School/grade/subject: Noblesville East Middle School, sixth grade, science
Education/background: Has been teaching 18 years at Noblesville. Has spent half her career as a special education teacher and the other half as a 6th grade teacher, teaching language arts, math, social studies and science for the past 3 years. Previously taught at Lawrence Township Schools and in Lexington, Ky., where she grew up. Graduated from Hanover College. Attended University of Kentucky for graduate school.
Professional accomplishments/experiences:
Received a Hamilton Co. Service Award for working with a student with special needs in 1999. Selected in 1996 by Richard Welsh, a psychologist and expert in the field of ADHD at the University of Kentucky, to be a classroom teacher for one of his intensive summer programs at Charter Ridge in Lexington, where she worked closely with psychologists and other clinicians to provide programming for children.
Why she became a teacher:
“I have known for a long time that my role in whatever I did was to help others. My mom was a teacher’s assistant for students with special needs, and my dad opened our door to anyone that needed help. I came from a family of giving. Giving to kids through teaching was the logical way for me to use my gift.”
Goals for students:
Says her goal is different for each of her students, but overall, she wants them to come to school, do their personal best and achieve to their potential and beyond!
Advice you’d give to parents:
Encourages parents to continue to be involved. “Many parents think they can let go in middle school and allow their child to have some freedoms, but during these teenage years, kids need their parents more than ever. Some of my greatest success stories in working with my students have come with the partnership between my parents and the community. I couldn’t do what I do without my parents to support me.”
Why Noblesville Schools is special:
“The community, amazing teachers/support staff and our diverse learners.” Says that even though Noblesville has grown so much since she started working here, it still has maintained a small, close knit feel. “We embrace change, as a small suburb, without having to sacrifice the things we do really well.”
Something others might not know about you:
She’s a thrill seeker – has jumped off cliffs, parasailed and bungee jumped. “As I have gotten older, I like to think a bit wiser.” Married to Noblesville grad Kurt Kleinhelter. They have two children, Katie, 14, and Alex, 13. Has a passion for cooking, gardening and UK basketball.
