Vernon Middle School welcomed several new staff members to our building for the 2023-24 school year. In this two-part series, we're getting to know our newest teachers and associates. We are excited to get to know the newest members of our Marion wolf pack. In part two, read the interviews our new staff completed, to learn more about Vernon’s newest associates!
LISA MCKIBBIN
Position at Vernon: Special education para
Hometown: Dubuque
Education / Degrees: Sign language at Kirkwood
Previous Experience: Paraprofessional 15 years ago, optical technician for 5 years, medical receptionist for 1 year
Why did you go into education? Ready to start a new adventure.
What do you like most about Vernon? How friendly and welcoming the environment is
Current Town/City: Cedar Rapids
Family Members: Aubrielle and Brynlee are my daughters and my husband Jason
Hobbies / Interests: Interior decorating, party planning, decorating weddings.
Fun Fact: I own 50 pairs of eye glasses
ALAYSIA PURSELL
Position at Vernon: Special Education Paraeducator
Hometown: Davenport, IA but grew up in Cedar Rapids
Education / Degrees: Graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 2017
Previous Experience: 3 years para educator experience in an elementary school setting
Why did you go into education? My siblings struggled with school at some times and I could help them growing up and that has stayed with me into my adult years.
What do you like most about Vernon? How much more independent the kids are in a middle school and their personalities.
Current Town/City: Marion, IA
Family Members: I live with my boyfriend, Isiah and my puppy Oscar. I also have 3 younger siblings- Damon, Gianna, and Kenyon.
Hobbies / Interests: I love to read, listen to podcasts, take my dog for walks, hanging out with my friends and siblings. I am super interested in history, true crime and learning in general!
Fun Fact: When I was younger I used to model and do pageants locally.
MARIA WHITAKER
Position at Vernon: Support Associate
Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Education / Degrees: I will finish my BA in Elementary Education in the Spring of 2024.
Previous Experience: This will be my fifth year working in schools as a support associate. I have worked mainly with elementary students. I tutor for an after-school program called Kids on Course in Cedar Rapids, and I coach a Girls on the Run team during the Spring season.
Why did you go into education? I helped out quite a bit with my nephews and a friend's nieces when they were younger. I missed spending time with then when they became more independent. I also appreciate the dynamic and challenging nature of the work.
What do you like most about Vernon? I feel very welcome. Everyone has been very positive and supportive.
Current Town/City: Marion
Family Members: I live with my husband Lance, our dog Boots, and our birds Lemon and Snow.
Hobbies / Interests: We spend a lot of time with family and friends. I like to take nature walks. We travel as much as we can. We had a great family trip to Yellowstone over the summer.
Fun Fact: My dog whines into the speaker when we order at Starbucks to make sure he gets a treat.
TAMARA WILLIAMS
Position at Vernon: Paraprofessional
Hometown: Anamosa
Why did you go into education? It is special
What do you like most about Vernon? Nice people
Current Town/City: Anamosa
Family Members: None
Hobbies / Interests: Diy