STAFF

Mrs. Arnold

Green Group Teacher

I have been teaching for SEAPCO for 5 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. I am excited to join the team and start this new adventure!

Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with my friends and my family - my husband, my two adult children, and my best pal, Banjo the Wonder Dog.

Mrs. Knecht

Blue Group Teacher

I have been teaching for 14 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 24 years. I previously worked at Bartonville Grade School, having taught resource for three years and the other 21 years in Life Skills 2 classroom. I look forward to the new opportunity and to grow professionally.

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 7 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.

Mrs. Blair

Yellow Group Paraprofessional

I’ve been working in special education for 16 years and the past 9 years with SEAPCO. I am currently a student at ISU taking classes to be a special education teacher.

Mrs. Greenway

Administrator

For the past 27 years, I have been a part of the SEAPCO family as a special education teacher, behavior consultant, and special education administrator. In 2017, we opened our doors to the SEAPCO Transition Program, SEAPCO RISE. As the RISE Program Administrator, I have had the opportunity to work with many staff members that share my passion to help serve students as they transition from high school to adulthood. We are honored to serve the families and students from our SEAPCO member districts, and will continue to work hard to meet the transition needs of the young adults in our program. Having my own child with special needs, has driven me to communicate with local districts and committees the importance of transition planning, preparation, and delivery of services for special education students. Personal, educational, and professional experiences continue to shape my path in the world of special education, and I look forward to sharing this journey with all of you and your families.

Page updated

Report abuse