At St. Patrick's since: 1988

Mrs. Kealhofer's tenure with St. Patrick School started in 1975. She has taught children in grades Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Second and Third. Mrs. Kealhofer received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education and an Elementary Kindergarten through Grade Nine Endorsement from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. She continues to further her education by attending graduate classes at Drake University in Des Moines during the summers.

She is originally from Mason City, Iowa and attended Holy Family Elementary School and Newman High School there. Mrs. Kealhofer and her husband, G. Michael, who is an attorney in private practice, have four children. They have all attended St. Patrick School. Her husband has offered his support for the school by serving terms on the School Board and Parish Finance Council. He was instrumental in setting up the St. Patrick School-O'Malley Foundation. This foundation was established to financially assist in the operation of the school. He continues to manage it today.

In her spare time Mrs. Kealhofer enjoys cooking, reading and traveling with her family.

Mrs. Kealhofer believes that students live up to what is expected of them. When she plans her lessons she asks herself if this is the best activity for students. Is this lesson going to help them become more independent learners? She has also made a commitment to instill values and teach her students how to live their faith each day in the classroom.

dkealhof@dowling.pvt.k12.ia.us