School and Community Summer 2023

Name: Erin Burnham Service area(s): Northwest Region, St. Joseph Region, Greater Kansas City Region – My area contains urban, suburban and rural school districts ranging from small one building K-8’s to urban/suburban districts with 30+

Name: Sarah Papineau Service area(s): South Central, Central, Northeast regions How long have you been a member service coordinator? 15 yrs, transitioning to Director of Member Services on July 1. What is your favorite part of your job? I enjoy problem solving and knowing that every day is different and challenging. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I enjoy reading, watching baseball and hanging with my family. What do you think is the most valuable benefit of being an MSTA member? Educators need an advocate who can provide guidance and expertise in tough situations. Which breed of cat or dog would you be? Not a boxer. I have one of those and I hope I’m nothing like him. I hope I lean toward Border Collie or German Shepherd in the IQ dept. Are there more doors or wheels in the world? Wheels. (I cheated and looked it up.) about: advocating for teachers and public education. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I enjoy pretty much all forms of hunting and fishing. I belong to a Bass Fishing Club at Lake of the Ozarks. I also spend a lot of time working with, training, and hunting with my bird dog, Brownie. What do you think is the most valuable benefit of being an MSTA member? I think our Education Policy Department provides an extremely valuable benefit to not just our members, but to all members of public education in the state of Missouri with the advocacy and lobbying they do in Jefferson City. Which breed of cat or dog would you be? German Shorthaired Pointer. An independent, versatile breed of hunting dog, considered a jack-of-all trades, that can excel in many areas of the field and in the show ring. They are capable of extreme focus and high drive but can also have an “off” switch when not working and can make great family companions. Are there more doors or wheels in the world? There are more wheels than doors. Virtually every machine has wheels (cogs and such). Name: Ryan Lewis Service area(s): Lake area How long have you been a member service coordinator? This is my third year. What is your favorite part of your job? Getting to do something I am so passionate

buildings. How long have you been a member service

coordinator? 15 years, I retire at the end of June. What is your favorite part of your job? I have met and witnessed amazing educational professionals and practices. I’m proud to know so many people with such a passion for public education and their students. Even when times are tough, professional educators work overtime to ensure every student can learn and be successful. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I love to travel. What do you think is the most valuable benefit of being an MSTA member? MSTA boasts of several awesome benefits. I found the grassroots efforts of our legislative work has brought forth positive change for public education. Passionate people believing in and working toward positive change for students across the state is an incredible task that MSTA members have undertaken and accomplished. Which breed of cat or dog would you be? If I were a dog I would be a blood hound. I currently own a blood hound and he is sweet and loyal but also has no cares in the world. He wanders the yard, sniffs the flowers, enjoys rides, walks and naps. Are there more doors or wheels in the world? There are more doors as doors provide new beginnings and new opportunities.

Name: Mindy Walker Service area(s): Northwest/Northeast How long have you been a member service coordinator? 20 years What is your favorite part of your job? Helping educators problem solve and grow

in their profession. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I enjoy spending time with friends and family and doing outdoorsy activities. What do you think is the most valuable benefit of being an MSTA member? MSTA offers a wide variety opportunities. The networking with other educators across the state is a great way to grow your own skills. Which breed of cat or dog would you be? Definitely a Great Dane.

S&C SUMMER 2023 | 23