Panelists
Amber Hanson
Amber Hanson has worked in education for the past 16 years. She received her Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from Emporia State University. She received her Master’s in Special Education from Kansas State University and a Graduate Certificate in Visual Impairment from University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Amber has spent all of her career working with students with special needs and is currently a Teacher for Students who are Visually Impaired (TSVI). She has a passion for connecting with students and families and helping them develop plans that are in the best interest of each individual.
Heather Smith
Heather Smith is an experienced educator who has worked in a variety of diverse educational settings, ranging from elementary to high school. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Baker University and her master’s degree from Louisiana Tech University. In her current capacity she works as a school counselor at Salina High School South, where she dedicates her time and efforts to not only counseling but also serving as the sponsor for the South High Black Student Union. Ms. Smith's passion lies in community involvement. By providing educational tips and resource knowledge, she strives to empower underserved communities and create a more inclusive society. In her spare time, Ms. Smith dedicates herself to co-hosting the Smith Family Educational Podcast with her sister Karen, who shares the same passion for education. Additionally, she participates in the Spencer Museum’s Partners in Education Across Kansas (PEAK) program, which facilitates communities of practice between K-12 educators and museum professionals.
Madison Ramsey
Madison Ramsey graduated in 2014 with a Bachelors in Social Work from Fort Hays State University. She has been with DCF for 10 years now (and counts practicum that started in January 2014! Lol). Madison did abuse/neglect investigation and family service assessment until October of 2018 and then switched to working with the Independent Living program. Now she provides support to a case load of young adults aged 18-26 who experienced foster care as a teenager and are working toward self-sufficiency
Ashley Pierson
Hello! My name is Ashley Pierson. I have a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. After I graduated from Kansas State University, my husband and I moved to our hometown of Belleville, Kansas. For the last two years, I have been the elementary school counselor in my hometown. Before that, I spent 12 years in the classroom, 1st grade (for 1 year), 2nd grade (for 1 year) and 3rd grade for 10 years. This is my last semester in the Master of Counseling program and my goal is to be a safe place for students in our rural community. I want to be a place where they feel heard, valued, cared for and accepted. I envision myself collaborating with school personnel, families, and the community I grew up in to provide our students with skills to be healthy, successful and socially emotionally well citizens. I want to strive to empower students to embrace their full potential in order to achieve their personal and academic goals by having a positive influence in their lives.
I have a deep sense of roots to my hometown as both my family and my husband’s family grew up in Belleville. Since we have moved home, we have added 3 children to our family: Dax (7) and Porter (5) and Riggs (6 months). My husband works for a family farm, and I love that my kids get to grow up being taught the values of hard work on the farm.
Dr. Donnel Clay
I hold a Doctor of Education degree in the area of educational leadership. I have worked in special education for 25 years. I spent the majority of that time working in a special day school that served students with emotional disabilities with a focus on trauma. Trauma impacts so many of the students today that it can no longer be overlooked but needs to be specifically addressed. I work for USD 266 Maize Schools. I have held various positions throughout the Maize/Renwick Special Education Cooperative. I currently serve as an IEP reader for compliance as well as the coordinator for all classified staff. I have served as an adjunct professor for FHSU in advance education and education departments.