MEET OUR TEAM
Our team is dedicated to creating innovative learning solutions and maximizing educational opportunities in Kansas. Get to know more about us!
Nancy Kohman
Teaching Assistant
Wichita NE DCP
Nancy is the Learning Coach for the STAR program at the Orion Diploma Completion Program in NE Wichita. She has an Associate of Science degree from Cloud County Community College in Travel/Tourism and Management. Nancy is married to Steve; they have two daughters and a son. She enjoys attending her kids’ activities, walking, reading and spending time with family and friends.
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.
Martha Maxwell
Program Coordinator
Wichita SC DCP
Martha is director at the Orion Wichita 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.
Martha is married to Mark; they have two sons, two daughters-in-law, two grandchildren, and two cats. She is a musician at heart, a lover of all things antique, and an avid reader.
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!
Edel Puentes
Teaching Assistant
Wichita SC DCP
Edel works at the Orion Wichita South Central diploma completion site. Her primary role is to support ESOL teachers and assist English language learners in both day and evening classes. She also supports Odysseyware teachers, assisting students in all areas of high school coursework. She is fully bilingual in English and Spanish and has the unique ability to meet the needs of both English speaking and Spanish speaking students. Edel's observation skills, and her ability to scaffold and differentiate instruction, enable her to effectively meet the needs of students one-to-one, in small groups, and in large group settings
Edel is a graduate of Wichita West High School and a student at Wichita State University, where she is pursuing a degree in healthcare administration. Edel’s favorite hobby is going to the movies. She dreams to one day go to Dubai.
Joani Purdy
Director of Virtual Education & Program Design
Wichita NE DCP
Joani is the Virtual Program Director for the El Dorado, Rose Hill, and NE Wichita Orion Diploma Completion Programs. 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 the Healthy Me! Wellness Committee.
Joani loves learning new tech tools, traveling, walking, and spending time with her husband, two daughters and pet schnauzer, Gus!
Susan Randall
Executive Secretary/Board Clerk
Clearwater
Susan started in January 2006. She was hired on to keep track of the Executive Director and to be the clerk for the Board of Directors. Since Susan has super mad organization skills, she has also been put in charge of organizing and maintaining the professional library, keeping track of StarLab rentals and the scheduling and organizing of all events and workshops happening at Orion Education and Training. Susan serves on the award winning Healthy Me! Wellness committee and is also on the social committee.
Vicki Smith
Teacher Assistant
Rose Hill DCP
Vicki is the Teaching Assistant/Virtual Coach for the Orion Diploma Completion Program at Rose Hill. She has an associate’s degree in Business from Seward County Community College. She specializes in math courses and has written many algebra and geometry helps for the students.
Vicki has worked in the field of education since 1996. Before coming to Orion, Vicki taught middle school and high school math courses at Sunrise Christian Academy in Wichita for 13 years. She loves the Lord, her family (especially her four grandchildren), and her church. Vicki also has a growing photography business on the side.
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.