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 Lia Ozolins Baker - Director


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.  I am the Assistant Director for the organization!  I started working at The Prep School in November 2005.  In my time away from the school I keep busy with family, friends, and sports.  My husband, Eric, and I are expecting our final child in December.

 

 Danielle Richardson - 3's POD Teacher

 danielle@theprepschool.info

 

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!

 

 Matt McArdle - 3's POD Teacher


I have worked in the area of Education for seven years in the Bloomington public schools. I absolutely love working with kids and am so happy to be part of The Prep School organization. In my spare time, I enjoy golfing, grilling out with friends and family, and watching or attending sporting events!!! GO COLTS!

 

Allie Morris - 3/4's POD Teacher

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!

 

 Jen Somes - 4's POD Teacher & Curriculum Director

 

I'm excited to be a part of the Prep School this year as a 4’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.

 

Felisha Meadows - 4's POD Assistant Teacher

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.

 

 Stephanie Snoddy - 4's POD Teacher

 stepahine@theprepschool.info


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.

 

Lyndsey Rariden - 4's POD Teacher
lyndseyr@theprepschool.info

I am thrilled to be at The Prep School this year teaching in the 4’s POD! My husband Drew and I moved to Bloomington last August from Connecticut. I graduated from Union College in Schenectady, NY with a Bachelors degree in History, with minors in Psychology and Women’s Studies. I then went on to receive my Masters degree in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education from Bank Street College of Education in New York City. I love spending time with my husband and our dogs Jake and Jesse. I also love reading and traveling – I’m originally from South Africa so I especially love to take trips back there!

 
 

Shawna Waterford - 4's POD Assistant Teacher


I have traveled and worked in a variety of settings, the majority of them revolving around care giving. Most of my experience has been with persons having developmental difficulties. I earned a BS in Applied Health Science from IU Bloomington in 2009, at age 30. I majored in Human Development and Family Studies and minored in Psychology and Sociology. I am currently in my second semester at IU Bloomington, working toward a Master's in Safety.  I am committed to providing quality care that will help your child to become kind, loving and successful.
 

Rachel Chandler - 4's POD Teacher

 

My name is Rachel Chandler and I have been teaching at The Prep School since the fall of 2010.  I am originally from Brownsburg, Indiana and have recently moved to the Indianapolis area.  I earned my Bachelors degree in Elementary Education with a health minor in 2009 through Indiana University.  I enjoy running and living a very active lifestyle as well as spending time with family and friends.  Most of my time is spent outdoors hiking, riding bikes, and playing tennis.  I have a passion for the beach, traveling, reading, listening to live music and exploring new ethnic cuisine.

  

 Jessica Wilson - 5's POD Teacher

 jessica@theprepschool.info

 
I am new to The Prep School this year but very excited to dive right in and begin teaching the 5’s POD.  I am from Lebanon, Indiana but came to Indiana University to continue my schooling.  I graduated in December 2010 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Reading License.  I love to cook and bake.  I also enjoy doing various outdoor activities like running with my puggle Jack.  I am a huge fan of Indiana University Athletics especially IU football and basketball.  Reading is a very big passion of mine.  I am currently writing my own cookbook!

 

 Emily Strudas - 5's POD Teacher

 emilys@theprepschool.info

 

I recently got my degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University. I’m from Chesterton, Indiana, which is located right on the tip of beautiful Lake Michigan. I love spending time with children and creating exciting experiences in the classroom. I spend my extra time disc golfing, listening to live music, playing volleyball, and hanging out with my boyfriend and family.

 

 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!

  

 Ryan Dollar - Music Teacher

 

 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!

 

 Audra Sater - Librarian at TPS and TPSA

 

I graduated from Indiana State University with a degree in Elementary Education. I taught 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades in the Spencer Owen School Corp, before taking time off to be a stay at home mommy. I have been married to my best friend in the world, Adam for 11 years. We have two amazing children. Coleman is 8 and Winnie is 6. I enjoy camping, boating, watching my son play baseball and basketball, and watching my daughter dance. We have a 12 year old chocolate lab and a 1 year old bunny rabbit.

 

 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!