Focus on Faculty

Kindergarten

Amber Bowen, kindergarten teacher, has been in education for four years, all at Pea Ridge.

"I have always wanted to be a teacher. I am so blessed to be able to teach children new things," she said.

She has two children. Her hobbies include crafting/sewing and spending time with her boys at their sporting events.

Sarah Lamer, kindergarten teacher, is beginning her seventh year in education, all at Pea Ridge.

"I have always had a passion for kids and I enjoy watching them learn and grow."

She has one son, Layton. She enjoys spending time with her family, watching Razorback football, cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals and spending time outdoors.

"I grew up here in Pea Ridge and attended school kindergarten through 12th grade. Now, I have the opportunity to teach in this community," she said.

Vickie Kennemer, kindergarten teacher, has been in education for 25 years, all at Pea Ridge.

"I have always loved working around children. Watching little ones actually learn how to read and write independently amazes me. I love witnessing their successes."

She has two sons, Jared and Grayson, both of whom attended Pea Ridge schools for their entire school careers. Jared graduated from the University of Arkansas last December and Grayson has begun his senior year at the UofA working two more years towards his master's degree. Kennemer said she loves spending time with her family, traveling, reading, cooking/baking, listening to classical music, writing and shopping.

She was born and reared in Springdale, was a Springdale Bulldog and a University of Arkansas Razorback. Her parents, sister, little brother and his family continue to live there. She and her husband, Derek, have been married 25 years on Sept. 8.

"We built our beautiful home here in Pea Ridge 12 years ago after living in Gravette for many years. It was a wonderful decision to move here to Pea Ridge. It was an awesome place to raise our sons and I am just a hop and skip away from my classroom," she said.

Tamara Schroeder, kindergarten, has taught for 11 years, all in Pea Ridge.

"I love children and I love to watch them grow," she said.

She has one child. She enjoys shopping, crafting and spending time outside. She lives on a ranch.

Janet Spradling, kindergarten, has taught for 22 years, 17 of which were in Pea Ridge.

She teaches because of the "love of children, enjoy watching the children learn and grow in their kindergarten year."

She has two sons and one grandson. Her hobby is the piano. She interpreted for the hearing impaired for Zig Ziglar.

Rica Shackelford, kindergarten teacher, has been in education for three years, two in Pea Ridge.

"I love children and working with them. I get joy from watching them learn new things."

She has two children. She enjoys watching her children play sports and loves to visit the beach.

Ashley Clark, kindergarten teacher, has been in education for 12 years, 10 at Pea Ridge.

"I teach because it's how I make a positive difference in the world," she said.

She enjoys traveling, watching movies and being crafty. She loves to listen to Drive Time Sports.

First Grade

Allison Wilkins, first-grade teacher, has been in education six years, all at Pea Ridge.

"I love to work with kiddos and always have. It is amazing to see a child's light bulb come on when they have been workign so hard on something and it finally clicks, the look in their eyes is priceless! I love the feeling that I was there to help them succeed," she said.

She has one son who is 1 and another due in January. She enjoys crafting, painting door hangers, making wreaths and decorating her home.

Danelle Bounds, first-grade teacher, has been in education three years, two at Pea Ridge.

"I worked for a large company for many years and that was not what I wanted to do when I grew up. Now, I get to work with children every day! I am blessed," she said.

She has two children and enjoys spending time with her family, swimming and traveling. She said she is always singing something.

Alisha Johnson, first-grade teacher, has been in education five years, all at Pea Ridge.

"I love being able to work with children and make a difference in their lives."

She enjoys doing craft projects, running and being outdoors.

Donna Lillard, first-grade teacher, information unavailable.

Dawnitta Henson, first-grade teacher, has been in education 10 years, all at Pea Ridge.

"I was always meant to do this!"

She has two daughters and enjoys crafts, cheer and family time camping and fishing.

She graduated from Pea Ridge High School; her favorite teacher was her first-grade teacher. She is organized by natural ability and really doesn't work at it very hard. She had major back surgery and has beat kidney cancer.

Courtney Woodward, first-grade teacher, information unavailable.

Community on 09/16/2015