Meet our Specialist Team

Name: Ms. Kendall Olsen

Role: Teacher Librarian

Education: I have a BA in art history, BS in elementary education, and M.Ed in English curriculum and instruction from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Ed.S degree in educational technology from UM-Columbia's School of Information Science and Learning Technologies

Share something no one knows about you: I have a legit butterfly phobia! The kids get a big kick out of knowing this.

Family: I am the proud mom of a newly blended family. In addition to my own son, I have recently gained a daughter, a son, and a husband. As a result, I have two sophomores--one at WGHS and one at KHS. Turkey Day is always fun at our house!

What I am looking forward to: I am looking forward to the opportunity to truly be a part of the community we serve.

A quote I like: "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." -Yeats

Name: Ms. Kati Cook

Role: Art Teacher

Education: I have been an educator for 17 years. I earned my Bachelor's Degree from Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville. I started by teaching grade school as a content teacher. Then I moved to middle school art. I switched to content for a year to teach ELA and Social Studies. Then I came to Webster Groves where I have taught art for 3 years. I currently have my Masters from William Woods University and am looking forward to starting school again for my ED.S.

Share something no one knows about you: There is so much to know... just ask... I'd love to talk!!!

Family: My partner, Jess, and I love to hike and kayak. We have a dog named Echo who loves to hike with us. When I am in Illinois I spend time with my mom, dad, and sister. My sister and I love to build furniture and other needed items. My sister and I have traveled to over 43 states, many of them together. Jess and I hope to complete my list by reaching the last 7 states.

What I am looking forward to: I look forward to becoming even more connected to the students and staff through each students' artistic expression.

A quote I like: "When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down 'happy'. They told me I didn't understand the assignment, and I told them they didn't understand life." - John Lennon... This quote always reminds me to aim for happiness!

Name: Coach Duane "Scooter" Hawthorne

Role: PE Teacher

Education: I earned a Physical Education , BA K-12 from Lindenwood University, St. Charles, MO. I also have a Masters of Education (MEd) in Athletics/ Activities Administration from William Woods University, Fulton, MO.

Share something no one knows about you: I was an undrafted free agent for the Dallas Cowboys in 1999. I lived in Edinburgh, Scotland for 3 months during the spring of 2000 and played American Football for the Scottish Claymores.

Family: My wife and I have been married for 19 years. We have two boys Daylen and Dylan. I enjoy spending time with my family, fishing, and following college football.

What I am looking forward to: I’m super excited for our student body to take ownership of their school and represent Givens Elementary to the fullest. I also look forward to seeing our first kindergarten class move up the ranks and transition to Hixson as the first class to achieve that milestone. “Can’t wait.”

A quote I like: "Conscious learning begins by choosing to pay attention to our experiences." Unknown

Name: Mrs. Rebecca Brinker

Role: Music Teacher

Education: I earned an AA in Music at East Central College and I continued with a BA in Music Education from Missouri State University.

Share something no one knows about you: I enjoy being on stage; usually musical theatre. I have been involved in over 30 shows and continue to perform with my local theatre group.

Family: My husband Greg and I both have family nearby with our parents, siblings, and many nieces and nephews. We share our home with 3 shih tzus, Lois, Dori and Griffin. In our spare time, we enjoy riding our bicycles around our hometown and supporting our local arts council.

What I am looking forward to: I am looking forward to building a strong community committed to helping and serving one another.

A quote I like: "If you can walk, you can dance. If you can talk, you can sing."