Teacher & Staff Directory

Bachelor's Degree in Art History and Art Education/Studio Art from Northern Arizona University; Masters of Early Childhood Education from Grand Canyon University

I am a passionate Early Childhood Educator - I love working with our youngest learners on campus. Before starting at Kent Island Elementary, I taught blended Pre-K classrooms for five years, and before that taught kindergarten for two years.

I am an Arizona native, but have lived in many different places before calling Kent Island my home just this summer. I came to Kent Island following my family who have lived here six years and love it! My second passion is painting - watercolor and acrylic. A fun fact is that I completed a 100-day challenge painting, creating one painting a day for 100 days. In the end, I auctioned all 100!

I love to travel, hike, do yoga, and spend time with my husband and two cats.

I am excited that I am teaching PreK at KIES. Previously, I taught Kindergarten here at KIES and have been teaching young children for 37+ years. I received my Bachelors degree from UMBC and my Masters degree from LaSalle University.

I especially enjoy when my adult children return home for family dinners, hanging by our pool and our friendly, albeit competitive, game nights!

PS. I just love llamas! :)

Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Catholic University; Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Catholic University

I have been happily teaching for 30+ years! I taught third grade at Bayside Elementary School for several years and then I taught second grade at KIES! I am now very excited to teach PreK here at KIES! I am married to my husband, Barry and have a son and a daughter who both graduated from Kent Island High School. I enjoy kayaking, running, dancing and reading. My favorite food is pasta and I run on coffee! My favorite color is green!

Welcome Video from Ms. Fine

Bachelor's degree from Salisbury University; Masters degree in Differentiated Instruction from LaSalle University

I am so excited to be teaching PreKindergarten here at KIES. I have taught Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten in Talbot County for the past 12 years. I live here on Kent Island with my husband and two children. For fun I love to design, organize, and decorate spaces as well as go on day trips with my children. I also enjoy reading and spending time with my friends and family. My favorite food is anything Mexican! Yum! My favorite color is anything bright and tropical that reminds me of the beach and summer time!

Bachelor of Science degree in Education from College Misericordia; Completed graduate coursework at McDaniel College and Gratz College; Certified to teach Nursery through Middle School

I am from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. I am an Eagles and Phillies fan. I love nature, science, and science-fiction. I have been teaching Kindergarten in Queen Anne's County since 1999. I love our school and Kindergarten. One of the best parts of my job is seeing children get excited about reading and writing. I am so excited to start the new year!

I am a recent graduate of West Virginia University, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. I am excited for the opportunity to teach in the county where I grew up and attended school.

In my free time, I enjoy going to the beach, working out, reading, crocheting, and spending time with my family.

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Towson University; Master’s Degree in Administration from Goucher University

I’ve been teaching in public schools since 1997. I’ve had the opportunity to teach second grade for one year, first grade for 10 years, and kindergarten for 15 years. I enjoy continuing my education by taking classes that will support and enhance the educational needs of my students.

I have two beautiful little girls of my own, a cat, a dog and a rabbit. One of my favorite pastimes is reading. I also enjoy doing many types of crafts such as knitting, crocheting, and digital scrapbooking. As an avid reader, I’ve also come to collect bookmarks.

Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education from Ashland University
Master of Reading and Literacy from Walden University

I have been dedicated to the field of elementary education since 2005, with nearly two decades of experience shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning. Throughout my career, I have worked in various roles within the elementary school setting, including classroom teaching, curriculum development, and student mentoring.

I am passionate about integrating innovative teaching methods and technology into the classroom to enhance student learning outcomes. Over the years, I have collaborated with fellow educators, administrators, and parents to build a strong community focused on student success.

I have a love for traveling and exploring. Whether it's discovering new cultures, trying unique foods, or simply soaking in the beauty of different landscapes, I find immense joy in every journey. Traveling allows me to broaden my horizons, meet new people, and create unforgettable memories. I also enjoy crafting, hiking, cooking, and spending time with my family and friends.

Degrees in Sociology and Early Childhood Education from UMBC

This will be my 20th year of teaching. I started my career in Anne Arundel county then took some time off to raise my two sons. I returned to teaching in 2010 at Church Hill Elementary where I have been teaching Kindergarten ever since. This year I am so excited to be close to home at KIES. I love teaching kindergarten because it is an honor to help foster a love of school right from the start! When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and going to the beach.

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Salisbury University

From attending KIES as a student to now teaching here, I just love it! After graduating from Kent Island High School, I went on to receive my bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Salisbury University.

In the summertime, you might also see me serving at the Crab Deck.

I love the sunshine and spending time outdoors, especially with friends and family!

Let’s Go O’s!

Hello, my name is Callie Benton. I am one of the kindergarten teachers at KIES and I am so happy to be here at this amazing school!

Here are a few of my favorite things:

Animal: Dog (especially my English Springer Spaniel puppy!)

Drink: Iced Coffee

Hobby: Reading

Place: The Beach

Color: Teal

I can't wait to learn some of your favorites as well!

Bachelor's of Art in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Notre Dame of Maryland University; Master's Degree in Reading from Salisbury University

I started teaching in Queen Anne's County in 1996. When your child enters my classroom, they become one of "my" children! I love them with all my heart.

I live on Kent Island with my family. I enjoy spending time with them at all of their many sporting events. I also enjoy reading, gardening, cooking and spending time at the beach!

Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Salisbury University

I grew up in New Jersey and began my teaching career in North Carolina in 1996. I have taught Pre-K, first, and third grades. First grade is by far my favorite!!!

A few fun facts about me: My favorite colors are blue and green. My favorite activity is going to the beach with my family. My favorite food is any type of seafood and I love chocolate.

I am looking forward to a fantastic year!

Bachelor’s degree from Washington College; Master’s degree from UMBC

I have been a first grade teacher at KIES since 2014! I love teaching in QAC because this is where I grew up and went to school. When I am not teaching, I love spending time with my family, especially my two boys - Griffin and Tucker! We love being outside, going to parks and the beach, and spending time on the water. Some of my favorite things include: my family, pizza, Target, Harry Potter, watching my boys play sports, vacations, school supplies, and the color pink! I cannot wait to have a fabulous year with you in first grade!

I’m a graduate of Clarion University. I have a masters from Walden University.

I have been teaching at Kent Island Elementary for 21 years. My first 12 I taught first grade and my last 10 years I have been teaching 2nd grade.

I’m from Western Pennsylvania so I’m a fan of all Pittsburgh teams. I like the Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates.

Bachelor’s degree from Frostburg State; Master’s degree from Walden University

I am originally from the Eastern Shore. I have triplets and two dogs. I enjoy watching the Capitals, Ravens, and Orioles play.

Hello! My name is Hannah Horner and I’m going to be a 2nd Grade Teacher at Kent Island Elementary! I have 8 years of teaching experience from Anne Arundel County and recently moved to Centreville with my family. I have 2 daughters and a dog named Luke. I enjoy reading, shopping and cheering on the Ravens. I can’t wait to meet all of you and have a fantastic school year!

Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Towson University; Graduate Courses at La Salle University

I have been married to my husband Larry for 27 years this summer. I have two girls who are 21 and 23 years old. Courtney studies at WVU and Caroline goes to Loyola University.

We moved to Grasonville last July to be closer to the water and to buy a boat. We are enjoying time with friends and family out on the boat. We love the Chester River and the Chesapeake Bay!

We are West Virginia and University of Maryland fans and love to attend the football games!

I am so excited to teach first grade at KIES!

Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Duquesne University; Masters in Elementary Education from Duquesne University; Certifications in Early Childhood, Reading Specialist, and Administrator 1

I started teaching in Queen Anne's County 30 years ago because I enjoy watching students learn. My hobbies are reading and spending time with my family and our three labs. My favorite colors are blue and green and I like pretty much all foods!

I am so excited to be joining the Kent Island Elementary School family as a 2nd-grade teacher! Returning to the school I attended as an elementary student truly feels like coming home. I have taught 2nd grade in Talbot County for the past eight years, and I have lived on the Eastern Shore for most of my life.

I live in Queenstown with my husband and our puppy, Honey. We have two wonderful adult daughters, and I love spending time with them. In my free time, I enjoy reading, walking, boating, and watching TV and movies.

Second grade has always had a special place in my heart! I can't wait to meet my students and their families and make this a fun, exciting, and memorable school year together!

I received my Bachelor of Music Education from Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music in Berea, Ohio

Hello, my name is Erika Beyer and I am the music teacher at KIES!
I’m from Akron, Ohio and moved to Maryland in 2020. I graduated with my BA in Music Education from Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music where I was a trombone primary. I am so excited to learn and grow with all of you!
Here are a few of my favorite things!
Food: pizza
Dessert: ice cream & brownies
Color: blue
Activity: swimming
Animal: ducks
Musical instrument: Trombone

Bachelor’s degree in Visual Communication from University of Maryland; Teaching certification

I love teaching art! Before working at KIES, I taught in Anne Arundel County for 11 years. Before teaching, I worked as a graphic designer. I live with my husband Josh, and have three kids who attend Queen Anne’s County Public Schools. I love to be active and enjoy hiking and running, playing soccer and basketball, and yoga. My favorite color is kelly green and I love rainbow patterns.

I run the computer lab at KIES. Before coming to KIES I was a video editor. I love introducing the students to technology. I live on Kent Island and love looking for sea glass and spending time at our local beaches. Sushi and seafood are my favorite foods and I love supporting local coffee and craft shops!

I have lived on Kent Island my whole life and I even went to KIES just like you!! I’m excited to be here after having spent five years teaching fifth grade at Easton Elementary school.

I have two children named Rylie and Jaxon and they keep me very busy with horseback riding, field hockey, lacrosse, and football. We have lots of animals at home. We have a dog named Maggie. We have a cat named Charlotte. We have two bunnies named Reese Cup and Butterscotch. We have two goats named Sunny and Daisy. We have a sheep named Annie. We have a horse named Rosie, a pony named Pat, and a miniature donkey named Gizmo. We love our little "farm" and all the animals that come with it!

My hobbies include camping and boating. My favorite color is purple, my favorite food is steamed crabs, and my favorite team is the Baltimore Ravens. My favorite animal is a tiger, and my favorite seasons are summer and fall.

Bachelors of Science degree in Physical Education from Salisbury University; Master's degree from Walden University

I have been the Physical Education Teacher here at Kent Island Elementary School since 2006. I was born and raised in Queen Anne’s County and graduated from Queen Anne’s County High School.

In my free time, I like watching and playing sports. Some of my favorite hobbies include reading, riding bikes, cooking, and playing video games with my son. My favorite food is grilled cheese. My favorite sports teams are the Washington Nationals, Aston Villa Football Club, and Williams Racing.

BS in Special Education from Broward College; Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Phoenix

I have been teaching self-contained special education for over 12 years. I have worked with all ages and grade levels.

I am married to my wonderful husband, Chris, and we have one child who attends KIES. We have a crazy husky named Wolf. I am originally from South Florida and I am loving living in Maryland.

I enjoy reading, gardening, hiking, camping, and Girl Scouts. I am a Baltimore Ravens fan and love to cook. I love all types of food, but Mediterranean, Cuban, and Thai are my favorites. I love the colors purple and green and I’m terrified of frogs. A fun fact about me is that I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan! I look forward to a new school year!

I am excited to join the KIES community! I have been teaching for 10 years and most recently taught in Wicomico County, Maryland. I enjoy crafting and gardening, and I love finding creative ways to bring learning to life. I look forward to getting to know my students and their families and making this a wonderful year of learning and growth together!

2022 was my first year working as a Speech Language Pathologist at Kent Island Elementary and I LOVE it. Before starting at KIES, I worked 17 years as a Speech Pathologist in a rehabilitation setting for adults. I live on Kent Island and LOVE IT here. I enjoy spending time with my husband, three kids and my French Bulldog, Chewie, going hiking, and going to the beach.

Master’s degree in School Psychology from SUNY Plattsburgh

I am originally from Olean, New York. I love working with and helping kids be their best, and couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I have lived in Maryland for four years, and love it! I do have to admit, I do miss snow (real snow), but I don’t miss the cold! I am married and just had my first child! Outside of school, I love spending time with my family and I love football. Go Bills!

What Do School Psychologists Do? School psychologists provide direct support and interventions to students, consult with teachers, families, and other school-employed mental health professionals (i.e., school counselors, school social workers) to improve support strategies, work with school administrators to improve school-wide practices and policies, and collaborate with community providers to coordinate needed services.

Why Do Children Need School Psychologists? All children and youth can face problems from time to time related to learning; social relationships; making difficult decisions; or managing emotions such as feeling depressed, anxious, worried, or isolated. School psychologists help students, families, educators, and members of the community understand and resolve both long-term, chronic problems and short-term issues that students may face.

I completed my Undergrad at Lycoming College and Received my Masters of Education at Johns Hopkins University.

I taught General Education in Anne Arundel County Public Schools for 9 Years. After taking 5 years off to stay at home with my children, I started a new chapter gaining my certification in Special Education with Queen Anne’s County Public Schools. Teaching children has always been my passion.

I love spending my free time with my husband and my three children who all attend QACPS. When I'm not at school you can find me at the ice rink or on the lacrosse or soccer fields cheering on our kids. We love spending time outdoors walking different trails or relaxing on the beach!

Chesapeake College

Born and raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland - grew up on my family's dairy farm 2001-2020.I was a 5th generation farmer with my sisters and cousins . Now I reside down the street from the farm in Centreville, MD. I have been a teacher assistant for 5 years for QACPS. I enjoy Pilates and the beach. Look forward to another great school year.

Graduate of Rowan University

I love working at KIES. Before moving to Kent Island, I worked in schools in New Jersey and Delaware. I love reading, bird watching, and being with my family. I love all shades of blue and watching the sky!

Prince George’s Community College

I thoroughly enjoy working with children! I have been a para educator for over 20 years. I enjoy reading, baking, and spending time with my family and friends. My favorite sports team is the Washington Commanders.

I worked as a dental hygienist before coming to KIES in 2016. Starting a new chapter at KIES has been a wonderful experience and I am so grateful for this opportunity to work with children. When I’m not at school, I enjoy friends, family and just having fun!

Hola! I am the interpreter for the southern side of QACo. Kent Island Elementary is one of the schools you will see me! Before becoming the interpreter, I worked at Queen Anne’s County High School and Kennard Elementary as a paraeducator. My husband and my two sons love to be on the field playing soccer and we enjoy summers at the beach!

Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Millersville University, Master’s Degree in School Leadership from Wilmington University, Administrator I Certification

I started working in QAC in 1999 at Grasonville Elem. I taught 2nd and 4th grade for 17 years before moving into the Reading Specialist role in 2016 all at GES. I am excited to be moving into the Principal role and working with students and families at KIES.

BA in Science (PE)/Masters in Science (Special Education). Educational Leadership
Certified: Sped prek-21, Physical Education, Administration I & II
4 Years of Teaching Adapted PE in PG County
2 Years teaching Special Education/IEP Chair in Queen Anne's County
6 years as Special Education Specialist for QAC
3rd Year as an Assistant Principal (2 years KIHS, 1 year QACHS)

I played college basketball and coached JV girls basketball. I have been married for 16 years and have 2 kids; a son Ethan going into 7th grade, and daughter Harper going into 4th grade!

Fun Fact: I have a twin sister who lives in western NY.

Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, Grades 1-6 and Middle School from Towson University
Master's Degree in Mathematics from UMBC Middle School (Grades 4-12)
Mathematics Instructional Leader - MSDE Endorsement

I enjoy working closely with administrators, teachers, and students to help every child build the math skills they need to be successful and confident learners.

As a lifelong Queen Anne's County resident, I am proud to have spent my entire teaching career serving the students in our community. I began teaching at Bayside Elementary School in 2003 as a fourth and fifth-grade teacher. In 2013, I became the Math Specialist at Kent Island Elementary, where I spent the next 11 years supporting teachers and students. In 2024, I transitioned to the role of District Math Specialist, serving schools across Queen Anne's County. I am excited to be back where my career began and look forward to supporting both Bayside Elementary School and Kent Island Elementary as their District Math Specialist.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my adult children and family, reading, playing pickleball with my husband and learning to play mahjong with friends.

Associate's degree from Chesapeake College; Bachelor's degree in Behavior Science from Wilmington University; Master's degree in Human Services Counseling from Liberty University; Master's in School Counseling from Wilmington University

I am so excited to serve as your School Counselor this year! I am new to School Counseling, but I'm not new to Kent Island Elementary School. It's good to be back home! I have so many exciting things to share with you and cannot wait for you to share some exciting things with me!

My first job with Queen Anne's County Public Schools was as an instructional assistant in the Pre-K Program, here at KIES! In 2001, I left to start a career helping families in other ways: first, as a Family Investment Case Manager with DSS, then as a Case Manager for Senior Adults before making my circle complete and coming back to work with students!

I have lived on the Eastern Shore my whole life. I live in Chestertown with my husband, three daughters, one son, and one grandpup, a cavachon named King.

I obtained my nursing degree in 2004 from Cecil Community College, and continued my education, graduating with a Bachelor in Science in 2016 from Chamberlain School of Nursing with Sigma Theta Tau Honors. I have certifications in BLS, ACLS, and PALS. I am also a DAISY Award Recipient from Union Hospital ICU. Over the summer of 2023 I became a National Certified School Nurse!

Hello KIES friends!

I'm the school nurse at KIES and started this awesome journey in January 2020. I'm very excited to have the opportunity to care for your children during the school days. My most important goal is to promote optimal health, wellness, safety in our school community, and to support academic learning in the classroom. In order to accomplish these goals, your student needs to be able to participate in class instruction and be healthy to do it :) I try really hard to keep students in school when they come to visit the health room by using many nursing interventions that will support the student and help them overcome the rest of the school day.

I've been a resident of Kent Island since 2015. I have several experiences in acute care hospital settings. These include; ICU, hospice care, emergency care, plastics, and hospital administration. I have worked in the following MD counties; Talbot County, Cecil County, and Anne Arundel County.

I am so excited to be working another year with the amazing staff at KIES. It truly is an amazing school with wonderful students. The students give us so many smiles and laughs, and we are very appreciative to have a supportive community. I'm looking forward to meeting parents/guardians and students, and I am so grateful to be given this opportunity to serve the community through elementary school health. I look forward to supporting the educational process by promoting optimal wellness and working closely with parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, and QAC Health Department to care for the health needs of the students, according to the National Association of School Nurses and the Maryland Board of Nursing.

I am a native to the Eastern Shore, to the extent that I have even come full circle and am now working at the same elementary school that I went to as a student. I enjoy anything that has to do with the beach, sea shells and water. I love spending time with my family and our pup, Penelope. My favorite color is blue. I love being a part of the KIES family!

I love working with children. My favorite color is blue. I love swimming, boating, and shopping. I also like to bake and cook. I love spending time with my grandkids. I enjoy movies and sitcoms.

Being with children makes you young at heart and happy! I’ve been working with children from ages 6 months to 12 years old my whole life. It's a calling for me to be with children because of my love for them. I worked in childcare for 33 years and then a nanny for 17 more years. I love gardening and being with my family and grandchildren. I'm a QACo native; we moved here from Baltimore with my family when I was only three years old. I have a very large family with three brothers, two sisters and many nieces and nephews.