STAFF

Mrs. Arnold

Green Group Teacher

I began teaching with SEAPCO in 2020 and came to RISE in 2025. I began my career in education as a Pre-K teacher, then moved to administration as an athletic and student activities director, then on to social services and working with the community. I came back to teaching in 2020 and began working with Special Education. 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, the Chicago Cubs, 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. I have been with RISE since 2023 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.

Ms. Sibley

Green & Blue Group

Paraprofessional

I used to work as a Food Service Worker/Bus Driver/Teacher Assistant at Head Start for a little over 8 years. I came to SEAPCO RISE in 2022 as a Paraprofessional/Bus Driver. My son Gavin went through the SEAPCO RISE program and it did wonders for him. The things he learned here have stayed with him in his job and when he is out in the community. I am excited to see what his new year will bring!

Mrs. Mowder

Yellow Group Paraprofessional

I have been a paraprofessional for 9 years with SEAPCO. This is my third year with the RISE program. Last year was full of knowledge and fun. I am excited to continue the adventure in year two with my RISE family.

Mr. Bohannan

Administrator

I have been in education for 15 years, 12 of which were as a teacher and now as an administrator. My teaching career started at East Peoria Community High School as a cross-categorical co-teacher. Over the years, I have also taught 7th grade cross-categorical at Dunlap Middle School and a high school emotional disability classroom at Peoria Heights High School. My administrative career began with SEAPCO with my first 3 years at Farmington Central Community School District. Now my journey has led me to being an administrator at SEAPCO Academy and the RISE Program. I look forward to getting to know the students and families we serve and helping provide the resources they need for a positive and productive future.

Mrs. Mair

Administrator

I have been in the education field for 32 years. I began my career in Washington state teaching in a junior high classroom for students with emotional disabilities. I have also taught in a high school cross categorical program and a 3rd grade class. I began my administrative career at Henry-Stark Special Education Cooperative. I have also served as a special education director in the Dunlap School District. For the past 14 years I have been an administrator with SEAPCO. In my free time I enjoy reading, traveling, and going to see live music.

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