OUR STAFF

Melissa Hertzog

I am delighted to be the owner and director of Appletree Academy and to be a part of this wonderful community. I have Bachelors’ degrees from the University of Central Missouri in Elementary and Early Childhood Education as well as a Master’s Degree in Literacy Education. I taught 12 years in LSR-7 with the majority of my time in kindergarten. My husband and I have been married for 15 years and live just outside of Greenwood. We have four children: Waylon is 12, Ruby is 10, Porter is 8 and Nellie is 5. Family is very important to me and I know how significant you are as your child’s first and most important teacher.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with the wonderful Appletree staff and to continue the legacy Jan has built. I will work hard to provide a safe and caring environment where your child will build his/her foundation for learning. The staff and I will continue to provide a variety of educational activities to make learning exciting and enriching for each child.

We have a wonderful staff of qualified teachers that help to instill the Appletree philosophy...

"Where Learning is Fun"

Our staff truly love their students and develop a nurturing relationship with each preschooler.

Tricia Porter

Welcome to Mrs. Porter’s Class! My name is Tricia Porter and I have the privilege of being your child’s preschool teacher this year. I am very excited to be a part of your child’s first school experience. I am looking forward to getting to know you and your child. As an educator, my goal is to build a trusting relationship with your preschooler by nurturing your child’s needs and embracing their struggles with encouragement. I am committed to helping each child navigate their way and realize his/her potential. I want each child to know that LEARNING IS FUN! I also want to share a little about myself. I retired from teaching after 24 years. I have a B.A. in Special Education and a Master’s degree in Reading and Literacy. I have taught students ranging in age from 3 years to junior high school students. I have three children of my own and seven grandchildren. Three of my grandchildren have attended Appletree. This will be my third year teaching at Appletree and I am very excited to experience this year with your child. I enjoy spending tine with my family, and my hobbies include various craft projects such as making doll clothes and making doll furniture. Thank you so much for entrusting me with your preschooler. I look forward to another exciting year of discovery, learning, and fun!!

Welcome to Mrs. Howard’s Class! Hello! My name is April Howard and I will be your child’s preschool teacher this year. I am so excited to have the opportunity to get to know you and your student. We’re going to learn and do so many fun activities together! It is a privilege to play a role in your child’s early education. My hope is to help your student develop a love for learning by nurturing his or her needs and encouraging your preschooler wherever they are on their own learning path and timeline. Here is a little more about me… I’m originally from Houston, TX and now live in Lee’s Summit with my husband and two boys. My oldest, Joel, is in kindergarten and my youngest, Jude, is an Appletree student. I earned my B.A. in Intercultural Studies from MidAmerica Nazarene University with a concentration in Child & Family Development. I’ve taught preschool for 2 years and previously volunteered at Appletree as a parent helper. My husband Jake and I have also served on staff at our church for over 8 years. Outside of school I enjoy photography, reading, traveling and being outdoors with my family. I had a great summer but I am more than ready to take on the school year. Please feel free to contact me with questions or concerns at any time. I look forward to meeting you and your family!

April Howard

Carol Harbaugh

“When the student is ready, the teacher will appear” - and here we are, beginning our journeys together with the Appletree family. You are new, and I am, too! My name is Carol Harbaugh and I am thrilled beyond measure to be joining the teaching staff at Appletree Academy. I recently retired after thirty-one years with the LSR-7 School District, but quickly discovered that my teacher-heart was not ready to be without students. So after many prayers for guidance toward my future path, the next door opened and I found Appletree waiting for me! I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 42 years. We live on a few acres with our motley collection of creatures - two rescue dogs, three cats, the foster chickens that wander over from the neighbors, and one stubborn groundhog who refuses to leave and stay gone. In my free time you're likely to find me reading or doing a New York Times crossword puzzle. I’ve also been known to get creative with some of the vintage fabrics that I’ve accumulated through the years. I am incredibly blessed to find this opportunity to share my love of learning and fun with our youngest learners! I promise to remain true to my belief that all children can learn, that each is deserving of love and respect, and that every child has a contribution to make to our world. Let’s get started!

My name is Bobbie Lee Scroggs. A little bit about myself. I have a Child Development Degree from Kendall College, and I have worked with kids for as long as I can remember. I am a mom to 4 kids, Mason (17) and a senior this year, Paisley (14), Nash (12), and Oakley (6). Oakley was at Appletree last year and we had the best experience! My kids are my whole life! They keep me busy running to and from all of their school activities and sports. Besides being a mom, I have 2 dogs named Oggy and Olive who I also adore. I love to go to the Lake, go antique shopping, spend time with my family, and chase my kiddos around.

I am excited to begin the school year with your kids. Pre-K is such a fun age - full of growth, discovery and memorable moments! I love to take pictures, so you should see lots of pictures throughout the year of your kids and their activities.

Bobbie Lee Scroggs

Jan McDonough,
Founder

Hello! My name is Jan McDonough, Founder of Appletree Academy! I first opened the doors of Appletree Academy in September of 1994 with just four students. I began with the intent of making a positive difference in the life of a preschooler in a loving, Christian environment. It has been an honor and privilege to have been a part of nearly 1500 families these past 30 years. I will be forever grateful.

In June 2024 I was thrilled beyond measure to pass on Appletree to Melissa Hertzog! I truly believe the Lord provided the perfect person to continue the 30 year Appletree Academy legacy in our wonderful Lee's Summit Community. Come Join The Fun!!