Panther Tracks
September 5, 2025
Mrs. Anderson - Director of Student Services
Tell us about your family. I have been married to Tom for 30 years (we met in college at UW-Platteville). We have three sons: Nathan, 26, Ryan & Colin, 24. Nathan is working on his Master’s degree in Social Work, Ryan is a Chemical Engineer in TN, and Colin is a Plumbing Apprentice in SC.
What is something that makes you really proud? My family! I just love them so much and am proud of the amazing men they have become.
What is your favorite hobby? I am not sure if I like reading or knitting more. They are both so Zen for me.
What is your favorite food? Chocolate, of course!
What is something you have learned lately? It feels more like a reminder than something brand new, but I’ve been reflecting a lot on the power of hope. This summer, I participated in a book study that centered on this idea, and it left a strong impact on me. I want to intentionally cultivate a radical sense of hope because hope has the ability to counter fear, anxiety, and complacency. It is the promise that tomorrow will be better. Choosing hope allows us to keep moving forward, and I believe the outcomes will always be worth it.
If you were an animal, what would you be and why? A giraffe, because they are beautiful, and to be transparent, when you have never been taller than 5 feet tall, a new vision of the world might be nice.
What are you most excited about as you join Prairie Grove? I absolutely love that we are truly a community of learners. We all want what is best for our students and are willing to learn new things and try strategies to support each other and cheer each other on.
Mr. Martin - Director of Technology
1.Tell us about your family. My wife, Lauren, and I have been together for 15 years and married for 12. We both grew up in Crystal Lake and attended Illinois State University. We currently live in Crystal Lake with our two children, Anderson (11, 6th Grade) and Mila (9, 4th Grade). We also have two cats and two dogs. Family means everything to me! 2.What is something that makes you really proud? My kids make me proud everyday! Anderson is active in Basketball (CLC Tigers), Baseball (TopTier McHenry Co), and Football (CL Raiders). Mila has been a dancer since she was 3 years old and is a member of the Engage Dance Academy. I am also proud to be entering my 19th year at PG - this is a great place to be! 3.What is your favorite hobby?We are a big boating family and spend as much time on the water as we can in the summer! I also spend lots and lots of time attending youth sports as either a coach or spectator. I also love to root for Chicago sports teams (Bears / Cubs / Bulls) and college and high school sports as well! 4. What is your favorite food? Georgios deep dish pizza! And all of their appetizers! 5. What is something you have learned lately? I have learned about many of the new staff and students we have welcomed this summer at PG. I always love meeting new people - it is one of the greatest things about working at PG! 6. If you were an animal, what would you be and why? I have always loved the RHINO. They take things slow and evaluate the situation - but can react fast when needed! 7. What are you most excited for at PG this year? The start to every year is exciting to me and that is one reason that I love working in education! There are many new faces this year that I am looking forward to working with and get to know! I have been at PG for 18+ years now and it never gets old! Looking forward to a great year!
