Kindergarten

Ms. Betancourt

I am so excited to be here in dual kindergarten! I earned my bachelor's degree in early childhood education and earned an endorsement in bilingual ESL ELL education at Rasmussen College, I also earned my Master’s in Special Education at Aurora University.  I also teach at the University Of St. Francis in Joliet, in the evenings. I am married and have four kiddos. One is married and brought a grand daughter, they live in Texas. My two sons attend Iowa University (Go Hawks!) and my youngest is a Senior in High School and in the Marching Band (go Tigers!). We have three dogs and two turtles. In my free time I love to go off-roading and giving back to the community, also I do volunteer work in my son’s band. I love movies and when I have some time I love to read.

Mrs. Lenz

Excited to start year 22 in kinder (year 13 at RW) and loving every day of it! I earned my degree while playing volleyball at Purdue University (Go Boilers!) and my Master’s Degree from National Louis University.  My family has my heart, and watching our 3 kids grow up has been our greatest joy and privilege! When I’m not at school, you can find me on my yoga mat, outside with our 3 dogs, sitting by a beach with friends and family, listening to country music, or cheering on my kids at rugby or softball. A smile and sunshine are my favorite accessories!

Mrs. Martin

My name is Leigh Martin, and I am thrilled to be the new kindergarten teacher at River Woods Elementary School! I grew up in Naperville attending Steeple Run Elementary School, Madison Junior High and Naperville Central High School. I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and my master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Rockford College. I taught kindergarten and first grade in Indian Prairie School District 204 for 8 years before taking time off to stay home with my children. For the past 7 years I have been teaching preschool in Naperville, which I have simply adored. It has been such a joy and privilege to give the youngest learners their first school experience!

I am so excited to begin my new adventure at River Woods and am looking forward to creating a warm, positive, nurturing & supportive learning environment for my new kindergarten students and collaborating with staff and families to help each student grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Ms. Smuda

I am so excited to be a part of River Woods teaching Kindergarten. I have taught Kinder for 3 years and First Grade for 1 year.  I earned my degree in Early Childhood Education at Western Michigan University and have my masters in Curriculum and Instruction. I love all things reading, friends, sports and family. I grew up in Michigan and moved to Naperville this past summer. When I am not at school, you can find me hanging out with my friends or on my patio reading a good book. I love to go to football games (Go Irish!) and visit my family whenever I am able.