Ingalls USD 477 Elementary Staff
Elementary and Middle School Principal
Mrs. Lightner graduated from Newman University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She earned a Master of Science in Building Leadership from Emporia State University. She became the elementary principal in 2020.
Elementary School Counselor
Mrs. Salem earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Kansas State University. She then earned her Master of Science in Community Counseling from Fort Hays State University. She began working at Ingalls in 2018.
Preschool Teacher
Mrs. Jury is currently earning her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Wichita State University. She began teaching at Ingalls in 2016.
Pre - K ParaProfessional
Miss Shaffer studied graphic design at Full Sail University, and then began working at Ingalls in 2025.
Kindergarten Teacher
Miss Lightner earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She taught kindergarten in the Manhattan School District during the 2025–2026 school year. This will be her first year teaching at Ingalls.
1st Grade Teacher
Mrs. Goering earned her bachelor's degree from Newman University and her master's degree from Fort Hays State University. She began teaching at Ingalls in 2025.
2nd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Beach earned her Associate of Science degree in Education from Garden City Community College and her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Fort Hays State University. She has taught second grade at Ingalls since 2004.
3rd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Varela earned her degree from Wichita State University and her degree in Social Work from Fort Hays State University. She has been teaching at Ingalls since 2025.
4th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Wilkison attended Fort Hays State University, where she majored in Elementary Education and later earned her master's degree in ESL. She has taught fourth grade at Ingalls since 2008.
5th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Contreras graduated from Oklahoma Panhandle State University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She has taught for nine years and has experience teaching every grade level from second through fifth grade.
Elementary Band Teacher
Mr. Vinson earned his Bachelor’s in Music Education from Wichita State University. He also earned his Master of Liberal Studies in Music from Fort Hays State University and his Doctorate in Music Education from Liberty University. He began teaching at Ingalls in 2025.
Elementary School P.E.
Mrs. Simon earned a degree in Elementary Education from Kansas State University. She also earned a master’s degree in ESL. She began working at Ingalls in 2009.
Intervention Paraprofessional
Mrs. Richardson graduated from Garden City Community College with a focus in Art and General Studies. She began working at Ingalls in 2021.
Intervention Paraprofessional
Mrs. Markel graduated from Garden City High School in 1999. She began working as an intervention paraprofessional at Ingalls in 2020.
Intervention Paraprofessional
Miss Galaviz graduated from Ingalls High School. She attended Garden City Community College, where she studied Science and Art. She began working at Ingalls in 2019.
Elementary IRD Paraprofessional
Mrs. Littrell attended Seward County Community College, where she earned an Associate degree in Accounting. She began working at Ingalls in 2024.
Elementary School Secretary
Mrs. Radcliff graduated from Garden City Community College with a degree in Business Management. She began working at Ingalls in 2022.
Custodian
Juana has worked at Ingalls Schools for more than 25 years. She commits her time and energy to creating clean and welcoming learning environments in the elementary wing.
Custodian
Nidia graduated from Ingalls High School in 2003 and has been working at Ingalls Schools for more than seven years. She compassionately maintains a clean and welcoming atmosphere for elementary students.
Speech Language Pathologist
Mrs. Dewey earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from Fort Hays State University. She began teaching at Ingalls in 2024.
Food Service Director
Jeanette carefully plans and coordinates nutritious breakfasts and lunches that appeal to all ages. She has worked at Ingalls for more than 17 years.
Food Service
Melissa has worked at Ingalls Schools for more than eight years. She graciously prepares and cooks meals to accommodate a variety of appetites.
Elementary Interrelated Room
Mr. Poer graduated from Wichita State University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. He has been working at Ingalls since 2021.
Elementary Interrelated Room
Miss Varela received her Associates degree from Dodge City Community College and is currently working towards her bachelors degree.
bvarela@ingallsusd477.com