Meet The Teachers

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Rhian Harmon

Early Childhood Coordinator & Preschool Lead Teacher

Miss Rhian has been with the Yorkville Parks and Recreation Department since 2010.  Rhian started as a Teacher's Assistant, then moved to Lead Teacher and currently has the dual role of Lead Teacher and Early Childhood Coordinator.  Rhian has a background in Early Childhood Education, Special Education and Interior Design.  Rhian loves seeing that "ah ha" moment in each child and the joy in their faces as they beam with pride.

Jennifer Rench

Ready, Set, Go Lead Teacher

Jennifer joined the Preschool team in 2017 as the Lead Teacher for the Ready, Set, Go Program.  Jennifer has worked with all ages in her life and work experiences and truly enjoys the Ready, Set, Go age group as her own children are grown.  Jennifer enjoys planning various activities for children to learn and grow.

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Kristen Ihrig

Ready, Set Go & Preschool Teacher

Kristen joined the Preschool team in 2017.  She has a background in early education and has taught a range of ages from preschool to 3rd grade.  She lives in Yorkville with her husband and two daughters.  Seeing the change in children throughout the year is her favorite part of working with preschool age children.

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Andrea Duffey

Assistant Preschool Teacher

Andrea joined the Parker's Preschool team in 2018 as an Assistant Preschool Teacher.  She has worked with both the Ready, Set, Go and Preschool programs.  She loves being a part of helping young minds grow and seeing their skills improve.

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Marisa Barbanente

Assistant Ready, Set, Go & Preschool Teacher

Marisa joined the Parks and Recreation staff in 2017 and joined the Preschool team in 2019.  She has experience with young children from her years of babysitting and working summer camps.  Marisa is currently attending Waubonsee Community College with her focus in Education.  Marisa loves watching children learn and grow!

Desirae Johnson

Assistant Preschool Teacher

Desirae joined the Parker's Preschool Team in 2019 and has experience as an assistant teacher since 2016.  Desirae is currently enrolled at Waubonsee Community College to further her career in Early Childhood Education.  Desirae loves working with children to help them grow educationally and socially.  Her favorite part of teaching is building relationship with the children as they help her become a better educator.