Classrooms

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 fifth year teaching kindergarten at Liberty. I love seeing the huge growth my kiddos make from the start of kindergarten 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). 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. 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

My name is Chelsey Manion. I have been teaching for over 10 years. My favorite part about teaching is reading to students and making them laugh! My husband and I have two little girls. We have a dog named Kirkwood. We are Hoosiers all the way! I am looking forward to another great school year and making great memories with my 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.

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 17th year of teaching kindergarten. My favorite activity is being "Mimi" to two amazing grandchildren. I also enjoy hiking and traveling with my husband of 31 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 a Bachelor's Degree from Purdue University. I have my Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Indiana Wesleyan University. I enjoy spending time with my family. I enjoy watching movies in the winter and reading books outside in the summer. I have a brand new grandson who I love spending as much time with as I can. I enjoy travel and spending time on warm sunny beaches. I have worked in Title I, taught 3rd Grade and I am currently 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. Amy Eppolito

I graduated from Purdue North Central in 2014 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. I began my teaching career at Wanatah Elementary, teaching Kindergarten for 5 years before coming to Liberty Elementary to teach First Grade. This will be my 5th year here at Liberty in First grade! I grew up in the Duneland community and have loved being back as an educator! I enjoy spending time with my husband Jake and son Weston. I have two rescue dogs, Max and Bentley. Outside of school I enjoy spending time at my pool, riding my bike, and going for hikes.

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

I have a Bachelor of Science in elementary education with a reading endorsement from Valparaiso University. I have been a classroom teacher for 15 years. I have taught 3rd grade, Kindergarten, first grade, as well as special education. I have two children, two cats, and many chickens. I have a background in dance and have taught ballet and creative movement for children for over 20 years. I volunteer with 4-H. I especially enjoy working in my garden and going to the beach.  

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

I have taught for 18 years 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 7th 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. 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. Kristy Reeder

Miss Hannah Scheller

Miss Meghan Tripp

I graduated from Indiana University- Bloomington in 2022 and earned my degree in Elementary Education, with a specialized focus in Literacy. Previously, I taught fifth grade in Illinois. I am so excited to be teaching second grade at Liberty this year! Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends, family, and my dog Finnegan.

Mrs. Michelle Urquidi

I have taught at Liberty for 10 years and I absolutely love it! I graduated from Purdue University in 2015 and have been at Liberty for all of my career. I love spending time with my husband and our twin boys!

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

I've been a teacher at Liberty for 11 years. Majority of that time has been spent in third grade, which I absolutely love. Outside of work, I like to hike, kayak, and ride my bike. I travel to Michigan often in both the summer and winter, spending time at the lake and skiing as much 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 8 years. This will be my 6th year at Liberty! I have only taught 3rd grade. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, walking, and spending time with my daughter and husband. I also have two dogs who I absolutely 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.

Mr. Chris Nixon

Hello! My name is Chris Nixon and I have been teaching for a total of 12 years! I am excited and honored to work at Liberty Elementary School. I received my Bachelor of Science in Education from Indiana University Northwest. I enjoy spending time with my wife and three children. I love the outdoors and traveling to new places! In my free time, I like to read, play my guitar, and watch sports. I'm looking forward to getting to know my students and making this year a great one!

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

Hello! I am Ms. Sabinske, and I'm excited to begin this new year.  This year marks my 12th of year teaching, and my first year at Liberty Elementary.  I am excited for this upcoming school year and the memories we will make together.

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 began my career teaching 4th grade at Liberty Elementary and have been here ever since! In my free time, I enjoy reading, hiking, and playing golf. 

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. My career began in a different school corporation where I taught grades 1, 4, 5, & 6. In 2005, I came to Duneland School Corporation. I was the Media/Technology Specialist for two years and then taught both 1st and 3rd grades. In 2019, I transferred to Westchester to teach 5th grade ELA. The year 2023 brought me back to Liberty Elementary. In my free time, I love spending time with family and friends. I especially enjoy reading and swimming!

Mrs. Angela Lawrence

I graduated from Purdue University with a Master's Degree in Education. I currently teach fourth grade at Liberty Elementary. I have been teaching at Liberty for over 25 years and truly enjoy it! I enjoy coaching gymnastics, riding my bike, taking walks on the beach, and spending time with my family. I also love to bake and read mystery novels!

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

My name is David Mueller and I have been teaching at Liberty Elementary for over ten years. I obtained my bachelor's degree from Purdue University and went on to get my master's degree from Wesleyan University Online. I enjoy teaching students and implementing elements of gamification into the classroom. First and foremost, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two children. Also, I am known for my very large board game collection and enjoy spending time with friends learning and playing new board games. I am also a Star Wars expert and the person to come to see if you have any questions after watching the new Disney Plus shows. Lastly, when time permits, I can be found relaxing at home playing Playstation or PC games. I teach 4th grade and also coach VEX IQ Robotics.

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 and began teaching fourth grade in Evansville, IN. In 2018, I moved to Duneland and taught first grade at Liberty. The following year, I transferred to fourth grade. This year will be my 7th year at Liberty and my 9th year as a teacher. I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and puppy any chance I get! I find joy in running, listening to music, watching TV, shopping, crafting, organizing, 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

My name is Julie Miles. This will be my 13th year as a teacher. I have taught in Illinois and in Michigan City. I have been married for 16 years, have 3 children, Anna, Madelinn, and Jackson, as well as a dog named Walter. As a family, we enjoy swimming, camping, and being outdoors. I am excited to be a part of Liberty Elementary.

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 Special Education Teacher here at Liberty Elementary. I am starting my 3rd year at Liberty and my 8th year of teaching overall. I previously taught in Michigan City. My wife and I have one daughter, two golden retrievers, and one 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 to be part of the Liberty staff and excited for the 2024-2025 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.