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!”
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.”
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.”
https://www.geneseoschools.org/o/geneseo/page/register-for-the-2025-26-school-year
