My name is Kristen Kellomaki and I will be your first grade teacher for the 2026-2027 school year! I graduated from UNC-Wilmington in 2021 where I majored in Elementary Education and minored in Spanish. I received my National Board Certification in 2025. This will be my sixth year of teaching, my fifth year in first grade. My first year, I taught second grade for a bit then third grade virtually. I'm really looking forward to teaching first grade again and getting to know all of my wonderful students!
Color: Pink
Drink: Starbucks
Store: Target
Candy: Reese's and Nerds Gummy Clusters
Snack: Oreos and Salt and Vinegar Chips
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, concerns or just want to check in! The best way to reach me is by email: kristen1.kellomaki@cms.k12.nc.us or via ParentSquare.
I routinely check my email in the morning and evening and sometimes during the day if I get a chance. If it is an urgent matter, please contact the school directly to ensure that I am notified of the message during the school day.
I was born in Erie, Pennsylvania but grew up in Apex, North Carolina which is right outside of Raleigh. I have one older brother who recently moved to Philadelphia with his wife and my adorable niece (1) and nephew (3). My dad is from Finland, (which is where my last name comes from) so I am a dual-citizen and travel over there every year or two to see family. My parents still live near Apex so I enjoy going to visit them when I get a chance.
In college, I did the Disney College Program which is a semester-long paid internship where students have the opportunity to live and work full-time at Disney. I worked at Disney's Old Key West Resort in various roles at the two restaurants that they have on property. I absolutely love all things Disney so that experience was a dream come true for me! I love to take trips there with my family or roommates from the program.Â