Walking through the halls of KHS, the faces of many faculty members are probably familiar to students. There are some, though, who are brand new to KHS. We caught up with some of them to find out what led them to Kokomo.
Candace Steve- STEM & Honors Biology 
How long have you been teaching? I have been teaching for six years at the high school level and spent seven years at the university level teaching students “how to be college students” through life and learning skills.
What subject are you teaching? I teach STEM Biology and Honors Biology, but have also taught APES, Anatomy and Physiology and AP Bio.
What is your past education? I earned my undergraduate degree at Lynn University with a B.S. in Biology. I then became a Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellow for my master’s degree and teaching certificate at Western Michigan University.
Do you like your job? I LOVE what I do!! I enjoy teaching and coaching everyday.
What lesson do you hope students will learn from you? That we can always get better. Strive to be a better version of yourself every single day.
What is unique about your class? I think our positive attitudes in Biology make it unique in my classroom. We always start the day off on a great note! Oh, and I also have a whole bunch of Biological specimens on display in here.
Where did you work previously? I taught the last half of last year at Central Middle and just before that, I was at Grand Valley State University for the past seven years.
What do you like about Kokomo? I love the PRIDE that Kokomo exudes daily. I love being a part of that culture!
What are you most looking forward to this year? I am excited to be in the same building as my players (I am also the varsity softball coach!) and growing as a teacher and mentor.
Kati Aufderheide- Biology
How long have you been working here? I started in April of 2024.
What is your past education? IUPY 
Do you like your job? I love it. It’s the best!
What lesson do you hope students will learn from you? To be able to think critically and have a passion for science.
What is unique about you in your work area? There is a lab in the room.
Where did you work previously? Bangs Laboratories
What do you like about Kokomo? Kokomo Beach!
What are you most looking forward to this year? Getting into the lab!
Maddison Fitzgerald- Counseling secretary
How long have you been working here? I started in July 2024.
What is your past education? IUK for nursing, but I switched to elementary education.
Do you like your job? I do!
What lesson do you hope students will learn from you? To treat others with kindness and to learn patience.
What is unique about you in your work area? I went to Kokomo!
Where did you work previously? Preschool teacher for five years.
What do you like about Kokomo? It’s always interesting!
What are you most looking forward to this year? Seeing the seniors graduate and go on to brighter futures.
Heather Racine- Counselor for students with last names Ro-Z
How long have you been working here? I have only been working at Kokomo for about a month; however, this is my 16th year overall as a school counselor!
What is your past education? I received my Bachelor’s degree from USI majoring in Psychology and Spanish. I then went to IUPUI and got my Masters in School Counseling.
Do you like your job? I love my job! I enjoy working with students and helping them reach their goals, whatever those goals may be!
What lesson do you hope students will learn from you? One thing I hope students learn from me is patience, understanding, and that working hard will create awesome results.
What is unique about you in your work area? One of the things that is unique about me is that I am a competitive powerlifter! I have been competing in weightlifting competitions for over 13 years now! I currently hold the state records in Squat, Bench and Deadlift in various federations.
Where did you work previously? Previously, I was a counselor at Northwestern High School for 12 years and then I was a counselor at Carroll Jr./Sr. High School for three years.
What do you like about Kokomo? I like that Kokomo is a smaller place to live, but in proximity to bigger places like Westfield, Noblesville and Carmel. Kokomo has so much character to it!
What are you most looking forward to this year? I’m most looking forward to getting to know all my students and helping them with whatever they need!
Kristi Scheiman- Office Manager/Assessment Coordinator
How long have you been working here? Beginning of June, I started working in the office, but I have been with Kokomo schools for 15 years.
What is your past education? IUK
Do you like your job? I do!
What lesson do you hope students will learn from you? To always be kind!
Where did you work previously? Bon Air Elementary School
What do you like about kokomo? All of the students, great learning opportunities, and athletic opportunities.
What are you most looking forward to this year? Getting to know high school students!
