Staff

I’m Layne Parmenter, principal at Afton Elementary. In a previous life I was an English/Spanish teacher at the high school level and have worked as an elementary principal for the past twenty years. It’s been a pleasure to work with the wonderful staff at Afton for the past four years. They are exceptional! When I’m not being a principal, I guide whitewater expeditions on the Main Salmon, often with my family––my wife, Andra, and my daughters, Vanessa and Chelsea. I've enjoyed coaching volleyball in the past––now I just enjoy watching, and I also really like hiking local mountain trails and slot canyons in the southwest.

My name is Susan Loveland. I have worked at Afton Elementary since 1998.  I started out working as a Title 1 aide for several years and then switched to the office.  I love what I do and love the people and kids here. I have 2 daughters and enjoy spending time with them. I like music, reading, playing games, traveling and going on adventures.

My name is Angela Burton. I teach Kindergarten  and I LOVE every minute of it!  My husband, Ryan, and I have three grown children  who live out of state and two children still  at home.  Outside of school, my family and I spend our time riding dirt bikes, watching football, soaking up the sun, and visiting our family.

I am enjoying our 30th year living in beautiful Star Valley. Sixteen of those years have been spent teaching kindergarten at Afton Elementary.  Teaching five and six year olds is always energizing and full of wonder.  I rely on the wisdom and support of my fellow teachers to accomplish good things for our students.  In my spare time, I like to spend time with my five grown children and seven grandchildren.

My name is Holly Graham and this is my 13th year in LCSD #2, where I currently teach kindergarten.I have been an educator for 20+ years and am currently finishing up my doctoral degree in curriculum and teaching at NCU. Outside of school, I enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, hunting and any activities with my family. I love being a teacher, learning new things, and being a grandma to my three grandsons and two granddaughters.

Hi! I am Laural “Jane”Andersen.  I have taught for 18 years at Afton Elementary.  I love teaching kindergarten with all the new discoveries and learning.  I have a BA degree from Prescott College, and an English as a second language endorsement from University of Wyoming, and a Masters in Curriculum Education from University of Wyoming.  I love children, music, and hiking!

My name is Lisa Garner. I have been teaching kindergarten for the past seven years at Afton Elementary.  Prior to that I have taught first grade, preschool, second grade and third grade. I enjoy spending time with family and being outdoors.  In the spring, summer and fall you can find me hiking or gardening. In the winter I love to go cross country skiing.

My name is Mary Jane Rainey.  I teach kindergarten at Afton Elementary.  I have taught for 24 years.  I have had the prvilege of teaching second, third and fourth grade besides Kindergarten.  I love teaching and especially teaching children.  I truly believe children learn best if they know they are loved and in a safe place.  So I try to provide that atmosphere in my classroom.   I am also a wife, mom and grandma.  I have three married children and 6 grandchildren with one ;more coming in December. When I am not teaching, I love being with my family.

My name is Rachelle Christensen. I am the kindergarten aide at Afton Elementary. This is my first year in this position and I am enjoying being with the kindergartners and the kindergarten team. Outside of work I love being with my family (husband, six kids and five grandkids) canoeing, geo-caching, taking long walks, listening to my children perform their musical talents, and working in my yard.

I am a first grade teacher with decades of experiences in helping students become life-long learners. I have taught in several grades throughout the district from first grade to eighth, except sixth grade. I love learning through education classes and workshops; but the best teachers are the students. This is a great district to work for because of the parents, staff, teachers, administrators and the strong support of each other that we feel. I love being called “teacher,” but my favorite title is “mom” or “Granzie,”

I received my teaching degree in 2016 and have been teaching first grade at Afton Elementary since then.  Previously I ran a large preschool in Idaho for six years before our family moved to Star Valley in 2008.  My husband, Shane, is also a teacher at Afton Elementary, and we have four children and one son-in-law:  Taylor (Jordan) Ball, Brennen, Parker, and Kasen.  My students become a part of my family too each year.  I love watching them learn and grow.  I am grateful to be a part of this awesome school district and to make a difference in the lives of those I teach.

It has been my great privilege to teach in this school district for over thirty years.  When I first came here I often found myself teaching the children of colleagues and friends.  Now I find myself teaching the children of former students.  I have loved these young people and have watched them grow into wonderful, successful adults.  I hope that I have had a small positive influence on their lives.  I look forward each year to the joys and challenges of every new group of students.

My name is Mark Hale. I am a first grade teacher at Afton Elementary School. I love teaching and strive to be an energetic, insightful, and resourceful teacher. I am dedicated to helping children identify and enhance their unique potential. Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family, fishing, skiing, and playing sports.

My name is Jim (James) Keeley. I live in Smoot and have been lucky enough to call Star Valley my home for the last 37 years. Yes, I have been teaching for 37 years in our beautiful valley. I have my MEd and my Bachelors from Utah State University. With my wife, we raised seven children in our school system and it has been wonderful. I now have 18 grandchildren and I have had the chance to teach many of them. I love to be outdoors fishing, hiking, playing golf, etc, but most of all I love to spend time with my family.

My name is Joyce Kennington.  I teach second grade at Afton Elementary.  Teaching has been my passion since I was a young child and still is today.  Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and working outside in the sunshine.

I’ve worked in LCSD2 since 2006 starting at Etna Elementary, first as an aide and then as a 6^th grade teacher. In 2008 I was asked to come teach 2^nd grade at Afton Elementary. I’ve absolutely loved working in this great district, and I feel so blessed to continually work with an incredibly talented team of teachers. When I’m not busy at school I love to be at home cooking, crocheting, or reading a great book. I love traveling by car and enjoying the beautiful landscape everywhere I go.  I’m a grandma to 18 talented grandchildren. I’m mom to 3 sons and 2 daughters who are happily married to their amazing spouses. I’m wife to a great guy, somewhat of a cowboy actually, that has made me happy for 47 years. Life is good!

I have been teaching for a total of twenty years - (thirteen years in sixth grade and seven years in second grade).  I was raised in St. Anthony, Idaho, and attended school at Ricks College and Idaho State University.  My family, (wife - Kellie, daughter - Taylor, and sons - Brennen, Parker, and Kasen) and I have been living here in the valley for over eleven years.  I love the outdoors, sports, and teaching!  I look forward to many more years of learning from your children and helping them along their educational path.

My name is Amy Klindt. This is my fifth year teaching at Afton Elementary.  I began my career as a social worker for Child Protective Services, spent a few years at home raising kids, and then entered the field of education. I love the challenges and successes that come with teaching. In my spare time, it’s all about family. We love to read, play sports, explore the outdoors, see new places, and just spend time together.

My name is Allison Hicks, I’m currently a third grade teacher here at Afton Elementary.  I have taught for twenty four years. I have taught everything from Special Education up to Fourth Grade and have loved them all.  What I love about teaching is seeing how much the children learn and grow each year. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family golfing, fishing or enjoying other outdoor activities.

I was born and raised right here in Star Valley.  I am glad to be teaching in the place I call home.  I am a graduate of the University of Wyoming and have a masters in curriculum and instruction.  When I'm not at Afton Elementary, you can see me on the football field, or in the mountains hunting and fly fishing. Besides 3rd graders, my favorite people are my wife Jen, and my kids, Logan, Colton, Ali, and Ashlyn.

I am the music teacher here at Afton Elementary and also teach music at Osmond Elementary.  This is my 12^th year teaching music!  I have 3 kids and have been married for 24 years.  I love to sing, play the piano, and the clarinet.  When I’m not involved in music, I enjoy working out in my yard and garden, going hiking in the mountains and riding around in our boat on the lake.  If I could have one thing, it would be a fresh bouquet of flowers every week on my dining table.  I love flowers!  (A cook would be nice too)

My name is David Cazier, and I have been in the education field for nine years now.  I have a BA degree in Special Education from Utah State University and am currently seeking a M.Ed degree from Gonzaga University.  I have been at Afton Elementary School for seven years now, where I previously taught 2nd Grade Special Education.  I have also assisted with positive psychology and bullying research, and have helped write an anti-bullying approach called “Be CLASSY!” My role now is to help teachers, students, and parents with the IEP process.  I love Afton Elementary, and believe that all students can succeed.

My name is Shanel Hoopes and this is my 3rd year as a cook at Afton Elementary.  I am married and have 4 girls and 2 dogs.  We live in Afton.  We love going on Ranger rides, going to the movies, and just spending time together.

My name is Marie Nield.  I am the kitchen manager for Afton Elementary.  I love visiting with the kids as they come through the lunch line.  I enjoy being outside in the summer but not so much in the winter.  I have really enjoyed doing some domestic traveling in the last few years.

My name is Misty Nelson. I've been at cook for LCSD2 since 2013.  I have 5 kids. I like to read, camp, and have a love/hate relationship with gardening.

Hi, my name is Amy Merritt, I am the Afton Elementary Librarian and I have the best job in the whole school.  I have worked in the district for ten + years and feel it a pleasure to work in such a great place.  I enjoy living in this beautiful valley with my husband and four kids. We enjoy camping, four-wheeling, hunting, and spending time as a family.

My name is Shelley Hunsaker. I bring 17 years of library experience to my position as the District Elementary Media Specialist. When I am not in the library working with teachers and students, I enjoy quilting, camping, hiking, being with my family and of course reading!

My name is Allen Simpson. I am an occupational therapist for LCSD2. I obtained my masters degree in occupational therapy from the University of North Dakota in 2015.  I have worked as a pediatric therapist for the past 4 years helping kids achieve independence in school.  My family and I love the outdoors. We enjoy exploring the beautiful mountains, lakes, and ski resorts in and around the Star Valley area.

I am currently a speech-language pathologist working for LCSD2 at Afton Elementary and currently have my national certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.  During my career as a speech-language pathologist I have gained experience evaluating and treating children ages preschool through high school presenting with a wide range of communication disorders/delays. I believe that developing strong personal relationships with the students and families with whom I work is the foundation for effecting positive change and effective and efficient treatment outcomes.  When I am not enjoying my hobby as a speech-language pathologist I fill my time with watching my 5 children in their activities, hiking with family in the beautiful mountains of Star Valley, gardening and photography.

I came to LCSD2 in August 2015 after finishing my master’s degree in speech-language pathology at the University of Wyoming—Go Pokes! During my master’s program, I did an externship at Thayne Elementary and was hired by the school district for the following year. I was assigned to Afton Elementary School and earned my Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) in 2016. I have been at Afton Elementary ever since and love working with such awesome students, families, and staff!

My name is Angie Bagley.  I have worked in the high needs in special education since 2009.  I have 4 kids; Tyson, Amanda, Cole, and Cache.  I have a daughter-in-law, Jessica, and 2 beautiful granddaughters  - Elena Rose and Ashlyn Jade.  I love to spend time with my family.  I read and cross stitch when I have the time.  Most of my time now is spent watching Cache play football, basketball, and soccer and I love it!

My name is Angie Hale.  I am a special education paraprofessional.  I have been working in this department since 2004.  Outside of work I love playing with my grandchildren and spending summers on the boat.

I am a SPED Aide at Afton Elementary school.  I spend most of my time with first grade.  I really enjoy this age group––it's fun to watch them grow over the year.  Afton Elementary is a great place to work.  Everyone here is kind and considerate, especially to the children.  I think Star Valley is a special place to live, full of wonderful people and surrounded by beautiful county.

My name is Jennifer Frome. I have been a resource teacher in Lincoln County School District #2 for thirteen years now.  Building relationships with the students and professionals I work with is important in educating the children in our wonderful community.  Outside of school I enjoy time with family and friends hiking, camping, motorbiking, fishing, cycling, skiing, cooking, reading and traveling.  My husband and I enjoy raising our four children ranging in age from four to twelve here in Star Valley.

My name is Lacey Spalding.  I am a paraprofessional at Afton Elementary.  I have been with the district since 2017 as a Title 1 aide and a high needs aide.  Outside of work, I enjoy my family, being outdoors, camping, and following my 3 kids in their activities.

I’ve lived all my life in Star Valley.  I’m the youngest from a family of 8.  I have 4 wonderful children, two boys and two girls.  Best of all I have 4 grandchildren!  They are the best.  I love Afton elementary and living here.

Hi, My name is Stacey Watson. I have worked for Lincoln County School District  #2 since Aug of 2000. I work in the Special Education Department in Kindergarten at Afton Elementary. I live in Afton with my husband and 3 kids. I like to go fishing, hunting and hiking with my family.

My name is Sue Minson.  I have worked for the school district since 2009.  Currently, I work as a paraprofessional in the high needs special education department.  Outside of work, I like to spend time with my family, especially with my 30 grandkids!  I also enjoy baking, quilting, and cruising.

I am a Special Education teacher in 3^rd grade.  My entire career in teaching has been here at Afton Elementary beginning in 2003. Although I’m not a native to the Valley I’ve been here long enough that when a student asks me if I know their grandparents, I usually do.  I have an amazing husband, J.R., two great kids, Bobby and Becca, and their two wonderful spouses Maire and Colt.  (So, maybe someday soon I’ll have a grandbaby or two.)  I’m a lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs, not just in the good years!  I love to travel and explore as often as possible.  Granted my exploring now is more of the eatery variety.

My name is Trina Nield.  I’m a paraprofessional.  I’ve worked for the district since 2004.  Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing volleyball and watching movies.