My name is Ariel Kemp and I’m thankful to be joining the Oiler family as a 4th grade teacher! I was born and raised in a small town in Texas called Alvord. I moved to Oklahoma in 2013 and worked for Beckham County Court Clerk for 6 and a half years. In 2019, I decided to become a stay at home mom and have enjoyed raising my kids in Elk City. For the last 3 years I have been pursuing a teaching degree where I just finished my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from SWOSU. I am a wife and a mother to four incredible kids! When I’m not rushing around to games I am at our family farm. My husband and I raise cattle, farm, and have horses. I have a passion for reading, and hope to pass that on to my students. I want to instill kindness, empathy, and compassion, as well as fuel curiosity to establish growth in each one of my students. I am truly looking forward to this upcoming school year at Merritt Elementary.
Tara Leonard is excited to begin her first year teaching at Merritt Public Schools as a Pre-K teacher. A graduate from Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), she brings a strong foundation in education and a passion for working with young children. She is married to Vann Leonard and is the proud mother of two children, Kamdon (16), Rosie (1), and a Yorkie named Winston. She enjoys fishing with her husband, spending time with her children, and watching basketball. She looks forward to providing a positive, nurturing classroom environment and building lasting relationships with her students and their families.
My name is Sydnee Collins and I’m so excited to be joining the Merritt family this year as a 4th grade teacher! I grew up in Snyder, Oklahoma, and after earning my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from SWOSU in 2020, I went on to get my master’s in Library & Information Science from ECU in 2022. I’ve been teaching for five years now, and I’m passionate about helping students learn and grow. I recently moved to the area to be closer to my family, and I already feel right at home. In my free time I like read a good book, watch cooking competition shows, play video games, or take my dog Kaz for a walk. I’m really looking forward to a great year at Merritt!
Hi, I’m Courtney Owen and I’m so excited to be joining the Merritt family this year as a 2nd grade teacher! I have a bachelors of science in Kinesiology, minor in nutrition, and have started my masters in Education. Teaching is a huge passion of mine. I received my teaching certificate in 2018 and have enjoyed teaching for 7 years. My husband, Jarrod, and I have four sons, Benaiah (9), Hudson (6), Merritt (4), and Tobias (2). You will have to ask us why we named one of our sons Merritt sometime. We enjoy being active with our boys outdoors. Some other things I enjoy are going to church, cooking, and baking. I’m looking forward to meeting and getting to know all of the new faces at Merritt! Go Oilers!!
Kayla Counts will be joining us as a 5th - 8th grade Special Education Teacher. Merritt will be her first teaching position. Ms. Counts grew up in and graduated from Elk City. She received her bachelor’s in Special Education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. She shared that she wants to make sure that all kids have a supportive, inclusive environment where they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. She is excited about starting this new chapter in her life.
Mrs. Splawn will be transitioning into the High School Assistant Principal position and teaching 7th grade math. She grew up in Spring Grove, Pennsylvania and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. She received her teaching certification upon moving to Oklahoma in 2009. She looks forward to supporting students, teachers, and parents by creating a positive, engaging environment where every Oiler matters.
Coach Tyler Snowden will be the Athletic Director, Head Boys Basketball coach and also coach in the weight room this school year. Originally from Erick, Oklahoma, he graduated from SWOSU and is excited about developing our athletes and helping each one create good habits that can help them be successful on and off the court.
Coach Jett Snowden, a newlywed as of July 13th, will be teaching Oklahoma History and Government as well as coaching JH/HS Boys Basketball. Originally from Calumet, Oklahoma, he graduated from SWOSU and is excited about the opportunity to build lasting relationships and help our students become their best.
Coach Shane Stroud attended college at West Texas A&M University. He was born in Oklahoma but grew up mostly in Perryton, TX. He will be coaching football and track this upcoming year while also teaching social studies. He has worked in education for 28 years in Texas, and is excited to come to Merritt and back to the state of Oklahoma and begin this new chapter of his life.
Ms. Gerra Tomberlin will be teaching 7th and 8th grade science along with 9th grade physical science. She grew up near Sayre, Oklahoma and attended high school at Merritt and Elk City public schools and graduated college from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in May of 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in English Education. She most looks forward to supporting her students and the welcoming environment of parents, teachers, and students she’s experienced at Merritt.
Coach Jeremy Russell is originally from Delta, Colorado and a graduate of Nelson University. This year, he will be teaching 9th grade Physical Science and coaching both junior high and high school softball and baseball. Jeremy is most excited about meeting his students and looks forward to successful seasons on the field.
Coach Dustin Beasley will be our Head Football Coach for the 2025 season, he is originally from Sedan, Kansas and a graduate of Southeastern Oklahoma State University. He is most excited about the opportunity to help young men grow and succeed at Merritt through athletics and academics.
Mrs. Angela Smith is the new high school special education teacher. I have previously taught at Merritt Middle School, Hobart High School, and Elk City Middle School. I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and my Master’s degree in psychometry. My hometown is Sentinel, Oklahoma. I currently still reside there. I have been married to my amazing husband Joe for 17 years, and I have two sons: Joseph age 25 and Cody age 16. I am most excited about teaching high school curriculum to kiddos that I have previously taught. I can’t wait for an amazing year filled with new adventures!
