Second Grade
Valerie Beaver, second-grade teacher, has been in education seven years, five in Pea Ridge.
"My passion is the children -- their well-being and learning."
She has two children and two grandchildren. She enjoys horseback riding, cattle farming, fishing, hiking and reading. She is a bit OCD when it comes to tidiness/neatness, she said.
Paige Hendricks, second-grade teacher, information unavailable.
Heather Phillips, second-grade teacher, information unavailable.
Sierra Warner, second-grade teacher, is in her first year of education.
"I love knowing I can make a positive impact in these kids' lives and provide them with knowledge that will carry over into their adult lives."
She enjoys reading, cooking and baking.
"I am a HUGE Oklahoma Sooners fan, especially football," she said.
Michelle Kimble, second-grade teacher, has been in education seven years, all in Pea Ridge.
"I love the students in my class as if they were my own children. I love seeing them learn and grow. I learn so much from them. All of my students from year one to now are my "Kimble Kids."
She has two children and enjoys continuing her education. She is currently working on her master's degree and has obtained her National Board certification. In her free time, she likes to watch action movies. She runs five miles, six days a week.
Elizabeth Ash, second-grade teacher, has been in education two years, one in Pea Ridge.
"A sense of curiosity and love for learning combined with the excitement and love of working with children made teaching the only career I have ever wanted. She enjoys traveling, reading, baking and playing the flute in the Arkansas Winds. She attended Pea Ridge schools her entire school career, from kindergarten to high school graduation in 2010.
Special Education
Olivia Laine, SPED kindergarten-second grade, has been in Pea Ridge for five years and in education for 10.
"I love my kids and watching them grow," she said.
She has one child, Kiele. Her hobbies include hiking, reading and family time.
"I got to play my flute at the 70th anniversary of D-Day at Omaha Beach, Normandy, France."
Courtney Powell, speech pathologist for kindergarten through second and sixth through eighth grades, has been in education for seven years, all at Pea Ridge.
"I like to help kids succeed," she said.
She has three children and enjoys fishing, baking and hanging out with her family. She used to be a competitive cheerleader.
Amanda Coco, speech-language pathologist at the Primary and Intermediate schools, has been in education for seven years, all at Pea Ridge.
"I love working with children, helping them to succeed in the classroom."
She has two children, Jackson and Emma.
Her hobbies include sewing, reading and baking.
She was on her college dance team.
Kiki Crider, speech pathologist and district Dyslexia interventionist, has been in education for 16 years. This is her first year at Pea Ridge.
"I love helping children reach their goals," she said.
She has two children and enjoys reading, gardening and cooking. She raises Ameraucana chickens that lay blue eggs.
Jennifer Willer, K-2 paraprofessional, has been in Pea Ridge two years and in education for five.
"I enjoy seeing the children's faces light up when they understand or learn a new skill. I like to figure out what does and doesn't work for each child and implement what works best."
She has two children, a son Skyler, 16, and a daughter, Rachel, 10. Her hobbies include time with her family, reading and playing games on her iPad. She played tuba in high school and said she has shot "snakes, opossum, armadillo and raccoon, but never a deer."
Brenda David, SPED aide, has been in education for 15 years, all at Pea Ridge.
"I love to make a child's life a little better each day. I always wish to make a difference for the better."
She has two children and three grandchildren. Her hobbies include outdoor activities, gardening and some crafting. David originally majored in art and loves nature and meditation.
Community on 09/23/2015