Ms. Shawna, Not For Profit Director
Shawna has been with Mulberry School since 2016. In February 2021, she stepped into the role of the Non-Profit Director. Prior to fulfilling the Director role, Shawna worked as Administrative Assistant and Bookkeeper for Mulberry School.
In her free time, Shawna volunteers for the McLean County CASA program. She is a avid Dallas Cowboys and Illini basketball fan! Her hobbies include spending time with her husband; David and two daughters; Tycee & Sabree, traveling, shopping, and playing with their rescue animals.
Ms. Colette, Academic Coordinator & Morning Preschool Teacher
Colette has been with Mulberry School since 2000. She teaches the part-time preschool class and is also our Academic Coordinator. She is a graduate of Illinois State University and earned her bachelor of science degree in early childhood education. After school and during the summer, Colette works at Dr. Burgess’s dental office. She is a big sports fan, loving the Green Bay Packers, the St. Louis Blues, and the St. Louis Cardinals.
In her spare time, Colette enjoys spending time with her parents, husband Brian and daughter Brianna. They have two dogs: Gidget, a Bavarian mountain hound, and Myla, a spunky Boston terrier. Colette also loves to travel.
Ms. Zarina, First/ Second & Third Grade Teacher
Zarina has been with Mulberry School since 2015. In addition to her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, she has B.A. degrees in both biology and English, and a Master of Arts in Literature and Creative Writing. Zarina loves helping her students learn about and explore the natural world, including caring for the plants and wildlife in our school gardens. Conservation education, mindfulness, creative problem-solving, and multiculturalism are all a big part of life in the Multi-Age class.
Outside of the classroom, Zarina enjoys spending time with her family (husband Jim, son Kevin, daughter Kelsey, and two rescue dogs). She loves Disney, traveling, cooking, reading, photography, and art activities.
Ms. Kristen, Kindergarten Teacher
Kristen has been a part of the Mulberry family since 2020. She teaches the Kindergarten class and is dedicated to creating a nurturing classroom environment that fosters creativity, problem solving, imagination and a love for learning. Kristen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Kinesiology (Minor in Nutrition), and a Master of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Outside of school, Kristen enjoys spending time with her husband Barry, and their two daughters, Hannah and Lillian. She enjoys reading, taking fun weekend trips with her family, hiking, biking and watching her girls’ many activities.
Ms. Sharon – 5 Full Day Pre-K Teacher
Sharon has been with Mulberry School since 2017. Sharon has a degree in Elementary Education from Illinois Benedictine University.
She enjoys spending time with her family (husband, Brian and 2 children, Austin and Emma). In her free time she enjoys being outdoors, hiking, gardening, and hanging out with family and friends. Sharon loves to travel and is a life long Cubs fan!
Ms. Sarah – 5 Full Day Preschool Teacher
Sarah joined Mulberry School in fall of 2021 as the 5 full-day Preschool Teacher. Sarah graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a degree in Family Services. Outside of Mulberry School she enjoys spending time with her husband Jason and daughter Elle. She also keeps busy by coaching the competitive tumbling team at Gymnastics Etc.
Sarah is a big Chicago sports fan (Bears, Cubs and Bulls). She loves being active, anything involving music, going on trips with her family and hanging out with friends.
Ms. Kendra, 3 Full Day Preschool Teacher
Kendra joined Mulberry School in fall 2021 as the 3 full-day Preschool Teacher. She earned her Elementary Education degree from Illinois State University in 2020. She is excited to create a fun, loving and comfortable classroom where her students can explore new information and experiences with each other and their teachers!
Outside of school, Kendra loves reading, crafting, working out at the gym, and spending time with friends and family as much as possible. She also enjoys traveling and learning as much as she can about different places!
Ms. Elizabeth, Administrative Assistant
Elizabeth joined the Mulberry family in the 2020-2021 academic school year. She has been a parent at Mulberry School since 2018. Elizabeth earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Illinois State University.
Outside of school, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her husband, Nick and son, Elijah. She enjoys reading, art, traveling and spending time with her dogs.