3rd Grade Thrillers!

With March and spring break approaching, we are continuing our monthly spotlight on our amazing Rickard staff. Each month we will be highlighting a different team that makes a huge and crucial impact on our students. This month we are featuring our wonderful 3rd grade team, including Kaylee Dean, Jaden Lynch, Olivia Mortenson, Veronica Narcisse, and Jessica Willis.


Mrs. Kaylee Dean- 3rd Grade Teacher

How long have you been at Rickard?: This is my 4th year teaching at Rickard. 

Tell us about your family: This past October, I married my amazing husband, Jesse in Phoenix, AZ. We recently got a very  rambunctious golden retriever puppy, Wilson. Jesse and I love taking every opportunity we can to travel, and I am always thinking about our next trip! 

What’s your favorite sport/activity to play/do?: I enjoy skiing, playing racquetball with my husband, and riding my Peloton bike!

What’s your favorite book?: To Kill A Mockingbird 

What’s your go-to coffee/drink order?: Iced organic African nectar tea with sugar free raspberry syrup from Meg-A-Latte

What’s your favorite part of Rickard?: I love that I’m teaching at the same elementary school that I attended! 


Ms. Jaden Lynch- 3rd Grade Teacher

How long have you been at Rickard?: This is my first year here.

Tell us about your family: I have two fur babies, Jersey (a naughty black lab) & Raleigh - (a golden retriever/chocolate lab mix). I also have two nieces and two nephews I absolutely adore. I love my auntie and dog mom life!  

What’s your favorite sport/activity to play/do?: Volleyball is my favorite! 

What’s your favorite book?: Anything true crime/suspenseful

What’s your go-to coffee/drink order?: Americano with raw sugar!

What’s your favorite part of Rickard?: The supportive staff!


Ms. Olivia Mortenson- 3rd Grade Teacher

How long have you been at Rickard?: I've been at Rickard for three years. I spent my first year in 4th grade, and I've been in 3rd grade for 2 years.

Tell us about your family: I am a mom to three spunky girls - Gwendolyn (9), Alaina (7), and Brynley (4). Gwen is a fourth grader at Trenton, Alaina is a 2nd grader at Trenton, and Brynley is in her second year of preschool, joining us at Rickard in another year! 

What’s your favorite sport/activity to play/do?: I don’t play any sports, however I’m a big hockey fan! We love the Fighting Hawks and the Avalanche in our house. 

What’s your favorite book?: My favorite book (and movie) is Matilda!

What’s your go-to coffee/drink order?: I love lattes! My go-to is an iced vanilla latte.

What’s your favorite part of Rickard?: My favorite part of Rickard is the people - we have a supportive group of staff who always have the students’ best interests in mind.


Ms. Veronica Narcisse - 3rd Grade Paraprofessional 

How long have you been at Rickard?: Three years

Tell us about your family: I have three kids. Samantha Narcisse Walker(Lavar Walker) grandson Princeton (6). Damian Narcisse (Cortney Hill) Ayden(13) Charlie(10) Braxton (6) Dean(3) Everett(6ms). Devin Narcisse(Janessa) baby expecting in May. 

What’s your favorite sport/activity to play/do?:  I love taking walks in the park, going to the Arc with my grand babies,  and going on picnics in this lovely weather coming ahead. 

What’s your favorite book?: I don’t have a favorite but love reading to the kids. 

What’s your go-to coffee/drink order?: Chai tea iced latte

What’s your favorite part of Rickard?: I love the beautiful friends I’ve made since I’ve been a Roadrunner. 


Mrs. Jessica Willis- 3rd Grade Paraprofessional 

How long have you been at Rickard?: This is my first year. :-) 

Tell us about your family: My husband Travis and I have been together about 11 years. We will celebrate 3 years of marriage in June 2022. We have our two beautiful children, Brody and Riley. Brody is in 3rd Grade and Riley is in Kindergarten. Trav is a die hard sports fan, and his football team is the Chicago Bears. Brody is following in his dads footsteps and is learning all about the team and all sports. Riley and I are not football fans, so we will always cheer for the opposite team the Bears are playing. :) While Brody is getting into the sports, Riley is all about wanting to do hair, makeup, and dress up. She says she's going to be a makeup artist when she grows up. Brody will have quite the busy schedule with being a football player and a police officer when he's older. I am attending UND online for a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. We have our cat Smokie, who loves to lay under the blankets next to us and cuddle. 

What’s your favorite sport/activity to play/do?: Board games and reading. 

What’s your favorite book?: The Gift of Forgiveness-Inspiring Stories From Those Who Have Overcome the Unforgivable.

What’s your go-to coffee/drink order?: Banana Cream Pie white coffee (iced or Hot) at C-cups. Amazing! 

What’s your favorite part of Rickard?: I love how Rickard is one big family. Everyone is always willing to help out whenever they can. When I first started In September everyone was very welcoming and kind. The staff makes sure each child gets any help and assistance that they need. The communication between the teachers and parents is amazing. The kids are a big reason why I love my job! Seeing their face light up when they succeed is a great thing to see. I love getting the hugs each day and seeing their faces. I also enjoy being able to go to work and seeing my kids :)