Ms. Alysia Brooks

Education: Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Missouri State, Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University

Experience: 13 years

Hello! My name is Alysia Brooks. I am originally from Marshall, Missouri where I lived on a family farm with my parents and two brothers. I came to Springfield to attend Missouri State University where I met my husband Brent. We have been married 13 years and have two children, Cooper, 10, and Eleanor 5. We live in Billings with our dog Mia and our chickens. When we are not at different sporting events, you can find us on the lake where we are learning how to ski, surf, and wakeboard.

Ms. Carolyn Gerke

Education: Bachelors of Arts in Psychology, Master of Arts in Education, certification in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Special Education

Experience: I have worked as a paraprofessional for 4 years and this will be my third year teaching in my own classroom.

Hello! My name is Carolyn Gerke. I was born and raised in Springfield until I went to college at the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO. After college, I moved to St. Louis with my husband where we lived for 7 years. We moved back to the area and settled in Republic 10 years ago. I have worked in the Republic School District for the past 5 years. My husband and I have 2 sons, ages 9 and 11 who have attended Republic since they were in preschool at the Early Childhood Center.

Ms. Courtney Laswell

Education: Master of Science in Literacy, Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education

Experience: 2020-Present Preschool, 2018-2020 Kindergarten

Hello! My name is Courtney Laswell. This will be my fourth year of teaching preschool in Republic. Prior to joining EC, I spent two years teaching kindergarten. I graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Literacy. I grew up in Republic and love being able to serve the community that I grew up in. I live in Republic with my husband, Jake, our son, Elliott, and our chocolate lab, Ruger. In my free time, I enjoy going on walks, reading, and spending time with family and friends. I am looking forward to a great school year!

Ms. Elizabeth Pollett

Education: Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education

Experience: Going on my 5th year!

Hello! My name is Elizabeth Pollett. I have been with EC and Republic School District since I finished college in 2019. I teach half day classes, and I love getting to teach so many of our youngest learners every year!

Ms. Kortney Fisher

Ms. Jody Matthews

Education: MS in Special Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood Special Education B-8, Pittsburg State University, 2002 BS in Education, K-6, 7-12 Physical Education, Coaching, University of NE at Lincoln, 1990

Experience: 31 years

Hello! I'm Ms. Jody, and I am an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher for the Republic School District. This is my 6th year with this wonderful District. I am going on my 25th year teaching early childhood special education. I love working with 3-5 year olds. I embrace and love all of the challenges and successes that come with teaching my students. I strive to challenge my students to reach their highest potential as they prepare for kindergarten. I love building relationships with the families that I serve. I truly believe it takes a whole team effort to provide the best education for your child!

Ms. Kristi Barnes

Education: BS Social Science Education (SBU), MS SPED (Drury) -Cert: Early Childhood Special Education; 9-12 Social Sciences

Experience: 8th grade Social Studies 1 year; 5 years Early Childhood Special Education

Hello! My name is Kristi Barnes, I taught 1 year 8th Grade Social Studies at Mtn View-Liberty High School then went into banking for several years before becoming a stay-at-home mom. My husband works in finance, we have two boys, ages 15 and 10, and a Springer Spaniel. I love to travel, watch baseball, and grill outside. My youngest son was in the Republic ECSE program for 2.5 years. When he went to Kindergarten I began substituting in Republic Schools and after a few times subbing at EC, I discovered my calling. I then became a paraprofessional at EC for 1 year and a teacher the following year. I am beginning my 6th year at EC. I look forward to teaching new young learners!!

Ms. Christine Keller

Education: Truman State University MAE program graduate with Master’s degree in Education and certification in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education

Experience: This will be my ninth year in teaching, and I have taught preschool, kindergarten, first, and second grade.

Hello!  My name is Christine Keller.  I grew up in Springfield with strong family ties to Republic.  I always knew I wanted to become a teacher, and I attended Truman State University in Kirksville, MO.  I taught seven years before staying home with our children.  Our family enjoys spending time together outdoors and camping.  I love teaching, and last year I returned to the classroom as a kindergarten teacher.  My heart has always been with the littlest learners, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to join Republic’s EC team and teach in such an outstanding district and community.  I can’t wait to meet our students and families!

Ms. Sami Bass

Education: Bachelors in Early Childhood Education from Missouri State University.

Experience: 4 years

Hi! My name is Sami Bass! This is my third year teaching at the Republic Early Childhood Center. I graduated from Republic High School in 2016 and I am so happy to still be a part of the Republic School District! I chose to be a teacher so that I can make a positive impact on my students' lives and teach them kindness! Outside of school, I love spending time with my pets, friends, and family!

Ms. Whitney Stapp

Education: Bachelors in Elementary Education

Experience: 7 years

Hello! My name is Whitney Stapp! I am so excited to be here another year in the Republic Community! I started out teaching in Springfield at Wanda Gray Elementary and David Harrison Elementary for 5 years. This is my third year with Republic! When I'm not at school you can find me with my amazing family. I married my best friend in 2017 and we welcomed our beautiful daughter Lucille in 2018, then welcomed our sweet baby boy, Lucas, in May of 2021. We will be adding our sweet baby girl Lynlee to our family in October of 2023. We love to go to parks, be outside, and we love to cuddle up for movies on the weekend. I can't wait to meet all my new students and begin my second year as a Republic tiger!

Ms. Amy Allen

Education: Master of Science in Literacy and Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education

Experience: 16 years

Hello! My name is Amy Allen. I absolutely love teaching little ones! I have a passion for helping our youngest learners grow and succeed. This will be my 9th year teaching prek. Before moving to prek, I taught kindergarten for 6 years. When I am not teaching, I love to spend time with family and friends. I have two daughters, Addison-7th grade and Alyse-3rd grade, and a Shih Tzu named, Lillie. I like Starbucks, shopping at Target, trying new restaurants, and being outside. I am looking forward to a great new year at EC!

Ms. LeAnn Hood

Ms. Kristen Brasch

Education: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education

Experience: 24 years

Hello! My name is Kristen Brasch. This will be my third year teaching preschool at EC. Prior to teaching preschool, I taught kindergarten for 22 years. I love teaching young children. I hope to foster the love of learning in my students and I love to watch them grow and learn together. When I am not teaching,I love spending time with my family. I have a husband Kevin and two sons, Kannon and Knox. We also have a goldendoodle named Bertie Mae. I also enjoy shopping, Target, crafts, and spending time outside. I am excited for another great year at EC!