Patti Collins, Cafeteria Manager

Patti comes to us from Meadowthorpe Elementary, where she served as cafeteria manager for 14 years.

Patti's hobbies include flea markets,  yard sales, and studying the Bible. Her cat, Precious, welcomes her home each day.

She tells us that Southern has a great staff and students. "Everyone has made me feel very welcome and have been so helpful."

We are certainly happy you are here, Patti, and look forward to some wonderful meals!

Kim Hood, Kindergarten

Kim assisted Southern last year with writing portfolios so we feel a friend has returned. She was a Senior Resource Planning Analyst at East Kentucky Power, a generation transmission cooperative.

Her daughter, Madison, is in middle school and her husband, Jeff, is the band director at PLD. Go Dawgs!! Kim's family wouldn't be complete without Raisin, their sassy terrier, who runs the house!

Kim was a Presidential Scholar at WKU and was on the Dean's List at Midway College.

"When I get the time, I love to swim and walk/run. Anything outside in the sunshine!" Kim also loves to shop, don't we all?!

"Southern has a wonderful atmosphere for learning. Teachers are very experienced and are more than willing to assist a new teacher. Students are full of personality and ready to learn at high levels. It is the "best" place to begin a life long dream to teach."

Martha Tandy, 4th

Marty comes to us from Cardinal valley where she taught for nine years. When she is not teaching her students at Southern, she enjoys spending time with her two Jack Russells, a Chihuahua, and a Shih Tzu.

"I knew Southern was going to be a very welcoming school when I had two people greet me with a smiling face before I entered the office door the day of my interview. Needless to say, it didn't stop there."

We are happy you are here, Marty!

Stephanie Roth, 3rd

Stephanie comes to us this year after a long-term sub position in the third grade last year. She has subbed in Fayette County for two years.

She has been married for a little over a year and has two sisters and a brother.

Stephanie received her Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from Western Kentucky University.

When she can spend time with her hobbies, you might find her shopping, sewing, or just hanging out with her family and friends.

"Southern is a warm, inviting, learning, and teaching atmosphere". We are so glad to have you back with us, Stephanie!

Melissa Haggard, 5th Grade

Missy comes to Southern via Rockfield Elementary with Warren County schools in Bowling Green, KY. She earned her BS/MA from Western Kentucky University and is National Board Certified (Literacy: Language Arts/Early Middle childhood)

Chester, her cat, is a welcome sight after a day at school. Her husband and two college age kids complete her family. When football season arrives, she joins other UK football tailgaters! Hiking, camping, reading, and travel round out Missy's left-over hours. Missy tells us she is excited to be here. Welcome aboard!  

Kennetha Ensminger, 2nd

Kennetha comes to us from, well, here! She completed her student teaching at Southern in Dec of 2007 and also did a long term sub in 1st grade in the Spring of 08.

Kennetha's has been a legal assistant and a student. She graduated from UK and enjoys shopping and reading, watching UK football and basketball and (soon) spending time with the Tatescreek band via Allen, her son. Daughter, Abbey, husband, Todd, and Charlie, their dog, rounds out Kennetha's special family.

Both of Kennetha's children attended Southern so coming on board at Southern is like coming home for her. Welcome home, Kennetha!

Melanie Thompson, Early Start

Melanie comes to Southern from Ashland Elementary where she was the Early Start teacher.

Her two daughters and four cats keep her busy when she is away from Southern.

Bargain hunting and finding secondhand treasures delight Melanie. She enjoys playing cards with her daughters and working in the yard.

Melanie's thoughts on Southern are "Warm and supportive environment where children can feel safe and cared about as well as receiving a great education. Glad to be a part of the staff." We are happy that you are with us!

Melissa Hagans, Science

Missy comes to us from Ashland Elementary where she was a teacher. She has been in education for 20+ years. Melissa graduated from Western Kentucky University and bleeds RED! Go Toppers!

Both LaShayla, her daughter, and Michael, her son, are tenth graders.

Watching Law & Order and CSI are helping her prepare for a second career as a Private Criminal Investigator.

"Wow!! Warm! Diverse! Engaging!" are Missy's thoughts on Southern.

Glad to have you with us, Missy.

Stacey McDonald, School Psychologist

Stacey is a mother of three and enjoys her dog, Buddy who is 4 1/2 years old.

She also enjoys writing and singing.

Stacey's thoughts on Southern: "I enjoy working with such a richly diverse population. Each student is special, uniquely gifted, and precious. It is up to us to recognize and enhance every gift inside of them."

Welcome aboard, Stacey.

Elizabeth Cooper, 1st Grade

Elizabeth comes to us from Booker T. Washington where she taught first grade and from Cassidy where she was a first grade para.

Her eight month old Yokrie, Keightley Rupp, keeps her busy when she is not busy teaching at Southern.

Elizabeth graduated Magna Cum Laude from UK.

Elizabeth enjoys water skiing, boating, and music when she is not involved with her first grade students.

Her thoughts on Southern? "I'm so excited to be a dolphin!" We are glad to have you with us!