ECE TEAM
Hello! I'm Amanda Colpo and I have served the Norton community since 2008 as an ECE Teacher. I have the best job in the entire district because I witness my students' remarkable resilience and perseverance daily. I graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2006 with Bachelors of Science in Exceptional Child Education. From there, I attended the University of Louisville and earned my Masters in School Counseling in 2010 and my Rank 1 in Educational Leadership in 2021.
My husband and I have two wonderful kids (Evie & Landon) and one very spoiled fur baby (Bear). I love spending time with my family, cheering on the Cards, crafting with my Cricut and reading lots of books.
Kim Engstrand, Assistant
Oh how I love Norton! This is my 22nd year as an instructional assistant at Norton Elementary. I also went to school here as a kid! Once a Norton Cougar, always a Norton Cougar! My husband and I have 2 amazing children and a sweet dog named Rosie. I love spending time outdoors and on the water. I enjoy fishing, hiking, and creating art.
Jessica Merrick, Assistant
Hi! I'm so happy to join the Norton Elementary family along with my son! I have a Bachelor's (UK) and Master's (IUS) degree in Elementary Education. I previously taught 5th grade and 3rd grade in Shelby County. I am looking forward to gaining experience in a new role!
I was born and raised in Louisville. I have a husband named Patrick and two children (Hadley and Preston). I also have a 7 1/2 lb Morkie named Ollie. Our family loves baseball and softball and I love all things Disney. I'm always looking for an excuse to plan a trip there! I love warm weather and all the fun things it brings.
Heather Gallagher, Teacher
I come to Norton with 18 years of teaching experience, all within JCPS. I absolutely love working with our special population and seeing them flourish with their non-disabled peers! I am honored to be a part of this school because I have practiced, and firmly believe in individualized learning.
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education - Moderate to Severe Disabilities from the University of Kentucky, a Master's of Science degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University Southeast, as well as my Teacher Leadership & Classroom Literacy Specialist Endorsements from the University of Louisville.
I'm a proud Kentucky Wildcat (GO CATS) and have 2 fur-babies Ella and Bailey (kitties). I love warm weather and sunshine, going to the beach, traveling, gardening, cooking, going to concerts/sporting events, and crafting. I'm proud to be a Cougar!
Amand Rahn, Assistant
Harmony Foushee, Assistant
Brooke Salmon, Teacher
I have been teaching for the past 15 years, 13 years in special education K-5 and 2 years as a 4th grade teacher. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, a Dual Masters of Arts degree in Elementary Education and Special Education K-12, and an Education Specialist degree in Administration from Bellarmine University.
My husband and I have been married for 24 years and have 4 children (one son and 3 daughters). I was born and raised in Louisville and attended JCPS K-12. I love spending time with my family and traveling! My evenings are spent watching our daughters play volleyball.
Greg Wise, Assistant
This is my 23rd year of teaching students with learning and behavior disabilities and my 6th year at Norton. I graduated from Morehead State University with degrees in K-4 Education and K-12 Learning and Behavior Education. I also graduated from the University of Louisville with a master's degree in Elementary Counseling.
My husband and I have two children, our son is in 10th grade and our daughter is in 7th. We have a new Bernedoodle puppy named Maggie. In my spare time I enjoy traveling and visiting my family in Ohio. I'm ready for another fun year!
This is my fifth year at Norton! I began as a substitute, then an instructional assistant. I have now earned a Masters degree and moved into an ECE resource teacher position. I love the community built around our school and am so grateful to be a part of it. I have coached the girls' basketball team from its beginning and we have had a team for 3 years now. Norton athletics are so much fun!
I am married with one daughter who goes to Norton and a son in daycare nearby. We have a spoiled german shepherd mix puppy named Andarna and two chunky cats. I love sports, hiking, traveling, and spending time with my family. I can’t wait for another great year at Norton!
This is my 26th year of teaching, and I have been at Norton for 15 years. Over my years of teaching, I have taught K-12, but I love teaching 4th-5th grades. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education from Northeastern Illinois University.
My husband and I have 1 wonderful son, and I also have 3 stepchildren. I grew up in Chicago but have been living in Louisville for almost 20 years. I love spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy traveling, gardening, and reading. I love teaching at Norton!
Marie Shoffner, Speech Therapist
I have been a Speech Therapist with JCPS for the past nine years. I have worked with all ages and grade levels, but my favorite is elementary! I have loved working at Norton for the past four years.
I am originally from Cincinnati, Ohio (Go Bengals!) I graduated from Miami University with my undergraduate degree and my master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology. I currently live in Shelbyville with my husband and our two-year-old son, Easton. We are excited to welcome a baby girl to our family this winter!
Mission
Norton Elementary, where all students learn at high levels. No exceptions! No excuses!
Vision
Students at Norton Elementary will be responsible and respectful lifelong learners. They will collaborate, create and develop skills that will empower them to be ready for the future.