We call our teachers guides, because that’s what they do: guide the student in their learning, always focusing on the student’s demonstrated needs and interests. Meet our 2024-2025 guides!
GINGER NOLKER
Head of School and Guide
Drawing on 18 years of experience teaching public and private school and homeschooling, Ginger guides upper elementary and middle school students in all core curriculum areas, and teaches history and lit to our high school students, as well as co-teaching physics, chemistry, and biology. Ginger is entering her fourth year at Prairie Song.
KATE SANDEFUR
Lead Lower Elementary Guide
Ten years of experience teaching play-based preschool plus a degree in English and continuing Montessori studies have equipped Kate to guide our Lower Elementary students! Kate always has engaging work ready for everyone in her classroom, and students absolutely love her! Kate is entering her fourth year guiding lower elementary at Prairie Song.
ERIN TRUTWIN
Lead Guide, High School Math
A Truman MAE graduate, Erin brings 16 years of experience in teaching high school math and homeschooling, and guides our high schoolers in math. Everyone appreciates her patient approach to helping students master new concepts, and guiding them through the entire math course sequence at their own pace!
MORGAN OSBORNE
Lead/Assistant Guide, Upper Elementary
Morgan brings her ag science degree, MAE, and three years of experience teaching second grade in Grain Valley to Upper Elementary! This is her first year with us, and students already love her enthusiasm and talent for helping each student find their place in the Upper El classroom!
ROWAN BURBA
Assistant Guide, Junior High and High School
Rowan is a Pre-MAE Psychology major at Truman State with a wealth of experience with students through their work at JBA. They have a wide range of interests, including theater and German! Rowan is guiding high school film studies, and junior high project seminar this year!
CARLOS BYRD
Assistant Guide, High School and Junior High Math
Carlos is in the data science program at Truman State, and is a self-proclaimed math nerd! He’s the guy all his friends go to when they need math help, and so he’s well prepared to help our students as they’re following their individualized learning paths in math!
SHANNON YUTZ
Assistant Guide, Junior High
Shannon is returning for her second year at Prairie Song! Students love her sense of humor and ability to relate well to them. She’s able to guide them and keep them on task as they work through projects and tasks, and making sure that everyone feels safe in the classroom!
KIM ROSS
Assistant Guide, Upper Elementary
Kim is back for her second year at Prairie Song! She is a creative, kind guide who is always on top of what students need to feel safe and successful in the classroom! We all appreciate her ideas and enthusiasm as she guides our students!
MIA GRUNDBERG
Assistant Guide, Lower Elementary
Mia is back for her second year at Prairie Song! She found her perfect spot in lower elementary, where she manages the classroom environment well while students engage in individual or small-group work with Kate! Her kindness and joy are much appreciated in Lower El!
Not pictured, but equally valued members of our team: each students’ caregivers. We communicate and collaborate to achieve best outcomes for each of our students.
Our spectacular board, always focused on access, equity, and excellence as they guide our school:
2024-2025 Board Members
Kelsey Aurand de Razo, President and Tuition Treasurer
Madeline Nash, Vice President
Lorri Landon, General Treasurer
Johnna Shockey, Fundraising Co-Chair
Peggy Clement, Fundraising Co-Chair
Denise Tharp, Secretary
Maria Evans, Member at Large
Prairie Song Academy 