Clayton Ridge welcomes new staff
Several new teachers have joined the staff at Clayton Ridge. Pictured (left to right) are Lakota Stubbs (kindergarten), Angel Flack (PK-12 art), Katie Vorwald (special education), Elly Meyer (third grade) and Hudson Johnston (director of SPED and student services for PK-5). (Press photo by Austin Greve)
Several new teachers have joined the staff at Clayton Ridge.
Katie Vorwald
Katie Vorwald will teach K-5 special education. Vorwald grew up in Elkader and now lives outside Monona with her husband, three children and their dog. She enjoys spending time outside with her family on the river or cruising in their side by side. Some of her favorites are iced coffee and photography. She has been a teacher for 12 years. After completing student teaching in Africa, she graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with an emphasis in elementary education and special education. She then completed her masters in education. She is inspired by the students and enjoys seeing those lightbulb moments as they gain new learning and skills.
Elly Meyer
Elly Meyer joins the district as a third grade teacher. Meyer is from Holy Cross and has one older sister and three younger brothers. She recently got engaged and is excited to start wedding planning. Meyer graduated from the University of Dubuque with a degree in elementary education and endorsements in reading and instructional strategist I. She’s currently attending Buena Vista University for a masters in teaching.
According to Meyer, her mom, who is also a teacher, has been her biggest inspiration to become a teacher. “She has impacted so many lives in her 30-plus years of teaching and has truly pushed me to be the best teacher that I can be,” Meyer said.
Meyer’s teaching philosophy centers on educating the whole child. She believes every student is capable of learning and achieving success. “By fostering a supportive, inclusive environment and building strong relationships, I aim to create a classroom where students feel valued, challenged and empowered to take ownership of their learning,” she said.
Outside the classroom, Meyer enjoys reading, baking, cooking, walking, playing card games and spending time with family and friends.
Angel Flack
Angel Flack is taking over as the PK-12 art teacher. Flack graduated from the University of Northern Iowa for art education. She completed her student teaching in Postville and then taught for two years in Dubuque.
“Teachers are so important in students’ lives. Students are figuring out themselves and how to be as a respectable human being. With art, I want to help students express themselves and for them to find their place, whether they find it as a hobby, a future career or just something to brighten up their lives,” she said.
Besides art, Flack loves reading, with fantasy as her favorite. She also loves anime. “They can have amazing story lines that capture your heartstrings, but I also love the animation of it. They have great graphics,” she said.
For music, Flack mostly listens to K-pop. She enjoys different languages and wants to learn many. She currently knows Spanish and is learning Korean.
Flack’s favorite season is summer because of the warmth and activities. “I love anything water related: swimming, kayaking, laying on a beach and fishing with my grandpa,” she shared.
Lakota Stubbs
Lakota Stubbs is honored to begin her first year teaching kindergarten at Clayton Ridge Elementary School. She graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a minor in social-emotional learning. Through her field experiences at UNI, she taught in multiple grade levels, from kindergarten to sixth grade, and had the privilege of student teaching at Clayton Ridge alongside both kindergarten teachers.
“That experience gave me valuable insight into our curriculum, classroom routines and school community,” Stubbs said. “My teaching philosophy is to create a welcoming, supportive environment where every child feels valued, safe and excited to learn through hands-on experiences, positive relationships and opportunities to explore their curiosity. I am inspired daily by the excitement and wonder children bring to the classroom.”
Outside of school, Stubbs enjoys spending time with family and friends, visiting local coffee shops and relaxing on the river.
Hudson Johnston
Hudson Johnston joins Clayton Ridge as the PK-5 director of special Education and student services. Johnston has been working in education for eight years, with experience at Muscatine, Benton and Kee High. He went to Wartburg College, where he majored in elementary education and special education and played football for five seasons. Johnston later earned his master’s degree and administrative endorsement through Dordt University.
“I believe school should be a place where students feel welcome and enjoy showing up every day. Creating that kind of positive environment is something I’m really passionate about,” Johnston said.
Outside of school, Johnston enjoy spending time with his wife Nikki, their daughter Crosby and dog Eric. Coaching football has also become a passion throughout his career. He loves to spend most summer days on a golf course and is a big fan of the Boston Red Sox, Tennessee Titans and the University of Michigan. Johnston loves holidays, especially Halloween, and most of all, he loves morning coffee.
“I am extremely excited for the opportunity to work in such a great community and become an Eagle,” Johnston shared.
