Family Science
Family and Consumer Sciences is the comprehensive body of skills, research, and knowledge that helps people make informed decisions about their well being, relationships, and resources to achieve optimal quality of life (American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, 2012). The Family and Consumer Sciences department focuses on preparing students for real world situations through a rigorous hands-on curriculum. Each course uniquely prepares students for their future, whether it be career or family related. All courses enhance academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of practical life skills. When students complete our classes, our hope is that they obtained the skills to assist them in everyday life.
Our courses include the various aspects of family life including Child Development, Parenting, and Human Growth and Development (offered as an ICC dual credit course). We also offer various Interior and Fashion Design courses to prepare students for the ever growing, and ever changing, design industry. We offer several levels of Foods and Nutrition courses, focusing around basic nutrition and culinary skills. Lastly, we offer our dual credit Hospitality Class through ICC. All of our courses are intended to assist students in everyday life, while giving them the skill set to succeed in various emerging professions.
Family Sciences Staff
Cathy Gross - 309-698-7539 - cgross@ep309.org
I have lived in East Peoria for over 40 years. I graduated from Twin Lakes High School in Monticello Indiana in 1977. Attended Indiana State University and received a degree in Home Economics aka FACS with a concentration on nutrition/exercise and child nutrition in 1981. I have worked at the high school since 1999 first as para and substitute and the last 3 years as the FACS teacher. I teach Foods 1 and 2. I currently hold a Career and Technical Educators License and Food Service Certificate. I am also the ticket/ hospitality manager for all sporting events at the high school. I enjoy swimming/running/walking/bicycling/yoga and the beach. I volunteer for several organizations such as St Jude and East Peoria Outreach Council.
Tricia Lambrich - 309-698-7505 - tlambrich@ep309.org
I am very excited to be joining the Business and Family and Consumer Science departments. I received my Career and Technical Educators License in 2022. I am also a graduate of EPCHS and enjoy teaching at my alma mater. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband Jeff, daughter Paige and son Brett. I also enjoy cooking, traveling and spending time with my extended family and friends.
Shawna Martin - 309-694-8360 - smartin@ep309.org
Shawna Martin has been teaching at the EPCHS since 2020. She obtained her Bachelor's degree in Education from Bradley University in 2006. In 2023, she received her Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction, focusing on Trauma and Resiliency, from Concordia University Chicago. Shawna is also a graduate of EPCHS and is thrilled to be back at the school teaching. She currently teaches Parenting, Child Development, Interior Design, and Human Relations classes. She is also Lead Teacher for the Career & Technical Training department and a National Honor Society advisor. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her son and family and is usually working on planning her next vacation!
Abby Spears - 309-698-7555 - aspears@ep309.org
Family Sciences Resources
Resources coming soon!