Lia Ozolins-Baker: Director
I have owned The Prep School since 1996 – twenty-five years – WOW! – what memories! I have my Masters’ degree in Educational Leadership from IU, taught Kindergarten for 10 years, and have taught at Ivy Tech Community College in the Education Department for 20 years! I reside at Amelia Island in Florida and enjoy playing tennis, golf, pickleball, listening to live local bands, and having fun with friends (and my main squeeze – Mike Baker)! We are BIG football and sports fans – and are ready for Fantasy Football, college football, actually, ANY SPORTING EVENT! I am “one cat short of crazy”, so I have four and you might find a few regular raccoons, armadillos, and opossums in my jungle of a backyard… Looking forward to a new adventure this school year.
Jen Posson: 5’s Teacher/ Site Supervisor
I am originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Go Steelers!) but moved to Indiana in 1997. I graduated in December of 2012 from Indiana University with my Bachelors’ degree in Elementary Education. I started substitute teaching at The Prep School in August 2006 and received my Indiana Teaching License in 2019. My son, Jacob, and my daughter, Hailey, are both graduates of the Prep School. I enjoy music, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.
Emily Eldridge: 4’s Teacher
I am originally from Michigan City, IN and moved to Bloomington to attend IU. I graduated from IU in 2019 with my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I also hold my Indiana Teaching License for Preschool-3rd Grade. Before coming to The Prep School, I worked with pre-school aged children in a childcare center for 3 years. Outside of school, I enjoy traveling, reading, and hanging out with my dog, Harper. I am so happy to be a part of The Prep School and look forward to spending more time with the kids!
Mary Baker: 4’s Teacher
I graduated from Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana with a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Life in 2006. I started my career in 2007 working with various age groups from infants to 5-year-olds. I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, swimming, and playing tennis. I am excited for the new school year!
Dawn Caffery: 3’s Teacher
I’m so excited to be starting my new journey here at The Prep School. I’m originally born and raised in Indianapolis IN. I moved to Bloomington in 2018 and have loved every about this town. I have A loving husband with two sweet girls at home Kaylee (9), Jane (8 months) and three fur babies. time with I started my career in 2014 with a B.A degree in Social and Criminal Justice with a plan to help troubled children in the system. I then found my passion with working with children. I was a youth director for four years in Indianapolis then moved into teaching shortly after moving to Bloomington. I love being able to spend my family and trying new adventures. I can’t wait to see what my future holds for me at The Prep School!
Cat Cowan: Specials Teacher
I am Catherine, but I go by Cat. I moved to Bloomington, Indiana in 2013 after being born and raised in Eagle River, Alaska. Family means everything to me and I treasure being close with mine. I earned my CDA technical certificate through Ivy Tech in 2019 and plan on continuing on to a degree in the near future. In the beginning of May, I married the love of my life in the midst of this insane pandemic! We are so happy and thankful we could still make that happen. When I am not working, I love throwing the frisbee with my hubby, playing with makeup with my sister, music and concerts, baking, babysitting, traveling and adventuring, Netflix binging, scrapbooking and taking care of my sunflowers. I love working at The Prep School and trying to provide structure and normalcy for your children during this crazy time!
Hope Granger: Substitute
Hello! My name is Hope and I’m a substitute teacher here at The Prep School. I am from Terre Haute, IN and now reside in Bloomington. Currently, I’m student at Indiana University studying Fitness and Wellness. I am a former Indiana Softball player and love being active and interacting with people, especially youth. I have always enjoyed being involved with youth sports because they’re always active and energetic like me! When I’m not working, you can find me at a gym, with my family, or playing with my dogs!
Paige Chitwood: Substitute
I have been subbing at The Prep School for about five months now and absolutely love it! I am currently a sophomore at Indiana University majoring in Psychology in hopes to go to grad school to become a Developmental Psychologist. I love sports, planning, helping others, and of course spending time with my family and friends. I can’t wait to continue to work with The Prep School students!
Katie Arnold: Cook