Ms. Kelly Person

Welcome Hope D. Wall families!

My name is Kelly Person and I am the principal of Hope D. Wall School. I have a bachelor's degree in early childhood education with a specialization in special education from Northern Illinois University. I completed my master’s degree in educational leadership at Aurora University in 2013. Currently, I am in the final stages of my educational doctorate degree at Aurora University focusing on instructional leadership and coaching. 

Prior to becoming an administrator, I was a special education teacher for ten years focusing my work with students on the autism spectrum. My time in the classroom taught me so much about working with students and families to create a collaborative partnership. Each student brings such joy to our work and we are grateful to share our time with them. I believe that strong relationships are the foundation of our work together.

At Hope D. Wall, we provide high quality academic, therapeutic, and social experiences to our students. We have a highly dedicated, caring, and supportive staff that wholeheartedly believe in providing quality educational experiences for all students in a creative, supportive, and caring environment. We look forward to partnering with each family as we work together along this journey.

In our free time,  you can find my husband and me spending time with our two children, Logan and Lainey. We love to travel and enjoy seeing new places together. I am very excited to be here at Hope D. Wall and look forward to working with you all in some way over the next year. Thank you for sharing your child with us each day and welcome to the Rocket family!

Ms. Melissa Yarbrough

I’m honored to serve as the assistant principal of Hope D. Wall School, a place that has been my professional home for over 20 years. I began my career here as a classroom teacher working with primary and intermediate multi-needs students, and over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to grow into various leadership roles.

Most recently, I’ve served as the school’s community services and student coordinator, supporting individualized education plans, coordinating services, and leading crisis response efforts. Since 2008, I’ve also overseen our Extended School Year program, managing everything from student placement to staffing and logistics. In addition, I’ve worked as a PBIS coach and crisis team leader, always with a focus on supporting students and staff.

I’m a proud graduate of West Aurora and earned my bachelor’s degree in special education from Northern Illinois University, my ESL endorsement from St. Francis University, and my master’s degree in educational leadership from Aurora University.

It means so much to me to continue my journey at Hope Wall in this new role. I look forward to working together with families, students, and staff to help our Rockets soar!