Hello!  My name is Ann Albers. 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 Miss Kayleen Kampwerth, and I am delighted to introduce myself as a Kindergarten teacher at Highland Primary School.

I graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 2020 with a degree in Early Childhood Education, and I am passionate about teaching Kindergarten! In the coming years, I plan to pursue my Master's Degree to further enhance my skills and knowledge in education.

Since 2020, I have been dedicated to creating a positive and engaging learning environment where every student feels supported and valued. My goal is to foster your child's academic, social, and personal growth throughout the school year.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, boating, shopping, and diving into a good book. I grew up in Highland and currently reside in St. Jacob.

Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have. I am eager to collaborate with you to ensure your child has a successful and fulfilling school experience.

Thank you for trusting me with your child's education.

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 Ashley Knackstedt, and I am excited to be one of the Kindergarten teachers at Highland Primary.

I graduated from the University of Missouri in Columbia with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Human Development. I received an additional certification in Early Childhood Education as well. I am passionate about teaching and helping children grow academically, socially, and emotionally. 

Kindergarten is such a wonderful year for development, and I love to see my students expand their knowledge and skills in my classroom. My goal is to create a welcoming and positive environment for all students to learn and succeed. Our classroom truly is a family, and I am excited to support your child this year. 

Outside of school, I enjoy going on walks, reading books, doing yoga, and spending time with family and friends. As a graduate of the Highland School District, I am excited to return to the community to teach. 

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 Allyson Coffey. I am thrilled to be a Kindergarten teacher at Highland Primary!

I graduated from the University of Missouri Columbia with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I have received certification in Early Childhood Education as well. In the near future, I also plan to pursue a Master’s degree to expand my knowledge in the field of education.

Kindergarten is a year of amazing growth and development. I cannot wait to see how each student grows academically, socially, and emotionally in the classroom this year!

My husband and I live in Saint Jacob. We enjoy spending time with our dog, Bentley, as well as our friends and family. I also enjoy shopping, reading, and watching sports!