Kathy Riley

Did you know that Lower School Counselor Mrs. Kathy Riley's parents were named Dick and Jane, and they had a dog named Spot? Ask her what it was like growing up with the same names as some of children's literature's most famous characters!

I teach a Kindergarten lesson on anger. We read a book called “Ahn's Anger,” which introduces the idea of an "anger monster." This helps children externalize angry feelings. We then talk about things we can do to shrink our anger monsters. Afterward, students create their own anger monsters using scraps of construction paper. They get very creative and come up with wonderful ideas for managing their emotions.

I engage in professional development, attend trainings, read books, listen to podcasts, and learn from amazing colleagues.

I have many favorite teaching moments, but I especially love hearing about a time when a concept from a social-emotional learning lesson made an impact in a child's real life.

Get into gravel biking, meditate more, travel, and make time for friends and family.

Metro Caring, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, Students Demand Action, and the ACLU

Lower School Assembly Crew, Counseling and Wellness Team Member, Digital Wellness Team Member, Community Day Organizer, and Professional Growth Partner

2005

Master’s in Social Work from the University of Denver

Bachelor’s from St. Lawrence University