Mrs. Ackerman received her undergraduate degree in elementary education from Fort Hays State University and began her career in education teaching fifth grade at Christa McAuliffe Elementary in the Shawnee Mission School District.  During her five years in this position, Mrs. A earned her Master’s degree in Instructional Technology.  After five years of teaching in the classroom, she became an Instructional Coach in Shawnee Mission, and earned her Education Specialist (Ed. S) degree in Education Innovation and Leadership.  

Mrs. A didn't start her career as a teacher. In fact, she always imagined herself as either a news reporter or a chef! After 10 years working in marketing, journalism, and eventually city government, Mrs. A reignited her childhood passion for theatre while working on a 4-H project with her daughter, Mary Kate. In 2008, she founded the non-profit children's theatre Madison Avenue Performing Arts in Spring Hill, KS. Favorite shows include The Music Man Jr., As You Like It, Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr., and A Miracle on 34th Street (Gardner Community Theatre). 

One detail Mrs. A likes to remind her students of is this: "There is so much more to theatre than being the star of the show. I love to find ways to get kids involved with a production: from lighting, to costuming, to stage makeup, as well as stage management. There are so many aspects to theatre, and it is a wonderful playground to discover your hidden talents and passions!" She is thrilled to have found her theatre home at Oregon Trail! 

Mrs. A resides in Olathe, KS with her husband of over 27 years, Andrew Hale, and their dogs: Jadzia, Chloe, and Gretchen. Her hobbies include crochet, reading, and visiting indie bookstores.