Coming from a variety of backgrounds, the teachers in our building all have their own unique story. Allen has come from her own special background and has learned throughout her life how she wants to impact the world.
“I grew up in a single parent household, so I think that really shapes my mind and my drive to be successful,” Allen said.
Allen knew that she was called to help others, but she didn’t find her passion until later in her college career.
“I didn’t figure out what I wanted to do until my junior year of college. I was already in a chemistry degree, but I didn’t quite know what I wanted to do with it. I wanted to help people,” Allen said.
By putting her passions together and taking the leap to switch majors, Allen found teaching but teaching also found herself.
“I originally went to school for psychology, and so in order to take my love of science and my love of helping people, teaching was kind of natural,” Allen said.
Allen hasn’t just worked with students and other people in college she found her passion working with a different type of friend, a furry one.
“I worked in the pet industries, I worked in a boarding facility for dogs. We did boarding and daycare, and then I also got into pet nutrition. I did that for about six years, so that was a big part of my life,” Allen said.
Transitioning from her career in the pet industry to working in education, Allen needed to find a school that fit her.
“I used to teach in Kansas City, Missouri, and I needed a change of scenery and my husband suggested I look on the Kansas side. Olathe was one of those schools. I got hired pretty early on, I met Mr. Novaceck and just fell in love with West,” Allen said.
Being a new teacher can have its challenges. Connecting with kids, finding your place or adjusting to the new atmosphere. However, no matter the challenges she has faced, Allen has impacted students’ lives from inside and outside the classroom.
“She is really caring and thoughtful and just a really great person overall,” freshman Jameson Baird said.
Not only will you find Allen in room 2605, you might find her on the tennis courts in the fall. Having no prior experience in tennis, Allen still works with her athletes and puts her heart into what she does.
“I am the girls assistant tennis coach, I have no prior tennis experience. I think they needed to have somebody who had coaching experience. I really enjoyed working with those girls and I look forward to continuing being the coach,” Allen said.
Finding her spot at West was a breath of fresh air for Allen.
“Teaching at Olathe West has been far less stressful. I enjoy the kids. I enjoy coming to work every day. The staff is also super friendly, very nice, I enjoy it a lot,” Allen said.
Allen isn’t done making a difference; she is motivated to pursue other careers in the future and continue to reach others’ lives.
“One big goal of mine was obviously getting my degrees. I would love to continue my education and go back for another master’s degree. Maybe administration one day, but right now teaching is where I’m called,” Allen said.
