Faculty and Staff

School Administration

Fr. Michael Nacius, Pastor

 
Mrs. Kathy Thompson,  Principal

• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education - University of Michigan
• Master of Arts in Elementary Education - Barat College
• Master of Arts in School Administration - National Louis University
• 25+ years of teaching and educational administration experience
• Three of her grandchildren are proud SOSM Crusaders! 

Mrs. Sarah Rouse, Assistant to the Principal

UGC and PGC

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• Bachelor of Arts from the College of Charleston
• Masters of Arts in Elementary Education-Fontbonne University
• 7 years at the School of St. Mary

Mrs. Janice DiVincenzo, Director of Student Services

UGC and PGC

• BA in Elementary and Special Education from National Louis University
• M.Ed in Reading from Loyola University
• C.A.S. in Administration from National Louis University
• Certifications in General Education K-9, Special Education K-12 - Learning Disabilities EMH, Reading, and Administration 
• 17 years in public and private schools as a special education teacher, Junior High Reading and Language Arts teacher, and Reading Specialist. 
• 30 years in public and private schools include serving as a curriculum coordinator, director of curriculum, instruction and assessment, and as a principal.  
• Served in the Archdiocese of Chicago for 17 years.
• A parishioner at Church of St. Mary's for over thirty years, currently serving as a lector and member of the adult choir. Her two adult sons are alumni of SOSM, and she previously served as a resource teacher at SOSM. 

Mrs. Catherine Harper Homan, Social Worker

UGC and PGC

• Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from St. Norbert, De Pere, WI
• Master of Social Work Degree - Jane Addams College of Social Work University of Illinois-Chicago
• LSW - Licensed Social Worker, NASW Member, type 73
• School Social worker since 1997. Previously worked as the Social Worker at Viking Middle School in Gurnee
• Program Assistant/Teacher's Aide at Everett Elementary School
• A life-long member of the St. Mary's Parish

Mrs. Cindy Pacewicz, School Nurse

UGC and PGC  
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Ms. Mary Kane, PGC Administrative Assistant

Ms. Jasmine Sosa, UGC Administrative Assistant

Mrs. Mandy Castle,  Admissions Director

PGC and UGC

Mrs. Melissa Haak, Director of Development and Marketing

Mrs. Rebecca Quackenbush, Operations Director

Mrs. Cindy Luetje, Tuition and Fees Coordinator

Primary Grade Center Faculty & Staff

PGC Student Services

Janice DiVincenzo

See the Administration section for contact information.

Mrs. Christine Zitko - PGC Reading Specialist

• Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign)
• Master's Degree in Education from the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign)
• Advanced Certificate in Reading from the University of Ilinois (Urbana-Champaign)
• Previously taught at Urbana Middle School. The Upward Bound program through the University of Illinois and at Churchill School in Homewood, IL as the reading specialist. 
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Preschool 

Mrs. Shelley Cummings - PreK-3

• Bachelor of  Arts in Early Childhood Education and Human Services - Kendall College 
• M.Ed. - Erikson Institute (graduate school in Early Childhood Development) and Loyola University
• Two children alumni of the School of St. Mary
• 20+ years of experience in Early Childhood Education

Ms. Heidi Fornarotto - Little Angels

• Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from Michigan State University 
• MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Business
• This is her first year as a lead teacher. She has been an assistant or sub for the last four years.
• Mrs. Fornarotto was married at the Church of St. Mary, and her son is an alumnus of SOSM.

Mrs. Marcy Haubner

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Jr. Kindergarten

Mrs. Gosia Kalinowski

• Bachelor of Arts in Sociology - Dominican University
• Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education - Dominican University
• 13 years of teaching experience

Mrs. Laura Swartzle

Email
(847) 295-4842

• Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education- DePaul University
• Working on Master's Degree through Carthage College
• Empower Illinois Endorsement
• Taught at St. Peter in Skokie, Washington School in Mundelein, and Our Lady of Humility in Beach Park
• 30 years of teaching experience

Ms. Andrea Ubl

• Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Stephens College
• JD Law from Stetson University of Law
• Master of Arts in Teaching from Rockford College
• 12 years of teaching experience, five in preschool and six in elementary

Kindergarten

Mrs. Anne Casey

• Bachelor of Arts in Journalism - Marquette University
• Master of Arts in Teaching - National Louis University
• 26 years of teaching experience
• Two children alumni of the School of St. Mary

Mrs. Kathy Sirois

• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Northeastern Illinois University
• Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University
• K-9 Elementary Education Certification 
• 26 years of teaching experience

Elementary

Ms. Natalie Agostinelli - 1st Grade

• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education- Butler University
• Working towards a Masters Degree in Reading at DePaul University
• This is her fourth year teaching first grade at the School of St. Mary

Ms. Taylor Mitchell - 1st Grade

• Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education - Indiana University
• This is her second year teaching first grade at the School of St. Mary
• Alumna of SOSM

Mrs. Carol Teitz - 2nd Grade

Email 
(847) 295-4858

• Bachelor of Science - Southern Illinois University
• Teaching certificate from Trinity International University
• Teacher and teachers' aide at Oak Grove School District in Green Oaks, Illinois
• Both a teacher and Title I instructor at Prairie Crossing Charter School in Grayslake
• Previously taught 2nd grade at St. Anastasia Catholic School in Waukegan for three years.

Ms. Clare Lyons

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• Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Elmhurst University
• Elementary Mathematics Minor, Middle School, and Secondary Mathematics Endorsements 
• Parishioner of the Church of St. Mary
• 4 years teaching experience

Ms. Julia Recker - 3rd Grade

• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Third year teaching 3rd grade at the School of St. Mary

Mrs. Angela Thomas - 3rd Grade

• Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies - University of Kansas
• Master of Arts in Elementary Education - National Louis University
• 13 years of teaching experience

PGC Specials

Ms. Maria Gonzalez - Spanish

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education
• Masters degree in Education with a specialization in Educational Planning and Management
• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education
• 15 years of teaching experience

Ms. Bridget Halloran - Art

Mr. Jimmy Knotek - Physical Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Exercise and Sports Science - Carthage College
• Teaching Certification in Physical Education - North Park University
• Previously worked at Elm Park Middle School
• Football and Baseball Coach at Highland Park High School
• 12 years of teaching experience

Mrs. Michelle Adamski - Library

Mrs. Amber Ferguson

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• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Theatre from the University of Texas at El Paso
• Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Education from the University of Texas at El Paso
• 18 years of teaching experience

Upper Grade Center Faculty & Staff

UGC Student Services

Janice DiVincenzo

Please see the administration section for contact information.

Ms. Amy Baniewicz - 8th Grade Homeroom

8th Grade Math Honors - 6th/7th/8th Grade Math - 8th Grade Religion - 7th/8th Grade Social Studies

• Bachelor of Arts in History and Bachelor of Science in Math Education from Northwestern University
• Six years of teaching experience at the School of St. Mary's

Ms. Bonnie Battista

Student Services

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Ms. Jessica Brubaker - 5th Grade

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• Bachelor of Arts in Print Media Communications, Moody Bible Institute
• Masters of Arts in Literature, DePaul University 
• 2 years, EL teacher, New Creation Ministries
• 3 years, Adjunct Professor of English, Christian Leadership Institute of Rwanda
• 4 years, Homeschool Educator
• 1 year, Teaching Assistant, Deerfield Public Schools

Dr. Maribeth Carlini - Athletic Director - 7th Grade Homeroom

8th Science - 7th Math - 7th Reading - 6th/7th Honors Math

• Bachelor’s Degree from Barat College
• Master’s Degree in Education in Math and Science from the American College of Education
• Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University
• Doctorate in Educational Policy from Illinois State University
• Taught Middle School Math and Science at St. Francis Xavier School in Wilmette, Edgewood Middle School in Highland Park
• Served as the Curriculum Coordinator for the Des Plaines School District #62.
• Worked for the Illinois State Board of Education and taught at the university level at Dominican University and Northeastern Illinois University
• Taught "Teaching Elementary and Middle School Math Methods" while at Dominican University

Mr. Paul Dyer

5th/6th/7th Grade Religion

• Bachelor of Arts - Elementary & Secondary Education 
• Masters degree in School Administration from Lewis University
• 41 years of Teaching Experience

Mrs. Mary Pat Fox - 8th Grade Homeroom

6th/7th/8th Grade English - 8th Grade Religion

• Bachelor of Arts in English Secondary Education - University of Illinois
• Minor in Speech Communication
• Certified Catechist
• 31 years of teaching experience

Mrs. Margaret Hogan - 6th Grade Homeroom

6th/7th Grade English - 6th/8th Grade Social Studies - 7th/8th Reading

• Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education-Saint Mary’s College
• Social Students Endorsement
• 16 years of teaching experience, 11 years at the School of St. Mary
• 30 year member of the Church of St. Mary
• She has three children who are Alums of the School of St. Mary

Ms. Inge Kritzer - 7th Grade Homeroom

6th Science - 4th/5th STEAM - Library

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• Bachelor of Liberal Arts & Sciences from the University of Illinois 
• Masters at Teaching in Elementary Education from National-Louis University 
• Endorsements in: Self-contained General Education Grades K - 9, General Science & Social Science Grades 5 - 8, English as a Second Language Grades Pre-K - 12, Foreign Language German Grades 5 - 12
• Teaching Experience: 2nd; 4th; 5th Grades; 6th,7th, & 8th Science & Middle School/High School German.
• 7 years of teaching experience

Miss Ginamarie Scardina - 4th Grade

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• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from DePaul University
• PEL Grades 1-6 Certification
• 4 years of teaching experience

Ms. Martha Stride - 5th Grade

8th Grade Social Studies

• Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education - High Point University, NC
• Previously taught at Embers Academy in Niles
• 5 years of teaching experience, 4 years at S)SM
• Alumna of SOSM

Mrs. Margaret Tazioli - 6th Grade Homeroom

6th/7th Grade Reading - 6th/8th Grade Honors Reading - 6th Grade Social Studies

• Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Psychology- Barat College
• Endorsements in General Science, Social Science, and Middle School
• Master of Arts in Reading -Northeastern Illinois University
• Certified Reading Specialist
• Graduate work in Gifted Education
• Certified Catechist
• She has two children who are Alums of the School of St. Mary
• 33 years of teaching experience at the School of St. Mary

Ms. Beth Wax - 6th Grade Homeroom

6th/7th Science - 6th/7th/8th STEAM

Email

• Bachelors from Northeastern Illinois
• Masters in Reading from Concordia
• Type 03 K-8 and Type 10 Reading Specialist K-12 Certification
• 23 years of teaching experience

Mrs. Michelle Witt - 4th Grade

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• Bachelor of the Arts in Legal Studies and Sociology with a certificate in Criminal Justice - University of Wisconsin, Madison
• Has served as a substitute teacher at St. Mary’s, and her three children are current students.
• Formerly, she was a certified senior law enforcement analyst with over nine years of experience in the areas of law enforcement, prosecution, and public relations. She has been cross-trained in criminal intelligence and investigative analysis and severed in various roles, including Program and Planning Manager with the VA State Police.
• Has coached girls’ softball, track and field, and cross country

UGC Specials

Mr. Jimmy Knotek - Physical Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Exercise and Sports Science - Carthage College
• Teaching Certification in Physical Education - North Park University
• Previously worked at Elm Park Middle School
• Football and Baseball Coach at Highland Park High School
• 11 years of teaching experience

Mr. Randy Manges - Music/Choir

• Bachelor of Music in Church Music and Organ - Westminster Choir College
• Masters in Conducting University of Oklahoma, DMA (ABD) in Conducting University of Oklahoma
• Kodaly Music Education Certificate Silver Lake College of the Holy Family
• 25 years of teaching experience

Mrs. Tina Moulton - Art - 7th Grade Homeroom

• Bachelor of Arts in Art and Education - Dominican University
• She has one daughter who is an Alumna of the School of St. Mary
• 40 years of teaching experience in the Archdiocese of Chicago, 33 years at the School of St. Mary

Mrs. Kassandra Zavala - Spanish

• Attended College of Lake County
• Has been teaching Spanish for 4 years from Pre-K through middle school
• Has taught High School Level Homeschool classes in Gurnee and Crystal Lake
• Before coming to School of St Mary's, she taught pre-k through 8th grade at St. Norbert in Northbrook

Instructional Aides

Jack Pohn