District Programs Specialists

Matthew Hard

District Transition Specialist

I have been employed in a wide variety of educational roles in Campbell County since 2010. I received my BA in Anthropology from Michigan State University and a Master’s in Special Education from the University of the Cumberlands. In my current role, I work hard to combine my passion for learning with a heart for helping students and families. I bring a unique perspective to guiding young people as they plan and prepare for life after high school. I am also a 7th grade football coach and love how it provides me with another way to help foster relationships. 

When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my wife, two children, dog Nova, and cat Sugar Cookie. 

Kylee Hastings

District Behavior Consultant

With a passion for supporting diverse learners,  I have dedicated myself to supporting particularly those with emotional disabilities and diverse behavioral challenges, since 2012. I hold a Bachelor's degree in K-12 Special Education and K-6 Elementary Education from Western Governors University; I am a dedicated lifelong learner committed to personal and professional growth, continually pursuing additional courses to expand my expertise in special education. My eagerness for continuous education and skill enhancement keeps me informed and adaptable, ensuring I can effectively meet the diverse needs of our students. I thrive on collaboration, working closely with support staff, team members, and families to develop tailored strategies that address the unique challenges faced by each student, making every aspect of my job rewarding and impactful. Outside of my professional life, my husband and I are proud parents of three children and three dogs, and I cherish spending quality time with them when I'm not at work.

Kristina Leslie

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

I have a Doctorate in Behavioral Health, Masters in Special Education, Advanced Studies, and Masters in Clinical Psychology. My work history includes private practice behavioral health (individual and group counseling services), working with adults and children with developmental disabilities providing home and community based interventions, and behavioral health consultant working with individuals with neurological disorders.

I enjoy the students and the staff I get to interact with on a daily basis.

My hobbies and interests include camping, hiking, fishing, spending time with my husband, children, and extended family, reading, researching, learning, horses, dogs, and travel.

Michelle Land

District Program Consultant 

I serve as a District Program Consultant, now in my fourth year in the role and drawing on over 15 years of dedicated High School Special Education teaching experience.  My extensive background includes specialized support for both Elementary and High School learners through extended school year programs, giving me a comprehensive view of student growth across developmental stages.  I hold a Bachelor's degree in Special Education from Black Hills State University and a Master's degree in Administration from Chadron State College.  

Driven by a passion for advocacy and inclusion, I prioritize close collaboration with students, staff, and parents to address diverse learning needs.  I am dedicated to fostering student independence and building tailored pathways that ensure every learner achieves their own definition of success.

Outside of my work within the district, I am an avid handler who enjoys training and competing with my border collies.  In my free time, I stay active outdoors, travel, read, and treasure quality time spent with friends and family. 

Sheila Rives

District Autism Consultant

Since entering the field of Special Education in 2005, I have dedicated my career to neurodiverse learners.  I began my journey directly in the classroom as a Special Education Teacher and later as a specialized Teacher of Students with Autism.  My hands-on work with diverse learning profiles fueled my passion for autism, thus leading to my current role as District Autism Spectrum Consultant. 

My approach blends academic theory with practical, real-world application.  I hold a Master of Arts in Autism and a Bachelor of Science in General and Special Education.  Today, I leverage this foundation to train paraprofessionals, support educators, help build inclusive programming, and utilize evidence-based intervention strategies that transform how school teams serve exceptional students. 

Maki Walker

District Wide SPEA/MANDT Instructor/Handle with Care Instructor

I have an associate degree in Human Services.  I have worked in the Skills Program since 2010.  In 2016, I transferred to Special Services Center to help with behavioral support and train staff in The Mandt System.

I love working with students, teachers, and staff.  I enjoy being able to learn and grow with them.

I love to travel all over the world to meet people and learn their cultures.