Faculty & Staff

Mrs. Debbie Haertling: Principal/Superintendent

Hello, my name is Mrs. Debbie Haertling, and I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Southeast Missouri State University taking extra classes to obtain PreK-8 certification, a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Specialist Degree in Administrative Leadership from Webster University. I began my teaching career at Altenburg Public School in 1994 teaching first and second grade. Over the years I have also taught fourth grade and kindergarten.

My husband, David, and I live on his family farm near New Wells, Missouri. We have two children, Kristine and Jason, both graduates of Altenburg Public School and one grandson, Kayden. In my free time I enjoy spoiling my grandson, spending time with my family, volunteering at church, and being a 4-H volunteer and leader. I also enjoy crafts of all kinds, canning what my husband grows in his huge garden, and reading historical fiction books.

Email me at:
aps48@altenburgps.eduk12.net

Ashley Steffens - Administrative Assistant

I am Ashley Steffens and I am enjoying being the Administrative Assistant at APS. My days are filled with many smiles and waves from the students. My favorite thing about working at APS is that each day is different and we have some really great kids at our school.

I am married to Tyler and we have two daughters, Charlee and Allie. In my spare time you can find me reading a good book, enjoying the great outdoors with my family, and cooking.

Email me at:

asteffens@altenburgps.eduk12.net

Mrs. Kimberly Boxdorfer: Technology Instructor

My name is Kimberly Boxdorfer and I began my teaching career when I was seven years old. My first student, my little sister, has now graduated college so I consider myself a success. My college years were spent at Southeast Missouri State University where I graduated with a teaching degree and the realization that sneaking a book into a class I was paying for didn’t make a whole lot of sense. I managed to get my nose out of a book long enough to marry my husband, Greg in 2001. Being extremely efficient, that same year I graduated college, got my first teaching job, bought my first house, and moved to Altenburg. After teaching five years in Oak Ridge, I realized that I was spending a lot of time in a car that I could be spending in a book. So, even though I did not put my little sister’s success on my resume, I was lucky enough to get a job at a wonderful school just five doors down from my house. Now I spend my time at APS helping students find great books and teaching kids (and adults) about the amazing things that can be done on a computer. When not at school, I can be found chasing my three extremely energetic children (Katie, Brody, and Jack) and if I’m lucky, sneaking off to read a good book.

Email me at:
kboxdorfer@altenburgps.eduk12.net

Mrs. Jen Eifert: Preschool Director

I am Jen Eifert, Preschool Teacher/Director. I am blessed to work with the youngest members of our school district! At preschool each day is filled with joy and excitement, as children are learning and growing, making discoveries about themselves and the world around them! I graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 2001 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Child Development. I have eleven years of teaching experience, with the last five years being at Altenburg Public School. My husband Louis and I live in Shawneetown with our three children. Our kiddos - Grace, Allison, and Charlie are proud APS students. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, power walking and cooking.

Email me at:
jeifert@altenburgps.eduk12.net

Mrs. Mary Jane Fieser: Fourth Grade Teacher & 3rd Grade in the afternoons

I am a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University with a BSE in Biology Education (not going to tell you the year!). I have been a classroom teacher for more than 25 years, however, over the years, I have taught everything from preschool to college level classes. Several years were spent in other careers but coming to APS was one of the best decisions I have ever made. My husband, Dan, and I live in Tilsit with our little dog, Buster. We have two adult daughters, Abbie and Hallie. Ourdaughter, Abbie, lives in Pawlet, Vermont with her husband, Andy and their dog, Bear. Our other daughter, Hallie, is married to Dave and they live in Knoxville, TN with our wonderful grandson, Jonathan. Our family loves to camp, fish, travel, garden and spend time outdoors. I also enjoy making greeting cards and scrap-booking as well as collecting mid-century glass and metal-ware. My philosophy is that life is short and fragile and we should enjoy to the fullest each day that we are given.

Email me at:
mfieser@altenburgps.eduk12.net

Mrs. Julie Hecht: Third Grade Teacher/Title Services

My name is Mrs. Julie Hecht. I have more than 20 years of teaching experience. I graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work in 1992. I then received my teaching certification from Central Methodist College in 1997. I continued my education at Southeast Missouri State University where I received my Master's Degree in Education in 2005. I reside in Jackson with my husband Greg. We have been married for more than 25 years and have two sons, Grant and Adam. All three of the men in my family are proud graduates from Altenburg Public School.

Email me at:
jhecht@altenburgps.eduk12.net

Mrs. Judy Voepel: Art Teacher

I am Judy Voepel, and I have been a teacher at Altenburg Public since 1988. I earned my Bachelors Degree in Art Education and also two Masters degrees: in Elementary Education and Art Education, all at Southeast Missouri State University.

Although I am originally from St. Louis, I have lived in Cape Girardeau since the mid-seventies. I am widowed and the mother of Eric and Anne Marie and the proud grandma of beautiful Chloe Alexis.

I enjoy taking care of my home and yard, reading, and watercolor painting.

Teaching art at APS is possibly the best job ever, and I love it!
Email me at:
jvoepel@altenburgps.eduk12.net