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School Administration

 

Fr. Michael Nacius, Pastor

Email
(847)234-0205

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Mrs. Kathy Thompson,  Principal

Email  
(847) 295-4833
 
  • 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

Email

  • Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Studio Art from the College of Charleston
  • Masters of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction-Fontbonne University
  • 8 years at the School of St. Mary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs. Janice DiVincenzo, Director of Student Services

UGC and PGC
Email

(847) 295-4864
  • 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, including serving as a curriculum coordinator, director of curriculum, instruction and assessment, and principal.  
  • Served in the Archdiocese of Chicago for 17 years.
  • A parishioner at the 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

Email  
(847) 582-2555
  • 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  
Email

(847) 295-4856
 

 

 

 

Ms. Jasmine Sosa, UGC Administrative Assistant

Email  
(847) 582-2528  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

Mrs. Mandy Castle,  Admissions Director

PGC and UGC

Email  
(847) 295-4830
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

Mrs. Melissa Haak, Director of Development and Marketing

Email
(847)582-2554
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs. Rebecca Quackenbush, Operations Director

Email  
(847) 582-2502
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Mrs. Cindy Luetje, Tuition and Fees Coordinator

Email  
(847) 582-2505
 

UGC Receptionist

Carol Weinstock

PGC Receptionist 

Kathleen Hanson

Primary Grade Center Faculty & Staff

PGC Student Services

Janice DiVincenzo

See the Administration section for contact information.

 

Mrs. Christine Zitko - PGC Reading Specialist

Email 
(847) 295-4835
  • 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

Email 
(847) 295-4837
  • 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

Email
(847) 295-4848
  • 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

Email
(847) 295-4848

  • Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from National Louis University
  • Endorsement in Social Science
  • 8+ years of teaching at the School of St. Mary
  • Her three children are alumni of the School of St. Mary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jr. Kindergarten

 

 

Mrs. Gosia Kalinowski

Email
(847) 295-4836
  • 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

Email
(847) 295-4846
  • 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

Email 
(847) 295-4843
  • 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

Email 
(847) 295-4841
  • 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

Email 
(847) 295-4849
  • 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

Email 
(847) 295-4838
  • 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 in marketing from Southern Illinois University
  • Teaching certificate from Trinity International University
  • Previously taught 2nd grade at St. Anastasia Catholic School in Waukegan for three years.
  • 12 years of teaching experience.

 

 

 

Ms. Clare Lyons

Email
(847) 295-4858

  • 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 of teaching experience

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Julia Recker - 3rd Grade

Email
(847) 295-4840
  • 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

Email 
(847) 295-4850
  • 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

Email 
(847) 295-4839
  • 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

Email 
(847) 295-4847
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Jimmy Knotek - Physical Education

Email 
(847) 295-2551
  • 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

Email 
(847) 295-4854
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs. Amber Ferguson

Email

  • 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

PGC Teaching Assistants

Mrs. Michelle Adamski

Preschool

Mrs. Ann Chizek

Kindergarten

Mrs. Beth Erickson

Kindergarten

Mrs. Jill Flament

Jr. Kindergarten

Ms. Kym Gebbels

Jr. Kindergarten

Ms. Cathy Geier

Preschool

Mrs. Amy Giannelli

Preschool

Mr. Craig Lepkowski

Jr. Kindergarten

Mrs. Colleen Olson

First Grade

Ms. Paige Walgreen

Preschool

Ms. Ashley Zarinana

Jr. Kindergarten

Ms. Mary Fontanini, Preschool

Ms. Leslie Schreiber, Preschool

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

Email 
(847) 582-2548
  • 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

Email
(847) 582-2514

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Jessica Brubaker - 5th Grade

Email
(847) 582-2536

  • 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

 

 

Mr. Joe Byers

STEAM

Email
(847) 582-2534

  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Minor in Finance from Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, PA
  • Walsh Jesuit High School, Cuyahoga Falls, OH
  • 20+ yes of Digitial Media Planning and Buying experience
  • Two children attend SOSM

 

 

 

Mr. Paul Dyer

5th/6th/7th Grade Religion

Email
(847) 582-2544
  • 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

Email 
(847) 582-2545
  • 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

Email
(847) 582-2537
  • 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.
 

 

 

 

Mr. Bill Schnide

6th & 7th Grade Science

Email
(847) 582-2541

 

Ms. Martha Stride - 5th Grade

8th Grade Social Studies

Email
(847) 582-2535
  • 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

Email
(847) 582-2539
  • 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

 

 

 

 

Mrs. Michelle Witt - 4th Grade

Email
(847) 582-2533

  • 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

Email
(847) 295-2551
  • 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

Email 
(847) 582-2550
  • 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

Email
(847) 582-2515
  • 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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instructional Aides

 

Jack Pohn

Welcome!