STAFF

Mrs. Arnold

Green Group Teacher

I have been teaching with SEAPCO for 6 years. I began my teaching career as a Pre-Kindergarten teacher, which I did for 6 years before going into administration as an athletic and student activities director, then on to social services and working with the community. I came back to teaching and began working with Special Education in 2020. I earned my Masters Degree in Special Education in 2024. Prior to coming to the RISE program, I taught Life Skills at Farmington Central High School. 

Outside of teaching, I enjoy reading, rowing with CREW 309, and spending time with my friends and my family - my husband, my two adult children, and my best doggie pals, Banjo and Buddy.    

Mrs. Knecht

Blue Group Teacher

I have been teaching for 15 years, and started my teaching journey at Bradley University by receiving my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. I worked as 3rd and 4th grade teacher for 9 years. I attended Illinois State University's Masters program to receive a Masters in Special Education and began working for SEAPCO in 2020 as an ED teacher for 4th- 8th grade students. This is my 3rd year at Rise and I am so excited to see what this year brings!

In my free time I enjoy cooking, reading, gardening, and spending time with my 5 children and husband. 

Mrs. Pflum

Yellow Group Teacher

I have worked for SEAPCO for 25 years. I previously worked at Bartonville Grade School, having taught resource for three years and the other 22 years in Life Skills 2 classroom. 

In my free time, I enjoy reading, gardening and spending time with my family- husband, two kids, cats, a dog and many fish.