Parents as Teachers

Melanie Stoelting
Parents as Teachers Director/Parent Educator

I have been blessed to be a parent educator for 28 years.  Partnering with families to ensure their children are ready for school is my favorite part of my job.  Early childhood education is my jam and I love sharing milestones and parenting topics with families. I truly believe parents are their child's first and foremost teacher. 

I have five grandchildren and love going to their homes in Springfield and Columbia to do “Nana’s Clipboard of Fun.”  I am a wife, mother, parent educator, and PAT State Consultant, but my favorite title is Nana!

Debbie Blunt
Parent Educator

I am an Iowa native transplanted to Dexter 38 years ago. I have been blessed with five wonderful children and twelve grandchildren. I enjoy spending time with my family, first and foremost. I also enjoy going for walks, swimming, hiking, and watching movies. I have had the opportunity to serve families for 28 years. In that time, I have enjoyed building rapport with many families and partnering in their parenting journey. I truly believe all children are born to learn and grow to their full potential.

Adam Clark
Parent Educator/Website Administrator

I am a third and fifth grade Title I reading intervention teacher at Central Elementary, and am very excited about my new role as a parent educator for Parents as Teachers! Early childhood education is a passion of mine; I began my career as a teacher for DAEOC Head Start and am thrilled to move back into the early childhood world.

Outside of school, I teach education classes for Hannibal-LaGrange University. I play trumpet in the Three Rivers Symphonic Band and the Southeast Missouri Regional Jazz Orchestra, which performs in the summer.  I am also an avid reader.  My favorite genres of literature are science fiction novels, biographies, and mysteries.

I am not married, nor do I have any children of my own, but I have three nieces and a nephew that I spoil as though they were my own. Of all the hats I wear and all the titles I have, "Uncle Adam" is my favorite!

Alexis Stafford
Parent Educator

Angela Watkins
Parent Educator

I am married and have two sons and four grandchildren. I grew up in Dexter and attended Dexter Schools. I enjoy swimming, reading, walking my dog, taking trips and going to restaurants. 

I have been a Parent Educator for 19 years; my favorite part of my job is meeting families and supporting parents as they help their children learn.

Ashley Wheeler
Parent Educator

Hello, My name is Ashley Wheeler. I became a Parent Educator two years ago. I enjoy meeting new families and creating a lasting bond.  I am currently the special education teacher at Richland R-1. 

I married my high school sweetheart 21 years ago. Together we have three amazing children, an awesome son-in-law, and three dogs.  I enjoy traveling, watching my kids play sports, and being with family.  God has blessed me in many ways.

Kim Williams
Parent Educator