I grew up in Wheaton and attended K-12 in district 200 schools (Emerson Elementary, Monroe Middle, Wheaton North - go Falcons!). I then went on to get my elementary education degree at Loyola University Chicago. I also have an endorsement in mathematics and am a certified Reading Teacher. I am currently halfway through receiving my Master's as a Reading Specialist from Olivet Nazarene University. Before coming to Bower, I worked as a teaching assistant in the special education department at Edison Middle School. This is my 7th year teaching 5th grade at Bower Elementary.
I met Mr. Kresal in 2014 and we married in November 2016. He works as a Critical Care Paramedic. Mr. Kresal is the greatest support in my life and helps to keep me grounded. He helps push me to do things I would not do myself. In return, I help him find his silly side and I always add something interesting to his life (He says I am similar to Princess Mia in The Princess Diaries, or Kitty from That 70s Show, to give you a better picture of what he goes through). We love to go on adventures; whether that means going into the city, driving into Indiana, or taking a quick 24-hour road trip to the Mall of America!
I am a Disney fanatic, and have finally shown Mr. Kresal the joy that is Disney and Disney World! I love to cook; and am pretty good, if I do say so myself. I have cooked the entire Thanksgiving and Christmas meals for Mr. Kresal's family multiple years in a row. My favorite chef is Ree Drummond, a.k.a., the Pioneer Woman. Recently I picked up a new hobby of painting. I love the expression and peacefulness of creating new pieces. My favorite medium right now is acrylic paint. Put me in a Blick Art Supply store, and I have a hard time not buying everything in the store.
I am definitely a country girl at heart - I have camo clothing, listen to country music, and love to go to Cabela's or any outdoor sporting store. I am an animal-lover. If I could live on a farm, I would (Ree Drummond's life is seriously my dream)! Currently, I have 2 furry rabbit "children" - Wendy, and Chesney (yes, named after the country singer Kenny Chesney). I would love to have a dog (pitbull), but right now I am unable to :(. It takes all my energy not to start a rabbit and dog sanctuary! Mr. Kresal tells me he is going to come home to a zoo one day; he is probably correct.
I am so excited to be teaching in the same community that taught me. What can I say, I guess there is something special about CUSD 200. I hold high expectations for 5th graders and their preparation for going to middle school. I look forward to having another fantastic, hardworking, fun-filled school year!