Spotlight on Our Teachers

Kris Ambrose – Second Grade Teacher

Rikki Amesquita – Speech/Language

Shari Anderson – KIT

Ingrid Arnquist – First Grade Teacher

Erica Barrett – Psychologist

Sally Brusveen – Student Services

Mary Clator – Third Grade Teacher

Lori Consolazio – Kindergarten Teacher

Martha Conway – Fifth Grade Teacher

Polly Correll – Fifth Grade Teacher

Mary DiSanto – First Grade Teacher

Susan Dobrodt – LMC Director

Debbie Fisher – Art Teacher

Sarah Frederich - Orchestra Teacher

Colleen Hanson – Social Worker

Laura Harris – First Grade Teacher

Melissa Harry – Fourth Grade Teacher

Suann Hoin – Fifth Grade Teacher

Tricia Hendricks – Speech/Language

Mary Ellen Kane – Third Grade Teacher

Margie Keller – Support Teacher

Sue Krass – Third Grade Teacher

Heather Lane – ILC Teacher

Beth Langley – Support Teacher

Roxanne Lee – Reading Support Teacher

Bill Lia – Fourth Grade Teacher

Kimberly Marran – Interventionist

Molly Martin – Music Teacher

Heidi Miller – Third Grade Teacher

Quynh Nguyen – Principal

Kate Pokorny – Support Teacher

Diane Reif – First Grade Teacher

Peg Riordan – Speech/Language

Lauren Rivers – Second Grade Teacher

EJ Roberts – Band Teacher

Carolyn Shaw – Fifth Grade Teacher

Jennifer Simios – Fifth Grade Teacher

Stephanie Steen – First Grade Teacher

Susan Stewart – Project Arrow/Resource Teacher

Jennifer Thompson – Third Grade Teacher

Rebeka Veach – Fourth Grade Teacher

Carol Vetter – Physical Education Teacher

Jenny Williams – Physical Education Teacher

Christy White – Kindergarten Teacher

Brook Wohlfeil – First Grade Teacher

I attended Northern Illinois University where I received a Bachelors Degree in both Elementary Education and Special Education.  I also received my Masters Degree from North Central College in Curriculum and Instruction.  I have spent seventeen years in the teaching profession.  Thirteen of those years have been here at Patterson.  Teachable moments are the favorite memories that stand out for me.  Children beam and get so excited when the light bulb truly goes on for them.  Suddenly their learning makes sense to them and they “get it”.  Here are some of the fun things I enjoy very much.  I love to read, take walks, go biking, play Sudoku, and spend time with my family and friends.  I most enjoy the people from the Patterson Elementary School community.  There is a collaborative spirit among the students, staff, and parents here.  Ultimately, my favorite thing about Patterson is the energy and enthusiasm that radiates from within each individual.

I have spent the last twenty years as a speech/language pathologist and in Indian Prairie School District 204 for the past ten years.  I have had a variety of positions such as: early childhood, autism programs, and cross-categorical programs, etc.  I have worked with infants to high school students and my most memorable memory is of a student starting to talk at three years old of age and at age eighteen getting their first job.  Outside of teaching, I enjoy playing with my children and dog, reading, and watching movies.  My favorite part of Patterson Elementary is the staff!

I went to Illinois State University to obtain a Bachelors of Science in Education.  I then later attended Benedictine University for a math endorsement.  I have taught for five years and this is my second year at Patterson.  I enjoy scrapbooking, reading, watching movies, snow skiing, going boating, going to Bears games, and watching my son play hockey.  My favorite thing about working at Patterson Elementary is how nice and helpful the staff has been. 

I graduated from Northwestern College with a degree in Elementary Ed., and I also have a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from National-Louis University.  I have taken 60 credit hours past my Masters from Rockford College and Saint Xavier University.  When I graduated from Northwestern College, I substitute taught in the Saint Paul School District.  I opened Graham Elementary School in District 204 in 1996.  I taught Kindergarten there for 8 years and then came to Patterson. This will be my fourth year at Patterson teaching first grade.  When I taught Kindergarten, the concept that U almost always follows the letter Q was one that was difficult for children to grasp. My teammate came up with the idea of having a wedding uniting the two letters.  I took the idea and ran with it, creating a school wide ceremony uniting together Mr. Q and Ms. U in dictionary matrimony.  My most loved hobby is being an Auntie to my two nephews and niece.  Twice a year I take each one out on their very own adventure with me.  I also really like traveling.  My favorite trip has been to Sweden.  I truly enjoy the students that make up my classroom.  At Patterson, the teaching is genuine, and the family atmosphere amongst classrooms is incredible.  The guidance and direction Ms. Nguyen and Mrs. Brusveen that they give is priceless.  Every staff member makes Patterson an incredible place to work!

I graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and then continued on to Loyola University of Chicago for a Masters Degree in Educational Psychology and Educational Specialist in School Psychologists.  This is my fourth year at Patterson.  My part of working in a school is the smiles on student’s faces when they find the joy in school.  Outside of school I love to cook, garden, dance, and read.  I love spending time with my family and friends just talking (and often eating, too!).  My favorite part about working at Patterson is the fantastic staff!  Everyone truly loves kids and will do anything to make kids successful.

I have a B.S. from Western Illinois University with L.D. certification and speech.  I also have a Masters Degree in speech pathology from WIU.  I’ve been teaching since 1976 as a speech therapist, special education teacher and Student Service Coordinator.  This will be my 13th year at Patterson.  I have so many memories as an educator.  I enjoy watching a child’s face when he/she realizes they can read or spell a word, helping a child speak clearly enough to have confidence to speak in front of his or her class.  But, probably my most favorite memory is of a disadvantaged student at Christmas time.  He walked into my speech room beaming.  He was carrying a potted plant (that was dead and had clearly been taken out of a garbage can).  I can still see his grin when he presented his gift to me and said “Merry Christmas Mrs. B”.  I really enjoy watching my two boys play sports, gardening, and taking care of my dogs.  My favorite thing about Patterson is the first day of school!  All the students are smiling and excited.

I have a Human Development/Elementary Ed degree from University of NE-Lincoln.  I have a Counselor Education Degree from University of WI-Oskosh.  I taught for 5 years in Texas before I had children.  Then I was an assistant in 2^nd grade at Patterson for 1 year and I am currently in my 4^th year of teaching 3^rd grade at Patterson.  My favorite memory of working as an educator was when I had a very shy girl in my class.  She didn’t talk to anyone and never volunteered in class.    By the end of the year she was smiling a most beautiful smile and developed friendships in the classroom.  I love to travel, I am a great cook, and I love to play with my dogs and read.  What I love about Patterson is the wonderful faculty.

I obtained my undergraduate degree from Ohio University and I also have a Masters Degree in Education.  I have been teaching here in Naperville since 1999.  I have many memories of my students.  One of my favorite memories is watching my previous kindergarteners go on to the next grades and watch them grow up!  I love spending time with my family, especially my nephew Henry.  I also enjoy giving back to the community and world.  So I am involved in many volunteer projects with my church.  There are so many things I love about Patterson!  I love all my colleagues that support me and friendships that I have made over the years.  I love all of the students that I have had the great pleasure and honor of teaching.  The support the community has always had to help in the classroom, in the school is a wonderful and true partnership!

I acquired my elementary education degree from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota.  I then went on to get my Masters degree in curriculum and instruction from University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.  I taught fourth grade for five years and fifth grade for twelve years at Patterson Elementary.  I have so many great memories as a teacher.  My favorite memory is when a former student made it very clear at the beginning of the year that she would never give a speech in front of the class.  By the end of the year she delivered her DARE essay in front of the entire fifth grade and their parents.  Outside of school I enjoy running and working out, reading, and playing with my children.  My favorite thing about Patterson Elementary with working with the awesome fifth grade team.

I attended Trenton State College for nursing and worked in a hospital nursing for eighteen years.  I did surgery, cardiac care, staff development, administration, and community and patient education.  Later, I went to Aurora University to obtain my Masters of Arts in Teaching with teacher certification.  This is my ninth year of teaching fifth grade at Patterson.  My favorite memory of teaching is having former students return for a visit and sharing their successes and accomplishments.  Outside of school I enjoy music, gardening, cooking, reading, and currently planning a wedding!  I love everything about Patterson – but especially the supportive staff and the fifth grade team.

I have been teaching at Patterson for the past thirteen years as a first grade teacher.  Prior to this I was and LMC director and Gifted and Talented teacher.  My favorite memory of working as an educator is watching the children both academically and socially.  First graders have such a love for learning and enthusiasm that is contagious.  My hobbies are golf, reading, and for fun visiting many sites in downtown Chicago.  I enjoy spending time with my husband and children and their families.  My favorite thing about Patterson is that both parents and staff are child-centered and always have the best interest of the children as their first priority.

I hold an elementary education and library degree from Purdue University and a Masters Degree from North Central College in curriculum and instruction.  I have happily been working at Patterson since it opened in 1993.  I truly enjoy the days spent with the children and staff at Patterson.  Before coming to Patterson I was an elementary library director, and I also taught pre-school, first, third and fifth grade.  I currently live in Naperville with my husband, Dennis, as well as our greyhound, Dory, who keeps our household very lively.  We have two children, David, who lives and works in Seattle, and Adam who is working and attending graduate school in the Chicago area.  After residing in many areas throughout the country, we moved to Naperville in 1989 and have been extremely happy with our decision.  In my free time I enjoy walking my dog, hiking with friends and family, gardening and of course, reading.  I’m so glad to have the opportunity to share my love of reading and learning with Patterson students.

I graduated from Augustana College and am currently working on a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction at Concordia University.  I have taught for a total of eleven years, with eight of those at Patterson Elementary.  My favorite part of teaching is that there is never a dull moment during the school day.  Additionally, I enjoy playing volleyball, traveling, and taking art classes.  My favorite thing about Patterson is the students, co-workers, and families.

I am originally from Minnesota.  I have my Bachelors Degree from St. Cloud State University and a Masters Degree in Music Education from Northern Illinois University.  I have been teaching orchestra for 10 years.  My favorite memory from every year is the students performing together at their first concert.  Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, watching movies, and decorating.  The best thing about Patterson is the students!

I received my Bachelors Degree in psychology from Saint Mary’s College in South Bend, Indiana.  I then attended the University of Illinois for my Masters in Social Work with a school concentration.  Even though this is my first year at Patterson, I have been in IPSD for 7 years.  I have also worked in the Geneva School District, at Little Friends, and in private practice.  As an educator, I enjoy developing programs that encourage students to be caring and helpful to their peers.  Outside of school I enjoy boating, photography, and attending sporting events.  My favorite thing about Patterson is that the staff is very welcoming and seeing the smiling students ready to learn.

I received my Bachelors Degree from Drake University and got my Masters Degree in Reading from Northern Illinois University. I have taught first grade for 7 years and third for 4 years.  This is my ninth year at Patterson.  I still love the first day of school.  The excitement of new friends, sharp crayons, and a new routine. I also love watching the kids help one another throughout the year.  I love spending time with family and friends.  I also have fun taking my little boy and girl to the park, zoo, and the farm.  I try to get some scrapbooking done too!  I love walking into Patterson where there are always smiles and kind words said.  The children, parents and staff are what make the school such a wonderful place to be.

I received my undergraduate degree from Ball State University with a major in elementary education and a minor in Spanish.  I have a graduate degree from National Louis University in Curriculum and Instruction.  I have been teaching at Patterson since 2000.  My favorite part of teaching is helping my students succeed.  My hobbies outside of school are reading, traveling, and spoiling my nieces and nephews.  My favorite thing about working at Patterson is the supportive staff.

I obtained my Bachelors and Masters Degrees form Western Illinois University for Speech Pathology.  This is the beginning of my eleventh year at Patterson and teaching.  My favorite memory of being an educator is when past students come back to say hello and how I made a difference to them,  Outside of school I enjoy playing with my children, working out, going to our cottage, shopping, and being with friends and family.  My favorite think about Patterson Elementary is that our school truly cares for one another and how there are so many of us that have become friends with our co-workers.

I attended DePaul University to obtain my elementary education degree.  My goal is to complete my masters within the next three years.  My favorite memory as an educator is watching children grow academically and socially.  Outside of school, I enjoy gardening, reading, and spending time with my husband and three daughters.  My favorite thing about Patterson is the supportive staff and the community.

I have Bachelors in Science form Illinois State University and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Olivet Nazarene University.  I have been at Patterson in 3^rd grade for 11 years and prior to Patterson, I taught middle school L.D. and B.D. high school in the city of Chicago Special Education.  My favorite memories of working as an educator are when my third graders gave me my own acre in the rain forest and another year my very own adopted dolphin.  Outside of school I enjoy drawing, photography, gardening, and reading kid’s books.  My favorite thing about Patterson Elementary is the staff – they are a great group of people and very dedicated to the children.  Everyone is full of enthusiasm and great ideas!

I went to Illinois State University for my Bachelors and Masters Degree.  I have taught students with special needs for many years in resource, itinerant and self-contained settings.  This is my 7th year and Patterson as a support teacher.  My favorite memory in education was when I worked with a little girl with special needs and her parents were told when she was very young that she would never learn in an inclusive setting.  However, when this girl was a 5th grader, she was reading at “grade level”.   I felt very proud to be a part of her educational team.  Some things that I enjoy doing are reading, gardening, and riding my bicycle.  My favorite times are when I’m hanging out or vacationing with the family (my 3 children, Joel, Tyler & Kasey).  What I like most about Patterson are the wonderful students and the warm and friendly staff.  They are my family away from home.

I have a Bachelor’s in Education from Illinois State and a Master’s in Education from National-Louis.  I have taught for 13 years and my first year was here at Patterson the year it opened!  I really enjoy when former students come back to visit.  I love to hear how they are doing and I am touched that they took the time to stop to say hello.  I enjoy hanging out with my 3 daughters, husband, and 2 yellow labs.  I like to play soccer, scrapbook, spending time at our lake house and watching my husband race cars.  Patterson is a great place to work because of the truly professional and dedicated staff.

I received my Bachelors Degree in elementary and special education from Providence College in Rhode Island.  This is my first year at Patterson – I recently moved to Naperville from New Jersey.  As a teacher, I like developing positive relationships with the students that result in social, emotional, and academic progress.  I love seeing any ounce of progress.  Outside of teaching, I like being outdoors for bike riding and running.  I love going to Chicago for festivals and night life.  I really like how Patterson is a giant family.  The support around the building for the students and staff is phenomenal. 

I have been a support teacher at Patterson for the past seven years.  Prior to coming to the Naperville area I taught kindergarten, second, and third grade in the general education classroom as well as special education.  In the past 25 years I have so many memories, but overall you never know what to expect when working with children – they are such a gift.  Outside of school I enjoy reading, sewing, golf, and most importantly, my family.  The best think about working at Paterson is all of the staff members and the great students.

I have a Bachelors Degree from Illinois State University and a Masters Degree in Education from Aurora University.  I taught fourth grade for five years at Patterson and this is my sixth year as the reading support teacher at Patterson.  My favorite memory of education is when I see my students go from non-readers to readers.  It is so rewarding to see their faces light up and their self-esteem rise because they feel so confident with their new skills.  In my free time I like to read, take my children fun places, going on vacation, exercising, and shopping.  My favorite thing about Patterson is that after being here for so long, I have many good friends.  The other teachers here are excellent and really care about the students.  Also, I have really enjoyed the relationships I have made with many Patterson families.  I appreciate their support and love working with their children.

I graduated from North Central College and next received my Masters Degree from Benedictine University.  I was a teacher’s assistant for one year with Mrs. Thompson and Ms. Neufeld.  Then I taught 3^rd grade for three years and then made the switch to 4^th grade.  I truly enjoy and look forward to going to work everyday.  I’ve been very lucky to have wonderful classes while I have been teaching at Patterson.  I enjoy spending time with my family and watching movies and sports.  I also like playing basketball.  Patterson is surrounded by such a wonderful, supportive community and we continue to strive to be the best.

I grew up in Naperville and attended schools in Naperville all the way through college.  I graduated from North Central College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.  I recently completed my Master’s Degree in Leadership and Administration at Benedictine University.  I started out at Patterson as a student teacher.  As I finished my senior year at North Central I worked at Patterson as a part-time teacher’s assistant.  By the fall of the next year I had my own 2nd grade classroom.  After teaching 2^nd grade for five years, I moved to a new position at Patterson as the building interventionist.  What I love most about teaching, is meeting so many nice kids and families that teach me more than I could ever teach them.  I really enjoy spending time with my family and playing with all my nieces and nephews.  I love reading, working out, and traveling to really warm and sunny places.  Being at Patterson is one of the best experiences of my life.  I’ve met so many wonderful people. It’s a great place to work and go to school!

I have a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education at The College of St. Catherine, St. Paul Minnesota.  I also have a Master’s Degree in Music from Northern Illinois University.  I have been teaching for 35 years and 14 years have been at Patterson.  In the past I was the Artistic Director of Young Naperville Singers and am a professional accompanist at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.  As an educator I have so many favorite memories.  One of my dearest is from the time I struggled with breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery when I could not do my daily work as an educator.  The children, families, and staff at Patterson were key players in maintaining my positive attitude and strength.  I am proud to be an educator and a member of this community.  I am grateful to have the daily opportunity of making a positive difference in the lives of our beautiful children.  I love to read, travel, garden, and play the piano.  I read about Greek philosophy, American history, music, teaching, and every once in a while I enjoy a spy novel.  I travel often to Iowa to visit my parents, to Boston to visit my daughter, Elizabeth, to Minnesota to visit family and to Europe to visit a friend.  My favorite thing about Patterson Elementary is the positive, respectful, and considerate behavior of our students.  It is a gift to see their smiling faces every day. 

I attended go my Bachelor Degree Purdue University and my Master’s Degree from Benedictine University in Reading and Literacy.  I have eight years of teaching experience with 7 of those years at Patterson. I love being a teacher and watching my students learn and succeed every day.  I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, and scrapbooking/stamping.  Patterson is a great place to work because of the wonderful teachers, students, and parents. 

My family came to the United States as refugees in 1977.  I started kindergarten in the Chicago Public School system at age 5 with no English language background.  I attended Naperville schools starting in 4^th grade and graduated from Naperville North High School.  I have a Bachelors Degree from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana and a Master’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin Madison.  This fall will be the start of my tenth year in education and third at Patterson.  This will be the start of my sixth year as an elementary principal.  Serving others and education is my life.  My favorite memory is the first day of school, particularly for kindergarten students and parents.  I love the excitement in their children’s eyes.  It reminds me of the hope education offers every child at the start of every year.  I enjoy spending time with family and friends in my spare time.  I love to run, spend time outdoors, read, laugh, and enjoy the little things that life offers.  Sunrises and the beach are two of my favorite things.  I appreciate the family feel to Patterson School – from the WONDERFUL students, supportive parents, and dedicated staff.  Patterson is a great place to be whether you’re a child or an adult.  It is full of energy, positive feelings, and a warm culture to learn in.

I have my B.A. in special education from Loras College and my Masters in Special Education from University of Illinois.  This is my fifth year in the district and my fourth year at Patterson.  I have also taught at Fry, Wheatland, and Young.  When I am not at school I like to spend time coaching the Special Olympic Swim Team, spoiling my nephew, and spending time with family.  My favorite thing about Patterson is the staff.  They always go above and beyond when it comes to meeting the needs to all kids.

I received my BA degree in Education with a focus on primary grades from Northeastern IL University.  I earned my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction.  I have been teaching 1st grade at Patterson for the past ten years.  My favorite memory is visiting with my former students who come back to see me at Open House.  My hobbies include traveling, enjoying Naperville events, and spending time with my grandbaby!  Patterson had truly been my second home the past 13 years.  I feel blessed to spend each day with wonderful Patterson families and the staff members who have been my second family!

I have a Masters Degree in Speech Pathology from Illinois State University and most recently earned an elementary reading endorsement.  I have been apart of the Patterson staff since 1999.  My favorite memory is having a student finally achieve a speech goal after lots of hard work and seeing the joy of being able to read and write a word when a student thought he could not.  For fun outside of school, I enjoy time with my friends and family, reading, riding my bike, trying to grow flowers, and learning to play golf.  My favorite thing about Patterson is working with children and the awesome staff.  They are so kind, hardworking, and very flexible.  It is a privilege to work with this staff.

I graduated from Augustana College with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Spanish.  I had the opportunity to study abroad in Spain and Belize during college.  This is my second year working at Patterson and I have never been so excited in my life.  I have had wonderful experiences working with children of all different backgrounds and from all walks of life.  All of the experiences I have had with students have shaped me into the person I am today.  I cherish each and every relationship I have built with my students.  I love spending time with my family and friends.  I have a passion for theatre, art, and music.  I am so excited about working at Patterson.  Patterson is a school that not only fosters learning and growth for students, but for staff, also.  I am ecstatic to begin a year of learning here at Patterson.

I received my Bachelors of Science from the Univeristy of Illinois where I played in both the Marching Illini and symphonic bands.  I taught high school for 4 years before coming to IPSD 204.  This is my 16^th year in the district and I have taught at 11 different elementary schools in the district.  My favorite memories are when students I have taught in years past come back to tell me how much participating in band meant to them.  I like to hang out with my family outside of school.  I have a 6^th grade son at Granger and a 4^th grade son at Steck.  I am also an avid reader.  What I am enjoying most about Patterson is the enthusiasm of the students.

I attended high school at Naperville North.  I then went to college at Illinois State University.  Most recently I attended Northern Illinois University for my Masters Degree.  This is my tenth year teaching fifth grade and my twelfth year at Patterson Elementary.  My favorite part of teaching is watching the students grow academically and socially throughout the year.  Outside of school I enjoy listening to music, reading, rollerblading, watching movies, shopping, and spending time with friends and family.  My favorite thing about Patterson is all of the friends that I have made as a staff member.

I attended Naperville Central High School and then went on to Eastern Illinois University and completed my educational career at Northern Illinois University.  My favorite memory as an educator is when students come back to visit.  In my personal time, I enjoy baseball, reading, and spending time with my daughter, husband, and crazy dog Harley.  My favorite thing about Patterson Elementary is that I have never met so many people (staff, students, and parents), who all have the heart and utmost compassion for children’s growth.  It is a pleasure and honor to work with all of these people.

I earned my bachelor degree from Northern Illinois University and my Masters Degree from Rockford College. I have taught 1^st grade for ten years. Eight of those years have been at Patterson.  The most rewarding thing about teaching 1^st grade is watching the students achieve great reading success. I also love to see them sport their brand new lunch boxes!  Who knew eating lunch at school could be so fun!!  I stay busy playing with my three children.  We like to go boating, whenever we can.  I also love shopping (by myself)!  The best thing about Patterson is working with an amazing staff and supportive staff.  Also the supportive families that greatly value the education their child receives.

I have my B.S. from the University of Dayton and my M.A. from the University of Indianapolis.  I have taught for 30 years, half in regular education classrooms and half in Project Arrow.  My favorite memory of being an educator is when I was named most influential teacher by a former student and having kids come back to visit me.  Some things I enjoy doing are working out, taking pictures, traveling, reading, and getting enough sleep.  I love working at Patterson because I have a principal that supports me as a person and teachers who care so much about students and their families. 

I graduated from Quincy University in 1993.  That fall I was hired as a teacher’s assistant for first and fifth grade.  The following year I was hired to teach 3^rd grade.  During those first years of teaching I went back to school and received my Masters in Reading.  I have been teaching 3^rd grade at Patterson for 13 years.  I have lots of memories as an educator.  The ones I can recall are having fun with my students and making learning enjoyable.  Outside of school I enjoy reading a playing with my two children, Sean and Lauren.  I love getting together with my friends and spending time with my husband, Mark.  My favorite things about working at Patterson are the friendships that I have made with my fellow teachers and the relationships that I have built with my students and their families. 

I attended Wheaton Warrenville South High School and then went on t Wheaton College to obtain my B.A. in education.  I have been at Patterson for 4 years, and this is my first year teaching.  My favorite memory as a teacher is when a student has been struggling with a concept or skill and then all the sudden a light bulb flicks on and they understand completely.  I have many interests outside of school such as: football (Cowboys,), baseball (Cubs), NASCAR (Kasey Kahne), and college football and basketball (Fighting Irish and Texas Longhorns).  I also read all the time.  My favorite thing about Patterson is the staff is so talented and they share that talent to help every student in the school.

I graduated from Ohio University with a B.S. in Physical Education.  I have been teaching P.E. for 20 years, 11 years in District 204.  This is my second year at Patterson. I teach part time P.E., here at Patterson and I also travel to Graham and Builta to teach P.E.  My favorite memory of teaching is when a second grader couldn’t get the timing or rhythm of long rope jumping.  So, with my help he was able to start jumping and after he did his jumping he stopped and said “did that really happen or am I dreaming”.  I enjoy power walking with my friends, playing tennis and collecting new recipes. For fun I like to cook my new recipes and spend time with my husband, 3 children, and dog.  My favorite thing about Patterson is being a “specials” teacher, which gives me the opportunity to teach and get to know every student that attends Patterson Elementary.

I graduated with my bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois, and my Master’s Degree from Rockford College.  I have taught P.E. in District 204 for 6 years…2 years at Kendall, Brooks, and Welch Elementary Schools and 4 years at Patterson.  My favorite memory is seeing the students grow over the years.  I love that I teach all students.  I enjoy playing with my daughter, Gracie and dog, Nicky.  I also love to walk, run, and go shopping!  Patterson is a great place to work because of the wonderful people.  The staff is very friendly and considerate.

I graduated from Augustana College and started teaching kindergarten at Patterson in 1996.  That year there were so many students at Patterson that the 8 sections of kindergarten were bussed to Saddlewood!  I love at the end of the year, getting to see my students feeling confident, smart and excited about first grade.  The transformation is amazing!!  They arrive in August literally hiding behind a parent and they leave in June as a capable Patterson learner.  Some things I enjoy are taking long walks, scrapbooking, writing, and being a mom.  Here at Patterson we have a sense of family.  Staff, students, and the community work tremendously hard to make Patterson an excellent elementary school.

I earned my BA in Education from the University of Iowa and my MA in Curriculum and Instruction from North Central College.  I have taught for 12 years-all at Patterson! I love teaching first grade because you get to help young children learn to read and watch them explore the world of literature.  Some of my hobbies are reading, shopping, and going to the movies.  For fun I like to spend time with my husband and three children Jack, Kate, and Luke.  My favorite thing about Patterson is the supportive community and the fun-living staff.