Dave Osborne

 David Osborne has recently joined the Monroe Elementary staff as a new fourth grade teacher. Mr. Osborne grew up un South Charleston, Ohio (near Springfield) and attended Bowling Green State University. He brings with him 17 years of teaching experience. He taught seventh grade geography at Vail Middle School for 5 years and at Roosevelt Elementary he taught sixth grade for 6 years, third grade for 4 years, and second grade for 2 years. He enjoys reading, traveling, and roller coasters (see you at PKI, Mr. Osborne!!) When asked why he pursued a position at Monroe Elementary, he states, "I wanted to be a part of a new and progressive district." Welcome David Osborne!!
 


Kathy Gall

 Monroe Elementary is glad to welcome Kathy Gall as a fourth grade teacher. She comes to Monroe with 11 years of experience in teaching including Wildwood Elementary in Middletown and Shawnee Elementary in Lakota. She grew up in Monroe and graduated from LMHS in 1987 and still lives in the same house she grew up in!! Mrs. Gall attended the University of Cincinnati for her B.S. and Wright State for her M.A. She is married (Charlie) and has 3 children-Alex(7), Madison(4) and Jacob (3). Her hobbies include coaching soccer, playing soccer, swimming, decorating, and just being creative (look out Martha Stewart!). When asked why she came to Monroe Elementary, she stated " I have always wanted to teach at Monroe (it's been my dream since the second grade) and I finally made it! I would like to give back to the community that has given me so much over the years." She would like the students and community to know that they should never give up on their dreams. If you try hard enough and work at it, you can reach your goals. Stick with it and be true to yourself! Welcome back, Kathy Gall!!
 


Kirsta Larbes
Krista Larbes has joined Monroe Elementary School's team of "special" teachers as our new art teacher.  Mrs. Larbes has been teaching for 6 years at Roosevelt Elementary in Middletown and Emerson Elementary in Sydney, OH.  She is married (Randy) and has a 4 month old son, Jonah.  Mrs. Larbes grew up in Middletown and attended Eastern Kentucky.  Her hobbies include reading, painting and walking.  When asked about her decision to come to Monroe, she said "I had heard wonderful things about the staff and students at Monroe.  They were all true.  I really enjoy working here and being part of such an exciting district.  I am very excited and proud to be part of this NEW district!!"  Welcome, Krista Larbes!!
 


Melissa Giffen
Melissa Giffen has recently joined the Monroe Elementary staff as a first grade teacher.  Melissa is a first year teacher (after making a career change from trainer to teacher) and graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University and  Masters in Labor and Employment Relations from the University of Cincinnati as well as getting her teaching certificate from the University of Dayton.  She is married (Michael) and has a 2 1/2 year old son named Benjamin.  Mrs. Giffen grew up in Middletown and now resides in Monroe and completed her student teaching at Monroe Elementary.  Her hobbies include spending time with family going camping and boating and collecting anything with a nautical theme.  Melissa says "I am totally excited to be at Monroe Elementary working with a great team of first grade teachers!!"  Welcome Melissa Giffen!
 

 


Mark Strickland
Filling a newly created position this year at Monroe Elementary, Mark Strickland becomes the first-ever assistant principal at our school!!  Mr. Strickland is beginning his eighth year in education.  His experience includes teaching physical education and fifth grade at Pierce Elementary in Hamilton.  Mark grew up in Hanover Township and attended Miami University where he earned a scholarship to play football.  He is married (Shelly) with 2 children, Sarah, 2 1/2 and Nathan who was just born the week before school started!!  His hobbies include being an avid runner (he has run in the past two Flying Pig Marathons) and spending time with his family.  Mr. Strickland was attracted to Monroe Elementary because it is a great school with great community spirit!!  Welcome Mark Strickland!!
 


Susan Knicely
Susan Knicely has recently joined our staff of "special" teachers at Monroe Elementary filling the position of music teacher.  Ms. Knicely grew up on a farm near Zanesville, OH and attended Cedarville University.  She has been teaching for 18 years at schools such as Mad River Green and most recently Indian Valley Middle School.  Her hobbies include scrapbooking, cooking, and gardening and she has a pet cat named Foxy.  Susan has enjoyed the staff she has met and is excited about what the future holds for Monroe.  She would like the students and community to know that she is happy to be here and looks forward to meeting you!!  Welcome Susan Knicely!!