(A little about me)



I'm excited to be in my 10th year at Prairie Elementary School!

I can't believe it! I'm excited about continuing my work with Prairie 

and District 96 with Social Emotional Learning! 



Several years ago, I passed my Clinical Boards and am able to 

use the letters "L.C.S.W" after my name, which means I'm a Licensed 

Clinical Social Worker. I am very proud of this distinction, and know

that my knowledge base will help me work with your child better. 

I earned my graduate degree in Clinical Social Work at Aurora

University in 2009 and my bachelor's degree in Social Welfare

from the University of Wisconsin-Madison-in 2002. 



My passion has always been working with kids, but school social

work came a little later in my career path.  I worked for 5 years in the area of Child Welfare and also worked in domestic violence counseling.  I also worked as a Wilderness Therapist where I did therapy with teenagers that were out on a 6 week backpacking expedition in Northern Minnesota.

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I turned to school social work because I truly enjoy the ability to see the kids I work with every day and establish a working relationship with families that can last many years. 



I currently live in Lake Zurich but commuted to Prairie for 6 years from my hometown of Naperville.    I am also very close with my mom who lives in Naperville. My younger brother, Colin, is married and has two sons (9 years and 7 years) and a daughter (4 years) that I get to see frequently!  My youngest (by 10 years!) brother , Kyle, is living in Brooklyn to pursue a career in Film, Television and Design. 



Outside of work I love to hike, camp, and go backpacking.  I also love to travel. I have been to many different countries... 42 different countries to be exact!  Since buying a house, I have focused my time (and money!) on my little fixer-upper. It's been quite the journey balancing travel and home ownership! 

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Back in October of 2011 I completed the Chicago Marathon with my brother, Colin. Running is something I do now a little less intensely, but I turned my new-found appreciation for running into something I can share with students at Prairie- I coach Let Me Run for 4th and 5th grade boys at Prairie in the Fall (we're heading into our 2nd season) and I coach Girls on the Run in the Spring- We're heading into our 9th season this year!  



                                     I also love to experiment with new recipes and love to bake! I turned

                                    my love of baking into a small side business where I make cake pops                                       and other sweet treats. Check out www.facebook.com/ediblesbyerin to                                       see my fun creations!



                                     Some of my other "likes" include: my daily coffee, reading, trying new                                        restaurants, camping, cooking, hanging out with my nephews and                                            niece, campfires and planning my next trip.



                                     I'm excited for the year and hope I can help with whatever you need! 



                                                                                           -Miss Sauer