KINGS
Consolidated school district 144
A FAMILY OF LEARNING
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Staff Directory & Profiles
Jodi Horn - District Administrative Assistant
About Me: My husband and I operate a grain and cattle farm in Kings. I joined the Kings school board and loved making a profound impact in our community! When a position opened at the school aligning with my skills in bookkeeping and passion for kids, I seized the chance to inspire daily! This is my 10th year in education and all 10 of them have been spent at Kings!
Hobbies & Interests: I love to go UTV riding in Wisconsin with my family and relaxing in the pool or on the beach.
Fun Fact: When I am not at school, I am most likely helping on the farm.
Kimberly Hohlfeld Special Education Teacher
About Me: Hello! My name is Kimberly Hohlfeld and I am the special education teacher at Kings. My husband and I both found our passion in education. I obtained a degree in psychology from Northern Illinois University and am currently in the process of earning a masters degree in special education from Western Illinois University. I have had the wonderful opportunities to work at a summer camp for children with disabilities, at an autism health center as a registered behavior technician, as a substitute teacher, and as a life skills paraprofessional. It is a privilege to serve the community by making an educational impact on our future, the students
Education: B. A. in Psychology - Northern Illinois University
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Currently earning: M.A. in Special Education - Western Illinois University
Teaching Philosophy: Anybody can learn given the appropriate support and tools.
Hobbies & Interests: Some of my hobbies and interests include pickleball, volleyball, and playing the french horn
Maylissa Crobbe - Kindergarten
About Me: I am a fourth-year educator. I started my career at Kings at the start of the 2022-2023 school year. I live in Maple Park with my husband Ben and our dog Stallone.
Education - I graduated with a bachelors degree in elementary education and an endorsement in early childhood education from Western Illinois University.
Teaching Philosophy: I believe in being a heart-first educator. I will always prioritize the whole child, ensuring their social-emotional needs are met and they are growing into the best they can be.
Hobbies & Interests: I love to read, get creative, and soak up the sun.
Fun Fact: I am in the top 6% of people who order Chipotle!
Susan Hunter - 1st Grade
About Me: I have been teaching at Kings School for 34 years. I have 2 children, Vance and Maggie. I live in Byron.
Education: I graduated from Northern Illinois University with a bachelors in education. I obtained a masters degree in curriculum and instruction from Aurora University.
Teaching Philosophy: I believe in teaching with compassion, love, and kindness. Then, watching the joy of learning grow and grow.
Hobbies & Interests: I love to spend time with my family! I enjoy cooking and trying out new recipes.
Fun Fact: Vance and Maggie are twins :)
Alyssa O’Dell - 2nd Grade
About Me: I have been teaching for 8 years. I live in Davis Junction with my husband, Alex, our daughter, Hailey, and our son, Ryder. I like to read and listen to music. We like to travel and go camping as a family.
Education: Degree: B.A. in Elementary Education – Northern Illinois University
Teaching Philosophy: I believe 2nd grade should nurture curiosity, kindness, and confidence by creating a supportive classroom where every child feels valued and excited to learn.
Hobbies & Interests: My family and I like to go camping and travel. Our most traveled to spots are Wisconsin and Minnesota for camping and to New Jersey to visit family.
Fun Fact: I rescued two dogs from the Turks and Caicos Island in the Bahamas in 2019. Their names are Ruby and Remington.
Melissa Ost -3rd Grade
About Me: I am married and blessed to be the mom to three terrific kids and one great son-in-law. I live in the country and have a dog and many chickens. This is my 28th year of teaching. I am eager to see what new and exciting things happen in third grade this year.
Education - B.A. from Northern Illinois University
Teaching Philosophy: As a 3rd grade teacher, I believe that every child is a capable and curious learner. My role is to create a safe, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment where students feel empowered to take risks, ask questions, and grow both academically and socially. Third grade is a pivotal year where students begin to develop more independence, and my goal is to support that growth through structured routines, high expectations, and a strong sense of community.
Hobbies & Interests: I enjoy traveling with my family.
Isaac Rhea -4th Grade
About Me: I grew up in Dixon, Illinois, and later moved to Chicago, where I earned my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. After graduating, I returned to rural life and am deeply honored to serve the Kings School community.
Education: Degree: B.A. in Elementary Education from North Park University
Teaching Philosophy: Teaching is my front row seat to the future.
Hobbies & Interests: I like playing and listening to all kinds of music, mowing my lawn, or playing fetch with my dog.
Fun Fact: I once considered going to art school for oil painting!
Vanessa Hopp - 5th Grade
About Me: I have lived in the Byron/Stillman area my entire life and am proud to be part of this community. I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Corporate Communications from Northern Illinois University and began my career in the corporate world. After becoming a stay-at-home mom and working as a substitute teacher, I discovered my passion for education and decided to pursue teaching as a career. I’m now fortunate to be doing what I love every day. I have two children who are currently in high school.
Education: Masters in Education from Western Governors University
Teaching Philosophy: “Every student can learn, just not on the same day, or in the same way.” George Evans
Hobbies & Interests: I love to travel, visit the beach and kayak.
Fun Fact: I appreciate old cars and know a little bit about them. I own a 1963 Chevrolet Impala.
Jason Hickman - Middle School Math
About Me: This is my 7th year at Kings, 15th overall. I have always enjoyed math and am glad that I can use my skills to help our Comets get better every day. I am married with three children, and we have 3 cats and 2 dogs. I coach Kings middle school girls and boys basketball as well as freshman baseball at Rochelle, and I enjoy every minute of it!
Education: I have two degrees: I have a secondary math education degree from NIU, and my first degree is business management from Quincy University.
Teaching Philosophy: I believe everyone should have an opportunity to be in a class where they are safe, loved, and supported so that they can learn. I also believe that feedback and positive reinforcement are key to learning, and that teacher and student must be a team in order for true learning to happen.
Hobbies & Interests: Sports, music, my kids things, and being outside
Fun Fact: I am a member of the Quincy University Hall of Fame
Alexis Rincon
About Me: I’m originally from Rochelle but spent a few years living in Texas, which quickly became one of my favorite places! Since moving back to the area, I’ve worked in education as both a paraprofessional and a teacher. This is my third year teaching and my first year at Kings, though I’m no stranger to the district. I’ve coached track and field here for the past two years, and I am also a proud Kings graduate myself! I currently live in Rockford with my husband and our three dogs — two Dobermans and a Corgi — who keep us busy and entertained!
Education: I graduated from Northern Illinois University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Education with a Special Education: Learning Behavioral Specialist endorsement. I am currently working on my Master’s degree at Western Governors University.
Teaching Philosophy: I believe that students do well if they can. In my classroom, I focus on understanding each learner’s unique needs and providing the support and tools necessary for success. I also strive to help students develop resilience, teaching them how to overcome challenges and grow through setbacks.
Hobbies & Interests: In my free time, I love traveling near and far! My family enjoys hopping in the car and exploring new places together.
Fun Fact: I'm ambidextrous — I can write with both hands!
Hannah Dylak - PE/Health & Science
About Me: I’m from Belvidere, IL and have lived there all of my life. I went to a small elementary school in the country growing up so I knew Kings was the school for me! I have been active my whole life as my parents signed me up for anything that I wanted to try. Sports led me to Rock Valley College where I received my associate's degree and had the opportunity to play softball. I then decided to continue my education and got my bachelor's degree in physical education with a minor in health education at Northern Illinois University. I was lucky to meet my husband in the process of my busy life and we now have 2 dogs, Chase and Murphy, and a kitty named Louie. We are very blessed and excited to be welcoming our first baby in January!
Education: Associate of Arts Degree : Rock Valley Community College
Bachelor’s Degree of Physical Education/Minor Health Education: Northern Illinois University
Hobbies & Interests: High Intensity Interval Training, Hiking, Playing with my dogs, and coaching!
Kim Dewey - RTI & Middle School ELA
About Me: Noble, IL was the small village in Southern Illinois where I was born and raised. Much like Kings, I attended a small K-8 school. After I graduated from college I took my first job in a private school in Rockford, IL and eventually married my husband and built a house in Hillcrest. This is my 28th year of teaching at Kings School
Education: Degree: Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University and Master’s degree from Rockford University
Teaching Philosophy: I like various quotes and sayings and enjoy incorporating them into my teaching practice. One saying: “Condemnation before investigation is the greatest bar to all knowledge.” I feel that trying to be opened- minded to positive thinking whether you are a teacher or a student can be helpful for learning.
Hobbies & Interests: Crafting, sewing, nature appreciation, traveling.
Amy Eldred - Library & Art
About Me: I live in Kings with my husband Rick and my daughter Sofie, who is a 7th grader here, and our beloved dog Shaw. This is my sixth year at Kings. I’m excited to see what good things happen this year!
Hobbies & Interests: My family loves to travel to visit historical sites.
Rich Pelka - Maintenance & Transportation Director
Mr. Pelka has been keeping the Kings School building in tip top shape since 2018. He drives the bus and takes care of the building and grounds with pride. He lives in Kings with his wife Sandy. They have three adult children and in their free time they like to go cruising in their Jeep.
Paty Moreno
Email: pmoreno@kings144.org
SPED Paraprofessional
About Me: Hello, my name is Paty Moreno and I am currently working my second year at Kings as a SPED paraprofessional. I worked at OCEC plus life skills at the Rochelle middle school for 4 years as well as 12 years as a CNA at Dekalb Clinic. These jobs have been the most meaningful in my life as they made me feel like I not only had a job but I was making a difference in people’s lives. I truly love my job and hope to be here for many more years.
Education: Degree: Paraprofessional License
Teaching Philosophy: If they can’t learn the way we teach, we teach the way they learn.
Hobbies & Interests: I enjoy spending time with my family, crafting, swimming, and recently spending some time on our boat.
Fun Fact: After I retire, I would like to move to Puerto Rico.
