She also has a 10-yr-old dog named Charlie.
She loves being a 'boymom' to her adventurous young sons! She and her family travel often during the summer months and enjoy camping at the beach and in the mountains. Her favorite times of the year are Christmas and Summer! Ms. Lisa is very creative and has a small handmade jewelry business (LisaAnne). She loves building relationships with her students and working with with them one-on-one and in small groups.
Job Titles:
- Grade School Creative Arts Teacher
Ms. Mo grew up on a dairy farm in Viola, KS and was homeschooled in the '80s before homeschooling was cool! She studied Art History at Wichita State University for several years until the education of her own three children became her main priority. She cherishes the years she has been a homeschool mama but is nearly finished with that chapter in her story, as her youngest is a junior in high school. She taught Art and Art History for the past 5 years at CHFM, a homeschool coop at Central Christian Church. Currently, she works and teaches at The Wichita Children's Theatre & Dance Center and is also a docent at the Wichita Art Museum. She feels very strongly about allowing children to learn at their own pace by providing flexibility and support to help them discover their God-given strengths and follow their unique paths.
Job Titles:
- Grade School Classroom Facilitator / Math & Science Specialist
Mr. Stan is the quintessential life-long learner. He has followed his interests throughout his life, which have taken him all over the country and across the globe. Stan honorably served 13 years in the United States Military. Shortly after, he earned a BS degree in Biochemistry from Wichita State University and attended KU Medical school for two years. Stan has worked with kids in preschool through college-age in the community, schools, online, and in workshops for the last 24 years. He brings energy and genuine enthusiasm to his teaching and his smile is contagious. Some of his interests include knitting/cross-stitching, skateboarding, acting, fitness/exercise, playing guitar, swimming, chemistry, and travel.