Lia Ozolins Baker - Director

 phone ext 516

I have owned The Prep School since 1996 – wow, what memories!  I have my Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from IU and plan on getting my Doctorate (some day J) in Early Childhood Education.  I also teach full-time at Ivy Tech in the Early Childhood Education department.  I love boating, traveling to warm places, playing tennis, grilling out, and hanging out with friends (and my main squeeze – Mike Baker)!
















 LeeAnna Powell - Assistant to the Director

I was born and raised in Bloomington, and now am proud to work at Bloomington’s BEST preschool!  I have three children of my own, all of which attend The Prep School or The Academy.  In our time away from the school, we are busy with scrapbooking, sports, coaching and playing softball.  I am the newly appointed Assistant Director for the organization! I started working at The Prep School in November 2005.

 Danielle Richardson

 danielle@theprepschool.info

 phone ext 521

I am so excited to be working with the younger 3's class - it is such a fun age! I am also looking forward to finishing my education in Early Childhood Development.  The previous 7 1/2 yrs I worked at a daycare in my hometown, Bloomfield, Indiana.  I have three beautiful children - Cheyanne 10, Brooklin 8, and Trentin 5.  In the summer, we pretty much live at the softball diamonds where I coach both of my girls' teams!

 Kristin Martindale

 kristin@theprepschool.info

I was born and raised in Bloomington and in 2009, I received my Bachelors degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University.  I have been working in education for the past five  years.  I live in Ellettsville with my husband, Blake, and my crazy parrot, Bailey.  I enjoy baking, reading, and spending time with my family.

 Stephanie Snoddy

  phone ext 508

I am excited to be a 4’s teacher here at The Prep School.  I have had a life long passion for teaching young children and aiding in their development.  I have grown up in Bloomington, Indiana.  I attended Indiana University and obtained a bachelors degree in Elementary Education in 2009.  In my free time I love to travel, spend time with family and friends and spend time at the lake.  I also enjoy photography, playing basketball and spending time with my dog Trina.

 Matt McArdle

 Allie Morris

 phone ext 501

I am originally from Alexandria, Indiana.  I received my Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA), from Ivy Tech State College and am currently working towards my Associates degree in Early Childhood Education.  My husband, Dan, and I have a son, Gavin, and a baby girl named Morgan.  In my spare time, I like to bowl, shop, cook, and spend time with my wonderful family and friends!  I am proud to be a part of The Prep School organization!

 Leslie Moore

I have been teaching at The Prep School since October of 2007.  I grew up in Madison, Indiana (with Ms. Lindsay!) and moved to Bloomington in 2002 to attend Indiana University.  I graduated in 2006 with Bachelors degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice.  In my spare time, I enjoy reading, traveling, shopping, and spending time with family and friends.

 Jen Somes

I'm excited to be a part of the Prep School this year as a 3’s POD teacher and the Curriculum Director!  I graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education.  I went on to get my Masters degree in Education at Indiana Wesleyan University.  I have several hobbies that keep me busy after school like trying to have fun with my family every chance I get.  My husband, Eric, and I have two young children: Noah and Drew.  I enjoy travel and have backpacked in Europe and hiked from Pennsylvania to Vermont on the Appalachian Trail.  In my spare time, I like to run and have completed two marathons. When I have a quiet moment I like to spend time reading with a cup of coffee.

 Renee Pierce

 Rachel Chandler 

I am originally from Brownsburg, IN and was born in Fredericksburg, MD.  I earned my Bachelors degree in Elementary Education with a Health minor through Indiana University.  The outdoors is where I spend most of my time hiking, riding bikes, and playing tennis.  I have a passion for the beach, traveling, coffee, reading, and art.  I believe that kids are the future and I am enthused to help build their foundation and learning minds.






   

 Mindi St Peter

I was born in El Paso, Texas and, thanks to my father’s government career, have lived all over the world.  I have a Bachelors degree in Sociology from George Mason University and became certified to teach through Old Dominion University, both in Virginia.  My family and I moved to Bloomington from Baltimore, Maryland in 2007 and we absolutely love it here.  Along with my husband, Dan, my favorite people in the whole world are my daughters, Abigail and Juliana, and my bonus-daughter, Samara.  My hobbies are reading, cross-stitching, and going for long walks outside.

 Isabel Garbiras - Spanish Teacher

I was born in Colombia, South America.  I started my teaching career in my country of origin where I attended Pamplona University to become a teacher.  I have also earned different certifications from the British Council in Colombia in the same field.  I have been a teacher for 14 years teaching preK-12. I really enjoy working with children ,as I watch them learn in a fun and consistent way.  I teach at both The Prep School and TPS Academy!

 Carrie Olsen - Music Teacher

I am the music teacher at The Prep School and TPS Academy.  I also give piano lessons to students at The Prep School! Originally from Kentucky, I moved to Bloomington to study music at IU.  I have degrees from IU in Music Performance (cello) and in English.  I live in Bloomington with my husband, Lukas, and our pets Badger & Arlo.  I enjoy music, gardening, cooking, reading, being outdoors, art, and antiques.

 Jana Deppe - Physical Education Teacher

I am a floating teacher and the physical education teacher at The Prep School and Prep School Academy.  My husband, Mike, and I reside on the east side of Spencer with our five year old son, Aidan, who attends TPS, and 4 month old son, Luke.  I have a Bachelors degree from Indiana State University in Physical Education and a Child Development Associate from Ivy Tech.  I enjoy playing softball, camping, spending time with family and friends, boating, and riding my motorcycle!

 Ruta Ozolins - Chef

I have been the CHEF at The Prep School for nine years and yes, I am Lia’s mom! I graduated from Central Oklahoma University with a Bachelors degree in English. I love reading, gardening, antiquing, watching cooking TV shows, and taking care of my dogs, Gabby (8 years old) and my newest addition and differently-abled, Ollie (1 year old). My crazy dogs keep me busy! I love cooking for the students of The Prep School!

 Felisha Meadows 

I have been working for The Prep School since September 2009 as a substitute teacher.  I enjoy working with the children and working for this organization.  I was a camp counselor for two years.  I love spending time with my husband, family, and friends!  I like being outside and find fun in everything I do.

 Matt Carter

I am a Bloomington-native.  I received an Associates degree from Vincennes University in the area of Science and have dabbled in the real estate and property management.  My daughter, Loren, has been attending The Prep School since she was nearly three and is now at the Academy.  I enjoy sports (go Cubs!), relaxing in the pool, coaching softball, playing poker, and spending time with my wife Donna, daughter Loren, and two Corgis (Sable and Wrigley).

 Lindsay Vigil

I was born and raised in Madison, Indiana.  I earned an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education and in Business Administration from Ivy Tech.  I am currently attending St. Mary’s of the Woods College to complete my Bachelors degree!  I started working at The Prep School in October 2004!  I enjoy spending time with my husband, Tony.  I also enjoy camping, fishing, boating, hiking, and going to concerts.

 Kylie Griffith

I am a senior at Indiana University majoring in Elementary Education and Special Education.  I love working with children of all ages and I find it truly rewarding - I could not see myself doing anything else!  My love for working with children has grown even stronger as I have grown older.  I am extremely excited about my future career in education and about inspiring children every day!

 Taylor Crousore