College(s) Attended: Pittsburg State University

 

College Degree(s): Bachelor of Science in Education and Masters in Reading Specialist

 

Hobbies & Interests: I enjoy community theatre, singing, reading, writing books, fishing, using the iPad, traveling, gardening, and teaching. I have performed at JLT, PCT, CCAA, MLT and with Midwest Regional Ballet. I have written 10 children’s books. I have been married to Wayne Butterfield since 2010. We live in Baxter Springs and are involved with the Linebackers organization.  Wayne has two adult children, Samantha Jo, and Zachary, I enjoy spending time with my two performers, my children, Kyler Cook, 20, who is a sophomore at Coffeyville Community College where he plays baseball for the Red Ravens. My daughter, Kallie McKenna Cook, 16, is a junior at Baxter High School.  Kallie is playing volleyball, sings in the choir, performs in the musicals, and is very involved with junior class activities. I enjoy spending time with my 12 nieces and nephews, 4 great nieces and nephews, who call me "GaGa". We also have a grandson named Xavier, 5, who is the light of our life.  

 

 

I have taught third grade since 1996.  I have always had a passion for reading and technology. My students present to educators all over the state of Kansas to visitors who wanted to see what we were doing with the iPads. This past summer, I presented many times for Greenbush on how to use iPads in the classroom to local educators. I truly enjoy teaching teachers how to use them. My 1:1 classroom is almost completely paperless.  I was also selected this year as a Midwest Spotlight Educator to be featured at the METC Conference held in Missouri this next February.  

 

Began Working in Baxter Springs: 1996