Kathleen Matney: Class of 2005

Without my teachers back home in the Phoenix-Talent School District, I absolutely wouldn't be where I am today, and I can't possibly thank them enough for being leaders in my life when I needed them most. Kathleen Matney

Beyond PTS

After graduating from Phoenix High School in 2005, Kathleen Matney took an unexpected path. At 20 years old, she moved to Italy, where she began teaching English to kindergarten students. Her talent for public speaking and adaptability led her to instruct business professionals at world-renowned companies like Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini. Over time, she discovered her passion for teaching children and began focusing on early education, eventually joining Kids&Us, an internationally recognized English-learning program based in Spain. Kathleen now specializes in teaching young learners while also offering private conversation classes for local business owners and retirees. She will soon step into a new role as an academic coordinator, organizing special events, managing materials, training teachers, and improving classroom experiences.

Love for PTS

"I have tears in my eyes writing this because I have been lucky enough to have great teachers in middle and high school who have given me the tools to be successful even outside of the United States, even without a college degree."

"In middle school, I had the honor of having Heather Ayers-Flood as my health teacher and case manager. She helped me in very trying times, including getting settled in Talent after moving from Portland in sixth grade. She was there for me when I needed her, and I am still in contact with her."

"Monty Killingsworth gave me a voice, encouraged me to write poetry, use my talent for public speaking and creative writing to my advantage, and got me started reading books that weren’t just for pleasure but also for personal growth."

"In high school, I was involved in Theatre with Bill Horton. Bill gave me a safe place to be me no matter what was happening in my life. Along with Theatre, I was also in the marching band under the greatest band director of all time, Mike Wraight. Mike held me responsible for my actions, gave me leadership roles, lifted me up, and helped me realize that the world didn’t revolve around me."

"John Cornet, instead, is the reason why I was prepared to live and succeed abroad. Thanks to John’s Honors International Studies class, sociology class, and an infinite number of lunchtimes spent in his classroom, not only was I taught a rich curriculum, but more importantly he taught me empathy and compassion in a way that made me realize that my voice counts, my vote counts, and the smallest gesture can make the biggest difference when done thoughtfully and with good intentions."

"I can't talk about teachers who have contributed to my success without mentioning Lisa Saleh. I was her TA, and throughout high school she allowed me to help with her Special Needs classes, participate in activities like USAD, State of Jefferson Scavenger Hunt and Brain Bowl. She contributed to my success by helping me use the skills I learned in class to accomplish great things in extracurricular settings."