ABOUT US:
Created in 2019 by a Kansas public school teacher, the Kansas Educators Support Foundation is a 501(c)3 that aims to address educator shortages, job satisfaction, and resources available for Kansas educators. Additionally, this organization seeks to create opportunities for Kansas educators to reinvigorate creativity and passion for the classroom experience.
MISSION:
Our purpose is to provide resources that support Kansas educators in their continued learning, professional development, instructional practice, and classroom needs.
MEET THE BOARD:
Erica Shook: Founder and Chair
Erica Shook is an award-winning educator, innovative school leader, and passionate advocate for teacher empowerment and student voice. A 2019 Kansas Teacher of the Year nominee and 2020 LEGO Master Educator, Shook has dedicated her career to reimagining learning through equity-centered design, project- and problem-based learning, service initiatives, and culturally responsive pedagogy. Currently serving as Director of Ad Astra Academies for USD 313 in Buhler, Shook leads initiatives that bridge classroom learning with real-world impact. Her work is rooted in the belief that literature builds empathy, students are natural changemakers, and education is most powerful when it cultivates both intellect and purpose. A 2022 LaunchLearning Fellow and Google Applied Digital Skills Ambassador, Shook has presented at national and statewide conferences on virtual learning, alternative learning, social justice literature, and design thinking. As Founder and Chair of the Kansas Educators Support Foundation, she is committed to supporting Kansas teachers at every stage of their careers—fueling their passions, uplifting their leadership, and championing their growth.
Erica Shook is an award-winning educator, innovative school leader, and passionate advocate for teacher empowerment and student voice. A 2019 Kansas Teacher of the Year nominee and 2020 LEGO Master Educator, Shook has dedicated her career to reimagining learning through equity-centered design, project- and problem-based learning, service initiatives, and culturally responsive pedagogy. Currently serving as Director of Ad Astra Academies for USD 313 in Buhler, Shook leads initiatives that bridge classroom learning with real-world impact. Her work is rooted in the belief that literature builds empathy, students are natural changemakers, and education is most powerful when it cultivates both intellect and purpose. A 2022 LaunchLearning Fellow and Google Applied Digital Skills Ambassador, Shook has presented at national and statewide conferences on virtual learning, alternative learning, social justice literature, and design thinking. As Founder and Chair of the Kansas Educators Support Foundation, she is committed to supporting Kansas teachers at every stage of their careers—fueling their passions, uplifting their leadership, and championing their growth.
Ricardo Sanchez: Secretary
Ricardo Sanchez is an early career educator currently serving as a teacher at McPherson High School in McPherson, Kansas. He teaches in the Spanish department and the Teaching and Learning CTE Pathway. In the classroom, Sanchez works toward intertwining cultural competence and language skills to ensure his students are better prepared for when they leave their building. Outside the classroom, Sanchez's passion lies in helping other educators. It is his belief that if educators have a strong support system behind them, they will be better equipped in their classrooms.
Ricardo Sanchez is an early career educator currently serving as a teacher at McPherson High School in McPherson, Kansas. He teaches in the Spanish department and the Teaching and Learning CTE Pathway. In the classroom, Sanchez works toward intertwining cultural competence and language skills to ensure his students are better prepared for when they leave their building. Outside the classroom, Sanchez's passion lies in helping other educators. It is his belief that if educators have a strong support system behind them, they will be better equipped in their classrooms.
Matt Lindsey: Treasurer
Matt Lindsey is the President of the Kansas Independent College Association, a role he has held since 2012. As president, Matt represents the interests of the twenty-one private, not-for-profit, accredited colleges and universities in the state of Kansas. The work includes coordinating state and federal government relations on behalf of the sector, directing consortia work around improving college affordability, access, and completion and enhancing the ability of the unique private colleges that dot the Kansas prairie to thrive in a challenging and ever-changing educational landscape. Before joining KICA, Matt was the Executive Director of Kansas Campus Compact, working to enhance civic and community engagement activities on college campuses throughout Kansas. He previously served as the senior associate for Freedman Consulting in Washington, DC, where he advised non-profit consortiums and large foundations on effective means to achieve policy change.
Matt Lindsey is the President of the Kansas Independent College Association, a role he has held since 2012. As president, Matt represents the interests of the twenty-one private, not-for-profit, accredited colleges and universities in the state of Kansas. The work includes coordinating state and federal government relations on behalf of the sector, directing consortia work around improving college affordability, access, and completion and enhancing the ability of the unique private colleges that dot the Kansas prairie to thrive in a challenging and ever-changing educational landscape. Before joining KICA, Matt was the Executive Director of Kansas Campus Compact, working to enhance civic and community engagement activities on college campuses throughout Kansas. He previously served as the senior associate for Freedman Consulting in Washington, DC, where he advised non-profit consortiums and large foundations on effective means to achieve policy change.
Crystal Kohls: Board of Trustees
Crystal Kohls earned her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Kansas State University and began her career in the nutrition field before discovering her passion for education. She currently serves as a Student Support Specialist at a virtual and alternative school where she focuses on building meaningful relationships and helping students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Crystal holds certification in social-emotional learning, yoga, and mindfulness, which she integrates into her work to promote holistic well-being and resilience among students. Known for her strong organizational skills and deep understanding of student needs, she is dedicated to supporting educators in creating positive, nurturing learning environments.
Crystal Kohls earned her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Kansas State University and began her career in the nutrition field before discovering her passion for education. She currently serves as a Student Support Specialist at a virtual and alternative school where she focuses on building meaningful relationships and helping students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Crystal holds certification in social-emotional learning, yoga, and mindfulness, which she integrates into her work to promote holistic well-being and resilience among students. Known for her strong organizational skills and deep understanding of student needs, she is dedicated to supporting educators in creating positive, nurturing learning environments.
Catherine Engelken: Board of Trustees
Catherine Engelken has served in education for the past 11 years, supporting students in a variety of student services roles. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Health and Sports Science from Northwestern Oklahoma State University and a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. Catherine began her career working with at-risk youth and has been a strong advocate for students and mental health access ever since. As a school counselor and advocate, she partners with teachers to help students thrive both academically and emotionally, empowering them to build confidence, resilience, and strong social-emotional skills. Catherine currently serves as the School Counselor at Buhler Grade School. She believes in providing comprehensive support that helps every student grow into a productive, compassionate, and resilient member of the community.
Catherine Engelken has served in education for the past 11 years, supporting students in a variety of student services roles. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Health and Sports Science from Northwestern Oklahoma State University and a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. Catherine began her career working with at-risk youth and has been a strong advocate for students and mental health access ever since. As a school counselor and advocate, she partners with teachers to help students thrive both academically and emotionally, empowering them to build confidence, resilience, and strong social-emotional skills. Catherine currently serves as the School Counselor at Buhler Grade School. She believes in providing comprehensive support that helps every student grow into a productive, compassionate, and resilient member of the community.
Dr. Shane Kirchner: Board of Trustees
Dr. Shane Kirchner has nearly 30 years' experience in education and is currently the Director of the Teacher Education Program at McPherson College. He previously was a Spanish and Theatre Arts teacher at McPherson High School. He is the past-president of the Kansas Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (KACTE) and is the current the president of the Kansas Association of Private Colleges of Teacher Education (KAPCOTE). He also serves as a member of the Evaluation Review Committee for KSDE.
Dr. Shane Kirchner has nearly 30 years' experience in education and is currently the Director of the Teacher Education Program at McPherson College. He previously was a Spanish and Theatre Arts teacher at McPherson High School. He is the past-president of the Kansas Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (KACTE) and is the current the president of the Kansas Association of Private Colleges of Teacher Education (KAPCOTE). He also serves as a member of the Evaluation Review Committee for KSDE.