I am very happy to be teaching my favorite grade, Kindergarten!  I have been teaching Kindergarten at Highland Primary since 2004, except for the one year I taught 2nd grade. 

Before coming to the Highland School District, I taught at Germantown Elementary as a Title 1 teacher for two years and then as a Kindergarten teacher for three years.  I also taught first grade and PreK at two Catholic schools after graduating from McKendree College with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in December 1993.  As you can see, I love teaching younger students! Their enthusiasm for learning makes teaching so much fun!

My husband, Bryan, and I live near Trenton with our daughters, Rebecca and Elizabeth.  We enjoy spending time outside camping, fishing, and riding bikes together.  I also really enjoy baking and watching my favorite team, St. Louis Cardinals.

Hello!  My name is Annie Wesselman.  I graduated from Greenville University with a bachelor's degree in elementary education, and I completed a master's degree in educational administration and leadership at McKendree University.  Prior to joining Highland CUSD #5, I taught in Edwardsville.  I have been teaching at Highland Primary School since 2018.  I love teaching kindergarten! It is such an exciting year! 

I am originally from Vergennes, Illinois.  My husband and I live in Highland.  In my free time, I enjoy walking my dog, visiting the beach, going to the movies, watching baseball games, and going shopping.  I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends!

Hello! My name is Kyndal Mendenhall and I am a Kindergarten teacher at Highland Primary. I absolutely love teaching Kindergarten! It is such an important year that builds the foundation for learning. The growth that the kiddos make during this year is absolutely amazing! 

Prior to coming to Highland, I attended Eastern Illinois University where I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2018. I plan to obtain my Master’s Degree in the next few years and further my education. This will be my sixth year teaching, and my fourth year at Highland Primary as a Kindergarten teacher. Highland Primary is the absolute best!

Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and dogs. I also enjoy playing and watching sports, reading, and shopping.

Hello!  My name is Libby Cates.  I graduated with my degree in Elementary Education from Greenville University.  I have been teaching Kindergarten since 2010 and I LOVE it!  Building a classroom community where we can grow, laugh and learn is the best and I enjoy it every year!

My family and I live in Highland.  My husband and I have two children, Ellie and Oakley.  We enjoy spending time together golfing, watching movies, swimming and going to Disney.  We love living in Highland and I am thankful to be teaching here.

Hello! My name is Kristin Potthast. I LOVE teaching kindergarten at Highland Primary School! I have lived in the Highland area my entire life and it is an honor to be able to teach where I grew up!

In 2005, I graduated from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. That same year, I began teaching at St. Paul Catholic School in Highland. After several years, I was fortunate to be hired by the Highland School District and taught at Alhambra Primary before coming to Highland Primary in 2013. I have taught second grade, first grade and guided reading prior to teaching kindergarten. I am very thankful for my experience in these other areas because I believe they have helped me to grow as a kindergarten teacher. In 2020, I earned my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Greenville University as well.

My husband, Jeff, and I live right outside of town with our four children. We have two boys, Deklyn & Dylen and two girls, Kendyl & Kambry. My favorite thing to do is spend time with my family! We enjoy being outdoors and visiting new places. I am very fortunate to live in the Highland School District and I am blessed to have my children attend school here as well. Highland truly is the BEST!
Mrs. Potthast Classroom Handbook

Hi, my name is Patti Townsend. I am thrilled to be a kindergarten teacher at the Highland Primary School. I received my degree in Elementary Education in December of 1996. I have thoroughly LOVED teaching since 2003 in the Highland School District. The students grow and change so much during their first school year. It is such an amazing year watching the students grow. 

I grew up in Highland. My two daughters, Taylor and Lauren, and I live in Highland. I enjoy traveling, soccer, softball, swimming, fishing, and camping. Family time is very important to me! My personal hobbies include reading, crafts, and spending time with family and friends.

Hello! My name is Sarah Woods. I graduated from The University of Illinois with my Master's Degree in Education in 2016. I have been teaching at Highland Primary since 2018, and I truly love teaching Kindergarten!

My husband and I live in Highland with our two daughters. In our free time, we enjoy watching movies, shopping, and spending time together as a family!