Mrs. Kathy Barnett is the administrator and head teacher of the preschool program at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School. She has had more than 25 years of experience in early education in addition to the 11 years she spent at home with her four children. Kathy was born in Chicago and raised in Peoria; she graduated from St. Philomena grade school and Bergan High School. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Eastern Illinois University. Mrs. Barnett and her husband are parishioners of St. Philomena.
Mrs. Barnett brings her love of God into her classroom every single day. She has an amazing ability to take something so awesome and bring it down to a level that is understood and absorbed by young children. Mrs. Barnett is inspired by Mother Teresa, whose message is for people to embrace their vocation as a gift from God and use it in their daily lives. It is clear from the moment you enter her classroom as she provides just that for both the children and their parents.
Mrs. Barnett is a mom to four children, grandmother to seven (with one on the way!) and wife of 38 years to her husband, Mike. If she is not spending time with her family, you might find her curled up with a book, somewhere near an ocean or lake or exercising. She has an unwavering love for children, and really understands how to nurture and develop young minds. Every day she brings and shares this knowledge that she has gained from both work and her personal experiences into the classroom.
Mrs. Barnett comes prepared every day with a game plan, but is always prepared for the unexpected, especially with a group of unpredictable 4 year olds. Mrs. Barnett’s classroom is one your child will come out with something special. Mrs. Barnett’s favorite quote sums up her feelings toward young children: “I love these little people, and it is not a slight thing when they who are so fresh from God love us.” – Charles Dickens