Our Team
"Dr. Ric"
Head of School/Teacher
Dr. Ric Mitchell is an experienced educator, administrator, and innovator in education. With over 25 years of leadership in academic institutions, he has dedicated his career to fostering meaningful learning experiences that inspire curiosity, character, and scholarship.
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Known to his students as "Dr. Ric," he holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Bachelor’s degree in School Health.
Ric Mitchell, EdD
With experience in public, private, international, and online schools, his expertise spans curriculum development, student engagement, virtual education, and strategic school leadership. He has served as a principal, administrator, athletic director, mentor, and classroom teacher, guiding students and educators toward academic and personal excellence.
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In addition to his work in administration, Dr. Ric has a deep love for coaching and mentoring student-athletes. As a varsity basketball coach, he led teams to back-to-back state championships and was recognized as High School Basketball Coach of the Year twice. His coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and leadership—principles that he integrates into the broader educational experience.
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Dr. Ric and his wife Christy of more than 30 years homeschooled their seven children, shaping their approach to faith-based, personalized learning.
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Isaiah chapter 12 is one of his favorite Bible passages because it overflows with joy and confidence in God’s presence. It calls believers to trust without fear, find strength and refreshment in “the wells of salvation,” and proclaim His greatness to the world. It ends with a triumphant reminder to rejoice, for “great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee” — a promise fulfilled in the presence of Jesus with us.
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As the co-founder and Head of School at The Yutzy School, Dr. Ric brings a vision for high-quality, Christ-centered education that balances traditional values with innovative teaching methods. He believes that students thrive when they have a friend, a responsibility, and nurturing with the word of God.
Maria Casto
Teacher
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Mrs. Maria Casto brings a heart for students and a wealth of life experience to The Yutzy School. She recently relocated to Garnett, Kansas, after spending the last two decades in West Virginia.
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As a homeschooling mom, Maria has walked the educational journey with her children from kindergarten through graduation. Her son, who is neurodivergent and has learning challenges, inspired her to explore and adapt various teaching methods,
giving her a deep understanding of individualized instruction. She also homeschooled her daughter through her final years of high school and has taught in children’s Sunday school and Vacation Bible Schools over the years.
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Maria finds joy in those “lightbulb moments” when a child suddenly understands something they were struggling with—those bright eyes and smiles are what she loves most about teaching.
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At The Yutzy School, she is most excited to be part of a Christ-centered community. “I want to help children be excited about learning and show them that they are important and seen—not only by God, but by us at the school,” she shares.
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Outside the classroom, Maria enjoys all things cozy—reading (especially cozy mysteries), embroidery, coloring, and exploring small towns with her husband. One of her favorite verses is Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.” It’s a quiet reminder of peace and trust in God’s sovereignty, even in the busy moments of life.
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We’re so grateful to have Mrs. Casto on our team!
Shaina Esh
Teacher
Although born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Miss Shaina has called Garnett home for the past 22 years. With a heart for students and a love for learning, she brings a diverse background in education and a deep passion for encouraging young minds.
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Shaina’s teaching journey has taken her across cultures and classrooms. She began by teaching 2nd through 4th grade
while serving in Central America—an experience that deepened her love for education and broadened her perspective. After returning to Kansas, she worked as a paraeducator in the local public school system, gaining valuable insight into diverse learning needs. Over the past several years, she has continued to teach in the Garnett-area homeschool co-op, offered private tutoring, and successfully launched a Homeschool Hybrid Class, which she continues to lead with enthusiasm.
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For Miss Shaina, the joy of teaching comes from investing in what truly matters. “Whether it’s teaching them to read or showing them God’s love,” she says, “passing on things that will help students for the rest of their lives is very fulfilling.”
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At The Yutzy School, she is especially excited to connect with students and help spark a love of learning in their hearts.
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Outside the classroom, Shaina enjoys reading great books, dabbling in poetry and creative writing, and more recently, exploring the art of crocheting. A favorite scripture of hers is Isaiah 40:31:
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“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
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We’re so glad to have Miss Shaina on our team!
Gessica Tastove
Music Teacher/Choir Director
Gessica Tastove joins The Yutzy School with a rich background in choral music education and performance. She previously taught at Anderson County Jr./Sr. High School, where she directed choirs, taught voice classes, and served as musical director for school productions. In addition, she offered private voice lessons, guiding individual students toward confidence and excellence in their vocal abilities. Her classroom experience has equipped her with the skills to bring out the
best in every student, from beginners to advanced performers.
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Mrs. Tastove holds a Bachelor of Arts in Choral Music Education (K–12) from the College of the Ozarks. During her studies, she developed a strong foundation in both music theory and pedagogy, preparing her to lead choirs and teach music across grade levels. Her passion for sharing music has taken her beyond the classroom as well—most memorably on an 11-day choral tour in Italy, where she performed in historic settings, and through two mission trips to Nicaragua, where she shared her talents in service to others.
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Music has been a lifelong calling for Mrs. Tastove. Since the sixth grade, she has served as both a church choir singer and cantor, experiences that deepened her faith and gave her a love for music as worship. She continues to bring that same dedication and joy to her teaching, where she strives to help students see music not only as an art form but also as a way to connect with God and community.
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Outside of teaching, Mrs. Tastove enjoys a wide range of hobbies that reflect her creative and hands-on spirit. She loves cooking, baking, sewing, crafts, DIY projects, and reading—interests that give her both relaxation and fresh inspiration. These pursuits also bring balance to her life, reminding her of the joy found in creating and learning, qualities she encourages in her students as well.
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Mrs. Tastove is excited to be a part of The Yutzy School community and teach in a small-school, Christian setting. She is delighted to impart her knowledge and love of music to others, guiding students to grow in skill, confidence, and appreciation for the gift of music.
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Sheila Brown
Administrative Assistant
Sheila Brown brings a wealth of experience and a heart for service to her role as Administrative Assistant at The Yutzy School. Originally from Shawnee Mission, Kansas, Sheila’s career has spanned multiple fields, including education, nursing, and emergency services. She has taught as both a para and a teacher for early childhood special education, home economics, and 2nd and 3rd grade at several schools, including Christian Academy in Garden City, Kansas. Her professional journey
also includes serving as a para in speech pathology and working as a wildland fire dispatcher for the State of New Mexico, coordinating crews, aircraft, and equipment during critical operations.
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Her dedication to education and youth ministry is evident in her years as a children’s and youth pastor at Faith Mountain Fellowship Church in Red River, New Mexico. Sheila’s ability to connect with people of all ages, combined with her organizational skills and administrative expertise, makes her an invaluable asset to The Yutzy School team. She brings a calm and capable presence to the office, ensuring that both students and staff have the support they need to thrive.
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Family is at the heart of Sheila’s life. She and her husband, Bert—her partner of 53 years—have raised two sons and are blessed with grandchildren who attend The Yutzy School. Bert’s career has been as diverse and service-oriented as Sheila’s, including 27 years with the Kansas Highway Patrol, service as a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve, and work as a federal agent. Together, Sheila and Bert enjoy spending time with their family, especially homeschooling their grandchildren, traveling, camping, and working on their farm.
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Sheila’s faith is central to everything she does. She treasures God’s Word and draws strength from her favorite scriptures, Psalm 91 and Ephesians 6, both of which remind her of God’s protection, power, and faithfulness. Music and worship are also a significant part of her life—she and Bert often lead praise and worship together at home, with Bert accompanying on guitar. Her favorite worship songs include Believe for It and Come Jesus Come, which reflect her deep trust in God’s promises.
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Grateful for the opportunity to serve at The Yutzy School, Sheila is passionate about contributing to the educational growth and spiritual enrichment of each student. She looks forward to seeing how God will work in their lives, guiding and shaping them for the future. Her blend of professional expertise, ministry experience, and genuine love for the school community helps create a warm, faith-filled environment where students can flourish.
Dr. Donald D. Deshler
Advisory Council Member
Dr. Donald D. Deshler is one of the most respected voices in the field of special education and adolescent learning. He serves as the Williamson Family Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Special Education at the University of Kansas, where he previously directed the renowned Center for Research on Learning (CRL). While director, the CRL completed in excess of 250 million dollars of R & D. This work has helped shape national policy and classroom practice to support students with diverse learning needs.
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A trailblazer in research-to-practice innovation, Dr. Deshler co-developed the Learning Strategies Model and the Content Enhancement Routines—both now widely used by educators nationwide to help struggling learners become confident, independent thinkers. His early research revealed that most secondary students with learning difficulties were years behind in reading, prompting him to design powerful tools that would enable all students to access rigorous content. His influence is visible in countless classrooms where students are now learning how to learn.
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Dr. Deshler has served as an advisor to the U.S. State Department, the National Governors Association, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, and the Aspen Institute. He was a founding editor of Learning Disability Quarterly and has held leadership roles with the National Institute for Literacy and the National Center for Learning Disabilities. Recognized as one of the ten most influential people in special education in the 20th century by the Council for Exceptional Children, he has received numerous honors including the AERA Special Education Distinguished Researcher Award, the Higuchi Research Achievement Award, and the Educator of the Year Award from the Learning Disabilities Association of America.
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He earned his B.A. in Economics from Whitman College and both his M.Ed. and Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Arizona. Early in his career, he taught in a remote Alaskan village, an experience that deepened his commitment to ensuring that no child’s future is foreclosed by poor instruction or lack of opportunity.
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A man of deep faith and service, Deshler is actively involved in his church and has served in numerous leadership roles. He and his wife are currently serving a 23-month mission assignment in Ghana, offering education and leadership support to local communities.
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The Yutzy School is honored to have Dr. Deshler’s extraordinary wisdom, humility, and heart on its Advisory Committee. His lifelong mission—to ignite the light of learning in every child—resonates deeply with our own.
Melissa Griffin
Advisory Council Member
​Melissa Griffin brings a unique blend of international experience, creativity, and a deep commitment to home education to The Yutzy School’s Advisory Council.
​Having been homeschooled from grades 6 through 12, Melissa developed a lifelong appreciation for personalized, values-based education. She holds an Associate of Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Science from Butler Community College in El Dorado and is now beginning the homeschool journey with her own children.
Melissa has worked as a personal assistant and is fluent in Russian, having fulfilled an 18-month mission trip in Russia. Her global perspective is enriched by a love of travel—she’s explored countries across Europe and North America, including Germany, Greece, Mexico, France, the Netherlands, and beyond.
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When she’s not traveling or helping others stay organized, Melissa enjoys painting with watercolors, browsing thrift stores, and having dance parties with her two-year-old. She brings a warm and practical voice to the Advisory Council and is passionate about supporting families in their educational journey.
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One of her favorite Bible passages is the story of the Widow's Mite found in Mark 12:42-44. It shows that God values the heart and sacrifice behind a gift more than its size, reminding us that even small offerings are great in His eyes when they are given with love and complete trust.