The Kentucky Mathematics Teacher Leaders

Ashlee Prewitt-Childress

Ashlee Prewitt-Childress is a third grade math teacher at Crab Orchard Elementary in Lincoln County. She has 15 years of experience in education as a K-3 mathematics teacher and interventionist. Ashlee has her Rank One and is certified in Math Recovery.

Jennifer LeeAnn Clem

• 1st Grade Teacher
• Rosspoint Elementary in Harlan County
• This is my 18th year of teaching

Moira Dalibor

Moira Dalibor is a middle school mathematics educator at Redwood Cooperative School in Lexington, Kentucky. She holds a degree from Transylvania University and has 17 years of teaching experience. Her work focuses on designing authentic mathematical learning experiences that encourage students to connect content knowledge with real-world application. She integrates global perspectives into her curriculum, a commitment strengthened through her participation in the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms program and her fellowship with the Transatlantic Outreach Program.

Jessica Dutton

Mrs. Jessica Dutton has over twelve years of experience as an elementary educator. She has enjoyed teaching all subjects in both primary and intermediate grade levels, including eight years as a 5th grade teacher. Mrs. Dutton loves to help her students connect to the world around them and realize the impact they can have. She prioritizes building a caring classroom community where students can focus on growing and learning and strives to model a growth mindset.

Mrs. Dutton enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and being out among nature as much as possible.

Mrs. Dutton earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from University of Kentucky and a Master of Arts degree in Social Sciences from University of Amsterdam in The Netherlands. She received a Master of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Kentucky University.

Jennifer Eerenberg

Jennifer Eerenberg has 24 years of experience teaching elementary. This will be her fourth year as a math interventionist in the Boyd County Public Schools. She has trained in AVMR and is currently working on Math Recovery Specialist certification. Constantly seeking ways of improving math education for her students, Jennifer joined KYMTL and recently earned her National Board Certification as a Middle Childhood Generalist. 

Dana Gahafer

Hello, my name is Dana Gahafer and I am an Elementary Teacher in Jefferson County Public Schools. I graduated with my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Middle School Mathematics from the University of Louisville in 2010. In 2015, I earned my Master’s degree in Teacher Leadership. I have been teaching for 11 years with the majority of the time as a 4th grade Mathematics teacher. Growing up Mathematics was always my favorite subject and I have loved being able to share my joy and passion for Mathematics with my students. I am currently finishing my endorsement to be an Elementary Mathematics Specialist. During the past two years in this program, I have been able to collaborate, grow, and learn in my knowledge as a Mathematics educator. I am excited to continue to have the opportunity to work with others that share my interest and passion for Mathematics.

Sean Jordan

Been in education for 14 years, 12 as a high school math teacher, and the past two as a math instructional coach at Conway Middle School. Have a deep passion for seeing students grow, learn, and succeed in their math abilities! On the side, I also referee soccer!

Mindi Keiner-Rummel

Mindi Keiner-Rummel has been in the education field for 33 years. About 26 years of that time has been teaching students in middle grades; nineteen of which have been at Shelby County East Middle. Mindi has a B.S. degree in Elementary and Special Education with an endorsement for 5 - 9 Mathematics Teaching.  She enjoys cooking and tutoring.  Although she likes all mathematics content, her favorite subject is Algebra!

Angela Kilburn

Angela Kilburn is a 13-year mathematics educator and the 5th grade Math Content Leader for Corbin Independent Schools. She holds a degree in Middle School Mathematics from Midway College, an elementary certification, a Master's Degree from University of the Cumberlands, and National Board Certification in Early Adolescence Mathematics, first earned in 2016 and renewed in 2021. Angela is dedicated to fostering collaboration among colleagues, mentoring others, and continually reflecting on her practice to improve mathematics instruction. She is passionate about helping students achieve growth, build confidence, strengthen mathematical reasoning through conceptual understanding, and develop a positive mindset toward math.

Stephanie Lay

Stephanie Lay began her teaching career in 2008 as an elementary school teacher and has taught in middle and high school. She has taught in Kentucky and Florida. She holds a Master's Degree in Teacher Leadership and an Educational Specialist Degree in Leadership and Supervision. While an educator in Florida she was able to expand her love of space as a resident of the Space Coast. She experienced rocket launches and was able to take her students to Kennedy Space Center on multiple occasions to encourage their pursuits in STEAM careers. Ms. Lay continues to share this passion with her current students through collaborative efforts with colleagues at Kennedy Space Center.

Maggie Mahan

A product of and proud educator for the Corbin Independent School District, my name is Maggie Mahan. I have the unique privilege to impact the future of the Bluegrass and beyond by conveying care for and commitment to each student that enters my 8th grade classroom - 7 years strong to date! It’s my job and my joy to encourage and empower logical thinkers set up for success in the real-world by rewriting the narrative of, "I'm bad at math,” with hard work, perseverance, and self-confidence! It’s my calling and mission work to make meaningful math moments and spend the days I’ve been blessed with teaching happily ever after!

Calli Miller

I'm Calli Miller, a middle school math teacher with 10 years of experience. I began my teaching career in elementary school but found my passion in middle school mathematics and haven't looked back since. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Western Kentucky University and later completed my Master's in Teacher Leadership with an emphasis in Mathematics at the University of the Cumberlands. I am currently working toward my Rank I through GRREC's EPIC Numeracy Project.

My ultimate goal is to become a representative for the Kentucky Center for Mathematics (KCM). Throughout my career, KCM has been an invaluable resource, and I aspire to partner with them as a mentor to support and inspire future teachers. I am also thrilled to be starting my second year as a Kentucky Math Teacher Leader, where I look forward to continuing my growth and contributing to the mathematics education community.

Benjamin Molberger

Benjamin Molberger is the Intervention Teacher at duPont Manual High School in Louisville, Kentucky, part of Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS). He previously spent 13 years teaching mathematics in JCPS at Jeffersontown High School (2023-2024), Atherton High School (2017-2023), and Doss High School (2011-2017), teaching a range of courses including Geometry, Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus AB, and IB Analysis and Approaches Higher Level. Benjamin has a B.A. in mathematics from Middlebury College and an M.A.T. and M.Ed. from the University of Louisville, where he is currently pursuing an Ed.S. in educational administration. He is certified to teach mathematics grades 5-12 and holds endorsements in instructional technology and teacher leadership.

Laura Pennington

Laura Pennington is a middle school math teacher and math department chair at Elkhorn Middle School in Franklin County. She is currently in her 13th year of teaching. Laura has a bachelor's degree from Georgetown College in Elementary and Middle Grades Education with an Emphasis in Mathematics, a master's degree from Georgetown College in Learning and Behavior Disorders, and a master's degree from Morehead State University in School Guidance Counseling. In her free time, Laura enjoys spending time with friends and family and her dog, Annabelle.

Steven Renner

This is my 15th year teaching. I teach 5th grade Math & Writing at Brodhead Elementary in Rockcastle County. I love teaching and want my students to love learning. I strive to always make learning fun, hands-on, engaging, and to make sure my students truly master the standards I am teaching. I am always looking for ways to improve my teaching and new ideas to implement in my classroom.

Jaclyn Sams

Jaclyn Sams is a 5th grade math educator at Corbin Elementary School. Her passion for mathematics and education drives her commitment to helping students develop a deep understanding and appreciation for the subject. She believes that math fosters critical thinking, perseverance, and confidence-skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Mrs. Sams finds great joy in watching her students experience growth and excitement as they explore new mathematical concepts, and she strives to empower each learner to see themselves as capable and confident mathematicians!

Braden Sevier

A proud graduate of Corbin Independent Schools, I am honored to serve the district as a 4th grade math teacher and currently as the 4th Grade Math Team Lead. This is my fourth year in education, and I strive daily to provide students with both academic rigor and meaningful support as they grow into confident learners.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Eastern Kentucky University in 2022, followed by a Master of Arts in Special Education with a concentration in Learning and Behavior Disorders from the University of the Cumberlands in 2024. I am currently completing my Educational Specialist degree in Principalship, with graduation anticipated in December 2025. These academic experiences, paired with classroom practice, have equipped me with the tools to support diverse learners and to lead with a student-centered approach.

My professional mission is to help students build confidence in themselves—both in mathematics and in life. I believe that when students feel supported and capable, they are more willing to take risks, persevere through challenges, and achieve success. By fostering a classroom culture that values effort, growth, and resilience, I aim to empower students with skills that extend beyond academics and prepare them for future opportunities.

Chasity Short

I have taught every grade level from preschool to 5th grade and am currently employed as a 4th grade math teacher at West Perry Elementary in Hazard, Kentucky. I also serve as Perry County's district PLC lead for 3-5 math. I've had the time of my life teaching these past 16 years and love seeing my students build confidence in math. My favorite sound in the world is hearing a kid in class exclaim “Ooohhh! I get it!!”

I live with my husband and 17 year old son who is training to become a pilot. My 19 year old daughter is currently attending the University of Kentucky studying medicine. We have two furry babies that have no idea they are dogs and not human children, Chewy and Maggie.

Angela Stull

I am a math interventionist/coach for pk-5 in Garrard County Schools, Camp Dick Robinson Elementary. I love hiking, biking, zip lining, and traveling with my family! I love reading and learning about Math!

Crystal Thayer

Crystal Thayer is a 20-year veteran teacher. She is currently in her fourth year teaching 8th grade math in Fleming County. Previously, she taught 4th and 6th grade math and science in Lewis County. In addition to her teaching role, she serves as the gifted education IMPACT teacher at Simons Middle School and coordinates the Fleming County Amazing Shake.

Rachel Yost

Rachel Yost is a second grade teacher at Rosspoint Elementary School. Mrs. Yost has taught grades kindergarten through fifth grade in her thirteen years of teaching. Her main focus has been in the primary grades. She is a National Board Certified teacher in the area of Early Generalist. She achieved this certification as well as her Rank 1 in Teacher Leader through the SOAR/STEM Initiative.