March 21, 2025
The Wentzville School District announced Debra Kerns, instructional assistant at Frontier Middle School (FMS), as the 24-2025 District Support Staff Employee of the Year today, March 21, in a surprise announcement by her colleagues and family at FMS.
“Deb Kerns is an absolute treasure at Frontier Middle School, embodying the very heart and spirit of our community,” said Dr. Kathryn Greer, Frontier Middle principal. “She is, without a doubt, one of the most positive and uplifting staff members, radiating warmth and positive energy that brightens everyone's day. Her dedication to students and staff is truly remarkable.”
Kerns has worked at Frontier Middle and for the WSD for 17 years.
“She has a special gift for connecting with students, finding a kind and patient way to meet them where they are and lift them up,” Dr. Greer said. “Students of all backgrounds and needs gravitate towards her, knowing they'll find a friendly face, a listening ear, and unwavering support.”
The WSD is proud to recognize all of the hard-working support staff employees who go above and beyond for our students and our district.
It is the support staff employees who drive our buses, prepare the food, clean our schools, and do scores of other jobs that help support the District’s educational efforts. Our support staff employees often labor behind the scenes, but their hard work does not go unnoticed or unappreciated.
Every year, each building in the District selects its own “Support Staff Employee of the Year,” and the building winners are eligible for the District Support Staff Employee of the Year Award.
The 2025 WSD Support Staff Employees of the Year are:
- Barfield: Robyn Martin, Special Education Instructional Assistant
- Boone Trail: Anne Schneider, Special Education Instructional Assistant
- Crossroads: Kristin Roberts, Principal Secretary
- Discovery Ridge: Layla Woodson, Special Education Instructional Assistant (Preschool)
- Duello: Beth Chapman, Library Assistant
- Green Tree: Stephanie Hysong, Principal Secretary
- Heritage: Jessica Steele, Instructional Assistant
- Journey: Krista Doherty, Special Education Instructional Assistant
- Lakeview: Joyce Nicholson, Nurse
- Peine Ridge: Bridget Walterman, Instructional Assistant
- Prairie View: Kristen Beck, Instructional Assistant
- Stone Creek: Angela Shirley, Instructional Assistant
- Wabash: Heather Schutter, Chautauqua Lead
- Frontier Middle: Debra Kerns, Instructional Assistant
- North Point Middle: Kim Kemerer, Division Secretary
- South Middle: Monica Berra, Special Education Instructional Assistant
- Wentzville Middle: Kristin Nicotra, Registrar
- Holt High: Stephen Bilkey, Special Education Instructional Assistant
- Liberty High: Melissa Simms, Nurse
- North Point High: Krista Anderson, Division Secretary
- Timberland High: Gina Heintzelman, ELL Instructional Assistant
- Pearce Hall: Heather Cheslik, Instructional Assistant
- The REACH Center, Pete Pinkerton, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Support Services: Craig Orton, HVAC Technician
- Transportation: Constance Ryan-Glore, Bus Driver
- Berrey-Place Center: Elizabeth Anth, Administrative Secretary
- WSD Administrative Center: Sonymar Deibis, Accountant
