Our Team

Amy Burns has been a counselor for 19 years. Prior to that, she spent 5 years in the classroom as a 5th and 6th grade language arts and social studies teacher. As the school counselor, Amy works with students, teachers and parents to ensure that each child is reaching their full potential.  

The elementary school years are a crucial time in the development of each student's character and self image. Through small groups and individual counseling, Amy works with students to achieve continuous growth and development of their character. Amy is also continuously working with the teaching staff and parents to collaborate on student's needs.

Mila Dobnicker has served as the Innovation Specialist at Union since August 2021. Prior to that, she spent 19 years in the classroom as a 4th grade math and science teacher. Mila provides teachers with professional development and coaching related to Lakota’s initiatives on innovation and personalized learning. Mila also supports curriculum and instructional design and delivery, and the evolution of spaces such as the Innovation Hub to transform the learning experience for students.  
 
Mila collaborates regularly with other Lakota Innovation Specialists and with curriculum and technology departments to impact the K-12 learning experience for students.

Kelly Harp has been the nurse at Union since 2015. From medications to daily illnesses, Kelly runs the Union clinic and takes care of student needs each day. If your child has any allergies, dietary restrictions, or medication needs, please contact her.

Vickie Hughes has served the Union Community since 1999.  As the Office Manager, she ensures the building office runs smoothly and efficiently in the daily operation. She coordinates and facilitates the flow of communications from the school to the parents, students, and staff. Vickie also takes care of the building facility usage, maintains the school calendar, and other student- and parent-related items.

Officer Jay Kaznowski is the School Resource Officer for Union Elementary. Officer Jay is first and foremost responsible for the safety and security of the students and staff at Union Elementary. He also investigates any criminal activity occurring at the school and works closely with the school administration during these incidents to determine the best course of action. He is not responsible for any type of school-related discipline. This is his full-time position and he is at the school each day that the school is in session.

Officer Jay also enjoys the opportunity to connect and talk with the students, primarily during lunch and recess.

Debbie has been teaching since 1995 and has been with Lakota 22 of those years. Before Lakota, she taught in Cedarville, Ohio and Plano, Texas.  She has taught 3rd, 4th and 5th grades before becoming a Gifted Intervention Specialist in 2013.  
Debbie is pictured here with her husband Aaron, and children Ben (17) and Elliana (14). While not at school, you can find Debbie spending time with her family, helping out at church, exercising, savoring a cup of coffee, shopping, planning a trip and traveling.
 

Melissa is the Office Secretary at Union Elementary. As the Office Secretary, Melissa takes care of attendance, scheduling, report cards, student entry and withdrawals, among other student-related items.