My name is Ann Merrill, and I am officially retired after 24 years of teaching 4-year-olds at First School. But First School is a hard place to leave, so I happily returned as a teacher assistant. Being able to spend the day with your children is a highlight of each week.

I graduated from Wright State University with a B.S. in Sociology and later from Indiana University with an M.S. in Education. My professional career included working at several universities in varied capacities, six years at WPAFB, 12 years as a scientific proofreader, teaching several forms of dance, and operating my own small landscape company. But by far, the most joy came from teaching children. For many years, I have been a volunteer in the community and served on several local boards, including 22 years with The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery. During that time, my attention was focused on SunWatch’s archaeological park. As a certified master naturalist and a nationally certified interpretive guide, I have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with FiveRiversMetroParks, leading public and school programs.

My husband of almost 47 years is retired from Montgomery County. We are parents of two children, both graduates of First School. Our son, Griffin, is currently serving as a Colonel in the United States Army. He and his wife, Melissa, have three children: Ryan (15), Leah (12), and Hattie Mae (6). Hannah, our daughter, and her husband, David, live in Columbus. She is a Human Resources manager for Abercrombie & Fitch. They are the parents of 5-year-old Cooper and 2-year-old Poppy Jane. My favorite things are Starbucks tea, pizza, the color orange, spending time with family, hiking, ballet and tap, squash soup from Panera, boots, hats, being outdoors, and, of course, First School.