Meet the Team

Mrs. Jones: My name is Mrs. Jones, and this is my 19th year of teaching and 14th year in kindergarten. I grew up in Tremont and attended Bradley University, where I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. I live in Pekin with my husband, Tom, and our six-year-old daughter, Finley. We also have two cats, Aspen and Simba, and one dog, Sadie. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors in our pool, taking walks, listening to music, and playing with my daughter. As an educator, I believe that each child requires love, patience, and understanding in order to thrive. Children need ample opportunities to fully develop themselves mentally, physically, emotionally, socially and creatively. I am grateful to be part of the kindergarten team and love supporting young learners as they grow and succeed.

Mrs. Schlottman: My name is Jennifer Schlottman, and I have been teaching kindergarten for two years here at Marquette Elementary. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my wonderful husband and our three children. I love animals, music, reading, and gardening during the summer months. My favorite part of teaching kindergarten is seeing the tremendous growth and progress students make during their first year of school. It is truly rewarding to be part of such an important stage in their learning journey.

Mrs. Underwood: My name is Kelsey Underwood, and I am a kindergarten teacher with 11 years of experience in early childhood education. I graduated from Illinois State University in 2014 with a degree in Early Childhood Education, along with a Reading Endorsement and a Special Education Letter of Approval. Creating a welcoming classroom family has always been central to my teaching philosophy. I believe that helping students feel loved, safe, and confident is a vital part of their education and supports both academic and social growth. Outside of the classroom, I married my husband Ryan in 2023, and together we have three children—Marin, Callie, and Cooper. In my free time, I enjoy working out, binge-watching Netflix, listening to Taylor Swift, taking my kids on outings, and watching them grow and learn. I feel fortunate to do what I love each day and to support young learners as they build confidence and a love for learning.

Ms. Ashton: I am Ashton York, a paraprofessional whose heart belongs in the vibrant, sometimes chaotic, world of Kindergarten. I spend my days working alongside these wonderful young learners, ensuring they feel loved and supported. A significant part of my role involves assisting students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), helping them access the curriculum and thrive right alongside their peers. I find immense satisfaction in encouraging exploration through play-based learning, sharing simple joys, such as creating various crafts with the children. At the end of the day, I come home to my two children, Chandler and Milo York, and my husband, Kelton, who are the center of my world. Our favorite family times are simple but precious: we love baking treats, snuggling up on the couch for movie nights, dance party breaks, and always finding a way to play outside, whether in the snow, the rain, or the intense summer heat—we always manage to enjoy our time together. Beyond my duties as a wife, mother, and paraprofessional, I actively pursue my passion for art by working as a tattoo apprentice. Dedicating time to creating artwork is one of my most rewarding jobs and a critical outlet for my creativity. Ultimately, I strive to balance my devotion to fostering young minds in the classroom with my commitment to my loving family and my ongoing development as a creative artist.