MEET OUR TEAM
Our team is dedicated to creating innovative learning solutions and maximizing educational opportunities in Kansas. Get to know more about us!
Shari Mills
Teacher
Belle Plaine
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.
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.
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!
Joann Staats
Teacher
El Dorado
In 2006 my husband and I moved our family from Binghamton, NY to El Dorado, KS. I became a classroom teacher five years later, and worked in that capacity for eleven years. This is my second year with Orion, and I am so happy to be here! I have a passion for connecting with students and seeing them excel both academically and emotionally.
Maria Stueve
Teacher
Topeka
Maria was born in Wichita and grew up in Gardner, where she met her husband and high school sweetheart, Zachary Stueve. In 2010, Maria received her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Math Education from the University of Kansas. After receiving her degree, Maria began tutoring part-time at Sylvan Learning and later stayed home to care for her two young girls. In 2017, she joined the Orion team (then New Directions Learning Academy) and in 2019, obtained her teaching license through Washburn University. Since then, Maria's family has grown by one when she had her son in the summer of 2020. In her spare time, she loves to teach herself new skills and crafts.
Claudette Suffolk
Teacher
Wichita NE DCP
Claudette is the virtual teacher with Orion Diploma Completion. She is from Houston and is a dual certified secondary math teacher for Kansas and Texas. She enjoys attending church, creating organic healthy meals from scratch, working out in the mornings, and her job, of course.
Krista Vanderbilt
Administrative Assistant
Topeka DCP
Krista, Administrative Assistant for Orion - Topeka, was born in Trenton, NJ, where she lived until her family moved to the small town of St. Marys, KS. She is the oldest of four and a natural born caregiver, which is where her passion to help others comes from. Her family owned a restaurant for over 30 years, where she first began waitressing at the age of 11. She then went on to become a hairstylist for 20 plus years. She managed and supervised many salons during this time. Krista then decided that it was time to move on and put her management skills to use in another field.
Krista loves animals and the color purple. She likes to spend her free time playing with her nieces and nephews. Her favorite place to visit is the beach.
Shelley Wellington
Human Resource Coordinator
Clearwater
Shelley is the Human Resource Coordinator for Orion Education and Training at our Clearwater location. Shelley graduated from Southwestern College with a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Development. Shelley has two certifications in the field of Human Resources — the Society of Human Resource Manager, Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and Professional in Human Resources (PHR). Shelley currently lives in Clearwater with her husband and son. She enjoys watching sports activities, crafting and movies.
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.