Wise Owl Preschool

Kim Hogan has been teaching at Wise Owl since 2006 and truly loves interacting with the preschoolers each day. Kim finds it fascinating to watch her students grow and develop during these important early years.

She earned her degree in Elementary Education from Northern Kentucky University, with an endorsement in Middle School Mathematics, and is close to completing her Master’s Degree.

Kim and her husband, Mike, are the proud parents of four sons — Mason, Nelson, Jackson, and Wilson — all of whom attended Wise Owl Preschool and have many happy memories of their time there. When she is not teaching or cheering at sporting events, Kim enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and friends.

Allison Buecker is a transplant to Fort Thomas, having moved from her home state of Michigan. She graduated from Miami University with a double major in Education and Spanish. She joined our staff in 2007 and cherishes every moment she has spent with the students here. Allison loves the daily interactions with her students, finding joy in their curiosity, energy, and growth. Being part of such a warm, nurturing, and fun environment is both life-changing and rewarding for her.

Outside of Wise Owl, Allison is happily married to her husband, Chad, and they are proud parents of Jacob and Hanna. When she isn’t teaching or spending time with her family, you can often find her walking through the streets of Fort Thomas — don’t forget to wave if you see her!

Jamie Hochleutner grew up in Elizabethtown and earned her degree in Elementary Education from University of Kentucky, followed by a Master’s in Literacy from University of Cincinnati. She taught for eight years as a primary teacher in the Covington Independent Schools before briefly moving away, returning in 2005, and feeling blessed to call this wonderful community home.

She and her husband, Bill, are proud parents of three lively children: Hannah, Erin, and Will. Since 2009, Jamie loves interacting with each child’s unique and fascinating personality at Wise Owl. She finds it deeply rewarding to witness the tremendous growth that occurs during the preschool years — emotionally, socially, physically, and intellectually.

What can she say — she loves her job!

Alison Schwalbach is a lifelong resident of Fort Thomas and a graduate of University of Kentucky with a degree in Biology. She continued her education at Xavier University, earning an Elementary Teaching Degree and a Master’s of Education. Alison taught 4th and 5th grades at St. John the Baptist School in Cincinnati for 11 years before joining the Wise Owl Preschool staff in 2012.

Alison and her husband, Brian, are proud parents of four children: Carson, Grayson, Hayden, and Margo. She enjoys reading, working in the yard, and spending time with good friends. Playing with her students, reading to them, and watching them grow throughout the year is what makes teaching preschoolers so rewarding for her.

Jenny Zell began her teaching career at Wise Owl Preschool in the Enrichment Program in 2013 before joining the Play-2-Day Class. She has had the joy of teaching in the Play-2-Day Program, helping shape young minds at the very start of their educational journeys.

Jenny graduated from Morehead State University with a degree in Business Administration. She moved to Fort Thomas 21 years ago with her husband, and their two children are proud alumni of Wise Owl Preschool, making it especially meaningful for Jenny to teach in the same school where her children began their education.

Jenny also enjoys spending time at her lake house, paddleboarding, hiking, and reading.

Karen Sower is a Fort Thomas native and a proud graduate of Highlands High School. She continued her education by earning a degree in Psychology, which has greatly influenced her passion for early childhood development and education.

Karen is married to her high school sweetheart, Pete, and together they have four children — Jenna, Allie, Kiefer, and Maria — all former students of Wise Owl Preschool. She is an active member of First Presbyterian Church.

In her free time, Karen enjoys walking, attending her barre3 classes, reading, and vacationing with her family. She is truly grateful to be part of the Wise Owl teaching staff since 2014 and believes Wise Owl is a nurturing, loving, and joyful place where children can grow and thrive.

Lauren is a proud graduate of both Northern Kentucky University and Wise Owl Preschool! Lauren joined the staff here in 2018. She loves telling her students that she has been singing “Grey Squirrel” since she was three years old.

Lauren is married to Casey, and together they are grateful to be raising their three children — James, Kate, and Erin — in Fort Thomas. All three of her children have developed a love of learning as students at Wise Owl.

Her family enjoys traveling and camping together, and reading is one of Lauren’s greatest joys. She feels incredibly thankful to spend her mornings sharing stories and fostering a love of reading with the smiling faces of her preschoolers at Wise Owl.

Tracie Malone brings over 33 years of teaching experience and a brief retirement before beginning at Wise Owl Preschool in 2018. She earned her undergraduate degree from Hanover College and her master’s degree from Northern Kentucky University. Tracie also spent 30 rewarding years teaching at Moyer Elementary, an experience she considers some of the best education she could ever have received.

A longtime resident of Fort Thomas after moving from Madison, Indiana, Tracie values the community’s strong commitment to education. She and her husband, Dave, are proud parents of Spencer and Madison. Outside of the classroom, Tracie enjoys needlework, tending to the Malone Secret Garden, and reading — though she says nothing compares to reading to and engaging with her preschool students.

Jill Hamblen has been teaching at Wise Owl Preschool since 2021. She grew up in Cincinnati and attended the University of Tennessee. In 2013, she moved to Fort Thomas with her husband, Chris, and their son, Henry.

Jill truly enjoys teaching the 3’s class and finds joy in the fun and laughter each day brings. She feels incredibly blessed to be part of the Wise Owl family and is grateful for the opportunity to watch her students grow and thrive in such a supportive and caring community.

When she’s not in the classroom, Jill loves spending time with her family, being outdoors whenever possible, and enjoying time with her pups.

Lori Schrader has been teaching at Wise Owl Preschool since 2023. She loves coming to work every day and watching her preschoolers learn and grow.  Reading stories to them is the best part of her day.

Lori earned her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Elementary education, as well as a degree in Communications, all from the University of Cincinnati. She has experience teaching various ages and settings, but preschool is her favorite by far.

 When she is not teaching, Lori enjoys spending time with her family. She is married to Dave and has a son named Davey.  Dave and Davey are both proud Wise Owl graduates.  You will often find her on the sideline rooting for Davey and his soccer team.  She collects silly earrings & Cinderella books, loves to read and solve puzzle books.

Mary Kinsella is a retired educator from Fort Thomas Independent Schools with 29 years of teaching experience. During her career, she taught kindergarten, first grade, and served as an English Language Learner teacher. She is passionate about supporting young learners as they build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Mary lives in Fort Thomas and values being part of such a close and supportive community. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and learning from different cultures and experiences.

Mary has brought her experience, patience, and enthusiasm to the preschool classroom since 2024.