MEET OUR TEAM
Our team is dedicated to creating innovative learning solutions and maximizing educational opportunities in Kansas. Get to know more about us!
Danille Kubick
Teaching Assistant
Rose Hill DCP
Danille is the Administrative Assistant/ Teacher Assistant at the Rose Hill location. She works with the adult, VIP, and STAR students. She has been working in the education field since 2004. Danille’s hobbies include scrapbooking, working out, and watching soccer and basketball.
Eva Maldonado
Teaching Assistant
Wichita SC DCP
Eva works at the Orion Wichita Parklane site. Her primary role is as the Administrative Assistant, where her gifts of helpfulness and organization keep everything running smoothly. She is also a Teaching Assistant, supporting both ESOL and Odysseyware teachers. She is fully bilingual in English and Spanish, meeting the needs of both English speaking and Spanish speaking students. Eva is married to Alex; they have two sons. She loves being the only girl in the house. When she is not at work she stays busy as a mom of two under two and when she does have a spare moment, she enjoys shopping and spending time with her family.
Martha Maxwell
Program Coordinator
Wichita Parklane
Martha is program coordinator at the Orion Wichita Parklane Adult Diploma Completion Program, where together with her amazing staff, she serves over 400 students annually, many of whom are English language learners. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education and a master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision, both from Wichita State University.
Craig Mellen
Education Consultant
Clearwater
Craig grew up and currently lives in Clearwater, KS. He has Bachelors in Secondary Education from K-State and a Masters in Instructional Technology from FHSU. Craig began his career at St. Margaret Mary in Wichita, but has taught 6th Grade Social Studies for 10 years in Clearwater. He also coached football, basketball, track, and robotics. His wife, Mary, is the librarian at Goddard Middle School and his children Grant and Allie attend Clearwater schools.
Shari Mills
Program Coordinator
Belle Plaine DCP
Shari is the Program Director/Teacher for Orion at Belle Plaine, an Adult High School Diploma Completion Program in Belle Plaine, Kansas. She has a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Emporia State University with Endorsements in Early Childhood Education and English for Speakers of Other Languages, PRK-12. She has been working in the field of education since 1984. Shari’s hobbies include her favorite three “G’s” — Grandchildren, Gardening, and Greg (her husband).
Kris Misak
Assistant Executive Director/CFO
Clearwater
Kris is in her 20th year as the Assistant Executive Director/CFO for Orion Education and Training. She is SPHR & SHRM‐SCP certified, has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a master’s Degree in Management and Leadership. She has been the leading force behind the wellness program and has been involved in the program since its inception in 2007. Kris is involved in the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Kansas Association of School Business Officials (KASBO) and the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce, where she has served as President, Vice‐President, Secretary and Board Member.
In her free time, Kris enjoys spending time with her family (12 grandchildren and one on the way) and friends, traveling and spending time outside.
Holly Murtha
Teacher
Wichita NE DCP
Holly is a Course Monitor at the NE Wichita Orion Diploma Completion Program. Earning both a BA in Secondary Education and her M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from Wichita State University, Holly has a passion for teaching and developing curriculum. She has been recognized for her assistance to students by the TRIO Program Education Opportunity Centers and also was awarded the Healthy Me Success Story. When she's not working, Holly loves to travel, read, and run. But most of all, she loves being a mom.
Dr. Brad Pepper
Executive Director
Clearwater
Brad is the Executive Director of Orion Education & Training. He brings over 25 years of experience in the education realm, both classroom and administrative, to our organization. Brad earned his master’s degree and doctorate at Wichita State University and is now — yes, Dr. Pepper! He is fortunate enough to be able to work with the most amazing staff here at Orion and looks forward to coming to work every day! His greatest passion of all though is his family and spending time on new adventures with them on a daily basis.
Leila Pratt
Teacher
Wichita SC DCP
Leila is currently an Odysseyware teacher at Orion Education and Training in Wichita. Prior to focusing on Odysseyware, Leila taught English to hundreds of Orion Wichita’s ESOL students. Before joining Orion, Leila taught with the Wichita Public Schools for 38 years as a middle school teacher. She received her BA in Education from Wichita State University.
Over the years, Leila has received numerous awards, including Teacher of the Year, multiple Good Apple awards from Wichita schools, as well as the first Orion Wellness Warrior award. Leila’s students and co-workers love both her sense of humor and her sense of style. Although she is retired from Wichita Public Schools, she will never be allowed to retire from teaching at Orion Wichita! Leila’s interests are traveling, reading, and best of all, her grandchildren!
Joani Purdy
Director of Virtual Education & Program Design
Wichita NE DCP
Joani is the Director of Virtual Education and Program Design at Orion. She has been an educator and technology enthusiast for over 25 years. Earning a bachelor's degree in Business and Computer Education from Kansas State University and a master's degree in Instructional Design Technology from Emporia State University. She currently serves on the Orion Strategic Planning Team and is a member of the Kansas State Department of Education's Charter and Virtual Education Advisory Council.
Joani loves learning new tech tools, traveling, walking, and spending time with her husband, two daughters, and pet schnauzer, Gus!
Join our Team!
Want to join a dynamic team dedicated to innovative learning solutions? Take a look at our current job opportunities and apply today.