Pea Ridge Middle School

• Leslie Moline, principal

[email protected]

Leslie Moline, principal, has been in educaiton for 14 years, 11 of which have been in Pea Ridge. This is her second year as principal at the Middle School.

A native of Denver, Colo., she grew up in Fayetteville, where she graduate from high school. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Arkanas and her master's degree in science in education in educational leadership from Arkansas State University.

Mrs. Moline is a National Board Certified Teacher in the area of Early Adolescence/English Language Arts.

"I believe that education is the great equalizer," she said. "You can achieve anything with hard work and knowledge. It is fulfilling to do the work I love and believe in every day.

"I love the energy of adolescents. Middle school is a time when kids are going through dramatic physical, emotional and social change. While this can be challenging at times, this age level is also incredibly enjoyable to work with because they are learning to forge their own paths through life.

"I'm sure I've learned more from them over the years than they've learned from me," she said.

"I have been married to my wonderful husband, John, for 26 years. We have a daughter, Rachel, who will be a junior at the University of Arkansas this fall."

She said she loves to read and travel.

• Jessie Hester, assistant principal

[email protected]

Jessie Hester, assistant principal has been in education for eight years. This will be her first year in Pea Ridge.

A native of Bentonville, she graduated from Bentonville High School, earned her bachelors in mathematics and in anthropology, then her master of arts in teaching and in educational leadership

She said: "I love inspiring people to achieve greatness, especially beyond what they originally believed of themselves!"

She said she loves working with teachers to create instructional plans that facilitate rich student learning.

Miss Hester said she enjoys reading, working out, crafting, and spending time with her family and friends.

^

• Tina Robinson

[email protected]

800-451-0692 ext. 4008

Tina Robinson is the school counselor for seventh- and eighth-graders at Pea Ridge Middle School where she has been for eight months. She has worked in education for two years and before that, provided private therapy services in an outpatient setting.

A native of Van Buren, Ark., she graduated from Northside Christian Academy then earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from University of Colorado, Denver. She earned her master's degree in clinical mental health counseling/school counseling from Loyola University, New Orleans.

"I really enjoy working with students," she said. "They are constantly seeking new opportunities to grow and always inspire me with their resiliency."

As for her favorite part about what she does, she said: "It is so hard to choose one thing. I love all the different opportunities that Pea Ridge offers. It is a great district, and I work with an amazing School Family.

Of family, she said: "I'm married to a super cool guy, have the spunkiest kid on the planet, and have hands down the best Golden Retriever that has ever existed."

She said she loves research, writing, camping and spending time outdoors.