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 meets in the summer and plays two or three concerts around the area.  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!

Lindy Parker
Parent Educator

Hi, I'm Lindy Parker, and I'm delighted to introduce my new role as a PAT Educator. Let me share a bit about myself: 36 years ago, I married my husband. Together, we are blessed with two incredible daughters, their husbands, and four precious grandchildren. In my pursuit of knowledge and expertise, I earned a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education and a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. My love for helping children and families guided me through an amazing 30-year career as a kindergarten teacher, where I had the privilege of nurturing young minds, watching them learn, grow, and achieve their potential, retiring only to care for my grandchildren. Currently, I am enjoying leading children’s ministry at church. With this foundation, I'm now stepping into my role as a parent educator with excitement. This journey promotes learning experiences, joy and opportunities for growth. I’m ready to dive into this adventure with families in our community.

Sarah Warren
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.