Nicole Damaso
damasod@ritenourschoosl.org

Hello!! My name is Mrs. Nicole Damaso and I am a first grade teacher at Kratz Elementary. I have been with the Ritenour School District for 21 years. I have taught first, second, third, fourth, and fifth grade at Kratz Elementary. Having taught the many different grade levels allows me an advantage in knowing the different curriculum expectations for each grade level and it helps me to meet the needs of my students. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Masters degree in Educational Administration. I am currently enrolled at Webster University taking courses for teaching English as a Second Language.

I have two children that are both in highschool. My husband is a car salesman that works at Bommarito Automotive off of Manchester. My husband’s name is Nick. I think it is cute because we are Nick and Niki. I love to spend time with my dog Lucas Mitchell and to talk about saltwater fish tanks. I enjoy hanging out in my backyard tending to my flowers and relaxing to the sound of birds. 

I am excited to be teaching at Kratz Elementary and ready for what this new school year brings. If you need to contact me my email is: damason@ritenourschools.org. You may also call the school to contact me at 314-493-360.

Shauna Real
reals@ritenourschools.org

Greetings families! I am Ms. Real and I am one of the fabulous first grade teachers at Kratz. I attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri and obtained my Master’s in Reading and Literacy from Walden University in 2007. 

From the age of 7 I have always wanted to be a teacher. This year will mark my 19th year of teaching and my 7th year with the Ritenour School District. It has been an absolute pleasure to teach and work in the district. 

I enjoy making smoothies, shopping on Amazon, and spending time with my two boys Geordan (18) and Cameron (12). They keep me pretty busy, but filled with love. 

I cannot wait to meet and get to know the families I will be working with this school year! See you soon!

Mary Khankeo
khankeom@ritenourschools.org

I am a first grade teacher at Kratz Elementary.  I have been teaching in public schools for the last 18 years!  This will be my 7th year at Kratz.  I graduated from UMSL in 2002 with my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.  I am currently working on my Master’s Degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at Webster University.

When I am not at work, you can find me in the kitchen cooking for my 17 year old son (Logan) and my 13 year old daughter (Devan). They are ALWAYS hungry!  I also enjoy shopping for home décor, going to Starbucks, and hosting dinner parties for family and friends.

Bridget Elder
elderb@ritenourschools.org

I am a first grade teacher at Kratz.  This year marks my 14th year of teaching at Kratz and my 15th year in the Ritenour School District.  I have previously taught sixth grade and third grade. This will be my 7th year teaching 1st grade!  

I grew up in the Ritenour School District and still live in the district!  I went to Wyland Elementary, Ritenour Middle, and Ritenour High School (Class of ‘01).  In 2005, I graduated from Missouri Western State University.  I completed my Master's Degree in Teaching and Technology from William Woods University in December of 2016.

I have two children who attend school in the Ritenour School District.   My husband is a PE teacher, football coach, and baseball coach at Ritenour High School. We also have a dog named Hunter.   Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outside, fishing, and hanging out with my family!