School and Community Summer 2024

Sheryl Riley , Accounting Assistant Where are you from? Originally St. Louis, but I have lived in Columbia for 20 years. Educational background? I studied for 2 years at Missouri Valley College. Work background? I have worked in media at a couple newspapers and an advertising agency as a coordinator, then moved into accounting. Family details? I've been married to my husband, Curt, for 34 years. We have one son, Cory, who is married to Madeline. They gave us our first grandbaby this year, Mairin. Why MSTA? Everyone in my family are teachers so I can relate to the membership aspect of MSTA. What’s a fun fact about you? I am addicted to Halloween. I throw a huge party every year and make my house into a haunted house for trick or treaters! Danielle Eldred , Staff Attorney Where are you from? I was born in Lansing, Mich. but have lived in Columbia, Mo. since I was a year old. So, I count myself as a local. Educational background? I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (emphasis in ceramics) with a minor in Art History and then jumped to a law degree six years after graduating. Work background? I spent six years working in art-related jobs after graduating with my BFA, including framing, working at an art gallery, teaching animation classes for the True/False Film Festival and Coordinating the Career Awareness Related Experience (CARE) Gallery for the City of Columbia. After law school, I worked at a Social Security disability law firm for several years before moving to the Missouri Department of Transportation as in house counsel doing employment related law. I was there for 11 years before coming to MSTA. Family details? My mom and stepdad live down the street. My dad and stepmom are in Wisconsin and my sister is in Colorado. MSTA’s very own outstanding and magical Mikey Lising is my husband. No kiddos, but we do have three dogs (Dobby, Neville and Asher) and a three-legged cat (Mau). Why MSTA? MSTA’s mission is an extremely important one and it matches my goals of helping people, particularly those who give so much to this state and community. I also know from the years that Mikey has worked for MSTA how amazing this organization is to be a part of. I couldn’t think of a better place to work or better people to work with. What do you look forward to learning at MSTA? All of the complexities that Missouri’s educators deal with (legal and otherwise). What’s a fun fact about you? I love finding cool rocks and hunting for fossils.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Julie emerged as a strong advocate for her peers. She represented teachers at school board meetings, addressing concerns about being designated as essential workers and advocating for additional administrative support. “It was a challenging time, but I saw firsthand the power of teachers uniting for a common cause,” she said. Julie’s dedication to education and her proactive approach in supporting her colleagues make her a perfect fit for her new role at MSTA. “I am passionate about supporting teachers and improving education, which is key to our future,” she mused. “I look forward to learning new ways to support teachers and education in Missouri.” Julie’s personal life is vibrant and filled with love. She is the proud mother of three children. Her eldest, Brittany, is 24 and taught third and fourth grade at a parochial school before taking time off to start her own family. Brittany recently gave birth to her first child, Juniper Fay. Julie’s son, James, is 20 and has just completed his AA in HVAC. He is also certified to be a firefighter and welcomed his first son, James Oliver, in early February. Julie’s youngest, Carly, is 12 and aspires to follow in her mother’s footsteps as a teacher one day. Julie’s father, Carl Gass, has retired from teaching at the collegiate level and now enjoys substitute teaching in Westerville, Ohio. Her mother, Frances Thatcher, worked as an Administrative Assistant for a local hospital for 25 years and has now retired to the Lake of the Ozarks. Welcome to the MSTA family, Julie!

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