Prior to coming to LEAD, Ryan was the district coordinator for curriculum and student services, an assistant principal at Congress Middle School, and social studies teacher at Park Hill High School and Lakeview Middle School. Before coming to Park Hill, Ryan was the social studies department chair and taught social studies and foreign language and was head track and field coach at Desert Vista High School in Phoenix, Arizona. Ryan earned his doctoral degree from the University of Kansas and his master's and bachelor's degrees from the University of Arkansas, where he competed as a member of their track and field team. Ryan and his wife, Jane, have four boys and enjoy spending time at their athletic and music events.
Dr. Sarah Eisenmenger earned her bachelor degree from the University of Missouri and started her teaching career as a math teacher in Columbia, Missouri. She also earned her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Missouri as well.
Dr. Eisenmenger returned to her hometown of Sedalia, Missouri to teach math before being hired in Park Hill. In 2016, Dr. Eisenmenger completed her educational specialist degree from Central Missouri State University. Dr. Eisenmenger received her doctorate degree in 2020 from William Woods University.
Previously, Dr. Eisenmenger served as administrative intern at Congress Middle School and Park Hill High School.
Before LEAD:
Most recently I had the honor of leading the Flexible Personalized Learning (FPL) program at Platte County High School for the past 5 years. This model was comprised of teachers team teaching in blended classes, as well as same content. Teachers collaborated to create rich, engaging PBL learning for students.
I have had the pleasure of serving students and staff as a high school administrator for the past 15 of my 33 years in education. The majority of my career was spent as a Psychology teacher, head volleyball & swim coach, curriculum coordinator, and Associate Principal in Topeka Public Schools.
Why I'm at LEAD:
At my core is the belief that all students can learn, they do this in different ways, at different times, and at different rates. It is our responsibility to help students set goals, teach them to track and be invested in their learning, and mentor them along the way. This is best achieved in a flexible environment where student choice and voice help guide how students demonstrate their learning. I view LEAD as the venue to make this happen and that is why I am so thrilled to join the LEADers!
What I'm most looking forward to:
Building relationships with staff and students is what I look forward to the most! Constructing student and adult learning experiences, teaming with teachers to create authentic PBL for students, and supporting staff with the necessary resources to design agency and enrich each student in their personalized learning journey is what energizes me to continue to improve personally and professionally.
About me:
If you're looking for a partner for a round of golf... call me! I love to watch the Royals, Chiefs, and KU Basketball. Travel is always something that I try to work into my schedule, as I love the water (snorkel and SCUBA), golf, and am an avid beach walker! My family lives in Topeka so I try to make regular trips to spend time with them and stay with my mother. I've lived in Kearney for 10 years and really enjoy how accessible fun venues like concerts, farmer's markets, and downtown activities are and try to take advantage of these events. That said- I love being at home with my rescue terrier Lucy!
