Meet the First Grade Teachers!

     Mrs. Deems -  Hi! My name is Melissa Deems and I've been teaching at Cardington Elementary since 1995.  I graduated from Mt. Vernon Nazarene University  with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education in 1991.  I then received my master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction in 1998 from Ashland University.  Since then, I've continued to study by taking classes on instruction, technology, classroom management, PBIS, and grant writing from Ashland University, Drake University, Mt. Vernon Nazarene University, and Lourdes University.  I love my Cardington first graders!  It's important to me to teach not only academics, but also to teach my students those "heart" lessons.  I want them to learn to be respectful and responsible, but most of all, to care about one another.

     Mrs. Gardner -  Hi, my name is Kathy Gardner and I have been teaching at Cardington Lincoln Elementary since 1996.  I received my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education in 1991 from The Ohio State University and then in 2004, I received a Master’s in Education from Ashland University in Curriculum and Instruction.  Over the years, I have continued my education with coursework through Ohio University, Miami University, Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Drake University and Lourdes University.  Teaching my students to enjoy learning and coming to school is a passion of mine.  All of my students are special and each can accomplish success in a caring and welcoming classroom. 

     Mrs. Kipfinger - My name is Amy Kipfinger and I am a graduate of Cardington-Lincoln Schools. My daughter, Brittany, graduated from Cardington in 2014 and my son, Jacob, is an eighth grader here too. I am now currently teaching my 17th year here at Cardington-Lincoln Schools. I taught 3rd grade for two years, Kindergarten for eight years, 2nd grade for five and now I'm teaching 1st grade. 

I just recently married my husband, Thomas, in July of 2022. We both were born and raised in this community and live in Northern Morrow Co. My family and I enjoy traveling and spending time together. 

Mrs. Gompf -  Hi there!  My name is Morgan Gompf.  This school year will be my 10th year teaching, my fifth year with Cardington-Lincoln Local Schools.  I graduated from The Ohio State University in 2014 with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, followed by my K-12 Reading Endorsement in 2015.  I have had awesome experiences teaching in kindergarten, first grade, and third grade.  I am thrilled to be back in the best grade ever this year!   I recently completed my Master's Degree in School Leadership through Concordia University - Chicago.  My husband and I, both Morrow County raised, have been married for 7 years, have 3 dogs, and live in Cardington!  It is my mission to make every day a fun, nurturing, and kind classroom environment for my students to grow, both academically and socially.  Let's make this the best year ever by working together to support our little learners and having fun!  Go Pirates!