Astoria Elementary School

"I graduated from Olivet Nazarene University with a B.S. in Psychology and received my teaching certification from the University of Illinois Springfield. I taught first grade for one year and have enjoyed teaching kindergarten for the past 14 years. I love watching my students get excited about learning, and helping them experience success and reach their potential." 

Classroom Paraprofessional: Melinda Dewees

"I graduated from Western Governors University in 2021 with a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education (1st-6th). I started my Associates degree at Spoon River College fresh out of High School. I worked as a Paraprofessional at Astoria Grade School for nearly 11 years. After graduating from Spoon River College, I took some time for my family before going back and getting my Teaching Certificate. I have 3 children at home, and 12 children in my classroom. Family is family, home or at school. I have worked through many grade levels as a paraprofessional in the Elementary. My first year teaching was in First grade, student teaching with Lisa Heaton. I am now teaching Second Grade, with some of my First graders from last year. This experience has been great! I get to see how far they have come since the beginning of the last year, using the skills that they were taught to be successful in Second Grade. I love teaching! I love watching my students light up with they learn new things! It's like a light bulb shining above their heads! I am thankful to work in my hometown and where the staff and administration are FANTASTIC!"

Paraprofession: Kelly Davis

“I began teaching in 2007 on an island in Southeast Alaska. My teaching journey has taken me places I never thought I would have an opportunity to see. In 2017, I relocated to Illinois. I’m excited to be teaching here, in Astoria! We are going to have an amazing year in second grade!”

Paraprofessional - Laurie Robertson

"My name is Christy Quigley, I attended Spoon River College and Western Illinois University for my degree in Art Education. I am currently in my 7th year of teaching where I have tried to become a teacher who is a safe place for kids to explore creativity and enjoy being themselves! I look forward to exploring the world of art with everyone and seeing each of your kids' unique creativity flourish!"

Classes Teaching: 9-12 Band-Choir

"Hello there! Your kids know me as Mr. Otto, but you can call me Ty. I went to high school in Havana just across the Illinois River and I'm a 2024 graduate of Monmouth College, where I received my bachelors in Music Education. This is my first year teaching, both at Astoria Schools and in general. I'm very happy to be a part of this community, and I hope to share the love for music I have with your kids." 

Classes Teaching: 9-12 PE and Drivers Ed

"This is my 8th year teaching in Astoria. I graduated from Astoria High School and earned my Bachelors Degree from Western Illinois University. I am married and have two children. I am happy to be a part of the school and community I grew up in."

"Greetings! My name is Mandy Friedrich and I am currently in my twenty-fourth year of teaching. I have a Bachelor's from MacMurray College in Physical Education, and a Masters' from Walden University. I am married, have one son, and reside in Havana. I spent 15 years teaching middle school health in Jacksonville, IL at Turner Junior High, which later became Jacksonville Middle School. I love the atmosphere of Astoria and really enjoy the small school experience."

Mrs. Schenk is a home town girl. She is an alumni of the University of Illinois at Springfield (Go Prairie Stars!) and was a member of the first class of Capital Scholars Honors Students. She graduated with a degree in Visual Arts with an emphasis in Graphic Design and was also certified as an elementary education teacher. She began her career in first grade and spent five years there. Her heart sings among little people. If you know her, she's all reading - all the time - so her move to Title I was a perfect fit. She has made "The Reading Room" her home ever since! She's also been blessed with the most phenomenal team; your students either know and love them or will soon! During her years in education, Mrs. Schenk has become certified as a Reading Teacher, Reading Specialist, and a certified Orton Gillingham Dyslexia Tutor. She is a lover of learning, the science of reading, leveling the playing field for her students, all things sparkly, singing and music, the Ron Clark Academy, orange/McNeil house, her rambunctious blue heeler Apollo, and her husband- Troy. She loves what she does, who she does it with, and is honored to be an educator.

Classroom Paraprofessionals - Max Hopping

"I am really excited to be back in the classroom at Astoria! I received my degree in Elementary Education from Western Illinois University and my Masters degree from Eastern Illinois University. I am currently in my 16th year of teaching. I've spent time with kindergarteners, Jr. High students, and fourth graders! I'm married to Jeremy, have a daughter in college, and a new puppy named Scout.

I am really excited to be working with some great K-5 students this year! Watching them become successful and getting to encourage them along the way is the absolute best!"

Classroom Paraprofessionals - Max Hopping