Second Grade Team

When I was little, I loved books. I'm older now, but I still love to read and my house is full of books. One of the fun things about being a teacher is that I get to share books with children. I also get to help them become readers who love books, too. I have been teaching for four years and am new to Abess Park this year. I feel incredibly fortunate to be in this line of work. Opening the door each morning to 19 little smiling faces makes the challenges of this profession melt away. It's thrilling to have the opportunity to fill young minds with knowledge, spark their curiosity, and instill a love of learning. I look forward to a great year at Abess Park! Contact Ms. Gerisch at: kuyathm@duvalschools.org

Hi, I'm Stephanie Harrell. I have been teaching at Abess Park since 2006. I teach 2nd grade and I enjoy the opportunity to inspire and be inspired by the students I teach. I received my BA in Elementary Education from the University of North Florida in 1992. I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family.

Hi! I'm Kim Knopp and have proudly taught at Abess Park since January 2000. My first 7 years at the "Park" I taught third grade and this is my third year teaching second grade. I grew up in the beaches area and attended Fletcher High School, then began college. I realized my love for teaching as my three daughters were attending school. I continued on to the University of North Florida where I graduated Magna cum Laude. Currently my daughters are all in college, we try to get together as much as possible to go camping or just spend some time on the beach.

Hi! My name is Carolyn Lewallen. I was born and raised here in Jacksonville. I graduated from Sandalwood High School. And after several years of volunteering at school when my children were young, I went college. I graduated Magma Cum Laude with my BA in Elementary Education from the University of North Florida. This is my eighth year teaching here at Abess Park. I have taught 7 of those years in 2nd grade and one year in 1st grade. I enjoy working in the primary grades and watching my students grow and blossom throughout the year. I feel very fortunate to work with such incredible teachers and staff. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, scrapbooking, and shopping.

Hello! My name is Debby Mason and I have been teaching for 26 years. I graduated from Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky with my Bachelor's Degree in Learning & Behavior Disorders. I then taught special education in Illinois for two years before moving to Jacksonville in 1986. While it was hard to leave my family and friends, I love living and teaching in Jacksonville! I earned my Master's Degree in Counselor Education from UNF. I taught special education at Central Riverside Elementary and special education and first grade at San Pablo Elementary. Then I was blessed to be hired at Abess Park the year we opened. I taught third grade for the first five years and then I looped up to fourth grade with my class. I then left the classroom and became the Guidance Counselor for two years. I soon decided that I missed being in the classroom with students, so I asked to return to teaching and have been back in third grade for the last five years. I love being part of the wonderful third grade team of teachers!

In my free time, I enjoy reading, shopping, and cheering for the Jaguars and the St. Louis Cardinals. I also spend time spoiling my four-legged child, Chloe - a four year old Cocker Spaniel. During holidays and summers I travel to Illinois to visit my family.

You can contact Ms Mason at: Masond1@duvalschools.org

I began my teaching career in Chesapeake, Virginia teaching fourth grade. My degree is from Old Dominion University. I have taught second through sixth grade and found that second grade is my "true love". The students are endearing, engaged, and fun. When not teaching I enjoy reading, bike riding, and spending time with my family. Abess Park is a wonderful school and I am blessed to work with the best colleagues, administrators, and students.

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