GMS is already hitting the ground running for 2025-26. Softball has played 2 games, Golf is wrapping up their first week of practice, Beginner Band had their premier concert, and students are exploring the bright halls during Locker Setup days (today and Friday 2-6pm). Let's Go!
We are excited to introduce Cody Robertson, the new U.S. History teacher at Geneseo Middle School.
Mr. Robertson attended Black Hawk College and the University of Illinois Springfield, earning his bachelor’s degree in history and middle grades education. He comes from a medical background, having spent eight years working in emergency rooms and on an ambulance as an EMT before switching to education.
“While working in past jobs, I’ve always had some sort of side work that involved teaching, whether that was guitar lessons, CPR, or equipment training,” said Mr. Robertson. “I always looked forward to the days I was able to present, discuss and instruct, and I’m beyond excited to say that I’m now a full-time teacher. I was exposed to many inspirational teachers throughout my time as a student in district 228, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to pay that forward. My teaching style leans more towards a discussion-based approach, which I believe increases dialogue and interaction between students also lends to deeper learning overall.”
Mr. Robertson attended Black Hawk College and the University of Illinois Springfield, earning his bachelor’s degree in history and middle grades education. He comes from a medical background, having spent eight years working in emergency rooms and on an ambulance as an EMT before switching to education.
“While working in past jobs, I’ve always had some sort of side work that involved teaching, whether that was guitar lessons, CPR, or equipment training,” said Mr. Robertson. “I always looked forward to the days I was able to present, discuss and instruct, and I’m beyond excited to say that I’m now a full-time teacher. I was exposed to many inspirational teachers throughout my time as a student in district 228, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to pay that forward. My teaching style leans more towards a discussion-based approach, which I believe increases dialogue and interaction between students also lends to deeper learning overall.”
We’re thrilled to welcome Monica Furlong, a special education coordinator who will work in GHS, GMS and Northside Elementary.
Dr. Furlong attended Lincoln College, Illinois State University, Roosevelt University and Aurora University, and she has 20 years of experience in education, serving in roles as a special education teacher, assistant director of special education, director of special education, and building principal.
“I'm so excited to be a part of such a family and student-centered community. My husband works at the high school and our son attends elementary school in Geneseo so we are highly invested in the community,” said Dr. Furlong. “I'm eager to work here because I have seen first-hand all the amazing teachers and their hard work they put in for our students. I'm excited for my role to support staff, students, and to continue to grow our special education programming so all students succeed. My goals include continuing the great things happening in Geneseo while providing coaching, resources, and supports to staff, students, and families.”
Dr. Furlong attended Lincoln College, Illinois State University, Roosevelt University and Aurora University, and she has 20 years of experience in education, serving in roles as a special education teacher, assistant director of special education, director of special education, and building principal.
“I'm so excited to be a part of such a family and student-centered community. My husband works at the high school and our son attends elementary school in Geneseo so we are highly invested in the community,” said Dr. Furlong. “I'm eager to work here because I have seen first-hand all the amazing teachers and their hard work they put in for our students. I'm excited for my role to support staff, students, and to continue to grow our special education programming so all students succeed. My goals include continuing the great things happening in Geneseo while providing coaching, resources, and supports to staff, students, and families.”
We’re excited to introduce Beth Brasmer, who will be co-teaching life skills at Geneseo Middle School.
Brasmer has an associate’s degree in early childhood from Black Hawk College and a bachelor’s degree in special education from Western Illinois University. She has worked in a variety of educational roles, including as an aide and teacher in early childhood education centers, a paraprofessional and teacher for the Rock Island School District, an early learning specialist at Black Hawk College, and a teacher in the field of special education.
“I have always had a heart for teaching life skills,” said Brasmer. “I believe that teaching these skills to our students is integral to giving them the best chance for success as adults and citizens in their future. It is my goal to build a relationship with my students so they will feel safe and supported as they practice and learn the many skill sets that are included within the scope of life skills. I am especially excited to be coming to Geneseo. I have always heard positive things about the community as well as the school district, and although I haven’t officially started yet, I have been warmly welcomed and I already feel that I’m part of a great team!”
Brasmer has an associate’s degree in early childhood from Black Hawk College and a bachelor’s degree in special education from Western Illinois University. She has worked in a variety of educational roles, including as an aide and teacher in early childhood education centers, a paraprofessional and teacher for the Rock Island School District, an early learning specialist at Black Hawk College, and a teacher in the field of special education.
“I have always had a heart for teaching life skills,” said Brasmer. “I believe that teaching these skills to our students is integral to giving them the best chance for success as adults and citizens in their future. It is my goal to build a relationship with my students so they will feel safe and supported as they practice and learn the many skill sets that are included within the scope of life skills. I am especially excited to be coming to Geneseo. I have always heard positive things about the community as well as the school district, and although I haven’t officially started yet, I have been warmly welcomed and I already feel that I’m part of a great team!”
Please join us in welcoming Carrie Brown, who will be teaching life skills at Northside Elementary.
Mrs. Brown is a Loras College graduate and has a variety of professional experience, including giving swimming lessons for 30 years and helping her husband with their business, Second Chance CPR. She is a certified CPR, BLS, First AID and AED instructor through the American Heart Association.
“I am really looking forward to being at Northside Elementary School,” said Mrs. Brown. “I can't wait to be with the kids and staff! I have amazing people that I will be working with and I look forward to supporting my students in achieving their educational goals.”
Mrs. Brown is a Loras College graduate and has a variety of professional experience, including giving swimming lessons for 30 years and helping her husband with their business, Second Chance CPR. She is a certified CPR, BLS, First AID and AED instructor through the American Heart Association.
“I am really looking forward to being at Northside Elementary School,” said Mrs. Brown. “I can't wait to be with the kids and staff! I have amazing people that I will be working with and I look forward to supporting my students in achieving their educational goals.”
We are pleased to introduce Jen Woolsey, our new instructional coach at Geneseo Middle School.
Mrs. Woolsey earned her bachelor's degree in mathematics with a concentration in secondary education from Illinois Wesleyan University, then a master's from the American College of Education in curriculum and instruction. Her previous experience includes teaching math at GHS (2011-2017) and Riverdale Middle School (2018-2024). Last year, she worked for the Rock Island-Milan School District as a math and science instructional coach.
“I am excited to return to the Geneseo School District where I started my teaching career and where my children attend,” Mrs. Woolsey stated. “My experiences teaching and my colleagues at GHS instilled the Teach-Learn-Care motto in me. I love making connections with and learning from students and colleagues, and I am excited to partner with the GMS teachers and district instructional coaches to support instruction and enhance student learning.”
Mrs. Woolsey earned her bachelor's degree in mathematics with a concentration in secondary education from Illinois Wesleyan University, then a master's from the American College of Education in curriculum and instruction. Her previous experience includes teaching math at GHS (2011-2017) and Riverdale Middle School (2018-2024). Last year, she worked for the Rock Island-Milan School District as a math and science instructional coach.
“I am excited to return to the Geneseo School District where I started my teaching career and where my children attend,” Mrs. Woolsey stated. “My experiences teaching and my colleagues at GHS instilled the Teach-Learn-Care motto in me. I love making connections with and learning from students and colleagues, and I am excited to partner with the GMS teachers and district instructional coaches to support instruction and enhance student learning.”
We are happy to welcome back Emilee Conduff, who will be teaching the 4th grade at Northside Elementary.
Mrs. Conduff earned her undergraduate degree from Monmouth College and recently completed her master’s degree in educational leadership at Western Illinois University. She taught 1st grade for the Rock Island-Milan school district for a year, then spent five years teaching 3rd and 1st grades in Geneseo at Northside before taking a year to be home with her first daughter. In both districts, she had the opportunity to serve on building leadership teams that helped her grow as a professional and person.
“I am so excited to be returning to the classroom this fall, but I am especially excited to return to the Geneseo school district as a result of the strong sense of community and connection that the district and town as a whole provides,” said Mrs. Conduff. “What I love most about teaching are the ‘aha’ moments when a student truly understands a concept or accomplishes a personal goal. It’s so incredibly rewarding to watch students' confidence grow as they realize what they are capable of. I also love building relationships with my students and creating a classroom environment where they know just how happy I am to see them each day. The community of Geneseo is the one in which I have always dreamed of investing in and raising my family in since growing up here, and so I am so thankful to have the opportunity to be back in the school district.”
Mrs. Conduff earned her undergraduate degree from Monmouth College and recently completed her master’s degree in educational leadership at Western Illinois University. She taught 1st grade for the Rock Island-Milan school district for a year, then spent five years teaching 3rd and 1st grades in Geneseo at Northside before taking a year to be home with her first daughter. In both districts, she had the opportunity to serve on building leadership teams that helped her grow as a professional and person.
“I am so excited to be returning to the classroom this fall, but I am especially excited to return to the Geneseo school district as a result of the strong sense of community and connection that the district and town as a whole provides,” said Mrs. Conduff. “What I love most about teaching are the ‘aha’ moments when a student truly understands a concept or accomplishes a personal goal. It’s so incredibly rewarding to watch students' confidence grow as they realize what they are capable of. I also love building relationships with my students and creating a classroom environment where they know just how happy I am to see them each day. The community of Geneseo is the one in which I have always dreamed of investing in and raising my family in since growing up here, and so I am so thankful to have the opportunity to be back in the school district.”
Geneseo CUSD #228 and Henry-Stark Counties Special Education District #801 are looking to hire three classroom aides to work in our elementary schools:
-- Special Education Preschool
-- Elementary Life Skills
-- Elementary Special Education
Our district is also searching for new athletic coaches and after school childcare (SAFE) aides. Learn more about all of these roles and apply today:
https://www.geneseoschools.org/page/employment
https://www.hscsed.org/jobs
We are excited to introduce Madisyn Ryan, our new kindergarten teacher at Millikin Elementary.
Mrs. Ryan attended Black Hawk East and Illinois State University, then worked at a preschool in Rockford for a year and taught kindergarten in Terre Haute for three years.
“Being new to the Geneseo area has been full of warm welcomes and tons of support, and the school year hasn't even begun yet,” Mrs. Ryan said. “I like to think of kindergarten as the start of an amazing journey and I feel very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of each student's beginning. I truly look forward to this upcoming school year in kindergarten hoping to instill a love of learning, while also getting to know the Geneseo community even better.”
Mrs. Ryan attended Black Hawk East and Illinois State University, then worked at a preschool in Rockford for a year and taught kindergarten in Terre Haute for three years.
“Being new to the Geneseo area has been full of warm welcomes and tons of support, and the school year hasn't even begun yet,” Mrs. Ryan said. “I like to think of kindergarten as the start of an amazing journey and I feel very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of each student's beginning. I truly look forward to this upcoming school year in kindergarten hoping to instill a love of learning, while also getting to know the Geneseo community even better.”
We are pleased to welcome Tara Hinton, our new 9th and 10th grade English teacher at Geneseo High School.
Tara received her first bachelor’s degree in recreation from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. After working in management for several years, she became a stay-at-home mom and spent the next eight years raising her two sons. During that period, she attended Western Illinois of the Quad Cities to obtain her second bachelor’s degree in education. After graduating, she spent 13 years teaching 7th and 8th grade language arts for the East Moline school district.
“I am thrilled to be coming back home to complete my teaching career. As a grad of Geneseo High School and having two sons that went through the Geneseo schools, I can’t think of a better place to be,” said Tara. “I look forward to meeting the students, parents, and peers that I will have the opportunity to share experiences with. I’m honored to be back ‘home.’”
Tara received her first bachelor’s degree in recreation from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. After working in management for several years, she became a stay-at-home mom and spent the next eight years raising her two sons. During that period, she attended Western Illinois of the Quad Cities to obtain her second bachelor’s degree in education. After graduating, she spent 13 years teaching 7th and 8th grade language arts for the East Moline school district.
“I am thrilled to be coming back home to complete my teaching career. As a grad of Geneseo High School and having two sons that went through the Geneseo schools, I can’t think of a better place to be,” said Tara. “I look forward to meeting the students, parents, and peers that I will have the opportunity to share experiences with. I’m honored to be back ‘home.’”
Please join us in welcoming Katy Schmitt, our new 3rd grade teacher at Southwest Elementary.
Ms. Schmitt graduated from Western Illinois University, then taught 2nd grade at Eagle Ridge in Silvis for two years.
“I'm excited to join the Geneseo school district and be part of its strong, supportive community,” said Ms. Schmitt. “I love helping students build confidence and a love of learning. I strive to create a safe, welcoming classroom where all students feel valued and 'at home.' I can't wait to meet and get to know my students!”
Ms. Schmitt graduated from Western Illinois University, then taught 2nd grade at Eagle Ridge in Silvis for two years.
“I'm excited to join the Geneseo school district and be part of its strong, supportive community,” said Ms. Schmitt. “I love helping students build confidence and a love of learning. I strive to create a safe, welcoming classroom where all students feel valued and 'at home.' I can't wait to meet and get to know my students!”
We’re pleased to introduce Danielle Wieland, our new 4th grade teacher at Millikin Elementary.
Mrs. Wieland owns a pair of degrees, a bachelor’s from Western Illinois University in elementary education and a master’s from WIU–Quad Cities in counseling. Her professional experience includes two years teaching 1st grade at Monmouth ICS, four years teaching kindergarten at George O. Barr in Silvis, subbing in Silvis, and two and a half years as a middle school counselor at Glenview Middle School in East Moline.
“I am so excited to be a part of the Geneseo community and devote my time to the students, families and school family,” stated Mrs. Wieland. “Throughout my career, I have been passionate about helping students reach their full potential. One of my favorite quotes is, ‘Be who you needed when you were younger.’ I hope to help students thrive while in a nurturing environment where Teach-Learn-Care is the motto!”
Mrs. Wieland owns a pair of degrees, a bachelor’s from Western Illinois University in elementary education and a master’s from WIU–Quad Cities in counseling. Her professional experience includes two years teaching 1st grade at Monmouth ICS, four years teaching kindergarten at George O. Barr in Silvis, subbing in Silvis, and two and a half years as a middle school counselor at Glenview Middle School in East Moline.
“I am so excited to be a part of the Geneseo community and devote my time to the students, families and school family,” stated Mrs. Wieland. “Throughout my career, I have been passionate about helping students reach their full potential. One of my favorite quotes is, ‘Be who you needed when you were younger.’ I hope to help students thrive while in a nurturing environment where Teach-Learn-Care is the motto!”
We’re excited to welcome Stephanie Wexell to Millikin Elementary, where she will be a special education teacher.
Mrs. Wexell obtained her bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University and is currently working on her master’s at Western Illinois University. She previously worked in human resources for 12 years and spent four years as a short- and long-term substitute teacher for Geneseo’s schools.
“Excited doesn’t even begin to explain how I’m feeling as the new school year approaches!” Mrs. Wexell said. “Geneseo is such a wonderful community, and our schools reflect that same spirit. Witnessing and being a part of our teachers and staff embracing our district motto of Teach-Learn-Care has been such a blessing. I hope to become a teacher who not only supports academic growth but also builds strong relationships, fosters a sense of belonging, and helps every student feel seen, valued, and capable.”
Mrs. Wexell obtained her bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University and is currently working on her master’s at Western Illinois University. She previously worked in human resources for 12 years and spent four years as a short- and long-term substitute teacher for Geneseo’s schools.
“Excited doesn’t even begin to explain how I’m feeling as the new school year approaches!” Mrs. Wexell said. “Geneseo is such a wonderful community, and our schools reflect that same spirit. Witnessing and being a part of our teachers and staff embracing our district motto of Teach-Learn-Care has been such a blessing. I hope to become a teacher who not only supports academic growth but also builds strong relationships, fosters a sense of belonging, and helps every student feel seen, valued, and capable.”
We’re happy to introduce Jordan Seei, who will be working at Southwest Elementary as a cross-categorical teacher.
Mrs. Seei earned her bachelor’s degree from St. Ambrose University and her master’s degree from Grand Canyon University. She possesses five years of experience teaching middle school special education in Peoria Public Schools.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to teach in the district I chose for my own child to grow up in!” said Mrs. Seei. “I am looking forward to building relationships with my students and supporting their academic and personal growth. I hope to be a positive contribution to the Southwest and Geneseo community!”
Mrs. Seei earned her bachelor’s degree from St. Ambrose University and her master’s degree from Grand Canyon University. She possesses five years of experience teaching middle school special education in Peoria Public Schools.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to teach in the district I chose for my own child to grow up in!” said Mrs. Seei. “I am looking forward to building relationships with my students and supporting their academic and personal growth. I hope to be a positive contribution to the Southwest and Geneseo community!”
Please join us in welcoming Taylor DeSplinter to Northside Elementary, where she’ll be teaching 5th grade students.
Mrs. DeSplinter, a graduate of Western Illinois University, spent two and a half years as a math intervention aide and was a long-term substitute teacher within the Geneseo School District this past school year.
“I’m so excited to be teaching at Northside after supporting students at Southwest as a math aide and at Millikin as a long-term sub,” said Mrs. DeSplinter. “As someone who grew up in Geneseo, went to school here, and is now raising my family in the district, this community means so much to me. I love helping students build confidence, especially in math, and aim to create a calm, consistent, and encouraging classroom environment. I’m most excited to get to know my students, cheer them on, and be someone they can count on!”
Mrs. DeSplinter, a graduate of Western Illinois University, spent two and a half years as a math intervention aide and was a long-term substitute teacher within the Geneseo School District this past school year.
“I’m so excited to be teaching at Northside after supporting students at Southwest as a math aide and at Millikin as a long-term sub,” said Mrs. DeSplinter. “As someone who grew up in Geneseo, went to school here, and is now raising my family in the district, this community means so much to me. I love helping students build confidence, especially in math, and aim to create a calm, consistent, and encouraging classroom environment. I’m most excited to get to know my students, cheer them on, and be someone they can count on!”
We’re pleased to introduce Anna Poel, our new music teacher at Northside Elementary.
Ms. Poel graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a degree in Music Education. She completed her student teaching in Champaign and Wheeling, and had the pleasure of working with the Geneseo Children's Choir over the summer. This is Ms. Poel’s first year teaching.
“I graduated from Geneseo High School in 2021 and I am thrilled to come back to a community that loves and supports the fine arts,” noted Ms. Poel. “My goal as an elementary music teacher is to inspire as many students as possible to continue to pursue music in the Geneseo music program. Music is a wonderful tool to build community, keep your body moving, and to explore the world around you and I'm honored to be teaching it in my hometown.”
Ms. Poel graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a degree in Music Education. She completed her student teaching in Champaign and Wheeling, and had the pleasure of working with the Geneseo Children's Choir over the summer. This is Ms. Poel’s first year teaching.
“I graduated from Geneseo High School in 2021 and I am thrilled to come back to a community that loves and supports the fine arts,” noted Ms. Poel. “My goal as an elementary music teacher is to inspire as many students as possible to continue to pursue music in the Geneseo music program. Music is a wonderful tool to build community, keep your body moving, and to explore the world around you and I'm honored to be teaching it in my hometown.”
We’re happy to welcome Cassie Wales, our new 5th grade teacher at Southwest Elementary.
Ms. Wales earned a bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University-Quad Cities and a master’s degree from WIU's MAT teaching program. She taught 1st grade at Seton Catholic School the past three years and also brings experience from being a paraprofessional, library aid, and working in after-school programs.
“I am truly excited to teach in Geneseo because of its strong sense of community and commitment to supporting every student,” Ms. Wales said. “What I enjoy most about teaching is the opportunity to inspire curiosity and help students discover their unique strengths. In the classroom, I strive to create an engaging and positive place where students feel safe and valued. My favorite parts of the day are the ‘aha’ moments and seeing the sense of pride on their faces once a concept clicks. This year, I’m looking forward to showing how learning should be as fun as it is meaningful. I cannot wait to laugh and smile with all the students, faculty, and families.”
We’re excited to introduce Sarah Williams, our new special education teacher at Geneseo Middle School.
Mrs. Williams received her bachelor's degree from Purdue University and earned her master's degree in special education from Western Illinois University. This is her fourth year teaching special education after previously working with students at nearby Eagle Ridge Elementary and Millikin Elementary.
“I'm honored to have been chosen to work within the Geneseo School District,” said Mrs. Williams. “I look forward to getting to know all of my students and families, and hope to encourage confidence and strength in each of them as we progress through this school year and many years to come. As a Geneseo resident, I've always felt that this town has a strong sense of community and much of that is entrenched in the involvement of the schools, so I am very excited to be part of that.”
Mrs. Williams received her bachelor's degree from Purdue University and earned her master's degree in special education from Western Illinois University. This is her fourth year teaching special education after previously working with students at nearby Eagle Ridge Elementary and Millikin Elementary.
“I'm honored to have been chosen to work within the Geneseo School District,” said Mrs. Williams. “I look forward to getting to know all of my students and families, and hope to encourage confidence and strength in each of them as we progress through this school year and many years to come. As a Geneseo resident, I've always felt that this town has a strong sense of community and much of that is entrenched in the involvement of the schools, so I am very excited to be part of that.”
Please join us in welcoming Mitch Munda, who will teach physical education and health education at Geneseo High School.
Mr. Munda received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and his graduate degree from the American College of Education. He spent eight years at Antioch Community High School teaching strength and conditioning, PE, and health, and coaching football, basketball, and track and field.
“I'm incredibly excited to teach in Geneseo because of the opportunity to connect with students in a community that values both academic rigor and personal growth,” stated Mr. Munda. “I enjoy watching students develop and reach their potential, and celebrating their successes is one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching. My classroom is structured with high expectations, but I believe in creating an environment where students can have fun while pushing themselves to succeed. My goal is to help students not only learn but also build confidence in their abilities to tackle challenges and achieve their goals.”
We are once again introducing our new certified staff, and first up is Keyaira Lavine, our new school counselor at Geneseo High School.
Mrs. Lavine received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, then earned a master’s degree in school counseling from Western Illinois University. She was previously a building sub and paraprofessional in Rock Island throughout her grad program, and worked as a school counselor in Davenport the past two years.
“I am delighted to return to Geneseo to be an active member at GHS and in the community I have known and loved,” said Mrs. Lavine. “My husband, Adam, and I graduated from Geneseo and our children, Bristol and Magnolia, will be the fourth generation in our family to attend as well.”
