Professional: Coach Cooper has been the Physical Education teacher at Carlinville Middle School since 2004. Alan grew up and graduated from Chenoa High School, he then earned his associate's degree from Heartland Community College and then graduated from Eastern Illinois University in December of 2003 with a bachelor's degree. Coach Cooper has coached MS track(3 years), MS Basketball(7 years), and HS Football(19 years) and was the assistant(3yrs) and head Boys Basketball coach for 9 seasons winning a Regional Title in 2014. Coach Cooper loves seeing students and athletes grow and loves helping them develop a lifelong love for physical activity knowing he is devoloping strong, productive citizens. Most recently Coach Cooper led the transformation of the old weight room into a fresh new facility. Students and athletes will utilize this space to grow and develop.

Personal: Coach Cooper married his wife Amanda in 2006 and together they are raising Cameron and Callie. Coaching football only now, Coach Cooper spends his free time with friends and family and as many days on the lake in the summer as he can. Coach Cooper also enjoys completing his own and helping others with home projects. Hard work is never something that Coach Cooper shy's away from.

Alexis has enjoyed working with special education students as a lead instructional assistant and paraprofessional for 3 years. Alexis has a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Westminster College and is currently getting her Masters in Special Education from SIUE. She is a firm believer that all students are unique and deserve to reach their full potential. Outside of school, Alexis is on the farm with her husband training her highland cows and enjoying family time.

Mrs. Hill is a dedicated educator with a passion for teaching English and nurturing her students' growth. She graduated from SIUE in 2020 with a degree in Secondary English Education with a middle school endorsement. In the classroom, she brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to her role at our school. Mrs. Hill believes in creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed. Her commitment to her students goes beyond the curriculum, as she takes the time to understand their individual needs and provide guidance and encouragement every step of the way. Whether exploring classic literature or honing writing skills, Mrs. Hill's students are inspired to reach their full potential under her guidance. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Hill loves reading, baking, reality television, and spending time with her family.

Alison has held multiple positions in the district, beginning as a teacher assistant in the middle/high school in 2016, then serving as secretary in the middle school office until the 23-24 school year when she moved into the high school office briefly before settling in the district office as a fiscal assistant. Alison enjoys spending time with her friends and family, cooking, reading, and camping.

4th Grade Teacher

Alyssa is originally from Somonauk, IL, where her passion for teaching began through her role as a Third-Grade High School Helper. Alyssa attended Aurora University and graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, as well as an ESL Endorsement. Alyssa spent her first year teaching in a sixth-grade classroom in Plano, IL before moving to Carlinville in 2020. While attending school and teaching in northern Illinois, Alyssa developed a passion for working with English Learners and a diverse community of students. Upon moving to Carlinville, Alyssa worked in Raymond, IL as a third-grade teacher for three years. She is currently loving her role as a fourth-grade teacher at CIS! In addition to teaching, Alyssa enjoys being a mother and wife, spending time with her family and friends, reading, and spending time outside!

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Alyssa is originally from Pleasant Plains and moved to Carlinville in 2023. Alyssa has been working within the education system since 2019. She began her time in the classroom as a paraprofessional while working on her teaching certification. She has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Elementary education. Beyond the classroom, Alyssa enjoys indulging in her hobbies, which include jamming out to Taylor Swift, cuddling up with her cats, and reading!

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6th & 7th Grade

Amanda is a Carlinville alumni and has been teaching at Carlinville Middle School since 2013. She graduated from Illinois State University in 2012 (Go Redbirds!) with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Amanda helped coach the Cavalette dance team for ten years and ran the LINK program for CMS a few years as well. Now, Amanda's after school focus is on family and running her three children to their extracurricular activities. Amanda is blessed with a husband who is an Illinois State Trooper, two daughters, and a son. In their free time, you can usually find the Frankfords enjoying the outdoors.
Helping students to feel confident in their mathematical abilties is Amanda's ultimate goal. She wants to help students develop skills to be able to think critically and indepenently on their own so that they can go out and have successful lives outside of school.

Amanda became the administrative assistant at CIS in 2018 after working in the building as a Special Education Paraprofessional in the Pre-K program. She is an Illinois transplant, moving here after her husband's service in the US Air Force. In addition to her time at CIS, Amanda enjoys spending time with her husband, Corey, their 4 children and soon to be daughter-in-law, their two dogs, beach vacations, and lots of time spent in the timber around their cabin and gardening.

Amy is originally from Greenfield. Amy has a bachelor's degree in Social Work and spent many years in that field of work. Seeking a career change, Amy's family moved to Carlinville and Amy joined CUSD1 in 2020. The following year, Amy became the Librarian/Media Specialist at CIS. During this time, Amy decided to further her education and is now certified to teach Middle School Social Studies. Outside of work, Amy enjoys traveling with her family and dog, reading, and watching her kids' activities.

Special Educator

Mrs. Petrovich has enjoyed being a Special Educator for nearing three decades. Her training includes a Bachelor's degree in Special Education and Master's degree in Education/Instructional Technology. Prior to her teaching career, she supervised group homes and also provided respite care for developmentally disabled adults; beyond those expereiences she volunteered at the high school level to work one-on-one with Life Skills students for years. Certified pre-K through age 22 in the areas of Learning Disabilities, Social Emotional Disorders, Educably Mentally Handicapped, Mental Retardation and Learning Behavior Specialist 1, she has taught as a Special Educator in grades K-12 within both public and parochial schools. As well, Mrs. Petrovich has valued almost two decades teaching evening courses to teaching candidates in the education department at the university level. At every age and grade level, Mrs. Petrovich's focus is on doing what's best for kids through genuine connection and dedication to their individual success. Within the community, the school district family and her own family, Mrs. Petrovich believes that making a positive difference in our world is a responsibility of each of us.

Andrea is a 2005 graduate of Carlinville High School and has worked at Carlinville Middle School since 2020. First, she taught 6th grade Social Studies and she is currently serving as the School Counselor. Andrea received her Bachelor's Degree from Illinois College studying History and Education. Later, she studied at the University of Illinois at Springfield and received her Masters Degree in Human Development Counseling, focusing on School Counseling. Prior to working at CMS, Andrea worked for the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, Jacksonville High School and Carrollton High School. Andrea is also the sponsor for Youth Power. Youth Power's goal is to improve the culture of our school by providing drug and alcohol prevention education and events to our school.

Outside of school, Andrea enjoys exploring the outdoors with her husband and daughter. Other hobbies include cooking and reading books.

 FCS Teacher

Ashley is a compassionate and goal-oriented educator with experience in public education since 2009. She attended Eastern Illinois University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Secondary Social Science Education with MLE and CTE endorsements, and a Master's Degree in Educational Administration.
Ashley dedicates time to the CTE student organization Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and mental health organizations while serving on the IDPH Suicide Prevention Task Force. She was honored by receiving a 2024 Those Who Excel Award of Meritorious Service. She is committed to the social-emotional wellbeing of her students and enjoys helping them find their unique passions and pathways.
Ashley lives in Waggoner with her family and two dogs. She loves nature, cooking and baking, gardening, and traveling. A priority of hers is continuing to improve and adapt personally and professionally in order to benefit students and the school-community. Ashley encourages her students to “Choose Joy” and believe “You’re the Boss, Applesauce.”

Paraprofessional

Registrar and Attendance

Beth is a 2010 graduate of Carlinville High School. She attended Hannibal-LaGrange University where she received an art degree in 2014. She began working as a secretary in the Carlinville High School office in 2015. She is now working in the Student Services office as the high school registrar and as the attendance secretary for the middle/high school campus. When she’s not at work, Beth is hanging out with her husband and their three wild children, listening to Taylor Swift, and reading cheesy stories with happily ever afters.

Brandie Mullink is a dedicated physical education teacher committed to promoting health, wellness, and active lifestyles among students. As an educator since 2007, she has developed a strong passion for fostering physical fitness, sportsmanship, and teamwork. She also strives to create inclusive and engaging learning environments that inspire students to develop lifelong habits of exercise and wellness. Outside of the classroom, she enjoy(s) staying active exercising and spending quality time with her family and her farm animals.

School Board Member
Term Expires 2027

Brett haas taught previously at Jacksonville High School for 7 years. He is originally from Carlinville and graduated High School in 2012. This year he will be teaching Biology, Chemistry, and 8th Grade Science. He attended Southern Illinois University - Carbondale. Outside of school he enjoys hunting, fishing, and hiking.

Industrial Tech Teacher

Mr. Austwick is a Carlinville native and a 1985 graduate of Carlinville High School. His wife Kerri and his children are all Cavaliers. He is a graduate of Ranken Technical College with a degree in Precision Machining Technology. Upon graduating from Ranken he took a role as a machinist apprentice with Design Systems Inc. in Morton IL. He completed his 8000hr. U.S. Department of Labor, Precision Machinist Apprenticeship and received his Journeyman’s credentials while employed with Design Systems. Design Systems specialized in designing, fabricating and assembling prototype machines, test equipment, tooling and fixtures for manufacturers.

Mr. Austwick accepted his first teaching position in 2003 as a Machine Tool Technology Instructor at Eastern Iowa Community College’s, Blong Technology Center in Davenport Iowa. In 2004 he was recruited by Ranken Technical College’s, Precision Machining Technology department where he taught for 11 years. As an instructor Mr. Austwick has provided instruction in Manual Machining, CNC machining, CAD/CAM, Machine Shop Math and Welding courses. He has developed and administered industrial training for John Deere, Toyota, Anheuser Busch, Sunnen, Haas and others.

In 2015 he accepted an offer from Boeing Defense Systems as the Special Tooling, Portfolio Manager for the F-15 program. While at Boeing he had the pleasure of working with approximately 50 of his former students. The positive interactions with his former students inspired Mr. Austwick to return to teaching.

In 2020 Mr. Austwick was allowed the privilege of joining Carlinville High School. Mr. Austwick looks forward to introducing students to careers in the field of high tech manufacturing.

Carrie works in the District Office as one of the Fiscal Assistants focusing on Accounts Payable. Prior to starting in January 2022, she worked in the office of several construction-based corporations consisting of residential and commercial construction, concrete, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical along with working for a property management company with over fifty rental houses and multiplex units.

Carrie enjoys taking nature and wildlife pictures and serving in various ministries at her church. She is called to serve and loves helping people.

Cathy's journey through education began with pride as a graduate of Carlinville High School, a foundation that shaped her dedication to the field. Her academic pursuits led her to Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, followed by a Master's Degree in Reading. Throughout her career, Cathy has immersed herself in roles spanning Title Reading and First Grade, demonstrating a commitment to nurturing young learners.

Cathy’s mission is to cultivate heartfelt connections with her school family. By fostering traditions like weekly classroom family lunches and the eagerly anticipated annual classroom play, she creates an environment where students feel valued and supported. In Cathy's classroom, the sentiment "Once a Kulenkamp Kid, always a Kulenkamp Kid" is a bond that she shares with her students both current and past.

Mathematics Teacher

Charles is a 2000 graduate of Carlinville High School. Has bachelor's degrees in Mathematics, Chemistry, and Secondary Education from Blackburn College. Also has Masters Degree in Math Education and Chemistry from SIUE. He has taught a mixture of Math and Science courses for his entire career. He has coached both boys and girls soccer, scholastic bowl, and Academic Challenge(Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science). Charles enjoys computer gaming and woodworking outside of school.

Paraprofessional

School Board Treasurer
Term Expires 2025

Craig lives in rural Carlinville with his wife, Kara, and 3 school age children.  Craig farms with his family and is a Loan Officer at CNB Bank & Trust.  He and his family enjoy farming, raising cattle and being outdoors.  Craig attended Carlinville schools K-12 and graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale with a major in Agribusiness Economics.

Paraprofessional

President

Term Expires 2025

Dan Kallal is the youngest of five children and was raised on the family farm near Chesterfield. He attended primary school at Chesterfield and secondary school at Carlinville. He attended the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Agricultural Science in 1977. After college, Dan farmed for more than 40 years raising hogs, corn and soybeans on the farm where he grew up. He retired in 2021. Retirement activities have included completing the interior construction of his house addition, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity in Springfield, and cooking pork chops and pork burgers on the Carlinville Square as fundraisers for various groups. Sundays you will find Dan at Saints Mary and Joseph Catholic Church followed by breakfast at "Plaza" or "Eni's". If the weather cooperates, he will be riding on his 1975 BMW motorcycle. Dan has a very understanding wife, Marilyn, two children, Beth and Becca, and two grandchildren, Kasten ad Kailyn.

Dan is a seasoned IT professional with a rich background that began in 2008. He has accumulated 7 years of experience in IT within a corporate environment, building his skills in customer support and leadership through managerial roles. Transitioning to IT in K12 education in 2015, Dan has continued to contribute to technological advancements in learning environments. He holds an Associate's degree in Computer Network and System Technology, underscoring his technical expertise. In his personal time, Dan finds peace and happiness with family, outdoor pursuits like hunting, and reflecting on his love for nature. Above all, he is driven by a profound passion for assisting others, both professionally and personally.

Danlee has been a School Counselor at Carlinville School District since 2016. She has her Master's Degree in School Counseling from Missouri Baptist University. Danlee enjoys helping her students become the best version of themselves. She likes spending time with her family and friends in her free time. Danlee enjoys taking her dog Bud for walks, shopping, and cooking.

Darci Boston is a vibrant and dedicated educator with a strong passion for early childhood education. She started her teaching career in 2020 after earning a Bachelor in Fine Arts from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and a Master of Teaching in Elementary Education from Western Governors University.

After starting her career in upper elementary grades, Darci made a shift to Kindergarten to embark on a new journey as an educator, focusing on creating dynamic and engaging learning experiences for young learners. She believes that the early years are a crucial time for children to explore, discover, and develop a love for learning that will last a lifetime.

In her free time, Darci enjoys exploring nature trails, gardening, crafting, and spending time with her family. She is deeply committed to making a positive impact in the lives of young children and believes that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

Dawn is a 1988 graduate of Carlinville High School and has been an Administrative Assistant in the office at CMS since 1996. She enjoys the students, parents and staff members who she works with daily. She has volunteered in many CMS Activies through out the years. In the past, she was a volunteer and Coodinator for the LINK Mentoring Program. Dawn enjoys traveling with her husband, Terry. She also loves spending time with her two sons, Luke and Tommy.

School Board Member
Term Expires 2027

Dustin began teaching music, K-8, in 2013 with the Carlinville School District. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance from Blackburn College and a Master's Degree in Education from Greenville College. In addition to teaching music, Dustin is also the vocal director and accompanist for Carlinville High School's annual All-School Musical. He plays multiple instruments and performs regularly throughout the community.

Elise has a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and Master's and Specialist's Degrees in Educational Administration with the Superintendent's Endorsement, all from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. Elise taught in her hometown of Gillespie, then she was the Gillespie Middle School Principal for 3 years. Here at CUSD #1, Elise served as a building Principal for 20 years at every elementary building and combination, including North and South Schools, Early Childhood Center and Intermediate Schools, Primary and Intermediate Schools and finally the Primary School when it became a K-3 center. Elise considers the Primary School students and staff receiving the National Blue Ribbon Schools Award in 2011 as a career highlight. In addition, she and her staff brought many new programs and curriculum to the elementary schools through grants and seeking professional development. Elise is currently the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, where in addition to working on curriculum, assessments and special programs, she spends time seeking new grants, working with existing grants, and managing professional development for the District. Elise is married and has two grown children who are both Carlinville High School graduates. Elise's first passion is her family. In her free time, she loves to run, read, cook, watch a great Netflix series and spend as much time as possible boating at Lake of the Ozarks.

Elizabeth Furness is a 2000 graduate of Carlinville High School and chose to come back here to teach because of the "Commitment to Excellence '' that Carlinville shows throughout the district. She mainly teaches Spanish but has also taught World History over the years when needed. In addition to teaching, she is also one of the Scholastic Bowl coaches in the high school.

Elizabeth earned her Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education, Social Sciences, and Spanish from Blackburn College. After several years of teaching, she went back to earn her Master's Degree in Educational Administration from SIU-E.

Elizabeth lives in Carlinville with her husband and three children. Her children are students in the Carlinville School District and are proud to be Cavaliers. Go Cavies!

Erin has been an educator since 2012. She started with CUSD#1 in 2013. Erin completed her undergraduate degree at Blackburn College and her master's as a reading specialist at Olivet Nazarene University. In addition to teaching, Erin enjoys coordinating many after school programs for students including those partnered with Blackburn College. She likes spending time with her friends and family in her free time.

Erin graduated from Blackburn College in 2019 with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. She began her teaching career the same year as a Title aide at Carlinville Primary School. She was an aide for 3 years before moving into a first-grade teaching position in August of 2022. Erin enjoys small group teaching and using centers to enhance her teaching and benefit her students. Aside from teaching, Erin enjoys raising her twin daughters with her husband.

After graduating from Blackburn in the spring of 2017, Ethan was hired by CHS and has been a fixture of the second floor ever since. He has shared his love for literature and writing with the many students he has worked with over the years. During his second year of teaching, Ethan began working to get his Master’s Degree from SIUE. At that time, he learned that being a teacher and a student at the same time was not his idea of fun.

Having taught many of the English classes that CHS has to offer, Ethan has managed to collect a variety of teaching strategies and methods to incorporate into his classroom. Working predominantly with upperclassmen, Ethan currently teaches many courses that specialize in one key aspect of the English Language Arts.

An avid lover of games, Ethan brings his enthusiasm for board, card, and video games to CHS in his teaching methods and as the sponsor for the board game club. When he is not working or volunteering at the school, he can often be found at home reading one of the many books on his “to be read” list, playing a board or card game with friends, or spending time with his loyal pup Zelda.

Ginger is a graduate of Carlinville HIgh School and values all the things small town and community have to offer one another. Ginger attended Southern Illinois University of Carbondale and graduated with a Bacholer of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. After graduation, Ginger sought out duel certification and recieved her second certification, this time in Elementary Education. As a disctrict employee for the Carlinville School District, Ginger has filled different positions. Right out of college she started as a Kindergarten aide and now serves as a PreK teacher marking eleven years in this position. Ginger finds great joy in watching little minds blossom with excitment of discovery and growth. Her position often allows her to work or watch the same students for two years, which she finds great joy in. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling to go visit her daughter and drawing.

Pre K

Gracie Jones graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in May 2023. She graduated with her bacholors in Early Childhood Education where she also got her letter of approval to teach Prek Special Education. After graduation Gracie started her postion at Carlinville Primary School as the PreK Special Education teacher. Gracie enjoys getting to work with students to help them achieve their goals. Her favorite part is seeing how much the students grow in just one year! Outside of school Gracie enjoys spending time with her kitty, playing sports, and watching her little cousins sporting events!

Heather, a Carlinville High School graduate herself, has served as the district’s Business Manager since 2006. She has a bachelor's Degree in Economics from Illinois State University, a Master's in Business Administration from Northern Illinois University, and obtained her Chief School Business Official’s license in 2016. Prior to returning to her hometown to raise her family, she performed financial analysis for divisions of two different Fortune 500 companies. She and her husband, Darrin (teacher, coach, AD), have two children who are also graduates of Carlinville High School. Heather values volunteerism and serves actively in Rotary (local President in 2020-21), Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics Board of Directors and Foundation, and Ss. Mary and Joseph Church. Additionally, she has chaired professional development committees and been a presenter for the Illinois Association of School Business Officials (IASBO). She strives to provide accuracy, transparency, and long-term financial stability with district financial resources.

7th & 8th Grade

Hillary has been teaching at Carlinville Middle School since 2012. She taught 6th grade ELA for nine years before taking on the role of 7th & 8th grade ELA in 2021. Her favourite parts of teaching are interacting with students, watching them grow as readers and writers, and sharing her passion for books and writing!

Hillary graduated in December 2011 from SIUE with a BA in English Education. She obtained her Master's Degree in English from SIUE in December of 2023.

Hillary is the cross country coach, student council sponsor, and FCA sponsor at the middle school. She loves spending time with students working to better themselves and the school community! In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband and daughters, running, baking, and reading.

PE/Health Teacher

Resident

Paraprofessional

Ag Teacher

After graduating from Carlinville High School in 1999, Mr. Hammann received a degree in Agricultural Education from Illinois State University in 2004. After teaching 1 year at North Greene High School, Mr. Hammann came home to teach agriculture and became the FFA Advisor at Carlinville High School in 2005. He holds a Master’s degree in Special Education that was received in 2010 from SIUE. Mr. Hammann strives to educate students in the district using very practical lessons gaining knowledge and experience that they may use for the rest of their lives.

In his spare time, Mr. Hammann likes being outdoors hunting, fishing, gardening and spending time with family.

Mrs. Enrietta has been in education for over 20 years beginning her career in 2003 as a middle and high school social studies teacher. She received her Master's Degree in 2009 in Human Developmental Counseling with a focus on School Counseling. She came to Carlinville High School in 2011 and it has been her home ever since. Mrs. Enrietta has a true passion for working with young adults and helping them reach their true potential in all areas - academically, socially and emotionally. She enjoys helping students with their post-secondary planning, whether that is college, trade/vocational school, the military or the workforce. When she's not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband- Tony, their three children - Cash, Presley, and Lennon, and their Golden Doodle - Bo. In her free time, you can catch her reading a good book or cheering on her kids at their numerous sporting events and activities. Mrs. Enrietta's motto is "In a world where you can be anything

Jennifer Belusko graduated from Illinois State University in 2003 with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education. She began her career as an Instructional Aide in 2nd grade at Carlinville Primary School in 2004. The following year, she moved to a fourth-grade teaching position at Carlinville Intermediate, where she stayed for six years. In 2011, Jennifer moved back to the Primary School to teach third-grade until 2015 when she switched to first-grade. Jennifer has been teaching first grade at CPS ever since. In 2022, Jennifer earned her Early Childhood Education Endorsement in an effort to bring the most child-centered practices to her teaching.

Meet Jill, an enthusiastic educator with over two decades of experience spanning every grade level from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. Her journey in education began in 2003, igniting her passion for nurturing young minds. With a rich background in diverse educational environments, Jill has seamlessly transitioned from rural to urban settings, bringing her invaluable insights to each classroom she enters.

Equipped with an Associate's Degree and a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, along with dual Master's Degrees in Computer Science in Education and Educational Administration, Jill embodies a commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth.

Driven by her unwavering dedication to student success, Jill champions innovative teaching methodologies such as Design Thinking, STEM learning, and Problem and Project-Based Learning. Her expertise in leveraging technology as a tool for educational advancement has earned her recognition as a Motivator of the Year, STEM Innovator of the Year for the Midwest Region, and Top Innovator of the Year by the prestigious Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan.

Recently relocating to Illinois in 2023 from Missouri, Jill eagerly anticipates exploring the state's picturesque parks and campgrounds with her family. With a mantra of "Peace. Love. Happy," Jill embodies a spirit of positivity and adventure in both her personal and professional endeavours.

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Jill Pope has worked in education since 2005 in various capacities. Her first two years were as a substitute aide in every type of classroom. The end of her second year brought her to Carlinville and she knew this was where she was meant to be. When an opportunity arose in 2007, Mrs. Pope enthusiastically jumped at the opportunity to work with the 8th-grade team in the role of special education aide. During the next 11 years, Mrs. Pope worked with children with diverse learning needs at the 6-8 grade levels. In 2019, Jill moved to the high school to continue assisting diverse learners in every subject area. In 2024, Mrs. Pope left the special education department to take the Media Center/Library aide position where she has created a structured environment conducive to learning. Mrs. Pope, being the mother of a child on the Autism spectrum, is a strong believer in advocating for all learners. She assists students directly as well as searches out assistance for those in need of help in subject areas out of her areas of proficiency. Mrs. Pope believes everyone can succeed and achieve their goals and loves encouraging her students. Mrs. Pope loves being outdoors, motorsports, and spending time with family and friends.

Jordan Leefers was born and raised in Carlinville and was eager to come back to teach in Carlinville. She has been teaching since 2016 but started in Carlinville as a 5th-grade teacher in 2018.

Jordan has her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Lincoln Land Community College and Missouri Valley College, while also playing for their volleyball teams. She also has her Master’s Degree in Administration from Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville.

In addition to teaching, Jordan likes to go hunting and fishing, camping and boating with her family, and golfing with her friends.

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Reading Specialist

Julianne White has been a teacher since 2004. In Alton, she taught Preschool for two years, in Edwardsville for nine years teaching Kindergarten, and 8 years as a First Grade teacher in Carlinville. Julianne is currently a reading and math interventionist at Carlinville Primary School. Her degrees include a Bachelor of Arts in British and American LIterature from Blackburn College, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Greenville College, and a Reading Specialist Certification for K-12 from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. Julianne has 4 children who keep her busy with sports and academic activities, but she still finds time to enjoy reading and running.

6-8 Reading Interventionist

Julie, an alumna of Carlinville School District, is a seasoned educator with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and a minor in Speech-Language Pathology from Illinois State University. She furthered her education with a Master of Science in Education, specializing in Elementary Education with a Middle School Endorsement, from the University of St. Francis in Joliet. Additionally, Julie holds a Reading Teacher Certification from Illinois College. Currently, Julie serves as a Reading Interventionist for 6th-8th graders at Carlinville Middle School. Her journey in education includes teaching 5th grade at Carlinville Intermediate School from 2004 to 2021. Over the years, she has also taken on roles such as Special Education Aide, GED Instructor, Multi-Age Elementary Teacher, and Title Writing Teacher across various schools in Illinois. Beyond her professional endeavors, Julie finds joy in activities such as cooking, gardening, and indulging in a good book during her spare time.

6th and 7th Grade

Kaitie is a proud 2007 graduate of Carlinville High School, and has been teaching at Carlinville Middle School since 2011. She graduated from Illlinois State University in 2010, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, with middle school endorsements in ELA, Science, Social Science, and Reading. In 2017, Kaitie graduated from SIUE with her Master's Degree in Educational Administration. Kaitie knew that she wanted to be a teacher from a very early age, and teaching middle school children is her passion. Being able to share her love of reading, writing, and of course, her sense of humor with her middle schoolers is something she enjoys every day. Her goal is to create an enviroment in which her students feel safe, loved, and respected, so they are willing to share their thoughts, beliefs, and opinions in classroom discussions. Ultimately, empowering students through books to use their own voice, be creative thinkers, and find their own passions is the objective of her classes. On top of teaching ELA, Kaitie is currently the head volleyball coach at Carlinville High School (Go Cavies!), and has been since 2018. She also coached the Carlinville Middle School volleyball team for ten years. Outside of school, Katie enjoys travelling, reading (especially by a pool, or any body of water),spending time with her family, friends, husband, Quin, and son, Turner.

Kaitlyn Hartsook is from Quincy, Illinois, where her love for education was nurtured from a young age. Raised in a family of educators, she was profoundly influenced by their unwavering commitment to molding young minds and instilling a passion for knowledge.

Having completed her undergraduate studies at Western Illinois University in 2020, Kaitlyn embarked on her journey in the field of education. Eager to deepen her understanding and refine her skills, she is currently pursuing her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, striving to become an even more effective educator.

In addition to teaching, Kaitlyn enjoys spending time with family, taking her dog on walks, reading, and traveling.

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With over a decade of teaching experience that spans from Early Childhood Education to working as an adjunct faculty member at Harris-Stowe State University, Mrs. Eaves’ educational journey has been quite an adventure. Having earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Webster University, Mrs. Eaves is a firm believer in the power of lifelong learning. Her academic background equips her with the knowledge and skills to engage and empower students in their life pursuits. Mrs. Eaves encourages her students to think critically about the world around them, to make good choices in life, and to take joy in the little things that life offers. Beyond academics, Mrs. Eaves’ interests are as diverse as they are captivating. As a certified scuba diver, she embraces adventure and discovery, whether it's exploring the depths of the ocean or trekking through the wilderness. Her love for the outdoors extends to her hobbies, where she finds joy in crocheting adorable animal plushies and blankets, a skill she eagerly shares with her students. When she is not enjoying the great outdoors or hyper-focused on the most current crochet project, you can find her curled up alongside her pets with a cup of hot tea reading a book, or watching a movie.

Karen Genetti began her career with the Carlinville School Distict in 2016. She taught Kindergarten for one year, worked as a Title Rading Aide for two years and has been teaching PreK since 2019. Karen graduated from Quincy University with a Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education in 2007 and earned her Early Childhood Endorsement in 2022. Karen strives to help young students explore new ideas and activities and positively interact with peers and teachers. Outside of school, Karen enjoys spending time with her husband and family and being outside especially running, gardening and fishing.

Kate has been in the education field since 2004. She has been an instructional aide, a Pre-K teacher, and is currently a kindergarten teacher at CPS. Kate received her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Illinois State University and her Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction through SIUE. She is CHS’s Prom Co-Sponsor and enjoys being involved in events that benefit our community and families. She lives in Carlinville with her husband Pat and two children, Claire and Max.

Parlez-vous français? Kathy Bridges is a French teacher at Carlinville High School. However, Kathy has taught French to students from 5-18 in the Carlinville School District. In addition to teaching, she is a sponsor for the Student Council, Junior Class fundraiser, and the National Honor Society.

Mrs. Bridges (Madame) graduated from Illinois State University with a bachelor’s degree in French Education. She is passionate about foreign languages and travelling. In her spare time, Kathy also enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

School Board Vice President
Term Expires 2027

Paraprofessional

Kelly began her teaching career in 1991 teaching first grade after graduating from Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. After four years, Kelly moved to third grade where she taught for nine years. During this time, she obtained her Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. Kelly currently teaches second grade where she has been for twenty years. She is passionate about ensuring that all students are learning and growing and sets high expectations for her students. She is committed to her students and loves seeing how they grow to become independent learners and readers. In 2022, Kelly was recognized as the Teacher of the Year. Kelly is a member of the Carlinville Area Hospital Auxiliary where she serves as the Membership Chair. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and attending her son's many sporting events. Kelly is proud to have spent her entire teaching career as a Carlinville Cavalier.

Industrial Tech Teacher

Special Education Teacher

Kristina Treto is a 2016 graduate of Carlinville High School. She returned to Carlinville High School to work as a Paraprofessional in the Life Skills room in 2018, after spending time as a Personal Support Worker for a child with special needs.

During her first year as a para, Miss Treto worked with a range of children from sixth grade to young adults twelfth grade age and above.

In her second year, Miss Treto moved to Blackburn College to help start the Transition to Life Program for students who have completed their senior year at CHS. She loves helping students learn and gain independent skills that will help them transition into useful skills outside of school when they graduate from the program.

Miss Treto loves art, listening to music, reading, and teaching tumbling at a local dance studio!

Kyle has been in education since 2005, and has spent the majority of his career working at the Middle School and High School levels, but has experience working with students K-12. He has worked in both rural and urban schools in Missouri and Illinois. Kyle has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science Education (6-12), and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration. As a teacher Kyle has taught virtually every subject. As an administrator, Kyle has been Athletic Director, Dean of Students, and Principal. Kyle has enjoyed all of his roles in education over the years, and looks forward to many more great years ahead.

CMS/CHS

Special Education Teacher

Lauren is a dedicated educator with over a decade of teaching experience, currently thriving at the Middle School level after starting at the Intermediate level in 2009. She is driven by her passion to serve her students! Lauren recieved her Bachelor's of Science Degree in Elementary Education with a middle endorsement in science. She has continued her educational journey by also obtaining her Special Education endorsement and is currently wrapping up her Master's Degree in School Counseling. Beyond her professional life, Lauren finds fulfillment in spending quality time with her family and friends. She comes from a big family and loves making memories with them! Whether immersed in outdoor adventures or curled up with a captivating book, she cherishes life's simple pleasures and embraces each moment with joy and gratitude.

7th & 8th Grade

Lexi is a lifelong, hometown proud community member and Carlinville High School graduate who has been teaching at Carlinville Middle School since 2015. Lexi knew in high school that school was a sanctuary of sorts for her. More specifically, the mathematics classroom often made her heart skip a beat and her smile beam from ear to ear with joy. It was because of this love of learning and numbers that she was inspired to go on to earn her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with concentrations in Mathematics, Science, and Social Science from Blackburn College in 2014. She chose to work with young adolescent students as her experiences from tutoring middle school students throughout college made her realize she loved this age group.

Lexi graduated from UIS in 2018 with a Master's Degree in Teacher Leadership and a Pk-12 Technology Specialist certification. In 2022, she furthered her expertise by earning a K-12 Mathematics Specialist certification. To this day, she loves to use her knowledge of math and technology to create a one-of-a-kind learning experience for her students. Lexi believes all students should feel welcomed, appreciated, encouraged, and loved during their time in her classroom, and every student should feel empowered, capable, and knowledgeable by the time they leave a mathematics classroom. As she always tells her students, “Confidence is key!” Lexi truly enjoys what she does and hopes every student builds confidence while feeling successful during the time spent in her classroom.

When not at school, you can find Lexi spending most of her time being a wife, mother, and homemaker who is usually on a daily outdoor adventure with her family and an iced coffee. In her spare time, she loves to read, kayak, hike, walk, bike, and participate in barre & strength exercise classes.

Lexie is a young, enthusiastic educator that is very proud to be a part of Carlinville Primary School. She graduated from Blackburn College in 2023 where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.

Lexie has a true passion for working with our youngest learners! Helping each child progress in all areas of their development is a challenge that she is honored to accept daily. Lexie strives to create a community of learners that nurtures this growth in a positive, engaging environment.

In addition to teaching, Lexie is currently the Assistant Coach for the High School Women's Basketball Team. She enjoys spending her free time outdoors and with her family!

Lisa Engelke has been a fixture in the Special Education Department at CHS since 2002. During her tenure, Mrs. Engelke has mentored numerous new teachers and taught every grade level of students and every core subject area in the Special Education Department. After the birth of her first child, Mrs. Engelke took a position as a teacher assistant in a Trainable Mentally Handicapped classroom. During her time as a teacher's assistant, Lisa discovered her true calling – to become a beacon of hope and support for students with diverse learning needs. Mrs. Engelke’s academic journey led her to pursue a degree in Education, specializing in Special Education, from SIUE. A few years after completing her bachelor’s degree, Lisa completed her Master’s Degree in Special Education and Administrative Degree also through SIUE. Lisa has immersed herself in creating inclusive learning environments, tailoring her teaching methods to accommodate the unique needs of each student under her care. Going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that every student feels valued, understood, and supported are areas of strength for Lisa. Whether it is spending extra time providing one-on-one assistance, organizing inclusive activities, or simply lending a listening ear, Mrs. Engelke exemplifies the true essence of compassionate teaching. Mrs. Engelke enjoys traveling, especially to the beach, shopping, cooking, and spending time with her family.

Lori has over twenty years of experience in school counselling. She is committed to providing a supportive and nurturing environment where students can thrive academically and personally.

Lydia graduated from St. John's College of Nursing in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her professional nursing experience includes PICU, PIMC, Pediatric Oncology, NICU, and Urology. Lydia has been a School Nurse at CUSD1 since 2019. Her approach in nursing is holistic, focusing not only on a students physical needs, but their emotional and mental needs as well.

Paraprofessional

Marcy Welsh has been a dedicated educator since 2001 supporting students with special needs. She began her career in education teaching early childhood through 6th-grade special education in Panhandle, Hillsboro, and Carlinville school districts. Marcy later transitioned to a position with Mid-State Special Education as a behavior specialist, where she had the opportunity to positively impact students and teachers across multiple districts.

In 2011, Marcy joined the Carlinville school district full-time as a special education teacher. Throughout her time at Carlinville, she has taught in various settings, including self-contained behavior, early childhood, life skills, and high school special education. Marcy thrives in environments where she can form meaningful connections with students and empower them to reach their full potential.

Beyond the classroom, Marcy enjoys spending time with her family, indulging in reality tv, exploring new destinations, and growing her small business, Collected.

Marissa has enjoyed teaching Science and STEAM for the past 8 years in the Carlinville School District.  She also taught Middle School Social Studies during her 7 years in Bunker Hill.  Marissa has a Masters Degree in Education and a Bachelors in Science from Greenville University.  She is a firm believer that students learn best through hands-on experiences, hence why STEAM is a technology-driven and interactive program that all students can benefit from.

Outside of school, Marissa is a huge advocate for the outdoors, which is why she sponsors the Hunting & Fishing Club for Carlinville Middle School.  She has a deer tracking business, Rosentreter Recoveries, that she works passionately to help hunters find their wounded game with her bloodhound Doc.

3rd Grade Teacher

6th and 7th grade 

Megan has spent her entire teaching career at Carlinville Middle School, teaching sixth and seventh-grade Science since 2001.

She also served as the CMS student council sponsor for eight years. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education with endorsements in Science, Math, Language Arts, and Social Science.
Megan strives to create an engaging environment for all students through hands-on experiments, interactive activities, and technology-driven experiences. She hopes to instill her love of the sciences in her students.
Outside of school, Megan enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

7th & 8th Grade

Melanie has been teaching 8th-grade American History at CMS since 1993. During several of those years, she has also taught 7th grade social studies. Mrs. Rosentreter graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education with middle school endorsements in Social Science and ELA. Melanie returned to SIUE graduating with a Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology in 2004. Melanie loves to share her love of history with her students and foster their curiosity and understanding of the world around them. She also prides herself on helping students develop a bag of tricks or memory clues to help them retain information. Ask any former student of hers to sing The Presidents’ Song! During her teaching career, Melanie was the CMS cheerleading sponsor for four years. She also helped chaperone many dances and coordinate activities during her involvement with the CMS PTO where she served as treasurer for ten years. When not teaching, Melanie enjoys reading, quilting, cooking and spending time with her family and friends. She is most proud of her three adult sons and daughters-in-law.

K-5 

Melissa Suits, bringing color and creativity to young minds as an Elementary Art Teacher. With a passion for nurturing imagination and fostering artistic expression, She strives to create a vibrant learning environment where every child feels empowered to explore their creativity. With a background in fine arts and education, she integrates hands-on projects, art history, and cultural influences to inspire her students to see the world through an artistic lens. Students discover the joy of self-expression and the beauty of creating something from the heart.

Missy is a 1988 graduate of Carlinville High School. She has been part of the education field in the Carlinville Schools since 2001 where she started out as a Job Coach and was transitioned into a one-on-one aide in the Lifeskills classroom in 2007. After many years in the Lifeskills classroom, she was quickly transitioned to the High School as a Classroom Aide in every subject for those grades 9-12. She is passionate about positive motivation in the classroom, as well as in life, and helps all students to reach their fullest potential.

When Missy is not at school, or assisting in after school programming, she helps the elderly/disabled, she cleans houses and she loves to spend time with her family, especially her grandkids.

Melissa began her teaching career as a junior high literature and social studies teacher. She served for two years as the Practicum Coordinator at Monmouth College. She has a bachelor's Degree in Communications & Public Relations with a certificate in Elementary Education. Melissa's family relocated to Carlinville in 2007 where she joined the Early Childhood Center. In 2009, Melissa transitioned into the role of a third-grade educator. She has a keen interest in integrating social studies and science into English Language Arts lessons, thereby providing students with an enriching educational experience. Out of school, Melissa enjoys being with her family, reading, taking walks, and singing on the Crossing Worship team.

4th Grade Teacher

Michael has been teaching in Carlinville since 2013. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign and a Master's Degree in Education from Greenville College.

In addition to teaching, Michael is the Director of Carlinville High School's All-School Musical and is a coach of the Carlinville Cavaliers high school football team.

Paraprofessional

Pre-K Teacher Resident

Mrs. Wilderman is a dedicated and passionate educator committed to fostering a dynamic and welcoming learning environment. She graduated with her Bachelor's in Education from SIUE. She is a seasoned teacher with experience spanning from Kindergarten to Middle School. With her creative approach and nurturing demeanour, Mrs. Wilderman engages young minds, instilling a love for learning that hopefully lasts a lifetime. When she is not busy with her school family, she loves spending time with her husband and 2 girls. She enjoys being outdoors - going for walks, spending time by the pool, or out on the golf course. Each year she looks forward to an inspiring journey where every student feels valued, supported and empowered to thrive.

Molly Daggett is a dedicated educator and advocate for inclusive education. She is a graduate of Carlinville High School. Molly earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Southern Illinois University, where she developed a passion for supporting diverse learners. Since 2006, Molly has been teaching special education, leveraging her expertise to empower students of all abilities to achieve their full potential. With a deep commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment, Molly finds joy in working with diverse learners and helping them experience success. She believes in the importance of individualized instruction and is known for her innovative teaching methods that cater to the unique needs of each student.

Molly is a Carlinville High School graduate and has been teaching Special Education with the Carlinville School District since 2011. She started her teaching career at Carlinville Intermediate School and continued there until 2023. Currently, she is teaching Special Education with 6-8th grades at Carlinville Middle School.

She graduated from Illinois College with an Elementary Education degree in 2009 with a Middle Endorsement in Math, and then went on to earn a Learning Behavior Specialist Endorsement from Greenville College in 2010.

Molly is devoted to teaching and helping students of all ability levels feel empowered and successful. On her own time, Molly enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids, and when there is time, diving into a good book.

Molly Suttles is originally from Jerseyville. She moved to Carlinville and started teaching 3rd Grade in Fall 2021. Molly graduated from McKendree University with a BS in Elementary Education. In addition to teaching, Molly is also the High School Cheerleading Coach. In her free time, Molly likes to bake, read, play with her dogs, and go for runs.

Amazon Wish List

Nikki graduated from Blackburn College in 2005 with her Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education and her LBS1 endorsement in Special Education. Nikki began her journey teaching special education at CPS in 2017 and then later moved to CIS to continue her journey in Special Education. Nikki is committed to the growth of her students socially, behaviorally as well as academically. Outside of school, Nikki enjoys reading, crocheting and beekeeping.

Paige Vinyard has been a 5th grade teacher at Carlinville Intermediate since 2013. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Greenville University. Paige brings enthusiasm and dedication to her classroom every day, along with a killer Spotify playlist. She is also the Carlinville High School Golf coach. Paige enjoys spending time with her friends and family, staying active, travelling, and trying new recipes.

Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Alternative Learning

Patrick Drew is a proud 1990 Carlinville High School graduate. Patrick earned his B.S. degree from Illinois State University in May of 1994 and returned to teach at his alma mater, Carlinville, in the fall of 1995. While serving as a teacher and FFA advisor, Mr. Drew continued his studies earning a M.A. from The University of Illinois Springfield in 2002 and his Ed.S. from Eastern Illinois University in 2005. He has served in various roles during his tenure in the district including teacher, dean, athletic director, assistant principal, middle school principal and finally high school principal, a role he has held since 2005. He is also currently serving as the interim transportation director. His dedication to ensuring the well-being of students extends beyond the classroom, reflecting his holistic approach to education. Looking ahead, Patrick remains committed to making a positive impact in the field of education with a continued focus on Excellence…A Carlinville Tradition.

Computer Science

 Mr. Smith is a native of the Macoupin County area. He graduated in 2003 from Mt. Olive High School. In 2005 he joined the US Army where he spent over 13 years on active duty with assignments ranging from Colorado to Cuba. He is currently a Staff Sergeant in the Army Reserve and goes to training in Germany.

Mr. Smith received his Bachelor of Science in Management in 2021 and his teaching license in 2023. His teaching experience includes teaching English Language Arts for St. Louis Public Schools in the Spring of 2023. After that he moved on to teach Business and Technology at Mt. Olive High School in the 2023-24 school year. Mr. Smith started teaching at Carlinville at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year as the High School/Middle School Computer Science Teacher. Mr. Smith holds several Information Technology and Business Certifications.

Mr. Smith is married with four children and a dog. He spends his free time reading, playing music, and spending time with his family. He also enjoys volunteering in his community and his church.

Physical Education

Term Expires 2025

Bob Duckels and his wife Kristy were born and raised in Carlinville. We are both proud graduates of Carlinville High School.  We have three sons: Mason (CHS Class of 2022), Tate (Class of 2026) and Callum (Class of 2029).  We come from a tradition of Carlinville educators on both sides of the family and fifteen years ago decided to move back home so our boys could be educated here.  We are so happy we did!

Psychology Teacher

Robin Phelps has been a teacher for over 15+ years. She earned bachelor's degrees in English and Psychology from Illinois College and then a master’s degree from Illinois State University. She has also been able to teach at the community college level as an adjunct psychology faculty member, and in her early professional days, she was a therapist and assessment clinician. Mrs. Phelps currently teaches English and psychology. She loves to encourage students to enjoy the love of reading and writing. In no particular order, Mrs. Phelps is a fan of books, musical theater, cats, travel, and the Minnesota Vikings. She hopes to have current and former students inspire and uplift others with their words and actions. She hopes that her courses are both challenging and fun for students and her courses not only help students learn more about themselves and the world but also cultivate a lifelong love of learning.

Roy Kulenkamp, originally from Gillespie, earned his bacherlor's degree at Blackburn College where he was a four-year letter-winner on the Blackburn baseball team. Roy Kulenkamp is the principal at Carlinville Intermediate School. Roy is originally from Gillespie and attended Blackburn College where he earned his bachelor’s degree in secondary education of English. While at Blackburn, Roy was a four-year letter-winner on the baseball team. Mr. Kulenkamp. Before becoming an administrator, Roy taught high school English at Pinckneyville High School, Litchfield High School, and Carlinville High School. Mr. Kulenkamp has also served as a head baseball coach, assistant football coach, and middle school girls' and boys’ basketball coach. Roy has also served as the principal of Carlinville Middle School and as an assistant principal at Carlinville High School. Mr. Kulenkamp is happily married to Cathy Kulenkamp, a first-grade teacher at Carlinville Primary School. Their two children are both graduates of Carlinville High School and the University of Illinois. Mr. Kulenkamp finds fulfillment in working alongside Carlinville Intermediate School's exceptional students, faculty, and staff, cherishing the opportunity to make a positive impact each day.

Ryan is a homegrown teacher who graduated from CHS in 2017 and is in his third year teaching high school math, second at Carlinville. He graduated from Indiana State University in 2021 with a bachelor's degree in Mathematics Education. Mr. Bowman tries to ensure a comfortable and positive learning environment for all of his students, no matter their level of confidence in everyone's favorite school subject. Other than teaching math, Ryan is either helping coach football in the fall or in the weight room helping all athletes with their workouts in the winter, spring and summer. Whether it be scholastic competitions, band appearences or athletic activities, he enjoys watching and supporting all of the students at CHS. He hopes to uphold and continue the "Tradition of Excellence'' of Carlinville High School for the years to come.

School Board Member
Term Expires 2027

Samantha is in her 6th year teaching and her 12th year with Carlinville CUSD1. Currently, Ssamantha is a 1st grade teacher with her previous position being a Special Education Pre-K Teacher. She attended Grand Canyon University where she received her Masters in Early Childhood Education with an endorsement in Special Education and English as a Second Language. She also attended Benedictine University where she received a Bachelors in Psychology and a Minor in Sociology.

Sandra is a dedicated educator with a passion for Mathematics and music. She graduated from Staunton High School in 2002 and continued her education at Illinois State University, earning a degree in Mathematics with an emphasis in Secondary Mathematics Education in 2006. In the fall of 2006, Sandra began her teaching career at Glenwood High School in Chatham, IL. While at Glenwood, Sandra went back to school to earn a Master of Education Leadership from Eastern Illinois University. Life and family led Sandra to Carlinville High School in the fall of 2017, where she taught mathematics prior to transitioning to Assistant Principal for the High and Middle Schools in the fall of 2022.

Sandra is a dedicated educator with a passion for Mathematics and music. She graduated from Staunton High School in 2002 and continued her education at Illinois State University, earning a degree in Mathematics with an emphasis in Secondary Mathematics Education in 2006. In the fall of 2006, Sandra began her teaching career at Glenwood High School in Chatham, IL. While at Glenwood, Sandra went back to school to earn a Master of Education Leadership from Eastern Illinois University. Life and family led Sandra to Carlinville High School in the fall of 2017, where she taught mathematics prior to transitioning to Assistant Principal for the High and Middle Schools in the fall of 2022.

Sarah is the Network Tech Assistant for CUSD1. Between repairing Chromebooks for the various schools, she also assists teachers and staff with their technology issues. She battles printer predicaments, wrangles run-away iPads, and praises the art of restarting regularly (while briefly attempting alliteration).

Sarah started working in the Tech Department at CUSD1 in March 2021, and a few months later completed her Associate’s degree in Information Technology at Lewis and Clark Community College. Sarah was first introduced to the Carlinville area in 2020 when she had a summer internship at MJM Electric, where she assisted in setting up the technology for their new location while they were relocating. One of her favourite experiences from that internship was daring her fear of heights by driving a motorized man-lift. Sarah was overjoyed to have the opportunity to again work in the Carlinville area with CUSD1 and loves using her skills and ingenuity to help the students, teachers, and staff of the district with their technology needs!

Reading & Math

Sarah is originally from Iowa. She attended Central College in Pella, IA where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with endorsements in Reading and Early Childhood. Additionally, she played for the women's softball team. After graduating in 2017, Sarah began teaching 5th-grade English Language Arts in Mt. Juliet, TN and coached softball. In 2021, she and her family reloacted to her husband's hometown of Carlinville and she began teaching 5th Grade at CIS. In 2023, Sarah moved into the role of 3-5 Reading & Math Interventionist. In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with her husband, Adelmo, and three daughters. She loves sports, being outside, and reading.

Paraprofessional

6th and 7th Grade

Shay has been teaching since 2015 at Carlinville Middle School. He received his Bachelor's in Elementary Education with middle school endorsements of PE and SS from McKendree University. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, and playing basketball.

Shay's love for history is what helps him motivate students to learn more about the past and the world around them. He understands that learning Social Studies isn't just about memorizing facts, but also about fostering curiosity and empathy.

Shay is also the Boys JV Basketball coach.

Siri has been bringing her enthusiasm for teaching Spanish to classrooms since 1997, from Illinois to Alaska, and back again. She taught for 27 years at the university level, and is thrilled to now be working with a younger student population. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the University of Puget Sound, and a Master’s degree in Spanish from the University of Illinois. Through the years she has taught students from 8 to 80 years old.

Siri’s classroom is focused on Hispanic culture and communication in Spanish; from conversations and discussions to presentations, music, projects, and many, many games. She is continuously amazed by how quickly students attain functional fluency by reading, writing, listening and speaking to Spanish in the classroom.

Siri’s excitement about teaching is matched by her love of speaking Spanish—she is also an interpreter and has worked in myriad settings, including courtrooms, correctional facilities, hospital delivery rooms and a gold mine!

Siri’s other passion is youth exchange and study abroad, which she will promote whenever asked. Siri was a youth exchange student in Spain, and studied there again as a college student. As an adult she has lived in Argentina, and has traveled extensively to many different countries.

Siri is a proud member of the Carlinville Rotary Club and leads the CHS Interact Club. In her spare time she loves traveling, cooking, all types of puzzles, reading, walking and spending time with her husband and three boys.

Business Teacher

Stacey Steiner is a 1984 graduate of Carlinville High School. She earned her B.A. in Business and Economics from Blackburn College, teaching certification from Southern Illinois University, and a Master of Educational Leadership from the University of Illinois Springfield. Before teaching, Stacey was a performance auditor and software specialist. She taught social studies and business for eighteen years before coming to Carlinville in 2016 to teach business classes and serve as the Democracy School coordinator.

Stephanie is a Carlinville alumni and has been an Instructional Aide for Carlinville Middle School since 2021. She has taken classes at Lewis and Clark and received her Paraprofessional License in 2013. Stephanie is also one of the High Impact Tutoring Aides for Carlinville Middle School. She enjoys helping and assisting students with their school work. Stephanie is blessed with two of the sweetest boys, Myles and William. In our freetime, you can find us enjoying the outdoors, going for rides in the car and getting ice cream at Whirl - A - Whip. Stephanie's goal for the students she assists is to help them feel confident in themselves and know that school can be tough but they are tougher and they CAN DO IT. She will support them, stand behind them, and will do whatever it takes to help these students succeed.

Paraprofessional

Media Aide

Susan has been taking care of the library since 2011, previously she worked at the Primary school as a playground aide and classroom helper since 2005. Susan enjoys helping students find a book that they will enjoy reading.(Nobody "Hates" to read, they just haven't found the right book yet!) In her spare time Susan likes spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren and reading just about any kind of book. She also enjoys swimming and mowing.

Tara began her teaching career in the Carlinville School District in 2011. She has a Bachelors Degree in Business Management with a certificate in Elementary Education and a Reading Specialist Master's Degree. In addition to teaching, Tarea enjoys golf, reading, and taking her dog on walks.

Kindergarten Teacher

Teresa teaches the instructional level special education classes for 6th grade, and co teaches classes in 7th and 8th grade. When she is not teaching she enjoys reading adventure novels and true story novels, watching NASCAR and working around her farm. Graduating from Greenville College in 2010 with a Bachelor's of Science with her Learning Behavior Specalist, middle school language arts and middle school social sciences endoursements, Teresa’s special education journey began. She started as a full time substitute teacher working with students who have behavioral and emotional disabilities. She then went to work at a regional safe school, where she helped students who were at risk for dropping out of school. In 2023, Teresa graduated from SIUE with a Master’s of Science in Education with Educational Leadership focus. As a teacher, Teresa is committed to creating a fun, safe and inclusive learning environment for all students. She believes that every child has the potential to succeed and that as educators, it is our responsibility to help them reach their full potential. Her goal as a teacher is to inspire and empower her students to become lifelong learners and critical thinkers.

Theresa graduated from Carlinville High School in 1988. Her career at Carlinville Intermediate School began in May 2001 as a secretary. Over the years, she progressed to become the Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent in 2018. Apart from her administrative roles, she also serves as the school's homeless liaison and board secretary. Recently, Theresa received a well-deserved promotion to Grandma status! Her motto in both work and life is "Be Kind, Be Nice, & Be Thoughtful."

Paraprofessional

Science & STEAM Teacher

Vicki Joiner has been involved in the education field since 2001.  She earned her bachelor's of science in English from SIUE, teaching certification from Blackburn, and her special education certification from Greenville University.  She has had a variety of teaching experiences in both private and public middle school, high school and college (Blackburn and Lincoln Land Community College).  Her dedication to seeing her students reach their full potential and becoming successful young adults is seen through her work.Outside of the walls of CHS, she is actively involved in the farm life with her husband and children.  She is known by many youth throughout the state as "Miss Vicki" the 4-H lady.