Our Teachers & Staff

Ms. Shawna – Non-Profit Director

Ms. Shawna joined the Mulberry School family the summer of 2015. She began her journey with us as an Administrative Assistant and Bookkeeper, and in February 2021, she proudly stepped into the role of Non-Profit Director.

Beyond her dedication to Mulberry School, Shawna is passionate about giving back to the community through her volunteer work with the McLean County CASA program. A true sports enthusiast, she’s a devoted Dallas Cowboys and Illini basketball fan. When she’s not working or cheering on her favorite teams, Shawna enjoys spending quality time with her husband David, their three children—Nathan, Tycee, and Sabree—traveling, shopping, and playing with their beloved rescue animals.

Ms. Colette – Academic Coordinator & Morning Preschool Teacher

Ms. Colette joined the Mulberry School family the summer of 2000. She teaches our part-time preschool class and also serves as the Academic Coordinator. A proud graduate of Illinois State University, Colette earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. Outside of Mulberry, she works at Dr. Burgess’s dental office during after-school hours and over the summer.

A passionate sports fan, Colette cheers for the Green Bay Packers, the St. Louis Blues, and the St. Louis Cardinals. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her parents, husband Brian, and daughter Brianna. Their family includes two dogs—Gidget, a Bavarian mountain hound, and Myla, a lively Boston terrier. Colette also loves to travel and explore new places.

Ms. Sharon – 3 Full Day Preschool Teacher

Ms. Sharon joined the Mulberry School family in the fall of 2017 and currently teaches the 3 full-day preschool class. She holds a degree in Elementary Education from Illinois Benedictine University.

Sharon cherishes time with her family—her husband Brian and their two children, Austin and Emma. When she’s not in the classroom, she enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and gardening, as well as spending quality time with family and friends. A lifelong Cubs fan, Sharon also loves to travel and explore new destinations.

Ms. Stephanie – 3 Full Day Preschool Teacher

Ms. Stephanie joined the Mulberry School family in the fall of 2024. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders along with an Early Childhood Education license, and earned her Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Writing through the Ohio Writing Project at Miami University.

Before joining Mulberry, Ms. Stephanie taught Kindergarten and First Grade for ten years in Ohio. She then took time away from the classroom to stay home and raise her son, Maddox. Her husband, Ryan, is the basketball coach at Illinois State University, so much of her free time is spent cheering on both ISU and Maddox’s basketball team. Outside of the gym, her greatest passion is being in the classroom, where she loves making a meaningful impact on young learners.

Ms. Jessie – 5 Full Day Preschool Teacher

Ms. Jessie joined the Mulberry School family in the summer of 2025 and brings both enthusiasm and experience to our younger 5 Full-Day Preschool program. A recent graduate of Illinois State University, Ms. Jessie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education with an endorsement in Special Education. Although this is her first year at Mulberry, it marks her fourth year teaching preschool—a role she is deeply passionate about.

Outside the classroom, Jessie enjoys both teaching and taking dance classes, combining her love for movement and the arts. When she’s not dancing or planning fun learning experiences, Ms. Jessie cherishes time with her partner, Grace, and their two cats, Milo and Mocha.

Ms. Tarrah – 5 Full Day Preschool Teacher

Ms. Tarrah joined the Mulberry School family in the fall of 2024 as our 5 full-day Preschool Teacher. She is a graduate of William Woods University, holding a Bachelor’s degree in American Sign Language with minors in Education and English. Currently, Tarrah is pursuing her Master’s in English Literature from Southern New Hampshire University.

Outside the classroom, Tarrah enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Kane, and their two-year-old son, Nox. Their family includes two cats—Boston and Kiara—and a dog named Finnick. An avid reader and wood-burning enthusiast, Tarrah also loves exploring the great outdoors.

Ms. Payton – Junior Kindergarten/Kindergarten Teacher

We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Payton to the Mulberry School family! She joined us in the summer of 2025 and will be leading our Junior Kindergarten/Kindergarten classroom. A recent graduate of Illinois State University, Ms. Payton holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, with an endorsement in English as a Second Language and a minor in Spanish. She is excited to begin her teaching career at Mulberry!

Outside the classroom, Ms. Payton enjoys curling up with a good book and her adorable new puppy, Landy. In her free time, you’ll often find her spending time with friends and family—cheering on the Bloomington Bison at hockey games or singing along at country music concerts.

Ms. Tycee – Administrative Assistant & Summer Camp Assistant Director

Ms. Tycee joined the Mulberry School family in 2023 as our Administrative Assistant and Summer Camp Director. Though new to the official staff, she’s no stranger to Mulberry—having volunteered since 2016. In 2023, she stepped into her current role for the 2023–2024 academic year. Tycee is a proud graduate of Bloomington High School and the Hairmasters Institute of Cosmetology.

Outside of school, Tycee enjoys spending time with her girlfriend, Ameera, reading, traveling with family, and relaxing with her two cats, Spud and Stunna.

Ms. Amy – Music & Mini Meerkats

Ms. Amy joined the Mulberry School family in the fall of 2022. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Music and a Master’s Degree in Reading, both from Illinois State University. Before joining Mulberry, Amy taught in public schools for ten years before taking time off to be home with her children.

Outside of the classroom, Amy is an avid supporter of literacy and community engagement. She enjoys spending time at the library—not only as a patron but also as a trustee on the Normal Public Library Board. She and her husband, Scott, stay busy cheering on their three daughters at soccer games, softball games, band concerts, and piano recitals.

Ms. Jess – Teaching Assistant & Substitute Teacher & Before Care Supervisor

Ms. Jess joined the Mulberry School family in the fall of 2021 as a preschool parent and is now thrilled to be part of our teaching team in the fall of 2025. She holds degrees in Early Childhood Development (Las Positas College) and Human Development/Adolescent Development (CSU East Bay), and brings 11 years of preschool/Pre-K teaching experience before becoming a stay-at-home mom.

After moving to Bloomington in 2021, both of her children enjoyed their preschool years at Mulberry. Outside of school, Ms. Jess loves traveling with her husband Bryce and kids Finley (7) and Angus (5), tending her many houseplants, crocheting, knitting, and reading. Her family also includes two dogs, Bernie and Bowie, and a leopard gecko, Gia.

Ms. Diana Simmons – Spanish & Art Teacher

Ms. Diana joined the Mulberry School family in the fall of 2025 as the Spanish and Art teacher! She was born and raised in Mexico and moved to Bloomington-Normal over 13 years ago. Before moving here, she taught Kindergarten for over five years. This past spring, I had the joy of working as a Multilingual Art Educator at the Illinois Art Station through a grant-funded project.

She enjoys spending time with her husband, Marcus, and they have two wonderful sons—our oldest is 9, and our youngest is 4. As a family, we enjoy bike rides, traveling, and spending time crafting together. She shares that can’t wait to share the joy of language and creativity with your children at Mulberry and looks forward to a wonderful year of fun, growth, and discovery together!