Classrooms

Mrs. Emily Ferrante

I graduated from Purdue University in 2018. Previously, I taught sixth grade in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and third grade in Indianapolis. I love teaching second grade at Liberty Elementary! Outside of school, I enjoy reading, cooking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Mrs. Heather Lowe

I started my career teaching Kindergarten but left that position to become the Media Specialist at Liberty Elementary in 2007. After 11 years in the library, a Kindergarten position opened and I couldn't pass it up. I loved being in the library but felt my real passion was in Kindergarten. I enjoy hanging out with my husband and 3 daughters- Kendall, Kate, and Delaney. I love to read, walk and watch my girls play sports.

All teacher class materials can be accessed through their Canvas course at: https://duneland.instructure.com.  If you have not yet set up a Canvas Parent Observer Account follow the guides linked here.

Mrs. Chelsey Manion

I have taught at Liberty for 13 years. In that time I have taught kindergarten, first and second grade.  I graduated from Indiana University in 2010 and I am still a big HOOSIER fan. I love drinking coffee, playing golf and spending time with my family!

All teacher class materials can be accessed through their Canvas course at: https://duneland.instructure.com.  If you have not yet set up a Canvas Parent Observer Account follow the guides linked here.

Mrs. Tami Pullins

I graduated from Valparaiso University with a degree in Elementary Education. I taught preschool for 8 years while my own children were in elementary school. As my children got older, I began teaching in the public school system. This year marks my 19th year of teaching kindergarten. My favorite activity is being "Mimi" to four (soon to be five) amazing grandchildren. I also enjoy hiking and traveling with my husband of 35 years. I am fascinated with the history of State and National Parks in the U.S, not to mention, getting to hike the different terrains. Spending time with family is also precious to me. In my quiet time, I enjoy reading Historical Fiction. 

All teacher class materials can be accessed through their Canvas course at: https://duneland.instructure.com.  If you have not yet set up a Canvas Parent Observer Account follow the guides linked here.

Mrs. Tracie Snider

I have taught at Liberty for 21 years. I graduated from Purdue and have a Masters Degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. I love spending time with my family, especially with my 2 grandsons. I love working at Liberty and love teaching Kindergarten.

All teacher class materials can be accessed through their Canvas course at: https://duneland.instructure.com.  If you have not yet set up a Canvas Parent Observer Account follow the guides linked here.

Mrs. Brianna Jacobs

I graduated from Purdue University Northwest in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a reading concentration. This will be my sixth year teaching at Liberty. I have taught kindergarten for five years and this is my first year teaching first grade. I love seeing the huge growth my kiddos make from the start of the year to the end. Some of my favorite things include spending time with my husband, my two step-children, and our fur babies (1 dog and 1 cat). We also have another baby on the way! My husband and I love to travel, try new restaurants, spend time with friends and family, and stay involved in our church. I also love to stay active by working out and can most often be found curled up with a good book.

All teacher class materials can be accessed through their Canvas course at: https://duneland.instructure.com.  If you have not yet set up a Canvas Parent Observer Account follow the guides linked here.

Mrs. Breinne Ramker

In 2005, I graduated from Butler University with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Kindergarten endorsement. I received my Master's degree in education from Purdue University Calumet in 2008. I began my career in East Chicago at Lincoln Elementary, teaching Kindergarten for three years. Since coming to Liberty Elementary School, I have been a first-grade teacher and have also served as a Reading Specialist. I enjoy spending time with my family. I love to be outdoors, biking, hiking and traveling. 

All teacher class materials can be accessed through their Canvas course at: https://duneland.instructure.com.  If you have not yet set up a Canvas Parent Observer Account follow the guides linked here.

Mrs. Lindsay Trout

This is my 20th year teaching! I have taught in both Porter Township and Duneland School corporations. I did my undergrad studies at Indiana University Bloomington and received my Master's Degree in Educational Psychology from Ball State. I have taught 1st- 4th grades. When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family. We love to go on vacations… especially to Disney. I also enjoy taking walks and exercising. When I get the time, I enjoy reading and watching movies. My favorite movies are Marvel movies.

All teacher class materials can be accessed through their Canvas course at: https://duneland.instructure.com.  If you have not yet set up a Canvas Parent Observer Account follow the guides linked here.

Mrs. Rebekah Vallee

Hey there! I graduated from Valparaiso University with a degree in Elementary Education. Throughout my career I've taught 1st and 3rd grade in Portage, Valparaiso, and now Chesterton. This is my 8th year of teaching and I'm excited to be in the best grade ever.... first grade! I truly love working with all my students to help them grow, discover their unique talents, and engage in a deeper love of learning! I crave adventure! I've been parasailing, zip lining in two countries, white water rafting, and skydiving! My favorite thing to do is spend time with my husband David, but I also LOVE drinking coffee, reading books, creating art, and making my classroom and teaching as special as can be!

All teacher class materials can be accessed through their Canvas course at: https://duneland.instructure.com.  If you have not yet set up a Canvas Parent Observer Account follow the guides linked here.

Mrs. Amy Eppolito

In 2014, I graduated from Purdue North Central with a degree in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Psychology. I have been a classroom teacher for 12 years in which I have taught kindergarten, first grade, and now second grade. I grew up in the Duneland community and have loved being back as an educator! Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family and our two rescue dogs. 

All teacher class materials can be accessed through their Canvas course at: https://duneland.instructure.com.  If you have not yet set up a Canvas Parent Observer Account follow the guides linked here.

Miss Jillian Matzke

This is my first year teaching at Liberty! I graduated from Ball State University in 2024. I love traveling and spending time with my friends and family in my free time. 

All teacher class materials can be accessed through their Canvas course at: https://duneland.instructure.com.  If you have not yet set up a Canvas Parent Observer Account follow the guides linked here.

Ms. Allison Mysliwiec

My name is Allison Mysliwiec. I have been teaching for 18 years, and I love helping students learn and grow. I graduated from Valparaiso University and am originally from Bloomington, Indiana. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, and reading.

All teacher class materials can be accessed through their Canvas course at: https://duneland.instructure.com.  If you have not yet set up a Canvas Parent Observer Account follow the guides linked here.

Ms. Riley Popplewell

This is my first year teaching at Liberty, and I’m loving it so far! I graduated in 2020 from University of South Carolina Upstate. I spend my time reading, baking, and coaching the JV girls’ basketball team!

All teacher class materials can be accessed through their Canvas course at: https://duneland.instructure.com.  If you have not yet set up a Canvas Parent Observer Account follow the guides linked here.

Mrs. Laura Roberson

I have been teaching for 16 years, but this is my first year at Liberty and I absolutely love it here! I'm a Purdue grad but continued my education at both Columbia College Chicago and UIC. I love traveling, watching sports, going to concerts and spending time with my husband, our 3 kids and 2 dogs!
 

All teacher class materials can be accessed through their Canvas course at: https://duneland.instructure.com.  If you have not yet set up a Canvas Parent Observer Account follow the guides linked here.

Miss Catie Armstrong

This is my 12th year teaching at Liberty.  My boyfriend Troy and I stay busy in the winter by skiing in Michigan and going to the movies.  In the summer, we like to go kayaking and rock hunting at the beach, while I also try to get in as many miles on my bike as possible.

All teacher class materials can be accessed through their Canvas course at: https://duneland.instructure.com.  If you have not yet set up a Canvas Parent Observer Account follow the guides linked here.

Mrs. Kristen Frain

I have taught 3rd grade for 9 years. This will be my 7th year at Liberty! I have only taught 3rd grade, and I absolutely love it. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, walking, and spending time with my daughter and husband. I also have one dog who I adore.

All teacher class materials can be accessed through their Canvas course at: https://duneland.instructure.com.  If you have not yet set up a Canvas Parent Observer Account follow the guides linked here.

Mrs. Angie Karagiannakis

In 2000, I graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. I received my Master's degree in education from Indiana Wesleyan in 2006. I have been a Duneland Teacher for over 20 years, teaching several different grades.  Liberty has been my home school for 17 of those years.   In my free time, I love spending time with family and friends. I especially enjoy reading and swimming!

All teacher class materials can be accessed through their Canvas course at: https://duneland.instructure.com.  If you have not yet set up a Canvas Parent Observer Account follow the guides linked here.  

Miss Emma Sabinske

This is my second year at Liberty Elementary, and I absolutely love being a Trojan!  Last year, my husband and I moved from Indianapolis to Valparaiso with our puppy, McCoy.  Last summer, we bought our first home which has been keeping us busy.

All teacher class materials can be accessed through their Canvas course at: https://duneland.instructure.com.  If you have not yet set up a Canvas Parent Observer Account follow the guides linked here.

Mrs. Taylor Gorecki

I have been teaching fourth grade at Liberty for the past eight years. I graduated from Purdue University in 2017 and have had the privilege of working at Liberty ever since. In my personal time, I enjoy reading and spending quality time with my family.

All teacher class materials can be accessed through their Canvas course at: https://duneland.instructure.com.  If you have not yet set up a Canvas Parent Observer Account follow the guides linked here.

Mrs. Angela Lawrence

I graduated from Purdue University and have been at Liberty for all of my teaching career.  I consider Liberty my home away from home and love all the staff and students! I love spending time with my family and friends.  I enjoy reading, biking, kayaking, and baking!

All teacher class materials can be accessed through their Canvas course at: https://duneland.instructure.com.  If you have not yet set up a Canvas Parent Observer Account follow the guides linked here.

Mr. David Mueller

I have taught at Liberty Elementary School for over 10 years. I grew up locally and went to Purdue University for elementary education. I got my masters online from Indiana Wesleyan University. My wife is a teacher at CHS and my two children are currently students at Duneland Schools. I also coach the LES robotics team and in my free time enjoy board games, video games, and reading books. 

All teacher class materials can be accessed through their Canvas course at: https://duneland.instructure.com.  If you have not yet set up a Canvas Parent Observer Account follow the guides linked here.

Mrs. Lauren Zieg

I graduated from Purdue University in 2016 (Boiler Up!) and I have been teaching for 10 years, 9 years in 4th grade and 1 in 1st grade. This is my 8th year at LES. I love to spend time with my family, friends, and my pup. I also enjoy crafting and exercising. 

All teacher class materials can be accessed through their Canvas course at: https://duneland.instructure.com.  If you have not yet set up a Canvas Parent Observer Account follow the guides linked here.

Mrs. Julie Miles

Mrs. Miles has been teaching for 17 years and is proud to live right here in the district. She and her husband have three children and a dog named Walter. Outside of school, she enjoys camping, spending time outdoors, and cheering on her daughters at their sporting events. Her favorite part of teaching is watching students “catch on” to new skills—it’s like seeing a light bulb turn on, and it makes every day exciting!

All teacher class materials can be accessed through their Canvas course at: https://duneland.instructure.com.  If you have not yet set up a Canvas Parent Observer Account follow the guides linked here.

Mr. Jeffrey Russell

Hi! My name is Jeff Russell, and I am the K-2 Exceptional Learning Teacher here at Liberty Elementary. I am starting my 4th year at Liberty and my 9th year of teaching overall. I taught 3rd grade in Michigan City for 5 years. My wife and I have two kids, a daughter and a son, two golden retrievers, and a cat. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, hiking, cooking, and reading. Liberty is near and dear to me, as I was a Liberty student in elementary school. I am excited for the 2025-2026 school year.

All teacher class materials can be accessed through their Canvas course at: https://duneland.instructure.com.  If you have not yet set up a Canvas Parent Observer Account follow the guides linked here. 

Mrs. Amanda Taylor

My name is Amanda Taylor. I have over 10 years of experience teaching in a variety of special education placements ranging from Kindergarten to eighth grade. I earned my BA in elementary/special education from Arizona State University in 2014 and my Masters in special education from Grand Canyon University in 2017. I was hired at Liberty Elementary in March of 2024 to help support student success through behavior interventions. I believe in a holistic approach and a universal design for education. When a student's physical, intellectual, emotional, and social needs are supported they are more likely to reach their full potential. My goal is to support students and families for the overall success of all students.

All teacher class materials can be accessed through their Canvas course at: https://duneland.instructure.com.  If you have not yet set up a Canvas Parent Observer Account follow the guides linked here.